ITV

Category: Movies

  • Zee Cinemalu announces world television premiere of ‘Kurup’

    Zee Cinemalu announces world television premiere of ‘Kurup’

    Mumbai: The Dulquer Salman-starrer “Kurup” is all set to present its viewers with the world television premiere of “Kurup” in Telugu. A compelling tale of an unending hunt is making its way to television screens on 30 September at 6 p.m.

    “Kurup” will surely take movie buffs on a rip-roaring journey based on the life of the popular Indian fugitive and most-wanted criminal, Sukumara Kurup. The story revolves around Kurup and the greed that drives him to the world of lies, crime, and theft. Other than Dulquer, the movie features Sobhitha, Shine Tom, Indrajith, and Anupama Parameswaran in important roles.

    There are also a handful of cameos by well-known actors such as Manoj Bajpayee and Tovino Thomas, among others, to make the movie a must-watch, while the background score, songs, and gripping screenplay take the experience to the next level.

  • CSAFF kicks off with a star-studded and diverse line-up

    CSAFF kicks off with a star-studded and diverse line-up

    Mumbai: In its 13th edition, the Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF) opened on 22 September  with a brilliant line-up of film and talent for the increasingly popular event to be held through 25 September. A kick-off curtain raiser for the festival took place on 16 and 17  September .

    The festival, the largest of its kind in the Midwest, will present over 80 carefully curated independent films, shorts and documentaries in Downtown Chicago, at the Columbia Film Row and at DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts. Over 125 film makers and artists have made their way to Chicago for this annual event which will further showcase 27 World Premieres, 23 US Premieres and 30+ Chicago Premieres at this year’s festival.

    “Chicago is developing as a big film production hub,” stated CSAFF festival director Jigar Shah. “Our festival is creating awareness of South Asian diversity here in the Midwest while also bringing this international talent to Chicago to produce this unique, exciting experience.”

    A stellar grand opening to the festival took place on 23 September at the Columbia Film Row. Walking the red-carpet were renowned talents such as Yami Gautam Dhar and Rahul Khanna from India, director Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Samiya Mumtaz, Dananeer, Jugal Hansraj along with numerous other filmmakers and talent.

    The opening night feature film in its World Premiere was “Lost” by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, starring Yami Gautam and Rahul Khanna. Chowdhury’s previous film, “Pink”, with Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu made a mark in Indian mainstream cinema and created discussions around women’s consent.

    Additionally, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki was recognized and presented with the South Asian Film Award (SAFA), for his contribution to cinema. There was a special mention of the documentary “Barefoot Empress” by filmmaker and Michelin star chef, Vikas Khanna and Oscar-winning filmmaker, Doug Roland. The opening night also highlighted the short film, “Gray” by Sakshi Gurnani and Nikhil Taneja, starring actor Dia Mirza and Shreya Dhanwanthary.

    The festival showcased the World Premiere of the Marathi film “Vaalvi” by Paresh Mokashi, and also screened “Powai” by Kuldip Patel and “Pedro” by Natesh Hegde. The kick-off curtain raiser held on 16 and 17 September featured “A Night of Knowing Nothing” by Payal Kapadia, which won the best documentary at Cannes Film Festival in 2021, “Awakash” by Chittaranjan Giri, “Manikbabur Megh (Cloud & the Man)” by Abhinandan Banerjee and Kekee Manzil, and “House of Art” by Dilesh Korya.

    On Saturday, 24 September , there will be the Centerpiece film – “No Land’s Man”, by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Shrihari Sathe, starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Megan Mitchell and Eisha Chopra and music by A.R. Rahman.

    “Four Samosas” by Ravi Kapoor will be the closing night film on Friday, 25 September, with the filmmakers in attendance. The film, which recently made a splash at the Tribeca Film Festival, features a popular and talented ensemble cast led by Venk Potula (“Veep”) and Karan Soni (“Deadpool”).

    Also, featured will be the North America Premiere and Marquee film of the festival, Shiv Shastri Balboa followed by a Q&A session with director Ajayan Venugopalan and actor Jugal Hansraj along with legendary actors Anupam Kher and Neena Gupta. CSAFF will also showcase a heart-touching short film, “Perianayaki”, which centers round the story of a Sri Lankan woman in New Zealand, by Bala Murali Shingade.

    The festival has an amazing collection of films from Pakistan too such as “Fatima Jinnah” by Danial Khan, “Stay Tuned” by Ali Ahmed and Dawa by Ariella Khan. It will showcase daring documentaries that will steer engaging conversation among the audience. There are several films and documentaries by upcoming women directors from Canada such as “Marginalizing Minorities” by Dipti Gupta, “Women Beyond Bollywood” by Rahila Bootwala and “This Stained Dawn” by Anam Abbas.

    CSAFF will also showcase local Chicago filmmakers and their films – “Before After”, “Trek to the Top”, “Propinquity”, “Ozona”, the episodic “Stuck in Reality” and more. In addition, the festival will feature films which center on controversial issues of religious prejudices, sexual orientation and bullying. Featured is “Bully High”, written and directed by Bill McAdams Jr., a coming-of-age drama headlined by an exciting young cast of Hollywood newcomers, Aneesha Madhok, Joseph Baena (son of Arnold Schwarzenegger) among many other films.

    “We are so proud of the caliber of the films and the diversity we will be presenting this year, and it is so powerful to be able to showcase it in the theaters,” pointed out Jigar.

    CSAFF will close on Sunday, 25 September  with a ceremony and awards given for best feature, best short, best documentary and documentary short as chosen by the audience. Throughout the festival there will be several event opportunities including discussions, the Filmmakers’ Lounge Series, a Bollywood dance night and Closing night after-party.

  • Ficci Frames makes a comeback with Ficci Frames Fast Track

    Ficci Frames makes a comeback with Ficci Frames Fast Track

    Mumbai: Ficci Frames Fast Track 2022, a pre-cursor to the Ficci Frames which makes a comeback after the pandemic, is slated to be held on 27 & 28 September in Mumbai.

    Ficci Frames, organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (Ficci), is the country’s biggest international seminar for the media and entertainment industries, which spans across film, television, digital entertainment, animation, gaming and visual effects.

    The theme of Ficci Frames Fast Track is the comeback after the pandemic. The two-day long conference will commemorate the industry which underwent the heat of COVID and has only emerged stronger. It seeks to bring the industry back to its feet and is raring to go.

    Ficci assistant secretary general and head media & entertainment Leena Jaisani brought forth, “The idea is to bring together the industry under one roof and just celebrate the fact that we have not only survived the pandemic that affected people and industries world over, but also came together during that period to help and support people. Many studios and associations took the responsibility of vaccinating employees and their families.”

    As OTT emerged as a very robust player during the pandemic, the focus this year will also be on OTT. The convention would discuss top trends, policies and regulations in the industry with various stakeholders including filmmakers, technicians, actors, heads of the film studios and representatives from exhibition sectors.

    There will be dialogues and exchanges around what kind of a change has the pandemic triggered and what the future looks like for the media and entertainment sector. Conversations will also be around film tourism, IP rights and film incentives.

    Ficci Frames Fast Track will also organise masterclasses and workshops around various aspects of filmmaking. This year, students from various schools and colleges will also get an opportunity to hear and learn from the leaders in the sector.

    The celebrated and much loved actor, Ranveer Singh, would be inaugurating the event and shall be present for the opening session.

  • Titus Upputuru’s short film shines bright at Indian Cine Film Festival 2022

    Titus Upputuru’s short film shines bright at Indian Cine Film Festival 2022

    MUMBAI: “Nip in the bud”, a short film by the media conglomerate, Times Internet, has won big at the Indian Cine Film Festival. Written by famous adman, Titus Upputuru, it has been awarded the Best Screenplay award and the Best Public Service award at the event.

    Titus is the man behind the screenplay and has also directed the film. Elaborating on the win, The Titus Upputuru Company founder and chief creative officer Titus said, “Wow, I am so thrilled! I thank God for these awards and dedicate them to every voice that had the courage to share the abuse that happened at their workplaces. I am also glad that a film like this has been recognized and awarded at so many award shows as I believe that voices like these influence, inspire and contribute towards rooting out this very diabolic, sickening culture from our society.”

    The film opens on a young girl weeping profusely and with a determined look, she knows what she wants to do. The very fact that her business role model, a business tycoon, tried to get awkwardly close to her, breaks her apart. But it obviously doesn’t break her confidence and grit to make sure that the world knows about his misdeeds – she walks into a café and pens a note on social media to share the horrific experience. The film takes a twist when we see the post being read by a woman, realising to her horror that it was the same man who abused her years ago. A photograph on the mantle reveals that the two women were related and happen to be mother and daughter. The film ends with the message ‘If you are delaying, you may be encouraging’.

    For the record, “Nip in the Bud” also won the prestigious DadaSaheb Phalke Award earlier this year.

  • Indian Film & TV Producers Council re-elects Sajid Nadiadwala as its president

    Indian Film & TV Producers Council re-elects Sajid Nadiadwala as its president

    Mumbai: Indian Film & TV Producers Council (IFTPC) has once again re-elected Sajid Nadiadwala as president at the 31st annual general meeting (AGM). This is the 11th year in a row that Nadiadwala has been president. Jamnadas Majethia was also elected again as chairman of the TV and web wing of the IFTPC.

    The AGM saw the induction of two new directors and the new board composition as follows: Ratan Jain, NR Pachisia, Madhu Matena, Shyam Bajaj, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Rajat Rawail, Shyamashis Bhattacharya, Dinesh Vijan, Nitin Vaidya, Abhimanyu Singh, and Ramesh Taurani.

    Nadiadwala expressed satisfaction that the pandemic has ebbed and that box office business is once again flourishing. He added that he would soon lead a delegation to the Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde to discuss concerns pertaining to the sector.

    Jamnadas agreed with Nadiadwala and stated that while the TV business is developing well, there are some difficulties related to the film city that need to be addressed. He expressed hope that the meeting with the CM will help to address these concerns.

    He lamented the need to lower the extremely high electricity prices. He added that the contractual agreement with art directors is cause for serious concern because some art directors fail to pay their employees’ salaries on time, which causes unease and tension among the employees.

    The meeting paid tribute to all the departed souls during the year including Lata Mangeshkar and IFTPC former director Vijay Galani.

  • DC celebrates Batman Day with online contests, global events and much more

    DC celebrates Batman Day with online contests, global events and much more

    Mumbai: DC has announced that it will celebrate Batman Day on 17 September by providing fans with free comics at participating comic book shops. Titles available include “Batman: Hush” by writer Jeph Loeb and artist Jim Lee and “Batman’s Mystery Casebook – Batman Day Special Edition #1” by writer Sholly Fisch and artist Christopher Uminga.

    Global celebrations for DC’s Batman will once again span the globe as fans celebrate the world’s greatest detective and over 80 years of storytelling around “The Dark Knight.”

    In India, fans will get to participate in exciting social media contests hosted by partner brands like Boat, Shop The Arena, etc. and win gift hampers worth Rs 2,499 to celebrate Dark Knight’s Day.

    In the month of September, Warner Bros. consumer products and merchandise brands such as Be Young, BonKids, That Dog in Tuxedo, Redwolf and many others will offer Batman fans the chance to immerse in the world of Gotham with cool range of Batman products on sale on their websites and also have a chance to win gift hampers worth Rs 2,499 and Rs 2,999.

    DC is also releasing a special edition of 2002’s “Batman #608,” the first chapter of Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee’s 12-part mystery spanning Gotham City and the Dark Knight’s greatest foes, to get fans excited about the upcoming “Batman: Hush 20th Anniversary Edition” hardcover, available in October.

    Fans anywhere can tune in and see that Batman’s incredible Rogue’s Gallery has hacked Batman’s social channels–and is taking over the DC Shop! DC fans can follow along on social media as iconic super-villains share their thoughts on the world’s greatest detective on Batman on Twitter, and check the DC Shop for new, super-villain themed merchandise.

    Batman Day with HBO Max

    HBO Max announced the lead voice cast behind the upcoming animated feature-length film “Batman Azteca: Choque De Imperios.”  Kids and families can also celebrate with Batwheels, DC’s first-ever Batman preschool series, which will zoom into Batman Day with a half-hour origin special premiering exclusively first on Cartoonito on HBO Max in the US and LATAM.

  • Carnival Cinemas offers rewards for movie ticket

    Carnival Cinemas offers rewards for movie ticket

    Mumbai: Multiplex chain Carnival Cinemas, founded by Dr. Shrikant Bhasi, on Friday announced that moviegoers will receive assured gifts after booking movie tickets on www.carnivalcinemas.com. The company added that a few lucky winners will get a chance to win free hampers.

    With the aim of encouraging consumers to book their tickets online through the website, Carnival Cinemas aims to establish a strong connection with moviegoers by engaging them through its unique reward activations. The company is consistently setting benchmarks of pioneering innovation across the Indian exhibition.

    This reward campaign initiative is designed to ensure that the customers have the best experience possible. It aims to increase the excitement and anticipation for the upcoming movies. This consumer promotional offer will be available at all Carnival Cinemas theatres across India.

    The reward will be inclusive of free products, vouchers, and food & beverages. Additionally, a lucky winner will be chosen in every show at Carnival Cinemas at their IMAX Wadala theatre.

    On launching the offer for the patrons, Carnival Cinemas director and CEO Vishal Sawhney stated, “We are excited to announce the launch of our new promotional offer for our patrons! With this new scheme, our patrons can enjoy easy and convenient booking options through our website—www.carnialcinemas.com—and at the same time be rewarded for the same. We hope that our patrons will find this new scheme interesting. At Carnival Cinemas, we believe that the consumer is the most important aspect of our business. We strive to provide an excellent experience for every customer who visits our theatres by offering a variety of films to choose from, goodies and services. Our goal is to ensure that each and every person who walks through our doors has a great time and leaves with a smile on their face. We are committed to providing the best possible service and making sure that our customers are happy.”

  • PVR to release ‘One Piece Film: Red’ in India on 7 October

    PVR to release ‘One Piece Film: Red’ in India on 7 October

    Mumbai: PVR Pictures, as part of their exclusive deal with a Japanese animation film distributor in Southeast Asia, Odex will release “One Piece Film:Red” in India on 7 October. It is the 15th feature film in the “One Piece” series.

    Gor Taniguchi’s 2022 Japanese animated fantasy action-adventure film “One Piece Film:Red,” produced by Toei Animation, premiered in Japan on 6 August and ranked first in the Japanese box office in its first weekend. The film sold 1.58 million tickets and earned 2.254 billion yen (about $16.7 million) in its first two days.

    The film is now the #41 film at the Japanese box office of all time. It has become the franchise’s highest-selling and highest-earning film instalment, in terms of both the number of tickets sold and yen earned at the box office.

    The story takes place on an island where Uta, the world’s most popular diva, performs for the first time in public. Uta’s voice, with which she sings while hiding her true identity, has been described as “otherworldly.” Now, for the first time, Uta will introduce herself to the world at a live concert. As the venue fills with all kinds of Uta fans, excited pirates, the Navy watching closely, and the Straw Hats led by Luffy, who simply came to enjoy her sonorous performance, the voice that the whole world has been waiting for is about to resound. The story begins with the shocking fact that she is Shanks’ daughter.

  • Inox brings Asia Cup 2022 matches live on cinema screens

    Inox brings Asia Cup 2022 matches live on cinema screens

    Mumbai: Inox Leisure is geared up to give Indian cricket fans an exceptional stadium-like experience by broadcasting Asia Cup 2022 matches live on cinema screens.

    The 15th edition of the Asia Cup 2022, which will be played in the UAE, will begin on 27 August with the finals scheduled on 11 September. Inox will broadcast all Team India matches live at multiplexes in over 30 cities across India.

    Inox’s initiative to screen live matches will be a boon for fans who want to experience stadium energy in a carnival-like setting in a safe and hygienic environment.

    The air-conditioned comfort of the cinema hall will enhance their overall cricket viewing experience. While watching the matches, fans will be able to enjoy INOX’s extravagant food combinations and delectable gourmet options served at the multiplexes.

    Inox Leisure chief operating officer Anand Vishal said, “This Asia Cup 2022, Inox is all set to welcome the cricket fans to this unparalleled and stadium-like experience across the country. With this unique initiative, our aim is to provide our patrons with the feeling of pulsating energy as if they were in the stadium itself.”

    He added, “We are waiting to welcome cricket fans to our cinemas to come and watch the Asia Cup matches together on our giant screens, with fantastic surround sound, which will create an atmosphere like no other. Cricket is a religion in India, and the Asia Cup is one big festival, and we are delighted to bring the cricket action to the big screens at the Inox cinemas.”

  • Asianet movies launches special Onam campaign ‘Oru Padathinu Poyalo’ inviting audiences to return to theatres

    Asianet movies launches special Onam campaign ‘Oru Padathinu Poyalo’ inviting audiences to return to theatres

    Mumbai: At a time when new releases are struggling to draw large crowds to theatres, Asianet Movies has stepped forward to support the film industry.

    ‘Oru Padathinu Poyalo’, a special onam campaign created by Asianet Movies, invites audiences to return to theatres to experience a cinematic experience available only on big screens. The campaign revolves around reminding audiences of the magic of cinema and encouraging them to watch new releases in theatres.

    This campaign was launched in collaboration with the Kerala Film Producers Association.

    Asianet executive director Kishan Kumar said, “Since inception, Asianet Movies has taken pride in Malayalam cinema and always stood for its betterment. The underlying motive for this campaign was our comprehensive understanding of the constant challenges faced by creators, artists, producers, distributors, and theatre owners.”

    He added that this is the first time a television network has launched a campaign to increase theatre attendance and combat piracy.