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Vicky Kaushal and Samantha Ruth Prabhu
Vicky-Sam film revived
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After considerable back and forth, producer Ronnie Screwvala and director Aditya Dhar have now decided to go ahead with The Immortal Ashwatthama. Based on the warrior son of Guru Dronacharya from the mythological epic, Mahabharata, the magnum opus reunites the makers with Vicky Kaushal, the lead actor of the blockbuster hit, Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019). Interestingly, the film also marks the big Bollywood debut of south star Samantha, who has wowed audiences and critics alike for her performance as the antagonist Raji in Raj-DK’s The Family Man 2. Aditya, who has done extensive research and worked on the script over the last three years, has apparently impressed the producer and the studio bankrolling the film with his storyboard of the narrative. Reportedly, the team is looking to begin work on the film in February 2023. By then, Vicky will wrap up Sam Bahadur with director Meghna Gulzar. He can then begin prep to finally see his and Aditya’s dream project come true.
Gunning for action
Though she has acted in thrillers before, Code Name Tiranga sees Parineeti Chopra perform plenty of stunts. For her part of R&AW agent Durga in director Ribhu Dasgupta’s espionage thriller, the actor underwent extensive prep, and also trained in the use of different kinds of guns. “When you’re gun training but want to use your skills on the action director himself, because he doesn’t let you rest,” she wrote alongside the video of her shooting lessons she posted online. Parineeti added, “Countless bruises and heat massages later, Agent Durga (aka stronger me) is ready for action film no 2. Bring it on!”
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A write choice
Rani Mukerji is turning author with an autobiography that will be unveiled on her birthday, March 21, 2023. The memoir, published by Harper Collins India, is said to be a disarmingly honest account of her inspiring journey. Admitting that she hasn’t had the time to pause, look back on her life, retrospectively and introspectively, Rani says, “This memoir is my way of reminiscing what I have been through right from my childhood. It’s for every single person who has given me boundless love and kept me grounded. I look forward to their reactions when this book releases on my birthday next year, making the day even more special.”
No to piracy
The makers of Ponniyin Selvan: I (PS: I) had sought legal route to prevent the screening of the magnum opus on pirated websites. The Madras High Court yesterday banned more than 2,000 websites from streaming the pirated version of Mani Ratnam’s period drama starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Chiyaan Vikram, Trisha Krishnan and Karthi.
Retro b’day for Big B
Amitabh Bachchan turns 80 on October 11. To mark the momentous occasion, Film Heritage Foundation has announced Bachchan: Back To The Beginning, a unique four-day festival in partnership with PVR Cinemas. Starting October 8, 11 of Big B’s landmark early movies will be screened in 17 cities across India. Admitting that he never thought he’d see a day when his initial films would be screened, Bachchan says, “It is a remarkable initiative of Film Heritage Foundation and PVR to showcase not just my work, but the work of my directors, fellow actors and technicians of the time who made these films possible. It brings back an era that is gone, but not forgotten. This is why saving India’s film heritage is so important.” Asserting the importance of saving our film heritage, he adds, “I hope this is the beginning of many festivals that will celebrate landmark films of Indian cinema back on the big screen.”
Let’s play boss
Krushna Abhishek has jumped on the Bigg Boss bandwagon. Come October 9, he will be seen hosting Bigg Buzz that revolves around a crazy Bigg Boss family playing games with the evicted contestants of the reality show. Krushna says, “I’m thrilled to be hosting Bigg Buzz where I get to take the class of the evicted contestants and share inside news with the audience. Ghar ke andar Bigg Boss unki class lenge, aur ghar ke bahar main.”
Adding it up
It looks like Ayushmann Khurrana and Rakul Preet Singh’s reel jodi has garnered much curiosity. So much so that even before their first collaboration Doctor G opens in cinemas on October 14, they have bagged an endorsement deal.
The two actors have been signed on as ambassadors of the athleisure range of a footwear brand. Apparently, Ayushmann and Rakul have shot a campaign, which is aimed at the young consumers. The two actors play doctors in the social comedy that marks the directorial debut of Anurag Kashyap’s sister, Anubhuti.
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