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Category: Hindi

  • RJ Karishma is all set to make her red carpet debut at the Cannes Film Festival 2024

    RJ Karishma is all set to make her red carpet debut at the Cannes Film Festival 2024

    Mumbai: Formerly a popular RJ, Artist Karishma Gangwal is all set to make her red carpet debut at this year’s Festival de Cannes, in support of the Indian Film industry and the country.

    Hailing from a Kashmiri family from Jammu and representing India, Karishma’s journey from the Valleys to Radio to now Cannes is a true example of sheer dedication and hardwork. Being one of the very few Indian artists at a global event like Cannes is another huge achievement unlocked for Karishma.

    Growing up, she has always been inspired by watching legendary actresses like Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Aishwarya Rai walk the prestigious red carpet for years now. Given her debut, she is being styled by ace celebrity stylist Ayesha Nigam in graceful custom pieces from globally recognised Indian origin designers.

    Sharing her excitement, Gangwal said, “Stepping into the world of entertainment as an artist where I’m able to represent India at such prestigious events, feels surreal. I’m looking forward to exploring international movies and also supporting Indian cinema at the Cannes Film Festival.”

    The global event will be taking place in the second week of May in Cannes, France.

    RJ Karishma 

  • NH Studioz collaborates with actor Ajay Devgn for their 11th film together

    NH Studioz collaborates with actor Ajay Devgn for their 11th film together

    Mumbai: The collaboration that Goes back to “Jigar ” of 1992 is still going strong in 2024. We are talking about the 11 films journey with NH Studioz with the most dependable actor having 11th film in 2024.

    “We will be releasing our 11th collaboration with Ajay sir this year and this is a very special film. Ajay and Tabu will weave magic on screen with a mature love story and the film is being directed by none other than the critically acclaimed, celebrated director, Neeraj Pandey,” informs Shreyans Hirawat of NH Studioz.

    Shreyansh also informs that the film’s genre is a romantic thriller. Titled “Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha,” the narration of the film spans 23 years, from 2000 to 2023.

    “The movie promises to offer a unique combination of a thriller and portrayal of love’s journey, a heartfelt portrayal of mature love and companionship on the big screen,” Hirawat added.

    Director Neeraj Pandey also expressed his enthusiasm about exploring the intricacies of mature love. “Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha seeks to explore the depths of a love that transcends mere physicality and dives into the intricacies of the human psyche. This storyline remains largely uncharted in Bollywood,” remarked Neeraj Pandey.

    Produced by Shital Bhatia, Narendra Hirawat, Kumar Mangat Pathak (Panorama Studios) and Sangeeta Ahir, Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha is scheduled to hit theatres on 5 July.

  • Joyguru: A cinematic tribute to the inspiring journey of Parvathy Baul!

    Joyguru: A cinematic tribute to the inspiring journey of Parvathy Baul!

    Mumbai: Indian actor-filmmaker Soumyajit Majumdar’s latest venture, Joyguru, a Hindi feature film, marks a significant step in the global cinema arena. Following the acclaim of his multi-award-winning debut film ‘Homecoming’, Majumdar embarks on a new cinematic journey to narrate the extraordinary life of internationally renowned singer and mystic artist, Parvathy Baul.

    Recently announced after Parvathy Baul’s enthralling performance at Times Square during a Bengali New Year celebration, “Joyguru” promises to be a musical odyssey. Largely based on Parvathy Baul’s life, the film captures Radhika Das Baul’s collaboration with Bollywood music director Ritwik on a groundbreaking album of Baul songs transcreated in Hindi. Their unique bond unfolds just before her sudden disappearance from her ashram near Shantiniketan, India.

    Parvathy Baul’s artistic legacy extends beyond performance; she is a torchbearer of the Baul tradition, recognized by UNESCO as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Her spiritual journey, spanning over two decades and forty countries, reflects a commitment to preserving and sharing Baul wisdom.

    Set to commence filming in 2025, “Joyguru” stands as the first Indo-UK-USA-France co-production. Renowned cinematographer Ravi Varman will capture the essence of Parvathy Baul’s journey on screen. With backing from Adited Motion Pictures and LOK Arts Collective, alongside co-producers from London and Paris, “Joyguru” boasts a global production team. The film’s narrative traverses Shantiniketan, Kolkata, Vrindavan, and Kerala in India, as well as locations in the UK, USA, and France.

    As “Joyguru” gears up for representation at the Cannes Film Festival, it represents a convergence of cultures and a celebration of universal themes. Through captivating storytelling, the film invites audiences worldwide to experience the transformative power of Baul music and philosophy.

  • The irony of “out of the box” thinking in filmmaking

    The irony of “out of the box” thinking in filmmaking

    Mumbai: The film industry itself is a place that seamlessly operates on being ‘out of the box’—the irony, in fact, is its special quality. In the film industry, the fundamental concept of crafting narratives or conceiving ideas has consistently revolved around being pioneers, as the saying goes, ‘setting trends. For those with a creative inclination, the film industry serves as an unparalleled playground for imagination. For a creator and director, the best place to execute the impossible; for all other heads of departments, an incredible environment to showcase their skills thrives within the dynamic realm of film, television series, or short films, allowing artists to refine their craft while illuminating the essence of storytelling and the director’s vision. They are within the box of the story but can operate ‘out of the box’ in their skills.

    The audience’s encounter and endorsement of the film industry are also completely “out of the box,” defying conventional expectations and norms. Their contemplation and admiration, whether experienced in the grandeur of cinemas, the intimacy of personal laptops, the convenience of cell phones, or the familiarity of a household TV, are uniquely intertwined with the film industry. This experience is markedly different from their everyday lives.  

    As a producer and business leader, the rationale behind navigating the film industry lies in our adherence to its ROI-centric principles. This approach not only guides our operational strategies but also informs our decision-making processes, ensuring sustainable growth and success within the dynamic landscape of the film business. In essence, the film industry thrives on the belief that the impossible is achievable. This conviction underscores the necessity of ‘out of the box’ thinking as a fundamental skill set for success in this dynamic field. Therefore, embracing creativity and innovation becomes not just a choice but a prerequisite for belonging to this vibrant world of storytelling.

    The article has been authored by Amita Madhvani – co-heading business (EFPL/ RMF/ EV) and engaging for new business.

  • India’s theatre-going population surges 29 per cent in 2023, reaching 15.7 Crore, reveals new Ormax report

    India’s theatre-going population surges 29 per cent in 2023, reaching 15.7 Crore, reveals new Ormax report

    Mumbai: A new annual report from media analytics firm Ormax Media, titled Sizing The Cinema: 2024, sheds light on the growth of the Indian theatrical market. The report, based on research conducted in January 2024 among 8,500 Indian audiences across both urban and rural areas, reveals significant growth in the number of theatre-goers in India vis-à-vis the previous year.

    According to the report, India now has 157.4 Million or 15.7 Crore theatre-goers i.e., those who watched at least one film in a theatre in 2023. This not only marks a 29% increase compared to the previous year (12.2 crore) but also surpasses the pre-pandemic level (14.6 crore) by 8%.

    A graph of progress on a graph

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    These 15.7 Crore audience contributed to the 94.3 Crore footfalls at the domestic box office in 2023, which comes to an average of 6.0 films watched by a typical theatre-goer in India, across all languages put together.

    The report also provides demographic (age, gender), geographic and language-wise breakdown of the theatrical audience. Hindi-language cinema has seen the most significant growth, with its audience rising to 9.2 crore, a 58% increase over 2022. Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada films have witnessed a minor drop in audience shares, while Malayalam cinema experienced a 19% increase in audience, rising from 1.0 crore in 2022 to 1.2 crore in 2023.

    Ormax media head: Business Development (Theatrical) Sanket Kulkarni emphasised the importance of such data for industry decision-making, “Market sizing and audience data are as crucial as box office numbers when it comes to strategic decision-making,” Kulkarni said. “With a history of more than 100 years and 12,000 Crore plus box office, the Indian film industry needs and deserves a study of this nature and stature. While it is well understood that the theatrical business has made a sound recovery post the pandemic, this report quantifies the recovery, at the level of markets, languages and demographics, leading to a deeper understanding of India’s theatre-going population.”

    The full report is available by subscription for film studios, production companies, investors, exhibitors, distributors, media agencies and other companies associated with the theatrical category in India.

  • “I am completely monogamous, and abhor the concept of open relationship”: Vidya Balan in IMDb’s ‘Ask Each Other Anything’

    “I am completely monogamous, and abhor the concept of open relationship”: Vidya Balan in IMDb’s ‘Ask Each Other Anything’

    Mumbai: On the release of Do Aur Do Pyaar, starring Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi, the actors appeared in the IMDb original series ‘Ask Each Other Anything.’ This romantic comedy explores the intricacies of the relationship between a husband and a wife. They engaged in discussions about intriguing aspects of their personal lives, shared their experiences on set, and reflected on what they learned from each other throughout the journey of Do Aur Do Pyaar.

    When asked about her reaction upon discovering she would be working with Pratik, Vidya responded, “I had watched ‘Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story’ already, so when Tanuj, Atul, and Swati (the producers of the movie) came home, we were discussing various characters, and for the role of Ani, they said ‘we’ve thought about Pratik Gandhi, the guy from Scam 1992.’ I was like, ‘Wow!’ He was fabulous.’ It didn’t feel like you were acting in the series even for a minute. If I didn’t know how Harshad Mehta looked, I would have thought it was you. So, I was very excited.”

    As the film revolves around relationships, Pratik asked Vidya about her perspective on open relationships. Vidya said, “I don’t understand the idea of an open relationship. I think you can be open with each other about everything, but when you talk about open relationships and open marriage, you are talking about being okay with your partner being with someone else, sharing your partner with someone else. I am not okay with that. I am completely monogamous, and I believe in monogamy. I abhor this concept of open relationship. If it works for you, great, but I cannot fathom how it works for someone.”

    While the conversation was brewing, Vidya asked Pratik to suggest three films everyone must watch. Pratik said, “I feel I get connected to the strongest emotions the most, and I find myself a very common audience. So, I feel The Pursuit of Happyness and Sadma are films that have layers of emotions and are conveyed simply in the most human possible way. One more is Hera Pheri because of their comic timing, which landed every time I watched, and I have watched it multiple times.”

    Additionally, given Pratik’s theatre background, Vidya asked him about the one thing he would like to take from theatre and apply to cinema. Pratik responded, “I think what I have seen and what I have done is the discipline and duty toward the story. You have to actually leave yourself and cut your ego and become selfless to tell the story in the most honest possible way. This is what helped me, because as an actor, we constantly deal with egos onset and offset, everywhere, and also sometimes while performing. So, certain humility towards the process and being true to the storytelling is important. Also, theatre makes you human because one show will work wonders and the other show might not, so you don’t lose your heart quickly. So what I have learned from theatre is that all the claps are for the characters and all the criticism is for me as an actor. So if this is what we experience in cinema, then a lot of things will change”, he added.

  • Kunal Nayyar to star as lead in Gurinder Chadha’s ‘Christmas Karma’

    Kunal Nayyar to star as lead in Gurinder Chadha’s ‘Christmas Karma’

    Mumbai: True Brit Entertainment, Bend It Films, Maven Screen Media and Civic Studios has announced ‘Christmas Karma’, a contemporary Bollywood musical set in contemporary London and inspired by Dickens’ much loved A Christmas Carol, with Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory) leading the cast as Scrooge and with a further cast including Eva Longoria, Boy George, Billy Porter, Hugh Bonneville, Leo Suter, Charithra Chandran, Pixie Lott, Danny Dyer, Bilal Hasna, Allan Corduner, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Rufus Jones, Eve, Nitin Ganatra.

    BAFTA-nominated Gurinder Chadha (‘Bend It Like Beckham’, ‘Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging’, ‘Blinded by the Light’) wrote, is directing and producing the feature, with music by the six-time Ivor Novello award winning Gary Barlow. Financing for ‘Christmas Karma’ is from Civic Studios. Gurinder Chadha, Celine Rattray, Trudie Styler and Amory Leader will produce. Zygi Kamasa, Anushka Shah, Paul Mayeda Berges, Sophia Pedlow, Hannah Leader will serve as Executive Producers.

    ‘Christmas Karma’ is the fifth high profile scripted project from new British distributor True Brit Entertainment, who formed in November 2023. The feature also sees Chadha’s return to the big screen following her time working on the Indian historical television series ‘Beecham House’. Her last feature film “Blinded by the Light” premiered in Sundance 2019 and was subject to a frenzied bidding war with Warners Bros acquiring multiple territories.

    Commenting on the new feature film, Civic Studios CEO Anushka Shah said, “We are thrilled to partner with the acclaimed director Gurinder Chadha and an exceptional cast for ‘Christmas Karma.’ Being a global company with Indian roots, we are excited to achieve a new milestone as we take on this ambitious international project that speaks to audiences around the world, and especially the South Asian diaspora.”

    ‘Christmas Karma’ is part of a wider Civic Studios’ slate ranging from an animated feature film ‘Schirkoa’ that won the NETPAC award for the Best Asian Film at International Film Festival of Rotterdam 2024, to its latest OTT series ‘Family Aaj Kal’ released on SonyLIV, with several feature films and series in the pipeline. Civic Studios is a global media company that creates authentic stories of change, hope and pride, across formats of film, web series and short-form digital content and develops, finances, produces and co-produces for an Indian and international market with a distribution reach across theatres, film festivals and streaming platforms.

    Gurinder Chadha commented:

    “Just as I have enjoyed Frank Capra’s ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ for many years, my aim with ‘Christmas Karma’ is to create a festive classic for our times and for generations to come.

    By adapting one of history’s greatest novels – Charles Dickens’ CHRISTMAS CAROL – I am making a British Film from my unique, original point of view but one that resonates with Dickens’ masterful statement on the human condition.

    I am delighted to be working with Anushka Shah and her lovely team at Civic Studios who have supported me on this project very early on. What a pleasure and honour it’s been for me to work with amazing Indian female producers.

    I am blessed with such a great diverse cast and eclectic music team – the soundtrack will be banging, influenced by Gospel, Bhangra, Carols and classic pop songs. You will not be able to sit still!”

    Zygi Kamasa commented:

    “Gurinder has an incredible ability to tell such interesting contemporary British stories. Its been over 20 years since we made Bend it like Beckham together and this film has all those hallmarks of heart, comedy, drama and an incredibly feelgood ending. It will be a celebration of multi-cultural London set to an incredible set of songs written by Gary, Shaznay and Nitin, using musical genres from Rap, to disco to Bhangra and will be the ultimate Christmas movie which we will release in December 2025. It really is the perfect fit to the range of British films we will release at True Brit.”

    Kunal Nayyar commented:

    “To explore a beloved holiday tale through the eyes of an immigrant story (much like my own) is exactly the kind of movie that I believe will resonate with so many of us who are searching for the meaning of home. It takes a visionary like Gurinder to take a chance on a story like this, and I am humbled to be a part of it. “

    Gary Barlow commented:

    “It was an absolute honour to be asked to write music for Christmas Karma. I love Gurinder personally and professionally, and to collaborate with such a diverse and eclectic cast on the soundtrack has been really great fun”

    Nitin Sawhney commented:

    “It has been such fun working on Christmas Karma with Gurinder. She is a relentless tsunami of ideas, creativity and inspiration, who makes the alchemy of magical movie-making so enjoyable. To take an old Dickens classic like “A Christmas Carol” and make it relevant to multicultural contemporary Britain is no easy task but Gurinder has done so with impressively effortless good grace, humour and ambition. I am honoured to bring my own eclectic background of orchestral scoring, Indian classical influences, electronica, songwriting and composition to a cinematic table already replete with the exciting ingredients of an unforgettable Christmas classic.”

    Shaznay Lewis commented:

    “It has been a wonderful experience working with Gurinder on Christmas Karma. Putting these songs together has been a writer’s dream, and the creative process has been an exceptional journey for me. Gurinder is a powerhouse, and her will and wit are something to be admired. I have learned a lot, and I’m incredibly honoured to be a part of the writing team.”

    Gurinder Chadha is represented by CAA. Kunal Nayyar is represented by Innovative and Lovett Management. Eva Longoria is represented by Linden Entertainment, WME, Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis and Yorn, Levine, Barnes. Billy Porter is represented by CAA, Industry Entertainment and Slate PR. Boy George is represented by Paul Kemsley. Hugh Bonneville represented by Gordon and French.

  • Acclaimed Telugu Film Razakar to release pan-India in Hindi and Marathi on April 26

    Acclaimed Telugu Film Razakar to release pan-India in Hindi and Marathi on April 26

    Mumbai: The critically acclaimed Telugu film Razakar, which debuted in March 2024, is now poised to reach a pan-India audience with its upcoming release in Hindi and Marathi. Set against the turbulent post-Independence era in India, ‘Razakar’ narrates the harrowing period when Hyderabad was a princely state, under the shadow of the brutal Razakar militia.

    Director Yata Satyanarayana, who has not only directed but also penned the story and screenplay, expressed his enthusiasm about the film’s wider release. “I am aware that a large section of my audience have been waiting to see the film in Hindi. I am thrilled that we can now showcase it not only in Hindi but also in Marathi,” stated Satyanarayana. He confirmed that both the Hindi and Marathi versions are set to be released on April 26 by Panorama Studios.

    The film provides a gripping narrative of the genocide undertaken by the Razakars, a paramilitary group loyal to the Nizam of Hyderabad, which committed mass murders and spread terror among the populace. This dark chapter prompted Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the then Home Minister, to initiate swift actions that culminated in the historic Operation Polo, leading to Hyderabad’s annexation into the Indian Union. ‘Razakar’ also explores the political manoeuvres of Hyderabad’s last Nizam, Osman Ali Khan, and his attempts to maintain independence, providing a comprehensive view of a pivotal moment in Indian history.

    Satyanarayana emphasised the quality of the new versions: “The dialogues of the Hindi and Marathi versions will be as evocative as those in the Telugu original. We are committed to ensuring that the film is re-mastered with the finest quality for its pan-India release.” The distribution of the film across the nation will be handled by Panorama Studios, promising a widespread reach. As ‘Razakar’ prepares for its release across India, it invites audiences to witness a crucial period of Indian history, portrayed with cinematic excellence and historical accuracy. The film’s broader accessibility in Hindi and Marathi is set to ignite discussions and broaden its impact, reaching into the hearts and minds of viewers across the nation.

  • Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha unveil Phule poster on Mahatma Phule’s birth anniversary

    Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha unveil Phule poster on Mahatma Phule’s birth anniversary

    Mumbai: The highly anticipated film ‘Phule’ has released a captivating new poster, offering audiences a glimpse into the hallowed legacy of social reformers Mahatma Jyotirao Govindrao Phule and his wife, Dnyanajyoti Savitribai Phule. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ananth Mahadevan, the film promises to unveil the untold story of the two visionary icons who waged a relentless battle against casteism and championed female education in India.

    The poster was released to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Phule which is a landmark in the annals of Indian modern history.

    In the newly unveiled poster, lead actors Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha, portraying the iconic couple, are depicted gazing toward the horizon, symbolising the dawn of a new era—a metaphor for the educational revolution initiated by the Phules. Their resolute expressions and striking resemblance to the revered social reformers serve as a poignant reminder of the indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule in their pursuit of social justice and equality.

    Producer’s Jagdish Patel, Pranay Chokshi, Suunil Jaiin, Anuya Chauhan Kudecha and Ritesh Kudecha, have joined forces to bring this monumental project to fruition, determined in their dedication to honouring the legacy of the Phule couple and shedding light on their invaluable contributions to India’s social fabric.

    Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule, revered as visionary social reformers, blazed a trail in the fight against caste and gender-based discrimination. Their pioneering efforts led to the establishment of India’s first girls’ school in Pune in 1848, laying the foundation for a transformative revolution in education and social reform. Despite the challenges posed by British imperialism, the Phules remained steadfast in their mission, earning Jyotirao the esteemed title of ‘Mahatma’ for his tireless advocacy of gender and caste equality.

    Speaking about the film, National Award-winning director Ananth Narayan Mahadevan expressed his desire to shine a spotlight on the prevailing social ills that continue to plague society today. “Mahatma and Jyotiba Phule fought against caste and gender discrimination, which unfortunately persists even today. I aim to reignite conversations about these pressing issues that demand our attention,” remarked Mahadevan.

    As anticipation builds for the release of ‘Phule’, the unveiling of the new poster serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of two extraordinary individuals whose tireless efforts continue to inspire generations and shape the future of a more equitable society. The film currently in post-production, is slated to release this year.

  • Mukta A2 Cinemas celebrates the spirit of India with exclusive pricing for Maidaan

    Mukta A2 Cinemas celebrates the spirit of India with exclusive pricing for Maidaan

    Mumbai: Mukta A2 Cinemas, a leading name in the filmed exhibition industry, announced a groundbreaking initiative with exclusive ticket pricing to enhance the cinema experience for moviegoers. To provide exceptional value to its patrons, Mukta A2 Cinemas is set to offer a special ticket pricing scheme of Rs 99 for the highly anticipated film “Maidaan” starring Ajay Devgn, directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma.

    The cinema chain in a statement stated that the aim was to unite movie patrons across its chains with the special pricing initiative. The pricing will be made available from the 10th of April across all its chains in the country.

    Speaking about this one-of-a-kind initiative, Mukta A2 Cinemas managing director  Rahul Puri said “At Mukta A2 Cinemas, we have always been committed to providing unparalleled entertainment experiences to our valued patrons. Maidaan is a film that celebrates the spirit of India and celebrates the golden era of Indian football. We hope to amplify this celebration with the introduction of our special pricing and exclusive discounts on F&B combos.”

    “We have always aimed to create memorable moments for our audience while promoting the spirit of the country with such cinema.” He added.

    In addition to the attractive ticket pricing for “Maidaan,” Mukta A2 Cinemas is also rolling out special discounts on food and beverage combos. This complimentary offer is designed to elevate the overall moviegoing experience nationwide.

    “Subhash Ji (Subhash Ghai) and Mukta A2 Cinemas have always paved the way for making cinema accessible to moviegoers. I am happy that this exclusive pricing of tickets for our film ‘Maidaan’ is yet another step in that direction.” Said Mr. Satwik Lele, C.O.O, Mukta A2 Cinemas  

    A sports biographical film Produced by Boney Kapoor, directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma and starring Ajay Devgn, ‘Maidaan’ depicts the golden era of Indian football.

    The film will be released in cinemas on 11 April with paid previews starting from 6 pm on April 10.