Ananth Mahadevan: Police brutality is a global subject now

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Filmmaker Ananth Mahadevan, whose film “Mai Ghat: Crime No 103/2005” is being screened at ‘Marche du Film Online of 73rd Cannes Film Festival, says that the film holds more relevance in the present time than ever, considering police brutality is a global phenomenon now.

Mahadevan’s film is based on the real-life story of Prabhavati Amma from Kerala, who lost her son Udayakumar due to police brutality in 2005.

Citing the example of the killing of African-American George Floyd by the police that took place in the US, Ananth said: “I think suddenly the rage against the police brutality has gone to its pick, a lot of protests are taking place worldwide. Whether it is in our country or in abroad, there are so many videos and news coverage we get to see on police brutality these days. Although it is not a new practice where innocents are brutalized by the police, the conversation around it has come into the forefront.”

“On the other hand, the story of my film is also of quiet rage, and the battle of a mother who has to wait for justice to be served, for her son who died owing to police brutality.”

The film features Usha Yadav as the female protagonist. It was selected for the Indian Panorama section and screened in International Film Festival in Goa last year. Usha bagged the Silver Peacock as Best Actress.

About casting Usha Yadav as his leading lady in his Marathi film, Ananth said: “Usha Yadav is a brilliant actress! In the film, she aged from the age of 25 to the age of 60 years old. With the kind of body language, the expression she played the older version of the character, it is really impressive. For the rest of the characters, I cast actors from theatre because I looked for real faces.”

Sukumar is heard to be very particular in the order of scenes

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The analytical reasoning in the scenes and their perfection with the crisp presentation in Sukumar’s films leave us in awe many a time. He just can’t be beaten at it. Director Sukumar is heard to be very particular in the order of scenes and also the output of every scene he shows us is almost what he imagined it to be. Such a mastermind is now upset with his calculations and sequence of tasks, all going tossed into confusion and blur.

Sukumar joined hands with his favourite, Allu Arjun for Pushpa and the first look of the same is released during the lockdown. The talented director wanted to shoot Pushparaju’s introduction song in the red sanders backdrop, probably in Seshachalam forests, where he also wanted to shoot some key scenes on the hero.

Sukumar’s strong will was to start the filming of Pushpa with this introduction song and the crucial scenes. He wanted to gain confidence by shooting the said scenes so they steer him to complete the complicated subject with the same energy. Sukumar also got some 1000 junior artists readied for the song shoot, but all in vain.

Neither coronavirus nor the authorities allow any film to shoot with a large crew. While many filmmakers are revving up their halted projects with a limited people taking part in the shoot, Sukumar is heard to be not interested to shoot normal scenes and that too with limited cast and crew first. It looks like the master of perfection is in dilemma and lets us see how he overcomes it.

‘Dil Bechara’ is set to have a digital release

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In a disappointment to Bollywood hero Sushant Singh Rajput’s fans, his last film ‘Dil Bechara’ is set to have a digital release. Disney which has acquired HotStar has announced this taking to their social media.

“A story of love, hope, and endless memories. Celebrating the late #SushantSinghRajput’s legacy that will be etched in the minds of all and cherished forever. #DilBechara coming to everyone on July 24,” tweeted Disney+HotStar handle.

Initially ‘Dil Bechara’ was slated to release in theatres on May 8th. But due to lockdown, it did not happen. The film based on John Green’s 2013 bestseller ‘The Fault In Our Stars’ marks the directorial debut of Mukesh Chhabra.

Music is composed by AR Rahman and the film also stars Sanjana Sanghi and Saif Ali Khan in other lead roles.

However, fans of Sushant urged the producers of this film to release in theatres so that they can see him for one last time on the big screen. Well, this is not going to happen now.

Divya Khosla Kumar Allegation on Singer Sonu Nigam

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Bollywood director and actor Divya Khosla Kumar has posted a video rebutting a series of barbs from singer Sonu Nigam, who alleged recently that her husband Bhushan Kumar, the head of entertainment giant T-Series, begged him for protection from gangster Abu Salem over two decades ago.

Sonu Nigam, a popular singer who has been away from mainstream Bollywood in recent years, last week posted a video blog, the second after actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death. He went on a rant about the “cruel” machinations of the music industry and targeted Bhushan Kumar, the son of T-Series founder Gulshan Kumar who was shot dead in 1997.

In his first video, Sonu Nigam had said “You might soon hear about suicides in the music industry.”Divya Khosla Kumar on Wednesday posted an Instagram video with a point-by-point reply to Sonu Nigam’s allegations.

“When tragedy struck T-Series family after the death of Gulshan Kumar, Sonu Nigam thought the company will sink and so he signed up with an obscure music company. He was thankless, he did not think twice about standing with T-Series in a tough time, didn’t think about supporting Gulshan Kumar ji’s son Bhushan ji, who was only 18 then,” Divya Khosla Kumar said in the video.

“Rather he started working with another music company, after which the inexperienced Bhushan ji then used to go to him for small help. Sonu Nigam is now using that phase as a leverage today to hit out at T-Series. Sonu Nigam claims Bhushan ji asked him ‘mujhe Abu Salem se bacha lo’. I want to ask something now, Sonu Nigam ji, why would Bhushan ji come to you to save himself from Abu Salem? I want an investigation. Was there a link between Abu Salem and Sonu Nigam? Yes, definitely there was. That’s why Bhushan ji went to him for help. Sonu Nigam himself said in his video that Bhushan ji had come to him for help,” Divya Khosla Kumar said.

Sonu Nigam, in his video, had repeatedly requested the alleged “music mafias” to be kind and considerate towards new talent. “It’s very difficult for the new kids, very difficult… I speak to every one of them. They are troubled that the producer wants to work with them, the director wants to work, even the music composer wants to work with them but the music company will say: ‘This is not our artiste’,” Sonu Nigam had said.

Divya Khosla Kumar reacted sharply to the charge. “For the last few days Sonu Nigam has been running a campaign against T-Series and Bhushan Kumar ji. T-Series has helped thousands of creative professionals who are outsiders, not linked to industry, music directors, singers, actors, directors. I have myself given a chance to newcomers. Four of them – Neha Kakkar, Rakul Preet Singh, Himansh Kohli and composer Arko have grown and found success,” the T-Series’ owner’s wife said.

“It is very easy to talk hiding on social media, but how many talent on the ground level have you pushed forward? No one, except yourself. You have not given any chance to anybody new in the industry… And you are blaming us that we don’t give a chance to people, when in fact 97 per cent people working in T-Series are outsiders, not industry kids, they have no previous link with the industry. We are always looking for new talent,” she said.

“Sonu Nigam says the industry doesn’t give a right direction to talent. But you’re a legend, I want to ask, you are a big star, how many people have you given a chance till today? You’re a big legend and many people must be coming to you for help, like ‘Sonu ji mere bete ko madad kar dijiye, hume milwa dijiye T-Series mein’… But you have not even come once saying ‘isko chance dedo, yeh bada talent hai’, you have never introduced any new talent to the industry, you have never spoken about giving a chance to people,” Divya Khosla Kumar said.

“Let me tell you, Sonu Nigam used to sing at Delhi’s Ram Lila for five rupees. Gulshan Kumar ji spotted him and saw talent, gave him flight ticket, brought him to Bombay, and said, ‘beta I will make you a star’. Now you tell me, Sonu Nigam ji, this was said to you or not? Will you deny it now? Gulshan ji did films with you, took you to great heights, but what did you do?”

Sushant Singh Rajput’s last film to release digitally

The late Sushant Singh Rajputs last film “Dil Bechara” will premiere on the OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar, on July 24.

“Sushant was not just the hero of my debut film as a director, but he was a dear friend who stood by me through thick and thin. We had been close right from ‘Kai Po Che’ to ‘Dil Bechara’,” said the film’s director Mukesh Chhabra.

“Dil Bechara” is the official remake of the 2014 Hollywood romantic drama “The Fault in our Stars”, based on John Green’s popular novel of the same name. Budding actress Sanjana Sanghi stars opposite Sushant in the film.

“He had promised me that he would be in my first film. So many plans were made together, so many dreams were dreamt together but never once did I ever imagine that I would be left alone to release this film. He always showered immense love on me while I was making it and his love will guide us as we release it,” Chhabra added.

The film will see Saif Ali Khan in a cameo. Composer AR Rahman and lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya have collaborated to create music for the project.

Sanjana shared the news on her social media, writing: “A story of love, of hope, and of endless memories. Celebrating our dearest, and the late #SushantSinghRajput ‘s legacy that will be etched in the minds of all and cherished forever.”

Talking about the decision to release it digitally, Uday Shankar, President, The Walt Disney Company APAC and Chairman, Star and Disney India, said: “We are humbled to be able to play a small part in sustaining the legacy of a fine actor like Sushant Singh Rajput. In celebration of his life and his extraordinary work, ‘Dil Bechara’ will be available to all subscribers and non-subscribers across India.”

Sushant was found hanging at his residence in Mumbai on June 14. He was 34.

Bhuma Akhila Priya planned to launch a movie production house

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Former Tourism Minister of Andhra Pradesh and late Bhuma Nagi Reddy’s political successor Bhuma Akhila Priya is said to be contemplating to invest in the movie industry.

If sources are anything to go by, Bhuma Akhila Priya and her husband Bhargav had planned to launch a movie production house. While all the plans were afoot, the sudden and unexpected lockdown imposed across the country seem to have affected these plans.

With the film industry being the worst-hit due to Covid-19, and it’s estimated that it would take a while for the revival of the industry, Bhuma couple seems to be in dilemma now. Only when the situation comes to normalcy, Bhuma couple’s movie production plans would be known.

We have to wait and watch whether the Bhuma couple would still go ahead with the movie production plan or would they drop their idea and switch towards any other business. If Bhuma Akhila Priya enters into the movie business, it will surely become a sensation in Tollywood and political circles.

Shivin Narang: Topics of depression, mental health should be part of school syllabus

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Actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s sudden demise has brought back the discussion on the importance of mental health. TV star Shivin Narang says topics of depression and mental health should be included in the school syllabus.

“I think this is something that should be taught since the beginning, like from school onwards. I don’t remember being taught anything like this. It should be included in the syllabus since childhood, everything from the symptoms to how to cope with it,” Shivin said.

The “Beyhadh 2” actor also said that this is not something that is industry-centric and can happen to anyone. However, he asserted that people in the entertainment industry are more aware and accepting of it.

“The life of an actor is very unstable. Sometimes you are on the top and sometimes you need to struggle. But this is something we all know before entering the industry. As far as depression is concerned, it’s not just in the entertainment industry. Life is so fast now, especially because of the internet and social media, that we tend to forget ourselves. People make less conversation, meet less. Rather, we meet or talk digitally,” he said.

“Sometimes when you are alone, you feel empty. It happens with everyone. It’s not like that depression just happens to people in the entertainment industry. I feel wherever the job atmosphere is stressful, it can happen. But I think the people from the industry are still very open about it, they accept that they are suffering from depression et cetera, and they need to get it treated,” he added.

Sayani Gupta on ‘Axone’: Choices I took were very risky

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Actress Sayani Gupta says for the first time in her career she was extremely nervous about what people from the Northeast would say, when she signed her latest release, “Axone”.

A bittersweet comedy, the film is a satire that follows a bunch of northeastern youngsters in Delhi who, while attempting to organize a wedding party, find everything going wrong.

Sayani’s portrayal of a 23-year-old Nepali girl from Manipur in the film has been appreciated by the critics and the audience.

“The response has been seriously overwhelming. I am very happy that everyone has showered so much love and appreciation to the film also because it’s a small indie film. Not sounding pompous, but I am generally pretty detached to my projects after I am done shooting for them because you know what you have done. But for the first time, I was extremely nervous and anxious about what people from the northeast would say about ‘Axone’ and whether I was authentic or not,” the actress said.

“The choices I took were very risky and I didn’t want to play it safe. Hence, the chances of it not working were also high. But the unbelievable response that one has received from literally thousands of messages coming in, appreciating the work, and the film have been very validating. I am very grateful for each one of them for reaching out and telling me, what the film has done. Also, I am glad that a new set of audiences has seen my work, and tons of people have been messaging saying now they will watch my other work as well. There was a celebration around the film which is so heartening to witness! And I am also glad that critics have also given the film a lot of love,” she added.

The film helmed by Nicholas Kharkongor is currently streaming on Netflix.

Ankit Arora on shoots amid New Normal: Everyone will get used to it

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Actor Ankit Arora is eager to get back on the sets of “Alif Laila” as the show’s makers are gearing up to shoot new episodes after the lockdown.

“I think everyone who belongs to the media and entertainment industries is excited and eager to get back on sets after a really long break. But along with this enthusiasm, we all need to be alert and cautious for not only ourselves but for others too,” said Ankit, who plays an important role in the show.

“It is bound to take some time to settle with the new guidelines and adapt to the change. Eventually, everyone will get used to it. As actors, it is our responsibility to practice leading the conversation of being safe and sanitized. Some artists have a couple of people in their team, I’m sure they will be responsible and reduce these numbers, avoiding as much human intervention as possible,” he added.

Ankit has ensured maintaining a daily regime.

“I make sure I exercise daily as it helps me to stay alert, fresh, and focused. I have continued to keep my vocal cords in check and practice regularly,” he said.

Meanwhile, the lockdown, which began in March, gave him the opportunity to watch a lot of content and observe some great actors on-screen.

“I am a huge fan of Amitabh Bachchan sir, and I watched many of his films during these months. After a long break like this, I feel rested and ready to go with a roar,” he said.

“Alif Laila” is aired on Dangal TV.

Nani is busy with the period drama ‘Shyam Singarai’

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The Natural Star of Tollywood, Nani is busy with the period drama ‘Shyam Singarai’ directed by Rahul Sankrityan of ‘Taxiwala’. It is said that the content has been shaped up well. The makers of the film- Sitara Entertainments are now planning it as a Pan India film with its universal content.

Nani who liked the subject a lot wanted to make it big in his career and thus the star is said to have been working hard on his physique and he is adamant to look different in the film.

As per the latest news it is said that this special film needs three actresses in the lead role. Sai Pallavi is said to be the main lead and the makers have approached Rashmika Mandanna, the happening beauty to play a role that comes in the flashback episodes. The actress is said to have said ‘no’ to star in this film as she is adamant to play single heroine roles as per the demand.

On the film front, Rashmika has ‘Pushpa’ with Allu Arjun and few other projects in her hand and her planning is great to become the numero uno actress of this generation!