Tag: Dharma Productions

  • Dharma earns Rs 100 crore opening weekend in 2014

    Dharma earns Rs 100 crore opening weekend in 2014

    MUMBAI: Dharma Productions had a busy 2014 with a romance hat trick in the first half of the year – Hasee Toh Phasee along with Phantom Production, 2 States along with Nadiadwala Grandsons & UTV; and Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania in July.  With its last release Ungli, Dharma has become a production house with probably the widest range of film varieties this year.

     

    All the films had something unique about them – right from a romedy with a fresh storyline, to a bestseller adaptation, to a tribute to legendary Bollywood love stories. Whereas, Ungli was film from a genre unknown to Dharma until now. This year, Dharma also became the launchpad for three more promising directors – Vinil Matthew (Hasee Toh Phasee), Abhishek Varman (2 States) and Shashank Khaitan (Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania). Ungli was Rensil D’silva’s second outing with Dharma.

     

    With the audience accepting all these films with open arms, Dharma Productions is set for an exciting line-up in next two years. It will be exploring multiple collaborations and giving an opportunity to many new talents.

     

    Here’s to the youth power.

  • Dharma Productions prepone the release of ‘Brothers’

    Dharma Productions prepone the release of ‘Brothers’

    MUMBAI: Brothers starring Akshay Kumar, Sidharth Malhotra, Jacqueline Fernandes and Jackie Shroff will be ready to open in theatres months before the original release date, on 31 July 31 2015.

    The film went on floors in September and a considerable amount of scenes have already been filmed. Now, Brothers is likely to be completed way before the originally scheduled release date of 2 October 2015. However when Karan Johar zeroed in on 31 July, he realised that Akshay had already decided to release his home production on that day. Johar had a word with Akshay, who, thrilled about his upcoming Dharma project, offered his July date to Johar.

    Producer of the film, Johar confirms the news, saying, “The energy of the shoot has been incredible, so we have actually decided to prepone our release to 31 July. Akshay and Ashvini have graciously given us that date and we have given them our previous date.”

     

  • 9X Jalwa join hands with Lays

    9X Jalwa join hands with Lays

    MUMBAI: To provide an extra dose of entertainment to music lovers, 9X Jalwa has partnered with Ruffles Lays to present viewers with a special integrated show titled ‘Lays Magical 15’. In every episode of the show it will feature 15 blockbuster songs from Bollywood’s most prominent production banners like Rajshri Productions, Mukta Arts, Dharma Productions, RK Films etc.

     

    Besides the popular tracks, Lays Magical 15 will also feature interesting trivia around the film and its music.

     

    9X Media chief revenue officer (CRO) Pawan Jailkhani believes that the special show will provide the viewers with forever young flavour of Bollywood and help the brand reach out to its target consumers (15-24 age group).

     

    He further says: “Being the country’s largest music television network, 9X Media through its five channels is a big influencer amongst the youth. Our innovative and compelling content has always resonated well with our viewers. Majority of the big marketers and advertisers engage with us through cutting edge brand integration campaigns featuring our animated characters.”

     

    The show will air every Thursday at 7pm and repeats will be shown every Friday at 7pm.

  • Akshay Kumar to star in the ‘Warrior’ remake- ‘Brothers’

    Akshay Kumar to star in the ‘Warrior’ remake- ‘Brothers’

    MUMBAI:  Finally making it official, Karan Johar has announced the Hindi remake of Gavin O’Connor’s 2011 contact sports drama Warrior. Named Brothers, the movie stars Akshay Kumar, Sidharth Malhotra, Jacqueline Fernandez and Jackie Shroff and will be produced by Dharma Productions and Lionsgate, Endemol India.

     

    Tweeting about the same, Karan Johar posted, “Dharma Productions, Lionsgate, Endemol India present Brothers directed by Karan Malhotra and starring Akshay Kumar, Sidharth Malhotra, Jacqueline Fernandez and Jackie Shroff. Releasing Oct 2nd, 2015.”

     

    The original film shows the story of two brothers, one a former Marine and the other a former UFC fighter-turned-school teacher. Driven by their own motives, the siblings eventually find themselves competing in the same mixed martial arts tournament with the grand prize of 5 million dollars. It starred Nick Nolte, Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton.

     

    Lead star Akshay Kumar who will be seen playing the role originally played by Tom Hardy posted on Facebook, “My first association with @karanjohar…Brothers”

     

    Going on floors on 2 October 2015, the movie will be directed by the Agneepath famed Karan Malhotra.

     

    Interestingly, this will be Sidharth Malhotra’s third film with the Dharma banner after his debut Student of The Year and Hasee Toh Phasee. In the meanwhile, director Karan Malhotra’s next release however is the much-talked about film Shuddhi which stars Salman Khan in the lead.

     

  • Set the dance floor on fire with ‘Chull’!

    Set the dance floor on fire with ‘Chull’!

    MUMBAI: After getting the entire nation groove to ‘Saturday Saturday’ from Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, Sony Music is all set to release Punjab’s rap-sensation – Badshah and Fazilpuria’s party anthem ‘Chull’.

     

    With a hook that sticks with listeners, the song is extremely upbeat with urban sounds and Badshah’s Rap that is sure to catch on to youngsters very quickly. In addition, the video of the song has been given a cool and international look that matches the foot-tapping beats of the song. Featuring Badshah and Fazilpuria, the video has 50 girls grooving to the song and was shot in locations in Gurgaon, Fazilpuria’s homeground

     

    Said Badshah in a statement, “All this is for my fans, they have loved my work and I am sure they will love this too!”

     

    Added Fazilpuria, “It has been great working with Badshah on this fun song. We have already received a great response by our fans and I am sure people will love the song video.”

     

    An addition to Sony Music’s artist repertoire, Badshah’s ‘Chull’ is ought to be the upcoming party slogan of the year!

     

    Sony Music recently signed on Badshah, who got his first Bollywood break with ‘Saturday Saturday’ in Dharma Productions forthcoming film Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania that has now become a party anthem!

  • Reliance MediaWorks bags ‘Best Laboratory of the Year’ Award for ‘Mandrake Mandrake’

    Reliance MediaWorks bags ‘Best Laboratory of the Year’ Award for ‘Mandrake Mandrake’

    MUMBAI: The field of technology for visual enhancement of filmed content is rapidly evolving in India. A company that is constantly innovating itself and working towards an enhanced cinema viewing experience is Reliance MediaWorks – the media and techno-creative solutions provider and a part of the Reliance Group.

     

    Adding to its kitty of numerous awards and accolades is the recently achieved ‘Best Laboratory Award’ in the cinematography category for the film Mandrake! Mandrake!

     

    Produced by the National Film and TV Institute of India, the diploma film is the story of a young man, who transforms a rundown warehouse into an Aladdin’s cave through the fun and frolic of the moving image, where magic, mystery and adventure become possible. Reliance MediaWorks is solely responsible for the processing of this film.

     

    Reliance MediaWorks handled the colour correction, processing and printing of the entire film. Reliance MediaWorks CEO Venkatesh Roddam said, “Awards and recognition always feel good, because it is a validation of the commitment to the industry and hard work at Reliance MediaWorks.”

     

    Added Reliance MediaWorks president, post production services Krishna Shetty, “Among other honours, a national award feels even more special since it is the highest honour instituted by the government of India and thus, yes winning this award for the lab makes me really happy. That we have been winning this award several times over the last few years, is again a reinforcement of the quality, commitment and difference that we at Reliance MediaWorks make to the process of filmmaking through our consistent efforts. Yes it is the 16th award, and the third one in a row now. In the past as well, we have won this award for successive years, once for six years in a row.”

     

    The company that recently completed 400 films has revolutionised the way films are processed in India and has worked with production houses such as Dharma Productions, Yashraj Films, Balaji Motion Pictures, Red Chillies Entertainment, Disney and Sony Pictures amongst others. Its consistent effort has helped reduce the cost of films and increases the speed of overall production.

  • Reliance MediaWorks partners with ‘2 States’

    Reliance MediaWorks partners with ‘2 States’

    MUMBAI: Reliance MediaWorks, the media and techno-creative solutions provider and a part of the Reliance Group has announced its association with the recently released 2 States.

     

     Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and Karan Johar the film has been directed by Abhishek Varman and stars Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt in lead roles. A film that depicts the diversity in the cultural fabric of India, 2 States is set in several parts of the country including Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.  Thus VFX played an important role in easing the logistics and depicting different cities while still being shot at a studio.

     

     Reliance MediaWorks has been offering end-to-end visual postproduction services for films including VFX, DI and Digital Mastering, and 2 States is the latest marquee film that it has worked on. With 250 odd VFX shots, largely for chroma compositing and set extensions, the project entailed around 30-35 minutes of VFX work for the film.

     

    Dharma Productions chief executive officer Apoorva Mehta said, “The team at Reliance MediaWorks has always delivered high quality work at prompt timelines, helping us successfully complete the film and provide a visual delight to the audience.”

     

     Added Varman, “2 States is a very special film for me and in order to deliver my best I wanted to partner with the best creative partners. I’m very happy working along with the team at Reliance MediaWorks on this film.”

     

    To create the visual allure of different cities while maintaining the overall look of the film, the RMW team worked closely with legendary cinematographer Binod Pradhan, thus with his expertise, tactfully bringing together the vibrancy of Punjabi Delhi, the serenity of Chennai and the cultural vivacity of Ahmedabad.

     

     Pradhan said, “2 States is a movie rich in culture, colours and energy. To get a consistent look while maintaining the authenticity of each Indian province was the key focus. Reliance MediaWorks was an important partner in accomplishing this task.”

     

    Reliance MediaWorks senior colorist Ken Metzker said, “Working with an industry stalwart such as Binod Pradhan is always a great experience in itself. 2 States had the perfect balance of vibrancy and subtlety in its look, which allowed us to make the characters tell their story while looking good and not having the images overtake the storytelling. Looking forward to newcomer director Abhishek Varman’s next film.”

     

    Blending the VFX shots with the film seamlessly was an important task. 2 States is a romantic comedy and most of the VFX work involved was on account of logistical convenience for the shoot. So it had to be subtle and immersive.

     

     Reliance MediaWorks VFX head Prasad Sutar, who also headed the project said, “VFX technology today is no longer limited to action flicks and sci-fi movies. Directors today are wisely using it to ease the logistics and facilitate the shooting process, and with 2 States we have achieved that quite successfully.”

     

     Reliance MediaWorks CEO Venkatesh Roddam added, “It is always a pleasure to work with Dharma Productions. The team has worked dedicatedly to achieve the envisioned outcome. We are sure our work would be appreciated by viewers across the country.”

  • 9XM’s ‘Cast your Vote & Win’ contest with 2 States

    9XM’s ‘Cast your Vote & Win’ contest with 2 States

    MUMBAI: 9XM, India’s popular Hindi music channel, has associated with Dharma Productions and is enticing the viewers to vote by offering them free tickets to watch the upcoming movie – 2 States.  The initiative is called ‘Cast your Vote & Win contest’ is an extension to 9XM’s on-air election campaign titled Who is the idiot. As part of ‘Cast your Vote & Win contest’ 9XM has organized a  special screening of the latest Bollywood film 2 States on 24th April 2014, exclusively at the IMAX Big Cinemas, Wadala at 6:45pm.

     

    Encouraging the youth to vote and make the change, the Cast your Vote and Win contest provides the viewers and Bollywood movie buffs an opportunity to win free tickets to the latest Bollywood hit. The channel has also partnered with Big Cinema’s to promote this contest across 30 screens in Mumbai.

     

    Speaking of this association Mr. Siddharth Kadam – Marketing Head of Dharma Productions said “We are glad to be associated with 9XM’s election initiative Cast your Vote & Win. This contest on the channel will not only promote the movie 2 States but also motivate the youth to go out and exercise their right to vote. This is a great platform to connect with the youth and motivate them.”

     

    Commenting on this initiative Mr. Kapil Sharma, Vice President, Marketing 9X Media Pvt. Ltd said “The Cast your Vote & Win contest is an extension to our on-air campaign Who is the Idiot. The music video of Who is the Idiot has received a great response from our viewers. Our aim with this initiative is to create awareness among the people about the importance of voting and motivate them to exercise their right to vote. Like all of 9XM’s campaigns, we are engaging with them through music and humour.”

     

    Cast your Vote and Win contest will be promoted through venue and cafeteria branding at the multiplex and through branded slides during the movies. The contest will also be promoted across 9XM and through the digital platforms like Facebook, Twitter (#whoistheidiot) and Youtube.

     

    So ‘Dont be an idiot…Go Vote…Get counted…’

     

  • Shaadi.com ties knot for ‘2 States’

    Shaadi.com ties knot for ‘2 States’

    MUMBAI: Shaadi.com is all set to be associated with 2 States, the forthcoming movie co-produced by Dharma Productions and Sajid Nadiadwala. The matrimonial site has become the official matrimonial partner for the movie. The movie is based on the book ‘2 States’ authored by Chetan Bhagat.

     

    Commenting on the association, Shaadi.com COO Gourav Rakshit said, “For over 17 years, we at Shaadi.com have been helping people create their own love story, so it is only natural for us to be associated with a beautiful love story like 2 States. We are delighted about this relationship with Dharma Productions and we wish them great success with this movie.”

     

    The film revolves around a Punjabi boy (Arjun Kapoor), who falls in love with a Tamil girl (Alia Bhatt) and all the hardships they go through because of the cultural differences between the two families. The film is distributed by UTV Motion Pictures and scheduled to release on 18 April 2014.

     

    “We are glad to be associated with Shaadi.com. The movie is a love story which revolves around two people and their families who are from two different states. So this relationship with Shaadi.com is a perfect fit,” added Dharma Productions CEO Apoorva Mehta.

  • Reliance MediaWorks partner with Dharma Productions

    Reliance MediaWorks partner with Dharma Productions

    MUMBAI: In yet another triumph of great visual post production work Reliance MediaWorks has delivered a whopping 750 plus VFX shots for Gori Tere Pyar Mein. Reliance MediaWorks have partnered with Dharma Productions to offer a complete range of post-production services like VFX, Digital Intermediate and Color Grading for Dharma productions latest offering.

    Reliance MediaWorks has a great working relationship with Dharma Productions, built over the years and brings that knowledge and learning to the project. The Reliance MediaWorks team worked closely with the Gori Tere Pyar Mein crew throughout filming, instead of coming in at the tail end of the production. This put Reliance MediaWorks in a position to help shape the overall look and aesthetics of the film.

    The goal with the VFX for the film was to be photoreal and keep the audience guessing about implementation. The film is set in a small village in Gujarat; Reliance MediaWorks (RMW) brought out the rural area and gave it a more rustic look through VFX.

    Mr. Venkatesh Roddam, CEO Reliance MediaWorks said, “As Gori Tere Pyar Mein’ is an easy-going romantic movie and not a VFX based movie, most of the VFX in the film is invisible. However, the elements that have been created as part of the VFX for the film play an essential role in the plot of the film, thereby making the task of handling the VFX that much more challenging creatively, and significant to the film. The movie is targeted at the youth with a lot of comic inputs, we preferred to keep the color scheme vibrant, yet signifying warmth and romance and switch the looks and textures as per the varying locations.

    There is a bridge in the film that forms a crucial element in the story. The same has been created through VFX in post-production, ditto for the river that flows beneath the bridge. The bridge was a modeled and textured computer generated representation of a real bridge. The models built had to be highly detailed because a large number of close-up shots were to be done on the bridge. For the river, various shots of a lake were taken, which were then given depth and magnitude using the VFX technology.

    Commenting on the same Punit Malhotra Director Gori tere Pyar Mein said, “For a film like Gori Tere Pyaar Mein, no one is really aware of the VFX work. Neither does the storyline indicate, nor is that highlighted in the communication. Thereby the transition of the VFX into the frames had to be seamless and almost invisible and non-intrusive for the viewer. That is precisely the reason why we chose to partner with Team RMW.

    One challenge was the set extension (the bridge and the river), since they appear in some scenes shot without cranes or tripods to stabilize the camera. Both the set extensions are very crucial to the film. It was essential that viewers believe that the same were real. It was also necessary to manipulate the physical environment to reflect the mood of the film. Since RMW was also the DI house for the project these types of color adjustments went very smoothly between the VFX and DI departments.

    Gori Tere Pyar Mein is directed by Punit Malhotra. The movie stars Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor in lead roles, and is produced by Dharma Productions.