MUMBAI: A new week has begun, and here we bring you all the fresh happenings from the world of Bollywood.
Mother tongue has its own magic: Riteish Deshmukh
Actor-producer Riteish Deshmukh's tough policeman avatar in the teaser of his new Marathi film Mauli is being loved.
He says while he would love to show this side of his performance in a Hindi film, there's something else about doing it in his mother tongue.
The action-packed teaser of Mauli was unveiled by superstar Shah Rukh Khan on social media earlier this week.
It received a positive response from a majority of the film fraternity, with director Ram Gopal Varma questioning Riteish as to "why you don't show this kind of attitude in Hindi films and reserve it only for the Marathi Manoos?"
Riteish, who earlier featured in Marathi film Lai Bhaari, responded, "Hahahaha RGV Sir, thank you for your unique, kind words. I wish I got a script like this in Hindi... But more than happy to play this character in Marathi. Mother tongue has its own magic."
Produced by Genelia D'Souza Deshmukh and directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, the film, set to release on 21 December, is written by Kshitij Patwardhan.
It features Saiyami Kher along with Riteish.
Nithya, Fahadh to star in 'unconventional love story'
Actress Nithya Menen says she will star in a "beautiful film, which has a very unconventional love story", with her Bangalore Days co-star Fahadh Faasil.
Nithya had a small but impactful part in the 2014 Malayalam film and now, she is looking forward to reuniting with the National Film Award winner on the big screen.
"I am doing a Malayalam film, which I will be starting in February or March. It's a beautiful film with Fahadh. I am really looking forward to working with Fahadh because for me, working with good actors is such a pleasure," Nithya told media publications.
"It will be a beautiful... very unconventional love story," added the actress, who has more movies in Malayalam and Hindi in the pipeline.
She's also excited about the release of her film Praana, which was shot in Malayalam, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada.
"I think those were the most hectic 23 days that I have shot in my life. I do less number of takes because my acting is very spontaneous. But to shoot the same thing over and over again and to learn dialogues in different languages...
"I thought it would have been a little more challenging, but we managed it pretty well. I had to also do a lot of script work because I was the only one who knew all the four languages," she said.
She didn't want the soul of the film to get lost in other languages. So, if she was not on the film's set, she was mostly on the phone with the writer and getting the dialogues right.
"I didn't have a minute's rest while working on the film. We are planning a December release. The film is going to film festivals," said Nithya.
The trailer of Praana, which has just one character played by her, was unveiled at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival this year.
Each format brings its own merits, challenges: Vir Das
Come 2019, actor-comedian Vir Das will be seen performing on all entertainment platforms -- movies, TV, web and live. He says each avenue has its own challenges.
He has an international TV show, his first Indian web series which he has co-created himself and also feature films.
He will be working in dark comedy Hasmukh, which will stream online and is produced by Nikhil Advani.
Vir will also be seen on American television for the first time with ABC's new seriesWhisky Cavalier and will also be seen in two films including the part two of the sequel to Go Goa Gone. He is working on a new stand-up tour too.
Vir said in a statement, "I'm working harder than I have ever done. Personally for me, if a content creator has different facets to his/her talent or things they want to say, today we're all lucky to have multiple mediums to cater to each one.
"Plus each format brings its own merits and challenges and it's truly educational for me. I'm excited for 2019. All the work that I have done this year will be rolling out for the audiences to see next year, on TV, on the web, and on the big screen."
Boney Kapoor celebrates 63rd birthday with family
Producer Boney Kapoor was surrounded by his family members as he brought in his 63rd birthday on Sunday.
"Happy birthday big brother," Boney's younger brother Sanjay posted on Instagram along with a family picture, which included the former's children Arjun, Anshula, Janhvi, and Khushi.
Arjun, who is Boney's son from his first wife Mona, posted an emotional message with the same photograph.
"You made a film called Mr. India. The film had a very relevant line 'Zindagi ki yahi reet hai haar ke baad hi jeet hai'. After the bad, comes the good. Dad, happy birthday. Have a lifetime full of happiness -- from your family, your three kids and Khushi, the legend and your favorite child," Arjun wrote.
This is Boney's first birthday since his wife, iconic actress Sridevi, died earlier this year in Dubai much to the shock of the family, the film fraternity and her millions of fans.
Boney has produced films like Woh Saat Din, Loafer, Pukar, No Entry, Wanted, Tevarand Mom.
Nowadays everyone considers themselves as film critics: Suniel Shetty
Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty has supported the makers of Thugs of Hindostan who were getting severe backlash by the audience for the film's poor storyline and direction by saying that nowadays everyone considers themselves as film critics.
Suniel Shetty was interacting with the media at the success party of first season of Mud Skull Adventure Race along with Sahil Khan on Saturday here.
Thugs of Hindostan, the big budget multi-starrer from the Yash Raj Films stable starring Aamir Khan and Amitabh Bachchan, saw a big drop in box office numbers on day 2 because of negative word of mouth publicity.
Reacting on the severe criticism that film is witnessing from all corners, Suniel said, "I feel it's really unfortunate that the film is receiving criticism because I have a whole lot of friends who have gone and seen Thugs of Hindostan and they loved the film. It's a 'paisa vasool' (value for money) film because of its scale and canvas.
"We sometimes expect a lot from a film and nowadays, everyone out there considers themselves as film critics and they think they know all about entertainment but I think we should give an opportunity to every film to get a smooth release and then the audience should give their opinion. We shouldn't criticize it so much that it gets pulled out from theaters."
Suniel who has worked with Shah Rukh Khan in Main Hoon Na also talked about the trailer of Zero.
"I loved the trailer of Zero and I think this film is going to be Shah Rukh's biggest film. I genuinely feel he has performed brilliantly. The kind of attitude Shah Rukh has been able to bring in his character despite being complex is really amazing. I have a very strong feeling that the film is going to create magic on screen."
Talking about the success of the first season of Mud Skull Adventure Race, the actor said, "It's fantastic as it's so connected to the earth and at the same time it gives such a high to guys who participate in it so, I am looking forward to the second season of Mud Skull off-roading. It's a fantastic and safe sport because it's about skill driving and not rash driving.
"I did not think that it would get so popular in India. Last time, several videos of the race got viral on the internet, therefore, this year many people are keen to participate in it."
Suniel was last seen onscreen in A Gentleman along with Sidharth Malhotra and Jacqueline Fernandez.
When asked about his upcoming projects, he said, "There is a lot happening with me. I think the announcement will come and time will tell. I took a break for four years but I think for the next 40 years, I am not going to keep quiet now."
Group of people in film industry conspiring against me: Govinda
Bollywood actor Govinda, who along with producer Pahlaj Nihalani is facing difficulties to release their upcoming film Rangeela Raja after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) refused to certify the film and ordered 20 cuts, says there is a group of people from the film fraternity conspiring against him.
During a press conference on Saturday night, Govinda told media, "It has been happening for last nine years where a group of people in the film industry is conspiring against me and not letting my films to release on any good platforms."
"Either those films are not getting a release or those films are not getting good theatres and screens. The recent example was Fryday which released a few weeks ago and even media gave it a good review. They took the film away from theatres," Govinda said.
"I stayed silent up till then, but how could they just stop film of a producer like Pahlaj Nihalani ji. He is one of the respected film producers of the industry who has introduced several film stars in Bollywood," he added.
"Our film industry was never like this, and it seems we are living in a different world," added the actor who worked with Nihalani from his debut film Ilzaam, Shola Aur Shabnam and Aankhen."
The producer has moved to the Bombay High Court to seek justice against the decision of CBFC.
Nihalani who was also present there at the press conference lashed out on the current chairman of CBFC and said, ace Prasoon Joshi intentionally did not watch the film on time to certify the film.
"I was supposed to release the film on 8 December. He did watch Aamir Khan starrerThugs Of Hindostan but did not watch my film. Later he watched and gave a list of unnecessary cuts without any reference of the guideline from the rulebook. They are giving this punishment to me," Nihalani said.
He also said, "He (Joshi) should be sacked and I do not know why the whole film industry is silent. He does not have any contribution towards his work; he does not go to the office. He calls producers at the Taj hotel and makes them wait for four hours to get the certificate of their films."
The conference was also attended by actor Shakti Kapoor and actress Mishika Chaurasia who are part of the film.
The cast and crew showed the media all 20 scenes that are advised to remove from the film.
Asked about what will be the next step from the producer, Nihalani said, "As you know that the case is in Bombay High Court, on 12 November, we will hear the verdict of the court. We shared the scenes with media because we wanted people to show how the injustice is happening. The cuts get decided, depending on the rating of the film.
"When a film is watched for certification, depending on the rating like 'U, U/A, A' the committee decides the cuts. My film is a clean family film but then how could they just give so many cuts?" questioned the producer.
Since for the television and digital content screening, no certification is needed from the CBFC, according to Nihalani, "in the theatre, when people enter after buying a ticket, they already aware of what they will watch because it has limited access to people. On TV and digital, people can watch everything uncertified and uncensored for free. Then why this whole system of certification?"
Then he claimed, "either they should scrap the system of certification or it should be applied to every medium and not just on cinema."
Asked about if he still respects the CBFC board, the former chairperson said, "If this is how the situation continues, no I don't."
Preserve and restore Bengali films on a war footing: Big B
Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan on Saturday called for restoring old Bengali films on a war footing and urged the industry and the public to come together in building a movement on the issue.
Delivering his inaugural speech at the opening ceremony of the 24th Kolkata International Film Festival here, Bachchan also expressed his happiness at the West Bengal government's initiative.
"If we don't take urgent steps, in hundred years very few Bengali films will be left to celebrate. We must save a hundred Bengali films. This works should be taken up on a war footing. The film industry and public should come together and join this movement," Bachchan said as the capacity crowd at the Netaji Indoor stadium listened to him in rapt attention.
Bachchan said it was heartening that the state government has entered into an agreement with the Film Heritage Foundation for training 60 resource personnel.
Calling cinema an important part of Bengal's cultural ethos, he said the state produced some of the greatest film directors over decades, with great works and accolades in numerous international film festivals.
"As we celebrate the 100 years of Bengali Cinema, there is a need to talk about those who work behind the scenes of these celebrated film productions, accomplished technicians and creative minds that are never truly given their due."
"Depending on what your job is you are doing your part to get a shot ready. In all probability the camera caretakers are busy loading the film in the camera, the makeup and hair stylists are getting the actors ready in the makeup room and so on."
He said very few movie enthusiasts were aware that several famous directors began their careers on very humble circumstances working behind the scenes almost unknown and unrecognized, he said.
To buttress his point, Bachchan referred to celebrated director Bimal Roy who entered the cinema world as a camera assistant, while another famous filmmaker Rishikesh Mukherjee began working initially as a cameraman and then as a film editor.
Similarly, the legendary actor-director Guru Dutt struggled as a telephone operator at the Lever Brothers factory in (erstwhile) Calcutta.
Turning to contemporary filmmakers, he said Rajkumar Hirani slogged away as a film editor, Sanjay Leela Bhansali started as an assistant to Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and Farah Khan was a choreographer for several years before becoming a director.
Bachchan said many top stars began their careers as faceless assistants.
"The star kids work as assistants to learn the art of filmmaking. Hrithik Roshan assisted his father (Rakesh Roshan) in four films, Siddharth Malhotra and Varun Dhawan worked as assistant director to Karan Johar for My name is Khan. Parineeti Chopra was an unknown marketing intern in Yash Raj Film studio."
He said while Satyajit Ray's films are applauded for the craftsmanship and content, the contribution of cinematographer Subrata Mitra cannot be undermined.
He said a film unit extends much beyond the stars, the director and the producer.
"There is the clapper boy, sound mixer, boom operator, the gaffer, the special effect supervisor and so on," he added.
Big B salutes those working behind the scenes to make movies happen
Amid showbiz greats including Shah Rukh Khan and Iranian director Majid Majidi, Amitabh Bachchan on Saturday inaugurated the 24th Kolkata International Film Festival, delivering a stirring speech saluting those working behind the scenes.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee promised to "put up something like Cannes" in 2019 when the event completes 25 years.
A lively and cheerful crowd of over ten thousand was present at the Netaji Indoor stadium, where the inaugural show was a heady brew of glamour, glitz, nostalgia, fun and some serious talk on cinema.
Bachchan, who has been inaugurating the fest over the last few years, did the honours this time as well by lighting the lamp. Leading Bengali actress Rituparna Sengupta was the 'thali girl'.
With the festival this year celebrating 100 years of Bengali cinema, Bengali film legends from different eras like Soumitra Chatterjee, Madhabi Mukhopadyay, Sabitri Chatterjee, Biswajit Chatterjee, and Ranjit Mallick were seated at the dais.
A directory on 100 years of Bangla cinema, put together by the state's Information and Cultural Affairs Department, was released by Bachchan during the function.
Bachchan said filmmaking was a team effort, where every member, big or small, had a key role to play.
"Sadly, it is noticed that as the film ends and the credits roll, the audience gets up and leaves the theatre," he said.
Underscoring the importance of movies, he said, "They trigger something special by provoking a variety of emotions. Films can become a reflection of collective dreams where we look to something much larger than ourselves, hold our breath and suspend our beliefs..."
"Today, I take this opportunity to salute all those working tirelessly behind the scenes, from the hardworking spot boys to the highly talented specialists who keep these dreams alive and contribute to making our movies so immensely popular," he said.
Bachchan ended his speech by saying that nothing was more potent than the intoxication of good cinema.
Film director Mahesh Bhatt said that the narrative of India cannot be reduced to one color. He said the plurality of a diverse country like India needed to be celebrated, and underlined the importance of events like the KIFF that commits itself only to the idea of India which says all make it together or none of us makes it.
"In this changing, shifting times, I believe that the filmmakers and storytellers will hold the world together. It is the occasion to realize that one of us is much lesser than all of us," Bhatt added.
The trailer of Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming film Zero was screened at the inaugural.
Khan, who is also West Bengal's brand ambassador, welcomed the delegates and technicians and echoed Bhatt as he said that there is something which is making us all extremely divisive.
"Like Bhatt saab said, I am sure everyone believes that in a world which is getting so much closer with technology and accessories, there is something which is making us all extremely divisive.
"And the only thing that can bring us together is one or the other form of art, whether it is classical music, whether it is hip-hop, jazz, ballet, Kathakali, but I think the thing which brings us closest to all of us is cinema."
Antony Firingee, a 1967 Bengali musical drama with Uttam Kumar and Tanuja in the lead, was the inaugural film.
As many as 171 feature films and 150 short films and documentaries from 70 countries would be screened until the festival concludes on 17 November.
India's narrative can't be reduced to one colour: Mahesh Bhatt
Iterating that India's narrative cannot be reduced to one colour, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt said on Saturday that the plurality of the diverse country needs to be celebrated.
"We cannot reduce the narrative of India into only one color. It is a diverse country and we need to celebrate the plurality," Bhatt said at the opening ceremony of the 24th Kolkata International Film Festival here.
Bhatt said the festival commits itself only to the idea of India "which says all make it together or none of us makes it together".
Expressing his gratitude for being invited to the event, Bhatt said, "In these changing, shifting times, I believe that the filmmakers and storytellers will hold the world together. It is the occasion to realize that one of us is much lesser than all of us."
Bhatt spoke about the Chinese mystical bird which has one eye and one wing and is incomplete till it meets the other half to complete it. It is only when they come together that they can fly and see.
"This happened to us in Hindi cinema. It is when Bengal came to us with its wisdom and sensitivity that we in Mumbai bloomed. Let this stream grow more intense so that we as a nation can bring out all the colours," he said.
Pankaj Tripathi lost weight to play a farmer in 'Kaagaz'
Essaying a farmer's role in a movie after playing a flamboyant superstar in another film led actor Pankaj Tripathi to a bit of physical transformation.
Soon after wrapping up the biopic Shakeela in Bengaluru, Pankaj was asked to shed some weight to look like a farmer from a small town of Uttar Pradesh for his next filmKaagaz, written and directed by veteran Satish Kaushik.
The actor says he had received a brief on the character that he is supposed to play and accordingly he prepared himself to look a bit similar.
"My look will be different in Kaagaz. After finishing Shakeela, I didn't get much time to prepare myself to play Bharat Lal. So, practically whatever time I got in my hands, I prepared myself to look like a farmer from a small town. Instead of hitting the gym, I took to the organic way to lose my weight.
"On the sets of Shakeela, I was sipping warm water with honey and lemon juice. I also cut down oily and junk food and had small meals in between shots. I also avoided taking shade under the umbrella and stopped wearing sunglasses to tan myself under the sun organically," Pankaj said in a statement.
Kaagaz is a real-life tale of an innocent farmer from Bihar who was, through bribery, declared dead in his town's official records by his relatives to illegally capture his land. He had to then fight with the Indian bureaucracy for 18 long years before he could prove himself to be alive.
Manisha Koirala unveils her book 'Healed'
Actress Manisha Koirala on Saturday unveiled her book Healed, her personal story of a battle against ovarian cancer.
"Overcoming cancer has been a lesson in self-discovery and learning to love life again!! Dear friends, presenting you my book," Manisha tweeted along with the book's cover.
Penned by the 1942: A Love Story actress with Neelam Kumar, the book is subtitled "How cancer gave me a new life."
Manisha's smiling face on the cover reflects the positivity that has helped her sail through the battle against the disease.
Healed is the powerful, moving and deeply personal story of actor Manisha Koirala's battle against ovarian cancer. From her treatment in the US and the wonderful care provided by the oncologists there to how she rebuilt her life once she returned home, the book takes us on an emotional roller-coaster ride through her many fears and struggles and shows how she eventually came out triumphant.
"Today, as she completes six years of being cancer-free, she shares her story-one marked by apprehensions, disappointments and uncertainties and the lessons she learned along the way. Through her journey, she unravels cancer for us and inspires us to not buckle under its fear, but emerge alive, kicking and victorious," the publisher, Penguin Random House India, posted on its website.
On the acting front, Manisha has in recent times been seen in Rajkumar Hirani's Sanju, based on actor Sanjay Dutt's life and in Netflix film Lust Stories.
(Source: IANS)
Ajay Devgn wins Best Foreign Actor award at a film festival in China
Actor Ajay Devgn has won Best Foreign Actor award at the 27th China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival in China for his role in the film Raid. The four-day festival was held in Foshan, and wrapped up on Saturday with the Popular Movies Hundred Flowers Awards ceremony. The winners are selected by the audience. The fest is organised every year by CFA -- China Film Association which is associated with ICFS -- India China Film Society founded by Kishor Jawade.
Akshay Kumar's daughter Nitara is a fitness freak like her father
Akshay Kumar is known as Khiladi in Bollywood and some of his films are also the reason behind this. Another reason is nobody takes fitness as seriously as him. Now it seems his kids, Aarav and Nitara, too have joined the fitness club. Yes, you read it right. Akki has also inspired his kids to take fitness and a healthy lifestyle seriously, and we a have proof of it. Akshay has shared a video wherein you can see his daughter getting into the fitness regime.
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