ITV

Tag: Nikhil Advani

  • “I don’t think of filmmaking being gender-specific:” Mitakshara Kumar

    “I don’t think of filmmaking being gender-specific:” Mitakshara Kumar

    Mumbai: In the world of Indian cinema, where grandeur and storytelling often collide, Mitakshara Kumar stands out as a filmmaker whose journey is as captivating as her creations. With a background in Economics from Lady Shri Ram College and prestigious training from the Film and Television Institute of India, Kumar has seamlessly transitioned from a promising student to a celebrated director and writer. Her cinematic journey began as an assistant director with the iconic Bluffmaster! and has since soared to the grand stages of working on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s epics and helming Disney+Hotstar’s The Empire.

    Indiantelevision.com’s Suman Baidh caught up with filmmaker Mitakshara Kumar as she took the helm of Netflix and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s highly anticipated Heeramandi as episodic director, Kumar reflects on her career, her passion for diverse storytelling, and the future she envisions for herself and the industry.

    Edit Excerpts:

    On your entry into the film business working with Emmay Entertainment, and collaborating with Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

    I must agree that God and my parents have been kind, to say the least. Even before graduation, I had decided to write the FTII entrance exams, much to the disappointment of my father because I was an economics student. However, when I cleared FTII and thankfully because it is a premier Government Institution, my father’s disappointment soon turned into pride, especially because I was awarded a scholarship. After that, the decision to move to Mumbai was a natural step. I am thankful to all the filmmakers I had the opportunity to work with, be it Rohan Sippy, Onir, Nikhil Advani or Sanjay Leela Bhansali, each one of them have taught me so much and have helped me be the filmmaker I am today. I cannot say I had it tough, because the reality is that I did not… I definitely worked hard to get here, but the truth is also that the people I worked with were generous to let me learn.

    On directing the magnum opus Empire and then becoming the episodic director for Heeramandi, was there any difference for you, considering both were grand period pieces

    Honestly speaking, not quite. Because thanks to my training with Sanjay Sir on the films he made, I was comfortable with working on the scale and grandeur of these series. I am grateful to Nikhil Advani, Monisha Advani and Madhu Bhojwani for entrusting me with The Empire. It was my first and their confidence in me, in a way, bolstered mine as well. Then when Heeramandi happened, because it was Sanjay Sir, the world and the script was to the minutest of detail. So as a filmmaker for me on both fronts, it was easy, also as we had the best of crew and talent working on them with the utmost of passion. What more can a filmmaker ask for. (Laughs)

    On your concern towards being labelled as a filmmaker who only does period pieces

    There are days when I do think about it, I will not lie. But then I think that is the nature of the business. We are quick to slot people as to what they can and cannot do, till you break that for yourself. As a filmmaker, I want to be known for my quality of work and the legacy I will get to leave behind. I am working on my next, feature debut which is a contemporary, off-beat subject and have written another thriller that I am working on. So for myself, I am exploring different genres of cinema. I want to keep challenging myself to grow as a filmmaker.

    On the most difficult thing about being a filmmaker

    I think growing up, my parents much like everyone else’s, always told me that no matter what you do, do it to the best of your ability. That is something I try and do on every piece of work I do. I think I am now conditioned in a manner wherein I look at the difficulties presented on a set as an opportunity and find solutions around them. I think that is the best way to tackle a problem be it on set or off. On a day to day basis every film set will have something or the other that poses as a problem, the key for me is to be able to not lose focus on the larger picture and more importantly the story being told.

    On that note, you are one of the few female filmmakers in the country

    I don’t think of filmmaking being gender specific. That being said, yes there are fewer women filmmakers in the country, but that is something I also believe is on the path of change. Today we have the likes of Zoya Akhtar, Anjali Menon, Payal Kapadia, Kiran Rao, Meghna Gulzar, Farah Khan and so many others who are championing Indian cinema not just here but globally. I think what is crucial is that more press highlights the achievements of all these brilliant storytellers, which in turn can inspire a whole new breed of women storytellers.

    On inspiring a new breed of storytellers

    As an art form, Cinema is meant to inspire and evoke emotions. If through my work I can even influence one person for the good, then why not? Something I am more conscious about in my filmmaking is having more women part take in the making of my films and content. Just like I was given the platform, I only think it is fair and just to pave the way for others and pass it forward. Knowledge is always to share and that is something that I have learnt both from my parents and all my collaborators across everything I have done so far. The only thing I keep telling everyone is never stop dreaming and if you fail, keep trying till you succeed. “Himmat harne ki cheez nahi hai” (“Courage is not something that one loses”).

    Could you tell us a bit about what’s next

    I have a couple of interesting things lined up. Like I mentioned, one of them is a feature film with Emmay Entertainment. Collaborating with Nikkhil, Monisha and Madhu is always fun, for me they are home. I have a women-centric comedy I am working on and then there is also a thriller and musical that I am working on. I think it would be a little early in the day to share more details and I would leave that to my producers to do when the time is right. I want to focus on the creative and storytelling.

  • Zindagi to premiere Nikkhil Advani’s short film ‘Guddu Engiineer’

    Zindagi to premiere Nikkhil Advani’s short film ‘Guddu Engiineer’

    Mumbai:  “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it” – based on this simple yet impactful poem by Rumi, Zindagi announces the Indian television premiere of its romantic short film, “Guddu Engiineer.” 

    Setting the perfect vibe for a Sunday binge fest, “Guddu Engiineer” is a story that will nudge your hearts and leave you ecstatic and wanting more. 

    Produced by Monisha Advani, Madhu Bhojwani (Emmay Entertainment) and Zee Entertainment Enterprises chief creative officer – special projects Shailja Kejriwal and directed by the versatile Nikkhil Advani, featuring talented actors Prabuddh Dyma (Guddu) and Pranali Ghogare (Sonia) in the lead, the film is set to premiere on Zindagi’s DTH platforms Tata Play, Dish TV and D2H on 10 July at 8 pm.

    “Guddu Engiineer” traces the story of three friends living at a hostel in Varanasi. Guddu, the primary character, who can’t speak, falls in love with Sonia. To celebrate her birthday, he makes a list of her favorite things and makes an attempt to fulfill all her wishes. However, a certain turn of events causes him to make a choice between love and hate, which in turn alters everything around him. 

    Talking about his film, director Nikkhil Advani said, “I believe films and stories inspire people and bring to them a different perspective of things each time. Great stories help connect to a larger audience and rise above all kinds of barriers.  A film like “Guddu Engiineer” is like a warm hug and speaks volumes about love in its own little way. I am looking forward to the television premiere of the film and I am sure audiences will enjoy this one!”

    Actor Prabuddh Dyma added, “”Guddu Engiineer” is a film that is supremely close to my heart. Getting an opportunity to work with Nikhil sir and to be directed by him was supremely special.  Playing Guddu, a person that can’t speak was challenging yet rewarding. The film is brought to life by the characters that surround him, they are relatable and their performers are exceptional. The film, just like Guddu, is all heart and I am looking forward to the premiere of this film on Zindagi’s DTH platforms.”

    Recently launched on DTH platforms Tata Play, Dish TV & D2H, Zindagi has been instrumental in bringing content from across borders and has emerged as the audience preferred destination. “Guddu Engiineer,” aims to instill the spirit of love, hope and friendship in the hearts of the Zindagi audiences yet again!

  • Lucknow Central…Script of convenience

    Lucknow Central…Script of convenience

    Lucknow Central has its inspiration from some foreign films. The titles acknowledge that it was inspired by Healing Hearts –the story is of a band promoted by a jail superintendent at a Lucknow jail with inmates. Whatever the source, the film has a similar storyline to the recently released film from Yash Raj Films, Qaidi Band, which had its inspiration from the life of Machang Lalung, a man who spent 52 years in jail without facing a trial.

    The basic plot in both the films is the same. A few inmates are asked by a politician to form a music band to showcase the good work being done by authorities to rehabilitate prisoners. But, the inmates want to use the opportunity to escape from jail.

    Farhan Akhtar is a small town UP lad who loves to sing and aspires to form his own music band someday. He cuts a CD of his music, and, during a public rally, he tries to reach out to the chief guest, Manoj Tiwari, to hand over his CD but is pushed back by a government official. His CD is stepped upon and trampled.

    On the way back, Farhan observes that the same official’s car has broken down. He offers to help but makes fun of him and drives off. Unfortunately, for Farhan, this official is found murdered at the same spot.

    Farhan is picked up the next morning and, in a speedy trial, consigned to life imprisonment which is later challenged by vested interests seeking capital punishment for him. The latter part is not necessary to carry on the story as such.

    Independence Day and the Republic Day are celebrated in jails with active participation of the inmates and a minister uses the occasion to gain some photo-ops. The Chief Minister of the state, Ravi Kissen, wants the jail in Lucknow to have its own band for the forthcoming celebrations and competition between all the jails from the state. The task to put together a band is handed to Diana Penty, a social worker.

    Farhan convinces her that only he can make a band in Lucknow Jail. He is transferred from Moradabad Jail to Lucknow Central Jail. Farhan’s plan is to use the celebrations when all jail authorities will be busy to escape from the jail.

    Of course, his entry to Lucknow Central has some usual sequences one has been seeing in jail scenes for ages. There are groups and people who call the shots and dominate other inmates. Farhan is invited to join one group, and, when he refuses, he is made to suffer. But, soon his resistance brings the other group, led by Rajesh Sharma, to his side.

    Farhan gets down to forming the band and adds Sharma, Deepak Dobriyal, Inaamulhaq and Gippy Grewal to the band. The band uses its practice sessions to plan their escape.While, the band has the blessings of the CM and the IG of Police, the one against it is Ronit Roy, the jailor who thinks that this jail is his personal fiefdom.

    The jailed inmates who don’t know M of music are singing in tune and unison when Ronit decides to test them. The IG is impressed.

    Lucknow Central is a script of convenience. Anything can happen at the will and whim of the writer. It makes everything look so simple in a heavily guarded jail, especially for those who have the jailor’s evil eyes set on them! For one thing, there are no pleasant moments in the film nor glamour even in passing. Not a presentable face either. Some sequences are unnecessary while some others are stretched. The direction is patchy and predictable. Editing, obviously, is lacking. The cinematography is okay. Production values are average. Music was supposed to be the film’s main theme but it falls short on that count also, with just a couple of its songs being good. But, is a Punjabi song necessary in Hindi films that too in the climax as a bunch of UP jail mates, led by a UPite Farhan, perform a Punjabi number for the UP CM? Choreography, however, is not up to the mark.

    Lucknow Central has nothing to lure the viewers to the cinema.

    Producers: Nikhil Advani, MonishaAdvani, Madhu G Bhojwani.
    Director: Ranjit Tiwari.
    Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Diana Penty, Gippy Grewal, Deepak Dobriyal, Rajesh Sharma, Inaamulhaq, RonitRoy, Ravi Kissen, Manoj Tiwari (sp. App).

  • ZEEL launches ‘Zeal For Unity’ platform for Indo-Pak filmmakers

    ZEEL launches ‘Zeal For Unity’ platform for Indo-Pak filmmakers

    MUMBAI: After bridging the cultural gap between India and Pakistan with the launch of the Indian Urdu entertainment channel Zindagi showcasing Pakistani serials, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) has taken yet another step towards promoting Indo-Pak unity with the launch of an initiative called Zeal For Unity (ZFU).

    ZEEL will bring together 12 filmmakers, six each from India and Pakistan, and fund their one-hour shorts, which will then be showcased across platforms like film festivals, television, theatre and digital under the ZFU initiative.

    From India, ZEEL has roped in six filmmakers namely Aparna Sen, Ketan Mehta, Nikhil Advani, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Bejoy Nambiar and Tanuja Chandra, whereas the six Pakistani directors are Mehreen Jabbar, Oscar winner Sabiha Sumar, Khalid Ahmad, Shahbaz Sumar, Shiraj Ul Haq and Meenu Farjad.

    Of the 12 films, while some are in various stages of production, some are complete. Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Baarish Aur Chowmein starring Taapsee Pannu, Vidyut Jamwal and Amit Sadh; Bejoy Nambiar’s Dobaara; Ketan Mehta’s Toba Tek Singh starring Pankaj Kapur; Mehreen Jabbar’s Lala Begum and Shahbaz Sumar’s Khaeme Mein Matt Jhankain are among the few films that will be showcased under this initiative.

    ZFU’s proposition – ‘It Takes Two’ is an extension of ZEEL’s corporate philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ meaning ‘The World is my Family.’

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com on ZFU, ZEEL chief business officer Sunil Buch said, “We are launching a very unique peace initiative, Zeal for Unity. The whole idea was to bring together the creative minds, filmmakers, cultural exponents and thought leaders from India and Pakistan to facilitate an apolitical exchange environment of peace and harmony. For the first time ever in the history of India and Pakistan, 12 filmmakers, six each from both the countries will come together to showcase their work for one common interest – Zeal For Unity.”

    ZEEL chief creative – special projects Shailja Kejriwal added, “Zee has the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and under that we keep doing such initiatives. In that context a couple of years back we launched the Zindagi channel and now this the second step we are taking in that direction. This time Indian filmmakers will produce Pakistani films and I think it’s a huge step because India has never produced any Pakistani films. By putting Zindagi in people’s homes, we actually put Pakistan in front of Indian audiences and that changed the common notion among people.”

    ZEEL is planning to launch the films over the next six – seven months. “This August, India’s 70th year of Independence will start, so we proposed to do something with ZFU over this one year period from 14 – 15 August, 2016 to 14-15 August, 2017,” added Kejriwal.     

    Further explaining the idea behind the initiative, Buch said, “There is a huge cultural overlap between the countries and there is a sense of curiosity among people. ZFU’s proposition is based on the fact that it takes two to bring the change and the change can only be brought through concentrated efforts of people from both the countries. It’s a classic example whereby we share available content, which one has only heard about. With Zindagi, we were able to make people in India experience that content from Pakistan. So in line with that philosophy, demonstrating clear and visible thought leadership, we thought of taking this step.”

    Kejriwal said that while doing shows for Zindagi, the company got in touch with lot of creative talent from Pakistan. “We have been inviting stories and people who have been interested in participating and we received a great response from Pakistan. We have joined hands with well-known directors because they believe that they want to get out of their couches and actually stand for a cause,” she says.

  • ZEEL launches ‘Zeal For Unity’ platform for Indo-Pak filmmakers

    ZEEL launches ‘Zeal For Unity’ platform for Indo-Pak filmmakers

    MUMBAI: After bridging the cultural gap between India and Pakistan with the launch of the Indian Urdu entertainment channel Zindagi showcasing Pakistani serials, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) has taken yet another step towards promoting Indo-Pak unity with the launch of an initiative called Zeal For Unity (ZFU).

    ZEEL will bring together 12 filmmakers, six each from India and Pakistan, and fund their one-hour shorts, which will then be showcased across platforms like film festivals, television, theatre and digital under the ZFU initiative.

    From India, ZEEL has roped in six filmmakers namely Aparna Sen, Ketan Mehta, Nikhil Advani, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Bejoy Nambiar and Tanuja Chandra, whereas the six Pakistani directors are Mehreen Jabbar, Oscar winner Sabiha Sumar, Khalid Ahmad, Shahbaz Sumar, Shiraj Ul Haq and Meenu Farjad.

    Of the 12 films, while some are in various stages of production, some are complete. Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Baarish Aur Chowmein starring Taapsee Pannu, Vidyut Jamwal and Amit Sadh; Bejoy Nambiar’s Dobaara; Ketan Mehta’s Toba Tek Singh starring Pankaj Kapur; Mehreen Jabbar’s Lala Begum and Shahbaz Sumar’s Khaeme Mein Matt Jhankain are among the few films that will be showcased under this initiative.

    ZFU’s proposition – ‘It Takes Two’ is an extension of ZEEL’s corporate philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ meaning ‘The World is my Family.’

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com on ZFU, ZEEL chief business officer Sunil Buch said, “We are launching a very unique peace initiative, Zeal for Unity. The whole idea was to bring together the creative minds, filmmakers, cultural exponents and thought leaders from India and Pakistan to facilitate an apolitical exchange environment of peace and harmony. For the first time ever in the history of India and Pakistan, 12 filmmakers, six each from both the countries will come together to showcase their work for one common interest – Zeal For Unity.”

    ZEEL chief creative – special projects Shailja Kejriwal added, “Zee has the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and under that we keep doing such initiatives. In that context a couple of years back we launched the Zindagi channel and now this the second step we are taking in that direction. This time Indian filmmakers will produce Pakistani films and I think it’s a huge step because India has never produced any Pakistani films. By putting Zindagi in people’s homes, we actually put Pakistan in front of Indian audiences and that changed the common notion among people.”

    ZEEL is planning to launch the films over the next six – seven months. “This August, India’s 70th year of Independence will start, so we proposed to do something with ZFU over this one year period from 14 – 15 August, 2016 to 14-15 August, 2017,” added Kejriwal.     

    Further explaining the idea behind the initiative, Buch said, “There is a huge cultural overlap between the countries and there is a sense of curiosity among people. ZFU’s proposition is based on the fact that it takes two to bring the change and the change can only be brought through concentrated efforts of people from both the countries. It’s a classic example whereby we share available content, which one has only heard about. With Zindagi, we were able to make people in India experience that content from Pakistan. So in line with that philosophy, demonstrating clear and visible thought leadership, we thought of taking this step.”

    Kejriwal said that while doing shows for Zindagi, the company got in touch with lot of creative talent from Pakistan. “We have been inviting stories and people who have been interested in participating and we received a great response from Pakistan. We have joined hands with well-known directors because they believe that they want to get out of their couches and actually stand for a cause,” she says.

  • ‘Katti Batti:’ Dead loss!

    ‘Katti Batti:’ Dead loss!

    Katti Batti is an attempt to make a contemporary film about love at first sight and the couple deciding to get in to a live-in relationship. If a movie on a live-in relationship is new generation, the germ of the story and the treatment meted out to the film are so old-fashioned, it desensitises your mind and feelings.

    Imran Khan is a student of architecture in Ahmedabad. He is supposed to be a scholar type and to that end the makers add thick-rimmed black spectacles to his look. While walking through the college common passages, he spots some colourful paper birds landing around him. He looks around to see Kangana Ranaut as the maker of the flight of birds. She gestures to say that she is doing it out of boredom in her classroom. While Imran has his name inscribed on his school kit, Kangana has a tattoo printed near her ankle pointing to the anklets she wears to convey that her name is Payal! That establishes she is a trendy girl of today, while he is old school.

    However, Imran is not all that old school for he readily opts for a live-in relationship with Kangana. Imran becomes instantly possessive of her and has a fight with Vivaan Bhatena, a college toughie because he teased his girlfriend aka Kangana. To his chagrin, Kangana informs that the fight was because he happened to be her ex-boyfriend whom she dropped like a hot potato two days after meeting Imran. Imran has a friend who seems to have been pasted on him with Fevicol! At home, at college, at work, so much so that their sexual preferences are questioned. Well, this is the trivia that dominates the contents of this film. 

    Imran and his friends are the star architects of their office with a boss who is a caricature of a South Indian loudmouth, with decibel levels that breaks the sound barrier. In this office, you never see anybody working, let alone looking like architects. Either they are flirting, sleeping around or fighting around office fixtures.

    After spending five years as partners, Imran and Kangana part ways, which Imran celebrates by guzzling down four bottles of phenyl. Constant fights were the reason for them parting. The couple decides to smoke a peace pipe with a break in Goa but end up having a fight just before boarding the flight. Imran turns back leaving Kangana alone and that is the last he sees of her. She has vanished, is incommunicado and none of her friends are willing to help Imran find her. So you spend an hour-long yawn trip with Imran trying to find her, sobbing all the way in regret of losing her. 

    That is about two hours into the film when the filmmakers decide to tell you what this film was all about! Which, in today’s media and social network era, just about everybody seems to know already. 

    The scripting, direction, music – songs as well as background score and editing are not worth discussing. While Kangana is burdened with an ill-conceived characterisation that can’t salvage an inch of the film, Imran proves to be a liability. Rest are inconsequential. 

    Katti Batti has disaster written all over it. The period from Ganesh festival to Diwali was never considered the right period to release a film, except for those which carried no hope.

    Producer: Siddharth Roy Kapur

    Director: Nikhil Advani

    Cast: Imran Khan, Kangana Ranaut, Vivaan Bhatena

    ‘Meeruthiya Gangsters:’ What a waste!

    The movies on UP and Bihar gangs are forced down the audiences’ throat despite regular rejections. The problem is that the audience does not care for a local small-town loser who unwittingly tastes success in a crime and becomes a regular gangster when the real-life one comes from the metros of India!

    Some people may even need to Google where Meeruth (now Meerut) is! One of the best films ever made on these local gangs wasSaher (2005) starring Arshad Warsi but that also failed. What we have here is a film with an utterly senseless story to tell.

    There are six college buddies of irrelevant pedigree as far as Hindi cinema is concerned. They look anything but college-going youth. However, anything goes when you are spinning a story about such a state as UP. The boys seek a job in a big private company for which they are needed to pay Rs 75,000 per head. There is some company in Meerut, which agrees to hire them en masse and promises all of them big posts along with big pay packages! But, they have no means of raising such a huge sum so they take to looting. The first victim is the very bar where this broke gang keeps guzzling beer. 

    Besides the bribe per head, they are also expected to entertain the boss of the company with a party, which means imported booze and a girl to go with it. After meeting the demands of the boss to be, the guys soon realise that the boss and the middleman have both conned them. They take the middleman as a hostage and demand ransom from his family. When they succeed, they decide to make this their regular business.

    The guys may all look unkempt and thug-like but the girls they court would give the South Delhi disco crowd a complex! The gang now looks for bigger targets for ransom. They choose a company’s CA where the girlfriend of one of the gangsters works. Here starts the old belief that when a woman enters a scene, a bunch of friends will soon be divided. 

    The next big heist is planned. The target this time is the crorepati boss of the girl in the gang. His kidnap is too big for the UP cops to ignore. Enter Rahul Dev, a Dirty Harry kind of cop who believes neither in wearing a uniform nor discipline. The rest is utter bull, which one wonders if even UPites would identify with!

    The film is poor in all respects. It has no script worth its name, poor direction with jerks and unexplained scenes aplenty. Musical score sounds like a picnic medley. Performances are stagy. Editing is non-existent. Production values are poor and a lot of liberty is taken with location as you don’t know whether the action is taking place in Meerut, Noida, Dehradun or Mumbai.

    Meeruthiya Gangster is a total waste of time. 

    Producers: Prashant Tiwari, Prateek Tiwari, Shoeb Ahmed

    Director: Zeishan Quadri

    Cast: Sanjay Mishra, Rahul Dev, Brijendra Kala and others

    ‘MSG2: The Messenger:’ A selfie

    Late last evening while returning from PVR Juhu, I met three lads and two girls sporting the Gurmet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insaan (GRRSJI) T-shirts. They wanted to know how to get to CST (VT) to be able to catch a train to Kaylan, which is another town on the outskirts of Mumbai! I told them to take some transport to Sion, which is closer to Kalyan by miles and more approachable than the CST.  But, while they waited for a bus or something, they discussed fare comparison between a bus and a rickshaw. 

    This group was ‘imported’ from Karnal in Punjab and carried the smell of sarson ka tel (mustard oil), applied to body after bath as a routine where they came from. I got used to the smell after a while. They had come to PVR, Juhu all the way from Kalyan to find out if their net booking tickets could be collected a day before. Well, all they had to do was just show the reference of the booking on their cell phone and they could get in. 

    This lot was the typical GRRSJI devotees, who volunteered to ‘throng’ the 75 screens booked by the Guru in Mumbai (though the thronging crowd had to be transported to Mumbai from Karnal, in fact a village nearby Karnal.)

    There you have the story of GRRJI’s foray into filmmaking.

    This time, in the sequel, GRRSJI plays the Superman once again. This time, he recounts his year spent with an Adivasi lot (tribal) who used to roam naked and had no touch with the modern world. GRRJI has a job on his hand. He needs to bring them in touch with the realities. He teaches them to dress, build schools for them, also hospitals and other amnesties albeit, after destroying the traditional evil adivasi leaders who control their lives.

    GRRSJI has superpowers, he overcomes all villains; changes the lot of tribals and comes back happily to his base preparing for his next sequel.

    As I was enlightened by his five followers, MSG1 was completed in 67 days while this one took just 47 days! In the first instalment GRRSJI handled 17 technical departments like story, action and music. His followers are waiting to count how many more he has mastered this time. 

    GRRSJI has his own funds, own marketing (last time PVR did it for him; this time he stayed back in Mumbai at a suburban seven star to find some ‘reputed’ corporate house to do the needful). But, one thing is sure, he also transports in his own audience with a Mumbai sightseeing as a bonus for another 10 days, which he promises, Mumbai like nobody else ever seen before!

    Producer and everything else: GRRSJI.

  • Akshay Kumar to topline ‘Airlift’ – the untold story of the world’s largest human evacuation ever

    Akshay Kumar to topline ‘Airlift’ – the untold story of the world’s largest human evacuation ever

    MUMBAI: One of India’s biggest moments of triumph, virtually untold to date, is now being recreated on the silver screen in the form of ‘Airlift’. The film, to be helmed by ace ad film-maker Raja Krishna Menon will feature Akshay Kumar in the lead and supported by an interesting and highly talented ensemble. 

     

    Airlift is the story of Indians stranded in Kuwait during the traumatic time of the Gulf War. A story of how they, with the help of Ranjit Katyal (Akshay Kumar), manage to survive the Iraqi invasion, and against all odds travel a thousand kilometers across the border into Amman, Jordan. From Amman, 1,70,000 Indians were brought home by the largest and the most successful evacuation ever attempted by any country, in the history of the world. Over 59 days, the Indian government systematically flew over 488 Air India commercial flights into a war zone to evacuate all 1,70,000 Indians and safely bring them back home. Airlift is an uplifting and entertaining edge-of-the-seat thriller and is the story of the biggest ever human evacuation in the history of mankind.

     

    Airlift, presented by Nikhil Advani, is a co-production between T-series, Cape of Good Films, Crouching Tiger and Emmay Entertainment.

     

    Talking about the film, Nikhil Advani says, “Airlift is a story that every Indian will be proud to hear. It is a story that needs to be told and I am happy that we are able to bring this unique tale of triumph of the human spirit, and of our country, to the big screen. It also gives me an opportunity to work with Akshay once again, a partnership that I have always cherished”

     

     

    Bhushan Kumar, the presenter had this to add on what made him back this project, “What drives me to a film is its genre, concept and the conviction I have in the subject. When I first heard the story of Airlift, I fell in love with it and was convinced. I normally back films with good music but Airlift goes beyond great music and has an exceptional screenplay. I firmly believe that once this story comes alive on celluloid, the audience will equally appreciate the film. The role that Akshay plays is filled with heroism and I am sure that he will add immensely to the portrayal of the character on screen”

     

    Filming beings April 2015

  • UTV announces ‘Katti Batti’

    UTV announces ‘Katti Batti’

     MUMBAI:  After clutter breaking and iconic films like Dev D, A Wednesday, Barfi!, Kai Po Che and numerous others, UTV Motion Pictures now is looking at bringing a unique love story about new age relationships and breaking up and making up in the world of today, the sort of contemporary romantic relationship never before seen on Indian celluloid – Katti Batti! The film will be directed by Nikhil Advani and will bring together the eclectic pairing of actors Imran Khan and Kangana Ranaut.

     

    Katti Batti is an unusual love story with a twist, and has been creatively developed and driven by UTV Motion Pictures from its inception. UTV’s creative team first spotted the potential in Katti Batti’s script by first time writer Anshul Singhal. Then began the search for a director who could bring the same passion to the film, a search which ended with Nikhil Advani coming on board. UTV, Nikhil and Anshul have honed and polished the script for the past year to make it one of the most zany and heartwarming love stories in contemporary Hindi cinema.

     

    “We are very excited to be taking our creative journey on Katti Batti to the next phase. It is a most unusual love story steeped in the culture and language of today’s relationships. We wanted to make sure that the script gets the right director at the helm and a cast that can justify the two incredibly real, funny and layered lead characters. Our creative team steered the entire project through wonderfully and we are thrilled to have Nikhil, Imran and Kangana on board for the film. We couldn’t have asked for a better director and cast for the film,” said Disney India managing director Siddharth Roy Kapur.

     

     Advani added, “UTV spotted a gem of a script with Katti Batti and it was critical that it got the cast that justified it! Am personally elated by this casting combination as it is a dream to work with Kangana – her body of work has not dulled her ability to bring humility to her craft. Imran on the other hand is drawing from new personal experiences and emotions and brings with him as well, a fresh approach.”

     

    Actor Imran Khan, who will be essaying the role of Maddy, said, “I have always wished to be a part of films that make me proud as an actor. Katti Batti will be one such film. My last outing with UTV gave the audiences Delhi Belly, and we have worked together in the past on many successful films like Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, I Hate Luv Storys and Ek Main aur Ekk Tu. Now we hope to recreate the magic with Katti Batti. Nikhil Advani is a great story teller and Kangana is one of the finest actors of our generation. I am eagerly waiting to kickstart the film!”

     

    Kangana who plays the character of Payal concluded, “It is a beautiful story. Writers have used elements like the battle of the sexes, issues of urban couples, expanded truth and non linear narrative. We have one of the leading creative studios UTV as the producers and I have worked with them in the past on Fashion and Life in a Metro, two of my most memorable films. I just hope I do justice to this story that might change the perspective of love and love stories for us and for coming generations.”

     

    Katti Batti goes on the floors later this year and is scheduled for a worldwide release in 2015.

  • MTV and HUL launch ‘MTV Films’

    MTV and HUL launch ‘MTV Films’

    MUMBAI: In a first of its kind collaboration, MTV India, the leading youth entertainment brand and Hindustan Unilever Limited, India’s largest Fast Moving Consumer Goods Company are coming together for the launch of MTV Films.

     

    MTV Films, a unique initiative, will present six original films by six young, cutting edge and cult directors of new age Bollywood –  Anurag Basu, Anurag Kashyap, Rohan Sippy, Nikhil Advani, Abhinay Deo and Shoojit Sircar, each a stalwart in his own right. Starting March 23, 2014 at 7 PM one director’s movie will be showcased each month for six months which will be inspired by the philosophies of different HUL brands such as Sunsilk, Tresemme, Ponds, Lakme and Close Up amongst others. Through each movie, the iconic directors will portray the take of today’s youth on age old topics of love, family, friendship, relationships and ambitions in an hour long entertaining story.

     

    Speaking about this initiative, Aditya Swamy, EVP and Business Head of MTV, said, “Content is the No1. social currency of today and that makes it the most powerful medium to connect with consumers. Our partnership with HUL reflects the thought leadership both partners bring to the media and marketing world. Getting six superstar directors to create wonderful stories for brands is a coup and we are excited to launch a brand new franchise with MTV FILMS.”

     

    Hemant Bakshi, Executive Director, Home & Personal Care, HUL, said, “HUL firmly believes in pioneering and creating newer ways of engaging consumers by leveraging popular culture. With the launch of MTV Films, we will re-define the way in which brands tell their stories to consumers. This initiative will focus on communicating brand purpose and we are confident that it will resonate with our audience and build brand love.”

     

    Ravi Rao, Leader – South Asia, Mindshare, “Mindshare has been instrumental in raising the bar and pioneering Innovations for Unilever through its strategic partnerships and alliances. This is a yet another initiative for Unilever that will usher in a new era in innovation which will set the template for ‘best practices’ in the region. We are very proud of this initiative that we have driven with MTV and we look forward to scaling up the model year on year.”

     

    Amin Lakhani Leader-South Asia, Team Unilever, “Converting India’s passion points into key communication opportunities is our endeavour and a challenge we thrive on. Story telling is the new mantra to connect with our consumers, something that we have done over the years with much success. This initiative is the new benchmark not just from the uniqueness of the concept, but ably complimented with scale and execution. Moving away from branded placement, into branded content in its most pristine form with this initiative, is something we are very proud of.”

     

    This distinctive collaboration goes ‘beyond television’ platform with multiple touch-points like mobile, online and radio to engage the consumers.

     

    So gear up to see a unique film every month from March 23, 2014 at 7 PM kick-starting with Anurag Basu’s film, ‘REAL FM’ only on your favourite youth entertainment channel, MTV

  • Xeon to do brand integration for Dar films

    MUMBAI: Xeon Films & Entertainment, film branding and marketing agency, said it has signed a long-term nine film deal with Dar Motion Pictures (DMP), the film entertainment division of Dar Media, to become the exclusive agency to meet all brand integration requirements for DMP slate of films.

    The brand integration includes sourcing, integration and activation of brands through in-film, co-film and promotional tours. Dar slate for next one year includes films with directors like Anuraag Kashyap, Sudhir Mishra, Nikhil Advani and many more.

    Xeon Films & Entertainment Director Amit Singh said, “With our history of association with Brands, we are keen to extend them to Dar bouquet of films and derive a win-win situation. Our key strategy would be creating a long term association with brands and providing them a multilevel platform in form of in-film and co-film branding, the diversity of Dar slate and our concept based integration approach would help us offer innovative brand integration options and associations with films.”