Category: Hindi

Mumbai: The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023 was passed by the parliament after getting the nod from the Lok Sabha. The Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on 20 July 2023 and passed after discussion on 27 July 2023. The historic bill was passed by the Parliament amending the Cinematograph Act after 40 years as the last significant amendments in the Cinematograph Act, 1952 were made in the year 1984. The landmark bill aims to comprehensively curb the menace of ‘piracy’ causing losses of Rs 20,000 Crores to the film industry, based on certain estimates. The provisions include strict punishment of minimum three months imprisonment and fine of Rs three lakhs which can be extended up to three years imprisonment and fine upto five per cent of the audited gross production cost.

Prime minister Narendra Modi has envisioned that India truly possesses immense potential to become the content hub of the world with rich heritage and cultural diversity being India’s strengths. The union minister for Information and Broadcasting, carrying forward the vision of the prime minister, also recognised the Indian cinema as a significant contributor to India’s soft power, promoting Indian culture, society, and values globally. He said “The empowerment of Indian Film Industry with Ease of Doing Business and its protection from the menace of Privacy, would go a long way in growth of content creation ecosystem in India, and would help safeguard the interests of all artists and artisans working in the sector.”

Talking about the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023 when it was taken up for consideration and passing in Lok Sabha, the union minister for Information & Broadcasting, Anurag Singh Thakur said, “India is known as a country of story tellers which shows our rich culture, heritage, legacy and diversity. In the next three years our film industry will grow to 100 billion dollars, providing employment to lakhs of people. Keeping the needs of the changing time, we have brought this bill to fight piracy and to further promote the film industry. These amendments will comprehensively curb the menace of ‘piracy’ which is causing losses of Rs 20,000 crores to the film industry.”

Thakur further said, “The government has done away with the requirement to renew film’s license every 10 years and has made it valid for lifetime. Now, there is no need to run around the government offices seeking renewal. Keeping up with the judgement of K.M Shankarappa Vs Union of India case judgement, the government has kept it away from the revision power and now the autonomous body of CBFC will have the full authority to look after it.”

Cinematograph Act Amendment:

First, the Bill attempts to address the issue of unauthorised recording and exhibition of films and curb the menace of film piracy by transmission of unauthorised copies on the internet.

Second, the Bill attempts to improve the procedure for certification of films for public exhibition by the Central Board of Film Certification, as well as improve categorisations of the certifications of the films.

Third, the Bill attempts to harmonise the law with extant executive orders, Supreme Court judgements, and other relevant legislations.

a) Provisions to check unauthorised recording and exhibition of films amounting to piracy: To check film piracy by way of cam-cording in the theatres; and most importantly also prohibit any unauthorized copying and online transmission & exhibition of a pirated copy of any film, strict penal provisions have been incorporated.

b) Age-based certification: Introduction of age-based categories of certification by further sub-dividing the existing UA category into three age-based categories, viz. seven years (UA 7+), thirteen years (UA 13+), and sixteen years (UA 16+), instead of twelve years. These age-based markers would be only recommendatory, meant for the parents or guardians to consider whether their children should view such a film.

c) Aligning with the supreme court judgements: Omission of Revisional Powers of Central Government as per judgment of Supreme Court in the case of K.M. Shankarappa vs Union of India (2000).

d) Perpetual validity of certificates: Removal of the restriction in the Act on validity of certificate for only 10 years for perpetual validity of certificates of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

e) Change of category of film for television: Recertification of the edited film for Television broadcast, as only Unrestricted Public Exhibition category films can be shown on television.

f) Reference to Jammu and Kashmir: Omission of references to the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir in line with the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.

Mumbai: Splendid Films has announced the release of their critically acclaimed, heartwarming film Goldfish. The film will be released in theatres in multiple cities across India and USA on 25 August 2023. Set in London, Goldfish deals with memory, music, mental health and identity. Anamika (Kalki Koechlin), the child of a mixed marriage, returns home to her estranged mother Sadhana (Deepti Naval) because she is suffering from the onset of dementia. Ana returns to a neighbourhood she barely remembers, to a woman who sometimes doesn’t remember her.

Goldfish marks Kalki Koechlin’s return to theatres after four years. Audiences can expect a soul-stirring story with refreshing performances. Directed by Pushan Kripalani, this Indian-British-American production brings together powerhouse talents Deepti Naval, Kalki Koechlin and Rajit Kapur with some extraordinary actors from the United Kingdom – Bharti Patel, Gordon Warnecke, Ravin Ganatra and Shanaya Rafaat – to tell a delicate, timeless story of a mother and a daughter, and of community. 

Speaking about presenting the film to the Indian audience, Anurag Kashyap shared, “I saw Goldfish at the Busan International Film Festival and I was so moved by the film. The relationship between Kalki and Deepti Naval, with some brilliant writing and performances, directed with so much nuance ,all the incredible supporting performances. It’s a beautiful film and I am thrilled to present it. I am so happy that after travelling across the world to so many festivals, it’s finally coming to the audiences in India.”

Speaking about her journey on the film, Deepti Naval said, “Goldfish is a perfect cinema that any artist would want to be a part of. It tells the story of a mother-daughter relationship and delves into the complexities of human nature and how circumstances mould individual relationships. The importance of a community and the love people offer is highlighted in the film through the stellar performances of Bharti Patel, Gordon Warnecke, Ravin Ganatra and Shanaya Rafaat. It was a treat to work with Kalki and to see the script come to life through the lens of Pushan. I cannot wait for audiences to experience this work of art!”

Talking about her experience of working on Goldfish, and her return to theatres after four years, Kalki Koechlin said, “It is exciting to be back on screen, with such a beautiful film Goldfish, after a long hiatus from acting due to motherhood and Covid. Interestingly, in the tradition of art imitating life, the film also explores a mother-daughter relationship during Covid lockdown, played by Deepti Naval and myself respectively. It is an international movie with raw humour and heartwarming emotions that will reach out to all of us who’ve struggled with our parents, our children or our identity.”

Mumbai: Sanskriti University, a prestigious institution of higher education, proudly conferred the honorary doctorate degree upon the distinguished member of parliament, revered actress, and celebrated classical dancer, Hema Malini, during its grand fourth convocation ceremony held on 22 July 2023.

The fourth convocation of Sanskriti University marked a historic event as the institution recognised and honored Hema Malini’s exceptional contributions to the realms of arts, culture, and public service. The honorary degree was bestowed upon her in recognition of her exemplary accomplishments and invaluable contributions that have left an indelible mark on Indian society.

Hema Malini, affectionately known as the “Dream Girl” of Indian cinema, has graced the silver screen with her captivating performances in numerous Bollywood films, earning widespread acclaim for her unmatched talent and charisma. Beyond her illustrious acting career, she has also earned international acclaim as a prolific Bharatanatyam dancer, elevating the traditional dance form to new heights of artistic brilliance. Her unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting Indian classical dance and culture has garnered her admiration and respect both on the national and international stage.

In addition to her artistic prowess, Hema Malini’s dedication to public service as a member of parliament has been commendable. Demonstrating unwavering commitment and empathy towards her constituents, she has actively worked towards the development and welfare of her people and the nation as a whole.

Dr. Sachin Gupta, chancellor of Sanskriti University, had the honor of conferring the prestigious doctorate degree upon Hema Malini during the convocation ceremony. In his inspiring speech, he highlighted the extraordinary journey of Hema Malini, from her humble beginnings to becoming a cultural icon and a revered public figure. Dr. Gupta emphasised that she has not only achieved excellence in her artistic endeavors but has also served as an inspiration to generations with her grace, elegance, and unwavering commitment to social causes.

In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Dr. Hema Malini expressed her profound gratitude to Sanskriti University for bestowing this esteemed honor upon her. She conveyed her heartfelt appreciation for the university’s commitment to promoting arts, culture, and education. Furthermore, she encouraged the young graduates to pursue their passions with unwavering dedication and perseverance while making meaningful contributions to society.

The convocation ceremony witnessed a gathering of dignitaries, esteemed faculty members, and enthusiastic students, creating an atmosphere of joyous celebration of knowledge and academic excellence. It served as a testament to Sanskriti University’s commitment to recognising exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields.

Sanskriti University’s fourth convocation was truly a moment of pride and inspiration, as it celebrated the unmatched legacy of Hema Malini and applauded the academic achievements of its bright and promising graduates who are poised to make a positive impact on society.

Mumbai: Vishal Bhardwaj Films has appointed Nikhil Mirchandani as CEO. He will be leading collaboration with creators, writers and directors to develop content for films and web series. He is also the founder of Hoop Entertainment.

Mirchandani was earlier associated with Reliance Broadcast Network and Star India. He was earlier managing director at National Geographic Channel, and EVP and GM for Star India.

Mirchandani is an entertainment industry veteran with experience in Broadcasting, Business Development, Marketing Strategy, Content Strategy, Digital Strategy and Branded Content.

Mumbai: “The Underbug” is a Hindi feature film written and directed by Shujaat Saudagar, and produced by Vikesh Bhutani and Aman Mann (producer of the Oscar-nominated documentary “All That Breathes”). The film garnered tremendous recognition as it was awarded the prestigious 2023 Slamdance Breakouts Feature Grand Jury Prize.

The esteemed Slamdance Film Festival Awards ceremony took place on 21 January 2023, in Park City, Utah. The selection process involved a distinguished panel of jurors who screened the film at the award show and played a crucial role in determining the winners. 

“The Underbug” is an experimental film made during the first lockdown. “It is a psychological horror film where I wanted to explore the psyche of men who are turned into tools of hate. Men who live on the fringe of society, used, abused and weaponized by their political masters, by governments, by religious leaders to divide man by religion, by region, by colour. By altering the social fabric for the personal and political ambitions of a select few.” said the writer and director, Shujaat Saudagar.

Vikesh Bhutani, the producer of “The Underbug,” expressed his thoughts, stating, “We got a great opportunity to take our film to an international platform and were overwhelmed by the heartwarming response. The themes may have stemmed from India but resonated with the many nationalities attending the film festival.”

The director and writer of the film, Shujaat Saudagar took a moment to reflect on his creative journey, stating, “The Underbug was born out of troubled times, it was difficult coping with an unseen entity, the Pandemic, the coronavirus. A bunch of us came together during the peak of the pandemic to tell a story that we believed needed to be told. And momentarily the world united against this unknown enemy. And I wondered, is this what it takes to bring us together?”

In addition to its recognition at the Slamdance Film Festival, “The Underbug” received nominations at The Moscow Film Festival – Wild Nights, Toronto Lift Off Film Festival, and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, further underscoring its acclaim and recognition.

Mumbai: Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd., a media and entertainment powerhouse, is excited to announce that the British Film Industry (BFI) has chosen to telecast the movie ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’ from Shemaroo’s vast library. This film holds a special place in the hearts of cinephiles worldwide. Laced with an ensemble cast of industry giants like Amitabh Bachchan, Neetu Singh, Shabana Azmi, Late Vinod Khanna, Late Rishi Kapoor, Late Parveen Babi, Late Nirupa Roy, Late Pran, and Late Jeevan, the movie will premiere on the 2 July 2023 in the United Kingdom.

The film revolves around three brothers who, in their childhood, were separated and adopted by families of different faiths – Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. As they grow up, they pursue different paths, becoming a police officer, a singer, and the owner of a pub, respectively. Even 46 years after its original release in 1977, ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’ seamlessly blends humour, drama, and social commentary, leaving an indelible impact on audiences.

“Collaborating with the British Film Institute to premiere ‘Amar Akbar Antony’ is an honour for Shemaroo Entertainment. As a leading entertainment powerhouse, we take immense pride in curating exceptional content that reflects our core values and resonates with audiences worldwide”, said Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd. head of Bollywood Mohan Gopinath. “Through this partnership, we celebrate the brilliance of Indian cinema, promote diversity, and invite viewers to immerse themselves in timeless masterpieces. Join us on this incredible journey as we redefine entertainment, deliver outstanding experiences, and showcase the rich cultural heritage that connects us all”, he further added.

The decision by the British Film Industry to telecast ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’ highlights the enduring appeal and cultural significance of Indian cinema on a global scale. Shemaroo Entertainment, known for its vast library of over 3700 titles, has been at the forefront of delivering exceptional content to audiences globally. This collaboration with the British Film Industry further solidifies Shemaroo’s position as a trusted content provider and showcases its commitment to promoting outstanding Indian cinema.

Mumbai: Shashank Arora has firmly established himself as a superlative actor in the Indian Entertainment industry. After receiving critical applause for his stellar performance in Titli, Arora shone in various other projects such as The Great Indian Murder, Tanaav and Made in Heaven. Arora will next be seen in the theatrical murder mystery Neeyat starring Vidya Balan and directed by Anu Menon.

Talking about being a part of Neeyat, Arora said, “My first reaction to Neeyat was that I wanted to know how it ends, because Anu Menon didn’t tell me how it ends, and I was genuinely interested in knowing where this film lands up as I was pretty curious from the get go. The most interesting thing about this film is of course the plot and how it ties in with the location, the geography and the family; and the dynamic that these 3 elements form when they come together, makes for a very interesting story. My favourite character is the character played by Vidya Balan, she plays Mira Rao which is a wonderful character and it was a joy watching Vidya work.”

Neeyat is set in the breathtakingly beautiful highlands of Scotland, the engaging trailer takes the viewer into the glamourous world of billionaire Ashish Kapoor and his close circle of family and friends, where everyone is tangled in their own web of secrets. When Ashish Kapoor ends up being murdered at his own party, it is up to detective Mira Rao to uncover the hidden motives and mysteries in this classic whodunnit.

Audiences can expect edge-of-the-seat, captivating entertainment from this murder-mystery with Balan looking especially refreshing in a never-seen-before avatar. The movie also features a strong ensemble cast featuring Arora, Prajakta Koli, Danesh Razvi, Ishika Mehra, Madhav Deval Ram Kapoor, Rahul Bose, Neeraj Kabi, Amrita Puri, Shahana Goswami, Niki Walia and Dipannita Sharma,  in pivotal roles. A unique genre backed by a stellar ensemble cast makes this film definitely one to look out for!

Neeyat will release across theatres worldwide on 7 July.

Mumbai: InCred Financial Services Ltd (InCred Finance), new-age tech and analytics driven NBFC, has announced a partnership with the highly anticipated Tarla Dalal biopic, based on the life of the legendary home chef and Padma Shri award-winner, Tarla Dalal.

InCred’s brand association through its InCred Business Loans vertical, resonates with the spirit of the film that celebrates the aspirations of small business owners across India and symbolises the belief that with big dreams and unwavering confidence, anything is possible.

Through this collaboration, InCred Finance is showcasing its business loan product in a co-branded promotional campaign that includes film footage and a byte from Huma Qureshi, who portrays Tarla Dalal in the movie. The video highlights how InCred’s business loans can empower every entrepreneur, enabling them to achieve greater business success.

InCred founder & Group CEO Bhupinder Singh commented on the partnership, saying, “We are thrilled to collaborate with the creators of this remarkable biopic on Tarlaji. She is an inspiration to many – and especially to women. Entrepreneurs are the foundation of the Indian economy, playing a pivotal role in fostering innovation, generating employment opportunities, and contributing to economic growth. We, at InCred, are committed to supporting entrepreneurs by offering them hassle-free and quick business finance.”

RSVP Movies producer Ronnie Screwvala said “Through this film and our partnership with InCred, we aim to fuel the passion that Indians have for entrepreneurship and encourage them to pursue their desires, setting a great example for future generations. It is a tribute to entrepreneurs and leaders who work relentlessly, conquering all challenges in their path.”

Mumbai: National Award winner, producer-entrepreneur Akshay Bardapurkar, has been conferred with an honoris causa (honorary doctorate) in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to Indian cinema and Marathi culture. This prestigious accolade, bestowed upon him by a renowned American university, acknowledges Bardapurkar’s groundbreaking work and innovative strategies that have transformed the landscape of the Indian entertainment industry. He was presented the honoris causa (honorary doctorate) by Padmashree Dr. Kanubhai Tailor, India’s humanitarian and former cricketer Munaf Patel. Apart from Bardapurkar, actor Manoj Bajpayee was also recently presented with an honorary doctorate from the same university.

Bardapurkar’s approach and transformative tactics have revolutionised the Marathi industry, consistently delivering exceptional brands and experiences for Marathi content. He created history by establishing Planet Marathi OTT, the world’s only exclusively Marathi OTT platform. With its vast collection of meticulously curated content, Planet Marathi OTT has emerged as a powerful platform for showcasing Marathi entertainment on an international scale. Through his cinematic endeavours, such as the iconic film “Chandramukhi,” Bardapurkar introduced the concept of larger-than-life cinema and pioneered innovative marketing and branding strategies in Marathi cinema.

His unwavering commitment to excellence has garnered national recognition, with two films from the Planet Marathi stable, namely “Gosht Eka Paithanichi” and “June,” receiving recognition at the prestigious 68th National Film Awards. These achievements solidify Bardapurkar’s position as a distinguished national award winner. Continuing his mission to elevate regional entertainment, Bardapurkar announced Planet Goem, a platform dedicated to showcasing art, culture, and people of Goa along with announcing plans to establish a film institute and studio in the state.

Commenting on his honoris causa (honorary doctorate), Bardapurkar said, “Receiving this honorary doctorate is a profoundly humbling experience, as it acknowledges the relentless efforts undertaken behind the scenes to foster positive transformation within the industry. I am deeply honored to accept this esteemed recognition, and I consider it a privilege that propels me forward to continue creating transformative and landmark contributions to Indian cinema.”