Tamil actor Kalaiyarasan: Digital release is good, but want to watch films in theatre first

Tamil actor Kalaiyarasan, who plays Deepam in the new Tamil digital release “Jagame Thandhiram”, says while digital platforms come with multiple benefits, his first love will always be theatres.

“Digital (medium) is very important to all films. In theatres, the business has certain criteria but in the digital space we have the freedom to bring in new directors, stories, and actors,” he tells an interview.

The actor adds in the same breath: “Growing up, I have seen films in theatres. We would go and sit there for two hours and it’s a great vibe. Whatever mood you’re in, once you enter the theatre it’s a different vibe. Digital world coming to us is something positive but I want to watch my films in theatres first and then have it on digital.”

Kalaiyarasan says he, too, like most others, would have loved to see “Jagame Thandhiram” in the cinemas first.

“I was badly waiting to watch ‘Jagame Thandhiram’ in theatres and to whistle with the fans. But I am happy that it has come online. My friends abroad will be able to see it. I think everyone will get to see my film and it’s a good thing for me,” he says.

He feels he has gained from OTT as an audience, too. “Because of digital, in last one and a half year of the pandemic, I got to see so many films, irrespective of language and culture. Many things were new to me and I learned so many things,” he says.

“Jagame Thandhiram” stars Dhanush and Aishwarya Lekshmi in lead roles. The film streams on Netflix.

Mahesh Babu To Reveal The Title Teaser Of Nephew Ashok Galla’s Debut Film On 23 June.

Actor Ashok Galla grandson of superstar Krishna and nephew of Mahesh Babu is coming with a new movie which is not yet fixed the name of the film which is being helmed by Sriram Adittya and produced by Padmavathi Galla under Amara Raja Media & Entertainment.

To release the title teaser of the movie, Moviemakers took Twitter to announced the title teaser date with the dynamic picture with Mahesh babu.

In an untitled film, actress Nidhi Agarwal and Ashok’s love is very interesting. Jagapathi Babu, Naresh, Satya, Archana Soundarya have acted in a vital role in the film.

In twitter wrote like this:

It’s our very own @urstrulyMahesh garu launching the title teaser of our #ProductionNo1 on June 23rd #ProductionNo1Title @AshokGalla_ @SriramAdittya#PadmavathiGalla @AgerwalNidhhi @JayGalla @ravipatic #SameerReddy @GhibranOfficial @amararajaent

https://twitter.com/baraju_SuperHit/status/1406943307129790464

Minissha Lamba on ‘Kutub Minar’ getting honorary mention at Berlin Indie film fest

Actress Minissha Lamba returns to films after a while in the upcoming “Kutub Minar”, and she is happy that the film got an Honorary Mention in the Best Feature Film category at The Berlin Indie Film Festival this year.

The Karenvir Bohra and Sanjay Mishra-starrer are directed by Raaj Ashoo, and it narrates the story of a father-son duo where the latter suffers from a rare condition called macrocephalus or having an abnormally large reproductive organ. Minissha plays a doctor’s wife in the film.

“This project makes me feel extremely proud. It’s an Indian film from the heartlands and the boundaries it is breaking and the way it’s traveling is beyond expectations. We knew we were making something very different but the feedback has been absolutely humbling. It’s a great feeling to be part of such a project. I wish to thank everyone associated with the film. It would not have been possible without them,” says Minissha.

Right now, the actress adds, people, need to be extra careful with health, more than anything else.

“The pandemic is yet not over. Let’s not take things lightly. Let’s take accountability and get vaccinated whenever the opportunity arises. Even if people get affected after vaccination, the effects are far less in intensity. It’s our best chance against the deadly virus,” she says.

WTC final: Fourth day’s play abandoned without a ball bowled

The fourth day’s play of the World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand here on Monday was abandoned without a ball bowled due to persistent rain. The umpires waited for about five hours before calling off the day.

Monday, the fourth day, is the second day to be washed out at the Hampshire Bowl. The first day on Friday was also washed out without a ball bowled.

When the play ended, due to poor visibility, on Sunday, New Zealand was 101 for two wickets, replying to India’s first innings’ 217. Captain Kane Williamson was batting on 12 (37 balls, 1×4) while Ross Taylor was yet to open his account.

In-form Devon Conway was out for a fine 54 (222 minutes, 153 balls, 6x4s), just moments before the umpires decided that the light was not good enough for play.

Actress Medha Shankar opens up on her role in ‘Shaadisthan’

Actress Medha Shankar played a 17-year-old named Arshi in the recent OTT film “Shaadisthan”, who is about to be married against her will by her conservative parents. Medha says she could “connect to Arshi’s pain and angst”.

“Arshi is a regular 17-year-old Bombay girl with average dreams of going to college, making a name for herself, having fun with her friends, and living a free life. To prepare for my character, I created a personal, social and emotional life for her as a means to give a certain wholeness to her being, and to understand her deeply as a person. I strongly believe in and stand by the message the film sends out. I could instantly connect to Arshi’s pain and angst, and her whole emotional journey through this predicament, which started with fighting her parents, crying, pleading, running away, and then finally surrendering to her fate,” she said.

The film also features Kirti Kulhari and Nivedita Bhattacharya and has the veteran Kay Kay Menon in a special role. Medha who earlier appeared in Gurinder Chadha’s British TV series “Beecham House” opened up on working with these artists.

“Most of my scenes were with Nivedita and we got along from the word go. We always had inside jokes going on and would always chat and giggle off-camera. Kirti is a super chilled and fun person to be around and there’s so much to learn from her. I truly look up to both these incredibly strong actors and feel grateful that I got a chance to work with and observe such brilliant actors. Also, I was fangirling big time when Kay Kay (Menon) sir came on set. I asked him a lot of questions about acting and improvisation,” she said about her experience of working on the film that streams on Disney+ Hotstar VIP.

Aishwarya Khare joins cast of ‘Bhagya Lakshmi’

Actress Aishwarya Khare is all set to join the cast of the television show “Bhagya Lakshmi”. She feels there is a strong connection with her character Lakshmi.

“I am honestly quite excited to be playing Lakshmi’s character. In fact, the moment I read the script, I felt an instant connection. While Lakshmi and I are different personalities, I feel there is a very strong connection between both of us and that is our common belief in Karma. Just like Lakshmi, I truly believe that you get what you deserve in life and selflessness always results in a good turn of events,” says Aishwarya.

The actress claims this character is different from her previous work.

“Lakshmi’s story is very different from some of the characters I have portrayed until now, which all the more makes the process a tad challenging and exciting as well. I am really eager to see how this character unveils,” says the actress of her role in the Zee TV show.

Priya Bapat completes shooting for the web show ‘Aani Kay Hava 3’

Actress Priya Bapat will soon be seen in the third season of the Marathi web show “Aani Kay Hava”. The actress has completed her portion for the show amidst strict precautions.

The actress says that while it wasn’t easy shooting with strict protocols, no one on the sets took it lightly.

“It was very difficult shooting. The second wave was extremely dangerous and so we were very precautions shooting the series. The entire crew was tested from time to time. We were double-masked all the time except when we had to wear make-up or while the shot is on. But currently, we have to be extremely careful and cautious. It was important to resume work since the livelihood of so many depends on it. We were extremely vigilante of every protocol with testings, sanitization consistently,” says Priya.

The actress is glad to have shot with a team, who was well aware of the importance of hygiene protocols.

“It’s difficult to shoot because an actor has to remove the mask for the shot but you feel safe when the production takes such care of the SOPs and that’s keeping the industry safe. I was yearning to be back on set and happy to be in my happy place. Let’s all stay within the protocols and get vaccinated whenever the opportunity arises. It’s a difficult time but it will pass as well,” says Priya.

Kunal Kemmu is vaccinated, ready to be back on set

Actor Kunal Kemmu on Monday informed fans on social media that he is vaccinated against Covid and ready to resume work.

Kunal posted a picture on Instagram where he is seen getting a shot of the vaccine. Along with the picture, he wrote: “Vaccinated and ready to get back on set. #vaccinationdone #staysafe.”

In the image, he is seen dressed in a blue T-shirt and denim. He completed his look with a baseball cap and a white mask.

Kunal did not share details about the projects he will start work on returning to the set.

Last year, Kunal was seen in the musical thriller “Malang” and the OTT-release heist comedy “Lootcase”, besides the web series “Abhay 2”.

Akshay Kumar teams up with Suniel Shetty’s son Ahan for new project

Actor Akshay Kumar is all set to star with Suniel Shetty’s son Ahan Shetty in a new project by producer Sajid Nadiadwala.

Ahan already has “Tadap” coming up, with Nadiadwala credited as one of the producers of the film. The Milan Luthria directorial casts Ahan opposite Tara Sutaria and is a remake of the 2018 Telugu hit “Rx 100”.

And now, the producer has signed him for a new project with Akshay Kumar. The project is currently at a planning stage, and details will be announced soon.

“The entire team is rooting for this action power-pack of actors, which has Akshay and Ahan together for the first time,” said a source.

On Int’l Yoga Day, Shilpa Shetty suggests asana for Covid recovery

Bollywood actress and yoga enthusiast Shilpa Shetty Kundra took to social media on the International Yoga Day on Monday to suggest an asana that helps early recovery from Covid-19.

Shilpa shared a video on Instagram where she is seen performing the Bhramari Pranayama.

“BREATHE… it’s THE most important function that the body performs. Breathing right helps provide oxygen to the organs to perform all the crucial processes, from cognition to digestion to strengthening the immune system. So on World Yoga Day, let’s start by practicing the Bhramari Pranayama,” she wrote.

Sharing the health benefits of the asana, the actress informed, “It helps generate up to 15 percent more nitric oxide through the vibrations of the humming sound, Aum. This in turn helps early recovery and healing from Covid-19. Spare a few minutes to focus on your breathing today with the Bhramari Pranayama. It relaxes the mind and lowers stress while improving concentration and alleviating anxiety. Tag 3 friends who MUST start their day by breathing right… #InternationalYogaDay #WorldYogaDay.”

Shilpa, who is a yoga enthusiast, regularly share videos performing different asanas and encouraging fans and followers to try yoga.