Nakuul Mehta faced challenges during shoot of ‘Never Kiss Your Best Friend’

TV actor Nakuul Mehta recently opened up on the grueling shoot schedule of his upcoming season of ‘Never Kiss Your Best Friend’.

Talking about the challenges during the course of filming, the actor said, “There were multiple difficulties that we faced during Never Kiss Your Best Friend S2 shoot in London. It was biting cold in England. Most of the visas of our crew were rejected because the UK High Commission had become extremely strict.”

Incidentally, he met with new people who came to his help with regards to his hair and makeup, “My personal team wasn’t there but I was lucky to find someone wonderful to come and do my makeup and hair there when I didn’t have my A team from here (India). My director didn’t have his assistant director. So, all of us doubled up to play different parts on the show and not just actors.”

“The most challenging part was when Omicron broke out in England much before it did in India and most of us on set contracted it and we had to push our shoot because of that. I had to return to India and my other show’s shoot in India also suffered. So that was a hard phase. Though I joke about the fact that it is a fun slice of life romantic comedy, the drudgery and the drama we went through to make this is another show”, he concluded.

The second season of ‘Never Kiss Your Best Friend’ will start streaming on ZEE5 from April 29.

Chiranjeevi’s ‘Acharya’ gets U/A certificate

Megastar Chiranjeevi’s much-anticipated movie ‘Acharya’ is set for a worldwide theatrical release on April 29 as it has completed its censor formalities, the makers announced.

‘Acharya’ has received a U/A certificate, as it gears up for a release.

To announce the news, the creators have released an eye-catching poster featuring Chiranjeevi. “Witness the ‘Ultimate ‘Action in cinemas from APRIL 29”, the makers wrote on their social media profiles, earlier on Friday.

Chiranjeevi, Ram Charan, Kajal Aggarwal, and Pooja Hedge star in the film, which is directed by Siva Koratala.

The biggie’s pre-release event, produced by Konidela Production Company in collaboration with Matinee Entertainment, is set to take place on Saturday in Hyderabad.

Yash gets emotional about the overwhelming success of ‘KGF: Chapter 2’

Kannada star Yash, who is overjoyed with the overwhelming response to ‘KGF: Chapter 2’, posted a video on social media in which he expresses his gratitude for the biggest win in his theatrical career.

Yash recounts an anecdote in the video, saying, “There was a small village that had been facing a drought situation for quite some time so, the villagers decided to have a prayer meet and people turned out in large numbers but there was one boy.”

“He was the only one who appeared with an umbrella. Some called it overconfidence, but it was – faith”, Yash said.

The ‘Googly’ actor continued, “I am like that little boy who believed he would witness this day, and I am in a position where thank you is sufficient, but I would like to thank each of you from the bottom of my heart.”

Yash’s emotional speech concluded as he said, “I’d like to express our appreciation on behalf of the entire KGF team. I hope you’re enjoying the film and will continue to do so. Finally, I’d like to say that your heart is my tent!”

‘KGF: Chapter 2’ was released nationwide on April 14, 2022, destroying a few records and creating some new ones. Helmed by Prashanth Neel, ‘KGF 2’ stars Yash as Rocky Bhaai, an underdog who rises as a super-powerful don.

Keerthy Suresh, Selvaraghavan-starrer ‘Saani Kaayidham’ set for OTT release

Filmmaker Arun Matheswaran’s revenge action-drama ‘Saani Kaayidham’, which features Keerthy Suresh and Selvaraghavan in lead roles, is heading to OTT for its release with its teaser dropping online on Friday.

The film will be released in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam on May 6.

The film tells the story of a generational curse coming true when injustice is inflicted upon Keerthy Suresh’s character of Ponni and her family. As seen in the teaser promo, she seeks vengeance along with Sangaiah (played by Selvaraghavan), with whom she shares a bitter past.

Sharing his excitement about the release date announcement, director Arun Matheswaran said in a statement, “I enjoy telling conventional stories in unconventional formats, bringing raw and edgy elements. Here’s a gritty action drama is woven around the theme of revenge; a story about a woman who is on a mission to seek vengeance.”

The Tamil film will be released on Prime Video on May 6, it will also be available as ‘Chinni’ in Telugu and as ‘Saani Kaayidham’ in Malayalam.

“Every story has an audience and I am thrilled that through the reach of Amazon Prime Video I can take ‘Saani Kaayidham’ to a global audience”, he added.

Siddharth Ravipati, who serves as the creative producer of the film, shared, “‘Saani Kaayidham’ is gripping and heart-wrenching in equal measure, and Arun Matheswaran has done a fantastic job in capturing the essence of the strength of a woman who is seeking justice.”

He further mentioned, “Both Keerthy Suresh and Selvaraghavan have given exceedingly brilliant and power-packed performances that will enhance the story’s appeal. I am eagerly looking forward to the film premiering on Prime Video on 6 May across languages.”

‘Saani Kaayidham’ has been produced under the banner of Screen Scene Media Entertainment.

Akshay Kumar issues apology for doing tobacco advert

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, who was recently seen in an advertisement for a tobacco brand along with Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan, has issued an apology for featuring in the commercial after it received flak from the netizens.

The actor took to his social media to tender an apology through a long note. He wrote, “I am sorry. I would like to apologize to you, all my fans, and well-wishers. Your reaction over the past few days has deeply affected me.”

Although the advertisement was for an ‘elaichi’ (cardamom) product, given the laws surrounding surrogacy marketing in India, it triggered a slew of memes and reels as people on the Internet dug up an old video of the ‘Bachchhan Paandey’ star where he can be seen promising that he would never work in a tobacco product advertisement.

In fact, Goa BJP’s medical cell convenor Shekhar Salkar also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strip Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, and Shah Rukh Khan of their Padma Awards for featuring in such ads. However, it is to be noted that the Government of India earned Rs 4,962 crore in taxes for the financial year 2020-2021 from tobacco companies.

Continuing his note further, Akshay wrote that he still stands by what he said in that particular video that surfaced on the Internet, “While I have not and will not endorse tobacco, I respect the outpouring of your feelings in light of my association with Vimal Elaichi. With all humility, I step back. I have decided to contribute the entire endorsement fee towards a worthy cause.”

“The brand might continue airing the ads till the legal duration of the contract that is binding upon me, but I promise to be extremely mindful in making my future choices. In return I shall forever continue to ask for your love and wishes(sic)”, he concluded.

Ajay Devgn defends association with tobacco brand, calls it ‘personal choice’

After Akshay Kumar apologized for featuring in a tobacco brand advertisement, Ajay Devgn, who is awaiting the release of his next film ‘Runway 34’, defended his association with the brand.

Ajay has been associated with the brand for a long time so much that he has become synonymous with its tagline. As per a media report, during the press interactions for ‘Runway 34’, when the actor was asked about the advertisement, he defended himself by calling it a personal choice.

He also said that people often take up something after fully being aware of its repercussions at large. He mentioned that he was only promoting ‘elaichi’ and not a tobacco product. He added that if such products cause an unnecessary stir then more than advertisements, the sale of such products should be put on hold.

‘KGF: Chapter 2’ sets another benchmark in Hindi by crossing Rs 250 cr in 7 days

A week after its release, ‘KGF: Chapter 2’ continues to cast its spell on Hindi moviegoers. Being a regional language film, the film is racking up a splendid performance in the Hindi markets.

After registering the highest 3rd-day collection with Rs 143.64 crore, the movie has crossed the magic figure of Rs 250 crore in its first week.

Collecting 254.97 crore net (Rs 300.86 crore gross) over 7 days in the Hindi belt, the film has emerged as the highest 1st-week collector and also the first movie to cross the figure of Rs 250 crore at the Hindi box office.

In more cheer for the makers, the film is consistently improving its individual day collection also in this market. KGF-Chapter 2 earned Rs 16.35 crore (Net) on the 7th-day.

The film headlined by Yash and starring a talented ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Raveena Tandon, and Srinidhi among others released nationwide on April 14, in Kannada, Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam. ‘K.G.F- Chapter 2’ is written and directed by Prashanth Neel.

KGF 2 is being presented in North-Indian markets by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment and AA Films. Excel has given super hits like Dil Chahta Hai, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Dil Dhadakne Do, and Gully Boy among others.

‘Sarkaru Vaari Paata’ title song release to kick off promotional campaign

Mahesh Babu’s highly anticipated movie ‘Sarkaru Vaari Paata’ is inching towards its release, while the makers will kickstart the promotions soon.

Earlier on Wednesday, the makers of the commercial drama took to social media to announce the release of the title song ‘Sarkaru Vaari Paata.’

The much-hyped title track of the Mahesh-starrer will be out on April 23. Music director S Thaman had also teased the superstar fans with a glimpse of the title song, which sparked a lot of excitement among fans.

Following the release of the title song, the producers intend to release the album’s mass number. ‘Ma Ma Maheshu’ will be the title of the next song, as guessed by superstar fans.

Starring Keerthy Suresh in a perky role as the female lead, ‘Sarkaru Vaari Paata’ is touted to be a commercial drama with politics involved in the story.

Parasuram Petla is the director for ‘Sarkaru Vaari Paata’, which is bankrolled under the Mythri Movie Makers banner.

Slated for its release on May 12, the movie is expected to allure the audience from all quarters.

Ayushmann to play undercover cop in political action thriller ‘Anek’

Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana will be seen in the avatar of an undercover cop in the upcoming political action thriller ‘Anek’, directed by Anubhav Sinha.

Although, he has earlier played a cop in ‘Article 15’, which too was incidentally directed by Anubhav, this will be the first time when he will be essaying such a character.

While talking about his character in the film, Ayushmann said “This is the first time the audience will see me in this avatar. I have played a cop before but this is the first time they will see me going undercover. Joshua in Anek is street smart and intelligent.”

He further mentioned, “He knows his way around people and can fight bad guys not only in a physical capacity but also with his great intellect. I was very pumped to try my hands at portraying Joshua as it gave me an opportunity to explore something I hadn’t done before. I owe it to my audience to offer them new experiences with each film”

Sharing his approach to this character, he said, ” As an undercover cop, Joshua has the perfect traits of a spy and I had to work on my physical and mental skills to portray that. Right from his observation skills to his ability to combat the enemy, the character’s journey keeps one intrigued and gripped throughout. Also, the action sequences had to look real and raw to fit into the world of Anek and to portray what Anubhav had envisioned, I was inscribed with the right amount of guidance and training.”

Talking about the film, director Anubhav Sinha said, “I am excited about ‘Anek’s’ release as it has a lot in store for the audience. Ayushmann has put everything into portraying Joshua, there is no one else who could have done it better than him. Not only is he a great actor but he was pretty dauntless when it came to performing an action as an undercover cop in the film.”

Jointly produced by Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series and Anubhav Sinha’s Benaras Mediaworks, ‘Anek’ poses a question about what it truly takes to be an Indian above all its divide and how one man is on a mission to unite the nation!

The film, shot in the northeast, is set to arrive in cinemas on May 27, 2022, after its release date was moved from May 13 to accommodate the release of the Ranveer Singh-starrer Jayeshbhai Jordaar’.

Rocking star Yash takes a break with family

Kannada superstar Yash, who attained pan-India stardom after the massive success of ‘KGF: Chapter 1 and ‘KGF: Chapter 2’, has chosen to take a break with his family after four years of a hectic schedule.

Yash, a complete family man, is a caring husband to his actress wife Radhika Pandit, and a dear father to his two children.

The duo often shares their picture perfect family photos which steal the hearts of their fans.

Radhika Pandit has shared a beach picture of Yash playing with his two kids – daughter Arya and son Yathrav.

The fans loved the adorable moments of the actor with his kids.