Sunny Leone’s first look from ‘Ginna’ released

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Actor Vishnu Manchu on Wednesday released the first look of actress Sunny Leone, who plays a character called Renuka, in his upcoming film ‘Ginna’.

Donning a gorgeous pink and white playsuit, Sunny looks as sensational as ever.

Talking about it, Sunny says, “I had the most amazing time shooting this movie. It was such an honor collaborating with Vishnu who is amongst the most amazing people I have ever worked with. For a star like him to be as grounded as him, is real learning. He is wonderful and warm, giving his co-stars the space to bring their own. I had the most memorable experience in this movie and can’t wait for everyone to watch it.”

Directed by Surya, the film, which stars Vishnu alongside Payal Rajput and Sunny Leone, is a wholesome mass entertainer.

A frothy mix of masala with thrill, comedy, action, and drama, the first look is making waves on social media.

For his part, Vishnu adds, “Sunny is exactly like her name. She will be a surprise factor in the film. She has such a wonderful vibe. She really gave the film its edge and x-factor. She is bound to surprise everyone with the film as Renuka. Watch out for her!”

Produced by Ava Entertainment and 24 Frames Factory, ‘Ginna’ has music by Anup Rubens and cinematography by two-time National Award winner Chota K. Naidu.

The film has been written by Kona Venkat, who is known for penning the scripts of Vishnu’s earlier hits  ‘Dhee’ and ‘Denikaina Reddy’.

Anand Deverakonda-starrer ‘Highway’ to have direct OTT release

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Well-known cinematographer and director K V Guhan’s much-awaited psychological thriller, ‘Highway’, featuring Anand Deverakonda in the lead, will be directly released on the OTT platform Aha on August 19.

The psychological thriller will also feature Sayami Kher and Manasa along with Abhishek Banerjee in a never-before-seen role.

Directed and written by K.V. Guhan and produced by Venkat Talari, the film is a psychological thriller about a photographer Vishnu (Anand Deverakonda) who falls in love with Tulasi (Manasa). When everything is going great, a serial killer kidnaps his lady love. What happens then is what ‘Highway’ is all about.

Talking about the film, director K V Guhan said, “Post the first wave of Covid, there was an unprecedented change in the film industry. At the same time, we were all connected to world content, irrespective of language. There was a massive opening for concept films, new experiments, and novel thoughts. That’s when I narrated this idea to Anand and Abhishek, and being explorers themselves, they said ‘yes’.”

“The more you get into the story, the more it brings out the different shades of characters,” says Guhan, who adds that every twist and turn in this film will be new.

Mini Mathur promises ‘Mind the Malhotras Season 2’ will be ‘messier, crazier, funnier’

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The popular sitcom, ‘Mind the Malhotras’ with its rib-tickling one-liners, is set to regale audiences once again.

Amazon Prime Video announced on Wednesday and released the trailer of the second season of the rib-tickling, funny sitcom.

The comedy-drama stars Mini, Cyrus Sahukar, Sushmita Mukherjee, Anandita Pagnis, Nikki Sharma, Jason D’souza, Rahul Verma, and Denzil Smith.

“We’re FINALLY back, and how! Playing Shefali Malhotra has given me enormous love, appreciation, and admiration from the audience,” said Mini.

“I’m super-excited to get into the skin of my character again, give her some more shades and grow as an actor. I hope that Rishabh and Shefali’s not-so-perfect life tugs at the heartstrings of viewers just like in the previous season. Without divulging more, I can safely say that ‘Mind the Malhotras Season 2’ will be messier, crazier, funnier, and a lot more relatable.”

The maiden season gave viewers a peep into Rishabh (Cyrus) and Shefali’s (Mini) midlife marital issues, which will continue in season 2 with more drama, fun, and entertainment quotient as they prioritize individual professional goals.

While Shefali runs the race for followers as an online Chef, Rishabh is all engrossed in his merger to become a millionaire. Due to marital and family tensions, the couple seeks therapy to strike the right balance.

‘Mind the Malhotras Season 2’ is filled with fun twists and unexpected turns that will make viewers burst into laughter.

Cyrus said “Season 1 was amazing, and we are touched by the acknowledgment the show has received. While I’m excited about season 2, I’m also a little nervous and hope that viewers continue showering their love on us like before”.

The series is helmed by Sahil Sangha and written by Sahil Sangha and Karan Sharma.

Produced by Applause Entertainment in association with Madiba Entertainment, it is an Indian adaptation of the Israeli show ‘La Famiglia’ distributed by Armoza formats.

‘Mind the Malhotras Season 2’ will premiere in India and across 240 countries and territories worldwide on August 12.

First schedule of Raghava Lawrence-starrer ‘Chandramukhi 2’ wrapped up

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The unit of director P. Vasu’s eagerly-awaited horror comedy, ‘Chandramukhi 2’, featuring actors Raghava Lawrence and Vadivelu in the lead, has wrapped up the first schedule of shooting.

Sources close to the unit say that the first schedule was in Karnataka’s Mysuru, and the schedule was wrapped up on Tuesday.

The film, which has music by M.M. Keeravaani and cinematography by R.D. Rajasekar, has art direction by Thotta Tharani.

Produced by Lyca Productions, one of Tamil cinema’s top production houses, the film has huge expectations riding on it as it is a sequel to the blockbuster ‘Chandramukhi’.

The first part, which was produced by Sivaji Productions as its 50th film in 2005, had Rajinikanth, Prabhu, Jyothika, Nayanthara, Nasser, and Vadivelu among others.

The remake of the Malayalam super hit ‘Manachitrathazhu’, ‘Chandramukhi’ was directed by P. Vasu and went on to emerge as a phenomenal success.

Raghava Lawrence, had, some time ago, announced that he would be acting in the sequel, but had gone on to name a different production house as the producer.

However, now, Lyca Productions has taken over the project and is producing it.

Aditi Shankar’s questions left Karthi stunned, stumped

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Actor Karthi has disclosed that Aditi Shankar, the daughter of ace director Shankar Shanmugam who makes her debut as an actress with his film, ‘Viruman’, was a down-to-earth, simple person who was full of fun.

Speaking at a press conference called by director Muthiah’s ‘Viruman’ unit, Karthi said, “Aditi beautifully adapted herself to this film. I think it is her upbringing. Despite being so sophisticated and being a doctor, she has this belief that she would give her best to the profession she has chosen.”

Stating that Aditi would behave in the same simple fashion with everybody on sets, without distinction, the actor disclosed that Aditi would keep pulling everybody’s legs.

“During our first meeting at the pooja of the film, when we were hesitant to talk to her thinking that she would speak to us in English, she came and asked in Tamil, ‘Sir, which is the country that has the richest people?’ I immediately went to Google, began searching Wikipedia, and started wondering if I should say it is the nation that has that Sheikh, when she said, ‘Don’t think too much sir. It is a simple question.’ I finally gave up and she said, “Bangla Desh,” she said and explained, “It is a country that has a lot of bungalows.'”

As the audience roared with laughter, Karthi continued, “I was stumped when I heard that answer. Before I could recover, she said, ‘Sir, I have another question.’ I told her that I couldn’t take any more of these questions but she wouldn’t take no for an answer and insisted that I answer just one more question of hers. “Reluctantly, I agreed and she asked, ‘What is the name of the girl who pushed her father?’ I had no clue and I sought comedian Soori’s help. He also began thinking about what the answer could be. After a good 15 minutes, she said, ‘It is Pushpa. It is because the girl Push(es) her pa.'”

On a serious note, the actor said, “I believe that you will also get the same love from the people that they have shown us.”

Arun Vijay: Would be great to work with Shraddha Kappor in ‘Yaanai’ remake

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Tamil actor Arun Vijay says he would want filmmaker Rohit Shetty to remake ‘Yaanai’ in Hindi with actress Shraddha Kapoor starring opposite him.

Talking about the same, Arun mentioned, “I am pleased to receive so much love for my performance in ‘Yaanai’. All the credits go to Hari. We couldn’t have asked for more.”

He adds, “If we were to make ‘Yaanai’ in Hindi, I would love Rohit Shetty to direct the film because no one can match his vision when it comes to action-packed sequences.”

“It would be even more exciting to have Shraddha Kapoor opposite me. I have worked with her before, she is an amazing actress. I love her craft, so it would be great to work with her once again.”

Arun Vijay unravels the dark web of deceit and lies in his next ‘Tamil Rockerz’, which also marks the actor’s OTT debut.

Kiran Rao returns to direction after 11 years with ‘Laapataa Ladies’

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Producer and director Kiran Rao, who started her film journey as one of the assistants on the sets of the iconic film ‘Lagaan’, is set to return to direction after over a decade since her directorial debut in ‘Dhobi Ghat’.

Her upcoming feature film is titled ‘Laapataa Ladies’.

Although the makers have been tight-lipped about the story, the film is set in 2001, somewhere in rural India. It follows the mess that ensues when two young brides get lost on a train.

The main cast of the film includes Sparsh Shrivastava, Ravi Kishan, and Chhaya Kadam. In addition, it will also introduce two new actresses who play the brides. The makers have refrained from revealing the names of the actresses.

The first teaser of ‘Laapataa Ladies’ will be released along with Aamir Khan’s ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ in theatres worldwide on August 11.

‘Laapataa Ladies’ has been jointly produced by Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao.

While the film has been made under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling Productions, the script is based on a story by Biplab Goswami.

The screenplay & dialogue is written by Sneha Desai, and additional dialogues are written by Divyanidhi Sharma. Producer and director Kiran Rao, who started her film journey as one of the assistants on the sets of the iconic film ‘Lagaan’, is set to return to direction after over a decade since her directorial debut in ‘Dhobi Ghat’.

Her upcoming feature film is titled ‘Laapataa Ladies’.

Although the makers have been tight-lipped about the story, the film is set in 2001, somewhere in rural India. It follows the mess that ensues when two young brides get lost on a train.

The main cast of the film includes Sparsh Shrivastava, Ravi Kishan, and Chhaya Kadam. In addition, it will also introduce two new actresses who play the brides. The makers have refrained from revealing the names of the actresses.

The first teaser of ‘Laapataa Ladies’ will be released along with Aamir Khan’s ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ in theatres worldwide on August 11.

‘Laapataa Ladies’ has been jointly produced by Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao.

While the film has been made under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling Productions, the script is based on a story by Biplab Goswami.

The screenplay & dialogue is written by Sneha Desai, and additional dialogues are written by Divyanidhi Sharma.

Free screening of ‘Gandhi’ begins in theatres across Telangana

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‘Free screening of the 1982 Oscar-winning movie ‘Gandhi’ began in 552 theatres across Telangana on Tuesday.

The movie in Telugu and Hindi will be screened from 10 a.m. to 1.15 p.m. daily from August 9 to August 22.

The state government has made elaborate arrangements for the free-of-cost screening of ‘Gandhi’, starring Ben Kingsley in the title role.

Officials said 22 lakh school children are expected to watch the movie in theatres.

Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar and special chief secretary, urban development, Arvind Kumar participated in the film show on an inaugural day at a theatre at Attapur in Hyderabad.

Directed by Richard Attenborough, ‘Gandhi’ is a biographical film about the life of Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom movement, following him from 1893 to 1948.

A co-production between India and the United Kingdom, the movie was released in India on November 30, 1982. It received 11 nominations at the 55th Academy Awards, winning eight including best picture, best director, and best actor (for Kingsley).

The screening of ‘Gandhi’ is part of ‘Swatantra Bharatha Vajrotsava Dwi Sapthaham’ or two-week-long celebrations organized by the Telangana government to mark 75 years of India’s independence.

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Monday launched the celebrations at a colorful ceremony at Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) by hoisting the national flag.

Film Updates
Free screening of ‘Gandhi’ begins in theatres across Telangana
Film Updates
Free screening of ‘Gandhi’ begins in theatres across Telangana

During his speech on the occasion, he appealed to the people to condemn the attempts to malign the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi’s image as a global leader and fight against the dirty conspiracies being hatched to divide India. “Attempts are being made to divide the nation into communal lines to derive political mileage,” he said

No nation in the world will attempt to show its history in poor light. Unfortunately, we are seeing instances in our country that seek to humiliate and tarnish the image of a globally renowned leader such as Mahatma Gandhi. This is a bad trend and needs to be condemned by everyone,” CM KCR said

Singer-turned-actress Olivia Newton-John dies at 73

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Olivia Newton-John, the Australian actress and singer best known for her role as Sandy Olsson in the blockbuster movie “Grease” and for giving hit numbers such as 1981’s “Physical,” died on Monday, according to a statement from her husband. She was 73 years old.

Her official Facebook page confirmed the news on Monday in a statement, “Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”

“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer. Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continue with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund.”

The singer revealed in September 2018 that she was getting treated for cancer at the base of her spine. It was her third cancer diagnosis, following bouts with breast cancer in the early ’90s and in 2017.

Vijay Sethupathi named Best Actor for ‘Maamanithan’ at Indo-French film fest

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Actor Vijay Sethupathi has won the Best Actor Award at the Indo-French International Film Festival for his performance in director Seenu Ramasamy’s critically acclaimed Tamil entertainer, ‘Maamanithan’.

The film has also won the award for Best Picture.

Taking to Twitter to make the announcement, director Seenu Ramasamy said, “Congratulations Vijay Sethupathi for Best Actor and Yuvan Shankar Raja for Best Picture. Thank you Indo-French International Film Festival.”

Interestingly, the film, which had garnered huge praise from various quarters soon after its release, had ace director Shankar calling it a ‘realistic classic’. Shankar had even said that Vijay Sethupathi’s brilliant performance in the film deserved a National Award.

Only a week ago, the film won a Gold medal at the Tokyo Film Awards this year.

‘Maamanithan’ won the gold in the Best Asian Film category, while Takahiro Kawabe’s ‘Love Song at 5 pm’ won the silver, and Mart Bira’s ‘Nomadic Doctor’ took the bronze at the Tokyo Film Awards.

The story of ‘Maamanithan’ is about a simple man who longs to provide good education to his children by getting them admitted to a private school. To increase his income, he enters into a deal with a real estate developer and in the process gets conned. The problems he faces are what the film is all about.