Category: International

Mumbai: Tale padre, tale figlio (Like father, like son). O no? Lionsgate’s upcoming theatrical About My Father starring Robert De Niro and Sebastian Maniscalco is the whimsical tale of a father-son duo that are nothing alike. Torn between impressing his fiance’s parents and leaving his father alone on fourth July, a son decides his best bet is bringing the two together. However, when Italian meets American; chaos is sure to ensue. Full of hilarious instances and riotous moments, About My Father is set to hit your screens on 26 May 2023. Inspired by the true story of Sebastian Maniscalco and his father Salvo Maniscalco, the film also sees Leslie Bibb and Kim Catrall in titular roles.  

Talking about his early days in the US, Sebastian Maniscalco’s real-life father, Salvo Maniscalco said, “I came to the United States, from Sicily, when I was 15 years old. School really wasn’t for me, so I told my father, who was a barber, that I wanted to be a hairdresser. So, I’ve been working as a hairdresser since the age of 18.”

Giving a sweet tribute to his father, lead actor Sebastian Maniscalco said, “Salvo has been instrumental in my career. He’s been supportive as my biggest fan and critic. We’ve had this journey together, starting during my high school years, when we shared a passion for soccer. Then, once I became a stand-up (comedian), he jumped onto that. Salvo’s still vocal on what he likes and dislikes about my act. Now, he’s joined me on this journey with ‘About My Father.’” Salvo quickly added, “I’m the consultant on the film. I was on set to make sure they were doing justice to me!”

Of course, with the casting of Robert De Niro as Salvo, the elder Maniscalco had nothing to worry about – “Obviously, De Niro was my number one choice for the role of Salvo, and when we learned he was interested, we were like, ‘wow,’” remembered Sebastian.

Helmed by Laura Terruso and written by Austen Earl and Sebastian Maniscalco, the movie will be released by Lionsgate and PVRINOX Pictures.

Mumbai: Cinépolis, the cinema chain and the first international cinema exhibitor in India, associates with Coca-Cola and Universal Pictures for an exclusive movie spot promoting an upcoming worldwide release of Fast X on 18 May 2023. The spot is designed to build excitement among patrons and create anticipation for the latest volume in the Fast and Furious franchise.

The exclusive spot, shot specifically for Cinépolis & releasing worldwide, features fast-paced action scenes from the movie, as well as appearances from some of the film’s stars such as Vin Diesel and Jason Momoa. The spot emphasises the extraordinary experience offered by Cinepolis and Coca-Cola for moviegoers while watching the latest blockbuster on the big screen.

“We are very excited to partner with Coca-Cola and Universal Pictures to bring an exclusive movie spot with the latest chapter of Fast X franchise releasing worldwide for our patrons,” said Cinépolis India CEO Devang Sampat. “At Cinépolis, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to enhance the movie-going experience, and this partnership is a testament to that commitment.”

The partnership between Cinépolis, Universal Pictures and Coca-Cola highlights the strengths of each company. Cinépolis is known for its high-quality cinema experience, Universal Pictures is one of the most successful movie studios in the world, and Coca-Cola is one of the world’s leading beverage companies.

“We are happy to collaborate with Universal Pictures and Cinépolis to promote the release of Fast X,” said Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia senior director customer & commercial leadership Abhishek Gupta. “This exclusive movie spot with Fast X provides moviegoers with a distinctive yet exciting experience, and we are proud to be a part of it. Our global partnership with Cinepolis in 20 countries is a special one and we’re glad it can result in such unique collaborations.”

“We are delighted to team up with equally committed brands like Cinépolis and Coca-Cola to provide a memorable experience to their customers. With the release of the highly anticipated Fast X, the latest volume of The Fast & Furious Franchise, we are confident to exceed the expectation of the fans. It is an action-packed thriller movie with a star-studded cast such as Vin Diesel, Jason Momoa, Jordana Brewster, John Cena, and others. We look forward to seeing the excitement build as we approach the release on 18 May, and we encourage fans to mark their calendars for an experience they won’t forget.” said Warner Bros. Pictures India VP & MD Denzil Dias.”

The exclusive spot for Fast X is set to be showcased in Cinépolis theaters worldwide, creating an excitement among Cinépolis patrons in the lead-up to the movie’s release.

Mumbai: After making waves globally for its impeccable storytelling and phenomenal starcast, Ben Affleck’s directorial biographical drama, AIR is all set for its India release on Prime Video. The Matt Damon and Affleck starrer film offers a rare glimpse into the story of basketball legend Michael Jordan who served as the inspiration for the iconic Air Jordan sneakers. The film offers a unique perspective on the creation of the iconic shoe and the inception of sneaker culture that followed.

Describing how Michael Jordan was elemental to the creation of AIR Jordan, and subsequently to the film, actor, director and producer Ben Affleck said, “AIR is not Michael Jordan’s story, but there is no story without him. I would not have made this movie without first reaching out to him. And I’m grateful to Michael for sharing what was important to him. His presence and influence is felt throughout the film, though we don’t see his face. Because he is such an icon–an undisputedly important and meaningful figure.”

Matt Damon plays maverick Nike executive Sonny Vaccaro and Affleck plays Nike co-founder Phil Knight, the film also stars Jason Bateman, Chris Messina, Chris Tucker and Viola Davis in pivotal roles. Directed by Ben Affleck, and from Amazon Studios, Skydance Sports, Mandalay Pictures, and the first project from Affleck and Matt Damon’s Artists Equity, will stream on 12 May exclusively on Prime Video.

Mumbai: Bringing you the perfect blend of action and comedy, Lionsgate Play presents Operation Fortune: Ruse De Guerre. Headlined by your favorite stars including Hugh Grant, Aubrey Plaza, Jason Statham, Bugzy Malone, this spy thriller is here to give you the undercover experience of a lifetime on 5 May 2023 exclusively on Lionsgate Play in India. Putting together his best team of operatives they take on the charmingly villainous billionaire, Greg Simmonds played by the dreamy Hugh Grant. From excitement and intrigue to anticipation and fear this Guy Ritchie film delivers unexpected twists on run-of-the-mill spy movies. 

Talking about his inspiration for the action-comedy, Ritchie said, “We had the idea to do a spy film about eight months prior to the start of production. In preparation, we watched every action and spy film we could get our hands on. I didn’t like our initial premise, so I started again. After I wrote a new scene, which now opens our story, I knew what the tone of the movie would be, and I liked it.”

“We wanted to do something different with the genre,” said producer & co-screenwriter Ivan Atkinson. “Most spy films fall into one or two categories: they’re either a spoof or they take themselves very seriously. We wanted to find a middle ground.” he added

Mumbai: The Writers Guild of America (WGA), has voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if no new labor agreement is reached by 1 May. The WGA represents writers for movies, television and streaming services and a potential strike could bring the production of many shows and films to a halt affecting audiences worldwide.

The vote showed an overwhelming majority, with 97.9 per cent of participating union members voting to approve a potential strike.

The union said that it needs to make substantial changes to the way writers are compensated, given the shift towards streaming services. Writers have suffered during the streaming boom due to shorter seasons and smaller residuals. The Guild is calling for additional compensation and residuals from features on streaming platforms and increasing contributions to pension and health funds.

“Over the past decade, the companies embraced business practices that slashed our compensation and undermined our working conditions,” the Guild wrote on 3 April on Twitter. “We are asking to restore writer pay and conditions to reflect our value to this industry. The survival of our profession is at stake.”

The Guild is also asking studios to establish standards around the use of artificial intelligence (AI). It wants the use of AI regulated, in terms of material created for the studios. With the rise of AI technology, the WGA wants to ensure that writers are properly compensated for their contributions and that their intellectual property rights are protected.

“A strike authorization vote has always been part of the WGA’s plan, announced before the parties even exchanged proposals,” in a statement from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which is negotiating on behalf of management. “Its inevitable ratification should come as no surprise to anyone.” The AMPTP is calling for writers to make concessions, saying that the entertainment industry has changed in recent years.

AMPTP represents Amazon, Apple, CBS, Disney, NBCU, Netflix, Paramount Global, Sony, and CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery.

The strike, if it proceeds, would be the first in the industry since 2007, when a strike lasted 100 days and cost the California economy an estimated $2.1 billion.

In addition, if the strike lasted for an extended period, it could lead to significant delays in the release of new content. In turn, this could have a ripple effect on other parts of the industry, such as advertising revenue, which is often tied to the release of new programming. As a result, networks and studios may be less inclined to take risks on new shows, which could ultimately limit the diversity and creativity of the content available to audiences. This could lead to layoffs, reduced budgets and ultimately, a reduction in the number of shows and films produced each year.

Such cuts could have lasting effects on the industry, leading to a decline in the quality and quantity of content available to audiences worldwide.

For global audiences, a WGA strike could mean that they may not have access to their favorite American shows and movies for an extended period. This could be particularly frustrating for those who rely on American content to learn English or to stay connected to American culture.

Additionally, streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon and Disney, may have to rely on content from other countries to fill the gaps left by the strike. While this could be an opportunity to promote international programming, it could also lead to a lack of access to American content, which has traditionally been popular among global audiences.

“Three weeks is plenty of time to hammer out a deal, negotiations in 2017 went right down to the wire,” the industry insider commented on the looming 1 May deadline.

The WGA-AMPTP negotiation is the first of three contract negotiations with entertainment unions. The Directors Guild of America will start negotiations on 10 May ahead of their contract expiration on 30 June. The Screen Actors Guild contract also expires 30 June.

The author of this article is John Scholz

Mumbai: Walt Disney Co. plans to cut thousands of jobs next week, including about 15 per cent of the staff in its entertainment division. 

The cuts will span TV, film, theme parks and corporate teams, affecting every region where Disney operates. Some affected workers will be notified as early as 24 April. 

Mumbai: MX Player’s line-up of international shows for April 2023 is sure to take you on an enjoyable adventure. From historical dramas to heartwarming comedies, the upcoming Chinese and Korean dramas from around the world will surely entertain you. Get ready to immerse yourself in the stories of strong characters navigating love, loss, and everything in between. Sit back, relax and enjoy MX VDesi’s enticing April 2023 slate.

First April – Fall in Love (2021)  

‘Fall in Love’ (2021) is an enthralling Chinese drama that revolves around Mu Wan Qing (Jingyi Zhang), who returns to China to lay her mother’s ashes to rest. However, her true motive is to unravel the mystery behind her family’s tragic past. In her quest, she befriends two intriguing men: Tan Xuan Lin, a daring commander playing a dangerous game, and Xu Guang Yao, a revered son of a Commander who abhors political power struggles. Despite their differences, they form an unlikely alliance and delve deeper into the mystery, facing perilous challenges that test their loyalty and courage. With a coup d’état wreaking havoc on the Shanghai army, the trio realizes that they must set aside their personal struggles and unite to safeguard their country. ‘Fall in Love’ explores how love, friendship, and patriotism can unite individuals from diverse backgrounds in times of adversity. This gripping series with its intricate plot, complex characters, and poignant moments will leave you on the edge of your seat. Watch ‘Fall in Love’ on MX Player in Hindi from the first April 2023.

Fifth April – The Lady in Dignity

‘The Lady in Dignity’ follows the lives of two women with conflicting views – Woo-A-Jin (Kim Hee-Sun) and Park Bok Ja (Sun-ah Kim). In the midst of a wealthy yet dysfunctional family, Woo-A Jin is a dutiful daughter-in-law living a luxurious life. But her world comes crashing down when she hires a new caretaker, Park Bok-Ja, who seduces her ailing father-in-law and becomes his wife, leaving the family in disbelief. With multiple layers of complexity, it delves deep into the intricacies of the societal class system, showcasing the rise of one woman from the bottom to the top, while the other falls from grace. This juicy drama takes a jab at the hypocrisy of the supposedly elegant upper class, exposing their inelegance and flaws. A captivating tale of power, manipulation, and betrayal, prep up to witness how seemingly perfect life can unravel and how one’s status can be both a blessing and a curse. The Korean drama is set to stream in Hindi on MX Player from fifth April onwards.

Eighth April – My Debate Opponent season two

Prep up for an epic showdown in the world of debating with the popular sequel to the 2019 Chinese hit series ‘My Debate Opponent Season two’. This time, the story revolves around a group of unlikely debaters thrown together by a group of unscrupulous teachers looking to rig an inter-school debating competition. The team comprises headstrong Xiao Yu (Wu Jiayi) and the rudderless Nan Bei, (Zilu Zhai) Despite the low expectations of their teachers, the team quickly discovers a way to blend their diverse skills and become a formidable debating force. But the scheme of the manipulative school principal threatens to derail their newfound success. Will the young debaters be able to rise above the challenges and prove themselves on the most prestigious debating platform of all? A thrilling ride filled with unexpected twists and turns, ‘Hello Debate Opponent Season two’ explores the power of teamwork, determination, and the unbreakable human spirit. Catch the series on MX Player in Hindi from eight April onwards.

12 April – The Song of Glory

Experience political turmoil, power struggles, and romance in ‘The Song of Glory’, a 2020 historical drama directed by Li Hui Zhu and Deng Wei En. Prince Peng Cheng, Liu Yikang (Qin Hao) introduced political reforms to restore order in the Liu Song dynasty but faced opposition from powerful aristocrats. With few allies, he agrees to marry Shen Li Ge (Li Qin), the brilliant daughter of the powerful Shen family with deep military roots. Together, they face corrupt and powerful clans, using their intelligence and strength to succeed. Witness the struggles of a young prince fighting for his people and a couple striving to restore peace and love to their nation. Will they succeed, or will their efforts be in vain? The Song of Glory streams on MX Player in Hindi from 12th April onwards.

19 April – Court Lady

Step into the lavish world of China’s Tang dynasty with Court Lady, a captivating Chinese drama that tells the love story of Sheng Chu Mu (Xu Kai) and Fu Rou (Li Yi Tong). Sheng Chu Mu, the eldest son of a prestigious military family, has always lived a life of luxury and indulgence. Known as the biggest playboy in the capital city of Chang’an, he finds himself in trouble yet again and decides to escape to Guangzhou with a friend. There, he meets Fu Rou, the daughter of a local merchant, and is instantly smitten by her stunning beauty. But their love story is not without its challenges as they navigate the complexities of societal expectations and familial obligations. As both the characters embark on a journey of romance and self-discovery, viewers are transported to a bygone era of opulence, political intrigue, and forbidden love. Will Sheng Chu Mu and Fu Rou’s love withstand the tests of time and circumstance? Tune into MX Player to unravel the secrets as ‘Court Lady’ streams in Hindi from 19th April.

26 April- Novoland: Eagle Flag

Prepare to be transported to a world of adventure, romance, and power struggles with Novoland: Eagle Flag, an enthralling Chinese costume drama. Set in a time of chaos and darkness, the story follows the lives of three young heroes, Lu Gui Chen, Ji Ye, and Yu Ran, fighting against a tyrannical warlord and other ominous forces. Lu Gui Chen, the heir to the nomadic Qingyang tribe, is sent to the Eastern Land as a hostage. There, he befriends Ji Ye, an illegitimate son who aspires to become a warrior, and Yu Ran, a princess from the Winged tribe. As they bond together, romantic feelings emerge but their idyllic lives are soon threatened by the iron-fisted rule of warlord Ying Wu Yi, who has a stronghold over the emperor and the nobles. The trio decides to join forces and challenge Ying Wu Yi at Shangyang Pass, but they don’t know that an even more sinister plot is unfolding. Will Lu Gui Chen, Ji Ye, and Yu Ran defeat the ruthless warlord and overcome the dark forces threatening their world? Find out as ‘Novoland: Eagle Flag’ streams on MX Player in Hindi from 26 April onwards.