Rajinikanth, Vishal wish participants of Chennai Chess Olympiad

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Rajinikanth, Vishal wish participants of Chennai Chess Olympiad

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth and actor Vishal were among those who wished the participants of the Chess Olympiad 2022, which kickstarts in the city on Friday.

Taking to Twitter, Rajinikanth shared an old picture of him playing chess and said: “#ChessOlympiad2022 An indoor game I love the most Wishing all the chess minds the very best .. God bless.”

In fact, Rajinikanth had only recently met young Indian Grand Master Praggnanandhaa and his family.

The young chess player had shared pictures of their meeting and had said: “A day to remember!!! I Met Rajinikanth’s uncle today with my family! Inspired by his humbleness despite reaching great heights!”

Actor Vishal too took to Twitter to greet and wish those participating in the Chess Olympiad that is happening in Chennai until August 10.

Vishal said: “Wishing the very best to Team India and all the other participants of the Chennai Chess Olympiad 2022. Congrats to CM Stalin Sir and the Tamil Nadu government.”

This is the first time that participants from over 188 countries will be participating in a chess Olympiad in India.

Malaysia confirms cancellation of ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ release

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Malaysia confirms cancellation of ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ release

Malaysian theatre operator Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) has announced that the Chris Hemsworth-starrer “Thor: Love and Thunder” will not get a theatrical release in the country.

This follows from announcements two weeks ago that the film was indefinitely postponed, reports Variety.

“Dear valued customers, please be informed that Disney has updated that marvel Studios’ ‘Thor Love and Thunder’ will not be released in Malaysia after all. We appreciate your patience and we apologize for any inconvenience caused,” GSC said in its social media feeds.

It finished with the rejoinder: “Please buy our merchandise, OK.” That is the second piece of tongue-in-cheek criticism emanating from the country’s largest cinema chain in a week. Shortly after the Marvel Studios presentation at Comic-Con, GSC disseminated the forward calendar of Marvel film releases but crossed out “Thor”.

Directed by Taika Waititi, the film was released on July 8 in North America, where it has grossed $283 million to date. Worldwide, “Thor” has already accumulated $685 million.

The postponement move is the second lost release of a Disney-handled movie in Malaysia in the space of two months.

In June, the release of Pixar animation “Lightyear” was canceled in Malaysia after the country’s censorship authority (LPF) asked for cuts to the film, understood to include a same-sex kiss, in order for the film to obtain release certification.

Disney declined to make the cuts and is expected to put “Lightyear” out directly on streaming service Disney+ Hotstar. Malaysia was one of nearly twenty, mostly Muslim-majority countries which objected to the homosexual tinges of “Lightyear”.

Disney offered no comment on “Thor”, but confirmed that the release will not go forward.

GSC’s pain at the loss of another major Hollywood title reflects the economic damage that Malaysian cinemas have suffered over two years of on-off Covid control measures.

Cinema admissions crashed from an average of 77 million per year in the 2017-2019 period to just 3.72 million in 2021. Exhibitors also complain that the theatrical window in the country has now halved from 90 days to just 45 days.

Prabhas-starrer ‘Project K’ makers eyeing two release dates

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Prabhas-starrer ‘Project K’ makers eyeing two release dates

‘Project K’, starring Prabhas, will be released in October 2023 or January 2024, according to producer Ashwini Dutt. He spoke candidly about the magnificence that viewers may anticipate from this high-budget film during a recent media discussion.

In comparing ‘Project K’ to ‘Avengers,’ Ashwini Dutt praises the film’s amazingness and alludes to its opulence, which stars Prabhas and Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone in the lead roles.

“America and China will be our primary target markets, as we are prepared to introduce this movie to as many worldwide markets as we can”, Ashwini Dutt said when speaking about ‘Project K’.

‘Project K’, directed by ‘Mahanati’ filmmaker Nag Ashwin, is billed as a sci-fi thriller that will use a variety of technology in its production.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan will be seen in an important role in ‘Project K’ as well.

On the other hand, Prabhas is to be seen in Om Raut’s ‘Adi Purush’, and Prashanth Neel’s ‘Salaar’. The ‘Darling’ actor will also act under Sandeep Reddy Vanga in a movie titled ‘Spirit’.

Sumanth on Dulquer-starrer ‘Sita Ramam’: It’s going to be a classic like ‘Godavari’

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Sumanth on Dulquer-starrer ‘Sita Ramam’: It’s going to be a classic like ‘Godavari’

The upcoming film ‘Sita Ramam’, starring Dulquer Salmaan and Rashmika Mandanna, will feature actor Sumanth in a significant role. Speaking about the movie ‘Sita Ramam’, the ‘Satyam’ actor predicted that it would become a classic, much like his movie ‘Godavari’ from 2006.

Actor Sumanth last appeared in the early-year love drama ‘Malli Modalaindi’. Although the movie didn’t do well at the box office, his performance was praised.

Sumanth is to appear in a special role in ‘Sita Ramam’ as Brigadier Vishnu Sharma. His first look poster from the movie piqued much interest, while there is much speculation on his role in the film.

Regarding ‘Sita Ramam’, it is helmed by ‘Andala Rakshasi’ fame Hanu Raghavapudi, and the teaser was well-received across the board. The background music and graphics have drawn particular praise. Recently released, the movie’s trailer has received 7.5 million views, creating much hype prior to its grand release.

In addition to Bhoomika Chawla, Mrunal Thakur, Tharun Bhascker, Prakash Raj, Gautham Menon, and others will have significant roles in this movie. The soundtrack for the movie was written by Vishal Chandrashekhar, and it is being made by Vyjayanthi Movies and Swapna Cinema. On August 5, ‘Sita Ramam’ will hit the screens worldwide.

Rajinikanth to begin work on his 169th film ‘Jailer’ in Hyderabad

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Rajinikanth to begin work on his 169th film ‘Jailer’ in Hyderabad

If rumors doing the rounds in the industry are to be believed, actor Rajinikanth is to shortly begin work on his next film ‘Jailer’, which is being directed by Nelson Dilipkumar.

Sources claim that the superstar of Tamil cinema will begin work on this film in a specially erected jail set in a Hyderabad studio.

Well-known stylist Aalim Hakim has been roped into style the Superstar for this film. A tweet put out by the popular stylist confirmed that he was indeed working on the superstar’s look.

Posting a picture of himself with Rajinikanth on July 24, Aalim tweeted, “An innovative day at work with our one and only King! Sir RAJNIKANTH!”

The film, which will be Rajinikanth’s 169th film, is being produced by Kalanithi Maran of Sun Pictures and has Anirudh scoring its music. Other members of the cast and crew are yet to be announced by the unit.

Trouble in Tollywood: Telugu producers mull halting movie shoots from Aug 1

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Trouble in Tollywood: Telugu producers mull halting movie shoots from Aug 1

Just when Telugu films were making waves by breaking one record after another, trouble seems to be brewing in Tollywood.

The Active Telugu Film Producers Guild (ATFPG) has decided to halt film shoots from August 1 till the industry is able to resolve issues such as star fees and cinema ticket prices.

The move has serious business implications because, as Elara Capital’s Kamal Taurani notes, Telugu cinema brings 12-15 percent to the national box office kitty, and the two Telugu states Andhra Pradesh and Telangana contribute 3 percent and 21 percent, respectively, to the revenues of the major multiplexes, notably PVR and INOX.

Additionally, regional dubbed films, as established by the success of ‘Pushpa’, ‘RRR’ and ‘KGF: Chapter 2’, going forward, are expected to contribute 15-20 percent of the Hindi film industry’s box-office revenues. In the first quarter of FY 2022-23, they contributed up to 55 percent of the Hindi industry earnings, according to Taurani.

The Producers Guild statement announcing the strike said: “Post-pandemic, with the changing revenue situation and increasing costs, it has become important for producers to discuss the issues we are facing as a community of filmmakers.”

The statement added: “It is our responsibility to better our ecosystem and ensure that we are releasing our films in a healthy environment. In this regard, all producer members of the Guild have voluntarily decided to withhold shootings from August 1, 2022, and to sit in discussions until we find a workable resolution.”

The producers say their business has been affected for three reasons:

1. The fees of the stars are too high to ensure a decent return on investment;

2. The reduced four-week window between the theatrical and OTT releases of films is not practical it would be conducive to trade if big-budget films continue to have an eight-week window and the ones with small to medium budgets could opt for four weeks;

3. Cinema ticket prices this is a problem unique to the Telugu-speaking states and cannot be economically unviable; instead, these too could be organized into three slabs for small-, medium- and big-budget films.

The strike, according to the Guild, will continue as long as these issues remain unresolved.

First look of Dhanush-starrer ‘Vaathi’ released

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First look of Dhanush-starrer ‘Vaathi’ released

The unit of director Venky Atluri’s bilingual film, ‘Vaathi’, starring Dhanush and Samyuktha Menon in the lead, released the first look of the film on Wednesday.

Taking to Twitter, Sithara Entertainments, the firm producing the film, tweeted the first look and wrote, “Welcome the versatile Dhanush K. Raja in and as ‘Vaathi’/’SIR’. Presenting to you the ‘Vaathi’ First Look.” The production house also tweeted that the film’s teaser would be released on Thursday.

S. Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya are bankrolling the prestigious project, the shooting of which began on January 5 in Hyderabad. Dinesh Krishnan, who is known for films like ‘Soodhu Kavvum’, ‘Sethupathi’, ‘Thegidi’ and ‘Maara’, was first named as the cinematographer of the film. However, he opted out of the project, and cinematographer Yuvaraj was brought in as his replacement.

Editing for the film is being handled by National Award-winning editor Navin Nooli, and music is by music director G.V. Prakash Kumar.

Shreyas Talpade to play late former Indian PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee in ‘Emergency’

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Shreyas Talpade to play late former Indian PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee in ‘Emergency’

Actor Shreyas Talpade will be seen stepping into the shoes of late former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the upcoming film ‘Emergency’, starring Kangana Ranaut.

In the film, Kangana will be seen playing former PM Indira Gandhi and actor Anupam Kher, the revolutionary leader J.P. Narayan. The makers have revealed Shreyas’ look, who will be essaying the important role of late politician Atal Bihari Vajpayee who served three terms as the country’s Prime Minister.

Talking about the actor joining the cast of the film, Kangana says: He plays Atal Bihari Vajpayee who was a young and upcoming leader when Mrs. Gandhi became the Prime Minister for the first time.”

“He was one of the heroes of the Emergency. We are fortunate to have him on board as he is a versatile actor. I personally feel that his performance in the role of Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be one of the most memorable. We are lucky to have got a powerful performer like him to play this important role.”

Shreyas added: “Atal Ji is one of the most revered, intelligent, learned, influential and also one of the most loved leaders of India as well as across the world.”

He shared that to portray him on screen is “not only a big privilege but also a huge honor and definitely a bigger responsibility.”

“I hope I live up to everybody’s expectations. I am trying my best to portray the part. Kangana ma’am is one of the most versatile and finest actresses in the country. She has proved it time and again. But to see her direct a film first hand and to experience that magic first hand is simply outstanding.”

He called Kangana a fantastic and magnificent director who is extremely clear in her vision and is completely sorted.

Manikarnika films present Emergency which is written and directed by Kangana Ranaut. The film is produced by Renu Pitti and Kangana Ranaut. The screenplay and dialogues are by Ritesh Shah.

Global music fest Lollapalooza to debut in India in Jan, 2023

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Global music fest Lollapalooza to debut in India in Jan, 2023

Global music festival Lollapalooza is finally happening in India and will be held in Mumbai in January 2023.

The music festival will take place for two days from January 28 to 29.

The inaugural Lollapalooza India will be open to over 60,000 fans each day, featuring four stages with over 20 hours of unforgettable live music performed by some of the biggest names globally and locally.

Following many years as a touring festival, Lollapalooza found its home in Chicago, USA, and has grown to include annual editions across various culturally-rich countries including Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, France, and Sweden with more than 66 editions of the festival so far, before it comes to India in 2023.

Lollapalooza is a melting pot of myriad genres comprising pop, rock, metal, punk rock, and hip-hop as well as indie, Electronic Dance Music (EDM), and techno.

The founder of the festival is Jane’s Addiction frontman, Perry Farrell. BookMyShow, an entertainment destination will spearhead Lollapalooza India as the promoter and co-producer for the festival’s Indian edition along with global producers, Farrell, WME, and C3 Present.

The star-studded artist line-up for the first-ever India edition of the coveted festival will be announced later this year.

Ahead of Lollapalooza’s India and Asia debut, Ashish Hemrajani, Founder & CEO, BookMyShow said, Lollapalooza is not just a multi-genre music festival, but an alternative music experience, having driven an entire generation of alternative rock music and grunge movement into mainstream sound. Some of the biggest names like ‘Pearl Jam’, ‘Red Hot Chili Peppers’, ‘Nine Inch Nails, ‘And Rage Against The Machine’ were brought to the world stage through their early performances at Lollapalooza and went on to make history.

“The music of India is transcendental, it draws our spirits East,” said Perry Farrell, Founder, of Lollapalooza, ahead of the festival’s first India edition.

“Lollapalooza is an instrument for unity, peace, and education utilizing the universal languages of music and art to find common ground. You may be excited, and we are equally as excited!”

“Lollapalooza has always been about exploring boundaries, musically and geographically. We are excited to introduce Indian and Asian fans to an entirely new festival experience that has been a significant rite of passage for millions of music fans around the world for more than three decades,” said Charlie Walker, Partner, C3 Presents.

Joseph Quinn’s ‘Stranger Things’ role saves him when detained by US immigration

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Joseph Quinn’s ‘Stranger Things’ role saves him when detained by US immigration

Actor Joseph Quinn was held in a “dungeon” by a US immigration official but was finally released when he was recognized as Eddie Munson from the popular show ‘Stranger Things.

Facing the questioning when he arrived in New York City for an appearance on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’, the ‘Stranger Things’ was grateful when the man’s colleague intervened and recognized him as the leader of the Hellfire Club from the show, reports aceshowbiz.com.

“It’s so nice to be here because I very nearly didn’t make it,” the 28-year-old actor told the show’s host Jimmy Fallon.

“I was taken into, I guess what you could call more of a dungeon. And I was asked to wait there for about 20 minutes and then I was summoned to this desk where someone asked me, ‘What are you doing in the United States, sir?’ ”

“I said, ‘I’m actually here to meet Jimmy Fallon on ‘The Tonight Show.’ And he didn’t believe me,” he went on recalling.

“One of his colleagues looked over at him, looked at me, and said: ‘Leave Eddie alone!’ And then (the colleague) said, ‘It’s Eddie from ‘Stranger Things, and he was like, ‘You’re Eddie Munson?’ ”

The officials eventually let Joseph go, but not before quizzing him for some spoilers.

He continued, “(The man asked), ‘Do you come back next season?’ I was like, ‘I don’t know,’ and he said, ‘You better,’ and gave me my passport.”

During his debut appearance on the talk show, Joseph presented Jimmy with a Hellfire Club t-shirt, much to the delight of the talk show host, who said he was “honored” to receive the gift.

He said, “I am honored. I’m part of the Hellfire Club? I will wear this. I cannot wait.”

Joseph previously admitted he felt like a “sociopath” when trying to perfect an American accent for the show.

He said, “You feel like a sociopath. After a while I was so far down the rabbit hole, at points I’d be like, ‘Do I sound good? Do you like this? Do you like what I’m doing?’ ”

“I was talking to Joe Keery and at one point I was so deep in it,” the actor added, “and he was like ‘Dude, I can’t save you, but I promise you it’s gonna be fine.'”

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