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Tag: Abhishek Chaubey

  • Colosceum-backed Film ‘Mai’ to screen at Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023

    Colosceum-backed Film ‘Mai’ to screen at Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023

    Mumbai: ‘Mai’, a 41-minute film written and directed by Milind Dhaimade and produced by Colosceum Media Pvt Ltd (Lalit Prem Sharma) and Macguffin Pictures (Honey Trehan and Abhishek Chaubey), is all set to screen at the upcoming Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival. The festival will run from 27 October to 5 November 2023, at multiple venues in Mumbai.

    The film stars Kunaal Roy Kapur and Shahana Goswami and is based on a simple thought that we can’t find anything unless we are ready to lose something. The story revolves around how the 35-year-old Suman Das (played by Kunaal), who is obsessed with his mother’s cooking, discovers the value of love, loss and sacrifice when he has to deal with her sudden death. The film is a part of the anthology series ‘Lost & Found’ which is a unique collection of exquisite stories from 7 storytellers and their interpretation of the concept of loss and gain.

    “Being a food enthusiast, I find the intersection of food and humanity very intriguing. Is food only nourishment? An indulgence? Or, are there such strong memories attached in the taste of everything we love, that knowingly and unknowingly, we are constantly searching for that very taste? ‘Mai’ delves into the notion of letting go, of stepping away from the familiar to explore and experience something new, and of discovering love through the metaphor of food. We hope the audience enjoys watching this movie made with all heart as much as we have enjoyed making it,” said Mai director Milind Dhaimade.

    Suman’s mother had prepared a wonderful array of dishes before she was to depart for a week-long pilgrimage when she unexpectedly dies. Throughout his life, Suman has never tasted anything that could compare to his mother’s cooking. Now, he faces the challenge of preserving her culinary legacy for as long as possible. One day, he encounters Mona (played by Shahana), a woman with such exceptional taste buds that she can breakdown the recipe of any dish she tastes. Can Suman use Mona’s help to replicate his mother’s inimitable cooking?

    Working on ‘Mai’ has been a truly enriching experience. The film’s exploration of love, loss, and the power of letting go is not only relatable but also heartwarming. My character’s stubbornness and selfish obsession, which holds him back, was a unique challenge to portray. It’s a story that touches the heart, and I’m excited to see how the audience reacts to this fabulous journey of self-discovery.” – Kunaal Roy Kapur

    Shahana Goswami added, “Shooting with Milind Dhaimade was a whirlwind of fun and madness, and Kunal’s addition elevated the experience. ‘Mai’ beautifully captures the complexities of loss and finding, reflecting life’s inner and outer workings with depth and truth. I’m so happy to be a part of this simple, beautiful film that brings out the often taken-for-granted connection between food and the emotions associated with certain flavours and aromas.”

    “We, at Macguffin are extremely proud to present Mai by Milind Dhaimade, a tenderly told story of a mother’s love, a son’s loss and the food that nourished their bond.”, said Macguffin producer Honey Trehan & Abhishek Chaubey.

    “The ‘Lost and Found’ metaphor deeply resonates with this anthology series, emphasizing the need to let go of the familiar to discover transformation. We are honored to be part of the Jio Mami festival, engaging with film enthusiasts and professionals, fostering lasting conversations. ‘Mai,’ a testament to our commitment at Colosceum, transcends mere entertainment, provoking thought. We eagerly anticipate its premiere, aiming to captivate and inspire audiences with its compelling narrative and heartfelt performances. By nurturing creativity, we contribute to the growth and evolution of the film industry.” said Colesceum producer Lalit Prem Sharma.

    ‘Mai’ will screen on 29 October, 5.30 pm (Goregaon PVR ICON, Oberoi Mall), 31 October,6:00 pm (Andheri PVR ICON, Infiniti Mall) and 3 November, 3:30 pm (Malad INOX Inorbit Mall) at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023.

     

  • Netflix launches ‘Take Ten’ initiative to support emerging filmmakers

    Netflix launches ‘Take Ten’ initiative to support emerging filmmakers

    Mumbai: Netflix on Monday announced the launch of ‘Take Ten,’ a short film workshop and competition, that aims to discover and support emerging filmmakers from diverse backgrounds in India.

    ‘Take Ten’ is sponsored by Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, which has dedicated $100 million a year over five years to support the next generation of storytellers from underrepresented communities.

    As part of this initiative, ten filmmakers will be given an exciting opportunity to attend workshops by the best in the creative industry and then to make a fully-funded short film with a $10,000 grant, a statement said. The films will be showcased on Netflix India’s YouTube channel.

    “Take Ten is a celebration of storytelling and originality. The workshop and competition aim to be inclusive and showcase the diverse voices behind and in front of the camera in India,” said film critic, author and Film Companion editor Anupama Chopra, who is leading the programme. “I hope Take Ten enables artists across India to find their footing and soar.”

    Applicants who want to apply for ‘Take Ten’ must be a citizen or resident of India and over the age of 18 years. The registrations will open on 7 February. To enter, applicants are to submit a film of up to two minutes based on the topic ‘My India,’ which should be shot with their phone and represent who they are as a filmmaker, said the statement. 

    The shortlisted participants will not only get to bring their short film idea to life but they will also get a chance to learn about writing, direction, production and more from award-winning talent including Abhishek Chaubey, Hansal Mehta, Juhi Chaturvedi, Neeraj Ghaywan and Guneet Monga, it added.

  • Asia’s largest content creation festival, India Film Project is back with its 9th Season!

    Asia’s largest content creation festival, India Film Project is back with its 9th Season!

    Witnessing enormous growth in building a community of content creators across the varying forms of art since its inception in 2011, Asia’s largest content creation festival, India Film Project marks it’s come back this year with season 9. With an aim to encourage the budding talents and their enthusiasm for 8 years, this season will be a notch higher as the winning titles of 50 hour filmmaking challenge will be premiered across PVR Cinemas in the country and will also be televised on world’s premier youth brand, MTV.

    With an increasing community of 6.5 million filmmakers and content creators coming together on 12th and 13th of October 2019 at Mehboob Studios, Bandra, Mumbai. This year more than 35000+ filmmakers are expected to participate from across 300+ cities, and 22+ countries making 1500+ short films over a weekend. Bollywood bigwigs Abhishek Chaubey, Pradeep Sarkar, Apurva Asrani, Bhavani Iyer, amongst the other have been brought on board to judge the series of challenges.

    The two-day content creation festival at Mumbai will not only have speakers from different fields of art ranging from films, comics, literature, music but also hosts a series of interesting panel discussions, AMAs, workshops and screenings. Apart from eminent juries, speakers and talent, India Film Project has also joined hands with two giants of the entertainment industry, PVR Cinemas and MTV who are on board as sponsors this season.

    Challenging the enthusiasts from diverse spaces, India Film Project brings an exciting line up of contests this year too. With its flagship property 50-hour filmmaking where the participants are challenged to create content from scratch which includes scripting, shooting and post production in a span of 50 hours. This mega challenge is slated to happen from 27th September, 8 pm to 29th September, 10 pm.

    Apart from this, IFP also has other exciting contests ranging from Short Scriptwriting Challenge where contestants are supposed to submit an original script, to a Storytelling Challenge where one is expected to submit an original spoken word poetry, to Poster-Designing Challenge where the budding talents will have to recreate a Film Poster based on the given theme. The entries for these challenges are open till 15th September 2019. Each challenge promises to be distinctive in their own space not only appealing the participants but also the audiences.

    Ritam Bhatnagar, Festival Director, India Film Project, and comments on the announcement of Season 9 “We, at IFP, aim at discovering the creators, valuing and showcasing their creation for the world to see. With this season, we aim to reach out to maximum content creators and make them the part of IFP community. From the beginning, we seek to solely provide a platform where creators can learn, create, network and share content. In this season, we plan to get bigger and better and provide an opportunity for the creators to portray the story to the audiences which they wish to.”

    In association with PVR Cinemas and MTV, the winning titles will be theatrically released in cinemas across Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, and Chandigarh. Furthermore, these movies will also be premiered on MTV over weekends on a prime time slot for 6 months.

    “With this collaboration, we aim to provide a multimedia platform for the emerging content creators. We are looking forward to associating with PVR and MTV for the one of its kind experience for the winners”, signs off Ritam Bhatnagar.

  • A Death In The Gunj (English- mixed): Still born

    A Death In The Gunj is one of those films which reminds one of the mystery novels and movies from the British black-and-white era. A bunch of people, usually friends, family and extended family gather at a lonely — as in far from a civilisation — place for a vacation. Seemingly, there is laughter and bonhomie yet, the vibes are not good.

    For such a story to be told, a film’s roster needs to be talented. And, on that count, the film is well equipped. The writer director being Konkona Sensharma, an industry person herself, her goodwill counts to this end to put together a good cast.

    The characters of Om Puri and Tanuja live in a remote place called McCluskieganj, in Bihar (now Jharkhand). During the winter of late 70s, the couple’s family comes to visit. It includes Gulshan Devaiah, Tillotoma Shome, Arya Sharma, Vikrant Massey and Kalki Koechlin. Ranvir Shorey, Jim Sarbh, their local friends also join in.

    The makers dont deem it necessary to enlighten you as to how they are related or what their connections are. They know each other from before but we, the viewers, don’t and that does not seem to matter! So one assumes, Om Puri and Tanuja are a retired old couple living a life of seclusion but peace in this far off place in a huge cottage surrounded by jungles. The character of Gulshan is their son and Tillotoma the daughter in law with Arya being the granddaughter. Vikrant is Tanuja’s nephew from her sister’s side. There is no way of placing Ranvir, Jim and Kalki except as family friends.

    Among those gathered, Vikrant comes out as the odd man out. All pranks are made at his cost.
    The place has no TV and the only transistor radio is monopolised by Om Puri for cricket updates. It is an open house and there is no taboo on alcohol or smoking. The crowd gets around to play old-fashioned games. Being of Bengali origin, the first try is planchette, a board game (?) about calling the souls of dead folks who are asked to reveal family secrets.

    But, they are not really playing a game, they are all together in targeting Vikrant for no rhyme or reason and making him the butt of a practical joke. Next, they play kabaddi and, again, Vikrant is almost throttled when he seems to be winning.

    Vikrant, who has had a bad time in college, is avoiding his widowed mother and is a total wreck mentally, comes to terms with the fact that not only is he not welcome here but also nobody cares if he lives or dies.

    The script of the film expects the viewer to understand a lot without being told. What is happening and why stops mattering because if you ask your companion next to you, he/she is as much at loss as you are. By the time the film reaches its conclusion, which lacks logic, it makes the whole lot out on a vacation look like a bunch of sadists who derive more fun out of teasing and torturing an innocent young man looking for a shoulder to lean on than their planchette and kabaddi. Direction is average as in what could have been a 75 minute narration is stretched to 110 minutes and yet failing to establish connections as well as the purpose of torturing a down and out youth! There is no comic relief, music or visuals for distraction. Only sadism.

    The casting is good as mentioned earlier, but the characters lack background. Om Puri and Tanuja, the two stalwarts, have nothing to do and they do it ably. Rest act well but to no avail. Vikrant Massey is the one excels.

    Producers: Honey Trehan, Abhishek Chaubey, Raagi Bhatnagar, Ashish Bhatnagar, Vijay Kumar R Swami.

    Director: Konkona Sensharma.

    Cast: Tanuja, Om Puri, Gulshan Devaiyah, Tillotoma Shome, Vikrant Massey, Kalki Koechlin, Ranvir Shorey, Jim Sarbh, Arya Sharma, Promila Pradhan, Ashok Pathak, Saraswati Devi. 

  • ‘Udta Punjab’ exclusively available on Netflix Worldwide

    ‘Udta Punjab’ exclusively available on Netflix Worldwide

    MUMBAI: Netflix is the exclusive home of critically-acclaimed crime film Udta Punjab from 1 January. Netflix members in 190 countries around the world will be able to stream the original film for the first time after its theatrical release.

    Udta Punjab tells the story of socio-economic decline in the affluent north Indian state of Punjab due to drug abuse. Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Diljit Dosanjh in the lead roles play characters from different walks of life, and the film journeys into the artificial highs and the real lows they face in their fight against drugs.

    Above all, the movie explores that the famed Punjabi spirit – you may be knocked down, but this never-say-die attitude means you’ll have the audacity to look drugs in the eye and say, “Drugs di maa di!”

    Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, Udta Punjab is produced by Balaji Motion Pictures in collaboration with Phantom Productions.

    Video:

    Watch the trailer here.

  • ‘Udta Punjab’ exclusively available on Netflix Worldwide

    ‘Udta Punjab’ exclusively available on Netflix Worldwide

    MUMBAI: Netflix is the exclusive home of critically-acclaimed crime film Udta Punjab from 1 January. Netflix members in 190 countries around the world will be able to stream the original film for the first time after its theatrical release.

    Udta Punjab tells the story of socio-economic decline in the affluent north Indian state of Punjab due to drug abuse. Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Diljit Dosanjh in the lead roles play characters from different walks of life, and the film journeys into the artificial highs and the real lows they face in their fight against drugs.

    Above all, the movie explores that the famed Punjabi spirit – you may be knocked down, but this never-say-die attitude means you’ll have the audacity to look drugs in the eye and say, “Drugs di maa di!”

    Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, Udta Punjab is produced by Balaji Motion Pictures in collaboration with Phantom Productions.

    Video:

    Watch the trailer here.

  • Prime Focus provides VFX, DI & Cameras for ‘Udta Punjab’

    Prime Focus provides VFX, DI & Cameras for ‘Udta Punjab’

    MUMBAI: From Abhishek Chaubey, the critically-acclaimed writer and director of ‘Ishqiya’, comes ‘Udta Punjab’, a gritty, crime thriller exploring the drug abuse in Punjab from a number of perspectives: a rock star, a migrant labourer, a doctor and a cop. Prime Focus provided visual effects (VFX), Digital Intermediate (DI) services and camera rental for ‘Udta Punjab’, which stars Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh.

    Prime Focus delivered more than 345 VFX shots for ‘Udta Punjab’, including crowd multiplication and LED screen compositing for the ‘Chitta Ve’ song sequence, set extension and enhancement, picture-in-picture (PIPs) and clean-up work. One of the most challenging VFX sequences was a drug injection sequence which required the creation of a surreal dreamlike environment.

    “In the scene in which Alia can be seen freefalling against a pitch-black backdrop, the idea was to portray the calming and sedating effect of drugs on a junkie,” commented VFX Supervisor Vishal Kapoor. “Even after grading we weren’t quite satisfied with the static look of the frame, so in order to impart more dreaminess to sequence we added subtle transverse wave motions to help bring the sequence to life.”

    The grade of the film varied for each of the main characters – from colourful and vibrant for Tommy (a high-on-drugs, Punjabi rockstar), to earthy and raw for Pinky (a Bihari migrant who works in the fields). A rather cold treatment was given to the scenes featuring Preet and Sartaj – the characters battling the drug menace in the state of Punjab.

    “In addition to the overall dark treatment of the movie a grungy texture was added to the drug sequences to bring about the squalid, drug-fuelled underbelly of the region,” said Prime Focus Colourist Aashirwad Hadkar.

    Produced under the banner of Phantom Films & Balaji Motion Pictures, which was also the distribution company, ‘Udta Punjab’ released on 17th June 2016.

  • Prime Focus provides VFX, DI & Cameras for ‘Udta Punjab’

    Prime Focus provides VFX, DI & Cameras for ‘Udta Punjab’

    MUMBAI: From Abhishek Chaubey, the critically-acclaimed writer and director of ‘Ishqiya’, comes ‘Udta Punjab’, a gritty, crime thriller exploring the drug abuse in Punjab from a number of perspectives: a rock star, a migrant labourer, a doctor and a cop. Prime Focus provided visual effects (VFX), Digital Intermediate (DI) services and camera rental for ‘Udta Punjab’, which stars Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh.

    Prime Focus delivered more than 345 VFX shots for ‘Udta Punjab’, including crowd multiplication and LED screen compositing for the ‘Chitta Ve’ song sequence, set extension and enhancement, picture-in-picture (PIPs) and clean-up work. One of the most challenging VFX sequences was a drug injection sequence which required the creation of a surreal dreamlike environment.

    “In the scene in which Alia can be seen freefalling against a pitch-black backdrop, the idea was to portray the calming and sedating effect of drugs on a junkie,” commented VFX Supervisor Vishal Kapoor. “Even after grading we weren’t quite satisfied with the static look of the frame, so in order to impart more dreaminess to sequence we added subtle transverse wave motions to help bring the sequence to life.”

    The grade of the film varied for each of the main characters – from colourful and vibrant for Tommy (a high-on-drugs, Punjabi rockstar), to earthy and raw for Pinky (a Bihari migrant who works in the fields). A rather cold treatment was given to the scenes featuring Preet and Sartaj – the characters battling the drug menace in the state of Punjab.

    “In addition to the overall dark treatment of the movie a grungy texture was added to the drug sequences to bring about the squalid, drug-fuelled underbelly of the region,” said Prime Focus Colourist Aashirwad Hadkar.

    Produced under the banner of Phantom Films & Balaji Motion Pictures, which was also the distribution company, ‘Udta Punjab’ released on 17th June 2016.

  • Balaji joins hands with Phantom Films to co-produce ‘Udta Punjab’

    Balaji joins hands with Phantom Films to co-produce ‘Udta Punjab’

    MUMBAI: Balaji Motion Pictures has joined hands with Phantom Films to co-produce the Shahid Kapoor starrer Udta Punjab.

     

    The movie, which also stars Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor and Punjabi actor Diljit, is being directed by Abhishek Chaubey.

     

    Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Motion Pictures had earlier also collaborated with Phantom Films forLootera.

     

    The story of Udta Punjab revolves around substance abuse in the Indian state of Punjab. Earlier this month, the movie went on floors in Amritsar.

     

    Phantom Films is helmed by Madhu Mantena, Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane and Vikas Bahl.

  • Catch the world television premiere of ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ at 1pm and 8 pm on Sunday 14th on Sony Max

    Catch the world television premiere of ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ at 1pm and 8 pm on Sunday 14th on Sony Max

    MUMBAI: MAX, the premium Hindi movies and special events channel brings you the World Television premiere of the Indian comedy thriller, ‘Dedh Ishqiya,’ at 1 pm and 8pm on Sunday, 14th September.

     

    A sequel to the 2010 film Ishqiya, this zany black comedy thriller directed by Abhishek Chaubey brings together a strong cast comprising of Madhuri Dixit, Arshad Warsi, Naseeruddin Shah, and Huma Qureshi in lead roles. The film which encompasses good camerawork, crisp editing, strong dialogues, terrific Urdu wordplay and crackling humour is guaranteed to keep viewers glued to their television sets over the weekend.

    The plot is about the irrepressible con men duo of Khalujan (Naseeruddin Shah) and his nephew Babban (Arshad Warsi),who get separated due to a jewellery theft and find themselves in Mehmudabad.  In this town, Khalujan dons the role of a Urdu poet to win the heart of the nawab’s widow Begum Para (Madhuri Dixit) who is organizing a mushaira to choose her new husband.  Tune in to watch how the story unfolds to reveal a kidnapping plot, a love triangle and a violent shootout.

    Commenting on the mature romance that defines the film, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, says, “The film is a modern take on a Muslim social. It depicts a man falling in love with a completely desirable and unattainable lady and the process he goes through.  What the lady is going through is not quite clear. That’s what adds mystery and enigma to her character in the film.”

    Talking about working alongside Naseerudin Shah, leading Bollywood actress, Madhuri Dixit, says, “For me it was an opportunity to work with him and I am so honoured to have done that. The first film that I saw of Naseerji was ‘Masoom’. I have been a big fan of his acting. I think he is a brilliant actor.”

    Get mesmerized with Urdu poetry, by catching the world television premiere of ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ at 1pm and 8pm on Sunday, 14th September only on Sony MAX