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Tag: Ajay Devgan

  • Ajay Devgan to lend support to Bulgarian Tourism

    Ajay Devgan to lend support to Bulgarian Tourism

    MUMBAI: After announcing southeastern European country Bulgaria as the shoot location for his next directorial film Shivaay, Ajay Devgn will now promote the country’s tourism.

     

    Devgn and his team are currently in picturesque Bulgaria for the film’s recce.

     

    Being the first within the industry to zero in the exotic location, Bulgaria tourism minister Nikolina Angelkova has announced that the actor-filmmaker will be lending his support to promote Bulgarian tourism. Devgn will take part in local activities and will shoot a promotional video when he returns for the shoot, which will be shown in India.

     

    Devgn said, “The Bulgarian Tourism Ministry has been really supportive to me and my team. To show our appreciation, I will be lending a helping hand to promote Bulgarian tourism. It’s a great initiative.”

     

    Along with directing the film, Devgn is also playing the lead in Shivaay. Sayesha, grandniece of Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu will be seen making her debut with Shivaay. 

  • Path-breaking VFX for ‘Singham Returns’ by Reliance MediaWorks

    Path-breaking VFX for ‘Singham Returns’ by Reliance MediaWorks

    MUMBAI: Reliance MediaWorks, the techno-creative provider and part of the Reliance group delivered breathtaking VFX for Rohit Shetty’s Singham Return starring Ajay Devgan and Kareena Kapoor.

     

    Crossing the 100 crore mark in just five days after its release, Singham Returns is the story of  D.C.P. Bajirao Singham(Devgan) and his quest to track a black marketer with tremendous influence within the political system.

     

    Talking about the use of VFX in large scale director Rohit Shetty said, “Singham Returns required shooting grand scale action scenes which required intensive VFX. The team at Reliance MediaWorks has done a splendid job, the outcome of which is realistic action packed scenes.”

     

    While the work ranged from elaborate sequences to set extensions, the highlight of the work done by the company is evident in the action scene shot on the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, some of which was live while most of it was created using computer graphics and VFX. The scene also involved missiles and high on speed vehicles which were created solely with special effects.

     

    In total Reliance MediaWorks has worked on 2500 VFX shots for the film, which constitutes almost 90 minutes of the run time. It took the company about three months to create, wherein Reliance MediaWorks creative head for VFX Naveen Paul was personally present on the sets to ensure the scenes were shot in sync with the VFX required.

     

    Commenting on the efforts, Paul said, “Rohit Shetty was clear about the requirements from day one, that of bringing to life an entertaining action packed film. 2500 VFX shots required intensive work by the entire team. We are all proud of the results.”

     

    Excited and happy with the results, Reliance MediaWorks CEO Venkatesh Roddam said, “We are glad to have partnered with Rohit Shetty for Singham Returns. The team headed by Naveen Paul and Nishit Shetty put in three months of work involving extensive detailing and we are glad the efforts have shown result.”

     

    Paul credits the team for being able to deliver detailed VFX shots within such a short time frame. This team comprises VFX supervisors Ranadheer Reddy and Pankaj Kalbende, production head (VFX) Vinoth Ganesh, VFX producer Abrez Mohd, concept and mattepaint head Chandrakanth Shenoy, CG supervisor Guru Prasad and matchmove head Sohel Shaikh.

  • Ajay Devgan and Chhota Bheem to fight evil together on POGO

    Ajay Devgan and Chhota Bheem to fight evil together on POGO

    MUMBAI: Adding momentum to innovation, POGO has partnered with upcoming Bollywood movie Singham 2 to create a special TV presentation with Ajay Devgan and Chhota Bheem. The special titled Dholakpur Ka Singham will air on 09 August at 10:30AM only on POGO.

     

    The 90 minute TV special will have the honest police officer, Bajirao Singham share his experience about his visit to Dholakpur. Audiences can look forward to loads of action, dialogue-baazi and ‘roaring’ fun when Bajirao Singham meets Bheem. The heroes will also be seen showing off their clever ways of fighting evil and protecting their beloved citizens against danger.

     

    Commenting on Chhota Bheem and Dholakpurka Singham, Bollywood mega star Ajay Devgan said, “Chhota Bheem has become a sensation across the country. He and Bajirao Singham have a lot in common. They both fight against evil and stand up for what is right. My son is a huge fan of Chhota Bheem!”

     

    Quoting a line from Dholakpur ka Singham, Ajay Devgan added, “Dholakpuraur gaon ke badmaashon, bachke!! Kyuki… Aali re aali, aata tujhe baari aali.”

     

    Krishna Desai, Ex. Director & Network Head – Kids, South Asia, Turner International India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Bajirao Singham a.k.a Ajay Devgan is a super-cop who has become a hero for kids across the country. The huge fan-following that Chhota Bheem and Ajay Devgan share, is sure to make this venture successful and highly entertaining!”

     

    Kids can also be a part of this Bheem and Bajiroa’s adventure by winning amazing POGO prizes! All they have to do is tune-in to Dholakpurka Singham on 09 August, 10:30 AM onwards and participate in the contest.

  • MTV, Citibank launch co-branded credit card

    MTV, Citibank launch co-branded credit card

    MTV, in its continuing efforts at targeting the youth in all possible ways, yesterday launched CO-branded credit cards in association with Citibank India and Mastercard in a typically MTV style fun-packed function in south Mumbai.

     

    Alex Kuruvilla, MD, MTV India, while unveiling the card, said: “The launch of the credit card in association with Citibank is one step ahead in the ‘MTV 360 degree brand juggernaut’ which we initiated this time last year when we were known only as music channel. After one year, I am happy to say that successful initiatives like the MTV Style clothes range, MTV Youth website as well our tie-up with Planet M have prompted us to take the next step.”

     

    When asked what the tie-up with Citibank for providing the credit card service involved, he said: “We will basically be providing all kinds of marketing expertise like making promos and all the creative work will be done by us. All our events will be used to promote the card. We will be using the channel to promote sales.” About how MTV would add value to the card he said it would add tremendous value as “we will be bringing lots of relations like the cardholder will get special discounts on the MTV Style clothing range and special events organised by us like the MTV concerts. So apart from the general discounts and facilities provided he will be getting much more value addition.”

     

    About the expected response to the cards he said: “Our target customer is the youth and that is the single largest growing segment in the market. We have established ourselves strongly in this segments, so we will definitely help in promoting the new venture. MTV will not invest separate funds for the project. We will not add to our workforce or set up a new team but make use of the present set-up only.”

     

    Actual ground marketing and all other backend services like processing, service, billing etc will be done by Citibank. Talking on the new venture Atul Malik, director marketing (cards), Citibank India said: “We have looked at it as a product for the ‘Young at Heart.’ Even the appearance of the card is very colourful and different from the regular cards. We have tied up with 100 outlets in Mumbai covering book stalls, pubs, gyms, etc. which are like regular hangout points for the youth where they will get discounts which is an added attraction for the customer.”

     

    Initially, the service will be started in Mumbai and then will be taken to Delhi, Bangalore and Pune in a phased manner. The yearly fees is Rs 750 and the features are the same as the Citibank Silver International card.

     

    “We have set ourselves a target of selling 50,000 cards for the year,” Malik said. MTV has plans to take it to other cities in future. Both parties were tightlipped about the revenue sharing arrangement between MTV and Citibank.

     

    The first card was handed over to Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan by Nanoo Pamnani, CEO and global consumer bank head, Citibank India.

  • Prabhu Dheva’s Ajay Devgn starrer titled Action Jackson

    Prabhu Dheva’s Ajay Devgn starrer titled Action Jackson

    Prabhu Deva is set return helming another actioner, starring Ajay Devgan, the film is titled Action Jackson.

     

    The action comedy is said to have three leading ladies out of which, one is the newcomer Yami Gautam and the other is Prabhu Dheva’s lucky mascot Sonakshi Sinha. The third female lead is yet to be finalised. Director Prabhu Dheva recently revealed that Ajay will be seen doing a lot of action and dance sequences in the film.
    Action Jackson is produced by Gordhan Tanwani and is currently under the filming stage.
     

  • Bol Bachchan crosses Rs 1 bn worldwide

    Bol Bachchan crosses Rs 1 bn worldwide

    NEW DELHI: Bol Bachchan, the Rohit Shetty directed film which surprised with its opening revenues, has now amassed Rs 54.3 million net box office on Wednesday, taking the worldwide gross box office number to Rs. 1.02 billion, according to an official release.

    The film has grossed Rs 884 million in India, the stement said.

    Presented by Fox Star Studios, the Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision and Ajay Devgan Films’ produced film is shaping up to be Devgan-Shetty‘s biggest film ever.

    The film stars Ajay Devgan, Abhishek Bachchan, Asin and Prachi Desai in the lead roles.

  • Studio 18 gears up for first Bollywood release

    Studio 18 gears up for first Bollywood release

    MUMBAI: TV18 group’s film division, Studio 18, is gearing up to make its first foray into Bollywood. It will be releasing Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar’s romantic comedy Honeymoon Travels Private Limited on 23 February The movie directed by Reema Kagti is will be released worldwide with 50 prints.

    In the pipeline are six other releases namely Raaj Kumar Santoshi’s Halla Bol starring Ajay Devgan and Vidya Balan and Kya Love Story Hain from VR Entertainment starring Tusshar Kapoor and Ayesha Takia.

    Studio 18 was set up last year by Raghav Bahl, along with Sandeep Bhargava, the former head of Sahara Motion Pictures. Since then it has roped in the likes of Ashoka Holla, Tanuj Garg and Gayatri Batra.

    Talking about the appointments Bhargava says, “The three have had experience in releasing some of the biggest money-spinners overseas including experience in syndication, festivals, new market development and exploitation of emerging media.”

    The international division, with offices in the US and UK, will market and distribute in-house productions and external acquisitions in foreign markets.

    Adds Holla, “The focus will also be on broadening the appetite of the overseas audience by being first-movers in presenting an alternate menu to them. This division of Studio 18 intends to assemble a diverse slate – that is mainstream Bollywood features of viable sizes, genres and set-ups and exploit them through a bouquet of available rights to the maximum.”

  • BIG 92.7 FM unveils reality radio hunt for Bollywood star

    BIG 92.7 FM unveils reality radio hunt for Bollywood star

    MUMBAI: BIG 92.7 FM in association with Big Screen Entertainment, are inviting entries for Big Break – the national reality Radio hunt – for the main lead actor of a Bollywood film.

    The hunt conducted through BIG 92.7 FM has Raj Kumar Santoshi, Vishal Bharadwaj, Anurag Basu and Ajay Devgan as the judges. BIG 92.7 FM is the exclusive on-air media partner for the search of the new Bollywood lover boy of 2007, asserts an official release.

    The winner of the Radio hunt called Who will be Shekhar? will not be revealed and will only be a voice to the nation until the launch of the film.

    The cities where the contest will run are Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Srinagar, Jammu and Aligarh. Screening of the candidates, interviews with the jury, and announcement of the winner will be conducted exclusively on BIG 92.7 FM.

    Prospective participants can post their applications along with their portfolio pictures by logging on to www.big927fm.com on or before 31 December 2006.

    This film will mark the debut for Amita Mangat, daughter of Kumar Mangat, of Omkara fame with Ajay and Kajol Devgan personally monitoring the script and doing the rounds for the location etc, adds the release.

    BIG 92.7 FM national creative director Vishal Mullays said, “A reality Bollywood talent hunt on Radio is happening for the first time ever. The Radio boom is here and given our huge network of Stations across the country, we are confident to find the right lover boy. Big 92.7 FM is proud to be associated with Big Screen Entertainment and together we want to create history in the hunt for the first ever reality talent hunt on Radio.”

  • Eros inks deal with Rose Movies

    Eros inks deal with Rose Movies

    MUMBAI: Eros International has inked a four movie output deal with Goldie Behl’s Rose Movies, which will commence with Drona, a costume drama starring Abhishek Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra in December 2006.

    Eros’ association with Rose began when it distributed Bhel’s first film Bus Itna Sa Khwab Hain.

    Following on from the association on Omkara, Eros has taken a 64 per cent stake in Big Screen. Big Screen has signed up Ajay Devgan for future projects as well as directors like Rohit Shetty, Soham and Anil Devgan, asserts an official.

    Two productions are already underway, one of which titled No Smoking starring John Abraham. The movie is expected to be premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2007.

    Eros International chairman and CEO Kishore Lulla said, “Since our flotation we have focused on pursuing our key strategic objectives as a vertically integrated group within the Indian media and entertainment arena. The success of these initiatives has contributed to strong organic growth and coupled with the phenomenal growth in the Indian media sector, we believe that Eros is well positioned to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the sector.”

    The releases that are now lined up from Eros are Salaam-e-Ishq, Provoked, Speed, I See You and Nanhe Jaisalmer.The Film Music albums and soundtrack planned for release by Eros during the financial year ending March 2007 include I See You, Kudiyon Ka Hain Zamana, Mr Black Mr White, Chinni Kum and Provoked.

    In addition to cinema distribution, the group continues to focus on expanding the home entertainment mainstream distribution network. Eros titles are now available through HMV, Virgin, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury and Amazon amongst others channels.

    Eros plans to launch its first set of high definition titles in the near future with current box office releases and digitally remastered classic titles from the catalogue. The Group plans to focus on expanding its extensive global distribution network with special focus on syndication, new media while tapping into the growing Indian market, adds the release.

  • ‘Big Brother’ comes a knocking on Sony this November

    ‘Big Brother’ comes a knocking on Sony this November

    MUMBAI: Big Brother, Endemol’s top format show of 2005 in terms of turnover, is all set to launch on Sony Entertainment Television this year.

    Likely to hit the air waves right after the Champions Trophy ends in November; the show will have 12 celebrities from the films, television, music, modelling and sports frat under house arrest for 100 days and that too under constant surveillance by 35 cameras. Some of the personalities that the channel is in talks with are Pooja Bedi, Simone Singh and Arshad Warsi, to name a few.

    Big Brother, which contributes to over 25 per cent of Endemol’s revenues internationally, also has a lot of scope for spin-off segments. “We can have segments with psychiatrists talking about the behaviour of people who are participating in the show. There will also be an eviction talk show, wherein people who are voted out in each episode can speak about what transpired inside and why they feel they were voted out. More such spin-offs on the show like Big Brother’s Little Brother, Big Brain and Big Mouth will also be there,” says Endemol India managing director Rajesh Kamat.

    What’s more, Sony will also be looking at streaming Big Brother episodes on the internet. “Web streaming is definitely a possibility and we are looking at it very seriously,” says SET India senior vice president and programming head Anupama Mandloi.

    “In India we have seen that soaps and stories that are told well, deliver. Big Brother is a queen of all soaps and is very unpredictable too. We are sure that it is going to be huge and will break the clutter. The show will also be toned to match Indian sensibilities and culture,” Mandloi adds.

    Apart from Big Brother, preparations are also underway to launch Extreme Makeover some time early next year, which is being produced by Miditech. The call for entries began on 4 July and will continue till 18 July.

    And if you thought that was all from the Sony stable, think again! Shooting for the second season of Fear Factor India is also currently under way in Argentina. While last time we saw telly actors participating in the show, this time round one can look forward to some Bollywood actors doing some real time stunts – minus the body doubles – in Fear Factor India. Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgan are two action stars who come top of mind… well we’ll have to wait and watch if they’re there!

    So it’ll sure be another reality bonanza on Sony!