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Category: Movies

  • ‘Queen’ continues its dream run in wk 2 at BO

    ‘Queen’ continues its dream run in wk 2 at BO

    MUMBAI: YRF’s Bewakoofiyaan has not been appreciated as the film lacks chemistry between the lead pair and music doesn’t add much flavour either. The film opened with little over Rs 2 crore and floated between that and Rs 2.5 crore over its four day weekend. The film put together Rs 9.37 crore over four days.

     

    Queen is holding on strongly, a rare film in ages, which has collected more on its seventh day than its opening Friday. The film collected Rs 18.5 crore for its first week. As the film continues to do well in its second week, it can be termed a minor hit.

     

    Gulaab Gang, an ordinary run of the mill honesty vs corrupt politician (both protagonists being woman is what the film expected to cash in on) has been rejected outright. The film could add little to its opening weekend collections to end the first week with Rs 10.2 crore.

     

    Total Siyapaa is fairing very poorly. The film collected Rs 5.85 crore in its first week and will prove to be a loser.

     

    Shaadi Ke Side Effects managed to stay above par in its second week adding Rs 4.85 crore taking its two week total to Rs 35.05 crore.

     

    Gunday has collected Rs 35 lakh in its fifth week taking its five week tally to Rs 78.45 crore.

  • University of Southern California introduces three more chairs endowed by George Lucas

    University of Southern California introduces three more chairs endowed by George Lucas

    MUMBAI: On Thursday, 13 March, Lucas continued his philanthropy by endowing faculty chairs named for Sergei Eisenstein, George Méli?s and Williams Cameron Menzies. Eisenstein, Méli?s and Menzies are considered filmmaking pioneers. Their theories and practices are taught in film programs around the world.

     

    At a dedication event at the School of Cinematic Arts (SCA), professors Bruce A. Block, Michael L. Fink and Alex B. McDowell were installed as the first holders of the new endowed chairs. Block was named the Sergei Eisenstein Endowed Chair in Cinematic Design; Fink as the George Méli?s Endowed Chair in Visual Effects; and McDowell as the William Cameron Menzies Endowed Chair in Production Design. The total number of endowed positions at SCA is currently at twenty-four, more than any other cinematic arts program in the country.

     

    SCA Dean Elizabeth Daley said the chairs celebrate the importance of continued innovation. “In the mold of the filmmakers they are named after, these new chairs represent innovation in the cinematic arts,” she said in a press statement. Bruce Block, Michael Fink and Alex McDowell have each made singular contributions to their fields and are doing important work in the industry, while simultaneously preparing the next generation of innovative storytellers.

     

    At the dedication event Lucas said he was naming the chairs as a way to say “don’t forget the basics. Don’t get enamored with new technology…it doesn’t change anything. The art of what we do is exactly the same. The goal that we have is exactly the same as George Méli?s, Williams Cameron Menzies and  Sergei Eisenstein. It’s beyond technology. It’s the art of movies.”

     

    Bruce Block has been teaching Filmic Expression, a course that Eisenstein originated for more than 35 years. Block’s producing and consulting credits include What Women Want, Something’s Gotta Give, The Holiday, As Good As It Gets, Stuart Little and Father of the Bride I and II. Block directs documentaries and animated films for museums, commercials, the IMAX format, and NASA simulations. Additionally, he conducts seminars in visual structure for studios including Blizzard, Blue Sky, Disney, Dreamworks, ILM, Lucasfilm, and Pixar. His book, “The Visual Story” has been published in six languages and is used as a reference text by filmmakers around the world.

     

    “Eisenstein’s ideas influenced all of Hollywood’s filmmakers from the montages of Frank Capra’s films to the MGM dance extravaganzas of Busby Berkeley to Disney’s animation,” Block said during a speech at the dedication, noting that Eisenstein lectured at USC. “His teachings became part of our curriculum and were taught here by Slavko Vorkapich, Les Novros, Woody Omens and then by me.”

     

    Michael Fink, who has been pioneering visual effects for more than thirty-five years, began his career on The China Syndrome in 1977. His other credits include Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Blade Runner, Batman Returns, The Golden Compass, Avatar and Life of Pi. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Achievement in Visual Effects for Batman Returns in 1993 and won the Oscar in that category in 2008 for The Golden Compass. Fink is on the Executive Committee of the Visual Effects Branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and is a founding member, board member and current Vice-Chair of the Visual Effects Society.

     

    “I believe this Chair is the first endowed chair in Visual Effects at any university,” he told the crowd gathered in the Ray Stark Theatre. “Naming it after George Méli?s, truly the father of all that we do in visual effects today, is not only appropriate, but the least we can do to carry his name forward in our teaching.”

     

    Alex McDowell has more than thirty years’ experience as a narrative designer and is creative director of USC’s World Building Media Lab and the thought leadership network, USC 5D Institute. His credits as a production designer include Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Fight Club, Minority Report, Watchmen and Man of Steel. McDowell was a visiting scholar to MIT’s Media Lab from 2006 to 2011. He is a Getty Research Institute scholar and on the executive board of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Designers Branch. In 2006, he was awarded Royal Designer for Industry by the UK’s Royal Society of Arts, and in 2013 the Designers & Art Directors President’s Award. He remains a practicing designer, working in multiple media with the company he leads, 5D Global Studio.

  • Ekta Kapoor, Sunny Leone promote Ragini MMS 2 in the capital

    Ekta Kapoor, Sunny Leone promote Ragini MMS 2 in the capital

    MUMBAI: Coming with a new version of horror with sex, or ‘Horrex’ as they call it, the cast of film Ragini MMS 2 attended the press conference at PVR Plaza, Connaught Place, New Delhi. Even producer Ekta Kapoor was in tow.

     

    The film starts off from where its prequel Ragini MMS ended which revolved around a young couple Ragini and Uday who went to an isolated house for a dirty weekend and the creepy and paranormal happenings that took place to them there. Uday had planned to make an MMS scandal of Ragini in that house. But the MMS shot goes viral, Uday goes missing and Ragini after that incident became lunatic and ended up in a mental hospital. The Ragini MMS scandal catches the attention of a filmmaker who plans to make a film on it.

     

    Leone, who is already making headlines for her performance in the song “Baby Doll’ and ‘Chaar Bottle Vodka’, talking about her experience of shooting the film said, “Sometimes its  very scary  to be alone at  home after shooting.” 

     

    She also said that it was a great experience working with the singing sensation of the time- Honey Singh. 

     

    When Ekta was quizzed about the reason behind casting Leone, she said, “Sunny looks beautiful on  camera and she suited  the best for Horrex theme.”

     

    Ragini MMS 2 is produced by Ekta Kapoor and directed by Bhushan Patel. Distribution rights are being controlled by Balaji Motion Pictures. Music of the film which is receiving great response from the audience  is given by various artist  like Honey Singh and  Meet Brothers.

    It is releasing on 21 March 2014.   

  • ‘The Sadhu’ to soon turn in to a Hollywood film

    ‘The Sadhu’ to soon turn in to a Hollywood film

    NEW DELHI: The Indian comic book series – The Sadhu – is now being converted into a Hollywood film with producer Mark Canton’s Atmosphere Entertainment teaming up with a Los Angeles-based entertainment company.

     

    Canton will develop the live-action film Warrior: Revenge of The Sadhu — the journey of one man who barters his soul’s deliverance for his family’s honour based on Graphic India’s superhero comic book series.

     

    A Graphic India spokesperson said the story centres on James Jenson, a British soldier whose family is brutally murdered by a corrupt superior officer in the Indian colony of Bengal in 1858. Jenson escapes in the remote forests of India where he seeks refuge with the mysterious Indian mystics – sadhus.

     

    Graphic India co-founders are Sharad Deverajan and Gotham Chopra, son of the new-age author Deepak Chopra.

     

    After years of being trained in their supernatural arts, Jenson must decide whether to use his newfound powers for inner peace and enlightenment as they are intended, or for justice against the people who murdered his family.

     

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, Graphic India also co-wrote the screenplay for Warrior: Revenge of The Sadhu based on a new mobile comic series on the character to be launched later this year across India.

     

    Canton’s long list of blockbuster motion pictures include the film adaptation of Frank Miller’s graphic novel 300, The Immortals and the recently released 300: Rise of an Empire which opened March 7.

     

    “In the same way Greek myths have captivated the imagination of audiences around the world, the screenplay by Gotham Chopra and Sharad Devarajan for ‘Warrior’ taps into the mystical traditions and mythologies of India through an accessible action-packed adventure that I am confident will make a spectacular blockbuster film and will mark the birth of a new franchise,” Canton said in a press release.

     

    With 300 and Immortals, Mark Canton has produced some of the most successful films in Hollywood based on epic myths and legends.

     

    “We are incredibly honoured that he will now be working with us to take the story of The Sadhu to the big screen,” Deverajan said.

  • Indian filmfest in Melbourne to become competitive from this year

    Indian filmfest in Melbourne to become competitive from this year

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) is becoming a competitive festival with international competition in 2014.

    The festival, for which actor Vidya Balan is the brand ambassador, will take place from 1 to 11 May.

    The inaugural Indian Film Festival Awards (IFFM Awards) will honour films in five categories: Best Film, Best Performance, Best Director, Best Independent Film and the People’s Choice Award.

     

    A select number of narrative feature films will be invited into competition. The films will be judged by an International Jury of prominent Indian and Australian film industry figures from a wide range of backgrounds. The stellar list includes award-winning Australian director Phillip Noyce (Rabbit Proof Fence, Dead Calm, The Quiet American); world renowned Australian film editor Jill Bilcock (Strictly Ballroom, Elizabeth, Moulin Rouge, Red Dog and Shekhar Kapur’s upcoming Paani) and 2013 Gold Jury member for the Mumbai Film Festival and celebrated filmmaker Raju Hirani (Munnabhai MBBS , Lage rahoo Munna Bhai and 3 Idiots ) Indian actress, producer and television presenter Simi Garewal; film critic Rajeev Masand and Indian actress, director, writer and producer Suhasini Maniratnam. Winners of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Awards announced at the Festival.

    Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick-Lange said in a release from Melbourne, “We are thrilled to announce the inaugural Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Awards. The Awards will build the festival’s reputation as an important international showcase for contemporary Indian cinema.”

    Balan was a 2013 Cannes Jury Member and in January was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award given by the Indian government. Balan will be in Melbourne to launch the festival programme on March 28.

    IFFM continues to offer a window into the future of filmmaking. The Western Union Short Film Competition is now open to filmmakers from India and Australia.

    The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne was established in 2012 as an initiative of the Victorian Coalition Government and presents a broad, curated program of more than thirty films, ranging from Bollywood to art house and the sub continent, as well as master classes. In 2014, the festival presents a world-class program of films across three Melbourne cinemas.
     

  • Bewakoofiyaan: The title says it all

    Bewakoofiyaan: The title says it all

    MUMBAI: Bewakoofiyaan is another Yash Raj Films production, after Gunday, that invests in newer, younger stars. As the stars in these films grow in stature and following, so does the shelf value of these films. Since such films are made with a tight control on the budget and are backed by the same marketing machine that the company’s major films get, YRF is usually safe with the ventures even if a certain film does not make it at the box office.

    Bewakoofiyaan is a romantic comedy in that Ayushmann Khurrana and Sonam Kapoor love each other. When Khurrana is promoted to the post of senior executive at the airline where he works, he celebrates by acquiring a car to replace his bike. Sonam’s talent lies in finance and she works for a bank. They have been dating for two years and now that Khurrana has been promoted, it is time to take him to her father, Rishi Kapoor.

    Rishi is a freshly retired IAS officer whose grouse is that he never got a decent posting in his career. He has his own set ideas about what kind of man his daughter should marry and has made a dossier of suitors for her of guys who have minimum income of 25 crore!  The first hurdle Khurrana faces is that he earns about 10% less than Sonam and that makes him totally not suitable according to Rishi. After that, everything about Khurrana is a negative as far as Rishi is concerned. However, since Sonam is determined to marry Khurrana, Rishi sets terms and a timeframe for him to prove himself suitable to be his son in law.

    Producer: Aditya Chopra.

    Director: Nupur Asthana.

    Cast: Rishi Kapoor, Aushmann Khurana, Sonam Kapoor.

     

    Every day is a test now for Khurrana. Tutored by Sonam on how to deal with Rishi, he lets Rishi have his way, even letting him win in a game of squash. That is when the worst happens. Khurrana’s airline sacks 1200 employees and he is one of them. The logic behind sacking a just promoted executive is that, in his salary, the company can afford three freshers! Confident that he will land another job in matter of time, Khurrana survives on his credit card for a while until he reaches his three lakh credit limit which, as luck would have it, happens when he has asked Rishi out for lunch.

    Khurrana now depends on Sonam for his house rent, car installment, fuel, pocket money and everything else. Yet, no job is forthcoming. Those which are coming are not to his liking. There is bound to be pressure on the relationship. While he is scoring brownie points with Rishi, somewhere along the way, his romance is on test.

    The problem with Bewakoofiyaan is that, it is not a romance in the making which, since centuries, is exciting to watch. The script has too many contradictions, more so in Rishi’s character.  The music, which is a must in any Indian film but essential in a romantic film, is a total let down with the lyrics making no sense. Dialogue is uninspiring. Again, something that a romantic film needs is solid chemistry between its lead characters and here there is none of that between Sonam and Khurrana. Both fall short in performances as well. The one who gets around comfortably is Rishi, but then, he is a veteran.

    While the film sags throughout, it becomes a little watchable only during last 20 minutes or so. Even this long weekend will not help Bewakoofiyan much at the box office.

  • Vir and Kangana – an unusual pair create curiosity

    Vir and Kangana – an unusual pair create curiosity

    MUMBAI: The upcoming movie Revolver Rani, slated to release on 25 April stars Kangana Ranaut and Vir Das in the lead leaving many wondering about this unusual pairing. While Kangana Ranaut will be seen as a quirky, cool politically active local goon who talks and walks with guns easier than words, while Vir plays a toy boy who tries to woo Rani (Kangana) for his ulterior motives. 

     

    But what has got people talking is the unusual and fresh pairing of Vir Das and Kangana in the movie? Kangana is already creating a buzz this year with her performance in Queen and before we know it, she is back again to be seen in a yet another unconventional role in Revolver Rani. 

     

    While Vir has been doing small roles or multi-starrers in the past, he will be seen as the main lead and romancing a lead actress for the first time on screen. Both known to have a niche fan following will really be a treat together for the audiences.

     

    So let’s wait to watch how the chemistry between the stand-up artist and the fashionista sizzles on the big screen. 

  • Producer Mark Canton to develop superhero film “Warrior Birth of the Sadhu”

    Producer Mark Canton to develop superhero film “Warrior Birth of the Sadhu”

    MUMBAI: Acclaimed Hollywood producer, Mark Canton, and Graphic India, acharacter entertainment company focused on creating superheroes, comics and stories through mobile and digital platforms, announced today that Canton will be developing and producing a live-action feature film based on Graphic’s superhero property, “The Sadhu” through his production company, Atmosphere Entertainment.

    Canton’s long list of blockbuster motion pictures include the film adaptation of Frank Miller’s graphic novel ‘300,’ ‘The Immortals,’ and the just released ‘300: Rise of an Empire,’ which opened last Friday (7) to a stellar worldwide weekend gross in excess of $133 million and is setting new box office records in numerous countries. Graphic India Co-Founders, Sharad Devarajan and Gotham Chopra, who will produce the film with Canton, also co-wrote the theatrical film screenplay for “Warrior: Revenge of The Sadhu,” which is based on a new mobile comic series on the character to be launched later this year across India.

    The story centers on James Jenson, A British soldier whose family is brutally murdered by a corrupt superior officer in the Indian colony of Bengal in 1858. Jenson escapes in the remote forests of India where he seeks refuge with the mysterious Indian mystics known as sadhus. After years of being trained in their supernatural arts, Jenson must decide whether to use his newfound powers for inner peaceand enlightenment as they are intended, or for justice against the people who murdered his family. Warrior: The Sadhu follows the journey of one man who barters his soul’s deliverance for his family’s honor.

    Commenting on the project Canton added, “In the same way Greek myths have captivated the imagination of audiences around the world, the screenplay by Gotham Chopra and SharadDevarajan for ‘Warrior’ taps into the mystical traditions and mythologies of India through an accessible action-packed adventure that I am confident will make a spectacular blockbuster film and will mark the birth of a new franchise.”

    Sharad Devarajan, Co-Founder and CEO of Graphic India added, “With ‘300’ and ‘Immortals,’ Mark Canton has produced some of the most successful films in Hollywood based on epic myths and legends.We are incredibly honored that he will now be working with us to take the story of ‘The Sadhu’ to the big screen.”

    Graphic India was formed by comic book company, Liquid Comics and CA Media LP, the Asian investment arm of The Chernin Group, LLC (TCG).

     

  • Changes in archaic Cinematograph Act can be expected soon

    Changes in archaic Cinematograph Act can be expected soon

    MUMBAI: Aptly titled, “Cuts So Deep: Are We Sacrificing Creativity at the Altar of Morality?”, one of the sessions on the first day of FICCI Frames 2014 spoke about those ‘cuts’ in the films that leave a deep mark in the memory of the filmmakers. Most of the times, these cuts suggested by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) doesn’t even make sense to the people who were involved creatively in the making of the film.

     

    The debate, in the presence of esteemed guests like Sudhir Mishra, Ramesh Sippy, Ravi Kottarakara, Kajol and the newly appointed CEO of CBFC Rakesh Kumar, highlighted many issues that filmmakers are grappling with because of the guidelines stated in the archaic Cinematograph Act of 1952.

     

    However, the film industry is pinning its hopes on the new government for amendments to the Cinematograph Act.

    At the session, the filmwallahs brought to the fore how the guidelines push them back by many years by not giving them the freedom that’s actually their right.
     

     

    “When a director shoots a scene, he envisions it in a certain way. If there’s a smoking scene, an atmosphere is created with that. When it is cut, the shot loses its charm,” remarked Mishra while putting across an example.

     

    Another major issue discussed was that of a scroll on the frame showing smoking, sex scenes etc for which filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has even gone to the court and the matter is still pending in the court.

     

    Another point that came up during the discussion was of giving ‘A’ certificate to certain films based on real issues that need to be promoted all across, while some films just because they come from ‘bigger’ banners are passed with U or U/A even when they have ‘bold’ scenes.

     

    To deal with all this, a committee headed by Justic Mukul Mudgal is travelling across the country to take suggestions from the film fraternity across India, the audiences and all the other stakeholders involved.

    While Rakesh Kumar from CBFC was left in a fix with complex questions being posed to him, Film and TV Producers Guild of India CEO Kulmeet Makkar came to his rescue by stating that the industry needs to be patient for a little more time. “Since the revised guidelines have already been formed, we may expect things to change pretty soon,” said Makkar, also revealing that 18 of the suggestions discussed in Chennai have already been accepted.
     

    It seems the film industry can soon hope for better days ahead.

  • 2nd BAFTA Film Talent Showcase in NY, LA

    2nd BAFTA Film Talent Showcase in NY, LA

    MUMBAI: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has today announced that it will profile BAFTA-winning director Amma Asante (A Way of Life, Belle) in April at the first of this year’s ‘Brits to Watch: The Screenings’, a series of showcase events hosted by BAFTA in New York and Los Angeles, in partnership with British Council, that introduce outstanding British film talent to the US film industry.

     

    On Tuesday 1 April in New York, and on Thursday 3 April in Los Angeles, director Amma Asante will be introduced at a screening of her second feature film Belle, which premiered at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival to strong reviews, and opened this year’s Palm Springs International Film Festival. Belle is inspired by the true story of a mixed race girl raised as an aristocratic Lady in England around the time of the abolition of slavery. The film will be released by Fox Searchlight in the US on Friday 2 May, and in the UK on Friday 13 June.

     

    In 2005, BAFTA awarded Asante the Carl Foreman Award for the Most Promising Newcomer for her debut film A Way of Life. She was also named Best Director – Drama at the BAFTA Cymru Awards in Wales in the same year.

     

    At each ‘Brits to Watch: The Screenings’ event, a British actor, director, writer or producer who shows great promise presents a sample of recent work to an exclusive audience of film industry professionals. BAFTA also arranges a number of follow-up meetings for the individuals to meet with key industry figures in both cities.

     

    Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive of BAFTA exclaimed his delight on continuing our ‘Brits to Watch’ activity in 2014. Three years ago, with the support of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, he launched their very first ‘Brits to Watch’ event in Los Angeles. Since then, BAFTA introduced a range of activity to support up-and-coming British talent and, now in its second year, ‘Brits to Watch: The Screenings’ – a strand that BAFTA is uniquely placed to deliver – introduces British rising stars to the US film industry. “I am thrilled that Amma Asante, a very talented film maker, and a BAFTA winner – is our next ‘Brit to Watch’.”

     

    Nigel Daly, Chairman of BAFTA Los Angeles, added: “The Brits to Watch: The Screenings series is central to BAFTA’s mission, and here in Los Angeles we are in a privileged position to offer a platform for the best British talents as they break through to the US marketplace. There is a long tradition of talent exchange between the US and UK, and we are honored to showcase the new generation of talents and support Amma as she furthers her career in the US.”

     

    Charles Tremayne, Chairman of BAFTA New York, added: “This is the second year of our Brits to Watch: The Screenings program in New York and we are delighted that we have been able to bring such talented up and coming individuals to showcase their considerable work in America. It’s a vital role for BAFTA as New York is clearly where Britain meets America so it’s even more important that we continue to encourage directors, producers, writers and actors from both sides of the pond to work together to create excellence in a truly globalized entertainment world.”

     

    Briony Hanson, Director of Film at British Council, said: “British Council is delighted to be continuing the series by showcasing the talents of Amma Asante. She’s a perfect fit for the programme having made a hugely confident second feature in Belle which marries a traditional view of British Cinema – period drama and a top notch cast – with a very unusual and surprising story. We really look forward to helping her connect with the US industry during her visit.”

     

    The first ‘Brits to Watch: The Screenings’ events took place in 2013 with BAFTA-nominated directors Clio Barnard (The Selfish Giant) and Richard Laxton (Burton and Taylor). As a result of their trips, Barnard has secured US representation with The Gersh Agency and is in contact with a number of US producers about future projects, while Laxton is in talks on a number of US projects, one of which is expected to be announced imminently.

     

    The series builds on the legacy of BAFTA’s 2011 ‘Brits to Watch’ initiative supported by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, at which BAFTA introduced 42 promising British newcomers to leading figures in the US film, television and games industries at a black-tie gala event in Los Angeles. It is endorsed by ‘Friends of Brits to Watch: The Screenings’, a high-profile group of film professionals including: actors Damian Lewis (Homeland) Tom Hiddleston (Avengers Assemble, Midnight in Paris), Andrea Riseborough (Shadow Dancer, Brighton Rock), Simon Pegg(Star Trek, The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn), Alice Eve (Star Trek Into Darkness, Men in Black 3) and Sienna Miller (The Girl, Interview), Rebecca Hall (Parade’s End, Vicky Christina Barcelona) and David Harewood (Homeland, Blood Diamond); director Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World); screenwriter John Logan (Skyfall, Hugo, The Aviator); and writer, director and producer Armando Iannucci (Veep, In The Loop).