Category: Hindi

MUMBAI: Reliance Big Pictures is set to release the Mammootty-starrer Kutty Srank on 23 July.

The film is the story of Kutty Srank, a short-tempered, lonely, but law-abiding boatman whose work leads him to travel the backwaters of Kerala. One day, when the local police station discovers an unidentified body washed ashore, three women come forward claiming it to be the dead body of Kutty Srank.

Each of the three women – a rich women aspiring to be a Buddhist nun, a convict, and a mute – all claim to be Kutty Srank‘s wife. The film ultimately leaves behind a story of a man who convinced three very different women that he was a committed and faithful husband while successfully keeping his other two lives a secret. 

Commenting on the release, director Karun says, “Kutty Srank is a film layered with several emotions and shades that could only be brought to life by an actor par-excellence such as Mammootty. It has been a creative and self innovating journey and hopefully it will be appreciated and understood by movie lovers all over the globe.”

Avers Reliance Big Pictures CEO Sanjeev Lamba, “We are always proud to be associated with meaningful cinema. We expect that the beauty of Kutty Srank‘s storytelling and Mammootty‘s compelling performance will captivate the hearts of all viewers.”

Kutty Srank has already been screened at Pusan International Film Festival, Montreal World Film Festival, Mumbai Film Festival and the International Film Festival of India.

MUMBAI: India‘s exhibition sector is about to get a strong shot of 3D. Leading satellite-based digital cinema network UFO Moviez with nearly 2,000 digital cinema screens has drawn up a plan to 3D enable a large part of these in a phased manner.

As a first step, 500 screens are to upgraded to 3D by end this year to be followed by another 500 by end next year. UFO Moviez says it is going to be doing all this at its own cost.

Says UFO Moviez CEO Rajesh Mishra, “We will primarily focus on the Hindi belt and then move on to the south. Of the 1,000, we will choose 500 single-screens and multiplexes that want to upgrade their screens to the 3D format this year.
UFO Moviez will invest heavily to provide state-of-the-art digital cinema systems with satellite-based delivery of 3D content to theatres across the country.”

The company had showcased its 3D capability through the exhibition of the IPL 2010 quarter final, semi-final and final matches live in 3D across 70 cinemas.
UFO‘s move to convert 1000 theatres for 3D exhibition, it believes, will act as a catalyst for Indian filmmakers to take up 3D-based content projects. 

UFO Moviez said in a statement that with the current 70 3D-ready screens across the country, it is unviable for Indian filmmakers to venture into 3D content development. As a result, “the Indian film industry is totally dependent on Hollywood-based 3D content and the Indian audiences are deprived of enjoying Indian 3D content.”

UFO Moviez joint MD Kapil Agarwal stated, “This is a win-win situation for exhibitors and studios in the country that will be able to generate immediate additional revenues from higher attendance and 3D ticket premiums on the one hand, while Indian audiences can enjoy locally-created 3D content on the other. This will provide a bridge for the digital transition to 3D within the Indian film fraternity.”

Agarwal further added that 3D would be the next game changer for the Indian film industry and UFO was committed to bringing in this next wave of change with an innovative business model.

“This initiative is an important step in our strategy to leverage the future growth potential of 3D technology. UFO‘s thought leadership and innovation seeks to deliver great services that will provide wider access to audiences to compelling content, whenever and wherever,” Agarwal said.

MUMBAI: On showman Raj Kapoor‘s 22nd death anniversary, Shemaroo Entertainment has released 21 films made under the RK Banner in one single pack.

Priced at Rs 1,999, the DVD pack titled ‘RK Films The Show Must Go On‘ contains of three sections with seven DVDs each.

Shemaroo Entertainment director Hiren Gada said, “RK Films was one of the most prominent production houses in India. All of Raj Kapoor‘s films are classics and the pack we are releasing will be of great nostalgic value for fans of Raj Kapoor.”

The first section contains films like Aag, Barsaat, Awaara, Aah, Boot Polish, Shree 420 and Jagte Raho. Second section contains films like Ab Dili Door Nahi,
Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai, Sangam, Mera Naam Joker, Kal Aaj Aur Kal,Bobby and Dharam Karam.

The third section has films like Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Biwi-O-Biwi, Prem Rog, Ram Teri Ganga Maili, Henna, Prem Granth and Aa Ab Laut Chalen.

Whether it was the characterisation of the protagonists in his films (Shree 420 and Awara) or movies with strong social messages (Boot Polish and Jis Desh Mein anga Behti Hai), or the music in his films, Raj Kapoor excelled as a filmmaker in all departments.
 

MUMBAI: Compared to its first weekend haul of Rs 650 million (Rs 480 million domestically and Rs 170 million internationally), Rakesh Roshan and Reliance Big Pictures‘ Kites took a severe dip and managed to garner just Rs 300 million in its second weekend.

The most expensive film ever, in terms of the distribution price paid by Reliance Big Pictures, Kites had to perform very well at the box-office, in its first two weeks, to recover a sizeable amount of the investment.

The negative feedback that the film received after the first day of release gave way to cracks that were visible on the first Saturday and then from Monday onwards. Many viewers across India came to know that Kites was not in Hindi and hence gave the film a miss.

Comments Fun Cinemas COO Vishal Kapur, “Though Kites did terrific business in the initial three days of its release, footfalls started receding from Monday onwards. I can only say that the film has been falling noticeably at the box-office. We will have a few shows of the film here and there for another two weeks.”

Says a trade analyst on condition of anonymity, “Yes, the film was ideally
targeted to gross between Rs 1.2 to Rs 1.3 billion, but that was not to be. Though the film‘s performance in India is poor, the result of the English and the Spanish versions has yet to come in. Nothing is over yet. There‘s still time. It‘s better to wait and watch.”

The film will find fresh competition with the release of Prakash Jha and UTV Motion Pictures‘ Rajneeti this week.

Meanwhile, Prince of Persia, that opened last Friday, has had a bumper opening in major metros. “It registered 70 to 80 per cent occupancy in its first weekend and is bound to do good business in the coming weeks,” discloses Kapur.

On the other hand, Paramount‘s Shrek Forever After continued to attract audiences even in its second week. “Though the opening was not as expected for a franchise as big as ‘Shrek‘, the film recorded footfalls between 40 and 50 per cent all throughout the first week,” notes Kapur.

MUMBAI: Cinepolis, the country‘s first international film exhibitor, has tied-up with Sheth Developers, a leading real estate and property company, for its new upcoming mega retail space, Vivacity.

The proposed property situated in Thane will feature a 14-screen megaplex touted to be the largest cinema complex in the country. Four of these screens will be dedicated to Cinepolis VIP, a luxurious and ultra premium cinema experience that will also be the largest format of its kind in India. The mall and the megaplex is expected to be open in the second half of 2011.

The fully digital cinema facility will showcase over 70 shows in a single day offering patrons with unprecedented flexibility in choice of film titles and choice of show timings.

Said Cinepolis India joint MD Deepak Marda, “We look forward to our participation in the project with our flagship‘s first of its kind theatre concept that will establish new standards for cinemas in the country and transform the way we watch movies.”

The complex will feature wide and expansive lobbies, gourmet food and beverage selections including the concept of a live kitchen, auditoriums and the very latest in audio and video technologies including the emerging digital 3-D format screens.

Sheth Developers VP leasing and finance JP Biswas added, “Our partnership with Cinepolis reiterates Vivacity‘s commitment towards bringing not only the best brands but also world-class entertainment to our customers. We look forward to Cinepolis India bringing its international lineage in delivering world class film entertainment to cine enthusiasts.”

Cinepolis plans to open 500 screens in India by 2016.
 

MUMBAI: The Hollywood-Bollywood coalition against piracy has started gaining wings.

Earlier raids against pirates were only conducted in Maharashtra, more specifically in Mumbai and suburbs. Now raids are being conducted in the interiors of Maharashtra and the neighbouring state of Gujarat.

Recently, police across Maharashtra and Gujarat conducted several raids across Mumbai, Buldana, Vadodara and Surat and uncovered 41,713 pirated discs including multiple DVD prints of recent Hollywood and Bollywood releases like Kites, Iron Man 2, Shrek 4 and Badmaash Company.

The Mumbai police conducted multiple raids across Mumbai and seized close to 8,755 pirated discs. In a raid conducted by a joint team of 12 members from the SS Branch (PI Kane) and AA Khan & Associates in Chembur, 4,500 discs were recovered from six stalls in the area. In a similar raid, the Powai Police Station seized close to 1,800 DVDs. 

Commented AA Khan, “Piracy is a serious offence and one which is rampant within major parts of the city. We along with Mumbai Police are dedicated to the cause of arresting the increase of such activities. However, the job of the police is nullified since the common man goes and purchases movies from such pirates. People need to remember that besides denying the creators of the content their fair share, the proceeds from such sales fund several illegal activities including terrorism in India and abroad.”

Simultaneous raids conducted by Nallasopara and Mira Road Police stations unearthed 350 pirated discs.

In Buldana, the United Copyright Protection Association (UCPA) conducted a where the team seized 15,000 pirated DVDs, 3,000 inlay cards and one burner with nine in-built DVD writers. The material is said to be worth Rs 250 million.

The first raid in Gujarat was conducted in Vadodara by the police along with UCPA that resulted in the seizure of 14,953 pirated DVDs and 10 DVD writers worth Rs 500,000. The second raid conducted in Surat yeilded 1,960 pirated CDs and DVDs.

MUMBAI: As the International Indian Film Academy gears up to commemorate its second glorious decade of celebration, India‘s biggest cinema stars are ready to descend onto Colombo from 3-5 June, 2010.

The Videocon IIFA Weekend and the Micromax IIFA Awards is being hosted by the Sri Lankan Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB).

Star TV will once again showcase the Micromax IIFA Awards globally. Co-sponsor Panasonic will to promote green products at the event. Sri Lankan Airlines will be partnering IIFA as the official airlines partner. The literacy partner for IIFA 2010 is Linc Pens. Reebok is the apparel sponsor for the IIFA Foundation Cricket Match. Western Union has also come on board as the official money transfer partner.

IIFA 2010 will host the IIFA Foundation Celebrity Cricket Match, in support of Unicef‘s ‘Cricket for Children‘ project, to be played between India‘s top cinema stars and Sri Lankan cricketers. Mandira Bedi, Chunky Pandey and Javed Jaffrey will host the match.

3 June will see the trend-setting IIFA Foundation Fashion Extravaganza which will be a trail blazer event in Colombo, with Indian and Sri Lankan fashion designers showcasing their collections. The stylish duo Viveik Oberoi and Dia Mirza will host the trendy night. The IIFA Foundation Fashion Extravaganza will be spread over two days and is of special significance as it supports the IIFA Foundation. The Foundation is a charity organization that was set up by the IIFA Academy to support families of the film industry workers who have been adversely affected during the production of films.

This year, ‘IIFA Fashion Rocks‘ will feature Indian designers Manish Malhotra and Vikram Phadnis and leading Sri Lankan designers Yoland and Kanchana (KT Brown). The Manish Malhotra collection is inspired from textures of the Mughal period influenced by the British Raj, albeit they will retain a contemporary perspective. While the collection by Vikram Phadnis, specially created for the IIFA Fashion Extravaganza, will have an influence of costumes and styles inspired by Indian films through the years. Sri Lankan designer Yoland‘s collection will feature pieces depicting the Sri Lankan traditional mask and floral designs inspired from the country.

The second night of the IIFA Foundation Fashion Extravaganza – IIFA Bling will feature celebrity showcases by designers, Rocky S and Nandita Mahtani. The collection by Rocky S includes classy suits with a twist, creating an old English school feel. Nandita Mahtani‘s line will consist of evening wear, appealing to women of all ages. The night is sure to dazzle audiences as the Indian film fraternity walks the ramp.

A special preview of upcoming film Lamhaa will be showcased at the Videocon IIFA Weekend. The thriller film which is written and directed by Rahul Dholakia, stars Bipasha Basu, Sanjay Dutt, Anupam Kher and Kunal Kapoor. It is a story on terrorism and militancy, set in Kashmir. Lamhaa stars, Sanjay Dutt and Bipasha Basu are set to toss the coin to determine the side playing first at the IIFA Charity Cricket Match.

The films, Help starring Mugdha Godse and Bobby Deol and Knock Out, starring Irfan Khan, Kangana Ranaut and Sanjay Dutt are also set to provide media with their first peek during the Videocon IIFA Weekend.

Speaking on the association with the IIFA, Videocon Industries director Anirudh Dhoot said, “We are delighted to partner with the IIFA and present the Videocon IIFA Weekend for the second consecutive year. The Videocon brand has evolved over the past year to emerge as a vibrant convergence of next-generation entertainment, convenience and communication. The Videocon IIFA Weekend is an extravaganza that brings together and showcases Indian entertainment on a global platform and presents us the perfect opportunity to celebrate our brand evolution amidst India‘s colourful cultural diaspora.”

MUMBAI:Mel Gibson-starrer Edge of Darkness has been released all over India on 25 June nationwide.

The emotionally-charged thriller directed by Martin Campbell (Casino Royale fame) sees the return of Mel Gibson on the silver screen after eight years. Set at the intersection of politics and big business, the film also stars Ray Winstone, Danny Huston, Bojana Novakovic and Shawn Roberts.

PVR joint MD Sanjeev Kumar Bijli said, “We are excited about our latest Hollywood offering. It is a powerful movie with a distinctive storyline coupled with some amazing performances.”

PVR has earlier released movies like Twilight series and Remember Me.

The story of the film is about Thomas Craven (Gibson) who is a veteran homicide detective for the Boston Police Department and a single father. When his only child, 24-year-old Emma (Bojana Novakovic), is murdered on the steps of his house, everyone assumes that he was the target, but he soon suspects otherwise and embarks on a mission to find out about his daughter‘s secret life and her killing.

His investigation leads him into a dangerous, looking-glass world of corporate cover-ups, government collusion and murder and to shadowy government operative Darius Jedburgh (Ray Winstone), who has been sent in to clean up the evidence. Craven‘s solitary search for answers about his daughter‘s death transforms into an odyssey of emotional discovery and redemption.

The film is based on the BAFTA Award-winning BBC mini-series of the same name.

“Someone suggested the possibility of making it into a film about five years ago. I thought it was a great idea. I always felt that it was a very powerful story: a father loses his daughter and goes on a journey of discovery not only to find out who killed her and why but also who she really was,” reveals Campbell.

PVR Pictures has released the film in association with GK Films Production.

MUMBAI: Madhur Bhandarkar‘s upcoming documentary Village of Widows is stuck within the corridors of the Censor Board (CB). After the first viewing of the documentary, CB officials had raised their eyebrows on two important portions of the film and referred the film to its Reviewing Committee.

On its part, the committee staunchly asked for two major portions to be chopped off for it to get a clearance certificate. One is the footage of slain former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto giving an anti-India speech and propagating terrorism against India by which she advocates the need of freedom of Kashmir from India. The other one is where the Indian national flag is shown being burnt in Kashmir. 

Questions director Ashoke Pandit, “None of the said footage is a figment of anybody‘s imagination or work of fiction. I copied the footage from TV grabs and inserted it in my film. These scenes are only a repeat of what occurred earlier. Tomorrow, if some film incorporates the effects of the dastardly acts of the Maoists, would they ask for the scenes to be deleted?”

Village of Widows is based in a small village Kubwara located atop a mountain on the Indian side of the Indo-Pak border. This village has only widows and orphans as all the men have been abducted and taken across the border to take part in anti-Indian activities and become terrorists, Pandit says.

“While the women there resort to begging or indulge in all sorts of illicit activities to make their living, the children are mere spectators of the hapless conditions all around,” Pandit reveales.

“The main cause of my making the film was to make people aware of the ground realities. By this, I wanted some organisation to adopt these 150 odd orphans and guide them the right way lest they turn against the country when they grow up,” adds Bhandarkar.

Pandit says, “We have made this documentary with a cause and come what may, I will not allow any of the scenes to be deleted.”
 

MUMBAI: After the success of its first co-production Love Aaj Kal, Eros International has once again teamed up with Illuminati Films for their next film Agent Vinod.

Directed by Shriram Raghavan, Agent Vinod, an action adventure, starring Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor is being shot across various locales in Mumbai, Morocco, Amsterdam, London, Prague and New Delhi.

Says Eros International Media managing director Sunil Lulla, “‘We are very excited to once again join hands with Saif Ali Khan and Dinesh Vijan to co-produce Agent Vinod. After the very successful alliance on Love Aaj Kal, we are confident that the film will be a slick-treat for audiences with Shriram Raghavan at the helm.”

Adds Vijan, “With our first alliance with Eros, we found great partners in Sunil and Kishore who supported our vision completely. While Love Aaj Kal had a successful run at the box-office, we hope to repeat the same with Agent Vinod.”