Have you heard? Playing it forward

Aamir Khan. Pic/Sameer Markande

Suddenly everybody is talking about how Bollywood is feeling insecure by the humongous success of south Indian films being dubbed in Hindi. Even though essentially three films - Pushpa: The Rise, RRR and KGF: Chapter 2 - have struck gold at the ticket windows across territories, they were enough to threaten the prospects of a Hindi film releasing simultaneously. While the Allu Arjun-starrer took many by surprise, SS Rajamouli's period saga coming after the mammoth blockbuster Baahubali was bound to over-run any competition at the ticket windows. However, one man realised the true potential of the Prashanth Neel directorial venture starring Kannada actor, Yash. Aamir Khan was the only person who knew beforehand that KGF: Chapter 2 would create a tsunami at the national box office, swear industry insiders. Bollywood's Mr Perfectionist quietly went about booking an alternate release date for his next, Laal Singh Chaddha. By the collections of the KGF sequel, one can gauge that it would have been a near-impossible task for another film releasing on the same day to match up. Shahid Kapoor's Jersey, initially slated to open in cinemas along with the Yash-starrer on April 14, was deferred by a week and the result is there for all to see. The remake of the 2019 Telugu hit of the same name, which collected nearly R14 crore in the opening weekend, on its first Monday, registered less than half the first Friday's figures and never recovered, despite mostly glowing reviews. On the other hand, KGF: Chapter 2 continued to rake in good moolah in its second week.

Pan-India not for pan masala

It is often said that wise men learn from others' mistakes. Having seen Akshay Kumar get slammed online for endorsing the flavoured cardamom made by a pan masala brand, Kannada actor Yash has declined to sign up as the brand ambassador. Friends of the Kannada actor attribute this decision to his core ethos of collaborating with meaningful and healthy content for the viewers. His spokesperson says that the KGF actor wants to use his pan-India appeal to give the right kind of messaging to his fans and followers by associating with brands that share similar values and play the long game. Smart!

Continuing the disruption

Ayushmann Khurrana, who has chalked his own path with disruptive cinema, is excited about his films in the coming months. He beams, "I play an undercover cop in Anek, a doctor in Doctor G, and in An Action Hero, I essay a Hindi film hero who, though perceived as a muscle-flexing star, is quite the opposite in real." Ayushmann adds, "These three projects are disruptive and highly original scripts. I'm confident about them standing out. As an actor, I can't wait to see the audience's reactions to them"

Ash you like it

Never mind what anyone says, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan continues to generate curiosity and her films continue to command a price. If her project is with an acclaimed director, with whom she has given hits before, then it's sone pe suhaga. Like her upcoming Ponniyin Selvan series with the renowned filmmaker Mani Ratnam. Sources tell us that the post-theatrical streaming rights of the two-part film based on Kalki Krishnamurthy's Tamil novel have been acquired by an international streaming giant for Rs 125 crore. The period saga has Ash playing a double role - Nandini, a Pahuvoor queen and Mandakini Devi, also known as Oomai Rani or the mute queen. Of course, much before PS-1 releases on September 30, the former Miss World will be talked about for her sartorial choices at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival.

Main bhi Rambo

Tiger Shroff has revealed that he will begin filming director Siddharth Anand's Rambo before he starts shooting with Akshay Kumar for Ali Abbas Zafar's Bade Miyan Chote Miyan later this year. Moreover, he hopes Rambo becomes a franchise. Considering that the climax of Baaghi 2 was inspired by Rambo: First Blood Part II, what is left to remake from Stallone's franchise? Can't help but borrow from the inimitable Usha Uthup's song, Rambo no no no…

Clash averted!

On Thursday, Amazon Prime Video announced its 2022 slate with a grand event grand event that saw B-Town's prominent actors and directors in attendance. However, what was more impressive was how the OTT platform's team ensured that the host, Karan Johar, and Kangana Ranaut don't cross paths. About half-an-hour before Kangana - whose production venture, Tiku Weds Sheru is releasing on the platform - was about to step on the stage, KJo left. First Abhishek Bachchan did the honours, and later, actor and stand-up Sumukhi Suresh took over. It was only some time after Kangana's exit that Karan returned to host the rest of the event. It's another thing that after the event wrapped up, the Manikarnika actor took jibes at KJo and a rival OTT platform, on social media. Really now!

Raghav finalises his next big move

From being a contestant to hosting dance reality shows, Raghav Juyal has become a household name over the years. Now, he is all set for his next big movie. We hear the choreographer and TV host has been finalised for a pivotal part in Salman Khan's Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali. Reportedly, Raghav is also doing a film produced by Karan Johar. The filmmaker's team recommended his name for a key role in Salman's next production venture. The Farhad Samji directorial venture, which also features Pooja Hegde, Venkatesh, Aayush Sharma and Zaheer Iqbal, is set to roll in June.