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Tag: Richa Chadha

  • Fukrey 3 to premier on &pictures on 19 May at noon

    Fukrey 3 to premier on &pictures on 19 May at noon

    Mumbai: Hold onto your seats as the misadventures of the Fukras continue in the much-awaited Fukrey 3, making its premiere on &pictures. Expect nothing less than a hilarious rollercoaster of events filled with laughter, friendship, and unexpected twists. From comical misunderstandings to hair-raising escapades, the Fukrey gang sticks together through thick and thin, finding humor and support in each other even in the most unconventional circumstances.

    Machegi full on masti jab ayegi yeh fukro ki toli! &Pictures brings your favourites Hunny, Choocha, Lali, and Panditji and their hungamas to your TV screens. Whether you’re looking for a break from the week’s hustle or simply craving some light-hearted entertainment, Fukrey 3 guarantees a fun-filled experience that will leave everyone smiling and make your Sunday afternoon perfect.

    Richa Chadha expressed, “Fukrey has always held a special place in my heart, and seeing the audience’s reactions to each installment fills me with joy. Bringing life to my character, Bholi Punjaban, has been a fulfilling journey, allowing me to explore depth and complexity with each film. Returning to the sets for the third time felt like a homecoming, reuniting with my Fukrey family, whom I’ve grown close to over the years. I can’t wait for viewers to experience the magic of Fukrey 3 once again on &Pictures.”

    Pulkit Samrat reflected, “Each film in the Fukrey franchise has been a valuable learning experience for me, allowing me to delve deeper into the complexities of my character, Hunny. With each installment, I’ve been pushed to stretch my limits and venture into unfamiliar territories. The overwhelming love from our fans for each character has been a driving force, inspiring us to deliver our best. As Fukrey 3 gears up for its premiere on &Pictures, I can’t wait for viewers to be swept away by the sheer entertainment it brings..”

    The versatile, Pankaj Tripathi said, “Returning to the world of comedy with the Fukrey franchise always fills me with joy. Pandit Ji will always hold a special place in my heart as a memorable character. Fukrey 3 is a delightful treat, packed with laughter, fantastic chemistry, and clever jokes. After entertaining audiences in theaters, our Fukrey gang is ready to bring the laughs once more with the &Pictures premiere.”

    The vision behind the beloved Fukrey comedy franchise, Mrighdeep Lamba, expressed, “Directing Fukrey 3 has been an immensely rewarding journey. Seeing these characters come to life once again fills me with pride and now, with the &Pictures premiere, I’m excited for the audience to join us on this adventure and share some genuine laughs with our beloved Fukrey family.”

    Varun Sharma expressed, “Playing the character of Choocha has been a life-changing experience. Through this film and character, I’ve had the chance to showcase my talent. Just like the last two films, Choocha in Fukrey 3 continues to bring laughter, and I’m grateful that my character has always received immense love and appreciation from the audience. Fukrey 3 is the perfect film to enjoy with friends and family, and I’m excited for its premiere on the &pictures channel.”

    Manjot Singh said, “My character, Lali, resonates with many as they can find someone like him in their own family, and that’s what makes it special to me. Fukrey 3 is a fun-filled film, and Lali is just as entertaining, always having his friends’ backs. I’m thrilled that audiences will have the chance to enjoy the movie in the comfort of their homes when it premieres on &pictures.”

    A comic entertainer driven by smart writing, witty gags and quirky one-liners, Fukrey 3 is guaranteed to leave you in tears of laughter. Following the footsteps of the last two prequels of the Fukrey franchise, Fukrey 3 is set to take you on a journey filled with jokes.

    Tune in to &pictures and experience the magic of Fukrey 3 with your loved ones this Sunday, 19 May at 12 pm.

  • AI superstar Naina launches India’s first AI podcast titled ‘The nAIna Show’

    AI superstar Naina launches India’s first AI podcast titled ‘The nAIna Show’

    Mumbai: India is set to witness a revolutionary moment in the digital entertainment space with the launch of ‘The nAIna Show’, a unique and groundbreaking series hosted by Naina, India’s first AI superstar. This podcast marks a significant milestone as the country’s first AI-driven podcast series, featuring in-depth and insightful interviews with some of the most celebrated personalities in the entertainment industry.  

    The guest list includes Sobhita Dhulipala, Sanya Malhotra, Richa Chadha, Saiyami Kher, Esha Deol, Hansika Motwani, Ridhima Pathak, Nargis Fakhri, Kritika Kamra and many more.

    Naina, known for her remarkable AI capabilities blended with a uniquely Indian perspective,  will engage with celebrities from various fields, including Bollywood, sports, music, etc. This platform offers an unprecedented opportunity for fans to experience their favorite stars through the lens of advanced artificial intelligence.

    The podcast series aims to delve deep into the lives, careers, and personal stories of these celebrities, providing listeners with a rare and intimate experience. Naina’s ability to analyse and ask thought-provoking questions promises to bring out the most candid and engaging responses from her guests.

    Listeners can expect a blend of insights, emotion, and humor in each episode, making ‘The nAIna Show’, not just an entertainment venture but an enlightening journey into the minds of India’s most influential figures.

    The podcast will be available on Naina’s and Pop Diaries’ YouTube channels, ensuring easy access for audiences worldwide. Its interactive format will also allow listeners to submit their questions and comments, creating an engaging experience.

    Naina’s foray into podcasting is not just a technological marvel but a cultural phenomenon, showcasing the potential of AI in reshaping media and entertainment. This series is a  testament to India’s growing prowess in the field of artificial intelligence and its application in creative industries.

    Stay tuned for the first episode of ‘The nAIna Show’, where Naina, the AI superstar, takes the art of conversation to a new level, redefining the way we engage with media and technology.  The podcast promises to be a trailblazer in the digital era, seamlessly integrating AI innovation with the rich tapestry of Indian culture and celebrity stories.

  • Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha collaborate with Morphy Richards for their new winter campaign

    Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha collaborate with Morphy Richards for their new winter campaign

    Mumbai:  Morphy Richards, India’s leading premium lifestyle home appliances brand, has announced an exciting winter campaign with the adorable Bollywood duo – Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal. The digital film, titled ‘Date from Home,’ aims to redefine winter experiences by highlighting Morphy Richards’ latest smart and innovative Zero Oil Radiator Heater Range as the perfect companions for creating cosy moments indoors. This is a unique room heater equipped with breathe-easy technology that helps in maintaining healthy oxygen levels and indoor air quality. The brand’s proprietary technology utilises no oil but has two copper plated heating elements and a unique 15 fin design that together deliver 25% faster heating. This is an industry- first feature, which is what makes this product a must buy this winter season.

    The iconic British brand has always catered to the consumers’ need for intuitive and user-friendly products that deliver sheer happiness. As the temperatures drop, Morphy Richards is keen to inspire individuals to create special moments at home, turning it into a haven of warmth and togetherness while elevating your living spaces. The campaign film, which is a 90 -second DVC, features the beloved celebrity couple – Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal – focusing on the concept of enjoying romantic dates from the comfort of your home during the chilly winter months when your partner doesn’t want to step out. In the film, while Richa wants to step out for an evening with her husband, Ali says “He doesn’t feel like going out because it’s really cold outside and there’s a lot of traffic and pollution.” Rather than getting upset, Richa mentions that there’s “no need to get angry” as she has a 3-step guide to enjoying a romantic date at home and the perfect solution to stay in – the Morphy Richards’ smart range of Zero Oil Radiators.

     

     

    Commenting on the campaign launch, Bajaj Electricals Ltd COO – Consumer Products Business Ravindra Singh Negi said, “Morphy Richards is an iconic British brand known for offering premium lifestyle appliances that add happiness to everyday life. With the onset of winter, the smart range of Thermocore XR Zero Oil Radiators serves as the ideal partner. This unique range utilises no oil, enabling 25% faster heating – an industry first feature. We are delighted to collaborate with Bollywood power couple Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal who embody the spirit of happiness and warmth which is perfect for our campaign. We’re confident that consumers will relate to the film and will depend on the brand to transform their living space into a cosy retreat.”

  • Blink Digital backed ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ to have world premiere at Sundance Film Festival 2024

    Blink Digital backed ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ to have world premiere at Sundance Film Festival 2024

    Mumbai: Blink Digital, a full-service independent digital advertising agency, is thrilled to announce the world premiere of its co-produced film, ‘Girls Will Be Girls,’ at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival 2024, to be held from 18 to 28 January 2024. The film, written and directed by debutant Shuchi Talati, has been selected to participate in the highly anticipated World Cinema Dramatic Competition.

    The film, ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ unfolds within the walls of a boarding school nestled in a small Himalayan hill town in northern India. The narrative revolves around Mira, a 16-year-old girl, whose journey of self-discovery and rebellion is intertwined with her mother’s own unfulfilled coming-of-age experience.

    Acclaimed Malayalam actor Kani Kusruti is playing one of the leads and the film also marks the debut of emerging actors Preeti Panigrahi and Kesav Binoy Kiron who also have lead roles.

    Speaking about the development, actress and producer Richa Chadha said, “Girls Will Be Girls is not just a film; it’s an emotional journey, a poignant narrative that reflects the struggles and triumphs of womanhood. Collaborating with Blink Digital and bringing this story to Sundance is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of diverse voices in cinema. We are thrilled to unveil our creation to the world at such a prestigious platform.”

    Sharing his thoughts on the world premiere of Girls Will Be Girls at Sundance Film Festival 2024, Blink Digital co-founder and CEO Dooj Ramchandani said, “At Blink, we have been championing creativity since 2009, be it ad films or interactive narratives. ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ is our first foray in filmmaking and its selection for the Sundance Film Festival is a recognition of the creative spirit that drives us at Blink. We look forward to sharing this cinematic gem with audiences worldwide and supporting creators in the field of advertising, filmmaking and gaming in the years to come.”

    Blink Digital, based in Mumbai, is a cutting-edge independent digital agency known for its creativity, innovation, and an appetite for experimentation. Specializing in 360-degree digital marketing solutions across film & video, strategy, design, communication, technology, and media selling/buying, Blink Digital is at the forefront of redefining the digital landscape. In 2022, Blink Digital was ranked among the top 3 Indian advertising agencies and the only independent agency, by Campaign Brief Asia’s THE WORK.

    ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ is a Indo-French co-production brought to life by India’s Pushing Buttons Studios, founded by esteemed actors Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha, along with co-producers Blink Digital, Cinema Inutile, and Arte Cofinova, with support from the CNC (Aide aux Cinémas du Monde), the Sørfond through Norwegian co-producing partner Hummelfilm, and ARRI. Paris-based sales company Luxbox has secured the rights to represent the film at Berlin’s European Film Market (EFM), adding to the global anticipation surrounding this exceptional cinematic creation.

    The film has already garnered attention and accolades, having been part of the Berlinale Talents Project Market in 2022. The project clinched two awards at the event – the VFF Talent Highlight Award, with a prize fund of €10,000 ($10,765), and the €6,000 ARTEKino International Award, presented by ARTE to recognise outstanding artistic merit from the Berlinale Co Production Market.

    Blink Digital invites audiences and industry enthusiasts alike to witness the world premiere of “Girls Will Be Girls” at Sundance Film Festival, where it promises to captivate hearts and minds with its compelling narrative and exceptional filmmaking.

  • Enjoy National Cinema Day with these 10 must-see films!

    Enjoy National Cinema Day with these 10 must-see films!

    Mumbai: Attention, cinephiles! Prepare for a cinematic extravaganza this Friday the 13th, as we celebrate National Cinema Day, an ode to India’s deep-seated passion for the world of movies. Remember those golden moments when family movie outings over the weekends lit up our weeks? But then the era of inflation emerged and cast its shadow over the beloved tradition of movie-watching. Families, friends, and movie enthusiasts can indulge in a movie marathon at the theatres for just Rs 99. Yes, you heard it right! For a day, folks can set aside their cost concerns to unwind and indulge in the pleasure of watching their most awaited films in the comfy ambience of your nearest cinemas including PVR INOX theatres.

    If that isn’t enticing enough, we have more. Brace yourself for an exciting lineup of the 10 most anticipated films of 2023 playing at multiplexes across India on this National Cinema Day. Check out the list below:

    1.   Dumb Money (releasing 13 October)

    Dumb Money follows the staggering rise to riches of Redditor and investor Keith Gill, who invested his entire savings in GameStop, a video game retailer. The film shows how he then goes on to write about his investment on Reddit and attracting the mass attention, propelling GameStop’s stock value to its all-time high. The film depicts the stock market’s dichotomy, that it can either make or mar you.

    2.   Dhak Dhak (releasing 13 October)

    Nothing is more amazing than seeing women go for their goals and succeed in spite of social constraints. Dhak Dhak is the story of four ordinary women who transform into impressive bikers, their on-road adventures, and the heartwarming camaraderie they share. Not just this, this film marks the directorial debut of acclaimed actress Tapsee Pannu.

    3.   Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie (releasing 13 October)

    It’s always fun to watch villains being defeated by superheroes and Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie takes this to the next level. Witness a team of superhero pups defeat the enemy and save their city from doom and perish. This film promises endless entertainment with its gripping plot and vibrant visuals.

    4.   800 (in cinemas)

    800 is not just a cricket biopic; it is a story of overcoming adversity and staying true to your passion. The biographic sports film takes audiences through the life of Muthiah Muralitharan, a refugee who rose to become a cricketing legend. The film appeals to audiences across all age groups and will surely captivate fans of cricket & other sports, do not miss this inspirational tale.

    5.   Mission Raniganj (in cinemas)

    Mission Raniganj has captured our hearts with its heartfelt narrative of a nation’s quest to rescue the stranded labourers in the 1989 Raniganj coal mine disaster headlined by one man. The late Jaswant Singh Gill’s grit helped India’s first successful coal mine rescue mission and one cannot miss witnessing this historic portrayal calmness and bravery of one man on mission.

    6.   Fukrey 3 (in cinemas)

    The first two instalments in the Fukrey film series spread a wave of infectious laughter and Fukrey 3 upholds the expectations. The film has the audiences in splits with the funny antics and bond of a group of friends. Pulkit Samrat, Varun Sharma and Manjot Singh are once again out to win your hearts with Richa Chadha with their hilarious performances.

    7.   Dono (in cinemas)

    What’s one of the best places to find love? A wedding! The romance drama Dono starring Garima Agarwal and Rajveer Deol, is a beautiful portrayal of love flourishing between two broken hearts. The film’s refreshing take on modern love and growth along with its depiction of today’s youth and their perception of romance and intimacy is a worthy and fun watch.

    8.   The Exorcist: Believer (in cinemas)

    A terrifying sequel to the iconic The Exorcist, this supernatural horror has spread a dread among the audiences in cinemas. The eerie visuals paired with spine-tingling music along with the suspenseful plot has been a hit among the audiences. The film also sees the return of Chris McNeil, once facing the dark evil that once possessed her daughter. If you’re a horror buff, grab this opportunity to witness true horror that The Exorcist: Believer.

    9.   Thank You for Coming (in cinemas)

    Thank You for Coming is an enjoyable and touching narrative of women embracing their sexuality and womanhood, breaking out of the barrier set by our society. A married woman stuck in an unsatisfactory marriage reunites with her friends and together they embark on a journey of discovering their wants and desires. The film stars Bhumi Pednekar, Kusha Kapila, Shehnaaz Gill and Shibani Bedi as the leading ladies.

    10.   The Vaccine War (in cinemas)

    The Covid-19 pandemic tested our resilience during two years of lockdown, impacting our mental and physical well-being. The sudden isolation and rising death toll worsened the situation and kept us on edge. Amidst the doom, India’s medical workers emerged as heroes, working relentlessly to develop a vaccine. Vivek Agnihotri’s The Vaccine War tells the inspiring tale of India’s battle against COVID-19, highlighting the courage of those who sought a solution in the midst of chaos.

    These films promise a mix of laughter, romance, terror, and warmth, each worthy to be watched on the silver screens. This National Cinema Day, watch your favourite film at the nearest PVR INOX theatres at just Rs 99!

  • Prime Video announces global premiere of ‘Inside Edge S3’ on 3 Dec

    Prime Video announces global premiere of ‘Inside Edge S3’ on 3 Dec

    Mumbai: Amazon Prime Video and Excel Media and Entertainment have announced that the third season of Amazon original series “Inside Edge” will premiere globally on 3 December.

    “The International Emmys nominated series, Inside Edge was the first Indian Amazon Original that received immense appreciation, accolades and helped set a high bar for storytelling,” said Amazon Prime Video India head of India originals Aparna Purohit. “Replete with multiple twists and turns, the new season of Inside Edge has in store a lot more drama and mystery that will unravel through a riveting story and would impress fans and audiences alike in India and beyond.”

    The show has been created by Karan Anshuman and directed by Kanishk Varma, season three stars Vivek Oberoi, Richa Chadha, Tanuj Virwani, Aamir Bashir, Sayani Gupta, Sapna Pabbi, Akshay Oberoi, Sidhant Gupta, and Amit Sial.

    “The overwhelming response Inside Edge has received from viewers and critics alike has encouraged us to present yet another exciting season,” said Excel Entertainment producer Ritesh Sidhwani. “We are thrilled to chronicle the next gripping phase of the journey of Mumbai Mavericks, which will ultimately decide the fate of the team that has battled many odds.”

  • Flipkart ropes in Richa Chadha to host ‘Incredible Sellers, Incredible Stories’ Season 2

    Flipkart ropes in Richa Chadha to host ‘Incredible Sellers, Incredible Stories’ Season 2

    MUMBAI: Despite several challenges, small and medium businesses (SMBs) continued to provide services all through the pandemic. Flipkart Seller Hub has released ‘Incredible Sellers, Incredible Stories’ in 2020, showcasing some of these success stories created on the platform to celebrate the efforts of this resilient community. 

    Conceptualised by ART-E Mediatech, the second season of the show will be hosted by actor Richa Chadha who will take viewers behind-the-scenes of the interesting growth stories while encouraging the seller community to keep going with the zeal and determination for achieving their goals.

    “Each year, we see sellers of Flipkart showing their unwavering trust in our marketplace platform and embracing digital transformation to cater to consumers across the country,” says Flipkart senior director and head – marketplace Jagjeet Harode. “Today, with 3.75 lakh sellers on our platform, we are proud of the success and growth that they’re achieving and the passion that they showcase for their business. Through ‘Incredible Sellers, Incredible Stories’, we want to highlight these growth journeys and motivate the seller community to continue driving success.”

    Further, Flipkart has launched its #BachonKaKhel digital campaign initiated to create awareness among existing sellers and build consideration among new sellers. The brand’s new show will also discuss tips and tricks to leverage the platform in an optimum manner. It will also feature invigorating anecdotes about stories of various businesses and multiple learnings of the successful sellers through relentless efforts on the e-commerce platform.

    Art-E Mediatech co-founder and chief business officer Rohit Sakunia said,’ “While working on ‘Incredible Sellers Incredible Stories’, we discovered many pearls of wisdom related to online business, life, and success. We feel truly humbled and inspired by them.”

    `Flipkart will further attempt to bring out the humbling stories of wisdom while encouraging people to continue driving transformation through the platform and never lose hope, no matter what shared the e-comm major.

  • Voot Select set to bring new series ‘Candy’ on 8 Sept

    Voot Select set to bring new series ‘Candy’ on 8 Sept

    Mumbai: Premium OTT platform Voot Select is all set to premiere its next original web series “Candy” on 8 September. The eight-part murder mystery features actors Richa Chadha and Ronit Roy in lead roles

    Directed by Ashish R Shukla and produced by Wakaoo Films, the show also has Manu Rishi Chadha, Gopal Datt Tiwari, Nakul Roshan Sahdev, and Riddhi Kumar in prominent roles.

    In the mists of Rudrakund, the gruesome murder of a school student pushes troubled teacher Jayant Parekh (Roy) and local cop Ratna Sankhawar to unravel a web of disturbing secrets that involve rave parties in the hills, cold cases from the past, malevolent demons in the woods and a hallucinogen smuggled under the garb of Candy. While one section of the society is petrified about the mystery killings and the rumors revolving around an evil force, the others try and solve the mystery behind the drug-infused candy sold to school kids. With infinite twists and turns, “Candy” is a thrilling journey through the world of dark secrets where sins dwell, shared the platform.

    “Ever since its launch, Voot Select has been synonymous with top-drawer storytelling. Candy, our latest original series, is yet another compelling story that audiences will be glued to, right till the very end. Candy marks the launch of our new content slate and we are excited to bring more high-quality entertainment to India,” said Viacom18, head – Voot Select, Voot Kids, and international business, Ferzad Palia.

    “Candy’s gripping storyline and top-drawer cast will ensure to keep our users at the edge of their seats. The thrill and excitement of the show will deliver top-notch entertainment as we look forward to creating more such stories that are compelling and meaningful,” added Voot and Voot Select, head – originals, Manjit Sachdev.

    “It was great directing a stellar and talented star cast for a show like Candy that is so intense and layered. Richa and Ronit have been fantastic and very collaborative. The show is intriguing, thrilling and will keep the audience hooked till the very end,” said director Ashish R Shukla.

  • TLC to launch India’s first-ever women’s comedy show on 24 Sept

    MUMBAI: The comedy genre has exploded over the last few years in India with new comedy clubs sprouting and stand-up comedians achieving celebrity status. However, the limelight seems to be squarely focused on the men with very few women making a mark in this burgeoning space. Given the scenario, TLC, India’s go to lifestyle channel, is launching ‘Queens of comedy’ – India’s first-ever female comedy show.

    ‘Queens of comedy’ provides a unique platform to the talented female comedians to compete with the best and prove that when it comes to being funny, they can give the men a run for their money!

    The show will be judged by three acclaimed artists – Actor Richa Chadha – The Bholi Punjaban of Bollywood has left a remarkable mark with her varied choice of movie roles and now she’s all set to make her TV debut and set to display a whole new set of skills. She is all set to leave you in splits of laughter with her impeccable comic timing in Queens of Comedy; Rohan Joshi – one-fourth of AIB, from electronic engineering to a comedian, he has broken many hearts along the way. But it’s okay since his jokes can make even the toughest of audience laugh in no time; Kaneez Surka – One of the first improvisers in the country, her impeccable comic timing and her witty improv skills will leave you ROFL-ing. With her flourishing career, she also has her own comedy game show in tow; Varun Thakur of ‘Struggling Actor Vicky Malhotra’ fame will host the show.

    The show will premiere on 24 September and will air on weekends at 10 pm, only on TLC.

    Discovery Communications India business head – female & family entertainment products Zulfia Waris said, “There is a strong perception that women are not inherently funny and take themselves very seriously. Queens Of Comedy will change the way how females are perceived in the comedy circuit in India. With their insights and perspectives, women can combine humor and self-deprecating wit with hilarious results.”

    “Queens Of Comedy is the first of many new shows that we plan to launch targeted at the Indian female millennials,” added Zulfia.

    Talking about the show, Richa Chadha said, “Women in our society are expected to be quiet, well-mannered and submissive while men are encouraged to be flamboyant, opinionated and even combative. So, it is not surprising that women are under-represented in the comedy circuit in India. I think there has been a dearth of investment and platforms to showcase their talent. TLC’s initiative to launch India’s first ever female TV comedy show is a significant step forward to address this gap. I am extremely excited to be part of this breakthrough show.”

    Rohan Joshi added, “Comedy is a very potent tool. The mike in your hand gives you the power to speak your mind while the world takes note. While being fun, comedy can also empower. I would encourage any and every woman to participate and bring their funniest selves forward and show the world what they’ve got!”

    “It is important for television to reflect a range of voices – share new and different stories. Queens of Comedy has a completely fresh, uninhibited outlook. I am delighted that the show has adopted digital format of entries which makes it democratic and easy for women to participate. It is dramatically different from all the physical toils we went through when I started,” said Kaneez Surka.

    Host Varun Thakur said, “Women deserve every chance and opportunity to put their best selves forward in any field they choose to. The opportunities to do this in comedy were limited. Hence a show like QOC becomes paramount and I would encourage all the women out there who love comedy to give this a shot. Because in finding the funny you may also end up finding yourself!

    All the entries will be uploaded on the QoC microsite www.queensofcomedy.in. The 50 shortlisted entries will be opened for voting where audience can rate them on a scale of ‘ROFL’ to ‘HAHA’ and ‘NAY’. The top eight shortlisted contestants will battle against each other and feature in the reality show on TLC in their quest to be India’s next female comedy sensation.

  • Sarbjit…Insufferable

    Sarbjit…Insufferable

    Wanting an easy way out, the run for biopics continues. The fact that biopics rarely work in India; an odd one which works to an extent, needs to be fictionalized in parts or more. If such films on Gandhi (which had just scrapped through in English original version but failed in its Hindi version) as well as films on Bose, Patel, Nehru, Savarkar, Ambedkar have all passed unnoticed, to think that Sarbjit was the least of a real life story to be adapted for a film! 
    Sarbjit Singh, played by Randeep Hooda, is a farm hand in the village of Bhikhi wind in Punjab near the India Pakistan border. His upbringing has mostly been under the aegis of his older sister, Dalbir Kaur, played by Aishwarya Rai. As he comes of age, he falls for the village belle, Richa Chaddha, and soon becomes the father of two daughters. 

    Fond of wrestling, Hooda is engrossed in the sport one day when Rai watches him from a passing street bus. For whatever reason, she is angry with him. The film or the script does not bother to tell you why for, in a small village, youth do indulge in such harmless sport for pastime. However, Rai decides to punish Hooda, married and father of two, for his indulgence as if he was a school kid. He is banished from house even as he keeps bantering from outside the main door. The scene has been prolonged unnecessarily and makes little sense.

    This is when a friend of Hooda enters the scene and flashes a quarter of alcohol (180ml) at Hooda and both vanish in to nearby fields to share the drinks. And, in no time, both are beyond themselves totally inebriated. Imagine, 90 ml of alcohol each doing that to two Punjabis! Leaving his two-wheeler for his friend to tend to, Hooda decides to amble home. Instead, he ambles into Pakistani territory where the rangers are ready to pounce on him and consign him to a jail. He is branded as an Indian terrorist, Ranjeet Singh, who bombed various locations in Pakistan killing many.

    The treatment meted out to Hooda in a Pakistani jail is inhuman to say the least. On the Indian side, Rai is desperately looking for her brother to no avail. She soon learns that he has landed in a Pakistani jail. There on starts her ordeal and, that of the viewer of this film, as she bangs on every possible door to come to help her get her brother released. She sits on fasts, leads numerous candle light marches (which have become popular in our films more than they happen in life) and these things get repetitive all through the film.

    Rai yells at people all around, may it be in Indian officialdom or in Pakistan jails as if her brother was the only Indian languishing in Pakistani jail and, as if, India did not have any Pakistanis in its prisons. Her approach as shown in the film, lacks logic or normalcy. 
    The film is titled after the so called victim, Sarbjit, but it is all about Rai. She is in each frame as a crusader on a mission to get her brother freed. Neither does she convince the authorities nor the audience with her tirades nor her overacting. 

    To think in its perspective, Sarbjit was not a subject to turn into a film; it is a local story with no identification with all India audiences. It is an inconclusive story where nothing positive comes out in the end. The other mistake was to cast the glamorous Ms Rai as the protagonist who neither looks nor convinces as Sarbjit’s sister, Dalbir Kaur would expected to be. She also lacks the native Punjabi twang as most of the time she mouths Hindi. In fact, Rai, expected to be the star and draw for this film, is its major drawback.

    In this film about Sarbjit, Hooda playing Sarbjit is sidelined as isRicha Chadha, playing his wife. The script is wonky and, at 131 minutes, intolerable. Direction is below par. Editing is poor. Cinematography is fair. Music had no place in this film except for one song in the beginning when Hooda and Chadha romance; the rest of the numbers are forced in. The film’s dialogue lacks spark. Richa, despite a much curtailed secondary role, stands her ground. Hoodagives into poor substance.

    Sarbjit is insufferable. Tax Free tag in a couple of states notwithstanding. 
    Producer: Vshu Bhagnani, Jackey Bhagnanai, Sandeep Singh, Deepshikha Deshmukh, Omung Kumar, KrIshan Kumar, Bhushan Kumar. 

    Director: Omung Kumar.

    Cast: Randeep Hooda, Richa Chadha, Darshan Chadha, Ankita Shrivastav, Shiwani  Saini.