ITV

Tag: Vivek oberoi

  • First-ever Govt level film festival on disability ends on Int’l Day for Disabled

    First-ever Govt level film festival on disability ends on Int’l Day for Disabled

    New Delhi, 3 December: A total of 40 films including features, shorts and documentaries were screened at the very first government-run International Film Festival for Persons with Disabilities (IFFPD) which ended today with the presentation of awards by Social Justice and Empowerment Mnister Thaawar Chand Gehlot.

     

    Minister of State in the Ministry Vijay Sampla and Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Col Rajyawardhan Rathore were also present.

     

    Speaking on the occasion, popular actor Vivek Oberoi said that it was heartening to see that the disabled were being brought into the mainstream in an inclusive society. 

    Gehlot said 500 entries had been received for the film festival which in itself a big feat. In the years to come, the Festival may be expanded to achieve more success and achieve its objective of creating greater awareness about the problems of the disabled.

     

     During the opening day, he had said the Government was taking several initiatives for empowering people with disabilities and one such initiative was the Accessible India Campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, which marks the International day of Persons with Disabilities. This Campaign intends to create a disabled friendly public infrastructure in 50 most important cities to bring the people with disabilities into the mainstream. 

     

    The festival opened on 1 December at the Sirifort Auditorium with the screening of the film Yellow which is a Marathi film directed by Mahesh Limaye exploring a mother daughter relationship and developmental disability and behaviour of a child. . 

    The films include 10 features, 16 shorts and 14 documentaries and have been selected out of 541 entries received from India and abroad.

     
    The Best Director and Best Film in each of the three categories of Films were felicitated with cash awards with the First and Second Runner Up receiving trophies and citations from the Department.

     
    The awards are:

     
    Best Film (Feature) – (Fiction Feature) – Rs 3 lakh + Trophy + Citation; (Documentary- Feature) – Rs 1 lakh + Trophy + Citation. 
     
    Best Film (Documentary) Rs 2.5 lakh + Trophy + Citation; Best Film (Short) – Rs 1 lakh + Trophy + Citation. 
     
    Best Director (Feature) – Rs 2.5 lakh + Trophy + Citation; Best Director (Documentary) – Rs 1.5 lakh + Trophy + Citation; Best Director (Short) – Rs 1 lakh + Trophy + Citation.

     
    The unique film festival in collaboration with the National Films Development Corporation (NFDC) would also have a workshop on film directing and screen writing etc for children.

     

    Until now, the non-governmental Brotherhood has been organising WeCare Film Festivals on Disability around the year in collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre for India and Bhutan.  

  • Zee TV slots ‘India’s Best Dramebaaz’ season 2 at 9.30 pm

    Zee TV slots ‘India’s Best Dramebaaz’ season 2 at 9.30 pm

    MUMBAI: Come 12 December and Zee TV is all set to launch the second season of kid’s reality series India’s Best Dramebaaz. The show will be aired on Saturday and Sunday in the 9.30 pm time slot. 

    The channel has roped in Surf Excel as the presenting sponsor and Patanjali Dantkanti as the co-powered by sponsor for the show.

    This time round, director Sajid Khan joins Sonali Bendre and Vivek Oberoi on the judges’ panel. The show will be hosted by Rithvik Dhanjani and Ravi Dubey.

    Speaking about the format of the show’s second season, Zee TV business head Pradeep Hejmadi said, “The new season of India’s Best Dramebaaz looks out for children with an ability to diffuse any tension and instantly brightens your mood with their ability to entertain. The format will be same with minor changes. This time we are giving them feedback in a very nice manner. We are calling them for homework and also helping them on how they can make it better.”

    He further added, “Through this season, we have a special concept of piggy bank (Gulak) wherein as they perform their points will go to the bank. If they leave the show at any point, they will have the opportunity to encash the money and take it back with them. There will never be a sad moment for the kids. Besides starting with Lil Champs itself, we made sure that the kids get exposure to the main industry. Even here our aim is to get as many guests on the show as possible so that we can give the kids more exposure.”

    The channel has even taken into consideration feedback from the last season and made changes in the show. One major change was to tone down the bold content. “We have cut down the shooting schedules. Also, we have seen to it that kids don’t face any parental pressure and perform the way they want to,” Hejmadi said.

    In first season, Zee TV aired the show in the 9 pm time slot. Speaking about the time shift, this season he informed, “We have seen that 9:30 pm is a good time because family aggregates more nicely post this time. We got enough views and feedback for the 9.30 pm time slot. That’s the reason we brought the non-fiction time to 9:30 pm.”

    India’s Best Dramebaaz is meant to bring alive the kids talent in the most endearing manner to the audiences.

    The key TG of the show is women, kids and teens and both the communication as well as the touch points have been arrived at keeping the nature of the show and the TG and target markets in mind.

    The audio – visual blitzkrieg will be further amplified via the digital, print, on ground and radio platforms. Digital will not merely be restricted to promos but will have customised Dubsmashes created by Zee stars that will take them to their ‘dramebaazi’ days as kids. This will be amplified through the Zee TV social media clout.

    The show launches at the cusp of the holiday season and mall activations will be used to get the kids and parents live the ‘dramebaazi’ quotient by a simple ‘wheel of dramebaazi’ game. Additionally, radio promotions will ensure that a complete 360 surround is created to ensure maximum tune-ins.

    Speaking about the role that rural data will play in content creation, Hejmadi asserted, “We used to go to small areas and test the content. We always make sure that our content is acceptable across the nation. Having that is an  acknowledgement of rural popularity. We will continue to look at the patterns. So, the content creation will remain the same.”

  • Vivek Oberoi to help develop Robotics Centre at Nagpur University

    Vivek Oberoi to help develop Robotics Centre at Nagpur University

    NEW DELHI: Actor Vivek Oberoi will be sponsoring and helping the funding of the Advanced Centre of Robotics at the Rashtrasant Tukodoji Maharaj Nagpur University

     

    According to the proposed plan, the centre will be named after Oberoi’s family.

     

    Oberoi wants the robotics centre to be world class and for that he is in touch with the American-based ASEA Brown Boveri (ABB), a robotic tech major, which will be the private partner and provide technical inputs and help set up the research centre. 

     

    Vice Chancellor SP Kane had met Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai last week to discuss the research centre and introducing diploma courses in the university.

     

    Oberoi is expected to visit Nagpur along with ABB officials in the first week of June.

     

    When asked about this, Oberoi said, “Our goal is to create a world class centre of excellence for the youth of India who want to be at par with global industry standards in Robotics. We all know that Indian students have genius in their DNA and we want to provide them with a global platform. With guidance and cooperation from the world’s leading robotics company, ABB and the committed faculty at Nagpur University and VNIT, we are hopeful that our students will make India proud! Our dream is that our students lead the technological revolution through robotics applications, transforming India’s manufacturing sector and making our country a true world leader. I was inspired to take this initiative by our dynamic CM Shri Devendra Fadnavis when I met him at the Hannover Messe (technology fair) in Germany.” 

  • Vivek Oberoi associates with ‘Children Across Borders’ in the US

    Vivek Oberoi associates with ‘Children Across Borders’ in the US

    NEW DELHI: Actor Vivek Oberoi is currently in the United States to raise funds for an initiative called ‘Children Across Borders.’

     

    He is working towards raising funds for the international social organisation. The charity events were organised in St Petersburg, Florida and Temp.

     

    Oberoi is currently in the United States with his wife Priyanka and son Vivaan Veer, meeting a commitment only after completing his film with Yash Raj Films.

     

    When contacted said Vivek, “I am currently in the US enjoying some quality time with Priyanka and my son Veer. Before I get into the next schedule of my film, I wanted to take my family for a much needed vacation. Importantly, I am here to be part of a social initiative called Children Across Borders dedicated to enhancing the educational and cultural enlightenment of children across the globe.”

  • The story of untold tales

    The story of untold tales

    MUMBAI: Storytelling is an art and many have mastered it. Television, which is the biggest platform after films, gives thousands of writers the perfect setting to tell a story. Some stories manage to touch a chord with the viewers and go on for hundreds of episodes while some are shelved within a few months itself.

    At a glance, television in India seems to have progressed in their storytelling efforts but unfortunately, there are still many tales that are lost in the industry.

    “Almost 15 years ago, I wrote a show called ‘Ab Ke Baras’. We had put in a lot of effort and almost all the paper work was done, but after three months of hard work, it got shelved,” says Balika Vadhu screenplay writer Gajra Kottary. She adds,
    “Another show of mine that got dropped was ‘Ek Admee’. It was directed by Ajai Sinha and was supposed to be aired on NDTV Imagine. We had already shot a year worth of episodes before it was put on hold.”

    Kottary is not alone. Balaji Telefilms creative director Nivedita Basu, who was involved in the remake of Sherlock Holmes which was slated to air on Life OK, tells us that despite having a great cast comprising film actors Arjun Rampal, Vivek Oberoi, Vir Das and Sharman Joshi, the show did not eventually take off. She explains, “We had a stellar cast and the series was going to be directed by Rohan Sippy. It was an expensive project and the show had a lot of potential. However, after doing a lot of back and forth with the channel, the show got shelved.”

    In 2001, film director Imtiaz Ali had directed a light-hearted series named ‘Yeh Jeevan Hain’. The show was produced by the existing creative head of Epic, Ravina Kohli, who recalls that the programme, which was expected to air on one of the leading GECs, was unfortunately shelved due to it being “too progressive”.

    She states, “We had spent almost six months shooting, editing and canned 13 episodes. At that time, however, the saas-bahu trend was on the rise so the channel shelved it.”
    There are many reasons for projects not making to television screens. Broadcasters need to be sure if the proposed show will generate the desired ratings. According to Basu, another reason for series being put on hold could be a channel’s incapacity to justify the expenses involved.

    Writer and producer, Ila Bedi Dutta agrees that a lot of money is involved and broadcasters need to analyse the content before giving the green signal. She asserts, “There is a lot of competition in the television industry. Channels today place a lot of emphasis on research.  Sometimes they have an annual programming plan where the pitched programmes do not fit.”

    Presenting another perspective to the story, Kottary reveals that more often than not television shows get held back due to a change in programming heads of a channel.  When there is a midstream change in the programming heads, producers are almost sure that stories, which are in process, will never see the light of the day and are left in a lurch.  

    Apart from these, the absence of creative elements also plays a role in shows getting shelved. Producer of Diya Aur Baati Hum, Sumeet H Mittal believes that sometimes what looks good on paper might not turn out to be that great when it is finally developed. He adds, “Although, normally it does not happen, but at times a show can even get shelved when the shoot is on, post approval. Nobody can predict TRPs, so generally channels go with their understanding and gut feeling.”

    There are also unpredictable instances that can cause a hindrance. Basu recalls, “My team and I worked on Kyunki Returns for almost four to five months. The whole idea was to get the old cast back together including Smriti Irani herself. We did not want to go with a new cast as the essence of the show lied in all the characters. They had a history. Smriti had even given her dates but then she became a cabinet minister. As a result, the show did not happen.”

    The amount of time that a channel takes to approve a show is in itself extensive. While Kottary explains that the entire approval process can take up to two to three months, Dutta informs that it took her nearly six to seven months to get the approval for Hitler Didi.  “The approval process is long. Some channels have an audio pilot, where the entire concept is narrated and played to a sample audience while other channels have a visual pilot. The pilot episode plays a crucial role in deciding the fate of the pitched show,” adds Dutta.   

    However, there is a silver lining as well. Mittal points out that the makers, who have a good rapport with a channel, get their shows approved very fast.  Emphasizing on the same point, Basu highlights that the approval process and time differs from producer to producer. She claims, “If you are an Ekta Kapoor pitching for a show, the programme is likely to get approved within a week as channels are aware that Ekta gives her heart and soul to the story. However for a new producer, it could take anywhere between three to six months.”

    So, what happens to all these untold stories? Are they chucked aside and never revived?

    Dutta, who remains hopeful that one day her shelved shows will see the daylight, frankly confesses that she is clueless as to what happens to all these lost stories. Kottary, on the other hand, admits that if she passionately feels about a story, she would look at other mediums.  “Sometimes, I could take the subject of the shelved serial and put it as track in an existing serial,” she states.  

    Mittal points out that if the channel is paying for the pilot episode, there is no way a producer can look at pitching to other mediums or channels. This is because the content becomes the rightful property of the channel and stays with them only till they decide to revive the show.  He, however, adds that if he shoots a pilot at his own cost and pitches it to a channel which then gets rejected; he can consider taking it other mediums such as online or making a short film out of it.

    Dutta discloses that she had recently shot a pilot for Zee and is currently waiting for the feedback. She shares, “Hitler Didi was something different and Zee supported me a lot. Zee, as a channel is very forward thinking. I feel they encourage fresh stories more than other channels do.”

    Well, much could be said about the television industry’s storytelling efforts. Although there are several untold stories, a show being shelved is just a part and parcel of the industry.

    “While there is a tremendous sense of wasted effort, one does get used to it over a period of time,” Kottary signs off.

     

  • Amazing Spiderman sequel to hit Indian shores a day before US screens

    Amazing Spiderman sequel to hit Indian shores a day before US screens

    NEW DELHI: The first trailer of The Amazing Spider Man 2, which will see its Indian release a day prior to the release in US, has been released.

     

    Presently in English, the trailer will soon be out in Hindi as well.

     

    The film is being released by Sony Entertainment Pictures in 2D, 3D and IMAX on 1 May in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. The US release will be on 2 May.

     

    Actor Vivek Oberoi will be lending his voice in the Hindi version for the role of Max Dillon aka Electro. In the original English version, Electro is played by Oscar winning actor Jamie Foxx.

     

    Sony Pictures India MD Kercy Daruwala said: “We are very happy to have Vivek on board for the Hindi version of The Amazing Spider-Man 2. The Hindi version is a large part of our box office and it’s a very important role that Vivek will be playing in its success. Vivek has played a villain so brilliantly in the past and is already a familiar face in the genre. Kids in particular love him.”

     

    Oberoi, ecstatic on giving his voice to Electro said: “I have always been a huge fan of the Spider-Man comics and films and am thrilled to see that the franchise has just grown bigger and better with each film. I have been tremendously excited for The Amazing Spider-Man 2’s release ever since the first trailer came out, and when I was offered to voice Electro for the Hindi version, I was immediately interested in this unique opportunity. Max Dillon/Electro is an immensely fascinating and complex character and it will be interesting to face off with Spider-Man. After my turn as super villain Kaal in Krrish 3, (which grossed Rs 250 crore at the box office) was incredibly gratifying, this is just the icing on the cake. I have already begun dubbing.”

     

    Directed by Marc Webb, the film has big stars like Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Dane DeHaan, Campbell Scott, Embeth Davidtz, Colm Feore with Paul Giamatti and Sally Field associated with it.

     

    Spider-Man’s most important conflict has been within himself:  the struggle between the ordinary obligations of Peter Parker and the extraordinary responsibilities of Spider-Man.  But in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Peter Parker finds that his greatest battle is about to begin.

  • Sonali Bendres sprint to the top!

    Sonali Bendres sprint to the top!

    MUMBAI: The actress rushed to receive her award when she heard her show’s name being announced while walking the Red Carpet…

    Images having bagged various awards during her career in Bollywood, Sonali Bendre’s excitement knew no bounds when her show – India’s Best Draamebaaz, had been nominated in the category of Best Non-fiction show. Walking the Red Carpet with her husband – Goldie Behl, Sonali was the happiest to have spotted her friends.

    Meeting Feroz Khan (Judge on DID 4) after a long time, Sonali was exchanging pleasantries with him just when India’s Best Draamebaaz was announced as the winner in the category. Hearing the news of her show winning an award, Sonali leaped and jumped from the Red carpet to receive the award for the show.

    Getting onto the stage, Sonali was ever-ecstatic to be receiving the award on behalf of the makers of the show. Seeing Sonali get on to the stage, Ritwik Dhanjani, who was anchoring the award ceremony was quick to compliment her on how beautiful she looked that night without noticing Goldie Behl accosting her on stage. Soon as Ritwik noticed that Sonali is in company of her husband, Ritwik seemed embarrassed. Putting Ritwik’s embarrassment at ease, Goldie lapped up telling Ritwik that he knows he has a very pretty wife. Not missing the opportunity, Ritwik said, “Ma’m you look very pretty and I have been a big fan of yours and have always loved you.” While Sonali smiled at the compliment, Ritwik went red in the cheeks.

    Taking away the award with Vivek Oberoi and the kids, Sonali along with the entire troupe of the show was seen celebrating the moment. We hope the sprint from Red carpet to the stage didn’t leave Sonali with a sore feet post the ceremony.
         

    Do not miss, Zee Rishtey Awards on Sunday, 2nd December at 8 PM, Only on ZEE TV!

  • Krrish Kross Konnection

    Krrish Kross Konnection

    MUMBAI: With Krrish, Rakesh Roshan, the most original grass root filmmaker in Hindi cinema, turned contemporary when he blended his old school emotion-romance-music formula into a superhero film. While he maintained all the necessary ingredients of Indian cinema, he gave his hero, Hrithik Roshan, extra ordinary powers which he uses generally to help people till his situation is challenged. In Krrish 3, Roshan decides to pit his superhero, Hrithik, with another such power, a super villain, Vivek Oberoi. In the process, Roshan compromises on things he most cherished that is Indian sentiments of mother’s love, romance, music which has been his forte and a strong script. Here it is a script of convenience. For example, his hero, who could not fly, starts doing so when the villain flies!!

    Producer: Rakesh Roshan.
    Director: Rakesh Roshan.
    Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Kangna Ranaut, Vivek Oberoi, Arif Zakaria, Rajpal Yadav, Rakhee Tandon.

    In short, what Roshan has done is to take an age old family story and tried to fit it into a sci-fi superhero movie where, even holding the hero’s family captive by the villain is straight out of last century melodramas. The film is a virtual yellow pages of endorsements as, soon as the film starts you see a number of products being plugged.

    Hrithik continues with his stint as the saviour superhero as Krrish 3 opens. But his sudden absence from his work costs him his job as he is presumed to be goldbricking. That is when the villain, Vivek decides to make his presence felt. He uses his genius for all the bad purposes. He is wheelchair bound with only his face and two index fingers functioning but which are enough to cause heavy damage or hurt someone. To cure his condition, Vivek needs a bone marrow from a person matching his own DNA. Having failed to find it in a human being, he mixes his DNA with various animals to create what he calls ‘maanvar’ a mix of maanav and janwar. To finance his experiments, he needs huge sums and to raise which he spreads dangerous viruses which kill thousands in a matter of minutes then cash in on it by marketing its antidote. He starts with   an African country and looking at its success, decides to attack India next.

    The deadly virus is spread using public transport, waterlines etc. The doctor who had found an antidote for the virus after learning of the plight of the African country has been killed by one of Vivek’s maanvars, Kangna Ranaut who is made mixing human and chameleon DNAs and, hence, can change forms.

    When the virus spreads in Mumbai and people drop dead every minute, Hrithik Sr (father of Krrish) observes that neither he, Krrish nor Priyanka Chopra, pregnant with Krrish’s baby, have been affected by the deadly virus. He realises that the family’s superpower makes them immune and their DNA can be used to devise an antidote. That is achieved and the city is saved. This makes Oberoi a very, very angry man but also makes him think that there has to be a connection  between him and  Hrithik Sr since only one kind of DNA would be able to kill the virus and in some way they both must share the same DNA! It is midway through the film and the tone is set for confrontations as Oberoi wants Hrithik Sr in his custody, for in him lies his own cure.

    Oberoi lets loose his variety of maanvars on Krrish household to kidnap Hrithik Sr which demonstrates their strength. The attempt is foiled by Krrish but in the process of doing so, Priyanka is hurt. Admitted to a hospital, she is whisked away from there and Kangna takes her form and takes her place. Her job is to find out how the antidote for the virus was invented. While she fails to do that and only ends up falling in love with Krrish and also imagines a love duet with him.

    Hrithik Sr thinks that there is something curious about the events and feels its answer lies in Singapore where (in the earlier version of the film) Naseeruddin Shah had held him captive for long in a comatose condition. He does find out the secret behind Oberoi’s birth but is kidnapped by Oberoi’s goons. Oberoi needs his bone marrow to cure himself; because he has to be on his feet for the final showdown with Krrish.

    The long drawn dual between Oberoi and Krrish, spread over instalments, starts in the former’s den and moves out to various streets, skies and rooftops with a lot of destruction and a generous dose of special effects. The film ends with a promise of the next instalment of Krrish series as Priyanka delivers a baby boy with superpowers.

    Rakesh Roshan is handicapped by a solid script and an interesting story to tell. The scene where Krrish races over buildings to save an airplane with locked front wheels as he jumps on to them and forces them open to make a safe landing possible promises a lot. But, the film moves only on predictable lines. With other ingredients like romance and music missing, the director has to count mainly on special effect sequences which, of course, are very well executed. The film has just three songs of which Raghupati Raghav is well choreographed while Dil tuhi bata… has some melody element. Background score is effective. Dialogue could have provided some one-liner exchanges between good and evil but are a letdown being of mediocre kind.  The film has few characters of which Hrithik excels in both the roles he plays. Kangna shines in a negative role. Priyanka has limited scope and is good. Vivek Oberoi makes an impact in certain scenes till wheelchair bound but turned into an ironman in the climax restricts him.

    Krrish 3 does not in any way better its earlier version, Krrish; on the contrary it disappoints on some counts. However, due to solo Diwali release and a long gap for a Hrithik film to hit the screens will benefit as the film’s brand equity assures at least one time view for most cine-goers.

  • Krrish Kross Konnection

    Krrish Kross Konnection

    MUMBAI: With Krrish, Rakesh Roshan, the most original grass root filmmaker in Hindi cinema, turned contemporary when he blended his old school emotion-romance-music formula into a superhero film. While he maintained all the necessary ingredients of Indian cinema, he gave his hero, Hrithik Roshan, extra ordinary powers which he uses generally to help people till his situation is challenged. In Krrish 3, Roshan decides to pit his superhero, Hrithik, with another such power, a super villain, Vivek Oberoi. In the process, Roshan compromises on things he most cherished that is Indian sentiments of mother’s love, romance, music which has been his forte and a strong script. Here it is a script of convenience. For example, his hero, who could not fly, starts doing so when the villain flies!!

     

    Producer: Rakesh Roshan.

    Director: Rakesh Roshan.

     

    Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Kangna Ranaut, Vivek Oberoi, Arif Zakaria, Rajpal Yadav, Rakhee Tandon.

     

    In short, what Roshan has done is to take an age old family story and tried to fit it into a sci-fi superhero movie where, even holding the hero’s family captive by the villain is straight out of last century melodramas. The film is a virtual yellow pages of endorsements as, soon as the film starts you see a number of products being plugged.

     

    Hrithik continues with his stint as the saviour superhero as Krrish 3 opens. But his sudden absence from his work costs him his job as he is presumed to be goldbricking. That is when the villain, Vivek decides to make his presence felt. He uses his genius for all the bad purposes. He is wheelchair bound with only his face and two index fingers functioning but which are enough to cause heavy damage or hurt someone. To cure his condition, Vivek needs a bone marrow from a person matching his own DNA. Having failed to find it in a human being, he mixes his DNA with various animals to create what he calls ‘maanvar’ a mix of maanav and janwar. To finance his experiments, he needs huge sums and to raise which he spreads dangerous viruses which kill thousands in a matter of minutes then cash in on it by marketing its antidote. He starts with   an African country and looking at its success, decides to attack India next.

     

    The deadly virus is spread using public transport, waterlines etc. The doctor who had found an antidote for the virus after learning of the plight of the African country has been killed by one of Vivek’s maanvars, Kangna Ranaut who is made mixing human and chameleon DNAs and, hence, can change forms.

     

    When the virus spreads in Mumbai and people drop dead every minute, Hrithik Sr (father of Krrish) observes that neither he, Krrish nor Priyanka Chopra, pregnant with Krrish’s baby, have been affected by the deadly virus. He realises that the family’s superpower makes them immune and their DNA can be used to devise an antidote. That is achieved and the city is saved. This makes Oberoi a very, very angry man but also makes him think that there has to be a connection  between him and  Hrithik Sr since only one kind of DNA would be able to kill the virus and in some way they both must share the same DNA! It is midway through the film and the tone is set for confrontations as Oberoi wants Hrithik Sr in his custody, for in him lies his own cure.

     

    Oberoi lets loose his variety of maanvars on Krrish household to kidnap Hrithik Sr which demonstrates their strength. The attempt is foiled by Krrish but in the process of doing so, Priyanka is hurt. Admitted to a hospital, she is whisked away from there and Kangna takes her form and takes her place. Her job is to find out how the antidote for the virus was invented. While she fails to do that and only ends up falling in love with Krrish and also imagines a love duet with him.

     

    Hrithik Sr thinks that there is something curious about the events and feels its answer lies in Singapore where (in the earlier version of the film) Naseeruddin Shah had held him captive for long in a comatose condition. He does find out the secret behind Oberoi’s birth but is kidnapped by Oberoi’s goons. Oberoi needs his bone marrow to cure himself; because he has to be on his feet for the final showdown with Krrish.

     

    The long drawn dual between Oberoi and Krrish, spread over instalments, starts in the former’s den and moves out to various streets, skies and rooftops with a lot of destruction and a generous dose of special effects. The film ends with a promise of the next instalment of Krrish series as Priyanka delivers a baby boy with superpowers.

     

    Rakesh Roshan is handicapped by a solid script and an interesting story to tell. The scene where Krrish races over buildings to save an airplane with locked front wheels as he jumps on to them and forces them open to make a safe landing possible promises a lot. But, the film moves only on predictable lines. With other ingredients like romance and music missing, the director has to count mainly on special effect sequences which, of course, are very well executed. The film has just three songs of which Raghupati Raghav is well choreographed while Dil tuhi bata… has some melody element. Background score is effective. Dialogue could have provided some one-liner exchanges between good and evil but are a letdown being of mediocre kind.  The film has few characters of which Hrithik excels in both the roles he plays. Kangna shines in a negative role. Priyanka has limited scope and is good. Vivek Oberoi makes an impact in certain scenes till wheelchair bound but turned into an ironman in the climax restricts him.

    Krrish 3 does not in any way better its earlier version, Krrish; on the contrary it disappoints on some counts. However, due to solo Diwali release and a long gap for a Hrithik film to hit the screens will benefit as the film’s brand equity assures at least one time view for most cine-goers.

  • TVs Diwali Dhamaka

    TVs Diwali Dhamaka

    This Diwali, there’s enough and more to keep audiences entertained, with television channels set for a firecracker of a weekend.

    At Star TV, the celebrations started on 27 October and will reach a crescendo on 3 November; kicking off with a repeat of Ang Lee’s Oscar-winning film Life of Pi at 1pm, followed by a repeat of Star Diwali at 5pm, and Indian Television Awards 2013 from 9pm.

    Not to be left behind, Zee TV will telecast Diwali Dhamaka on 2 November, 7pm onward.

    The highlights of the show include: the Ram Leela act presented by child participants – Praneet, Zenith, Chinamay, Nihar, Aditya, Tejaswini and Honey – of the reality show India’s best Dramebaaz and DID Lil Masters – Jeet, Om, Shreya, Shalini and Rohan performing on numbers like Lungi Dance from Chennai Express, among others.

    Says ZEEL content head (Hindi GECs) Ajay Bhalwankar: “This year, we will wish our viewers a happy, healthy, prosperous and successful Diwali and New Year with Diwali Dhamaka. It aims to get every member in the family to have a smile on their face with its amazing and diverse line-up of acts. It’s a fitting celebration on the occasion of Diwali with all actors from Zee TV shows presenting performances to give an all new fresh dose of entertainment as the New Year is brought in.”

    Colors will run Diwali tracks across its shows including Balika Vadhu, Sanskaar, Comedy Nights with Kapil and Bigg Boss with actors wishing viewers a happy Diwali.

    Sab TV will telecast SAB Ka Diwali Mela – Andekha, Adbhut, Albela on 1 November, 9 pm onward.  

    The fun show will feature everyone, from the residents of Lapataganj to the courageous cops of Iman Chowki, from Gokuldham Society wasis to Chidiya Ghar’s humble Narayan family.

    Says Sab EVP & business head Anooj Kapoor: “We have always endeavoured to provide entertaining and engaging content to our viewers. This year, our two big initiatives SAB Ki Holi and SAB Ke Anokhe Awards garnered an overwhelming response resulting in high viewership. Continuing with our brand promise, Asli Maaza SAB Ke Saath Aata Hai, we are confident that SAB Ka Diwali Mela will offer our viewers an extravagant celebration that they can enjoy with their families.”

    If you thought GECs were the only ones in the fray, think again.

    Movie channels like MAX have changed their colour palette from 25 October, to be on-air till 9 November.

    1 November will see MAX’s Pataka Weekend with the telecast of Talaash (morning), Bajate Raho (afternoon), Yamla Pagla Deewana (evening) and Robot (prime time).

    2 November will see Bajate Raho (morning), Chak De India (afternoon), Mohabbatein (evening) and Once Upon Ay Time in Mumbaai Dobara (prime time).
    It’s a full plate on 3 November as well with Aashiqui 2 (morning), Rowdy Rathod (afternoon), Band Baaja Baraat (evening) and Dhoom 2 (prime time). 

    MAX aside, Zee Cinema will host the world television premiere of Phata Poster Nikhla Hero at 9 pm on 2 November while UTV Movies will telecast newbies like Race 2, ABCD, Himmatwala and Khiladi 786 while revisiting classics like Sarfarosh, Swarg, Aankhen and more.

    Coming to English movie channels: Movies Now will have blockbuster-packed days, starting 11am, 3 November. Some of the titles include Karate Kid, X-men Last Stand, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Unknown.

    Zee Studio is ready for its Diwali best with hits like Real Steel, I am number four, Pearl Harbour, Goal II, Pirates of the Caribbean– on Stranger Tides among others.

    From 1-3 November, ‘Studio Dynamites’ will bring action flicks 8 pm onward whereas Diwali day will see ‘Studio Binge’ – a marathon 8 am to 8pm day with five great movies back to back.

    On the digital front, Zee Studio plans to bring its #StudioDynamite campaign, where viewers have to watch out for explosions on their TV screens during the film, decode the message and tweet the correct answer with #StudioDynamite to win prizes.
    If GECs and movie channels are prepping to celebrate the festival of lights, kids’ channels aren’t far behind.

    Hungama TV’s Dusshera to Diwali special started on 14 October and will be on-air till 2 November, with movies including Shinchan Bungle in the Jungle, Luv Kushh and the Ghost Army, P5 – Pandaavas, Impy’s Wonderland and The Incredibles among others.

    Disney meanwhile will have a special episode of Best of Luck Nikki season 3 with the Singh Family on 3 November.

    POGO’s Diwali treat includes movies like Chhota Bheem Aur Ganesh In The Amazing Odyssey!, Kaalia Ke Chele Special, Gol Mol Gongol, Chhota Bheem Dholakpur To Khatmandu, Chatur Chetan and Hanuman & Friends Special every day from 28 October to 3 November at 12 pm.

    Says Turner International India senior director & network head Krishna Desai: “Chhota Bheem and the Shinobi Secret is a brand new special to air on POGO from 3 November at 12pm. This is not it; the channel makes this season absolutely spectacular by giving kids the chance to win amazing prizes by participating in Zabardasti Diwali Contest every day, 10am onward. The prizes include Digi-cams & smart phones.”

    On Cartoon Network, children can watch movies like Kid Krrish, Tom and Jerry in the Wizard of Oz, Oggy ki Olly and Krish Trish Baltiboy: The Battle of Wits, etc every day from 28 October to 3 November at 12pm.

    Adds Desai: “Oggy: I Love India is a brand new special that will premiere on 1 November at 12pm.”

    The Nickelodeon cluster (Nick, Nick Jr./Teen Nick and Sonic) too has a dhamakedar treat lined up for kids, promising a crackling yet safe Diwali.
    Nick will run new episodes of its shows Motu Patlu and Pakdam Pakdai apart from calling Diwali ‘Nickwali’ and bringing its popular Nicktoons together to sing Diwali jingles titled ‘Diwali Fungoli’.

    Like they say, music is the food of life, so play on… music channels too have jumped onto the Diwali bandwagon in a big way.

    9XM has launched a special video based on the concept of ‘light writing’, displaying trails of light in different forms, with a message to boot: ‘This Diwali Light it Up!’

    This apart, one of its animated characters Bheegi Billi will be seen in a new avatar called Billi Don while Bade Chote will open  their special Kaun Karega Bakwaas Season 3.

    “Being the largest music network across India we are constantly finding ways to celebrate music. During this time of the year, the spirit of celebration is at its peak, and doing special programming on our channels is our way of making our viewers feel really special. Just like we light a diya at home, likewise we light up the TV screen to bring on the festivity,” said 9X Media Group senior VP and content head Amar Tidke.

    Coming to Bollywood gossip channels like Zoom, it is ready with a string of new and exciting shows.

    A bevy of Bollywood stars including Sonakshi Sinha, Shahid Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Imraan Khan, Chitrangada Singh and Vivek Oberoi will grace the Zoom show, Planet Bollywood News, with episodes aired between 1-3 November at 7pm.
    Diwali eve will see the launch of a new show called 100 Crore Club at 8 pm. Starting 1 November, watch out for Zoom’s on-air lead contest called – ‘Watch More. Talk More’ powered by Freecharge. There are mobile free charges worth Rs 1.5 lakh to be won by viewers.

    UTV Stars will telecast special interviews with stars including Aditi Rao Hydari, Prateik Babbar, Tusshar Kapoor, Amrita Rao, Vivek Oberoi, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor, Imran Khan, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone.
    On AXN, audiences can catch the all new series of Sherlock, Chosen and So you think you can dance season 10.

    With TV channels all set, the question remains are you ready for the bombarding of programmes.