Superstars on Atlee’s wish list It is known that after Jawan (2023) with Shah Rukh Khan, director Atlee is looking to up the ante with his next. After his collaboration with Allu Arjun didn’t materialise, the filmmaker is in talks with Salman Khan for an action thriller. What makes the project interesting is that it is a two-hero subject and Atlee is keen on casting a south superstar along with Salman. Chatter is that the filmmaker has approached Kamal Haasan for the big-budget extravaganza. Popularly known as Ulganayagan, the legendary actor too is said to have given his nod to the subject. However, things will be finalised after Kamal and Salman hear the final screenplay, work on which is underway. Incidentally, a couple of weeks ago, it was being said that Atlee had discussed the concept with Rajinikanth. Considering the director is now in talks with Kamal, it appears that things didn’t pan out with Rajini. A new venture Rhea Chakraborty is set to begin a new phase of her life with an inspiring podcast titled Chapter 2. The first episode of her new venture features Sushmita Sen. Sharing a teaser, Rhea wrote, “I just turned 32 yesterday, and what a journey it has been! The past four years have been all about change, growth, and becoming a version of myself that I’m finally feeling good about.” Comparing her podcast to a celebration, the actor added about her first guest, saying, “I’ve looked up to her ever since I was a kid, and I’m still in awe of how she keeps challenging life and winning at it. We had such a great chat about all things life, love and evolution.” Rhea concluded her post, saying, “Sequels are usually boring, but not this one!” Thrice as nice Sharvari is on a high. After Munjya crossed the R100-crore mark at the domestic box office, she earned praise for her performance in Maharaj, which released on OTT in June. Now, the actor has bagged the top spot in IMDb’s latest Popular Indian Celebrities list. Excited with the news, Sharvari promises, “I’m going to put in a lot of hard work because I want to be a part of the best films and hopefully become one of the best actresses of my country. My mind is set on that goal.” On a hat-trick Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal’s maiden production venture, Girls Will Be Girls, continues its winning spree. Shuchi Talati’s directorial venture has won the Grand Jury Prize at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA). Starting this year with two wins at the Sundance Film Festival, the Kani Kusruti and Preeti Panigrahi-starrer also won Grand Jury prizes at Transilvania International Film Festival in Romania and Biarritz Film Festival in France. Calling their latest win “an incredible honour”, Richa said, “It is gratifying to see the hard work and dedication of our entire team being recognised on such a prestigious platform. This is a third win for the film this month which is huge.” Calling their journey nothing short of magical, Ali added, “Each accolade reaffirms our belief in the power of authentic storytelling. We are grateful for the support and love we’ve received, and we’re excited to see where Girls Will Be Girls will go next.” Hollywood remake of desi actioner on cards It’s not often that one hears of a Bollwood production inspiring a Hollywood remake. That’s where director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat’s upcoming actioner Kill comes as a pleasant surprise. Reportedly, Lionsgate and 87Eleven Entertainment, which has produced the popular John Wick franchise, are joining hands to make an adaptation of the Lakshya, Raghav Juyal and Tanya Maniktala-starrer. Kill, produced by Guneet Monga Kapoor and Karan Johar, premièred at the Toronto International Film Festival 2023 and has been earning accolades on the festival circuit ever since. Chad Stahelski, producer for 87Eleven Entertainment, has called it “one of the most vivid, wild, and creative action movies I’ve seen recently,” and lauded director Nikhil’s relentless action sequences. What makes the remake important is that it will be a joint venture between the international production house and KJo’s Dharma Productions and Guneet’s Sikhya Entertainment. The two producers called this development “a big win for Indian cinema” and a testament to Kill’s potential for international appeal. Details of the adaptation, like the director and cast are yet to be finalised. Director’s actor Ever since his debut film, Laila Majnu (2018), Avinash Tiwary has been impressing audiences with his acting chops. The Madgaon Express actor will next be seen in Sikandar Ka Muqqaddar. The upcoming movie reunites him with director Neeraj Pandey, after the web series, Khakee: The Bihar Chapter (2022). Recently, when the filmmaker was asked to share his opinion on Avinash, he replied, “Avinash was so good that we decided to work again on Sikandar Ka Muqqaddar on Netflix.” Change in release plans? Talk in the trade is that Ajay Devgn and Tabu’s Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha will not release this Friday. Sources claim that director Neeraj Pandey’s musical romance has been deferred due to the unprecedented success of Kalki 2898 AD. Opening to full houses, director Nag Ashwin’s futuristic thriller starring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan and Deepika Padukone is holding well during the week and is expected to continue its run in its second weekend too. In such a scenario, there could be screen-sharing issues as Kill and the Hollywood film Despicable Me 4 are also releasing this Friday. So, to avoid affecting the exhibitors and in the larger interest of film trade, Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha makers are considering arriving on either July 12 or August 2.
03 July,2024 06:30 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamTasked with playing the role of a RA&W agent in Commander Karan Saxena, Gurmeet Choudhary didn’t need to look too far for inspiration. “My dad was responsible for training the new recruits who would join the army, and I have seen him train since I was a child,” says the actor, adding, “I’d [exercise] along with him and have enjoyed doing so since childhood. I like to be physically fit, and am a black belt holder. But the training required for the role of a RA&W agent is quite different. We had to shoot in real location, and pull off real fight sequences. For that, a lot of practice was needed. I requested my dad [to help me], and he taught me how to hold and load the gun, and how to use it as a torch.” While Choudhary, who made his debut with a teleseries, has been applauded for his physical prowess, (“Had I not been an actor, I’d be in the army,” he says), he believes adding sprinting to his regimen served as a game-changer. “I was clocking in 100 metres in 12 seconds, which is when my coach encouraged me to compete in the nationals. It helped me build immense stamina. At the time, I was working on two projects, and would, at times, go without sleep for four days. I could endure that because I practiced sprinting. If you notice, marathoners are lean, but sprinters are muscular. And even if your sprinting bout is only 12 seconds long, you need to warm up and prep for it for an hour. I was able to beat sprinters who are in their 20s, and a lot of the credit goes to the strength training I have done over the years. People speak of the importance of weight training today. But, in the west, whether you are a dancer or any other sports-person, weight-training is compulsorily done to retain muscle mass. A lot of that muscle mass helped me sprint better. That, along with my martial arts programme, helped me build a [holistic] routine,” says the actor, who lifts every evening, and practices either MMA or sprinting each morning. Weighing in on the popular notion that the success of an exercise programme is “80 per cent dependent on the diet, and 20 per cent, on the exercise regimen”, Choudhary says, given a chance, he’d alter the proportions. “I have understood that a fitness programme is dependent on the diet by 99 per cent. Only if your diet is absolutely regimented can you achieve and maintain a fantastic frame. My diet is severely controlled. I haven’t eaten a samosa in 14 years, and haven’t had sugar in years. At this stage in my career, I think I don’t have taste buds. I have created such a system for my body that I [don’t want to consume anything that’s hyper-palatable]. It’s a sacrifice I have made to achieve the things I have. In this world, merely two percent of individuals create a name for themselves. If I am among them, it is on me to make the required sacrifices. I have been training for years, but each day that I wake up, I fight the desire to eat sugar, and the urge to skip the gym. But, it is worth it all.” Along with his fitness enthusiast wife, actor Debina Bonnerjee, Choudhary says he encourages healthy eating habits among his kids. “We don’t let them watch the screen while having their meals. Our kids have never eaten pizza, or packaged foods. They also get different meals across the seven days of the week so that they can be introduced to new tastes.” Gurmeet on his daily dietary plan . I begin my day with butter coffee. The ghee we consume comes from Himachal [Pradesh]. An hour later, I consume a celery, lemon, ginger, amla, and mint juice.. My breakfast comprises five whole eggs, five egg whites, and avocado. An hour later, I have a few soaked and peeled almonds with milk. . Lunch comprises boiled chicken with broccoli and mushrooms. Later in the day, I have some blueberries.. In the evening, I again have avocado, and grilled fish or boiled chicken. . Before I head to bed, I have a protein shake with supplements. The Cheats: Shalini Pandey What’s your cheat meal: Chocolate cake is my ultimate comfort dessert. A flavourful biryani is another option. How often do you indulge: Frequently, because I am an active person. If I am travelling, I indulge a lot. Cheat meal Vs cheat day: I don’t plan this. It can be either, and depends on how my week has panned out. Do you compensate for it: I do compensate for any indulgence by ensuring that my diet, on most days, consists of clean, and nutritious foods. I exercise regularly, and also pay attention to portion sizes. In Mahesh Shetty's Fridge FruitsBengali sweetsNutellaChicken Fitness tip that works for Milind SomanMental [grit] is everything. Everyone can run. The human species has evolved [to be] the best running species. There is no animal that can run for as long as we can, and at our pace.
03 July,2024 06:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonia LullaEvery film impacts you in some way, big or small. Pavail Gulati, who is shooting Deva with Shahid Kapoor, believes the action fare has deepened his respect for the Mumbai Police. Playing a cop for the first time on screen has not only given him deep insight into their functioning, but also made him realise their everyday hardships. “Playing the role of a Mumbai policeman has instilled in me a profound respect for the men and women who protect our city. I now understand their immense dedication, discipline, and the hardships they endure to ensure everyone’s safety,” says the actor. In Deva, which also stars Pooja Hegde, director Rosshan Andrrews has zoomed into the lives of the Mumbai Police, with Kapoor and Gulati portraying cops with contrasting ideologies. Before the director’s maiden Hindi film rolled late last year, Gulati prepped intensely for his part, learning the code of conduct of the police force. He describes his interactions with real-life policemen as an “eye-opening experience.” “I have lived in Mumbai for a long time, and I have seen the cops here being nothing but dependable. Everyone living in the city will vouch that we feel secure even in the worst of times because of them. Their sacrifices and risks are commendable. I hope to do justice to their spirit and dedication through my performance.”
03 July,2024 06:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuIt is not common for a filmmaker to remake their own movie, but only four years after Soorarai Pottru (2020), Sudha Kongara is ready with its Hindi adaptation, Sarfira. The Akshay Kumar-starrer is inspired by the life of Air Deccan founder GR Gopinath, who made air travel affordable for the common man. When asked what prompted her to revisit her National Award-winning film, Kongara says some stories ought to reach a wider audience. “Not all films lend themselves to remakes. But when they embody certain qualities and universal themes, they add richness to contemporary cinema as they allow powerful stories to reach new audiences and cultural contexts. Soorarai Pottru reached a wide audience on OTT, but I wanted to see it on the big screen. Adapting it for the Hindi movie-going audience gave me the opportunity to do that,” she smiles. Soorarai Pottru won five National Awards Retelling a critically acclaimed story is never easy. While the Suriya-starrer was designed for the Tamil audiences, the director had to alter her approach when making it in Hindi. “Directing the two films allowed me to explore the story’s universal themes while adapting to different cultural contexts. For Soorarai Pottru, the focus was on the Tamil cultural setting, while Sarfira required a shift to a Maharashtrian context. This meant adjusting the narrative, dialogues, and character nuances to resonate with the Hindi-speaking audience. We had to preserve the original’s essence. I had to retain the core emotions and message while incorporating elements that would appeal to the new demographic.” Sudha Kongara For the Hindi adaptation, Kongara put together a worthy cast that included Paresh Rawal from the original, Radhika Madan and Seema Biswas. Casting Kumar was an easy decision for the director. “Akshay is one of the Indian film industry’s biggest stars, and I was confident of his ability to make the role his own. It’s very hard for me to imagine anyone other than Akshay in this role, and when you watch the film, you will know why. I believe Sarfira is one of his most moving performances. There is a certain aura, charm and vulnerability that he brought to Vir Jagannath Mhatre. This role seemed tailor-made for him because there is a lot of Vir in Akshay.” Through its core message of making air travel accessible, Sarfira weaves in the theme of social equality. For Kongara, it is crucial that her stories drive home a larger point. “We live in a time where the world is smaller, connectivity is better, and the youth have endless opportunities. It’s an empowering time, and yet, there are many constraints that different segments of people face,” she points out, before adding, “Sarfira highlights how affordable air travel can break down barriers, create opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and facilitate social mobility. The story emphasises the importance of providing equal opportunities, the transformative power of connectivity and the role it plays in bridging economic and social divides, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society. It also aims to inspire audiences, and underscore the significance of inclusivity.”
03 July,2024 06:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuRajkumar Hirani is a celebrated filmmaker renowned for his ability to create films that touch hearts and provoke thought, all while achieving massive commercial success. His work on blockbuster films such as Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., 3 Idiots, and PK has set a benchmark in Indian cinema, blending profound narratives with widespread appeal. Hirani’s unique talent has earned him admiration from audiences and peers alike, making him a revered figure in the industry. Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani has the ability to resonate deeply with audiences through touching storytelling. Many celebrities are fans of his work, and now Anurag Basu has joined the list of his admirers. In a recent interaction, Basu showered praise on Hirani, particularly highlighting his humility and exceptional talent. Anurag Basu, who recently made an appearance on Samdish Bhatia’s podcast show, was asked to name a director whom he is jealous of. The Barfi director immediately responded by saying, "There are many but primarily, it is Raju, referring to Rajkumar Hirani." Rajkumar Hirani has flexed his muscles as a director and has also given mass films. He has showcased his creativity while also delivering superhit films for the mass. That is why I am jealous of him. Because we are still trying to find the balance between the two aspects," added Anurag Basu. In the same interview, Anurag Basu called Rajkumar Hirani a “very humble person.” Workwise, Rajkumar Hirani’s last film was 'Dunki', starring Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role. The film raked in a worldwide total of βΉ458.93 crore, further cementing Hirani's status as a master storyteller who can captivate both critics and the general audience alike. While Hirani is yet to officially announce his next, recently there were rumours of him bringing together SRK and Samantha Ruth Prabhu for his next. However, sources close to the director clarified that Hirani is yet to plan his next movie. A source close to the director denied the rumours, stating, "Raju Sir is currently busy writing his next film. There have been no discussions with SRK or Samantha regarding any project." The source laughed off the idea of Shah Rukh Khan and Samantha collaborating for an untitled action-adventure patriotic movie as completely baseless and untrue.
02 July,2024 10:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentGear up for a bone-chilling yet entertaining ride that will leave you gasping for air as ZEE5, India's largest home-grown video streaming platform and a multilingual storyteller, today drops the trailer of the most anticipated horror-comedy, 'Kakuda.' Directed by the visionary Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by RSVP, 'Kakuda' boasts of an ensemble cast led by the inimitable talents like Sonakshi Sinha, Riteish Deshmukh, Saqib Saleem and Aasif Khan. The trailer gives a tantalizing glimpse into the peculiar curse plaguing the village of Ratodi, this unique yet powerhouse trio is set to solve the mystery with their impeccable comic timing, as 'Kakuda' premieres on July 12th, exclusively on ZEE5. As seen in the trailer, ‘Kakuda’ follows the story of Sunny played by Saqib Saleem, a less-educated guy who is in love with Indira portrayed by Sonakshi Sinha. Determined to be together, they marry and move to the village of Ratodi only to be cursed by ‘Kakuda’. On their wedding night, Sunny fails to open the smaller door for Kakuda at 7:15PM sharp, inviting Kakuda, a wicked ghost who punishes the man of the house by inflicting a hump on their back that grows until their demise on the thirteenth day. With Sunny's life hanging by a thread, Indira seeks help from Victor, an eccentric ghost hunter played by Riteish Deshmukh. Together, they embark on a freakishly hilarious yet spooky journey to solve the mystery of Kakuda, uncover the shocking truth about the ghost's identity, motives, and the village's haunting curse that has lasted for decades. However, will unexpected twists leave Sunny's fate hanging. Or will Victor and Indira be able to save him before the 13th day? View this post on Instagram A post shared by ZEE5 (@zee5) Director Aditya Sarpotdar highlighted, “The release of the 'Kakuda' trailer is just a glimpse into the fascinating narrative of a unique folklore that we've created. This labor of love has been a thrilling ride, blending horror and comedy in a way that will keep audiences intrigued. Trust me, there are so many more laughs and scares in store when the film premieres on ZEE5. I can't wait for viewers to immerse themselves in the delightfully quirky tale of the Ratodi village and its bone-chilling legend. It's going to be a fun, frightful, and an unforgettable experience." Riteish Deshmukh added, “I'm thrilled to be a part of the quirky and eccentric world of 'Kakuda'. Playing the role of Victor, an unconventional ghost hunter, allowed me to tap into a side of my acting abilities that I hadn’t fully explored before. This character is unlike any other I've portrayed, and that's what makes it so exciting. Blending horror and comedy is a delicate balance, and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside such talented co-stars like Sonakshi Sinha and Saqib Saleem. 'Kakuda' takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, leaving you both laughing and scared. I can't wait for audiences to experience this one-of-a-kind horror-comedy when it premieres on ZEE5.” Upon joining hands with Riteish Deshmukh, Sonakshi Sinha said, “In 'Kakuda', I play the role of a girl who believes in science and not in superstitions. However, when she encounters the peculiar ritual, she decides to dig deeper and find out the truth behind it. I must admit, balancing horror with comedy is a challenging task – it's not easy to make people laugh while simultaneously sending chills down their spines. But this film was an absolute blast to shoot, especially because of my co actors Ritesh, Saqib and Aasif who are so funny in real life as well and such talented actors! We had a lot of fun. I'm really looking forward to seeing how audiences react to our efforts. I am confident that that the film will promise both laughter and thrills in equal measure." Saqib Saleem mentioned, "I've always been a fan of comedy movies, and the horror-comedy genre is a personal favorite. 'Kakuda' is an exciting project and with it releasing directly on ZEE5, I am sure it will reach a widespread audience. While theatrical releases have their charm, OTT platforms offer an incredible opportunity to connect with more masses. The film's quirky and intriguing storyline about solving the mystery of a ferocious ghost and a cursed village's haunting ritual is what initially drew me in. Of course, the chance to work with talented actors like Sonakshi Sinha & Riteish Deshmukh was another major reason I said yes. We had an absolute blast on set, and I'm confident our comedic chemistry will leave viewers in stitches. I can't wait for everyone to experience the spine-chilling laughter that 'Kakuda' promises to deliver." Don’t forget to stream ‘Kakuda’ on July 12th and know what finally happens to Sunny!
02 July,2024 09:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDisha Patani's rumored relationship with her 'Kalki 2898 AD' co-star Prabhas has resurfaced in the news after she was seen with a new tattoo. The actress, who plays Roxi opposite Prabhas' Bhairava in the Nag Ashwin film, caught attention online with what seemed to be fresh ink on her forearm. Disha Patani's new 'PD' tattoo starts up dating rumours Prabhas + Disha ππ#DishasMysteryPDTattoo #Kalki2898AD pic.twitter.com/6k2xwSRb87 — Prabhu (@Itzz_Prabhu) July 1, 2024 The tattoo showed the initials 'PD', which got fans curious. While there's been no confirmation of the tattoo's authenticity, it didn't stop fans from speculating. On social media, netizens started guessing what Disha's new tattoo could mean. Some playfully linked it to her co-star in 'Kalki 2898 AD', Prabhas, while others jokingly suggested it might stand for "Prabhas Darling." Another theory suggested that the initials could just be Disha Patani's own initials (PD). In the viral picture, Disha appeared stylish as usual, wearing a crop top with white pants, accessorized with black sunglasses and a white bag. Nag Ashwin on film's success Taking to Instagram, director Nag penned an emotional note amid the film’s success. He wrote, “Around 10 years ago, the three of us began our debut feature film "Yevade" together... Vyjayanti was at a low and this film was a risky one...I remember a day of shoot with 20 extras and it rained...we couldn't finish and meant we had to come back and setup again...that extra cost was unaccounted for and made us break down and panic...in retrospect that cost wasn't much at all...from that to this…” About 'Kalki 2898 AD' Director Nag Ashwin has hinted at a fresh perspective on the Mahabharata. The film's futuristic setting suggests the story might incorporate science fiction elements alongside the established mythology. The film's exploration goes beyond mere aesthetics. Nag Ashwin suggests a potential reimagining of the Mahabharata's core themes – dharma (righteousness) and karma (consequences of actions) – in the context of a future society with its complex moral landscape. This promises a thought-provoking examination of how these universal concepts translate across time and societal structures. According to Hindu scriptures, Kalki, the prophesied tenth and final avatar of Vishnu, offers a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of Kali Yuga, the current age. This age is marked by moral decline, chaos, and a dwindling sense of dharma. Kalki's arrival signifies the end of Kali Yuga and the dawn of Satya Yuga, a golden age of truth and righteousness.
02 July,2024 09:33 PM IST | MumbaiSonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal's wedding announcement made quite the headlines in the days leading up to their big day. While usual headlines of celebrity weddings consist of details of the lavish ceremonies, in Sonakshi's case it was the disappointment of her family that was largely a matter of discussion. While there were reports of Sonakshi's family members not being pleased wit the sudden announcement of the wedding, her parents happily participated in the festivities. However, her twin brother Luv and Kussh were missing in action in the family album from the wedding. Now, Luv Sinha has broken his silence on his absence from his sister's wedding through a series of tweets on X (formerly Twitter). He shared an article by Telegraph that highlighted some business dealings of the groom's father and how he was subject to an ED inquiry. Sharing a snippet from the news article, Luv wrote, ""The reasons are very clear as to why I didn’t attend, and would not associate with some people no matter what. I’m glad a member of the media did their research instead of relying on creative stories being put out by a PR team." The snippet from the news article read: “With carefully curated news stories about his family business, nobody tread grey areas like the groom’s father’s proximity to a politician whose ED enquiries had vanished in the “washing machine”. Nor was there a whiff of the groom’s father’s stint in Dubai….” Why I chose not to attend. Running an online campaign against me on a false premise won’t change the fact that for me my family will always come first.https://t.co/LtTjjgUNKO — Luv S Sinha (@LuvSinha) June 30, 2024 Sonakshi Sinha's brother Kussh confirms attending the wedding Meanwhile, Kussh confirmed that he was at the wedding. Talking to News18, he said, “I have already seen people publishing inaccurate information. It started with an article in a leading portal that had a quote by an unnamed source. I am not sure who’s doing all this right now and where it’s coming from. But a few houses have my images [from the night]." He also shared that ‘this is a sensitive time for the family’. “It’s just that I am a private individual and I am not seen that much but that doesn’t mean that I wasn’t there. I was present and I have only good wishes for my sister and will always wish her well.” He added. Talking about their wedding, after dating for over seven years, Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal got married in Mumbai on June 23. The lovebirds tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in the presence of their close friends and family. Taking to the Instagram handle, the couple shared beautiful pictures from their D-day. Sonakshi shared a series of photos from her special day.
02 July,2024 04:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAt the 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, Indian superstar and global icon, Shah Rukh Khan will be awarded with the Festival’s career achievement award, the prestigious Pardo alla Carriera Ascona-Locarno Tourism. The award will pay tribute to his remarkable career in Indian cinema consisting of more than 100 films in a breathtaking multitude of genres. Popularly known in India as ‘King Khan’ – the emperor (‘Baadshah’) of Bollywood – Shah Rukh Khan has become a living symbol portraying the vibrance and vitality of Indian cinema. The actor will receive the award on the evening of Saturday, August10 on Piazza Grande. In addition, a key film from Khan’s career – Devdas (Sanjay Leela Bhansali, 2002) will be screened during the Festival, and SRK will appear at the Forum @Spazio Cinema for a conversation open to the public on Sunday, August 11. Many of Shah Rukh Khan’s films are loved globally and have made him a hugely popular name amongst audiences around the world, leading him to represent his country and many of his films across numerous prestigious film festivals across the globe. Some of his most acclaimed and breakout films spanning his over 30-year journey in Indian cinema, have been the romantic thriller 'Baazigar' (1993), where Khan starred as a murderous but sympathetic anti-hero on a quest for vengeance. A few years later he would be propelled to superstar status on the back of an a timeless romantic drama, 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' (1995) and love-story across timelines, 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' (1998). At the same time, the enormity of this newfound fame did not deter Khan from taking on roles that were different and much ahead of their times, such as Rahul in Darr (1993) a romantic psychological thriller directed by Yash Chopra, a journalist who falls in love with a terrorist in the epic Dil Se.. (1998) by Mani Ratnam. In the subsequent two decades, Khan’s career would feature high-profile collaborations with some of India’s most prominent directors and stars leading to tremendous recognition internationally as well. Khan was awarded the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2007 and the Légion d'honneur in 2014 by the French government. Shah Rukh Khan’s recent releases include three films that released in 2023, 'Pathaan' (2023), 'Jawan' (2023) and 'Dunki' (2023), all of which were hugecommercial successes and garnered immense appreciation from global audiences. 'Jawan' (2023) produced by Khan’s own production house, Red Chillies Entertainment has entered the history books as the highest grossing Hindi film ever, reaffirming the actor’s status as one of the most beloved Indian stars of his generation. Giona A. Nazzaro, Artistic Director said, “To welcome a living legend like Shah Rukh Khan to Locarno is a dream come true! The wealth and breadth of his contribution to Indian cinema is unprecedented. Khan is a king who has never lost touch with the audience that crowned him. This brave and daring artist has always been willing to challenge himself while remaining true to what his fans all over the world eagerly expect from his films. A true ‘people’s hero’, sophisticated and down to earth, Shah Rukh Khan is a legend of our times.” Previous winners of the Pardo alla Carriera have included Francesco Rosi, Claude Goretta, Bruno Ganz, Claudia Cardinale, Johnnie To, Harry Belafonte, Peter- Christian Fueter, Sergio Castellitto, Víctor Erice, Marlen Khutsiev, Bulle Ogier, Mario Adorf, Jane Birkin, Fredi M. Murer, Dante Spinotti, Costa-Gavras, and, in 2023, Tsai Ming-liang. The 77th Locarno Film Festival will take place from 7 to 17 August 2024.
02 July,2024 03:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAcclaimed actor Aditya Seal is set to join the star-studded cast of the highly anticipated film 'Maharagni'. Directed by Charantej Uppalapati, the film boasts an ensemble cast that includes the legendary Kajol and the iconic Prabhu Deva. Aditya Seal, known for his compelling performances in films such as 'Tum Bin II' and 'Student of the Year 2', is thrilled about his new role. The actor expressed his excitement, emphasizing how significant this opportunity is for him. "It's a dream come true for me," Aditya Seal said. "I grew up watching Kajol's versatility as an actor and the God of Dance Prabhu Deva. Sharing screen space with both the stalwarts is surreal. I am ecstatic about this opportunity to work alongside such legendary actors." 'Maharagni' promises to be a captivating blend of drama, dance, and emotion, bringing together some of the finest talents in the industry. Aditya Seal's addition to the cast is expected to bring a fresh and dynamic energy to the film. Acclaimed Telugu filmmaker Charan Tej Uppalapati, widely celebrated for his exceptional cinematic vision, is making his much-awaited Hindi debut with the high-budget action thriller ‘Maharagni - Queen of Queens.’ The film features an ensemble cast including Kajol, Prabhu Deva, Naseeruddin Shah, Samyuktha Menon, Jisshu Sengupta, and Aditya Seal. The highly anticipated mass entertainer marks the reunion of Kajol and Prabhu Deva after 27 years. The first schedule of ‘Maharagni - Queen of Queens’ has been completed and the makers have unveiled the official teaser of the film. The video opens with Prabhu Deva stepping out of a charter plane, immediately setting the tone with his epic, badass persona as he takes down a group of goons. The action then shifts to Samyuktha Menon, who amidst a high-stakes chase, shares her quest for revenge. The narrative further takes a turn with Naseeruddin Shah lying in a hospital bed sharing his heartfelt last wish and Kajol emerging in her ‘Maharagni’ avatar, exuding power and strength as she packs a punch. The intriguing first glimpse promises a blend of intense action and gripping drama. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kajol Devgan (@kajol) Opening up about the project, Director Charan Tej Uppalapati stated, “Directing Maharagni - Queen of Queens has been a labour of love. Collaborating with actors like Kajol, Prabhu Deva, Naseer sir, Samyukta Menon, and Jisshu Sengupta has elevated the project to new heights. Their unmatched charisma and acting abilities breathe life into the characters, and I can't wait for the audience to witness this on screen."
02 July,2024 03:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal got married on June 23. The couple had an intimate ceremony at the 'Dabangg' actress' Mumbai home. The wedding was attended by close friends and family members. Earlier, the couple had shared a video from their wholesome ceremony which saw their friends pull their leg as they registered their marriage under the Special Marriages Act. Now, the couple's common friend Prachi Mishra Raghavendra shared a video on her Instagram feed which gives a glimpse into their wedding ceremony and the wedding party that was hosted at the Bastian on the same day. Along with the heartwarming video, she wrote, "In the age where every single detail of the Big Day is outsourced. We received a surprise in the form of a voice message and video call, both of which emphasized that Sona and Zahir, the callers (now Man and Wife) are getting married and we should dress to impress! Everything was so personal like old times! We were ladke wale a night before the wedding and chilled with the groom and during the rituals we were ladki wale! Kafi party badli humne (We changed our parties too frequent)!" Prachi continued, "The media had their considerable share of speculation but our blockbuster Jodi were unaffected and focused on how all their guest can feel at home. The marriage began with a civil ceremony followed by the Hindu custom of Kanyadan (bride's parents giving away their daughter to the groom). This essential ceremony became even more holy when the chanting of the mantras divinely amalgamated with the sound of the Azaan from the mosque." She signed off the post with these words, "Love conquers all" only read and heard but looking at you guys it made us believe as well. We are grateful to be a part of this. Wishing you both a very happy and blissful life together. May God protect both of you from all the Buri Nazar!" Take a look at the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prachi Mishra Raghavendra (@mishraprachi) Inside Sonakshi and Zaheer's wedding: Dressed in a white vintage saree which was worn by her mother Poonam Sinha at her own wedding, Sonakshi made for a beautiful and happy bride. The short video gives a glimpse into the happy ceremony as the couple took each others names and became lawfully wedded husband and wife. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sonakshi Sinha (@aslisona)
02 July,2024 03:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
