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Tag: Kamal Haasan

  • Matru ki Bjli ka Mandola fails to thunder at the box office

    Matru ki Bjli ka Mandola fails to thunder at the box office

    MUMBAI: Vishal Bharadwaj‘s Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola has belied expectations that it would be a blockbuster. The film also could not cash in on its solo release status following the postponement of Kamal Haasan‘s Vishwaroopam, which was slated to release the same day.

    Opening the film for paid previews on 10 January, a day before its exhaustive release went against the film as the bad reports percolated fast leading to a relatively poor opening on Friday. The film could not pick up momentum even on Saturday and Sunday and went on to close its opening weekend with Rs 203 million, way short of being a chartbuster.

    Table No 21 safely saw its way through in the first week and collected Rs 95.2 million, adding another Rs 11 million during the second weekend to take its ten-day total to Rs 106.2 million.

    Dabangg 2 collected Rs 108 million for week three. The film‘s total collection now now stands at Rs 1.42 billion.

    Khiladi 786 has added a symbolic Rs 3.5 million for its fifth week to collect a total of Rs 661.5 million.

  • Haasan approaches CCI in Vishwaroopam release row

    Haasan approaches CCI in Vishwaroopam release row

    MUMBAI: Actor and film maker Kamal Haasan has moved the Competition Commission of India (CCI) against certain theatre associations. Haasan alleged that these bodies restricted the release of his film Vishwaroopam report the Press Trust of India.

    A senior official from CCI told PTI, “”We have received a complaint from Kamal Haasan (related to Vishwaroopam)…We are likely to take a call on the issue next week.” The complaint has been filed by Haasan‘s production house Rajkamal Films International.

    Meanwhile, Haasan has virtually ruled out the premiere of his film Vishwaroopam on the Direct-to-Home (DTH) platform ahead of its release in theatres. He has reportedly admitted a ‘change of mind‘ on proceeding with his controversial decision that had met with stiff resistance from a section of exhibitors.

    “I have changed my mind on having the premiere (on DTH platform ahead of releasing it in theatres). I will discuss (with DTH partners) on how close or far to release date (will be a DTH show),” he said.

    Hassan observed that he had taken into account suggestions from many to consider the ‘good health‘ of Tamil cinema industry before going ahead with his decision.

    “Many had requested me to take into consideration the good health of the industry and proceed with DTH. It is my primary duty to make it happen,” he said after consulting with exhibitors and theatre owners here.

    He also said that talks were on with DTH players on the issue but declined to divulge on the matter. “They have been kind to me. Will say later when the film will come on DTH,” he said.

    Haasan said the film will be released in Tamil and Telugu on 25 January as announced earlier but its Hindi release will be finalized only after further talks with industry associates.

    The tech-savvy actor-filmmaker‘s decision to have a premiere of his much anticipated trilingual action film on DTH caused ripples in the multi-million rupee Tamil cinema industry, with a section of theatre owners deciding to boycott the film.

  • Vishwaroopam’s theatrical release postponed to 25 Jan

    Vishwaroopam’s theatrical release postponed to 25 Jan

    MUMBAI: Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan‘s upcoming film ‘Vishwaroopam‘ will now release on 25 January instead of 11 January, the earlier decided date of release.

     

    The Rajkamal Films International‘s movie that was to release on DTH platforms on 10 January was called off by Haasan after the opposition from the theatre owners as it would have affected their business. It is now uncertain when the movie will air on DTH platforms.

     

    Haasan said in a press statement, “Based on the unstinted support of theatre owners and distributors fraternity, ‘Vishwaroopam‘ will release in over 500 screens across the State of Tamil Nadu. I appreciate the exhibitors and distributors brethren for having understood my vision for creating a new revenue stream for the film producing community through DTH.”

     

    “In line with the postponement of the release date of the movie ‘Vishwaroopam‘ (Tamil and Telugu)/‘Vishwaroop‘ (Hindi)‘ across theatres and on the DTH platform by Rajkamal Films, we have stopped taking bookings for the movie premiere that was scheduled for 10 January at 9.30 p.m. on Airtel DTH,” Bharti Airtel CEO-DTH/Media Shashi Arora said in a statement issued by the company.

     

    Haasan has acted, directed and produced the movie. In a press meet on Wednesday, he said that he is considering releasing the movie simultaneously in both theaters and DTH platforms.

     

    The other DTH operators with which Haasan had tied up for the movie premiere of ‘Vishwaroopam‘ included Tata Sky, Dish TV and Videocon d2h, Sun Direct and Reliance Digital TV.

  • Kamal Haasan’s Vishwaroop signs up with three DTH ops

    Kamal Haasan’s Vishwaroop signs up with three DTH ops

    MUMBAI: Even as theatre owners in Tamil Nadu threaten to boycott Kamal Haasan‘s Vishwaroopam, Raaj Kamal Films International, the production company owned by the Tamil superstar, has gone ahead and signed up with third direct-to-home (DTH) operator Dish TV to premiere the movie one day before its theatrical release.

    Vishwaroopam, the first ever Indian film to premiere on DTH before its theatrical release, had earlier signed up with Videocon d2h and Airtel digital TV.

    Dish TV along with Videocon d2h and Airtel digital TV will showcase the movie on 10 January, one day before its theatrical release on 11 January.

    Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association and Madurai-Ramanathapuram United Film Distributors, who have been opposing the actor‘s decision, have threatened to boycott the film if the actor doesn‘t reconsider his decision. The theatre owners have also urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to intervene and protect their interests.

    However, DTH operators feel the DTH premiere is an idea whose time has come. Even Haasan had made it clear that there was no going back on the decision to premiere it on DTH first.

    Says Dish TV COO Salil Kapoor, "It is an idea whose time has come; we are glad that the movie fraternity is looking at this technology as a new revenue stream. As a pioneer in the DTH space, this is yet another first to Dish TV‘s credit.

    This Indian spy thriller which is being writtend Directed and co-produced by Haasan is priced at Rs 1,000 per view for the Tamil version, if the subscriber books the order till 5 January. After 5 January, subscribers would need to pay Rs 1,200 per view.

    The Hindi and Telugu versions of the movie are priced at Rs. 500. Tamil and Telugu versions are called Vishwaroopam and Hindi version of the same is named Vishwaroop.

  • Airtel DTH to premiere Kamal Haasan’s Vishwaroopam

    Airtel DTH to premiere Kamal Haasan’s Vishwaroopam

    MUMBAI: DTH service provider Airtel digital TV has announced the premier of Kamal Haasan‘s forthcoming thriller titled ‘Vishwaroopam‘ in Tamil and Telugu and ‘Vishwaroop‘ in Hindi on its Pay Per View (PPV) platform.

    The initiative, the "first of its kind" in India, will enable customers of Airtel DTH to view the movie 12 hours before its theatrical release.
    While the movie will release in theatres on 11 January, it will be premiered on Airtel DTH‘s Pay Per View (PPV) at 9:30pm on 10 January in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

    The Tamil movie can be booked for a charge of Rs 1,200 per view and the Telugu & Hindi versions for Rs 500 per view. Pre-bookings of the Tamil version will be available until January 8, 2013 for a charge of Rs 1,000 per view
    Bharti Airtel CEO – DTH/Media Shashi Arora said "We are proud to launch yet another industry first on Airtel DTH providing customers in the country an innovative opportunity to enjoy the movie before its theatrical release. I am certain that Kamal Haasan fans will make the maximum out of this initiative and enjoy the movie in the convenience of their homes along with family and friends. With our 7.5 million customers, I am absolutely certain that this will create an all new avenue for movie releases in India."

  • Rajnikant and Kamal Haasan resolve their films’ release dates

    Rajnikant and Kamal Haasan resolve their films’ release dates

    MUMBAI: Rivals for decades, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan recently came together to steer clear of each other in Chennai and Mumbai. They sorted out talks of an impending clash between the former‘s Kochadaiyaan and the latter‘s Vishwaroopam that were to release post-Diwali.

    Apparently, at the meeting behind closed doors, Kamal Haasan decided to advance the release of Vishwaroopam, so that there could be a clear gap of two months between the two releases. Accordingly, the Kamal Haasan film will be seen on the big screen before that of Rajinikanth.

    While Rajinikant‘s film is still in the post-production stage, Kamal Hassan‘s film is almost ready. Vishwaroopam will release in October while the tentative release for Kochadaiyyan has been fixed for either December or January.

    “We‘ve made a pact not to clash. It would do no good to either of us to release films together. It‘s because of economics that Rajini and I have not come together since our mentor K Balachander‘s Ninaithale Inikkum in 1979. No filmmaker can afford to cast us together, except me,” Kamal Haasan has said.

    Interestingly, Ninaithale Inikkum, that has both the veterans, is being re-released as a technically enhanced digital-dolby experience.

  • Kamal Haasan to showcase Vishwaroop at IIFA

    Kamal Haasan to showcase Vishwaroop at IIFA

    MUMBAI: Kamal Haasan is all set to showcase excerpts from his film Vishwaroop (Hindi) at the 13th Videocon IIFA Weekend in Singapore this June. The Hindi version, that will be unveiled on 8 June, would give world-media key glimpses from the film.

    The film features Haasan in the lead role along with Rahul Bose, Andrea Jeremiah, Pooja Kumar, Jaideep Ahlawat, Samrat Chakrabarti, Zarina Wahab and a special appearance by Oscar nominee, Shekhar Kapur.

    Haasan said, “IIFA is one of the biggest events for the Indian Film Industry. This year is particularly special for my film and me; it is a great opportunity to present my film on such a large and international scale. I look forward to unveiling the first look of ‘Vishwaroop‘ and I am hopeful that it will be well received.”

    The 13th edition of the IIFAs – the Videocon IIFA Weekend 2012 has been designed keeping in mind the South Indian Diaspora in Singapore. The three days of high-octane entertainment will witness South Indian film celebrities like music prodigy AR Rahman, actress Radikaa SharathKumar, Shreya Saran, Telugu film producer KS Rama Rao, Suresh Babu and Allu Arvind among others.

    Observed IIFA Director Andre Timmins, “This year, IIFA has a special treat in store for its Indo-Singaporean fan base. We are pleased that the cream of the South can join us as we celebrate the Videocon IIFA Weekend in Singapore.”

    The Videocon IIFA Weekend will be hosted in the Lion City of Singapore from 7-9 June.

    IIFA, this year, will include a line-up of mega events like the IIFA World Premiere, IIFA Rocks, the IIFA Film & Music workshop and eventually the IIFA Awards.

    The Videocon IIFA Weekend, presented by Videocon Industries, is organised by Wizcraft International Entertainment.

  • Kamal Haasan signs up with Alliance Media & Entertainment

    Kamal Haasan signs up with Alliance Media & Entertainment

    MUMBAI: Padma Shri actor-writer-director Kamal Haasan has agreed to do brand endorsements and has signed up exclusively with celebrity and talent sourcing and management firm Alliance Media & Entertainment for this purpose.

    This marks a first in the actor’s nearly five decade long career which began when he started acting as a 3-year-old.

    Alliance Media & Entertainment founder and MD Sunil Doshi said, “We shall soon announce which brand Mr Kamal Haasan will be endorsing. Mr Kamal Haasan is known for his ideals and principles, and needless to say, we shall advise him to pick a brand that fits with his values and stature, and will have a campaign to match.”

    Haasan said, “I have signed up with Sunil Doshi’s Alliance Media because I believe it is India’s most respected talent management firm and is known to provide excellent strategic counsel to several top celebrities and personalities. I look forward to yet another first – that of brand endorsement – in my creative life, and to keep being able to do my bit for society.”

    Revealing why Kamal Haasan has decided to go in for brand endorsement, Doshi said, “Kamal Haasan has certain plans for his work in social service, but is also unwilling to rely on external sources of funding those plans. Therefore, he feels that endorsements with leading companies and brands that have a strong commitment to society and causes would be an appropriate and independent means of fulfilling his vision.”

  • Birju Maharaj to choreograph Kathak sequence for Kamal Hassan

    Birju Maharaj to choreograph Kathak sequence for Kamal Hassan

    MUMBAI: Birju Maharaj is all set to choreograph a Kathak dance sequence for Kamal Haasan in the Hindi-Tamil bi-lingual Viswaroopam that marks his return to Hindi films after nine years.


    Confirming the same, Haasan has reportedly said, “Yes, I am indeed doing a Kathak dance under the supervision of Birju Maharaj for Viswaroopam. It isn‘t going to be part of the film just for the heck of it. The dance is an integral part of the script. I thoroughly enjoy watching and performing the classical dance forms.”


    The last time Maharaj choreographed for a Hindi film was in Sanjay Leela Bhansali‘s Devdas in which Madhuri Dixit‘s dance number “Kahe chede chede mohe…” was supervised by him.