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Tag: Kamal Haasan

  • Kamal Haasan hits Las Vegas tech show, NAB

    Kamal Haasan hits Las Vegas tech show, NAB

    MUMBAI: Actor-producer Kamal Haasan, currently deep in the throes of Thug Life preparations, sent social media into a frenzy today after his production house, Raaj Kamal Films, posted images of the actor exploring the NabShow at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.

    Haasan, known for his tech-savvy approach to filmmaking, was spotted perusing the latest film equipment, including cameras, sparking speculation about potential innovations in his upcoming projects. The photos, which quickly went viral, showed the actor immersed in the world of cutting-edge cinematic technology.

    The NabShow, a major event for broadcast, media, and entertainment professionals, provided Haasan with a glimpse into the future of filmmaking. Fans and industry insiders alike buzzed with excitement, wondering what new tricks the actor might be adding to his already impressive cinematic arsenal.

    Adding to the excitement, Haasan’s highly anticipated film, Thug Life, co-written with Mani Ratnam, is set to hit theatres on 5 June. The film boasts a star-studded ensemble cast, including Silambarasan, Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Abhirami, and Nassar.

    Haasan is also gearing up for the release of Indian 3, the third installment in Shankar’s acclaimed “Indian” franchise. Looking ahead, the veteran actor is set to embark on his 237th film, collaborating with stunt choreographers Anbariv, known for their work on blockbuster hits like Beast, Leo, KGF, and Salaar.

  • FICCI MEBC south kicks off with star power

    FICCI MEBC south kicks off with star power

    MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu’s media and entertainment industry took centre stage as deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and cinematic legend Kamal Haasan inaugurated the FICCI MEBC South Conclave in Chennai. The two-day event, aimed at exploring the evolution of films, television, OTT, gaming, and digital media, saw an array of industry stalwarts mapping out the future of India’s creative economy.

    Stalin unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art film city in Chennai spanning 152 acres. The ambitious project will feature cutting-edge post-production studios, animation and VFX facilities, virtual production tech, LED walls, and even a five-star hotel for industry professionals.

    Further honouring Kalaignar’s (M. Karunanidhi) vision, Stalin announced that 90 acres near Kelambakkam, previously allocated for industry housing, would now be reinstated for its original purpose following a revised government order.

    A highlight of the event was Haasan’s appointment as chairman of the FICCI Media and Entertainment Committee, south. Speaking at the conclave, Haasan emphasised the need for progressive regulations that integrate, rather than hinder, emerging technologies in cinema.

    “Indian cinema is our cultural ambassador, and we need a long-term vision for it. Both state and central governments must frame policies that encourage technology adoption without stifling existing markets,” said Haasan. He also urged the Tamil Nadu government to reform entertainment tax policies, ensuring greater ease of doing business for filmmakers.

    The conclave featured key insights from JioStar chairman of FICCI media and entertainment committee and CEO – entertainment Kevin Vaz, who celebrated south Indian cinema’s meteoric rise from regional to global prominence, thanks to blockbusters like RRR and KGF-2.

    “With digital media’s rapid expansion, India is an ‘AND’ market where TV and digital will continue to coexist. The industry is primed for a global breakthrough,” Vaz stated.

    The event will feature workshops, masterclasses, and exhibitions on key industry trends, including the global rise of Indian cinema, OTT and television’s transformation, and AI-driven innovations in broadcasting and music. With gaming, animation, and VFX booming, discussions will also focus on regulatory policies shaping the sector. PlayNext – Developer’s Day will spotlight India’s growing esports and interactive entertainment industry, reinforcing its leadership in AVGC-XR.  

    The inaugural session saw participation from Meta India’s Sandhya Devanathan, Warner Bros. Discovery’s Arjun Nohwar, FICCI Tamil Nadu State Council’s G.S.K. Velu, and a stellar line-up of media executives including Ashish Pherwani, Sanjay A. Wadhwa, Ankur Vaish, Krishnan Kutty, Ravikant Sabnavis, Munjal Shroff, Vaibhav Chavan, Jakes Bejoy, and Bejoy Arputharaj.

  • Jay Pandya launches Blank Slate Films with debut release ‘Manorathangal’

    Jay Pandya launches Blank Slate Films with debut release ‘Manorathangal’

    Mumbai: Media industry leader Jay Pandya, recognized for his role in cinematic storytelling, has launched his new production company, Blank Slate Films. To start this new chapter, Blank Slate Films debuts with the Malayalam anthology project, ‘Manorathangal’.

    Manorathangal is an anthology based on nine captivating short stories by the acclaimed M. T. Vasudevan Nair. Presented by Saregama (Yoodlee Films) and supported by Kamal Haasan, this inaugural project for Blank Slate Films features an illustrious ensemble cast including Mohanlal, Mammootty, Fahad Fazil, Biju Menon, Nedumudi Venu, Siddique, Indrajith Sukumaran, Asif Ali, Mamukkoya, Vineeth, Indrans, Aparna Balamurali, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Surabhi Lakshmi, and Ann Augustine. The film is now available for streaming on ZEE5.

    Jay Pandya, whose career spans over two decades, has seamlessly transitioned from being a distinguished media executive to a visionary producer. Reflecting on his new role, Pandya shared, “As a producer and storyteller, my goal is to transcend traditional content creation. I aspire to build immersive worlds, develop compelling characters, and bring stories to life in ways that deeply resonate with audiences. My mission is to blend creativity with strategic insight to craft narratives that leave a lasting impact.”

    Commenting further on Manorathangal, Pandya added, “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a prestigious project. It has been a dream to bring M. T. Vasudevan Nair’s remarkable stories to the screen, especially with a cast and crew of this caliber. Working alongside legendary directors like Priyadarshan and Santosh Sivan is truly an honor. This project stands as a testament to our commitment to storytelling excellence.”

    Before founding Blank Slate Films, Jay Pandya served as the ZEE5’s head of content acquisition & original films and Legend Studios’ CEO, where he played a pivotal role in developing significant projects such as ATAL and Veer Savarkar. His diverse portfolio also includes the production of three acclaimed music videos available on leading platforms.

    With Blank Slate Films, Jay Pandya aims to continue his legacy of delivering content-driven stories that resonate with audiences, marking a new phase in his career.

  • Prime Video announces global streaming premiere of Kalki 2989 AD

    Prime Video announces global streaming premiere of Kalki 2989 AD

    Mumbai: Prime Video entertainment destination, announced 22 August 2024 as the global streaming premiere of the Telugu action-adventure blockbuster Kalki 2989 AD. Directed by the visionary Nag Ashwin, this cinematic spectacle is brought to life through stellar performances from an ensemble of distinguished actors, including Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani. Produced by Priyanka Dutt, C. Aswani Dutt, and Swapna Dutt under the banner of Vyjayanthi Movies. After a record-breaking theatrical run, Kalki 2989 AD will stream on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories on 22 August in its original language, Telugu, with dubs in Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam, and subtitles in English. Kalki 2989 AD marks the latest addition to the Prime membership. Prime members in India enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership for just ₹1499/year.

    Set in a post-apocalyptic world in 2898 AD where nature has vanished and darkness prevails, this marks the first installment in the Kalki Cinematic Universe.

    “Kalki 2898 AD has captivated audiences with its immersive storytelling and visionary portrayal of a post-apocalyptic future. The film’s compelling narrative brought to life by stellar performances by its magnificent cast, and its evocative depiction of a dystopian world have struck deep chord with viewers as it witnessed monumental success at the box office,” said Manish Menghani, Director – Content Licensing, Prime Video India. “. Starting 22 Aug, we invite viewers worldwide to experience this meticulously crafted magnum opus mythological epic, in its original language Telugu and in dubs in Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam on Prime Video. “

    Applauded for his powerful performance as Bhairava, a bounty hunter, Prabhas shares, “Working on Kalki 2898 AD with a visionary director like Naga and an exceptional cast has been truly exhilarating. The film not only pushes the boundaries of storytelling with its blend of mythology and futuristic elements but also delves deep into the complexities of human nature. Portraying Bhairava, a character driven by strength and conviction, has been incredibly rewarding. After all the love that Kalki 2898 AD has received from audiences in theaters, I cannot wait for its global premiere on Prime Video. I hope viewers will enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it.”

    Sharing his thoughts on the global streaming premiere C. Ashwani Dutt, producer of Kalki 2898 AD said, “Following a triumphant box office run and an overwhelming response from audiences of all ages, Vyjayanthi Movies couldn’t have asked for a more special way to celebrate its 50th year. Kalki 2898 AD will be streaming on Prime Video for a worldwide audience in its original language Telugu and with dubs in Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam. We are thrilled for viewers to experience the Kalki universe, with its impactful performances and a narrative that is both visually stunning and deeply gripping, leaving the audience eager for more.”

    Director Nag Ashwin said, “With Kalki 2898 AD I was keen to create a cinematic experience that breaks new ground, transcends traditional boundaries, and shares our cultural mythology on a global scale. The overwhelming success of the film at box offices worldwide is truly humbling. It signifies the universal appeal of films that are deeply rooted in Indian mythology. While it has received immense love in theaters, I am thrilled for Kalki 2898 AD to now stream on Prime Video, reaching an even larger audience worldwide.

    Kamal Haasan, portraying Supreme Yaskin in Kalki 2898 AD, reflects, “Being part of this grand cinematic endeavor has been both memorable and humbling. The film represents a significant leap forward for Indian cinema. It’s been a privilege to contribute to such an ambitious project, and I look forward to its streaming premiere on Prime Video, where it can captivate new audiences worldwide.”

     

     

  • Disney+ Hotstar to launch OTT exclusive season of ‘Bigg Boss Tamil’ on 30 Jan

    Disney+ Hotstar to launch OTT exclusive season of ‘Bigg Boss Tamil’ on 30 Jan

    Mumbai: Disney+ Hotstar is set to launch the OTT exclusive season of “Bigg Boss Tamil” from 30 January.

    Actor Kamal Haasan who has hosted five seasons of “Bigg Boss” on TV will be seen hosting “Bigg Boss Ultimate” on the platform. The OTT season will reunite some of the most popular and celebrated contestants of past seasons, giving them a second chance to claim the coveted title. “The first OTT version of Big Boss Ultimate is on Disney+ Hotstar,” said Kamal Haasan. “I’m extremely excited to continue staying in touch with you by hosting the OTT version as well. The new format is now available 24/7 to engage and entertain you more. I am 100 per cent confident that you will find this whole new experience refreshing and interesting.”

    The makers of the show have made innovative changes to the format to keep audiences engaged throughout the season. “One of the innovations is the 24hr feed, which will allow fans to watch what’s happening in the “Bigg Boss” house throughout the day,” said the platform.

    “At Disney+ Hotstar we have always challenged conventions and been at the forefront of content creation with powerful and innovative storytelling formats,” said a Disney+ Hotstar spokesperson. “With a massive hit show like Bigg Boss Ultimate, we endeavor to take one more step towards elevating the entertainment experience for viewers.   The addition of this one-of-a-kind show on Disney+ Hotstar is a definitive step to bringing top-notch, cutting-edge entertainment experiences to Tamil audiences. We want to continue to provide entertainment experiences that are high in quality in a manner that viewers can immerse themselves in stories we want to tell.”

    “We are elated to be a part of the first-ever OTT season of Bigg Boss Ultimate, I’m confident that this new format will keep viewers engaged with a video content stream from the set, and a fresh new set of rules,” said “Bigg Boss Ultimate” production head. “Partnering with a platform that is accessible to millions of Indians, like Disney+ Hotstar, ensures that viewers will get the chance to enjoy uninterrupted entertainment that we bring to them.”

  • Disney+ Hotstar brings exclusive content from Bigg Boss Tamil season 4

    Disney+ Hotstar brings exclusive content from Bigg Boss Tamil season 4

    MUMBAI: Bigg Boss Tamil is back again to light up, and spice up, the festive season. Hosted by Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan, the fourth season of the reality show intends to offer an enhanced and riveting digital viewing experience to its audience through its tie-up with Disney+ Hotstar.

    While fans can tune into the new season of Bigg Boss Tamil on Star Vijay, the show is also available on Disney+ Hotstar. The streaming service is giving its viewers the opportunity to watch the show and use their power to vote 50 times a day, exclusively on the platform – thereby becoming the ultimate game-changers to keep their favourite contestants in the house to battle for the much-coveted title.

    The streaming platform also has exclusive ‘unseen clips’ from Tuesday to Saturday inside the Bigg Boss house – meaning another helping of drama and action for the show’s fans. Along with full episodes of Bigg Boss Tamil fourth season, the platform will also offer episode extensions and weekly highlights which can be watched from Monday to Friday as per the viewer’s convenience.

    Disney+ Hotstar spokesperson said, “Over the years, Bigg Boss Tamil has grown to be one of the biggest entertainers we have today and has garnered a huge fan base. For this year’s edition, we have tried to incorporate interesting ways in which the audience can participate in the show and view exclusive content.”

    Bigg Boss Tamil forth season is the latest addition to the free to watch segment of Disney+ Hotstar.

  • Banijay Asia collaborates with Kamal Haasan, Turmeric Media to create regional content

    Banijay Asia collaborates with Kamal Haasan, Turmeric Media to create regional content

    Mumbai, 20 January 2020: Banijay Asia has been quick to position itself as the leading content creation hub in India and South East Asia following its launch two years ago. After developing successful business partnerships with six brands across genres, Banijay Asia today announces the collaboration with Turmeric Media Networks Private Limited  and Kamal Haasan to produce content across screens and languages.

    Combining the massive fan base of Kamal Haasan and Deepak Dhar’s expertise in content creation and production, the two parties will join forces to gain a strong foothold in the South. The partnership will also see the two entities come together to create long and short-form content across OTT and television.

    “We wanted to partner with someone who knew the crux of the content creation and production business. Hence we were in a conversation with Deepak for a while now. With his extensive knowledge in the field, we could see the potential of venturing into a new space of creating regional content in India with Banijay Asia. His understanding of the craft and network have been invaluable in making it a reality. We are excited to collaborate with them to create revolutionary content across all screens and languages,” Kamal Haasan states.

     “In less than two years, we have created content across genres which has been widely accepted by the viewers. With this partnership, we are confident we will be able to create material which will suffice demands and be appreciated by vast audiences. Along with the mainstream market, we would also like to target the regional base, creating ground-breaking titles for the masses. We at Banijay Asia are proud to have partnered with a personality like Kamal Haasan, who has been a part of our industry for close to 60 years,” Banijay Asia CEO and founder Deepak Dhar comments on the partnership.

     “We are so excited to partner with Banijay Asia. Deepak has an unblemished record of creating success out of many new initiatives in the content space. This association is going to be no different. It is an honour for us to showcase Mr. Kamal Haasan’s expertise in the entertainment business. We are confident that this team shall conjure up some brilliant content that will keep the viewers “spellbound, ”  Turmeric Media founder R.Mahendran adds.

  • Kamal Haasan talks about the pathbreaking films that inspired his career

    Kamal Haasan talks about the pathbreaking films that inspired his career

    MUMBAI: MN+, the gold class of Hollywood movies associated with Kamal Haasan’s Vishwaroop 2 for Season 3 of Pathbreakers. Starting August 06, ‘Pathbreakers’, a compilation of critically acclaimed and genre-defining cinema that broke stereotypes and pioneered change will showcase 50 Hollywood pathbreaking movies over 50 days. Through a special integration with Vishwaroop 2, Kamal Haasan has extended his support for this special property that aims to bring good cinema to its viewers. 

    In an exclusive chat with MN+, Kamal Haasan talks about his favourite pathbreaking movies, directors and film characters that inspired his film journey through a glorious career spanning more than 6 decades. 

    Talking about his Hollywood influences, Kamal Haasan says, “(Marlon) Brando, is an important influence along with many British as well as American directors including the modern ones like Alan Parker & (Stanley) Kubrick.It is something that hit me so strongly. Then there is Ridley Scott’s first film, called The Duellists. It was his first film and I thought, there is a very great director in the making and it proved right and I feel like a father to him. He’s probably older than me, but it doesn’t matter.”

  • Viacom18 partners with FHF in its film restoration and archiving for third year

    MUMBAI:  Viacom18 announced its support to the Film Heritage Foundation (FHF) for the annual Film Preservation & Restoration Workshop India being held from 7 to 14 October 2017 in Chennai.

    The partnership was flagged off for the third consecutive year at an event held today in the city and was attended by Viacom 18 group CEO Sudhanshu Vats, legendary actor and producer Kamal Haasan, renowned film-maker Mani Ratnam and celebrated film-maker, archivist and founder director of Film Heritage Foundation Shivendra Singh Dungarpur.

    The Film Preservation & Restoration Workshop India 2017 aims to train an indigenous pool of film archivists and restorers as well as to create awareness about the urgent need to save India’s cinematic heritage. With previous editions being held in Mumbai and Pune, this year the workshop hopes to not create awareness among  the South Indian film industry to this urgent issue but to build on the movement that has been created all over India as well as in neighboring countries.

    “At the heart of it, civilization is a chronicle of stories across generations. As India’s foremost storytellers we connect deeply with this ethos and our support to Film Heritage Foundation is a confluence of this shared belief. India’s culture and heritage is captured creatively and reflected through our films and therefore, these become historical artefacts representative of the times they were created in. It is pertinent that this content is preserved for reference as well as archived for perusal by future generations”, Vats said.

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    Dungarpur added, “Film Heritage Foundation is committed to preserve the film heritage of India across various genres and languages. Bringing the workshop to Chennai this year, our aim is to create awareness about the urgent need to preserve India’s film heritage including the rich regional film heritage of the South Indian film industry. The programme this year is further strengthened with support of Viacom18 and enriched by partnering with the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF), the Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project, L’Immagine Ritrovata, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, Prasad Corp., La Cinémathèque Française, Imperial War Museums, Fondazione Cineteca di Bologna, the Finnish Film Archive and the Czech National Film Archive and Criterion Collection.”

    Open to applicants from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, the Film Preservation & Restoration Workshop India 2017 will extensively focus on repairing damaged and decayed celluloid film, restore and preserve film posters, lobby cards, song booklets and photographs, techniques of digital preservation and restoration etc.

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    There are several scholarships available for deserving candidates along with job opportunities at FHF on successful completion of the course.

    Speaking about the workshop, Haasan said, “I am very happy and proud to know that the Film Heritage Foundation has decided to come to Chennai to run a workshop on film archiving. I have seen them do it once in Pune. There were about 50 students and I was really moved. The film industry should come forward to conserve, save and keep our film heritage intact. And this very important workshop is going to teach future archivists how to go about preserving film.It is a very important workshop for those interested in cinema itself, cinema not only of today but of yesterday.”

    Eminent experts from across the globe such as FIAF’s Head of Training and Outreach David Walsh, Camille Blot-Wellens from FIAF, Tina Kelly from Imperial War Museum, Dawn Jaros from the Academy of Motion Picture, Arts & Sciences, Emilie Cauquy from La Cinémathèque française, and Marianna De Sanctis from L’Immagine Ritrovata, Bologna, amongst others will comprise the faculty of the workshop.

  • Kamal Haasan to host Bigg Boss’s debut on Tamil TV

    BENGALURU: Endemol Shine’s Big Brother format under its Indian sobriquet Bigg Boss is all set to make its Tamil television debut on Star India’s Tamil GEC Star Vijay on 18 June 2017. The host of the show will be Indian film icon Kamal Haasan. The format of the show will be the same as the Bigg Boss season 10 format that closed in end January this year on Network 18’s Hindi GEC channel Colors. The Kannada version’s season 4 which also closed in mid-January on Network 18’s Colors Kannada was quite successful.

    Sources at Star Vijay claim that the show on their channel will be on an even bigger scale than the Hindi version. They say that an exclusive and a massive house, bigger than the Hindi version, was being built at EVP World Theme Park in Chennai.

    “We are keen to leverage the uniqueness of the format , the reality appetite of Tamil audiences and a great host like Kamal Haasan, not only to drive ratings, but to put out cutting edge and innovative content,” said Vijay TV GM Krishnan Kutty.

    On his first foray into television, Haasan said, “When Vijay TV approached me to play host , I funnily quipped , who better than me right, all my life have been under a constant watch and have been judged on whatever I have done , public or private. But, now roles are reversed as I would stand with the audience and watch these celebrities in the house survive this ordeal.”

    Bigg Boss Tamil will air on weekdays (Monday to Friday) at 900 pm and between 830pm and 10pm on weekends. The show would see the coming together of 15 celebrities in a posh house with all the amenities but who are completely cut off from technology and the outside world for 100 days. The channel is filtering participants. It says that people from varied backgrounds are being spoken to and the reception has been enthusiastic, given Kamal Haasan is the host.

    Sources say that a massive marketing plan has been formulated with more than 400 outdoor sites, full page advertisements in all the leading English and Tamil dailies and weekly magazines and Radio Specials have been planned as well. Digital tie up has been firmed up with Facebook, Twitter and Google they aver.

    While details of sponsors and major advertisers were not available at the time of writing, the channel says that national advertisers who have experienced the euphoria of Bigg Boss Hindi are the primary movers. However, Chennai is a powerful and strong retail market and hence the local market will also be an active participant, they say.