Malayalam drama ‘#Home’ to have global digital release

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Malayalam drama ‘#Home’ to have global digital release

Actors Indrans, Sreenath Bhasi and Vijay Babu’s upcoming Malayalam film ‘#Home’ will release digitally on August 19.

The film, which is directed and written by Rojin Thomas is a light-hearted, thought-provoking drama.

The film will release under the banner of Friday Film House, and is produced by Vijay Babu.

Actor-Producer Vijay Babu said, “With ‘#Home’ our focus was solely to highlight a socially relevant topic with a point of view portrayed in such a way that it leaves viewers with food for thought. The beautifully relatable characters have been carefully weaved into the narrative and presented in a light-hearted way that will make for a perfect family watch.”

‘#Home’ is the story of a humble but technologically-challenged old man, Oliver (essayed by Indrans), who tries constantly to keep up the closeness with his two sons, who are hooked to social media like any other millennial. The film focuses on a socially relevant and relatable theme with a light-hearted and beautiful narrative.

Talking about the film, Rojin Thomas said, “‘#Home’ is an attempt at depicting a much relevant topic in today’s times, the dynamics of a family that is unknowingly trapped in the artificial web in the ever-evolving digital age.”

The film will have a global release through OTT giant Amazon Prime Video.

“The high-anticipation for soon-to-launch ‘Kuruthi’ and unprecedented success of recent Malayalam movies on our service is a testament of the rising affinity for this cinema across the country,” said Vijay Subramaniam, Director and Head, Content, Amazon Prime Video, India.

He adds: “We are extremely glad to collaborate with Friday Film House again and support us in our continued efforts to bring well-crafted stories from Malayalam industry to a larger audience on Amazon Prime Video. With an emotionally stirring plot and authentically nuanced storytelling, #Home will make for an ideal film for the entire family to watch together and will certainly tug at their heartstrings!”

‘#Home’ also stars Manju Pillai, Nalsen, Kainakary Thankaraj, KPAC Lalitha, Srikanth Murali, Johny Antony, Pauly Wilson, Maniyan Pillai Raju, Anoop Menon, Aju Varghese, Kiran Aravindhakshan, Chithra and Priyanka Nair in pivotal roles.

Shrenu Parikh on playing devotee of Maharaja Agrasen in ‘Ghar Ek Mandir’

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Shrenu Parikh on playing devotee of Maharaja Agrasen in ‘Ghar Ek Mandir’

Actress Shrenu Parikh who is known for her roles in ‘Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?’ and ‘Ishqbaaaz’ is all set to portray the role of a devoted girl ‘Genda’ in the show ‘Ghar Ek Mandir-Kripa Agrasen Maharaja Ki’.

According to her, this character is going to resonate well with the viewers and people will get to know more about Maharaja Agrasen and his teachings.

She says: “I believe that every person has a belief system, a guiding principle in life that helps them stay afloat during uncertain times. These learnings and beliefs serve as guiding forces for leading life. Our show is a socio-drama depicting a relatable storyline and characters. Maharaja Agrasen was the founder of the Agrawal community of traders, and his teachings and principles hold relevance even today.”

The story will depict Maharaja Agrasen’s core principles through his ardent ‘bhakt’ (devotee) and the show’s lead protagonist ‘Genda’. Shrenu shares about her on screen personality and says: “I am playing the role of Genda Agarwal, a devoted girl belonging to a low-income family who gets married into a business family. She is the youngest daughter-in-law of ‘Kundan Agarwal’ and represents the woman of today with deep-rooted traditional values. She shares a unique and beautiful bond with Maharaj Agrasen as her guide, philosopher, and friend.”

The ‘Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?’ actress says this role is quite challenging for her as she is altogether a different personality from her on screen avatar: “The role is quite interesting indeed. ‘Genda’ is a deeply rooted traditional woman who offers voluntary services in the temple and believes in keeping the family together. In contrast, Shrenu has been an independent and working woman since the age of 20 years. Sometimes, Shrenu’s personality detracts from Genda’s personality. Many times, I have to put myself in her shoes to bring out the right emotions. I have to hold back Shrenu to stay in Genda’s character.”

For the 31-year-old actress this character is not only different from earlier ones but also this is among those roles she was looking forward to playing. “I have primarily been seen in grey shades across my roles on television. I was looking forward to pursuing a positive yet challenging part, and Genda was the right fit. Right from the moment I received the character briefing and storyline, I fell in love with her. It is a beautiful story that always brings me in touch with my true emotions. I am very excited,” she wraps up.

The show will start from Tuesday on &TV.

Digital entertainment creating space for unique and specialised content: Ankur Rathee

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Digital entertainment creating space for unique and specialised content: Ankur Rathee

Actor Ankur Rathee who is trying to make his presence felt in every project that he chooses, be it film or web series, says that the digital entertainment space is offering a lot on creating unique and specialised content and that is why these days, every story is finding its potential audience.

Ankur told IANS: “I think OTT platforms are giving a chance to create specialised content for filmmakers or storytellers. Now we know that nothing is off-beat or niche. Every kind of story has its audience. So, every actor have some opportunity or the other, they do not have to fit ‘a’ particular type but they are allowed to be unique. In mainstream cinema, earlier, there was a specific look, the acting style required to fit the bill of a mainstream actor. Now, there is a celebration of being unique because a lot of specialised content, be it film, web series are getting made.”

The actor has appeared in substantial roles in films like ‘The Tashkent Files’, ‘Thappad’, ‘Taish’, and web series like ‘Four More Shots Please!’, ‘Made In Heaven’, ‘Hello Mini’, ‘Mission Over Mars’, ‘Undekhi’ and recently on ‘City Of Dreams Season 2’.

Asked about what are the best lessons he has learned from all these filmmakers, Ankur shared how each one of them are very different.

Ankur said, “For instance, from Anubhav sir I have learned that the message or the theme of the film is the true hero. After the release of ‘Thappad’ an important conversation around the men-women equation in a married relationship, domestic violence and the role of society has also started. Bejoy Nambiar sir always trying to offer something so engaging visually in every film he directs. I learnt how there is an infinite beauty that one can bring in a frame; that the esthetic aspect of cinema is so glorious, if you indulge in it. When it comes to Nagesh sir I just realised how an intuitive collaboration is needed between an actor and a director to create magic in a scene.”

Currently, the actor is shooting for the new season of the web series ‘Undekhi’ and into the pre-production for a film which is yet to be announced.

Aishwarya Majmudar talks about her upcoming track

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Aishwarya Majmudar talks about her upcoming track

Singer Aishwarya Majmudar, who is known for her tracks like ‘Aaj Unse Kehna Hai’ in the movie ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’ and ‘Tere Bin Nahi Laage’ from ‘Ek Paheli Leela’, is coming up with her new track ‘Prem Rang Maniyaaro Maniyaaro’ featuring Devarshi Shah.

The song depicts the story of a newly-wed couple. Aishwarya not only has given her voice but also has a dance sequence in Gujarati attire. She will be seen performing ‘Garba’ with certain modifications.

“The entire process of building the song has been a learning process and helped me find my identity,” says Aishwarya.

Talking about how she came up with the song, the singer adds: “I remember waking up in the middle of the night with a string tune annoying me in my sleep. I didn’t know then what it would substantiate into, but that one tune got made into ‘Prem Rang’ and hence this song is no less than a dream!”

Aishwarya feels it was the other way round for her where the lyrics and composition found her instead of her finding them and the entire process of building the song note by note, melody by melody, and then shaping it into a dance form was more a learning process and a celebration that helped her in finding her identity.

While talking about the song and dance sequence, she says: “This song depicts emotions like love, vigour and splendour. The filming process began with bringing on board choreographers like Shri Samir and Arsh Tanna, and their daughter Tamanna. I’m grateful everyday for my team,” she ends.

Aamir Khan recalls working with ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ crew

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Aamir Khan recalls working with ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ crew

Superstar Aamir Khan goes nostalgic as his movie ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ is completing 20 years on August 10. For him it was one of the most memorable projects and a great working experience with director Farhan Akhtar and the entire cast.

He says: “‘Dil Chahta Hai’ is one of my most memorable films. I think the energies of all of us coming together (Farhan, Ritesh, Zoya, Akshaye, Saif, Sonali, Dimple, Preity, me, Javed Sahab, Shankar, Ehsan, Loy, Basin, Avan, Ravi, Suzanna, Nakul, Subaya, everyone… ), brought something very special to the film.”

‘Dil Chahta Hai’ was released in the year 2001 and was the directorial debut of Farhan Akhtar. The film starred Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Akshaye Khanna in the lead role. It was about three friends and the story revolves around them. It also featured Preity Zinta, Sonali Kulkarni and Dimple Kapadia, the music was by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and lyrics by Javed Akhtar.

Aamir adds further that ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ was one of the movies that came out with a distinct story and Farhan Akhtar as a director has done an incredible job.

“I loved the script, and I felt that Farhan was coming in with a completely fresh look at everything. His own vision and voice. As a result, ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ will always be remembered as a film that broke a lot of conventions in Indian cinema. I was working with a first-time director, but never once did it feel like that. Farhan was confident and personified. He was sure footed and completely in control. What a debut Farhan and Ritesh!” he concludes.

‘Dil Chahta Hai’ will air on August 10 on &Pictures.

‘Time To Dance’: Hrithik Roshan is Sooraj Pancholi’s dance idol

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‘Time To Dance’: Hrithik Roshan is Sooraj Pancholi’s dance idol

Sooraj Pancholi made a comeback with ‘Time To Dance’ opposite Isabelle Kaif, Katrina Kaif’s sister. The film has been directed by Stanley D’Costa and produced by Lizelle D’Souza, wife of choreographer and director Remo D’Souza.

‘Time To Dance’ is making its premiere on television this week. The film introduced ballroom and Latin dancing for the very first time for the Indian audience.

This is Sooraj’s third film as an actor after ‘Hero’ and ‘Satellite Shankar’.

Talking about his inspiration in dance, Sooraj told in an interview: “When it comes to Bollywood dancing, Hrithik Roshan is my idol. I absolutely love dancing, but Latin was new to me. I never thought I would someday get to do a Latin Bollywood film, something which hasn’t been explored in Indian cinema as of now. With this film I have got to learn a lot of new dance forms and work with some really talented dancers from the world.”

Recalling the preparations for his character in the film, he said: “Before starting to shoot the film, I had trained for about four months to perfect these dance forms and learn the style. It was a challenge to rehearse day and night. However, Remo Sir and his team made it look like a piece of cake. Isabelle and I both knew dancing, but we aren’t professional dancers. Hence it was tough to get into the shoes of a dancer.”

Sharing his experience of working with co-star Isabelle Kaif, Sooraj shared: “Isabelle is very hardworking and a great co-actor to work with. I have previously worked with Katrina Kaif as an assistant director and Isabelle is as passionate as her elder sister. I believe she has a long way to go.”

As the film will be screened on the silver screen for the first time, Sooraj said: “Time To Dance’ is a very light and entertaining film to watch during such hard times. I am certain that kids as well as adults will definitely love this film.” Sooraj’s upcoming film is ‘Hawa Singh’.

‘Time To Dance’ will have its world television premiere on Sony MAX on August 14.

Delnaaz Irani talks about her ‘reels’, emphasises proper usage of social media

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Delnaaz Irani talks about her ‘reels’, emphasises proper usage of social media

Delnaaz Irani needs no introduction. From the bubbly ‘Sweetu’ (Kal Ho Naa Ho) to ‘Pari Sitara’ (Son Pari) and her most recent small screen stint of Mrs Martha (Choti Sarrdaarni), the actress has portrayed every role she took up with perfection. Now she is quite famous for her ‘reels’ on social media.

Her reels featuring her beau Percy and domestic help Manoj are being loved by the masses because they are not just funny but the situations in which they are created look very real. But the actress was not always a fan of social media, and she got interested in it only during the lockdown last year.

“Whether it’s work, career or social media I have just gone with the flow. I have never manipulated things neither in my life, nor in my career, nor now with social media. It was never so important for me. When I started working, we did not have Instagram or Twitter, it was just Facebook and it was hardly used. But today social media is so important. Everything is out there and everything is publicised, but I feel it’s a personal choice,” she shares.

According to Delnaaz, social media is the best way to connect with people as she adds: “Initially, I did not understand it but then I realised the importance of social media because I understood that when you want to connect with people, with your fans, who love your body of work and have seen your work in the past and are still seeing you today, they definitely want to connect with you.”

Talking about the response she is getting from her fans and social media users in general, the ‘Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha’ actress says: “I started making videos and sharing my thoughts and people started enjoying it. I can sense that people love my comedy and I make these comic reels with either Percy or Manoj. I have been a comic actor so I just love to make people laugh and I don’t copy, I try to recreate them in my own way. People want to see me and Percy in reel, people want Manoj’s ‘naagin’ dance.”

Though she has realised that social media is a powerful tool, she stressed that one shouldn’t let it rule them. She feels it should be used in the right way, and not let it overpower other things in life.

“A lot of work is generated through social media. So I think it’s a complete win-win situation if you use the platform correctly. If you misuse it, it’s your fault. I think one should use the medium, and not let the medium use you. I am doing it, the day I will be tired and exhausted I will say ok bye. Right now I genuinely love it,” Delnaaz concludes.

Actor Mira Mithun booked in TN for casteist slur

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Actor Mira Mithun booked in TN for casteist slur

The Cyber wing of the Tamil Nadu police have booked actor-model Mira Mithun for an alleged slur against Scheduled Castes (SC) in a video which has gone viral on social media.

The FIR was lodged following a complaint by the Viduthalai Chiruthagai Katchi (VCK), a political party supporting the Dalit cause and led by Member of Parliament, Thol Thirumavalavan.

The TN Cyber Crime police said that actor Mira Mithun was booked under seven provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

While participating in a talk show, the actor, while answering a question said that normally she would not talk about Scheduled Caste (SC) people.

The complainant alleged that she had blamed movie directors from the Scheduled Castes community for all the wrongs and ills in the movie industry. According to the complainant, she had also asked as to why others in the Tamil movie industry were supporting these directors from the SC community.

The Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication front is a co-complainant in the petition against her.

Neha Bhasin says non-film music is taking centre stage again

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Neha Bhasin says non-film music is taking centre stage again

Singer Neha Bhasin is happy that independent music is taking centre stage, but adds that she minces no words while talking about famous actors being a part of these numbers.

Bhasin told IANS: “How does she see the music industry right now evolving: Because of Covid everything is very in between in general. Where I do see a shift is that non-film music is taking centre stage again because films have taken a bit of a back seat.

“But music industry and non film music main bhi wohi ho raha ki jo famous actors hain unko songs main daldo chaahe gaane kaisai bhi ho (But in non-film music they are putting bollywood stars no matter how or what the song is). I don’t know.”

The singer, who is currently seen as a contestant in “Bigg Boss OTT”, says she does not see the evolution of music content.

“I don’t see an evolution in content, I see an evolution in terms of it getting importance. There are some artists who are doing some good music, especially those who are independent, but with labels, I say that I get the feeling of selling soaps. That’s my personal opinion and it doesn’t really matter. It doesn’t affect what I do. I still do what I do,” Bhasin said.

“I always keep doing things that I want to do… As an artist you need to keep growing. You cannot just keep doing one thing for the rest of your life. An artist’s life is to lead and not to follow and you have to take those chances. You have to keep trying.”

“Bigg Boss OTT” is hosted by Karan Johar. It streams on Voot Select.

Vijayendra Kumeria talks about role, shooting experience in new normal

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Vijayendra Kumeria talks about role, shooting experience in new normal

Actor Vijayendra Kumeria, who is currently seen as ‘Darsh Rawal’ in the show ‘Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha’, is elated with the response he is receiving.

Vijayendra says the character of Darsh has added to his career profile and for him playing the role of a blind man was really beneficial. Adds Vijayendra: “Now I’m playing a normal man, the story has evolved and audiences like the new track.”

On being asked how it is to shoot in the new normal, he says: “Living in the new normal is a way of life, shooting schedules are early and they wind up timely too. Post shoot I am getting to focus on other things, time management is very important and I believe in living life one day at a time”.

The show started with a love story between a blind photographer Darsh Rawal and a simple, selfless girl ‘Nandini’. Now things have changed between them due to mutual differences.

The 34-year-old known for his role in the show ‘Udaan’ shares about his working experience with co-stars Narayani Shastri who portrays the role of his mother and Richa Rathore essaying the character of his wife Nandini. He says it is fantastic to work with Narayani as well as Richa: “Narayani and my scenes as mother and son turn out quite well. Audiences are waiting for the reunion of Darsh and Nandini and that is making the drama all the more interesting.”

Produced by Amir and Sonali Jaffar ‘Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha’ airs on Star Plus.

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