When Ritwik Bhowmik and Shreya Chaudhry commenced working on the second season of Bandish Bandits two years ago, they were tasked with meeting one requirement—live up to the expectations of the audience after the success of the first edition. Considering the response to the recently released second edition, one may say with some credibility that the duo did succeed. Ask Chaudhry if returning to the show for another edition posed a challenge, and she responds in the affirmative. “Like my character, it felt like Shreya too was starting afresh. Just as [my character] Tamanna goes to a music school in the season, I did too,” she says, alluding to the extensive music workshops that all actors attended so that they could add authenticity to their portrayals. “We had lessons in singing, and [learnt several] instruments,” she says. For Chaudhry, however, lessons didn’t culminate when the workshops ended. Teaming up with her co-star Divya Dutta implied that Chaudhry got the opportunity to enhance her craft by simply watching the senior actor in action. “Like her character Nandini, she is also someone who doesn’t judge anyone. While rehearsing [together] she would give me cues. For scenes involving the two of us, she would perform even if the camera wasn’t on her. This helped me.” Chaudhry’s co-star Bhowmik appears to share her gratitude when reflecting on the opportunities that have come his way. The newcomer’s life changed after the release of season one, which was his first mainstream show as a leading man. In the last four years, he has featured in several shows, including Modern Love—Mumbai, and Jehanabad—Of Love and War. However, he minces no words when admitting that despite the acclaim he received after Bandish Bandits, he didn’t have the privilege to decline offers that didn’t appease him. “The projects that I chose [to do] after Bandish Bandits were those that I needed to do, because I needed work. I don’t come from privilege, and didn’t have the chance to sit back at home and wait for the next big thing. I wanted to keep working and make ends meet,” the actor shares, matter-of-factly. While several stars are well aware of the kind of cinema they wish to be part of, Bhowmik says he wouldn’t take a decision just yet. “I haven’t told myself that I want to only be part of a certain kind of project. Perhaps, four or five years down the line, I will be able to do that. At this moment, I would [not] restrict myself.” The fact that actors are still uncertain about the kind of cinema that will work in an era impacted by the OTT boom implies that artistes like him have the chance to experiment abundantly before picking a path. “From the biggest stars to newcomers, everybody is confused. Nobody can tell us with certainty that something will work. Since childhood, I have just wanted to be seen on screen, be it [the big] screen or television. Of course, I would love to be part of the movies. But I am excited at the moment. There was a four-year-old boy who wanted to be a hero. That boy has been so happy in the last four years that I don’t want him to be bothered by these questions,” he signs off.
23 December,2024 02:18 PM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaWhen Khoj was offered to Sharib Hashmi, he was already sold on the story of a man struggling to prove that the woman, claiming to be his wife, is lying. There was another incentive—it was the first series that saw him play the lead. “I always read a story first to see whether it is engaging me as an audience. Then I see how my character contributes to it. Here, everything fit,” says the actor of the ZEE5 series, also starring Anupriya Goenka and Aamir Dalvi. In his 16-year career so far, Hashmi has essayed diverse roles, from the leading man’s closest friend in Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012) to a supportive husband in Tarla (2023). Now, the actor says he can feel a shift in the industry’s perception, with filmmakers offering him lead roles. “Today, I am not doing anything and everything that’s offered to me. I can afford to choose. I can see filmmakers’ confidence [in me] by the kind of roles I am being offered. The industry’s perception towards me has shifted. I get more love and respect. I’ve worked very hard for it,” he smiles. It’s impossible to not mention The Family Man when speaking to Hashmi. The third season of the Manoj Bajpayee-led spy thriller is currently in its last leg of production. “We will finish shooting by December-end,” Hashmi shares. Reuniting with Bajpayee is something he looks forward to every season. “When I work with Manoj sir, I am fully prepared, because if I falter even a bit with my dialogues, he’ll say, ‘Look at him, he is flying high. He has become a star.’ I enjoy working with him tremendously. I can spend hours talking about movies, actors and life with him. He is like an elder brother, a friend to me.”
22 December,2024 07:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaTelling stories is content creator Dolly Singh’s first love. It has taken on a new form with Best Worst Date, an Instagram sketch series that is written by and stars her. As the second season dropped on the photo-sharing app on December 16, Singh says she has enjoyed creating the five-minute episodes. “My love for writing has grown over the years. I like telling my own stories. My voice is more long-form oriented. I wanted to do that on an app where short form is being pushed. This idea allows me to write my own story and use it in bits,” says Singh, who was recently seen in Thank You for Coming (2023). The seven-episode series, directed by Anurag Baruah, chronicles the protagonist’s experiences on blind dates. Singh is enjoying juggling acting, writing and content creation. Having put a decade into content creation, she has seen how the landscape has changed. She reflects, “The internet is hard to catch up with. Too much is changing too quickly. Whatever I try, it is to make my dreams come true. I want to act more in bigger productions next year.”
21 December,2024 07:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuAfter basking in the success of his previous projects 'Sacred Games' and 'CTRL', Vikramaditya Motwane is now set to take fans inside the harsh realities of India's most infamous prison with his upcoming web series, 'Black Warrant'. Netflix, on Thursday, released the teaser for the prison drama, which stars actor Zahan Kapoor as a newly appointed jailer struggling to adapt to the tough environment of Tihar Jail. The teaser shows Zahan trying to survive as he learns to navigate the harsh realities of prison life, while his colleagues ask him to toughen up. The teaser also shows Rahul Bhatt, who appears to be playing the role of an authoritative cop. The series marks Zahan's debut in the world of web series. The actor is the grandson of late Bollywood legend Shashi Kapoor. Check out the teaser: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vikramaditya Motwane (@motwayne) The film is directed by Motwane and Satyanshu Singh, along with co-directors Ambiecka Pandit, Arkesh Ajay and Rohin Raveendran Nair. Paramvir Singh Cheema, Anurag Thakur and Sidhant Gupta, also play key roles. Presented by Applause Entertainment in collaboration with Andolan Production and Confluence Media, the series is inspired by true events and is based on the book 'Black Warrant: Confessions of a Tihar Jailer' by Sunil Gupta, a former Tihar Jail superintendent, and journalist-author Sunetra Choudhury. The series will premiere on Netflix on January 10, 2025. Meanwhile, Motwane recently received praise for his cyber-thriller film 'CTRL', which starred Ananya Panday and Vihaan Samat. The movie also marked Ananya Panday's second OTT release this year, following her debut in the series 'Call Me Bae' in September. The cyberthriller was released on October 4 on Netflix. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 December,2024 09:02 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIGoing back to the world of Mismatched always fills Vidya Malvade with joy. But shooting the third season was a tough experience for the actor, who reprised her role of Zeenat Karim in the Rohit Saraf and Prajakta Koli-led romantic comedy. Malvade recalls that she was battling a severe eye infection, caused by an allergic reaction to prawns, during the show’s Hyderabad schedule in early 2023. “We were shooting all night. For dinner, I indulged in a prawn dish. Little did I know it would leave me with swollen, bloodshot eyes in less than an hour. The next thing we shot was this endearing scene between Sid [Rannvijay Singh’s character] and Zeenat on the terrace, and all I wanted to do was scratch the hell out of my itchy, watering eyes. It was painful,” she recounts, before quipping, “I thought I looked like ET.” Despite her discomfort, Malvade filmed her portions. After the schedule was wrapped up in June, the actor had to undergo eye surgery as the condition had aggravated. Despite the challenges she faced during the shoot, Malvade says the camaraderie on the set made every moment worthwhile. As the third season of the Netflix show receives love from its fan base, the actor is glad to be a part of the “Mismatched magic.” The secret to the series’ success, she believes, lies in its honest depiction of young love. She reflects, “There is a reason why love stories have the power to change your world. I am so touched by the outpouring of love from fans.”
19 December,2024 07:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuThe highly anticipated third season of 'The White Lotus' is set to return to HBO with a fresh chapter set in Thailand. The drama series created by Mike White will premiere its eight-episode season on February 16, 2024, at 9pm, available for streaming on Max. Blackpink's Lisa in The White Lotus season 3 HBO recently dropped the first teaser for the season, providing an intriguing glimpse into what promises to be another satirical exploration of human nature. International pop sensation Lisa Manobal, a member of the K-pop group Blackpink, makes her acting debut in the series, and fans are raving about her appearance in the trailer. Lisa is Thai by birth. The trailer is accompanied by the haunting voiceover, "Everyone runs from pain towards pleasure. But they get there only to find more pain." This cryptic message hints at the complex themes the new season will tackle. HBO also highlights the journey of seeking peace as a central theme, noting, "Seeking peace can be a trip." What will season 3 be about? While plot details for the third season are being kept under wraps, Mike White has previously shared that the new episodes will be a "satirical and funny look at death and eastern religion and spirituality," as per The Hollywood Reporter. Season three follows the pattern set by its predecessors, with the first season focusing on themes of wealth, while the second centered around sex. The story is set at an exclusive Thai resort, where a diverse group of guests and employees find themselves entangled in a web of drama over the course of a week. The nearly 90-second trailer introduces an all-star ensemble cast, including returning 'White Lotus' star Natasha Rothwell. Rothwell will reprise her role as Belinda Lindsey, the Hawaii spa manager from the first season. Other notable additions to the cast include Carrie Coon, Scott Glenn, Walton Goggins, Leslie Bibb, Michelle Monaghan, and Parker Posey, as per The Hollywood Reporter. The diverse cast also includes Thai actors Dom Hetrakul and Tayme Thapthimthong, as well as newcomers Francesca Corney, Arnas Fedaravicius, and Morgana O'Reilly, among others. Mike White, who created, wrote, and directed the series, will return as executive producer alongside David Bernad and Mark Kamine.
17 December,2024 06:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Tabu who sparked anticipation with her role as Sister Francesca in Dune: Prophecy finally made her appearance in episode 5. A clip from the same has hit the viral note on social media, which shows Tabu sharing a passionate liplock with Mark Strong who plays Emperor Javicco Corrino in the series. Watch the video below. First footage of Tabu as Sister Francesca in Dune Prophecy Episode 5 has dropped #Tabu #DuneProphecy pic.twitter.com/VrjKs646JG — Surajit (@surajit_ghosh2) December 17, 2024 Tabu on playing Sister Francesca Excited about the series, Tabu earlier said, "It has been an extraordinary experience playing Sister Francesca in Dune: Prophecy right from the moment I was approached for it, and I said yes without batting an eyelid. It's an actor's delight to be trusted by the creators with a character that is so interesting, intriguing, intelligent, and emotionally powerful." She added, "Needless to say, it was such an immersive process diving into the depths of her complexity. I'm so excited to bring her story to the Indian and global audience through JioCinema. Stay tuned as you'll see me a little later in the season, but the Dune Universe is so rich in its history and intrigue, I can't wait for audiences around the world to explore it!" About Dune: Prophecy Set a staggering 10,000 years before the events of the films, this new series delves into the origins of the enigmatic Bene Gesserit sisterhood, emerging in the aftermath of the Butlerian Jihad. Tabu stars alongside actresses Emily Watson and Olivia Williams, who portray sisters from the notorious Harkonnen family. It is based on Sisterhood of Dune, a novel by Brian Herbert (the son of Dune author Frank Herbert) and Kevin J. Anderson. Tabu’s work front Tabu explored Western cinema for the first time in 2006 with 'The Namesake'. Directed by Mira Nair, the film, which also starred Irrfan Khan, opened to positive reviews, and was lauded by almost every critic across the globe. Her second film 'Life of Pi' (2012), went a step ahead and won four Oscars, including the Best Director for Ang Lee. On the Bollywood front, Tabu was last seen with Ajay Devgn in the film 'Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha'. Ajay and Tabu have shared screen space in films including 'Vijaypath', 'Haqeeqat', 'Thakshak', 'Fitoor', 'Drishyam', 'Golmaal Again', 'De De Pyaar De', 'Drishyam 2' and 'Bholaa'.
17 December,2024 06:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentLast week Amazon Prime Video released the second season of Bandish Bandits, four years after season 1 dropped. Looks like they are bringing back another popular show that hit our screens back in 2020. Patal Lok, the neo-noir series that explores the dark bylanes of immorality, is returning with season 2. The streaming platform has been teasing the return, first with a poster featuring lead actor Jaideep Ahlawat, and then with a small clip that was released today. First glimpse of Paatal Lok season 2 In the clip released by Prime Video, you can see Jaideep's character Hathi Ram, with a bleeding right ear, struggling against a bunch of men, trying to free himself. Paired with ominous music, the context of the clip is unclear. The short video ends with the words, "The door to hell opens soon." "Mausam badalne wala hai. Paatal Lok ahead. Caution advised," the post accompanying the clip read. Excited fans commented, "Hathiram Chaudhary is back!!" "CANNOT WAIT CANNOT WAIT." Some even thought the men in the video were zombies, "What? The new season has zombies?" View this post on Instagram A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin) The new footage marks a significant elevation in both tone and stakes from the first season, with Jaideep Ahlawat's Hathi Ram sporting visible wounds that hint at the personal price of his continued descent into the underbelly of crime and corruption. The raw intensity captured in these moments suggests that the acclaimed series is pushing its boundaries even further, delving deeper into the psychological torment of its protagonist. "When you've walked through hell once, you think you know what to expect," shares Jaideep Ahlawat, his words carrying the weight of his character's journey. "But this time, the gates of Paatal Lok open to reveal something far more sinister. Every wound Hathi Ram bears tells a story of sacrifice, of choices that blur the lines between right and wrong. This season isn't just about solving a case – it's about surviving what lies beneath the surface of our society," he adds. Earlier, a poster featuring Jaideep Ahlawat, with a bloodied dagger pointed at his eye, was released. View this post on Instagram A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin) What was Paatal Lok season 1 about? Inspired by the ancient realms of Swargalok (heaven), Dharti Lok (earth), and Patal Lok (netherworld), the neo-noir series delves into the interplay within the four estates of democracy. Produced by Clean Slate Films, Paatal Lok season 1 marked the digital debut of actress Anushka Sharma as a producer. She has since pulled out of the production house, run by her brother. The announcement of season 2 has generated significant buzz among fans eagerly awaiting the next instalment of the crime thriller. Aired in 2020, the series, starring Jaideep Ahlawat and Ishwak Singh, garnered critical acclaim for its compelling storyline and performances. It delves into the dark and gritty underbelly of Indian society, exploring themes of crime and corruption. The upcoming season is expected to build on this narrative, introducing new challenges and unravelling fresh mysteries. Other cast members included Gul Panag, Neeraj Kabi, Swastika Mukherjee, Abhishek Banerjee, Niharika Lyra Dutt, and Richa Chaturvedi. Abhishek Banerjee's character of Hathoda Tyagi stood out for his unique characteristics and the actor's compelling performance.
17 December,2024 02:41 PM IST | MumbaiApple TV+ on Monday announced that Rebecca Ferguson's 'Silo' has been renewed for another two seasons. The streamer also shared that the fourth season will be the last chapter, as per Deadline. The two additional seasons will allow Executive Producer and Showrunner Graham Yost to tell the complete story of Hugh Howey's New York Times bestselling trilogy of dystopian novels. Silo Season 2 is currently streaming globally with new episodes every Friday through January 17. The show tells the "story of the last ten thousand people on Earth, their mile-deep home protecting them from the toxic and deadly world outside. However, no one knows when or why the silo was built and any who try to find out face fatal consequences." Speaking about the upcoming seasons, Yost in a statement said, "It has been a richly rewarding experience to adapt Hugh's epic novels with our partners at Apple and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring this complete story to the screen over the course of four seasons. With the final two chapters of Silo, we can't wait to give fans of the show an incredibly satisfying conclusion to the many mysteries and unanswered questions contained within the walls of these silos." Ferguson also expressed her excitement. She said, "I've loved every minute of bringing Juliette to the screen and I am immensely proud of what we've all created with Silo since the first episode." Silo Season 2 also stars Tim Robbins, Common, series newcomer Steve Zahn, Harriet Walter, Chinaza Uche, Avi Nash, Alexandria Riley, Shane McRae, Remmie Milner, Billy Postlethwaite, Rick Gomez, Clare Perkins, Caitlin Zoz, Tanya Moodie and Iain Glen. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 December,2024 08:12 AM IST | Los Angeles | ANIIn releasing Gumshuda ahead of the upcoming celebratory weeks, composer-duo and siblings Ruuh and Joh stand to benefit in more ways than one. To begin with, the track from the third season of Mismatched seamlessly made its way to the loyal audience of the Rohit Saraf and Prajakta Koli-fronted show, which has earned as much love for its narrative as it has for its music. Furthermore, with the upbeat, dance-worthy, and addictive number, the musicians have managed to grab the attention of listeners who are already in the mood to party. Rohit Saraf and Prajakta Koli Sure, the makers would have ascertained that the track fit the narrative like a hand in a glove, but, Gumshuda is also refreshingly individualistic. It is also how the duo first crafted the song before it caught the attention of the makers of the web show. “Even before mismatched came our way, Joh had an idea that he brought to me. I loved it. We decided to write a melody, and thought of releasing it ourselves. However, someone [presented] it to the show-runners, and they asked us if they could use it. We’re told, they heard about 130 songs before choosing this one. Because Mismatched has a massive following [even for its] music, I thought this was a great way to release this song,” reveals Ruuh, who describes the song as one that is “dance-heavy but has a feel-good energy”. Apart from the duo’s number, Mismatched 3 will also feature songs by Taaruk Raina and Anurag Saikia. By onboarding artistes with different music sensibilities, Ruuh believes the soundtrack will have “something for everyone”. “I like that [by roping in different] artistes, we could get different sounds. It gives the album the opportunity to cater to a wide audience. In India, the landscape is changing quickly. Many listeners are exposed to different sounds, and young artistes get the chance to explore film music. At the cost of sounding cliché, the fact is the core principle of making good music is creating an identity. If there’s a certain sound that gets Joh and me excited, we chase it.” The year has been rather eventful for the musicians, who composed a fair chunk of the Ananya Panday-led show Call Me Bae, and Sooni Taraporevala’s Whaack Girls. Up next, they have Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar’s Netflix offering, The Royals. “We are working with big names, and that will be one among the biggest albums we have worked on. We are also doing the majority of songs in the project.”
16 December,2024 08:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonia LullaLanding the second season of Bandish Bandits was a “surreal experience” for Divya Dutta. The actor, who plays a music teacher in the Prime Video series, says director Anand Tiwari offered her the role in the middle of a casual conversation. “Anand and I were just chatting, and this role came up. I’ve been an ardent admirer of season one. When something is resonating with you, you don’t want to ask too many questions. You just flow with it,” she smiles. In the musical drama led by Ritwik Bhowmik and Shreya Chaudhry, most of Dutta’s scenes are with younger co-stars, including Yashaswini Dayama and Rohan Gurbaxani. Tell her that the actors have praised her nurturing approach, and she replies, “I still remember who was nice to me on the sets [in my early days].” One of them, she reveals, was her Veer Zaara (2004) co-star Shah Rukh Khan, whose kindness had moved her. “I didn’t know my camera angles while shooting for Veer Zara. So, I would stand anywhere. I was so enamoured that I’d just look at Shah Rukh and forget that the camera was there. One day, before a shot, he whispered to me, ‘The camera is on that side.’ When I thanked him, he said, ‘I won’t be present on all the sets. So, look after yourself.’” It has been a year of variety for Dutta, who was seen in Neeraj Pandey’s Sikandar ka Muqaddar and Tahira Kashyap’s Sharmajee Ki Beti. But diversity has been a prominent feature of the actor’s three-decade career. It’s getting further magnified, thanks to OTT. She says, “Earlier, there were limited roles as the lead, and if you weren’t the lead, you would be relegated to the mother, bhabhi or the villain. OTT has changed it totally. There is so much to do for 40-plus women. The variety that comes my way now is amazing.”
15 December,2024 07:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaADVERTISEMENT
