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Tag: Sudhir Mishra

  • CNN-News18 gears up for Defence Town Hall on 28 June

    CNN-News18 gears up for Defence Town Hall on 28 June

    MUMBAI: When the nation salutes its sentinels, it’s only fitting that the spotlight shines bright. CNN-News18 Town Hall is reporting for duty this Saturday, 28 June, with a power-packed Defence Edition that promises to march straight into the heart of India’s strategic pulse. Themed ‘Borders to Business – The Strength of Bharat’, the special programming pays tribute to India’s defence forces while diving deep into the evolving landscape of national security, self-reliance, and indigenous defence production. In true Town Hall style, expect sharp questions, sharper minds, and a salute to grit that goes beyond just rhetoric.

    Airing from 3 pm across CNN-News18 TV, CTV, and Youtube, the event brings together top brass from the armed forces, leading defence scientists, and private sector innovators creating a rare, all-hands-on-deck moment for India’s military narrative.

    Kicking things off, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, chief of integrated defence staff, will explore ‘The Age of Modern Warfare’, highlighting how battlefields are evolving and how India must respond. defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh follows with ‘Forging India’s Defence Independence’, outlining the government’s roadmap to self-reliance.

    The soul of the event may just lie in the stirring session titled ‘From Sindoor to Seema’, where Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari and three fellow women officers recount frontline experiences from Operation Sindoor, offering a ground-level view into courage under pressure.

    It’s not all uniforms and medals the Town Hall also shines a light on India’s burgeoning private defence sector. Names like Lt. Gen Vinod G. Khandare (Retd.), Sudhir Mishra (ex-CEO, Brahmos Aerospace), B.K. Das (DG, DRDO), Maj Gen Vishal Saxena (Retd.), Smit Shah (Drone Federation of India), Maj Gen Indrabalan (R), Military Technology Advisor, Amber Wings and  Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria (Retd.) will decode what it takes to make ‘Made in India, Made for World’ more than just a slogan.

    As Network18 CEO of English & Business News Smriti Mehra puts it, “We’re not just telling stories, we’re bringing alive India’s defence resurgence with the experts who’ve shaped it.”

    CNN-News18 managing editor, Zakka Jacob added, “Operation Sindoor showcased India’s readiness and resolve. This Town Hall will honour that courage and spark the conversations India needs as national security and aatmanirbharta become central to our growth.”

    From warzone learnings to workshop innovations, this edition captures it all from the borders to the boardrooms.

    So, ready your remotes and set your reminders because when the channel says “attention”, the nation will be watching.

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  • Applause Entertainment and yes Studios partner for Tanaav season two

    Applause Entertainment and yes Studios partner for Tanaav season two

    Mumbai: yes Studios and Applause Entertainment extend partnership for the second season of Fauda adaptation in India, Tanaav. The first season of Fauda was adapted by Applause Entertainment as Tanaav and premiered to much acclaim on Sony LIV in November 2022. Set against the idyllic backdrop of Kashmir, Tanaav tells the story of a Special Task Group and weaves tightly knit action with the emotional stories of compelling characters caught up in the fight against terrorism in the region.

    Season one of Tanaav featured a stellar Indian cast, including Manav Vij, Sumit Kaul, Rajat Kapoor and Shashank Arora, and was directed by Sudhir Mishra (Serious Men) and co-directed by Sachin Mamta Krishn (Hostages). Details about season two will be made available in due course.

    Sharon Levi, managing director of yes Studios said: “We are thrilled that our relationship with Applause Entertainment will continue and are excited that this extension to the format deal will ensure a return for Tanaav. Fauda was our first big global hit and Tanaav its first local adaptation. It was very important for us to work with the right partner, one that could deftly cover differing perspectives in a highly complex situation and create interesting and relevant characters anchored in its own unique local setting and circumstances. The Applause Entertainment team did all this brilliantly, and we can’t wait to see what they have planned for season two.”

    Applause Entertainment managing director Sameer Nair added: “We’re honoured to extend our partnership with yes Studios after the resounding success of Tanaav Season One. The teams at Applause and Sony LIV are pumped as we set out to craft an even more gripping tale for our audience with a season two. Stay tuned for an extraordinary tale of courage, conflict, and camaraderie as we embark on this exciting new adventure.”

    Fauda, which follows the work of a team of elite Israeli undercover agents, was created by Avi Issacharoff and Lior Raz. It has won numerous awards, including Best Series at the Israeli Academy TV Awards, and has been critically acclaimed in the press across the world. Fauda is produced by L. Benasuly Productions and yes TV, with yes Studios distributing the series and format.

  • Sony LIV & Applause Entertainment is set to present Sudhir Mishra’s ‘Tanaav’

    Sony LIV & Applause Entertainment is set to present Sudhir Mishra’s ‘Tanaav’

    Mumbai: Sony LIV on Wednesday announced the premier of its fictional socio-political drama Tanaav. The 12-episodic series, directed by Sudhir Mishra and co-directed by Sachin Mamta Krishn, will be streamed from November 11 onwards.

    Tanaav traces the journey of a Special Task Group in Kashmir. This complex narrative encompasses multiple layers of bravery, deception, greed, love, and revenge, all interwoven with strong performances. Adding to the series is singer Javed Ali’s melodious voice, that carries you through this compelling narrative, creating a deeper emotional impact. 

    Produced by Applause Entertainment in association with Applause Productions, Tanaav is created by Avi Issacharoff & Lior Raz and distributed by yes Studios. 

    The show is helmed by Sudhir Mishra and co-directed by Sachin Mamta Krishn. It features an outstanding cast of Manav Vij, Arbaaz Khan, Sumit Kaul, Rajat Kapoor, Shashank Arora, Zarina Wahab, Ekta Kaul, Waluscha De Sousa, Danish Hussain, Satyadeep Mishra, Sukhmani Sadana, Sahiba Bali, Amit Gaur, Arslan Goni, Rockey Raina, M.K. Raina, Sheen Dass, Aryaman Seth amongst others.

  • Applause Entertainment and Sudhir Mishra hold Ronit Roy, Tisca Chopra and Parvin Dabas, ‘Hostage’

    Applause Entertainment and Sudhir Mishra hold Ronit Roy, Tisca Chopra and Parvin Dabas, ‘Hostage’

    MUMBAI: Applause Entertainment, the content studio from the Aditya Birla Group brings its audiences a premium drama series that will be a bolt from the blue. ‘Hostages’ is a potent conspiracy thriller fueled by several twists, strong performances and sharp direction.  ‘Hostages’ brings together a stellar star cast of Ronit Roy, Tisca Chopra, Parvin Dabas and Dalip Tahil playing key roles. Acclaimed widely by audiences around the world, the Indian remake of this Israeli high stakes thriller from Armoza Formats, will be produced by Banijay Asia.

    Internationally, ‘Hostages’ generated a great deal of buzz before it even came out and the nail biting series has been hugely appreciated by the audiences. Ronit Roy, a renowned personality of the big and the small screens, who has impressed audiences with his outstanding performances in ‘Udaan’, ‘2 States’, ‘Kaabil’, ‘Adaalat’ and many others is now all set to rule the digital space with his performance in ‘Hostages’.  Tisca Chopra who is best known for her work in ‘Taare Zameen Par’, ‘Rahasya’, ‘Ghayal Once Again’ among many films will be seen essaying a crucial role in the show. The ‘Khosla ka Ghosla’, ‘Ghanchakkar’ and ‘Indu Sarkar’ actor Parvin Dabas, who has charmed the audiences with his unique performances is also one of the key members of the cast. Dalip Tahil one of India’s renowned actors, known for his work in ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’, ‘Salaam Mumbai’ and the BBC soap opera ‘EastEnders’ will also be seen playing an important role.  And for Sudhir Mishra, the creator of classic films like ‘Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi’, ‘Chameli’, ‘Khoya Khoya Chand’ and the very recent ‘Daas Dev’, this will be his first web series as a director. 

    Sameer Nair, CEO Applause Entertainment commented, “’Hostages’ is an enthralling and captivating concept, which will hook viewers. There is a clear demand for a show like this in the digital space and with a brilliant director like Sudhir Mishra, an exceptional producer like Deepak Dhar and a host of talented actors like Ronit, Tisca, Parvin and Dalip, this show will definitely take the premium conspiracy series bar a notch higher.’’

    Deepak Dhar, Founder and CEO Banijay Asia said, “I am grateful for the support and belief that Sameer has shown in me and my endeavor. We at Banijay Asia are glad to be associated with Applause Entertainment for a prestigious and an acclaimed international thriller like ‘Hostages’. With Sameer Nair and Banijay Group coming together we aim to produce some groundbreaking content across genres for the audience.”                                                                           

    Sudhir Mishra, director, ‘Hostages’ added, “I treat each and every film/show of mine as the first one, which helps me think of the plot in a new and fresh way. ‘Hostages’ is one such example. For me, every element and every person who is involved in the project forms an integral part, including the actors, producers, writer, cameraman and the whole team. On ‘Hostages’, having a mind like Sameer Nair and a house full of extraordinary actors and writers, I’m enjoying directing this’’.

    Ronit Roy said – “‘Hostages’ is a show which had me arrested in front of the screen when I watched it. It has been hugely appreciated all over the globe and my character in the series is very intriguing. I constantly strive to keep my audiences engaged and entertained with each of my performances. I’m delighted to work with an excellent director like Sudhir Mishra for this series”.

    Tisca Chopra added – “My character in the series is very demanding and it will be challenging to live up to the high hopes set by the original show. But I’m sure that having a director like Sudhir Mishra and a cast full of brilliant actors, this journey will be an interesting one. A show like this has never been made before and ‘Hostages’ will give a fresh turn to the Indian digital space.”

    Parvin Dabas commented – “I like taking risks when it comes to playing characters and my role in ‘Hostages’ challenges me as an actor. The script of ‘Hostages’ is spell binding and I’m very thrilled that I’m getting directed by Sudhir Mishra and collaborating with actors like Ronit Roy and Tisca Chopra for this wonderful project”.

    The shoot of ‘Hostages’ is currently going on in Mumbai and the other actors in this digital series are Malhaar Rathod, Sharad Joshi, Aashim Gulati, Surya Sharma and Anangsha Biswas. The show is expected to stream later this year.

    Applause Entertainment has recently announced an exciting line up of shows that includes ‘The Scam’ with Hansal Mehta, ‘Criminal Justice’ & ‘The Office’ with BBC, ‘City of Dreams’ with Nagesh Kukunoor, and has another 20 premium shows lined up for the year. With this ‘Hostages’ announcement, Applause Entertainment has given its audience one more show to look forward to in the coming year and we can’t wait for it to release!

  • Actor Vipin Sharma in Sudhir Mishr’a Daas Dev

    Actor Vipin Sharma in Sudhir Mishr’a Daas Dev

    Actor Vipin Sharma, who made his debut as a strict father to a dyslexic child in ‘Taare Zameen Par’ will be seen as a ruthless yet vulnerable politician in his next called Daas Dev directed by Sudhir Mishra which is a modern day adaptation of Sarat Chandra’s DevDas.

    With actors Rahul Bhat, Richa Chadha and Aditi Rao Hyadri essaying the role of Dev, Paro and Chandni respectively, Vipin’s character “Ramashraya Shukla”  is loosely based on Chunni Lal but with a twist.

    Throwing light on his character, Sharma says “Daas Dev is a highly gripping film and I play an interesting role of a politician who has his own complexed notions and feels it’s absolutely fine to shed blood for the welfare of your people. An intense and a complex character indeed.”

    Set in Uttar Pradesh, with a Political backdrop, the film is about addiction, power and love.

    Contrary to original DevDas the character of Dev in Daas Dev moves from alcohol to power and he discovers that power is a far more lethal addiction.

    Das Dev is slated to releases on 9th March across the country.

  • Monsoon Filmfest: NFDC launches weekly radio programme

    NEW DELHI: In a new initiative to reach out to the people to see meaningful cinema, the National Film Development Corporation has launched a weekly Film Aaj Kal in association with 92.7 Big FM to coincide with its summer Festival of of NFDC Classics.

    The Ground-Activation event – Film Aaj Kal Screenings and Conversations from 15 July to 15 August is aimed at building film communities and empower the viewer.

    92.7 Big FM in ‘Film Aaj Kal’ is aimed at Cinema Education and Awareness programme which has the filmmakers discuss movie classics bringing these films back to the fore.

    The exhibition partners are Harkat Studios in Aram Nagar and G5A Centre for Contemporary Culture at Lower Parel (both, in Mumbai) and the online booking partner is 1018mb.

    Film Aaj Kal is not just about exploring alternative audiences. It’s also about exploring alternate spaces, alternate distribution platforms, and booking and communication platforms.

    The radio show which has already aired six episodes as of 3 July 2017 plays on Sundays on 92.7 Big FM from 4pm to 6pm is hosted by a hugely popular star RJ and cinephile, Siddharth Mishra, and is designed as a series of conversations between filmmakers discussing about the NFDC classics evoking a renewed interest in the films.

    One of the episodes showcased ‘Gaman & Taxi No. 9211’ as films that look at Mumbai through the eyes of a cab driver – both from different eras, in varied styles, addressing different class issues as well – but with an underlying subtext of the immigrant. Another episode was around Salaam Bombay and Chameli – Mira Nair and Sudhir Mishra chatted about the way they approached the Brothel and the Underbelly story.

    ​The programmes broadcast so far:

    1. 28th May – Gaman and Taxi No.9211. Speakers – Muzaffar Ali (telephonic) and Milan Luthria
    2. 4th June – Gandhi and Hey Ram. Speakers – Alyque Padamsee (telephonic) and Kamal Haasan (telephonic)
    3. 11th June – Salaam Bombay and Chameli. Speakers – Mira Nair (telephonic) and Sudhir Mishra
    4. 18th June – Raghu Romeo and Phas Gaye re Obama. Speakers – Rajat Kapoor and Subhash Kapoor
    5. 25th June – Dharavi and Slumdog Millionaire. Speakers – Sudhir Mishra and Saurabh Shukla
    6. 2nd July – Pestonjee and Being Cyrus. Speakers – Vijaya Mehta and Homi Adajania

    This idea is to bring together the community to watch films together and then talk cinema over a glass of Nimbu paani, a cup of tea/coffee or those chutney sandwiches. Film Aaj Kal Screenings and Conversations gives not just the viewers but also the discerning filmmaker and cineastes an opportunity to explore alternate film destinations and also actively engage in conversations around cinema – and not just limit those discussions to a Master-Class or a workshop.

    The current schedule for the event is:

    Venue – Harkat Studios
    ·​15 July​, Sat ​- 7.00 pm – Opening Session & Screening of Om Dar-B-Dar
    ·16 July, Sun – 4.00 PM – Mammo
    ·21 July – Fri – 7.00 PM – Dharavi
    ·22 July – Sat – 12.00 PM – Salaam Bombay
    ·22 July – Sat – 4.00 PM – Gaman
    ·22 July – Sat – 7.30 PM – Mirch Masala
    ·23 July – Sun – 4.00 PM – Jaane bhi do yaaron
    ·30 July – Sun – 12.00 PM – Raghu Romeo

    ​Venue – G5A Foundation for Contemporary Culture
    29· July – 4.00 PM – ​Inauguration of the Saeed Akhtar Mirza Retrospective and ​screening of the Opening Film
    ​30· July – 12.00 PM – Arvind Desai ki ajeeb dastaan
    30· July – 4.00 PM – Naseem
    30· July – 6.00 PM – Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro

    NFDC took care to choose alternate exhibition spaces – not the traditional theatres with the hugely expensive box office: HARKAT studios in Aram Nagar for the Suburbian Junta and G5A Centre for Contemporary Culture in Lower Parel for the Townies.

    Harkat Studios is a boutique arts studio and a co-working space in the bustling area of Aram Nagar, Andheri West. Harkat has collaborated with numerous brands including Unilever, Walt Disney, UTV, Fox Star Studio (to name a few) to create innovative video content. The studio also hosts live performances, screenings, workshops etc. and has been a popular center for arts and artists coming from the indie space.

    When the quirky Bungalow is not hosting events, the place doubles as a co-working space for independent professionals looking for an Office space. The work and vibe of Harkat Studios suits perfectly with the community building nature and Indie spirit that Film Aaj Kal Screenings and Conversations is seeking to promote for cinephiles.

    G5A Foundation for Contemporary Culture is a not-for profit organisation which houses a Blackbox and hosts a range of events and programmes including but not limited to Screenings, Theatre performances, exhibitions and Launch Events. G5A has endeavored to and has slowly emerged as important alternate venue in the Town area of Mumbai as a community space for artists and professionals to work around. G5A. last year, was the venue for the Mumbai chapter of the New York Indian Film Festival which screened curated films followed by discussions with the filmmakers.

    1018mb.com portal evolved from the phenomenon of ‘Four-eyed Monsters’, a 2005 US film which became a financial success and a cult-classic by its innovative distribution strategy of an audience demanding a screening. A film gets screened at a certain city if enough audience pledge viewership for the film. A trick, films like Paranormal Activity have used to great effect. Plus, it’s a revolutionary community building exercise for like-minded cinephiles and geeks.

    Keeping with the concept of community-based screenings and keeping with the times technologically, 1018mb.com is an online ticket booking portal which enables users to create and schedule screenings of films of their choice from the site’s extensive catalogue of films and make available to other like-minded audience to attend.

  • ‘Freedom of speech’ vital in progressive society, says Nandita Das

    NEW DELHI: Three short films made by renowned filmmakers Sudhir Mishra, Nandita Das and Ram Madhvani on meaningful subjects marked the India Today conclave on its closing day in Mumbai. India Today Group editorial director Kalli Purie said the films had been commissioned by the group to mark four decades of its existence.

    Nandita Das said: “Freedom of expression is needed for any society to be progressive else we will go back in time if there are no diverse views or analysis, if a child cannot ask questions.”

    The three films addressed poignant and almost dark issues as compared to the power play in politics to the bloodshed of the Partition.

    The 30-minute-long screening began with Mishra’s “Life Support” that revolves around the play of power in politics with three protagonists. “It doesn’t show anyone in particular; it’s about power and its sad stories,” said Mishra. Explaining his film in which a young politician and “heir apparent” of a political party condones his father’s killing ordered by a powerful politician, he added, “There are people who have compromised. We don’t have an answer to everything and that’s the power of a story, it’s all about many things.”

    Das’s film was on celebrated Pakistani writer Saadat Hasan Manto played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, “In Defense of Freedom”. The film explores the need and importance of freedom of expression, as Manto questions why he should not write about the not-so-pleasant things in society. Through Manto’s life and preachings, Das emphasizes the need for freedom of expression in our society as well. “Manto is still so relevant even after all these years,” she said. “In any democratic or progressive society, freedom of speech, although ambiguous to define, should be cherished,” she added.

    Even as Nandita’s film drew attention to the freedom to express, the last film screened brought back to public memory the pain of the Partition. In his film “This Bloody Line”, filmmaker Ram Madhvani tells the story of Mohamed Ali Jinnah and the Partition and the fact that the Radcliffe Line led to the biggest mass migration in the history of mankind. He used poignant videos and pictures from the Partition of filled trains carrying people to their new country, of assaulted and injured women and children. “Till today, this line makes us bleed” said the concluding message. “This film is a reaction to the sadness and anger we feel,” he said.

  • Mahesh Bhatt encourages debate on censorship at Elevate 2015

    Mahesh Bhatt encourages debate on censorship at Elevate 2015

    MUMBAI: Filmmaker-activist Mahesh Bhatt moderated a debate on the topic of censorship with Bollywood stalwarts Amit Khanna, Sudhir Mishra, Bhawana Somaaya and Ketan Mehta making their stand at The Third Eye’s program Elevate 2015, the second annual conclave held at The Club, Mumbai, this week.

     

    With a discussion on creating synergies between regulatory bodies and industry leaderships, the industry heavyweights mulled on how the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and other regulatory authorities can look ahead in time and create a vision for creative communities; thus empowering audiences.

     

    Bhatt asked some thought-provoking questions. “Is there a role that the regulators really have to play in the digital age,” he wondered. “Is there a way for content creators to establish a non-confrontational dialogue with the government regulatory bodies?”

     

    Industry doyen Amit Khanna opined, “In the 21st century, given the way technology has allowed us to interact with each other, there is no role for anything called censorship in the audio-visual media.”

     

    “The censorship is no longer a possibility in any way in today’s digital age. This is the first time in history that such a thing is possible,” marked director Sudhir Mishra. 

     

    Director Ketan Mehta was blunt. “Censorship is corrupt and immoral exercise of power,” he said.

     

    Veteran journalist, author and an ex-member of the CBFC, Bhawana Somaaya pointed out that the Censor Board has a provision where filmmakers have a right to refuse and argue with the objections of the Board in their entirety. She felt that “censorship is being interpreted in a wrong way. It is being misunderstood. There are guidelines for it and they require some modifications.”

  • Changes in archaic Cinematograph Act can be expected soon

    Changes in archaic Cinematograph Act can be expected soon

    MUMBAI: Aptly titled, “Cuts So Deep: Are We Sacrificing Creativity at the Altar of Morality?”, one of the sessions on the first day of FICCI Frames 2014 spoke about those ‘cuts’ in the films that leave a deep mark in the memory of the filmmakers. Most of the times, these cuts suggested by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) doesn’t even make sense to the people who were involved creatively in the making of the film.

     

    The debate, in the presence of esteemed guests like Sudhir Mishra, Ramesh Sippy, Ravi Kottarakara, Kajol and the newly appointed CEO of CBFC Rakesh Kumar, highlighted many issues that filmmakers are grappling with because of the guidelines stated in the archaic Cinematograph Act of 1952.

     

    However, the film industry is pinning its hopes on the new government for amendments to the Cinematograph Act.

    At the session, the filmwallahs brought to the fore how the guidelines push them back by many years by not giving them the freedom that’s actually their right.
     

     

    “When a director shoots a scene, he envisions it in a certain way. If there’s a smoking scene, an atmosphere is created with that. When it is cut, the shot loses its charm,” remarked Mishra while putting across an example.

     

    Another major issue discussed was that of a scroll on the frame showing smoking, sex scenes etc for which filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has even gone to the court and the matter is still pending in the court.

     

    Another point that came up during the discussion was of giving ‘A’ certificate to certain films based on real issues that need to be promoted all across, while some films just because they come from ‘bigger’ banners are passed with U or U/A even when they have ‘bold’ scenes.

     

    To deal with all this, a committee headed by Justic Mukul Mudgal is travelling across the country to take suggestions from the film fraternity across India, the audiences and all the other stakeholders involved.

    While Rakesh Kumar from CBFC was left in a fix with complex questions being posed to him, Film and TV Producers Guild of India CEO Kulmeet Makkar came to his rescue by stating that the industry needs to be patient for a little more time. “Since the revised guidelines have already been formed, we may expect things to change pretty soon,” said Makkar, also revealing that 18 of the suggestions discussed in Chennai have already been accepted.
     

    It seems the film industry can soon hope for better days ahead.

  • Kareena Kapoor heads for an unconventional path, career-wise

    Kareena Kapoor heads for an unconventional path, career-wise

    MUMBAI: Kareena Kapoor Khan is keen to balance her work in commercial cinema with more challenging films. The 32-year-old Pataudi bahu has announced that she has been signed by director Dev Benegal for Bombay Samurai which features Farhan Akhtar as well as by Rohit Shetty for the sequel of Singham.

     

    While projects with Sudhir Mishra and Aanand Rai are also under discussion, Dibakar Banerjee is keen to cast the actress in his next film venture. Kapoor recently admitted that she missed out on working with Ram Leela director Sanjay Leela Bhansali after she walked out of the film, but claims she has “no regrets.”