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Tag: Fox Star Studios

  • ‘Finding Fanny’ to premiere 17 days before release

    ‘Finding Fanny’ to premiere 17 days before release

    NEW DELHI: For the first time, a Bollywood film is being premiered 17 days before its official release.

     

    The decision was taken in view of the huge popularity of the trailer of this quirky comedy. Homi Adajania’s Finding Fanny produced by Maddock Films and Fox Star Studios stars Arjun Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia.

     

    The film will be premiered on 25 August, while its release is set for 12 September.

     

    “Premiering a film two weeks before its release has never been done and yes, we are willing to stick our necks out with a unique product like Finding Fanny.  We want opinion makers and regular movie-goers to watch the film and share their views. Sure it could spawn a variety of opinions and this is a healthy sign. As long as this strategy generates an actively interested forum for the film, it works for us,” said producer Dinesh Vijan.

     

    Fox Star Studios chief marketing officer Shikha Kapur added, “We are confident and extremely proud of Finding Fanny. Homi has made an exceptional film with impeccable performances. A product this strong and unique deserves an equally unique marketing approach. Thus, we are inverting the course of the promotions of Finding Fanny. We will be commencing our campaign with the premiere of the film.”

     

    Finding Fanny is an off the wall comical story about five oddballs who venture out to find Stefanie Fernandes (Fanny). In the process, they discover a strange sense of solace and love amongst each other, and end up seeing a point to their previously pointless lives. 

  • HDFC Life extends association with ‘Hawaa Hawaai’

    HDFC Life extends association with ‘Hawaa Hawaai’

    MUMBAI: HDFC Life, has extended its association with Hindi film ‘Hawaa Hawaai,’ directed by Amole Gupte and presented by Fox Star Studios, by sponsoring the education of the four children featured in the movie, who come from financially challenged backgrounds.

     

    HDFC Life senior executive vice president and head, marketing, products, digital & e-commerce Sanjay Tripathy said, “As a brand, we have always propagated ‘Independence and Self respect’ or ‘Sar Utha Ke Jiyo,’ as a way of life. In line with our brand philosophy, we were very keen to ensure that the four children featured in the movie receive quality education and any other vocational or co-curricular training required to help them build a sound foundation. We, in association with Aseema Charitable Trust, a Mumbai based NGO working for the rights of underprivileged children, are sponsoring the school education of the four financially challenged children featured in the movie.”

     

    For the three children studying in municipal schools, the sponsorship would include all educational material, complete school uniform, participation in co-curricular activities such as art, sports, computers, etc., extra classes and remedial help within and outside school hours, counseling if required, a nutritious meal in school every day. “For the fourth student studying in another school, this would include school fees, expenses for uniform and educational material and any tuition or after school support required,” added Tripathy.

     

    Fox Star Studios India CEO Vijay Singh said, “Hawaa Hawaai is a very special film for us. Amole Gupte’s magical film touched the hearts of the people of the country and we are thankful to all our partners specially HDFC Life for believing in Amole’s dream as we did and supporting it with the way they have. It’s a very special relationship that we shall continue to cherish.”

     

    Gupte concluded, “On behalf of Salman Chhote Khan, Ashfaque Khan, Maaman Memon and Thirupathi Kushnapelli, I thank HDFC Life for sparing a thought for their well being by supporting their education at Santacruz Municipal School and St. Elias High.”

  • National Award winning duo’s ‘Citylights’ to release on 30 May

    National Award winning duo’s ‘Citylights’ to release on 30 May

    MUMBAI: The successful team of Fox Star Studios and Vishesh Films is back with ‘Citylights’, this May.

    ‘Citylights’ brings back the National Award winning duo Hansal Mehta and Rajkummar Rao, after their earlier venture ‘Shahid’ wowed the audiences and the critics alike.

    Rajkummar Rao is paired opposite actress Patralekha who will be making her debut with this film.

    ‘Citylights’ is based on the life of a trader in Rajasthan who comes to Mumbai with his wife and daughter in hope of a better life. The challenges they encounter in a big city and how they rise to meet those challenges nurtured by the power of their love is what ‘Citylights’ is all about.

    At heart ‘Citylights’ is a love story, a story about familial bonding, a thriller that explores the depths of human nature and a drama about sacrifice in the city of dreams.

     

    The film is an official remake of the international award winning film ‘Metro Manila’ that has received critical acclaim and won many awards internationally.

  • Sony Music Entertainment announces digital deal with Zee Music Company

    Sony Music Entertainment announces digital deal with Zee Music Company

    MUMBAI: Global music giant, Sony Music Entertainment India and Zee Music Company today announced a strategic world-wide digital deal where in Sony Music will manage all digital assets for Zee Music’s upcoming Bollywood releases. The tie up further extends to exploring Publishing for Zee Music’s assets for the rest of the world through Sony/ATV. Apart from the Zee Music releases, Sony Music will also be working on also other tent pole films with leading production houses including Vishesh Films, Dharma Production and Fox Star Studios. This deal will cumulatively grow Sony Music’s digital market share by 15%.

     

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited had recently announced its foray into the music label space with its venture, ‘Zee Music Company’ and acquired the music rights of over 20 major motion pictures. With this announcement Sony Music will have access to all of Zee Music’s releases including Holiday, Bang Bang, Bombay Velvet, Humshakal, Hawa Hawaii to name few.

     

    Commenting on the same, Sanujeet Bhujabal, Marketing Director Sony Music India said, “In the past we have worked with leading content creators like YRF and Disney.  This strategic association will provide a global foot print to all the prestigious releases. This is a huge opportunity and together we believe we will be able to provide the best of music entertainment to fans.”

     

    Further adding on Anurag Bedi , Head Zee Music Company said, “We’ve had a great relationship with Sony Music in the past, and are excited to have them as the digital partner for some of our forthcoming films. Partnering with Sony Music will be mutually beneficial as we have a robust slate for this year which includes about 20-25 films, all of which are produced by leading production houses.”

    The soundtrack of Holiday featuring Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha will see Pritam collaborate for the first time with A. R. Murugadoss ad the songs are already creating ripples! Humshakals with  Saif Ali Khan, Ram Kapoor and Riteish Deshmukh who will be seen in a triple role Sajid Khan promises to be a laugh riot with some crazy music by the effervescent Himesh Reshammiya. While Bang Bang the action thriller film directed by Siddharth Raj Anand and featuring nations heartthrob Hritik Roshan and Katrina Kaif will have music by the magical duo Vishal –Shekhar. The much talked about Bombay Velvet feature Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma in lead roles while Karan Johar  plays the primary antagonist features Music director Amit Trivedi who began working on the soundtrack after the release of Dev D and adds that the music of the film reflects the age of 1960s Jazz era of Bollywood. The lyrics are being written by Amitabh Bhattacharya.

  • Fox Star India appoints Shikha Kapur as chief marketing officer

    Fox Star India appoints Shikha Kapur as chief marketing officer

    MUMBAI: Fox Star India has announced the appointment of Shikha Kapur as chief marketing officer, who will additionally head syndication as well.

     

    In her new role, Kapur will be marketing the entire studio portfolio across Hollywood, Bollywood and Tamil. She will be reporting to Fox Star Studios CEO Vijay Singh and will join on 15 May. 

     

    With more than a decade of experience in having marketed over 100 films and winning multiple awards, Kapur has conceptualised the marketing campaigns for Chennai Express, Rowdy Rathore, Barfi!, Raajneeti,  Rang De Basanti and many more.

     

    She has also been responsible for the campaigns of movies like Dev.D, No one Killed Jessica, Kai Po Che, ABCD, Delhi Belly, Peepli Live, Fashion and Kaminey.  One of the main architects behind the creation of the UTV Motion Pictures brand, Kapur has created a niche for herself in the Hindi film industry. 

     

    Prior to joining Fox Star India, Kapur was heading marketing for studios, broadcasting and the interactive business at Disney India and served as the vice president of the company.

     

    Commenting on her appointment, Fox Star Studios, India CEO Vijay Singh said, “Shikha has proven herself to be the best marketing professional in the film business  in India. A remarkable strategist, innovator and an effective team leader, she has played a critical role in driving a series of successful marketing campaigns that have set new trends in the industry. Her depth of experience along with her relationship in the industry combine wonderfully well with the vision we have of making Fox Star Studios a premiere studio in India. Shikha will be working closely with me and the senior management as we embark on this exciting journey.”

  • Zee launches its new music label ‘Zee Music Company’

    Zee launches its new music label ‘Zee Music Company’

    MUMBAI: In a country where music is a part of everyday life, music labels have seen a tremendous growth over the years.

     

     And to give a tough competition to the existing ones, Zee Entertainment Enterprises (Zee) has announced its foray into the music label space with its latest venture, Zee Music Company (ZMC).

     

    The ZMC has plans to acquire the music rights of over 20 major motion pictures in the financial year 2014-15.

     

    Introducing the label, Zee managing director and CEO Punit Goenka exults: “Zee has always been a leader in the media and entertainment space, be it films or television, and branching out into the music label space gives us an opportunity to widen our business. The music industry is a large playing field and there is scope for us to explore the opportunity in this market. Technology has also emerged as a key transformer of the music industry and digital revenues are driving growth in the market. Since we are a content company, it is essential to own intellectual property as content is the king.”

     

    The music industry in India currently stands at a staggering figure of Rs 960 crore and projected figures for 2014 is Rs 1,010 crores. The industry is expected to only grow over the years and reach Rs 1,780 crore in 2018.

     

    ZMC business head and EVP Anurag Bedi, believes that ZMC will be a valuable addition to the business. He stated: “It’s a great space to be in, as music is something that is consumed universally. The Hindi film industry is currently in its best phase musically and there is a plethora of talent. We had been toying with this idea and finally we have entered this space.”

     

    Talking about the acquisitions, Bedi says, “We are thrilled at having acquired the rights to the music of the Akshay Kumar-Sonakshi Sinha starrer ‘Holiday’ which is jointly produced by Reliance Big Entertainment, Sunshine Pictures and Hari Om Entertainment Company.”

     

    Bedi further adds, “We have also partnered with Fox Star Studios and signed the latter for the music of five of its Hindi releases for the year, including the Saif Ali Khan and Riteish Deshmukh starrer ‘Humshakals’, Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif starrer ‘Bang Bang’ and one of the most anticipated releases of the year ‘Bombay Velvet’ starring Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma.”

     

    Future partnerships of ZMC include the big players; Dharma Productions, Excel Entertainment and other top studios.

  • Endemol India and Lionsgate collaborate on a project

    Endemol India and Lionsgate collaborate on a project

    MUMBAI: There have been many instances in the past where big production houses collaborated to create cinematic brilliance on the big screen. Now, news comes that Lionsgate has made its way to Indian shores for the first time.

     

    One of the leading global entertainment conglomerate, and Endemol India, operating under the banner ‘Eyedentity Motion Pictures,’ will co-produce the sports drama Warrior in Hindi for the Indian subcontinent.

     

    Warrior (2011), inspired by Lionsgate’s critically-acclaimed North American release of the same name, will be the first film jointly produced by the two companies in India.

     

    “We have got a prestigious title that a lot of people have been vying to get into the country, but we have beaten the competition to it. We have isolated a few other titles as well, but currently we are focused on this acquisition,” said Endemol India CEO Deepak Dhar. “Action-filled and emotionally powerful with themes of forgiveness and the enduring bonds of family, Warrior will be a quality film made with top-of-the-line production values that we believe will strike a responsive chord with Indian audiences.”

     

    The partnership was negotiated by Rohit Tiwari at Morris St. Advisors, Lionsgate’s agents in India.

     

    Commenting on the association with Endemol India, Lionsgate president of worldwide television & digital distribution Jim Packer said, “Lionsgate is committed to identifying opportunities to produce and deliver motion pictures, television programming and other premium content to one of the largest and fastest-growing markets in the world.”

     

    Inspired by the American film of the same name, Warrior tells the story of two estranged brothers and deals with their struggling relationship with each other and their father. The film will be adapted for Indian audiences and re-written for Indian tastes. Its focus on contact sport will be integral to the storyline and will position Warrior as one of the few sports dramas made in India.

     

    Lionsgate COO of international distribution Andrew Kramer added, “Warrior is the kind of locally-produced property based on timeless themes that we expect to resonate with mainstream commercial audiences in India, and our partnership with Endemol’s Eyedentity Motion Pictures will bring valuable local expertise to our venture.”

     

    Lionsgate is a global entertainment company whose roster of mainstream commercial releases includes The Hunger Games and Twilight franchises which have grossed nearly $5 billion combined at the worldwide box office.

     

    Eyedentity Motion Pictures and Lionsgate are currently finalising the cast for the film which is scheduled to go into production in December 2014.

     

    “We are looking for established actors to reprise the role of the two brothers and the role of the father, which has been made iconic in the film,” adds Dhar.

     

    Endemol India has also partnered with Fox Star Studios for its ‘emotional thriller’, Traffic in the recent past. It marks the foray of Endemol into Hindi film industry as its first venture. Traffic is the Hindi adaptation of the critically acclaimed Malayalam blockbuster of the same name and will release in April 2014. The movie showcases a high voltage drama and a battle against time when stakes run high and life is in danger. The film stars Manoj Bajpai and Jimmy Shergill in the lead roles along with Bengali actor Prosenjit, Parambrata (of Kaahani fame), Divya Dutta, Kitu Gidwani and Sachin Khedekar. It will be helmed by the national award winning film maker Rajesh Pillai and adapted screenplay by Suresh Nair; with music by Mithoon.

     

    Eyedentity Motion Pictures (the film arm of Endemol India) marks its film debut in the southern market with the bilingual film (Tamil and Telugu) Anaamika (adaptation of Kahaani) in association with Viacom18 Motion Pictures and Moving Pictures. South actress Nayantara depicts a woman’s search for her missing husband that brings her from US to Hyderabad and is aptly supported by actors Vaibhav Reddy and Pasupathy.

     

    The film is directed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Sekhar Kammula which is slated for release in April, 2014. Screenplay adapted by Sekhar Kammula and Yandamoori Veerendranath, music and background score composed by National Award winning music director M.M Keervani.

     

    With such a busy slate and more movies in the pipeline, Endemol India’s Eyedentity Motion Pictures looks set to become a production house to reckon with in the coming years.

  • ‘Guddu Rangeela’ next up from Fox Star Studios

    ‘Guddu Rangeela’ next up from Fox Star Studios

    MUMBAI: Fox Star Studios continues its effort to deepen its connect with Indian audiences with a comedy drama Guddu Rangeela.

    The movie will bring together director Subhash Kapoor and actor Arshad Warsi of Jolly LLB, a hit courtroom comedy from last year. Production is by Sangeeta Ahir of Mangal Films.

    Shooting in Shimla, Ludhiana, Chandigarh and other locations in North India gets underway in March 2014. A theatrical release is targeted in the first quarter of 2015. An ensemble cast also includes actors Amit Sadh (Kai Po Che) and Aditi Rao Hydari (BOSS).

    Fox Star Studios is the five-year-old joint venture between 21st Century Fox’s Indian pay-TV market leader Star Television and Hollywood studio 20th Century Fox. With 28 movies (9 Hindi, 4 Tamil, and 15 Hollywood pictures, from Fox and DreamWorks Animation) this year the studio certainly intends to increase its presence in India.

    “Jolly LLB, with Arshad and Subhash, was our first independent production and its critical and commercial success has reinforced the fact that our vision to create high concept yet entertaining cinema has found resonance with the audiences worldwide,” said Fox Star Studios CEO Vijay Singh in a prepared statement.

    FSS’s Indian slate includes a three movie deal with Vishesh Films, alliances with Pooja Entertainment and Films, Phantom Films, Illuminati Films and a deal with Endemol India to deliver Traffic. Other highlights include Omen Remake, directed by Vishal Mahadkar set for a 14 September release, and Anurag Kashyap’s Bombay Velvet set for a Christmas Day 2014 outing.

  • Endemol India partners with Fox Star Studios on a movie

    Endemol India partners with Fox Star Studios on a movie

    MUMBAI: Endemol India has collaborated with Fox Star Studios for an emotional thriller, Traffic. This marks the foray of Endemol into the Hindi film industry and will be produced under the banner “Eyedentity Motion Pictures” – the film arm of Endemol India.

     

    Traffic, the Hindi adaptation of the critically acclaimed Malayalam blockbuster will release on 7 March, 2014. Based on a true life incident the film marks the coming together of an ensemble cast of Manoj Bajpai and Jimmy Shergill in the lead roles along with Bengali superstar Prosenjit, Parambrata (of Kaahani fame), Divya Dutta, Kitu Gidwani and Sachin Khedekar playing pivotal roles. The film will also see the debut of talented young actor Amol Parasher and Vishal Singh in critical roles.

     

    Endemol India MD and CEO Deepak Dhar said, “With Traffic, Endemol enters the Hindi film sphere and we are fortunate to have partnered with Fox Star Studios for such an incredible script that involves a diverse mix of characters caught in an unlikely situation. Brought to life by a brilliant screenplay that pits together all the characters in a race against time, the incredible casting is bound to keep the audiences hooked till the end.”

     

    Directed by national award winning film maker Rajesh Pillai, who also directed the original in Malayalam, the movie showcases a high voltage drama and a battle against time when stakes run high and life is in danger. What sets Traffic apart from other films is the fact that as an emotional thriller, it will also introduce the audiences to an altogether new genre of entertainment.

     

    Traffic has been adapted in Hindi by Suresh Nair with music by Mithoon.

     

    Fox Star Studios CEO Vijay Singh added, “We are excited to have partnered with Endemol India as they debut in the Indian film industry. Traffic comes with tremendous credentials – National award winning director plus commercial & critical success in Malayalam – it promises to be an emotionally thrilling experience! At Fox Star Studios, our endeavour has been to support path breaking entertaining cinema. We believe in the story of Traffic and that it must be told to a wide audience. Audiences today are seeking new and distinctive content and we continue to strive to deliver films that capture the imagination. The film is the first up on our slate for 2014 that will feature mega productions, massy entertainers and clutter breaking films.”

  • Fox Star Studios and Illuminati Films collaborate for Homi Adajanias Finding Fanny

    Fox Star Studios and Illuminati Films collaborate for Homi Adajanias Finding Fanny

    MUMBAI: One of the leading production and distribution house, Fox Star Studios has partnered with Dinesh Vijan – Saif Ali Khan’s Illuminati films, to present Homi Adajania’s quirky comedy Finding Fanny. This ensemble film brings Deepika Padukone and Arjun Kapoor, together for the first time, ably backed by stalwarts Naseeruddin Shah, Dimple Kapadia and Pankaj Kapur.

     
    Set in Goa, Finding Fanny is a hilarious and heartwarming bilingual film about a man’s search for his childhood love, Stefanie (Fanny) Fernandes, and how a group of dysfunctional characters go on a road trip with him to find her. The journey, riddled with a funny chain of events and life changing moments that impact everyone involved, forms the crux of the film.

     

    Finding Fanny comes on the strong back of illuminati Films and Homi’s last outing, the super-hit film Cocktail. Producer Dinesh Vijan added, “We are excited about the way the film is shaping up. Homi has a talent for cinematic storytelling, giving us diverse stories be it a Being Cyrus or Cocktail and now we have a gem of a film in Finding Fanny. We are proud to add this wonderful, warm, quirky story to our stable. We are looking forward to partnering with Fox Star Studios, and hope to reach out to a wide audience globally.”

     
    Fox Star Studios CEO Vijay Singh added, “Finding Fanny is a very important addition to our exciting line-up for 2014, and we are glad to have partnered with Dinesh and Saif on this film. We believe in Homi’s cinema and its ability to connect universally. We were blown away by the script and the film has lined up some of India’s most exciting talent. We are committed to releasing it across the globe.”

     
    When asked about his third outing, Homi said, “I was offered some big “Cocktail-type” films after the success of it, but I really wanted to work on my own material and not just direct something for money. Finding Fanny is really very special to me. Naseer and Dimple are a riot to work with. Pankaj is incredible. Deepika amazes me with her constant growth as an actor and Arjun was a revelation surpassing my expectations. The performances have been selfless and fantastic. We all worked very hard but more importantly we had a blast and I promise you’ll see this on screen.”  

     
    Finding Fanny will be released worldwide on 4 July 2014.