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Category: Movies

  • ‘Ludo’ makers trademark the film title, create history

    ‘Ludo’ makers trademark the film title, create history

    MUMBAI: Bengali cinema’s controversial duo, Nikon and Q are ready with their latest film – Ludo. A film entering the unchartered territory of fantasy thrillers, the movie is bound to both – shock and leave audiences awestruck – with its brand new storytelling.

    The makers of the movie have gone ahead and applied for registering the film’s title Ludo as a trademark, as an entertainment idea after sensing its strong potential of building a franchise around the movie/concept.

    Idyabooster co-producer Nandini Mansinghka says, “To acquire/own a film title, one needs to register it with a film association, in this case we have done with EIMPA (Eastern Indian Motion Pictures Association). But that’s not enough in case of a dispute. If one trademarks the title, which is registering it with the government, it protects our interest and refrain others in the country from using it (in that category) as a film name.”

    The film features the sensuous Rii Sen, Joyraj, Subholina, Ronodeep, Ananya and Soumendra. Q and Nikon are already looking forward to a sequel, especially after the strong buzz the film has created at Cannes Festival this year.

  • Discovery Communications bags two Apollo Award

    Discovery Communications bags two Apollo Award

    NEW DELHI: Three entries from India including two from Discovery Communications India featured in the award-winners list of the 2014 Apollo Awards organised by Asia Image.

     

    Discovery Communications India bagged two awards for the same programme – ‘Himalayan Tsunami’ produced by Beach House Pictures. It received the awards for Colour Grading by Karen Ng and Sound Design category- Long Form by Jerry Teo.

     

    The third Indian award went to Merzin Tavaria and Alex Pejic for Visual Effects/ CGI – Long Form for two films ‘White House Down’ by Prime Focus.

     

    The awards were given away last night at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, alongside BroadcastAsia at the 19th International Digital Multimedia & Entertainment Technology Exhibition & Conference. 

     

    Out of 165 submissions received, 42 entries made the final cut after being judged by a panel of judges that combines extensive technical knowledge, critically acclaimed creativity, and years of experience in the media and entertainment industry. The results are tabulated and audited by international auditing firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers. 

     

    Seven Indian entries had been shortlisted. While ‘Kai Po Che!’ had been shortlisted for Colour Grading for Merzin Tavaria and Paresh Acharya of Prime Focus, Discovery Communications India made it to the list for Cinematography – Long Form for Sanjay Agarwal filming ‘Everest: India Army Women’s Expedition’ produced by Robin Roy Films. The other Indian entries were: Sandeep Shelar & Ashok in Art Direction for ‘Ixigo’ by Studio Eeksaurus Productions Pvt. Ltd; and Merzin Tavaria for Visual Effects/ CGI – Long Form for ‘The Great Gatsby’ by Prime Focus. 

    “We will continue to evolve and remain relevant to provide industry players with a driving force that truly celebrates excellent performance. All our winners have made major contributions towards their respective fields, and we are proud to honour their achievements,” said Apollo Awards organiser Raymond Wong.

    “Also, we thank our sponsors and partners for your generosity and contributions. The Awards wouldn’t have been so momentous without your kind support, endorsement and presence,” added Wong.

    The ceremony brought together around 150 industry professionals, who celebrated the joyous occasion with all the award winners. First launched in 2005, the Asia Image Apollo Awards is an initiative aimed at honouring the best in production and post-production across Asia Pacific, with a strong focus on the creative and technical mastery behind the scenes.

  • HDFC Life extends association with ‘Hawaa Hawaai’

    HDFC Life extends association with ‘Hawaa Hawaai’

    MUMBAI: HDFC Life, has extended its association with Hindi film ‘Hawaa Hawaai,’ directed by Amole Gupte and presented by Fox Star Studios, by sponsoring the education of the four children featured in the movie, who come from financially challenged backgrounds.

     

    HDFC Life senior executive vice president and head, marketing, products, digital & e-commerce Sanjay Tripathy said, “As a brand, we have always propagated ‘Independence and Self respect’ or ‘Sar Utha Ke Jiyo,’ as a way of life. In line with our brand philosophy, we were very keen to ensure that the four children featured in the movie receive quality education and any other vocational or co-curricular training required to help them build a sound foundation. We, in association with Aseema Charitable Trust, a Mumbai based NGO working for the rights of underprivileged children, are sponsoring the school education of the four financially challenged children featured in the movie.”

     

    For the three children studying in municipal schools, the sponsorship would include all educational material, complete school uniform, participation in co-curricular activities such as art, sports, computers, etc., extra classes and remedial help within and outside school hours, counseling if required, a nutritious meal in school every day. “For the fourth student studying in another school, this would include school fees, expenses for uniform and educational material and any tuition or after school support required,” added Tripathy.

     

    Fox Star Studios India CEO Vijay Singh said, “Hawaa Hawaai is a very special film for us. Amole Gupte’s magical film touched the hearts of the people of the country and we are thankful to all our partners specially HDFC Life for believing in Amole’s dream as we did and supporting it with the way they have. It’s a very special relationship that we shall continue to cherish.”

     

    Gupte concluded, “On behalf of Salman Chhote Khan, Ashfaque Khan, Maaman Memon and Thirupathi Kushnapelli, I thank HDFC Life for sparing a thought for their well being by supporting their education at Santacruz Municipal School and St. Elias High.”

  • Warner Bros plans a Scooby Doo reboot film

    Warner Bros plans a Scooby Doo reboot film

    MUMBAI: Deadline Hollywood reports that Warner Bros is in the early stages of launching a new Scooby-Doo film. Warner Bros. studio made a live-action comedy Scooby Doo in 2002 directed by Raja Gosnell based on the classic Hanna-Barbera cartoon series. The film starred Freddie Prinze Jr, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard, Linda Cardellini and Isla Fisher as the young sleuths. The plot revolves around Mystery Incorporated, a five member group who solves mysteries. After a two-year disbandment, the group reunites to investigate a mystery on a popular horror resort.

     

    The film grossed $268 million worldwide, and Warner Bros and Gosnell made a sequel two years later Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed in 2004 which starred Jackson Rathbone, Seth Greene and Alicia Silverstone in addition to the original cast members.

     

    No further details have been released so far about the planned reboot, except Charles Roven will return to being producer , just like he was for the two aforementioned films.

  • 61st Idea Filmfare Awards 2013 to be held in July

    61st Idea Filmfare Awards 2013 to be held in July

    MUMBAI: The 61st Idea Filmfare Awards 2013 (south) will be held at the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (Nehru Indoor Stadium), Chennai on 12 July 2014. It is expected to be an evening where the luminaries of Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada cinema come together to celebrate and honour the best in their fields.

     

    The Filmfare Awards have always strived for a perfect balance of public opinion and critical appreciation. This year too Filmfare readers and movie buffs around the world have already voted for their favourites across 10 categories in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam films. The list of nominees will be chosen after carefully tabulating the data from the vote count. Subsequently, a specially-appointed jury will pick the winners from among the nominees, in each regional category.

     

    Speaking on the announcement Worldwide Media chief executive officer Tarun Rai said, “We are proud of our 60 years association with south Indian cinema. And in these years the industry here has grown tremendously. From just a handful of films in the initial years we have over 607 films competing to get the, much sought after, Black Lady this year.”

     

    Commenting on the association with the property Idea Cellular chief corporate affairs officer Rajat Mukarji said, “In the sixth year of our association, we will once again honour and recognise talent from diverse southern film industry. Idea is a champion brand in AP and Kerala and a strong challenger brand in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with 25 per cent of our subscribers coming from these markets. The Idea Filmfare Awards South gives us an unique opportunity to connect with our millions of consumers with innovative marketing and engagement programs.”

     

    The first Filmfare Awards (south) were held at the prestigious Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai and the venue was then shifted to the distinctive Music Academy. Initially, only Tamil and Telugu films were considered for the awards, but Malayalam and Kannada films became part of the event in 1966 and 1969 respectively. The film fraternity and all its fans consider Filmfare Awards (south) as the ultimate form of recognition in cinema excellence. The thought of winning a Black Lady is still as alluring as ever.

  • Big B sponsors coaching of women athletes for Commonwealth, World Championship and Asian Games

    Big B sponsors coaching of women athletes for Commonwealth, World Championship and Asian Games

    NEW DELHI: Global cinema icon and champion of various social causes Amitabh Bachchan has decided to sponsor the training and coaching of two female sportspersons for the upcoming Commonwealth, World Championship and Asian Games in 2014.

     

    As UN ambassador of girl child, Bachchan has often taken initiatives towards the betterment of society such Polio Eradication and ridding the country of the malaise of discrimination against women.

     

    The megastar has sponsored women athletes Ayonika Paul and Pooja Ghatkar (both Rifle Shooting) as part of the Medals4India campaign initiated by the NGO Olympic Gold Quest. Olympic Gold Quest is a program of the Foundation of Sports And Games (founded in 2001) started by Indian sporting icons to identify and support Indian athletes with a proven track record and with a potential to win Olympic gold medals. 

     

    These athletes will be participating in the upcoming Commonwealth, World Championship, and Asian Games in 2014, the main goal being to help them win at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The funds will help with their training and equipment in preparation for their respective competitions.

  • Documentary on Francois Truffaut’s ‘Cinema according to Hitchcock’ to be produced

    Documentary on Francois Truffaut’s ‘Cinema according to Hitchcock’ to be produced

    NEW DELHI: A feature documentary is set to be produced based on the recordings that led to fame of filmmaker Francois Truffaut’s internationally acclaimed 1966 book ‘Cinema according to Hitchcock.’

     

    Cohen Media Group, Artline Films and Arte have partnered to produce Hitchcock/Truffaut, to be directed by Kent Jones (A Letter to Elia, Director of the New York Film Festival) and co-written by Jones and Serge Toubiana (Director of Cinematheque Francaise).  An American-French co-production, it will be released in the spring of 2015. Cohen Media Group will handle world-wide sales.

     

    The film will journey through the extensive series of conversations between master filmmaker of mystery and horror films Alfred Hitchcock and Truffaut, illustrating their love for filmmaking and demonstrating their impact on modern world cinema.

     

    Legendary scenes from Hitchcock’s films intercut with comment and opinion from contemporary filmmakers will reinforce his iconic stature as one of the most influential directors of our time.

     

     “For me, in many ways, cinema began with Francois Truffaut’s book about Alfred Hitchcock,” said Jones. “For me, and for many others, the book was more than formative – it was essential and direct. I was so excited when I was offered the chance to make this film, an inquiry into the adventure and excitement of directing films, of translating felt emotions into moving images.”

     

    Since its publication, the book has been dubbed the “Bible of cinema” by many international filmmakers. The film will feature interviews and accounts from some of the most prominent and influential directors in the world of cinema including Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, James Gray, Brian De Palma, Wes Anderson, Richard Linklater, Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Olivier Assayas, Arnaud Desplechin and David Fincher. These directors will share how “Hitchcock/Truffaut” shaped their careers, transformed cinema and introduced the French New Wave and “New Hollywood” to the world.

     

     Segments from the 1962 original recordings between the two filmmakers will also feature, allowing audiences to hear candid discussions between Hitchcock and Truffaut and to witness, first- hand, this quintessential moment in cinematic history.

  • Hugh Grant gives details on his new rom-com at SIFF

    Hugh Grant gives details on his new rom-com at SIFF

    MUMBAI: British actor Hugh Grant addressed the Shanghai International Film Festival press contingent on 15 June about his latest movie The Rewrite. Grant plays the role of a screenwriter in the Marc Lawrence-directed movie which will be screened at this year’s festival.

     

    The Rewrite is the story of a screenwriter named Keith Michaels who at one time was very successful and won a Golden Globe. His career is in a terrible place after 15 years and he ends up teaching in a university in New York.

     

    There he meets Holly, a single mom with two jobs, trying to earn her bachelor’s degree. She helps to change his attitude towards teaching. “It’s not exactly a romantic comedy,” Grant said at the contingent. “There is romance, and it certainly is a comedy, but I would say its closer to About A Boy. It’s really about a man who seems completely lost and who discovers a new life.”

     

    Grant has starred in three other films directed by Lawrence, Did You Hear About the Morgans?, Music & Lyrics and Two Weeks Notice. Grant is popular with movie fans in China for his roles in romantic comedies like Love Actually, Notting Hill, Bridget Jones’s Diary and more.

     

    Grant won a Golden Globe Award for his role in Four Weddings and a Funeral.

  • Movies go unnoticed this week at BO

    Movies go unnoticed this week at BO

    MUMBAI: This week saw a number of inconsequential films which had no draw and meant total lack of creativity. The highly-publicised Fugly directed by  third time helmer Kabir Sadanand managed to collect Rs 6.5 crore over the weekend. Described as a comedy, it was nowhere near being one – it rather resorted to hyperbole, hoping it would make us laugh! But it failed miserably as my lips were not curled upwards even during one scene throughout the film.

     

    Chal Bhaag could attract no audience. Machhli Jal Ki Raani Hai faced no audience no show status as well.

     

    There were a few other releases which went unnoticed but mentioned here for the record. 18.11 Code Of Secrecy, Unforgettable and Naari Teri Shakti Anokhi lost without a trace.

     

    Holiday, though opened to a mixed response, got some good word of mouth to consolidate itself. The open run sans any major opposition helped too. The film ended its first week with a total of Rs 66.25 crore. With poor opposition in its second week, the film may hold on well to put together another Rs 22-25 crore or so. However, its high price tag may never see it through to plus side.

     

    Filmistan has been exempted from entertainment tax in Maharashtra. The film is monotonously poor and has barely managed to collect Rs 4.25 crore for its first week. Citilights has collected Rs 90 lakh in its second week taking its two week total to Rs 5.9 crore and Heropanti has collected Rs 2.20 crore in its third week to take its three week tally to Rs 52.45 crore.

  • Europe’s Largest South Asian Film Event is Back!

    Europe’s Largest South Asian Film Event is Back!

    MUMBAI: Executive produced by actor Emma Thompson, Sold will be the red carpet European Premiere opening night film of the Fifth annual London INDIAN Film Festival (July 10-17). This film is a powerful, survival against the odds tale about a young Nepali girl who is trafficked to Kolkata, India. Gillian Anderson stars with a great Indian and Nepali ensemble cast including Seema Biswas (Bandit Queen). Central highlights of the festival will be the UK Premiere of the true story Million Dollar Arm, from The Walt Disney Company, starring Jon Hamm (Mad Men) and Suraj Sharma (Life of Pi). Bollywood’s hottest actor Farhan Akhtar and South Indian cinematography supremo Santosh Sivan will be giving rare screen talks at the BFI Southbank. Closing the festival will be the World Premiere of Hemalkasa, an homage to the revolutionary human rights leader Prakash Baba Amte, starring Bollywood hero Nana Patekar. Many other special guests are expected to a packed week of UK first screenings.

    Now Europe’s largest platform for Indian cinema, the London Indian Film Festival returns to the Capital, in association with Pure Heaven, the British Film Institute, and official Hotel Partner Grange Hotels, celebrating the exploding movement of Indian Independent cinema and bringing to UK audiences a rare selection of cutting-edge films from some of the Indian subcontinent’s hottest independent talents. Going way beyond Bollywood, the festival presents a kaleidoscope of new films that challenge, shock, generate debate and present a more realistic view of India and the subcontinent today, in all its diversity. The festival will stretch citywide, opening in the West End at the historic Cineworld Haymarket, and continuing at BFI Southbank, Cineworld cinemas Wembley, Wood Green, Wandsworth and O2 in Royal Greenwich and ICA near the Pall Mall, so there is a screening near you.

    The first weekend of this high-impact festival launches with Sold, on 10th July which explores the controversial theme of child trafficking; one school girl’s battle against the odds and the dangerous journey to liberate her from the Kolkata mafia; expect a glamorous line up of celebs to follow X Files and The Fall actress Gillian Anderson down the red carpet.

    On 12th July Rotterdam Film Festival headliner Qissa: Tale of a Lonely Ghost, has its UK Premiere, Irrfan Khan (Slumdog Millionaire, Life of Pi) plays a rural Punjabi father hell bent on having a son and heir, no matter what the consequences. Apur Panchali, based on a true-life story, is an emotionally charged homage to Satyajit Ray’s impoverished child character Apu and the real-life person who played one of the most famous child roles in world cinema. It screens on 13th July. By contrast Slamdance audience winner Hank and Asha explores a new generation of trans-global online romance, at ICA and Cineworlds across London. The festival’s Central Gala is the inspirational true story Million Dollar Arm that follows the uplifting journey of two Indian boys whose lives are transformed by a national TV contest and against the odds end up going to the US to train to become major sports stars.

     

    As well as films in the Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam languages, and UK/Pakistani film Anima State, in Urdu, the festival previews its first Bangladesh based film Shongram (Struggle) directed by Munsur Ali. In terms of special talks, India’s most celebrated cinematographer and acclaimed director Santosh Sivan gives a unique Masterclass at BFI Southbank, 11th July. The multi-talented singer, actor and director Farhan Akhtar rocks into town on 15th July and offers an insight on his high-octane career so far, including his iconic recent role as muscle rippling athletics hero Milkha Singh in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Expect lots of female fans! Bollywood icon Nana Patekar stars in the festival’s uplifting closing World Premiere of Hemalkasa. Directed by Samruddhi Porey it’s guaranteed to make you cry and smile at the same time.

    London Indian Film Festival also includes industry events at BAFTA, exploring UK and Indian subcontinent co-productions. The winner of the annual Satyajit Ray Short Film Competition will be announced at the end of the festival, with short-listed contenders battling it out at the ICA on 15th July. We are delighted to announce that our Major Sponsors this year will include Queen’s Award for Enterprise International Trade winner Sunmark Ltd, producers of Pure Heaven brand and founding sponsor Grange Hotels. The festival is also grant funded for by the BFI Film Festival Fund.

    Emma Thompson comments: “It is wonderful to have our film premiered at London Indian Film Festival, to raise awareness of child-trafficking, which is an issue close to my heart and is shockingly on the increase world-wide. We hope that this film will make people think and highlight the support for key charities such as The Helen Bamber Foundation and others working in this difficult area in India, Nepal and elsewhere”.
    Says Farhan Akhtar: “At its heart, Cinema is about sharing ones culture with the world. Be it on screen or in representation of ones work. I look forward to sharing my experiences, memories and motivations.”

    Cary Rajinder Sawhney, Festival Director comments: “We are delighted that the festival is now firmly established on the London and international scene after five amazing years. If you want to find out more about South Asian cinema, come to London and soak yourself in a week of magnificent, world class cinema”.