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Category: Movies

  • Gear up Christopher Nolan’s fans, Oppenheimer begins advance booking and shows are getting full in India

    Gear up Christopher Nolan’s fans, Oppenheimer begins advance booking and shows are getting full in India

    Mumbai: Christopher Nolan’s historical epic ‘Oppenheimer’, an exploration of the atomic bomb during World War II, is preparing for a massive global premiere on 21 July. With the excitement on the shore, Universal Pictures and the makers of the film are striving to open advance booking across IMAX theatres in India. Specifically made for the grandeur of the IMAX screens by Nolan, the early hype and the buzz it seems to garner will lead this new venture to break box office records.

    Nolan is considered the “grandfather” of the modern IMAX phenomenon, considering how he has championed the format of IMAX. And now he is all set to bring this iconic feature film to the screens of IMAX, announcing the commencement of the pre-bookings. The cinematic world waits with bated breath for the unveiling of ‘Oppenheimer’ including the legend Tom Cruise who has elevated this movie and expressed his excitement for the same.

    The film is an adaptation of the book American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, written by Kai Bird and the late Martin J. Sherwin. The trailers for Nolan’s movie have already been published, revealing its breathtaking graphics and equally impressive cast, along with inventive vision of the director. Being focused on Cillian Murphy, who plays the title character, J. Robert Oppenheimer, the film’s impressively assembled ensemble also includes Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, Benny Safdie and Robert Downey Jr.

    Nolan’s most awaited biopic feature, Oppenheimer is set to fly into theatres smack-dab, on 21 July across all IMAX screens across India. Known for his Hollywood blockbusters with complex storytelling, Nolan has won hearts already on a national scale – releasing the suspense thriller documentary in Hindi as well for audiences all over India!

  • Five romantic films to watch before ‘Past Lives’

    Five romantic films to watch before ‘Past Lives’

    Mumbai: Being entangled in love is one of the most challenging experiences an individual can face as they search for connection within art and culture. While the feeling of uncertainty can be distressing, films about heartbreak provide solace and help us cope with the painful aftermath of separation. With the highly anticipated romantic drama “Past Lives” releasing in theaters today, including PVR and INOX cinemas, here are five films centered around love that will leave you yearning for closure from unrequited love.

    The Notebook

    “The Notebook” is a captivating tale set in 1940s South Carolina, following the love story of Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling), a working-class mill worker, and Allie (Rachel McAdams), a young woman from a wealthy background. Despite their deep love for each other, Allie’s parents strongly disapprove of their relationship. The onset of World War II separates the couple, seemingly bringing an end to their passionate affair. During Noah’s absence, Allie becomes involved with another man (James Marsden). However, when Noah returns to their small town years later, just as Allie is about to marry, it becomes evident that their romance is far from over. 

    Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind

    The film depicts a painful breakup in which Clementine (Kate Winslet) undergoes a procedure to erase memories of her ex-boyfriend Joel (Jim Carrey) from her mind. When Joel learns about Clementine’s drastic measure to forget their relationship, he decides to undergo the same procedure, gradually losing his memories of the woman he deeply loves. Directed by Michel Gondry, a former music video director, this visually stunning film delves into the complexity of relationships and the anguish of loss.

    500 Days of Summer

    The movie follows Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a greeting-card writer and hopeless romantic caught completely off-guard when his girlfriend, Summer (Zooey Deschanel), suddenly dumps him. He reflects on their 500 days together to try to figure out where their love affair went sour, and in doing so, Tom rediscovers his true passions in life.

    Raanjhanaa

    Raanjhanaa tells the story of Kundan and his childhood love, Zoya, played by Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor, respectively. Kundan tries to move on from Zoya when he discovers she is interested in someone from her community. However, things take a different turn when Kundan discovers that Zoya has lied about her fiancé’s religion, deeply upsetting him. 

    Sanam Teri Kasam

    Starring Harshvardhan Rane & Mawra Hocane, Sanam Teri Kasam is a story of Saraswati’s father throwing her out of the house. Inder stands with her against all odds, bringing them close to each other. However, destiny has its own plans to separate them.

    Past Lives

    Making her debut in direction, Celine Song has written Past Lives as well. The film revolves around Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends torn apart after Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea. Decades later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront destiny, love and the choices that make a life.

  • Award-winning short film ‘How Much Do You Want to Know?’ streaming live on MX Player & Hungama Play

    Award-winning short film ‘How Much Do You Want to Know?’ streaming live on MX Player & Hungama Play

    Mumbai: Gautam Kapur, a renowned actor, filmmaker recognized for his exceptional storytelling, has announced the release of his critically acclaimed and award-winning short film, “How Much Do You Want to Know?”. The thought-provoking film is now available for streaming on popular platforms, providing audiences with an opportunity to engage with its compelling narrative.

    This remarkable film can now be accessed on multiple streaming platforms, including Hungama Play and MX Player.

    ‘How Much Do You Want to Know?’ has captivated audiences and critics alike, earning accolades and recognition at prestigious film festivals worldwide. 

    Some of the notable wins by the film include:

    • Best Actor Award at the 12th Bangalore Film Festival
    • Award Winner at the 4th Dimension Independent Film Festival
    • Official Selection at the Milan Shorts Film Festival 2023
    • Official Selection at the 11th Golden Door International Film Festival 2023 U.S.A Movie Maker Magazine’s Top 50 Film Festivals
    • Official Selection at the Atlanta Shortfest 2023
    • Official Selection at the 13th Pune Short Film Festival
    • Semi-Finalist at the Tokyo Film Fest
    • Official Selection at the 3rd Kerala Short Film Festival

    These accolades are a testament to the film’s compelling narrative, exceptional performances, and artistic vision, solidifying its place as a remarkable and award-winning cinematic masterpiece.

    The movie delves into the concept of reincarnation as Maulik, a former MMA fighter, seeks help from an unconventional therapist, Dhanashri, to unravel the mysteries behind his recurring dreams. The film explores the profound influence of past lives on present existence, delving into themes of identity, resilience, and the healing power of self-understanding, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the interconnectedness of lives across time.

    The movie is not only inspired by the concept of reincarnation but also draws from the real-life techniques of Tarani, an aura cleansing expert and the wife of Kapur. This unique blend of spirituality and personal experiences forms the foundation of the story. 

    The next endeavour for Kapur will be his travel show, ‘Well Travelled: Feeling Good in LA!’  The show entails an exhilarating expedition through the vibrant and dynamic city of Los Angeles through the lens of Kapur.

  • PVR INOX announces a captivating seven-round Mission Impossible challenge

    PVR INOX announces a captivating seven-round Mission Impossible challenge

    Mumbai: The moment to enjoy yet another high-octane mission with the world’s most lethal agent Ethan Hunt has arrived with the imminent release of Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning – Part One in cinemas on 12 July 2023. Adding to the anticipation and thrill of the film, PVR INOX has rolled out a seven-stage exclusive & online Mission Impossible Challenge where patrons stand a chance to win assured prizes & vouchers on purchase of tickets of this movie from the app and website of PVR and INOX.

    From 4 to 11 July 2023, audiences can take part in the Mission Impossible challenge by booking tickets for the film on the PVR and INOX apps and websites. Upon booking, patrons get a confirmation message that will take them to the seven-stage Mission Impossible Challenge. Winners will receive exclusive vouchers that can be availed until 31 July 2023. The winners can also share the award card on social media straight from the gaming platform.

    Commenting on this initiative, PVR INOX’s co-CEO Gautam Dutta, shared, “PVR INOX continues to provide exhilarating movie-centric experiences to patrons, which are not only exciting, but also rewarding. Going by the anticipation around the release of Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning – Part One, we have curated an equally enthralling gaming experience, which would match the buzz of the movie. We are excited for the film to unfold and, in anticipation, have launched this enthralling challenge that will entice fans as they stand a chance to win exclusive vouchers valid at the cinemas. MI7 is undoubtedly the most awaited action film of the year, featuring the legendary Tom Cruise, who reprises his role as Ethan Hunt. We are certain of a great turnout for the film and are eager to welcome audiences.”

    Tom Cruise returns once again with the franchise’s seventh film, which teases an adrenaline high with captivating twists and turns alongside exhilarating stunts & action sequences. The film follows Ethan Hunt and the IMF team, who must track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity if it falls into the wrong hands. With control of the future and the world’s fate at stake, a deadly race around the globe begins. Confronted by a mysterious, all-powerful enemy, Ethan is forced to consider that nothing can matter more than the mission not even the lives of those he cares about most.

  • Applause Entertainment strikes gold with ‘Por Thozhil’

    Applause Entertainment strikes gold with ‘Por Thozhil’

    Mumbai: Applause Entertainment, known for its quality content, has made an impressive debut into Tamil cinema with, ‘Por Thozhil,’ featuring Sarath Kumar and Ashok Selvan as the unlikely buddy cop duo. Directed by debutant director Vignesh Raja, this gripping investigative thriller has garnered critical acclaim emerging as ‘Mega Blockbuster Hit’, captivating audiences not only in Tamil Nadu but across South India and abroad.

    Breaking records and winning hearts, ‘Por Thozhil’ has surpassed expectations, receiving accolades for its compelling storyline, outstanding performances, and impeccable production value. Many have hailed it as one of the ‘finest Tamil thrillers ever made’. Successfully running in theatres even in its fourth week, Por Thozhil is produced by Applause Entertainment in association with E4 Experiments & Eprius Studio.

    Applause Entertainment remains committed to delivering captivating stories, and setting new benchmarks for entertainment across genres and formats. With a firm dedication to building a diverse content portfolio across all markets, the studio is poised to create an exciting slate of movies, premium series and documentaries in various languages.

    Applause Entertainment managing director Sameer Nair said, “Through ‘Por Thozhil,’ we’ve not only made a remarkable debut into Tamil cinema, we have also forged invaluable partnerships with an incredibly talented and diverse set of individuals. The overwhelming response from audiences and critics alike validates our commitment to creating exceptional content. Our aim is to further expand our unique hub & spoke model that fosters collaboration and creativity with risk and reward, as we continue to create groundbreaking content that resonates with audiences across markets.”

     

  • British Film Institute and Shemaroo collaborate to revive iconic film Amar Akbar Anthony

    British Film Institute and Shemaroo collaborate to revive iconic film Amar Akbar Anthony

    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.

  • “My favourite character is the one played by Vidya Balan, it was a joy watching Vidya work”: Shashank Arora

    “My favourite character is the one played by Vidya Balan, it was a joy watching Vidya work”: Shashank Arora

    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.

  • InCred Finance and Tarla Dalal biopic promote entrepreneurship

    InCred Finance and Tarla Dalal biopic promote entrepreneurship

    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.”

  • Sanjay Mishra shines in Manish Saini directorial ‘Giddh’

    Sanjay Mishra shines in Manish Saini directorial ‘Giddh’

    Mumbai: Giddh (The Scavenger) a short film, produced by Ellanar films and co-produced by Amdavad Films, has taken the centre stage at acclaimed film festivals, globally. The film is helmed by the National award-winning director, Manish Saini who is known for masterpieces like Dhh, and Gandhi and Co. Following an impressive curtain call from global critics, and audiences alike, Giddh has emerged as the proud winner of the highly esteemed Asia International Competition at the renowned Short Shorts Film Festival Asia 2023. Furthermore, the immensely talented Sanjay Mishra has been honored with the prestigious ‘Best Actor’ award at the coveted film festival, acknowledging his exceptional performance in Giddh. The prestigious ‘Best Short Film’ win makes Ellanar Films’ Giddh officially qualified to compete at the Oscars. The monumental win positions Giddh as a strong contender for the esteemed Academy Awards, in the short film category.

    Giddh has been noted internationally for evoking great emotion with its rawness, and uncompromising rendering of harsh realities. It also struck a chord with the jury of the highly acclaimed USA Film Festival 2023, which recognised Giddh as a finalist. The distinguished film festival has a stellar track record of propelling filmmakers to success at the Oscars, with numerous winners and finalists going on to achieve the coveted Academy recognition. In addition to this, Giddh has also garnered official selections at some of the world’s most esteemed short film festivals including the LA Shorts International Film Festival 2023 and the Carmarthen Bay International Film Festival 2023.

    The social commentary is a testimonial to Mishra’s versatility. It’s a story that the world needs. It is bound to keep you thinking with its poignant narrative that holds a mirror to events that undeniably exist but we tend to look away from. Mishra embodies his character in a way that will immerse you in a whirlwind of emotions.

    Sharing her thoughts on the win, Ellanar Films founder, producer Radhika Lavu stated, “Giddh is a story that truly has something unique to share with the world, as it explores the complexities of humanity and allows the viewer to explore the depths of their conscience. This monumental international recognition reinforces Ellanar Film’s commitment towards bringing audiences thoughtful and reflective content that stays with them for a long, long time. We are truly humbled and more inspired than ever to back the greatest talents of today. It is indeed a triumphant moment to have audiences worldwide join us on this film’s explorative journey.”

    Thrilled about the overwhelming response, Giddh editor, director, writer Mansih Saini shared, “This win is not ours alone; it belongs to every individual touched by the film’s message, sparking their own reflections on morality within its frames. We express heartfelt gratitude to film lovers across the globe for passionately embracing Giddh as fervently as we did. The reception at some of the world’s most reputed film festivals has filled us with elation. This is more than a qualification for the Academy Awards; it is also an exaltation of the extraordinary power of storytelling!”

    Opening up about his experience, Mishra said, “I am deeply humbled and grateful for the overwhelming global reception that our film, Giddh, has received. It has been an unforgettable journey, and the experience of collaborating with such an incredible crew will forever stay with me. We faced challenges head-on, pouring our hearts into every scene, and witnessing the magic that unfolded before our very eyes. As I look back on the countless hours of hard work and unwavering dedication invested in this project, I am profoundly moved by the reception and recognition that our labor of love has garnered.”

    Ellanar Films, known for its expertise in producing exceptional content, has made an impressive foray into Hindi cinema with Giddh. The production team continues to turn heads, touch hearts, and bring a change with its unique stories.

  • Marathi entertainment visionary Akshay Bardapurkar receives honorary doctorate

    Marathi entertainment visionary Akshay Bardapurkar receives honorary doctorate

    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.”