Billy Porter, Luke Evans signed for Bill Oliver’s drama ‘Our Son’

0

Los Angeles, June 3 Billy Porter and Luke Evans are set to star in the custody-battle drama ‘Our Son’, a Bill Oliver directorial.

The film written by Oliver and Peter Nickowitz follows the story of a divorcing couple fighting for custody of their 8-year-old son, reports Deadline.

According to ‘Deadline’, Fernando Loureiro and Guilherme Coelho will produce via their company, Tigresa, along with Eric Binns. CAA Media Finance and ICM Partners are co-representing the film’s distribution rights.

Porter is an actor, singer, director, composer, and playwright best known for his Emmy-winning turn as Ball scene emcee Pray Tell on television network FX’s drama series ‘Pose’.

His theatre credits include the role of Lola in the Broadway musical ‘Kinky Boots, which he originated in 2013-landing Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards, as well as the Grammy for Best Musical-Theatre Album.

In addition, Porter is making his directorial debut with the high school coming-of-age film, ‘Anything’s Possible’, written by Alvaro Garcia Lecuona. He’s also set to direct a queer teen comedy from Gabrielle Union’s I’ll Have Another production, titled ‘To Be Real’.

‘Deadline’ further states that Evans will this year star in Apple’s action-thriller drama series ‘Echo 3′, also appearing in Robert Zemeckis’ live-action retelling of ‘Pinocchio’ for Disney+, and going into production on the film ‘5lbs of Pressure’.

On the small screen, Evans most recently starred in Hulu’s most-watched original series ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’, the Emmy-nominated The Alienist’, and ‘The Pembrokeshire Murders’. The actor has also been seen in Disney’s 2017 live-action ‘Beauty and the Beast film and the ‘Fast & Furious franchise’.

 

Big B shares vintage pic from the wedding on 49th marriage anniversary

0

Mumbai, June 3 On their 49th marriage anniversary on Friday, megastar Amitabh Bachchan shared a glimpse of his wedding with actress-politician Jaya Bachchan on social media and thanked everyone for showering the couple with love.

Amitabh posted the picture on Instagram, where he is seen dressed in a golden sherwani, while Jaya is sporting an all-red wedding lehenga.

He captioned the image: “Jaya aur meri vivaah jayanti pe jo sneh aur aadar pradaan kiya gaya hai uske liye haath jodkar pranaam karta hun. Dhanyavaad. Sab ka Uttar a de paayengay isilye yahaan pratikriya, prativachan sweekar kare (I fold my hands and thank all those who have showered love to Jaya and me on her marriage anniversary. Thank you. Won’t be able to reply to all Please accept my gratitude here).”

The couple’s romance began on the sets of ‘Guddi’. The two have worked together in several successful films such as ‘Zanjeer’, ‘Abhimaan’, ‘Silsila’, ‘Chupke Chupke’, ‘Mili’, ‘Sholay’, and ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’.

Amitabh will next be seen in ‘Brahmastra’ while Jaya is shooting for Karan Johar’s ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani’.

Akshay Kumar calls ‘Samrat Prithviraj’ his legacy project

0

Los Angeles, June 3  Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has said that his latest release ‘Samrat Prithviraj’ is one of the most important films of his career, in fact, it is his ‘legacy project’ that he is extremely grateful to have in his filmography.

The actor says, “‘Samrat Prithviraj’ is a very important film in my career. It is my legacy project because I’m getting to honor the legendary Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan. I’m fortunate that I’m getting to bring his heroism and life on screen.”

“I hope this film inspires many to lead their life with strong values and get the courage to stand up against any and every evil. Samrat Prithviraj, to me, is a rare project.”

Akshay explains why ‘Samrat Prithviraj’ is such a special film for him.

He says, “It combines my love for India, enables me to tell a story that is rooted in India’s history and folklore, and is also a film for every audience segment. As an actor, I love telling stories that can reach everyone and people can have a community viewing experience. Samrat Prithviraj is a film that sits at the top of the ladder.

“It is also a spectacle that will leave audiences awe-struck.”

He adds, “Coming out of the pandemic, people want to watch films with their families and relive the theatrical experience that they used to have. ‘Samrat Prithviraj’ will deliver on this in spates because it is truly an incredible family entertainer told with a scale that’s fit to honor the daredevilry of the brave Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan.”

‘Samrat Prithviraj’ has been directed by Dr. Chandraprakash Dwived. The film, which also stars Manushi Chhillar, was released on June 3 in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

Please revisit ‘Kaithi’ before watching ‘Vikram’: Director Lokesh Kanagaraj

0

Hyderabad, June 3 In an open note that he shared, ‘Vikram’ director Lokesh Kanagaraj wrote that it was a surreal experience for him to direct someone like Kamal Haasan.

Lokesh added that he is emotional and said that ‘Vikram’ is a gift to Kamal Haasan, from a fanboy.

On Thursday, a few hours prior to the movie’s theatrical release, Lokesh shared a note via his social media handles.

“This is the most emotional I’ve ever felt before the release of my film. As I can remember, ever since I was a kid, I loved Ulayanayagan the most. This is a surreal experience for me, that I am directing a film in his honor,” Lokesh’s note reads.

According to Lokesh, “It has been 18 months since I started working on ‘Vikram’. As a team, we have shed blood and sweat (quite literally) for this film”.

Hinting that ‘Vikram’ has some sort of connection with his previous movie ‘Kaithi’, Lokesh teased, “And, please do revisit Kaithi before entering into the world of Vikram”.

The film also features Vijay Sethupathi, Fahadh Faasil, and others in crucial roles, apart from Kamal Haasan, who is to appear in a titular role with negative shades as well.

Kamal Haasan’s ‘Vikram’ trailer lights up Burj Khalifa in Dubai

0

Chennai, June 2 Ahead of its theatrical release on June 3, thespian Kamal Haasan’s latest film offering ‘Vikram’ is literally touching new heights. On Wednesday, the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai provided the setting for the movie’s trailer.

The actor-producer was recently in Dubai for the final leg of promoting the film. The team was overjoyed to see glimpses of the film projected onto the world’s tallest building.

Fans of the veteran actor gathered in large numbers and cheered as the movie trailer was projected onto the Burj. When visuals from the movie flashed on the towering structure, the actor responded with a brief smile. Later, from the hotel balcony, he waved out to the fans on the street below as they chanted ‘Vikram, Vikram!’

Helmed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, produced by Kamal Haasan and R. Mahendran, Raaj Kamal Films International, the power-packed action thriller stars Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi, and Fahadh Faasil.

Pen studios’ Distribution division Pen Marudhar has acquired the Hindi distribution rights of the film.

Kamal Haasan's 'Vikram' trailer lights up Burj Khalifa in Dubai

Filmmakers of Venkatesh and Varun-starrer ‘F3’ smash movie’s OTT release rumors

0

Hyderabad, June 2 ‘F3’, starring Venkatesh Daggubati, Varun Tej, and others in the lead roles, is running successfully in the theatres.

There have been rumors doing the rounds about the early OTT release of Anil Ravipudi’s directorial ‘F3’. Putting the rumors to rest, the team has come up with a witty video, sharing an important piece of information.

In the video released by the ‘F3’ team, Venkatesh, Varun Tej, and Anil Ravipudi thanked the audience for making the movie such a big hit and reiterated that it will not be released on streaming platforms before its eight-week theatrical run.

“Do not go by the rumors. ‘F3’ will start streaming on OTT platforms only after eight weeks from its theatrical release. Go watch the movie at the nearest theatres”, Venkatesh, Varun Tej, and Anil Ravipudi conveyed.

The movie’s producers have been saying from the beginning that the film will not be released on any OTT platform within a few weeks of its theatrical release.

‘F3’ stars Tamannaah, Mehreen, Sonal Chauhan, Sunil, and Rajendra Prasad, and is directed by Dil Raju and produced by Shirish under Sri Venkateshwara Creations banner.

 

Song ‘Nagaadaarilo’ from Sai Pallavi and Rana’s ‘Virata Parvam’ is out

0

Hyderabad, June 2 As part of promotions, the makers of Sai Pallavi and Rana Daggubati – starrer ‘Virata Parvam’ on Thursday hooked the audience with the melodious treat from the movie.

The song visuals are quite appealing, hinting at Sai Pallavi and Rana Daggubati’s love story, which appears to have no happy ending. However, the song alludes to the possibility of a happy outlook.

Suresh Bobbili, one of Tollywood’s most under-appreciated composers, has created a song that will linger in the minds of music lovers for a long time.

Right from composition, to the vocals, to the lyrics, to the visuals, everything about this song is flawless.

Lalit Talluri’s flute adds a classic touch to the song, which Varam has crooned.

The song’s lyrics are penned by Dyavari Narendar Reddy and Sanapati Bharadwaj Patrudu.

‘Virata Parvam’ is an epic love story set in the backdrop of the Naxalite Movement in the Telangana region in the 90s.

Directed by Venu Udugula, the movie also features Priyamani, Nanditha Das, Naveen Chandra, Zareena Wahab, Eswari Rao, Sai Chand, Benarji, Nagineedu, Rahul Ramakrishna, Devi Prasad, Anand Ravi, Anand Chakrapani in important roles, is scheduled to release on June 17.

 

‘SVP’ is now available for pay per view on Amazon Prime Video

0

Hyderabad, June 2 Mahesh Babu and Keerthy Suresh starrer ‘Sarkaru Vaari Paata’ is now available for the Amazon Prime Video users, but on pay-per-view (PPV).

Even before Parasuram Petla’s directorial wraps up its theatrical run, the makers have decided to start streaming the movie for the OTT users.

However, the user has to pay Rs 199 for the time being, until the makers announce the OTT release date for all the subscribers.

‘Sarkaru Vaari Paata’, starring Mahesh Babu and Keerthy Suresh, was released in theatres on May 12 and was a box office success.

The film has music by SS Thaman. With whopping collections at the box office, the movie stood as one of the biggest blockbusters for Mahesh Babu and his team.

This super hit film, produced by Mythri Movie Makers, GMB Entertainment, and 14 Reels Plus, also stars Nadiya, Samuthirakani, Naga Babu, Vennela Kishore, Subbaraju, Brahmaji, and others.

Qatar puts release of ‘Samrat Prithviraj’ on hold

0

Mumbai, June 2 After Kuwait and Oman banned the release of ‘Samrat Prithviraj’, Qatar now has put a hold on the Akshay Kumar-starrer.

‘Samrat Prithviraj’ is based on the life and valor of the fearless and mighty King Prithviraj Chauhan. Akshay is essaying the role of the legendary warrior who fought valiantly to protect India from the merciless invader Muhammad of Ghor in this visual spectacle.

A source working in overseas territories, on conditions of anonymity, says: “The issue is unnecessarily getting colored with a religious lens in these countries. People should view a film that’s based on history and is authentic from a neutral perspective.

“The fact is that India was looted by invaders who happened to be Muslims. The fact is that Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan fought one such invader and tried to protect India till his last breath. One should view history for what it is.”

The source adds: “After a ban in Kuwait and Oman, now another Islamic country, Qatar, has put the film’s release on hold. Indians living in these countries won’t be able to see the film and that’s really unfortunate. A film like this comes once in a lifetime for everyone to see and enjoy and celebrate one’s history.”

“People are trying to deny Indians of this moment. Better sense should prevail.”

‘Samrat Prithviraj’ has been directed by Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi. Manushi Chhillar plays the role of King Prithviraj’s beloved Sanyogita.

The film is set to release this Friday in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

‘Major’ is not an agenda-driven movie: Director Sashi Kiran Tikka

0

Hyderabad, June 2 The film Major,’ which stars Adivi Sesh and tells the story of 26/11 martyr Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, will be released on June 3. Director Sashi Kiran Tikka explained that ‘Major’ is a story told from the perspective of Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s parents and that the film has no agenda and is made for the audience to savor the emotions alone.

“‘Major’ isn’t some random agenda-driven movie,” Sashi Kiran Tikka said. “It’s a natural story that allows the audience to soak in the emotions. While listening to the script, some of the actors and teammates began to cry.”

“Prakash Raj and Revathi both broke down in tears. At times, I too became emotional. The performance of Revathi ma’am will make you cry,” he conveyed.

“During the attacks, 15 police officers and two NSG commandos were killed, including Sandeep Unnikrishnan. I hope that one day, their stories will be told in the same way that Sandeep’s has been told.”

The director claims that the screening of ‘Major’ for Sandeep’s parents was a moving experience, as they were contacted by the team for the simplest of the details related to the martyr. “They’d describe how their son used to react in a particular situation. Taking their feedback was like a litmus test for us. The story is the parents’ point of view,” said Sashi Kiran Tikka.

The director talked about small-big cinematic liberties, he tried to take advantage of, for ‘Major’.

“The majority of ‘Major’ was shot on location. Simultaneously, we had to be as genuine as possible. To be sure, some cinematic liberties were taken.

“The action sequences were created with the goal of being as commercial as possible. If the reactions of the audiences at the premieres are any indication, the decision was well worth it.

“‘Major’ has been seen by Mahesh Babu sir (one of the producers). After watching the show, he was speechless for five minutes. We were unsure whether he enjoyed the film or not! He later came up to us, hugged me, and expressed his happiness as he showered appreciation,” said Sashi Kiran Tikka.