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Tag: Priyadarshan

  • GM Modular launches #DADTESTED ad campaign

    GM Modular launches #DADTESTED ad campaign

    Mumbai: GM Modular, one of the largest home electrical companies in India, has recently introduced a captivating advertising campaign titled #Dadtested.  The audience is treated to the delightful interaction between the father-daughter duo Suniel Shetty and Athiya Shetty as they explore the remarkable transformation of their home with GM’s innovative products

    The duo showcases the GM Modular range of products right from video doorbells, mood lighting, switches, and dynamic blade ceiling fans that seamlessly integrate to any home decor, adding a touch of elegance and functionality.  Through this campaign, GM Modular hopes to empower individuals to transform their homes into personalised spaces that reflect their unique style and taste.

    With world renowned professionals, including Indian film director Priyadarshan and four-time National award-winning DOP Santosh Sivan, the commercial promises to create a visually compelling experience that appeals to both younger and older generations. To add to this, Product designer, Saboo Cyril ensures that every component in the commercial is carefully constructed to produce a seamless blend of modern and traditional features, increasing the ad’s appeal to a diverse audience.  

    Athiya Shetty, brings her charm and charisma to the ad. She stated, “This campaign is the right combination of creative thinking and emotion. Working with such amazing professionals has been an incredible experience, and I’m excited to be a part of something that will appeal to people of all ages.”

    The face of the brand Suniel Shetty said, “Being part of GM Modular has been a delight for me. The commercial brilliantly captures the brand’s concept, and I am looking forward to seeing how it will resonate with customers. The campaign emphasises the importance of modern technology in our daily lives. The relatable narrative will create a lasting effect on viewers and inspire them to embrace the future of home automation. “

    The advertisement accurately depicts the essence of a generation that loves both aesthetics and utility in their homes. With younger people presenting the concept of modern homes to their parents, this campaign acts as a bridge between the two generations, emphasising the need of embracing change and adapting to new trends while keeping a sense of familiarity and comfort.

    “Empowering homes with innovation and style, GM Modular proudly unveils the #DadTested ad campaign, where the timeless elegance of electric solutions meets the dynamic synergy of Suneil Shetty and Athiya Shetty. As we redefine excellence, we believe that just like father’s approval, our products pass the ultimate Dad Test, ensuring a seamless blend of safety, and  reliability in every

    home. Our range of creative products is designed to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of homeowners, allowing them to create a space that truly reflects their personality.” GM Modular founder Jayanth Jain stated.

     

     

  • Film artists and intellectuals march to Rashtrapati Bhavan, decry charges of India becoming intolerant

    Film artists and intellectuals march to Rashtrapati Bhavan, decry charges of India becoming intolerant

    New Delhi, 7 November: A large number of filmmakes, intellectuals and artists led by vetran actor Anupam Kher – who had earlier questioned the logic of returning awards – today marched in Rajpath to Rashtrapati Bhavan to counter the protests by those who have been alleging “rising intolerance”.

     

    Kher said the “award-wapsi” campaign was to defame the country by projecting a “wrong” picture of the situation.

    A small delegation which also included Madhur Bhandarkar and some others presented a memorandum in this regard at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also meeting a small delegation this evening from amongst those who came for the march.

     

    “India is a very tolerant country. Some people have coined the term ‘growing intolerance’. They are very few. Not every Indian thinks like that. We are secular people. We do not believe in pseudo-secularism, selective outrage or selective patriotism,” Kher, whose wife Kirron is a Bharatiya Janata Party member of Parliament. 

     

    “We had a meeting with a lot of writers, artistes, filmmakers and they also believe that there is no intolerance in the country… This march is a symbolic gesture on part of a lot of people over here who say India is one and free of intolerance,” the 60-year-old said.

     

    Many filmmakers and artistes from the fraternity including Madhur Bhandarkar, Ashoke Pandit, Priyadarshan, Manoj Joshi, Abhijeet Bhattacharya, actor-director Bijoya Jena and writer Madhu Kishwar joined the march to hand over a memorandum signed by more than 40 personalities including actress Raveena Tandon.

     

    Bhandarkar, a National Award winner, alleged that those involved in the protest over intolerance had opposed Prime Minister Narendra Modi before he was elected, which raised questions about their intention.

     

    Kher asserted that they were not associated with any organisation or political party. “This march is led by Indians and for Indians.”

     

    Film-maker Priyadarshan said the act of returning the awards is “childish”. He said these people should use the power of pen. Instances of intolerance have always been there. It is not something that happened yesterday. 

     

    Shah Rukh Khan never said he is returning his award, Priyadarshan said, but he said he disapproved of those critical of Khan who had said that there was extreme intolerance in the country.

    The march also saw some disgruntled voices. Some National Award winning filmmakers and actresses who did not want to be named told indiantelevision.com that tjey felt let down because it was initially meant to be a march of ntellectual National Award Winners and not an Anupam Kher march.

     

     

    At least 75 members of the intelligentsia have returned national or literary awards in an escalation of protests by writers, historians, filmmakers and scientists over “growing intolerance”, voicing fears that the country’s robust democracy might be “coming apart” in the current atmosphere.

     

    The BJP-led government has dismissed the protest as “manufactured rebellion” and “politically” motivated.

    “Nobody has the right to call our country intolerant. We are secular people and don’t believe in selective outrage,” Mr Kher said this morning. “I have right to go to the President and say that we don’t feel India is intolerant. These talks can’t happen only on twitter/ Facebook, they need a personal presence,” the actor has said.

     

    The march follows the decision of a host of filmmakers, including Dibakar Banerjee and Anand Patwardhan, as well as writers and historians to raise voice against the rising intolerance under the BJP-led government and to return various government awards and honors. 

  • Comic & Con is on with Star Gold’s ‘Sab Jhol Hai’ movie festival

    Comic & Con is on with Star Gold’s ‘Sab Jhol Hai’ movie festival

    MUMBAI: Star Gold kick-starts July with an entertaining and engaging movie festival – Sab Jhol Hai that will showcase the choicest con and comic films. Starting 6 July, the festival will air some of the biggest super hits of the genres along with the premiere of the recent blockbuster Dolly Ki Doli on 12 July 2015.

     

    Setting the mood of the festival will be Rohit Shetty’s runaway hit Golmaal 3 on 6 July, followed by Sajid Khan’s Housefull 2 on 7 July. Rohit Shetty comes back with his magic in Golmaal on 8 July, followed by David Dhawan’s Partner on 9 July and Priyadarshan’s Hungama on 10 July.

     

    Adding an unmatched dash of drama and comedy will be the super hit con-film Dolly Ki Doli starring the fashionable superstar Sonam Kapoor essaying the central character. In the film, Dolly cons men into marrying her and on the marriage night steals their wealth and runs away. Will Dolly be successful in all her conning adventures or will she ever be caught make the crux of this entertaining film. Dolly Ki Doli promises to have audiences glued to their television sets with its 3 hours of non-stop entertainment

     

    About Star

     

    STAR India has defined India’s broadcast media for over two decades and is today one of the country’s leading media and entertainment companies. It broadcasts more than 40 channels in 7 languages, reaching more than 720 million viewers every week across India and 100 countries. The network’s entertainment channel portfolio includes Star Gold, Channel V, Star World, Star Movies, Star Utsav, Life OK, Movies OK and Star Plus, India’s No. 1 General Entertainment Channel. It has a leading presence in regional broadcasting as well, through a bouquet of affiliate channels which includes Star Jalsha, Jalsha Movies, Star Pravah, Asianet, Asianet Plus, Suvarna, Suvarna Plus and Vijay.

     

    STAR India is making quantum leaps in transforming sports in the country by leveraging the group’s strengths in superior content and audience engagement. STAR’s sports business has grown rapidly to 8 channel properties (STAR Sports 1, 2, 3, 4 and STAR Sports HD1, HD2, HD3 and HD4), making it the leading sports network in the country.

     

    With our viewers on the move, Star is set to drive the agenda on digital content consumption in the country. Starsports.com has redefined the future of sports consumption in India and now hotstar.com brings your favorite TV shows, movies and sports in one destination.

     

    Star India is a fully owned subsidiary of 21st Century Fox.

     

    For more information please log into www.startv.com

     

    For further information, please contact:

     

    Riddhi Gathani

    Mobile: 098191 10195

    Email: Riddhi@thinkink-communications.com

     

    Nishi Mulchandani

    Mobile: 09819095274

    Email id: nishi@thinkink-communications.com

  • Hera Pheri team back for the third installment

    Hera Pheri team back for the third installment

    MUMBAI: Who can forget the unique combo of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal on Priyadarshan‘s Hera Pheri. Not only was the film a super hit, but the combo was well appreciated so much so that they were repeated in the film‘s second version Phir Hera Pheri, Venus‘ De Dana Dhan and Vikram Bhatt‘s Awara Pagal Deewana.

    The latest is that if things go according to plans, they will be back with the third installment of Hera Pheri. As per industry sources work is in progress for Hera Pheri 3 and also the dates of Akshay and Paresh are already in place.

    A lot of anxious enthusiasts had been anxiously awaiting Sajid Nadiadwala to announce the third installment for a long time. Now, the filmmaker is all geared to make the third part as big as or bigger than the original film. The second installment was not as big as the original. It is said that Akshay and Rawal have already given their dates and soon Sunil Shetty too is expected to be on board.

    The film is expected to go on the floors post August, 2014. Given that there is still time left, finalization of the rest of the cast is expected to go an at snail‘s pace. But one thing is clear that the female leads would be quite different than that of the first two installments.

  • ‘We are considering an IPO’ : Venus Records & Tapes director Ratan Jain

    ‘We are considering an IPO’ : Venus Records & Tapes director Ratan Jain

    Venus Records & Tapes director Ratan Jain is a busy man, collecting box-office feedback from his new release De Dana Dan.

     

    Built on Rs 670 million with Eros as an equal partner, the movie is crucial to Jain‘s expansion plans. He is readying a movie with Priyadarshan and another with Abbas-Mastan after having stayed away from film production for a brief while due to an unrealistic rise in prices.

     

    Venus has one-third of its revenues coming from music. With a correction in prices, the company plans to swing back into acquisition of titles.

     

    Venus is also considering an initial public offering (IPO) to fund its expansion plans.

     

    The company expects to clock a revenue of Rs 1.20 billion this fiscal on the back of a big movie release and the music business.

     

    Cutting across his busy schedule, Jain speaks to indiantelevision.com‘s Sibabrata Das and Ashish Mitra about the need to be cautious in an overheated movie market.

     

    Excerpts:
     

     
    Why has Venus been slowing down on movie production and acquisition of music rights for the last couple of years?

    The prices skyrocketed and we decided to stay outside the ring. Some companies wanted to scale up and actors and technicians jacked up their rates to an unrealistic level. The movie industry went haywire. The same thing happened to the music industry. For the films that we released, we, however, kept the music rights. But it did not make business sense for us to acquire music rights at such inflated prices.
     

     
    Do you see the prices having fully corrected?

    They have definitely corrected to a large extent and things have come to some state of reality. But some actors and technicians are still looking at extremely high rates. Despite a fall in the cost structure, there is a scale down in the number of movies being produced this year.
     
     

    Venus has swung back into action with a big budget movie De Dana Dan. Has the co-production with Eros come at the right time for you?

    The movie is made on a budget of Rs 670 million and it is a 50:50 joint venture project with Eros. While Eros has kept the home video and international distribution rights, we have the India distribution and satellite TV rights. Baba Arts is handling the distribution for us. Early indications from the box office show that the movie is going to be a hit.

     

    Priyadarshan makes out-and-out comedy films. De Dana Dan also marks the return of all three protagonists of Hera Pheri – Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal.
     

     
    Will this movie spur you to scale up particularly as it comes after a gap of more than a year since your last film Maan Gaye Mughal E Azam?

    Yes, Maan Gaye… released on 22 August 2008. And I rolled the shooting of De Dana Dan on 26 November last year, the day the terrorists struck in Mumbai. I remember when we were in a middle of a shoot, we got a call from a friend of mine that terrorists were firing at CST.

     

    As far as my film goes, we do a research of at least six months and then go in for shooting. This film has taken exactly a year.

     

    I don‘t see Venus doing more than two movies a year. We could also be doing smaller movies but it is difficult to market and release them. We have two projects in the pipeline – one with Priyadarshan in August and the other with Abbas Mastan.

     
     
    Will you go for a syndication model or sell outright the satellite TV rights for De Dana Dan?

    We are in advanced negotiations to sell the rights. Syndicating the movie to multiple broadcasters is good for channels but not for us. It takes time to recover money. And it has worked when you have big hits like Jab We Met and Singh is Kinng which can have many runs across channels. Syndication also works when you have a basket of films.
     
     

    ‘We expect to clock Rs 1.20 billion in FY‘10. Venus is not just surviving on movie releases. We have a strong music business. We also trade in satellite TV and video rights‘
     
     

    Have prices for satellite rights slumped this year?

    Prices have fallen compared to last year. Internal competition and entrants have spoilt the market. We had fictitious prices ruling the market.
     

     
    Has the downturn affected your revenues?

    There is no recession in the entertainment business. We clocked over Rs 1 billion last fiscal and are expecting to have a turnover of Rs 1.20 billion in FY‘10. Venus is not just surviving on movie releases. We have a strong music business. We also trade in satellite TV and video rights.
     

     
    What steps are you taking to boost your revenues from the music segment?

    Music accounts for 30-40 per cent of our total turnover. Besides mainstream Bollywood, we bring out music CDs of all kinds including ghazals, regional languages and bhajans. We are exploiting the digital and mobile platforms. A major chunk of our revenue comes from downloading.
     

     
    But you haven‘t been acquiring music rights aggressively in recent years?

    With the prices going berserk, we largely stayed out of it. But we have a vast library, holding over 3000 music titles. While 600 are film music titles, the remaining are non-film music titles.

     

    On the movie front, we have negative rights of 50 movies.
     

     
    Zee had shown interest in acquiring 60 per cent stake in Venus in 2006. What went against the deal?

    There were commitment issues. While at that time we thought of that as an expansion route for us, now we are not looking at such alliances.
     
     

    Are you looking at other ways of raising capital to fund your expansion plans?

    We are considering an initial public offering (IPO). We were not ready for a public listing then. Now we have taken the necessary steps. We could also be looking at a pre-IPO placement. But we haven‘t frozen our plans yet.
     
  • Shah Rukh, Rani triumph at Savlon Sabsey Favourite Kaun International 2006

    Shah Rukh, Rani triumph at Savlon Sabsey Favourite Kaun International 2006

    MUMBAI: Shah Rukh Khan’s brand equity in Bollywood just gets bigger! The star was voted as the favourite hero by fans at the Savlon Sabsey Favourite Kaun 2006 awards.

    Rani Mukherji picked up the award in the heroine category. Lage Raho Munnabhai was voted as the favourite film.

    At the event Akshay Kumar performed a parody based on his forthcoming movie Bhaagam Bhaag and a spoof on his director Priyadarshan. Bipasha Basu performed on the chartbusters Bidi and Namak from her movie Omkara. Koena Mitra and Shreyas Talpade entertained the audience with the latest songs from their movie Apna Sapna Money Money. Shiney Ahuja performed on a medley of songs from his movies.

    Speaking at the awards ceremony Star Entertainment India CEO Sameer Nair said, “Savlon Sabsey Favorite Kaun International 2006 – the only opinion poll for the fans of Bollywood, is a true reflection of a star’s popularity as the winners are chosen by the fans themselves. The impact of Indian Cinema on the audiences is evident by the overwhelming response that we have received year after year. This year we were not only able to capture the frenzy and fervor that our Bollywood actors command on a national level but also on an international scale.”

    The Savlon Sabsey Favorite Kaun International 2006 Grand Finale was hosted by Ayesha Takia along with comic trio of Ranvir Shorey, Vinay Pathak and Suresh Menon.

    Viewers can watch the telecast of Savlon Sabsey Favorite Kaun International 2006 Grand Finale on 30 December at 8 pm on Star Gold.

    Fans voted for their stars across seven categories. The winners are as follows:

    – Sabsey Favorite Hero – Shah Rukh Khan

    – Sabsey Favourite Heroine – Rani Mukherji

    – Sabsey Favourite Comic Hero – Paresh Rawal

    – Sabsey Favourite Nayi Heroine – Soha Ali Khan

    – Sabsey Favourite Naya Hero – Kunal Khemu

    – Sabsey Tez Sitara – Priyanka Chopra

    – Sabsey Favourite Film – Lage Raho Munnabhai

  • K Sera Sera to pump in Rs 2.5 billion for 20 movies

    K Sera Sera to pump in Rs 2.5 billion for 20 movies

    MUMBAI: K Sera Sera is planning a production pipeline of 20 movies and has announced an investment outlay of Rs 2.5 billion over the next two years.

    The company will also foray into regional film production. “We have been looking at aggressively scaling up and have signed up big ticket directors. We plan to produce more than 20 films, which will be released by end-March 2008, at a total outlay in excess of Rs. 250 crores,” said K Sera Sera managing director Parag Sanghavi.

    The company has signed up a wide spectrum of directorial talent like David Dhawan, Abbas Mastan and Priyadarshan which it believes will give it a definite edge in the battle for market share in the Hindi feature films business. “We are in advanced stages of discussions to forge an alliance with yet another leading Bollywood director who has won immense critical and popular acclaim. We shall share details at an opportune time in the near future,” Sanghavi revealed.

    How does the company fund these projects? In the first phase, K Sera Sera will require Rs 1.1 billion, of which it has deployed Rs 550 million for the four movies which are on floor. Besides, it will use Rs 300 million from the money it raised through a follow-on public issue. The debt component will be around Rs 250-300 million.

    K Sera Sera recently launched its first initiative of film distribution as a test case in Mumbai. Elaborating on the plans to release more films in the near future, Sanghavi said, “We released Malamaal Weekly with a total of 150-plus prints including digital prints in Mumbai. The film achieved a revenue of close to Rs 40 million, which was much more than what was achieved by mega starrers like Family and Zinda in the same time.”

    The company is planning to make 8-10 movies a year, scaling up from three movies it produced for the current fiscal. “We should see a topline growth of over 100 per cent year-on-year in FY 07 and 08 from the expected March 06 figures of Rs 700 million. Profitability too is expected to grow at the same rate,” said Sanghvi.