Rashi Khanna says her ‘Farzi’ character will resonate with women at large

Actress Rashi Khanna, who will be seen essaying the role of a government official in the upcoming Vijay Sethupathi and Shahid Kapoor-starrer web series ‘Farzi’, feels that a lot of women will relate to her character and the challenges that she faces every day in her professional and personal life.

Shedding light on her character, Rashi told IANS: “My character of Megha is that of a modern girl in a patriarchal set-up. We talk about equality and feminism but still, a woman has to struggle a lot in her professional and personal space. She struggles in her personal space with her mother in the series.”

She further mentioned that the audience is bound to empathize with her and her relentless fight to get what she seeks: “You empathize with her because she is very relentless if she sets her mind to it, she accomplishes it at any cost and that manifests itself in her way of dealing with her job and her seniors. She is a bit grey for me, not really black and white because she doesn’t care about the rules, regulations, and the law.”

Given women’s fight against the patriarchy that still dictates the functioning of the modern world, the actress feels that the character will deeply resonate with women across the board.

“She is in a way similar to me and I learned a lot while playing this character and I must say that a lot of women will relate to Megha and her struggles,” she concluded.

‘Farzi’ will stream on Prime Video from February 10, 2023.

Riteish Deshmukh to release new version of ‘Ved Tujha’ song on Jan 20

Actor Riteish Deshmukh, who is enjoying the response to his latest Marathi theatrical release ‘Ved’, has a little surprise planned for the audience as a token of gratitude for the immense praise for the movie.

The actor will be releasing a new version of the song ‘Ved Tujha’, shot with Satya (Riteish Deshmukh) and Shravani (Genelia Deshmukh), along with some new scenes.

This is for the first time that a new song will be introduced in a Marathi movie after its release. From January 20, the audience will be able to enjoy this new song while watching ‘Ved’ in theatres. The tracks of the film have been composed and penned by the music director duo Ajay-Atul.

As for the response to the film, ‘Ved’, produced by Mumbai Film Company, is inching towards Rs 50 crore at the box office.

Audiences yearn for story-led music, says Bishwajit Ghosh

Singer and composer Bishwajit Ghosh, and “Dharam Patni” fame Kritika Singh have collaborated for his latest music video “Buraiyaan”.

In his new music video, Bishwajit said: “Audiences yearn to listen to soulful, story-led music, and with every music video I enjoy delivering songs that they desire.”

Bishwajit, who is known for his songs such as “Dil Ruseyaa”, “Tere Siva”, “Sau Fikr” and others, also said: “‘Buraiyaan’ is a magical song where a lover is declaring his undying love. This will take everyone back to the memorable times they were eager to confess their love to a special someone.”

“Buraiyaan” has been shot in Goa amidst lush greenery and the beautiful sea.

The music video has been released by Zee Music Company and is streaming on Youtube.

‘Modern Masters’ to unravel tales of Indian cinematic icons, Rajamouli goes first

Superstar director S.S. Rajamouli, who is currently basking in the Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Awards win of his film ‘RRR’, will be sharing his methods, motivations, and creative journey in the upcoming docu-series ‘Modern Masters’.

From his humble beginning in television to the global success of his epic ‘Baahubali franchise and ‘RRR’, the docu-special will capture Rajamouli in all his dynamic and diverse glory, from the set to the office, at home, and on the go. Rajamouli, in conversation with the host – Anupama Chopra.

It will also feature interviews with some of the biggest names in the industry who have contributed to Rajamouli’s success, including actors and producers. Gearing up for its release, Modern Masters was shot extensively across Hyderabad, Tokyo, and Los Angeles over 4 months.

Show host, Anupama Chopra said: “Modern Master is a celebration of our greatest talents. It is a portrait of an artist and a time. I am thrilled to kick off the series with a director whose imagination has broken boundaries across the globe. S.S. Rajamouli’s movies are vehicles of emotion, thrill, and joy. Through our documentary, we hope viewers get an insight into his incredible mind and process.”

The show has been put together by Applause Entertainment and Chopra’s Film Companion and Rajamouli will be the first Master of the series, which promises to tell the stories of different filmmakers in Indian cinema.

Sameer Nair, the CEO – Applause Entertainment, said: “In our first collaboration with Anupama Chopra and Film Companion, we are honored to present ‘Modern Masters’, a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the trailblazing talents who have shaped Indian Cinema. The first special of the docu-series will celebrate the incomparable S.S. Rajamouli, a true modern master whose groundbreaking work has inspired a generation of creators.”

Urvashi Dholakia gets candid about playing bold, powerful character in ‘Avaidh’

Actress Urvashi Dholakia, of “Kasautii Zindagii Kay” fame, will be seen playing an intriguing character of a powerful businesswoman who sexually exploits her employee in the ‘Me Too’ episode of the web series “Avaidh”.

The series comprises eight different short stories based on a common theme of illicit relationships. Urvashi is seen as Ketki, who sexually exploits her employee, Vicky. Under the influence of his colleague, Vicky takes an extreme step.

Urvashi says: “I am really excited to be a part of this interesting project. I was thrilled when I heard the script, and one does not get the chance every day to play with a complex and multi-layered character. Ketki is a powerful, influential, bold woman who knows how to get things done and I think that’s what makes her so fascinating.

“The actress, who rose to fame with her negative role of Komolika in the popular TV show “Kasautii Zindagii Kay” and was also seen in “Kabhii Sautan Kabhii Sahelii”, “Kahiin To Hoga”, among others, further spoke about the intriguing plot of the show.

“The climax of the story is something that needs to be seen to believe and it will surely leave an impact on the viewers. The best thing is the entire web series would be in a quick snackable format and I just can’t wait for the audience to watch this series,” she added.

5 days ahead of release, ‘Pathaan’ advance bookings open on Jan 20

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is returning to the silver screen after 4 years with his upcoming spy-thriller movie ‘Pathaan’. Naturally, the audience is charged up to witness one of India’s biggest superstars back in action.

Considering the buzz around the film and the anticipation on the audience’s part, the makers of the film have decided to open the advance booking of the film 5 days prior to its release.

The advance booking for the film will start on January 20. The strategy is to take the hype around Pathaan to its most optimal point before the production house, YRF gives an opportunity to audiences to book tickets for this big-ticket Hindi tentpole movie.

Rohan Malhotra, Vice President, Distribution, said: “The advance booking for Pathaan will open on 20th Jan in India for the normal 2D version in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu along with premium formats like IMAX, 4DX, D BOX, and ICE versions in Hindi.”

“YRF is very excited to release the 4th film of the YRF Spy Universe which marks the entry of superstars Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and John Abraham to one of India’s biggest franchises, he added.

‘Pathaan’ is a part of Aditya Chopra’s spy universe and has the biggest stars in the country including Deepika Padukone and John Abraham. The film will have a trilingual release in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu on January 25, 2023.

NTR Jr chills with Team India cricketers, wishes them good luck

Fresh from the successes of ‘RRR at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, NTR Jr met with a few Indian cricketers in Hyderabad before they got busy preparing for their first ODI against New Zealand scheduled for Wednesday, January 17.

Surya Kumar Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal took to social media to share pictures from their intimate dinner with the ‘RRR’ star. Along with Yadav (a.k.a. SKY) and Chahal, the global star also met Shubhman Gill, Ishan Kishan, and Shardul Thakur for this dinner.

Sharing a picture from this meeting, SKY wrote in the caption: “It was so lovely meeting you, brother! Congratulations once again on ‘RRR’ winning the Golden Globe.”

Chahal also shared an adorable picture with NTR Jr, also known as ‘Man of the Masses’ in Tollywood, calling him a gentleman and congratulating him for the big win.

He shared a picture where NTR Jr was seen signing an autograph for his wife Dhanashree with the caption: “It was indeed a pleasure meeting the man of masses @tarak9999. What a gentleman. Congratulations on the Golden Globe win. We all are proud.”

NTR Jr also wished the young cricketers “Good Luck” for their upcoming series and encouraged them to “begin with a winning start tomorrow.”

Shruti explains why she missed ‘Waltair Veerayya’ event; no ‘mental issues’, she fumes

Actress Shruti Haasan has slammed a report claiming that she missed the ‘Waltair Veerayya’ event due to “mental issues”.

Directed by K. S. Ravindra, the film stars Shruti with Chiranjeevi, Ravi Teja, and Catherine Tresa.

The daughter of actor-politician Kamal Haasan shared that she had a viral fever, due to which she skipped the event.

Sharing screenshots on social media of several media reports which claimed Shruti Haasan has “mental problems” and is undergoing treatment, she wrote: “Ok so here’s the thing, misinformation like this and the overdramatization or flippant handling of such subjects is what makes people afraid to talk about mental health Guess what? It doesn’t work.”

“I will always be a mental health advocate I will always promote taking care of myself in all aspects. Oh, and I had a viral fever so nice try to get over yourselves and while you are at it please talk to a therapist. No really, please do,” she added.

‘Waltair Veerayya’ is set to release on January 13. The Telugu original and the dubbed Hindi version will be out on the same day.

‘BB16’: Salman says he could work with Priyanka, Sajid in future

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan shared that he would like to work with Priyanka Choudhary and Sajid Khan in a future project.

During Salman’s rendezvous with Simi Garewal in the show, the ‘Dabangg’ star said that he would share his favorites from all time in Bigg Boss.

He then spoke about the best housemates from this season and shared that he could work with Priyanka and Sajid in the future.

Previously, Salman complimented Priyanka and called her “heroine material”.

Sajid’s sister and filmmaker, who had entered the house in the family week had tagged Priyanka as the Deepika Padukone of season 16.

Odia-Hindi film ‘Daman’ to release on Feb 3, Ajay Devgn launches trailer

Bollywood star Ajay Devgn on Friday released the trailer of the Hindi version of Odia film Daman, a social drama, based on a true incident on Odisha’s malaria elimination drive.

On February 3, Panorama Studios and JP Motion Pictures will release the movie in Hindi in theatres across India.

“Jab badhega ek kadam badlaav ki taraf, tab banegi nayi misaal. Presenting the official Hindi trailer of #Daman In cinemas on 3rd Feb 2023,” Devgn tweeted.

Written and directed by Vishal Mourya and Debi Prasad Lenka, the film opened in Odisha last year, on November 4, was declared tax-free, and is still running successfully.

Daman is based on a true incident and traces the journey of Dr. Siddharth Mohanty, played by Odia actor Babushaan Mohanty, who has just completed his MBBS from Bhubaneswar, and is posted in a remote tribal area in the state’s Malkangiri district.

How he spearheads a drive to eradicate malaria in the 151 villages in Janbai PHC in the tribal-dominated Malkangiri district in spite of many hurdles, forms a moving tale of the film.

“Our film is a true-life story appreciated not only by the common man, but also Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who believes it will inspire doctors and government officials in remote areas across the country to work selflessly and give an impetus to many such initiatives. Now Ajay sir supporting this small film with a big heart is really a sweet gesture,” said Vishal Mourya.

An acronym for Durgama Anchalare Malaria Nirakarana (Malaria Control in Inaccessible Areas), the drive has produced impressive results in 8,000 villages of 79 blocks of eight highly malaria-endemic southern Odisha districts in a short span.

The World Health Organisation’s 2018 World Malaria Report lauded India for being the only country among the 11 highest-burden countries to have shown substantial progress in reducing the disease burden. In 2015, at the East Asia Summit, India pledged to eliminate malaria by 2030.

“It is important to support inspirational stories like Daman to help support a national cause. Covid-19 had reiterated the age-old maxim ‘health is wealth’, and we should all do our bit to make our country disease free. Films like these are the need of the hour,” asserts Kumar Mangat Pathak, chairman, Panorama Studios, who has produced the film with Deependra Samal of JP Motion Pictures.

Produced by Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak and Deependra Samal; co-produced by Murlidhar Chhatwani and Pinkis Pradhan, Daman also stars Dipanwit Das Mohapatra and many actors from the tribal community who have acted in a film for the first time.