Here’s some huge casting news from the Bollywood world – megastar Amitabh Bachchan has been set to star alongside Deepika Padukone in the long-planned Hindi remake of The Intern.
Bachchan will play the Robert De Niro role, which was previously set to be played by Rishi Kapoor before he died suddenly in April 2020. Padukone is in the Anne Hathaway role. The original 2015 Warner Bros movie stars Hathaway as the workaholic CEO of an online fashion website who strikes up an unlikely friendship with a 70-year-old widower who becomes the company’s latest intern. The original movie grossed $195M worldwide, including $119M from offshore.
The Indian remake is now set to shoot in November 2021 and release in summer 2022. It is being directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma and produced by Sunir Kheterpal and Deepika Padukone. The screenplay has been adapted by Akshat Ghildial and Mitesh Shah. Co-producers are Amit Ravindernath Sharma and Gaurav Bose.
Bachchan will play the Robert De Niro role, which was previously set to be played by Rishi Kapoor before he died suddenly in April 2020. Padukone is in the Anne Hathaway role. The original 2015 Warner Bros movie stars Hathaway as the workaholic CEO of an online fashion website who strikes up an unlikely friendship with a 70-year-old widower who becomes the company’s latest intern. The original movie grossed $195M worldwide, including $119M from offshore.
The Indian remake is now set to shoot in November 2021 and release in summer 2022. It is being directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma and produced by Sunir Kheterpal and Deepika Padukone. The screenplay has been adapted by Akshat Ghildial and Mitesh Shah. Co-producers are Amit Ravindernath Sharma and Gaurav Bose.
- 4/5/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
An evening to remember for the Indian film industry as Filmfare hosted the 66th Vimal Elaichi Filmfare Awards 2021 on 27th March 2021. Making a much-awaited return, because ‘the show must go on’, the awards ceremony, this year, was held as a closed-door event where the coveted Black Lady was awarded to deserving winners from across a host of categories.
The biggest winner of the night was the movie Thappad, which bagged the Best Film award and saw director-producer Anubhav Sushila Sinha and T-Series’ Bhushan Kumar accepted the iconic Black Lady. It was an emotional moment for Babil Khan as he accepted the Best Actor in a Lead Role (Male) on behalf of his father Irrfan Khan for his memorable performance in Angrezi Medium. Add to that, the Awards further honoured and celebrated his legacy and contribution as the versatile actor was awarded posthumously the Lifetime Achievement Award.
On the other hand,...
The biggest winner of the night was the movie Thappad, which bagged the Best Film award and saw director-producer Anubhav Sushila Sinha and T-Series’ Bhushan Kumar accepted the iconic Black Lady. It was an emotional moment for Babil Khan as he accepted the Best Actor in a Lead Role (Male) on behalf of his father Irrfan Khan for his memorable performance in Angrezi Medium. Add to that, the Awards further honoured and celebrated his legacy and contribution as the versatile actor was awarded posthumously the Lifetime Achievement Award.
On the other hand,...
- 3/28/2021
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
Mumbai, Feb 28 (Ians) Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan has blogged to reveal that he is undergoing surgery owing to a medical condition. The 78-year-old actor did not share details, and concerned fans were soon wishing him quick recovery.
"Medical condition.. surgery.. can't write," Big B wrote in a blog entry dated Saturday. Over the past few hours, many of his fans have naturally taken to social media to wish him good health.
The actor's office is yet to officially give out details.
Big B started the year with a packed schedule. He has five films coming up. While his next release is Rumi Jafry's psychological suspense drama "Chehre", co-starring Emraan Hashmi and Rhea Chakraborty, Big B has lately been busy shooting for the thriller "Mayday", co-starring and directed by Ajay Devgn. The film also stars Rakul Preet Singh.
He will also be seen in "Sairat" maker Nagraj Manjule's social drama...
"Medical condition.. surgery.. can't write," Big B wrote in a blog entry dated Saturday. Over the past few hours, many of his fans have naturally taken to social media to wish him good health.
The actor's office is yet to officially give out details.
Big B started the year with a packed schedule. He has five films coming up. While his next release is Rumi Jafry's psychological suspense drama "Chehre", co-starring Emraan Hashmi and Rhea Chakraborty, Big B has lately been busy shooting for the thriller "Mayday", co-starring and directed by Ajay Devgn. The film also stars Rakul Preet Singh.
He will also be seen in "Sairat" maker Nagraj Manjule's social drama...
- 2/28/2021
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Exclusive: As the world’s fastest growing streaming market, India has become a key battleground for the major online players as they try to carve out loyal subscriber bases.
The U.S. giants compete with local broadcasters and VOD upstarts in a territory that has a way to go before it reaches saturation – a Pwc report published in October claimed the overall market value would grow from $708M in 2019 to $2.7Bn in 2024.
Disney+ Hotstar is an established local leader with 400m+ downloads for its app across its varying tiers, as well as 26 million+ paying subscribers. Fellow America-based giant Netflix has north of four million subs, while Amazon doesn’t reveal sub numbers but analysts have pegged it at between 10 and 15 million for the wider Prime offering, which grants access to the video service.
“India is one of the most exciting streaming markets in the world right now and there are many kinds of models,...
The U.S. giants compete with local broadcasters and VOD upstarts in a territory that has a way to go before it reaches saturation – a Pwc report published in October claimed the overall market value would grow from $708M in 2019 to $2.7Bn in 2024.
Disney+ Hotstar is an established local leader with 400m+ downloads for its app across its varying tiers, as well as 26 million+ paying subscribers. Fellow America-based giant Netflix has north of four million subs, while Amazon doesn’t reveal sub numbers but analysts have pegged it at between 10 and 15 million for the wider Prime offering, which grants access to the video service.
“India is one of the most exciting streaming markets in the world right now and there are many kinds of models,...
- 1/8/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Mumbai, Nov 14 (Ians) Actor Nalneesh Neel says he took inspiration from Hollywood legends Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro for his performance in Bhor, for which he recently received an award in the Best Actor In Negative Role category at the Caleidoscope Indian Film Festival in Boston.
"This is a Diwali gift for me. I received Best Actor in Negative Role at the Caleidoscope Indian Film Festival Boston. This is my first award, so it's a very special one for me," said the actor, who has featured in movies like "Gulabo Sitabo", "Chhichhore" and "Raees".
For "Bhor", directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, Nalneesh worked hard to get into character. He plays a man belonging to the poverty-stricken Musahar community.
"I got inspired from western actors like Marlon Brando in 'The Godfather' and Robert De Niro in 'Taxi Driver' for getting into the character," he said.
"I'm extremely overwhelmed.
"This is a Diwali gift for me. I received Best Actor in Negative Role at the Caleidoscope Indian Film Festival Boston. This is my first award, so it's a very special one for me," said the actor, who has featured in movies like "Gulabo Sitabo", "Chhichhore" and "Raees".
For "Bhor", directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, Nalneesh worked hard to get into character. He plays a man belonging to the poverty-stricken Musahar community.
"I got inspired from western actors like Marlon Brando in 'The Godfather' and Robert De Niro in 'Taxi Driver' for getting into the character," he said.
"I'm extremely overwhelmed.
- 11/14/2020
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
Mumbai, Nov 6 (Ians) Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar says Amitabh Bachchan is one of the most fascinating actors to work with.
The two have worked together on films such as "Piku", "Shoebite" and, most recently "Gulabo Sitabo", which also stars Ayushmann Khurrana.
"Since I have worked with both of them earlier, somewhere down the line, there is trust, bonding, and comfort between us, and that has grown slowly and matured. Of course, it is a creative process, and we keep challenging each other all the time."
"We challenge Mr Bachchan, and he challenges us. That is very important for that good, healthy working relationship. The vision of the film needed the chemistry between these two people to be crackling. It took a little time. If you work with Mr Bachchan for the first time, it does take a little time to get past that aura and in the beginning, that hesitation was...
The two have worked together on films such as "Piku", "Shoebite" and, most recently "Gulabo Sitabo", which also stars Ayushmann Khurrana.
"Since I have worked with both of them earlier, somewhere down the line, there is trust, bonding, and comfort between us, and that has grown slowly and matured. Of course, it is a creative process, and we keep challenging each other all the time."
"We challenge Mr Bachchan, and he challenges us. That is very important for that good, healthy working relationship. The vision of the film needed the chemistry between these two people to be crackling. It took a little time. If you work with Mr Bachchan for the first time, it does take a little time to get past that aura and in the beginning, that hesitation was...
- 11/6/2020
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
Mumbai, Nov 3 (Ians) Actor Vijay Raaz was arrested for allegedly molesting a crew member while shooting in Gondia, Maharashtra. Raaz has subsequently been granted bail.
"Some shoot was on, a crew member filed complaint for molestation and we registered it. It happened in Gondia. He was arrested yesterday and released on bail today," Atul Kulkarni, Additional Superintendent of Police, Gondia, Maharashtra, told Ians.
"The court has said he has to appear before the investigation officer whenever needed," Kulkarni added.
The set where the incident took place is of the Vidya Balan-starrer "Sherni".
Raaz is primarily popular for his comic roles, notably the marigold-chewing wedding planner Pk Dubey in Mira Nair's 2001 release, "Monsoon Wedding". His other hit performances have come in films such as "Run", "Dhamaal" and "Welcome".
The 57-year-old actor was recently seen the digitally-released films "Gulabo Sitabo and "Lootcase". He will next be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali...
"Some shoot was on, a crew member filed complaint for molestation and we registered it. It happened in Gondia. He was arrested yesterday and released on bail today," Atul Kulkarni, Additional Superintendent of Police, Gondia, Maharashtra, told Ians.
"The court has said he has to appear before the investigation officer whenever needed," Kulkarni added.
The set where the incident took place is of the Vidya Balan-starrer "Sherni".
Raaz is primarily popular for his comic roles, notably the marigold-chewing wedding planner Pk Dubey in Mira Nair's 2001 release, "Monsoon Wedding". His other hit performances have come in films such as "Run", "Dhamaal" and "Welcome".
The 57-year-old actor was recently seen the digitally-released films "Gulabo Sitabo and "Lootcase". He will next be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali...
- 11/3/2020
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan will join Indian cinema stars Prabhas and Deepika Padukone in an as yet untitled film that will be one of the big ticket Indian films of 2022.
It is being produced by Aswini Dutt’s Vyjayanthi Movies and will be released in time to commemorate the outfit’s 50th anniversary in 2022. Nag Ashwin will direct.
“Welcome aboard @SrBachchan sir, it is our honor to have you. Your birthday celebrations have begun!” tweeted the Vyjayanthi Movies handle.
Welcome aboard @SrBachchan sir, it is our honor to have you. Your birthday celebrations have begun! #NamaskaramBigB...
It is being produced by Aswini Dutt’s Vyjayanthi Movies and will be released in time to commemorate the outfit’s 50th anniversary in 2022. Nag Ashwin will direct.
“Welcome aboard @SrBachchan sir, it is our honor to have you. Your birthday celebrations have begun!” tweeted the Vyjayanthi Movies handle.
Welcome aboard @SrBachchan sir, it is our honor to have you. Your birthday celebrations have begun! #NamaskaramBigB...
- 10/9/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Highly anticipated theatrical titles “Coolie No 1,” with Varun Dhawan, and “Chhalaang,” starring Rajkummar Rao, are amongst films across five Indian languages that will bow directly on Amazon Prime Video India, bypassing cinemas.
The films were due to release over the summer, but the spread of the coronavirus pandemic saw Indian cinemas shutter in March. They will begin reopening Oct. 15, after seven months.
Beginning with Amazon acquiring “Gulabo Sitabo,” starring Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana in May, several films originally meant for theatrical release have been diverted to Amazon, and rival streamers Netflix, Disney Plus Hotstar and Zee5, among others, while cinemas remained closed.
Amazon’s new slate includes three films from the Hindi-language Bollywood industry. David Dhawan’s comedy “Coolie No 1” also stars Sara Ali Khan (“Kedarnath”), while Ashok G’s thriller “Durgavati” stars Bhumi Pednekar (“Bala”). Social comedy “Chhalaang” (pictured) is by Hansal Mehta (“Aligarh”), and besides Rao, who...
The films were due to release over the summer, but the spread of the coronavirus pandemic saw Indian cinemas shutter in March. They will begin reopening Oct. 15, after seven months.
Beginning with Amazon acquiring “Gulabo Sitabo,” starring Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana in May, several films originally meant for theatrical release have been diverted to Amazon, and rival streamers Netflix, Disney Plus Hotstar and Zee5, among others, while cinemas remained closed.
Amazon’s new slate includes three films from the Hindi-language Bollywood industry. David Dhawan’s comedy “Coolie No 1” also stars Sara Ali Khan (“Kedarnath”), while Ashok G’s thriller “Durgavati” stars Bhumi Pednekar (“Bala”). Social comedy “Chhalaang” (pictured) is by Hansal Mehta (“Aligarh”), and besides Rao, who...
- 10/9/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
By Vinod Mirani
Since the time Sacred Games released on the Ott streaming platform Netflix, there has been a debate on whether the content on these platforms should be kept in check or let to run loose.
The series had never-seen-before morbidity, unnatural sex, filthiest of foul language and yet delivered nothing that one could take home. Taking home was a phrase much related to films as there were times when one walked out of a cinema hall humming one of the film's songs or repeating its dialogue. What do you take home from, say, Sacred Games, Pataal Lok, Mirzapur, Mastram and such?
This column just recently discussed the limitations of the Cinematograph Act by which the authority of the Central Board of Film Certification (Cbfc) extends only till rating and certifying a film product that is meant for public exhibition.
In such an event, there is no check on what passes as Ott content.
Since the time Sacred Games released on the Ott streaming platform Netflix, there has been a debate on whether the content on these platforms should be kept in check or let to run loose.
The series had never-seen-before morbidity, unnatural sex, filthiest of foul language and yet delivered nothing that one could take home. Taking home was a phrase much related to films as there were times when one walked out of a cinema hall humming one of the film's songs or repeating its dialogue. What do you take home from, say, Sacred Games, Pataal Lok, Mirzapur, Mastram and such?
This column just recently discussed the limitations of the Cinematograph Act by which the authority of the Central Board of Film Certification (Cbfc) extends only till rating and certifying a film product that is meant for public exhibition.
In such an event, there is no check on what passes as Ott content.
- 9/6/2020
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
Here’s some news for Mirzapur fans! A second season is coming the October 23rd on Amazon Prime. Directed by Gurmmeet Singh and Mihir Desai, the series features the returning stellar ensemble cast of Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyenndu, Shweta Tripathi Sharma, Rasika Dugal, Harshita Shekhar Gaur, Amit Sial, Anjum Sharma, Sheeba Chaddha, Manu Rishi Chadha and Rajesh Tailang.
Set in Mirzapur, the hinterland of North India, Season 1 of the crime drama had taken the audiences into a dark, complex world of guns, drugs and lawlessness. It’s relentless pace, well etched-out characters and nuanced narrative had left the fans wanting more. With Season 2, the canvas of Mirzapur gets bigger but the rules remain the same! Get ready for a journey into the stylish yet rustic world, where crime, drugs and violence rule and one needs to fight to survive.
The sequel of the show will also feature Vijay Varma,...
Set in Mirzapur, the hinterland of North India, Season 1 of the crime drama had taken the audiences into a dark, complex world of guns, drugs and lawlessness. It’s relentless pace, well etched-out characters and nuanced narrative had left the fans wanting more. With Season 2, the canvas of Mirzapur gets bigger but the rules remain the same! Get ready for a journey into the stylish yet rustic world, where crime, drugs and violence rule and one needs to fight to survive.
The sequel of the show will also feature Vijay Varma,...
- 8/28/2020
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
A trio of world premieres from bankable stars across the Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam languages forms the thrust of streamer Amazon Prime Video India’s push into the country’s lucrative Southern market. It comes at a time when cinemas remain shuttered due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Malayalam-language drama “C U Soon,” starring Fahadh Faasil (“Trance”) bows Sept. 1 on the service, while action thriller “V” headlined by Nani (S.S. Rajamouli’s “Eega”) premieres Sept. 5, and aviation biopic “Soorarai Pottru” starring Suriya (“Singam”) is scheduled for Oct. 30.
Of the giant streamers in India, Amazon was the first to seize the opportunity arising from the enforced shutdown of the theatrical business. It announced the world premieres of “Gulabo Sitabo,” starring Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana, and “Shakuntala Devi,” starring Vidya Balan as bypassing cinemas.
Rivals, Disney Plus Hotstar and Netflix followed suit with strong slates of their own, including Sushant Singh Rajput...
Malayalam-language drama “C U Soon,” starring Fahadh Faasil (“Trance”) bows Sept. 1 on the service, while action thriller “V” headlined by Nani (S.S. Rajamouli’s “Eega”) premieres Sept. 5, and aviation biopic “Soorarai Pottru” starring Suriya (“Singam”) is scheduled for Oct. 30.
Of the giant streamers in India, Amazon was the first to seize the opportunity arising from the enforced shutdown of the theatrical business. It announced the world premieres of “Gulabo Sitabo,” starring Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana, and “Shakuntala Devi,” starring Vidya Balan as bypassing cinemas.
Rivals, Disney Plus Hotstar and Netflix followed suit with strong slates of their own, including Sushant Singh Rajput...
- 8/28/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
EntertainmentWith 'Soorarai Pottru' reportedly fetching between Rs 35-45 crore, many more big films are expected to go in for direct Ott release. Tnm StaffEver since theatres closed in March this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, several films have opted for a direct Ott (Over the Top) release. So far, from the south, Ponmagal Vandhal (Tamil), Penguin (Tamil), Cocktail (Tamil), Danny (Tamil), Lockup (Tamil), Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya (Telugu), Krishna and His Leela (Telugu), Bhanumathi Ramakrishna (Telugu), Sufiyum Sujatayum (Malayalam), French Biriyani (Kannada), Law (Kannada) are among the films to have released across Ott platforms. However, most of these films have been small budget flicks. Now, with no signs of the pandemic coming under control and an effective vaccine still months away, several more films are opting for a direct Ott release, including big budget films. Bollywood has already seen the release of films with big names in the cast like Gulabo Sitabo,...
- 8/24/2020
- by Sowmya
- The News Minute
Versatile Bollywood star, Ayushmann Khurrana is bullish about returning to the theatrical experience as soon as possible, when Indian cinemas reopen after the coronavirus pandemic.
Indian cinemas have been dark since mid-March, and during this time several mainstream Bollywood films switched track and went direct to Ott platforms. These include “Gulabo Sitabo,” starring Khurrana and Amitabh Bachchan, which debuted on Amazon Prime Video.
“I’m hugely optimistic that business will bounce back and people will flock to theaters because you cannot get an immersive experience of watching a film anywhere else,” Khurrana told Variety. “I would have loved to see ‘Gulabo Sitabo’ in theaters but it was the producer’s call and given the environment today, every producer will secure themselves and there is absolutely no harm in them taking those business calls.”
“I do, however, feel that people will come to theaters to watch event movies or films that...
Indian cinemas have been dark since mid-March, and during this time several mainstream Bollywood films switched track and went direct to Ott platforms. These include “Gulabo Sitabo,” starring Khurrana and Amitabh Bachchan, which debuted on Amazon Prime Video.
“I’m hugely optimistic that business will bounce back and people will flock to theaters because you cannot get an immersive experience of watching a film anywhere else,” Khurrana told Variety. “I would have loved to see ‘Gulabo Sitabo’ in theaters but it was the producer’s call and given the environment today, every producer will secure themselves and there is absolutely no harm in them taking those business calls.”
“I do, however, feel that people will come to theaters to watch event movies or films that...
- 8/20/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon easily topped second-quarter earnings and revenue forecasts after the market close Thursday, with CEO Jeff Bezos calling it “another highly unusual quarter” amid the current coronavirus pandemic.
“As expected, we spent over $4 billion on incremental Covid-19-related costs in the quarter to help keep employees safe and deliver products to customers in this time of high demand—purchasing personal protective equipment, increasing cleaning of our facilities, following new safety process paths, adding new backup family care benefits, and paying a special thank you bonus of over $500 million to front-line employees and delivery partners,” said Bezos in a statement.
The e-commerce and web services titan has created over 175,000 new jobs since March, he added, and is in the process of making 125,000 of those employees full-time positions. Bezos also said that the company “injected significant money into the economy” in Q2, investing more than $9 billion into capital projects that include fulfillment,...
“As expected, we spent over $4 billion on incremental Covid-19-related costs in the quarter to help keep employees safe and deliver products to customers in this time of high demand—purchasing personal protective equipment, increasing cleaning of our facilities, following new safety process paths, adding new backup family care benefits, and paying a special thank you bonus of over $500 million to front-line employees and delivery partners,” said Bezos in a statement.
The e-commerce and web services titan has created over 175,000 new jobs since March, he added, and is in the process of making 125,000 of those employees full-time positions. Bezos also said that the company “injected significant money into the economy” in Q2, investing more than $9 billion into capital projects that include fulfillment,...
- 7/30/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Popular Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana is teaming with director Abhishek Kapoor on an as yet untitled Bollywood romance. Khurrana will play a cross functional athlete in the film.
The project is set up by Kapoor’s outfit Guy In The Sky Pictures (“Kedarnath”) and a producer is being finalised.
Khurrana has made it a point of playing diverse characters in his career and each of them have been box-office successes. These include playing a sperm donor in 2012’s “Vicky Donor”; a man who suffers from erectile dysfunction in 2017’s “Shubh Mangal Savdhan”; an alopecia sufferer in 2019’s “Bala”; and an out and proud gay man in 2020’s “Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan.” He recently starred alongside Amitabh Bachchan in “Gulabo Sitabo” that bypassed cinemas and went directly to Amazon Prime Video as cinemas remain closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Kapoor’s credits include musical “Rock On,” starring Farhan Akhtar, and “Kai Po Che,...
The project is set up by Kapoor’s outfit Guy In The Sky Pictures (“Kedarnath”) and a producer is being finalised.
Khurrana has made it a point of playing diverse characters in his career and each of them have been box-office successes. These include playing a sperm donor in 2012’s “Vicky Donor”; a man who suffers from erectile dysfunction in 2017’s “Shubh Mangal Savdhan”; an alopecia sufferer in 2019’s “Bala”; and an out and proud gay man in 2020’s “Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan.” He recently starred alongside Amitabh Bachchan in “Gulabo Sitabo” that bypassed cinemas and went directly to Amazon Prime Video as cinemas remain closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Kapoor’s credits include musical “Rock On,” starring Farhan Akhtar, and “Kai Po Che,...
- 7/28/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India crossed one million today, meaning the country now has the third highest infection rate in the world behind only Brazil and the U.S.. That compounded news earlier this week that Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, and his family, had tested positive for the virus and were being admitted to hospital for treatment.
The headlines paint a depressing picture but the country’s film and TV executives remain optimistic that its gargantuan screen industry will evolve, adapt and overcome the challenges in front of it. Deadline has tracked the situation in the country over the past weeks through interviews with high-profile film professionals including Boney Kapoor, Vikram Malhotra, Abhishek Bachchan and Siddharth Roy Kapur, all of whom have been soldiering on despite the near-complete production shutdown and ongoing cinema closures.
This week I checked in with two high-profile executives – Vibha Chopra, head of...
The headlines paint a depressing picture but the country’s film and TV executives remain optimistic that its gargantuan screen industry will evolve, adapt and overcome the challenges in front of it. Deadline has tracked the situation in the country over the past weeks through interviews with high-profile film professionals including Boney Kapoor, Vikram Malhotra, Abhishek Bachchan and Siddharth Roy Kapur, all of whom have been soldiering on despite the near-complete production shutdown and ongoing cinema closures.
This week I checked in with two high-profile executives – Vibha Chopra, head of...
- 7/17/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix is continuing its drive into the expanding and lucrative Indian market after striking deals on eight new titles, including six features and two series.
With the country’s cinemas closed and unlikely to re-open in a meaningful way any time soon, a backlog of high profile films is starting to form, and producers are increasingly looking to streaming deals as avenues for content that isn’t getting released. In May, Amazon struck a glossy deal for seven features to debut exclusively on the platform, including Amitabh Bachchan comedy Gulabo Sitabo.
Now, Netflix has landed a similar deal, with film titles including Ludo, a comedy starring Amitabh Bachchan’s son Abhishek A. Bachchan (who Deadline spoke to recently), as well as Torbaaz, starring Sanjay Dutt, and crime thriller Raat Akeli Hai with Radhika Apte and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The remaining three features are drama Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare, romantic comedy Ginny Weds Sunny,...
With the country’s cinemas closed and unlikely to re-open in a meaningful way any time soon, a backlog of high profile films is starting to form, and producers are increasingly looking to streaming deals as avenues for content that isn’t getting released. In May, Amazon struck a glossy deal for seven features to debut exclusively on the platform, including Amitabh Bachchan comedy Gulabo Sitabo.
Now, Netflix has landed a similar deal, with film titles including Ludo, a comedy starring Amitabh Bachchan’s son Abhishek A. Bachchan (who Deadline spoke to recently), as well as Torbaaz, starring Sanjay Dutt, and crime thriller Raat Akeli Hai with Radhika Apte and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The remaining three features are drama Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare, romantic comedy Ginny Weds Sunny,...
- 7/16/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Otta wide range of films from international filmmakers, including several Oscars winners, are available for streaming online.Tnm StaffTwitterStaying inside during the pandemic hasn’t been easy, but watching movies online through a host of streaming services has been a welcome distraction to our mounting boredom. But perhaps you’ve caught up with all the latest releases in Indian cinema, from Gulabo Sitabo to Ponmagal Vandhal. And you’ve finally finished those pending Hollywood classics you’ve always wanted to watch, like the Godfather trilogy or every Avengers movie in order of release. Fear not, because there’s much more to see. Indian cinema and Hollywood films in English generally dominate pop culture in our country, but there’s a wide range of films from international filmmakers that are finally getting the attention they deserve. Tnm has put together a list of films from international filmmakers to stream on your next movie night.
- 7/14/2020
- by Nikhita Venugopal
- The News Minute
Cinema The film is a criminal justice drama debuting Ragini Prajwal.Tnm StaffThe trailer of Law, Kannada's first film to have a direct Ott release was launched on Friday. The nearly two minute trailer launched by Amazon Prime Video promises a gripping crime suspense drama. Law debuts actor Ragini Prajwal who plays the character Nandhini, a law student who demands justice for a gruesome crime. The film is produced by Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar, M Govinda and directed by Raghu Samarth. The legal Kannada drama also stars Mukhyamantri Chandru, Achyuth Kumar, Sudharani among others. Law is the fifth direct-to-service movie to premiere on Amazon Prime Video after the successful release of Ponmagal Vandhal (Tamil), Gulabo Sitabo (Hindi) and Penguin (Telugu and Tamil with Malayalam dubs) and Sufiyum Sujatayum (Malayalam). Law will be released on Juny 17, in India and in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. “Law is close to my heart,...
- 7/10/2020
- by Sreedevi
- The News Minute
Local filmmakers say cinemas will return as strong as ever post-pandemic, despite a rash of theatrical titles going straight-to-digital.
India’s theatrical market is not going anywhere, despite the current trend for theatrical films to premiere on Ott platforms, said speakers on a panel at the on-going virtual edition of Ficci Frames (July 7-11).
During a session entitled ‘Changing Theatrical Windows – Direct To Ott’, director-producer Shoojit Sircar said he had no other option apart from releasing his latest film, Gulabo Sitabo, on Amazon Prime Video, as Indian theatres have been closed since mid-March due to the Covid-19 pandemic and there...
India’s theatrical market is not going anywhere, despite the current trend for theatrical films to premiere on Ott platforms, said speakers on a panel at the on-going virtual edition of Ficci Frames (July 7-11).
During a session entitled ‘Changing Theatrical Windows – Direct To Ott’, director-producer Shoojit Sircar said he had no other option apart from releasing his latest film, Gulabo Sitabo, on Amazon Prime Video, as Indian theatres have been closed since mid-March due to the Covid-19 pandemic and there...
- 7/9/2020
- by 89¦Liz Shackleton¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Shoojit Sircar’s films always have a certain charm of their own. Their distinctive subjects and idiosyncratic characters are a result of his writing companion- Juhi Chaturvedi, apart from his directorial decisions. What gave both of them such recognition was the 2012 release, “Vicky Donor”; which also won the National Award from that year. However, their collaborations have mostly dealt with people belonging to the middle-class from the social paradigm, who do not live in particularly grave financial conditions. Be it Piku, October, or Vicky Donor, the characters from their films were fairly privileged, largely sharing their emotional concerns. The characters in “Gulabo Sitabo”are hardly like that.
They need to hustle to fulfill their basic needs, which is what primarily interests in this new film. That is the first and foremost where the film becomes politically relevant, where the characters’ urgent needs and desires are more materialistic and less focused on their emotional being.
They need to hustle to fulfill their basic needs, which is what primarily interests in this new film. That is the first and foremost where the film becomes politically relevant, where the characters’ urgent needs and desires are more materialistic and less focused on their emotional being.
- 6/26/2020
- by Akash Deshpande
- AsianMoviePulse
OTTThe movie also stars actor Sanjana Sanghi in the lead role.Tnm StaffActor Sushant Singh Rajput’s last movie, Dil Bechara is getting an online release. The movie will be released on July 24 on Disney+ Hotstar. The Ott platform confirmed the same in a tweet on Thursday. The movie, which marks Mukesh Chhabra’s directorial debut, has Sushant and Sanjana Sanghi in the lead roles and also stars Saif Ali Khan. The movie will be available to all subscribers and non-subscribers of the Ott platform. “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,” Disney+ Hotstar tweeted. 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. pic.
- 6/25/2020
- by Sanyukta
- The News Minute
Mollywood The film which will be released on Amazon Prime Video on July 3, is the first Malayalam film to have a direct Ott release. Tnm StaffThe trailer of Sufiyum Sujatayum features a stunning Aditi Rao Hydari sporting a nose stud. She listens intently as her grandmother narrates stories of Sufi saints while oiling her hair near a pond in her house, only to later begin a romance with a sufi dancer. The problematic term ‘love jihad’, which suggests a conspiracy by Muslim men to lure Hindu women into relationships, is heard in many parts of the trailer, as upset relatives dismiss Sujata's (Aditi) romance with a Muslim man. Her father, played by actor Siddique, too is seen discussing his daughter’s relationship. An angry Jayasurya enters in the second half of the trailer. The film is the first Malayalam movie to have a direct release on an Ott platform. It...
- 6/24/2020
- by Sreedevi
- The News Minute
MollywoodThis will be the first Malayalam film to have a direct Ott release.Tnm StaffMalayalam film Sufiyum Sujatayum will be the first direct Ott release from Mollywood. The film is releasing on Amazon Prime Video on July 3. The film is of the romance genre and has been made under Vijay Babu's production banner Friday Film House. It has been directed by Naranipuzha Shanavas. The musical love story stars Jayasurya and Aditi Rao Hydari. The film sees Aditi making a return to the Malayalam industry after 14 years. The actor had made her debut in 2006 with Prajapathi but had not acted in another Malayalam film after that. The film will release on the Ott platform in over 200 territories. The film has been shot by cinematographer Anu Moothedath and edited by Deepu Joseph. The music has been composed by M Jayachandran with lyrics penned by Hari Narayan and songs sung by Sudeep Palanad.
- 6/22/2020
- by Sowmya
- The News Minute
Gulabo Sitabo, which is streaming on Amazon Prime stars Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana. The Shoojit Sircar film tells the story of two slimy scheming foxes in a game of one upmanship, each one attracting other members to their clan and each one with an agenda of his own.
Mirza (Amitabh Bachchan) – a 78yrs old landlord, would move heaven and earth for his most prized possession – an old Dilapidated Mansion in the heart of Lucknow. But this garden of roses comes with its own cluster of ‘pricky thorns’ – tenants. Amongst them most prominently, Baankey (Ayushmann Khuranna)’ a shrewd, sly and squatted tenant, who matches Mirza bit for bit in their ceaseless bantering.
Gulabo Sitabo is a quirky slice of life where Mirza and Baankey are like Tom and Jerry – unique and unmatched, friend and foe, naughty and smart, little and large, all combine to produce chaos.
Khurrana recently revealed that...
Mirza (Amitabh Bachchan) – a 78yrs old landlord, would move heaven and earth for his most prized possession – an old Dilapidated Mansion in the heart of Lucknow. But this garden of roses comes with its own cluster of ‘pricky thorns’ – tenants. Amongst them most prominently, Baankey (Ayushmann Khuranna)’ a shrewd, sly and squatted tenant, who matches Mirza bit for bit in their ceaseless bantering.
Gulabo Sitabo is a quirky slice of life where Mirza and Baankey are like Tom and Jerry – unique and unmatched, friend and foe, naughty and smart, little and large, all combine to produce chaos.
Khurrana recently revealed that...
- 6/17/2020
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Gulabo Sitabo (Amazon)
Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Farrukh Jafar, Ayushmann Khurrana, Vijay Raaz
Directed by Shoojit Sircar
How do I put this politely? Gulabo Sitabo is as funny as molar surgery, or maybe even less because when you are watching a man helpless under the dentist’s drill his helpless anxiety renders itself to a kind of sadistic hilarity in the audience.
But what if that man under the drill is you, dear audience? That’s how I felt watching Gulabo Sitabo. Trapped. Miserable. Helpless…. Shoojit Sircar who has made some of the better films of recent years, seems to have devised a new method of making our quarantined life more miserable. Pinning us down to his satirical exigencies Sircar gives us a film about proprietorial greed that misses its mark by a wide margin.
To put it bluntly, Gulabo Sitabo is just not funny. I assume this killjoy comedy is supposed to be funny.
Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Farrukh Jafar, Ayushmann Khurrana, Vijay Raaz
Directed by Shoojit Sircar
How do I put this politely? Gulabo Sitabo is as funny as molar surgery, or maybe even less because when you are watching a man helpless under the dentist’s drill his helpless anxiety renders itself to a kind of sadistic hilarity in the audience.
But what if that man under the drill is you, dear audience? That’s how I felt watching Gulabo Sitabo. Trapped. Miserable. Helpless…. Shoojit Sircar who has made some of the better films of recent years, seems to have devised a new method of making our quarantined life more miserable. Pinning us down to his satirical exigencies Sircar gives us a film about proprietorial greed that misses its mark by a wide margin.
To put it bluntly, Gulabo Sitabo is just not funny. I assume this killjoy comedy is supposed to be funny.
- 6/13/2020
- by Subhash K Jha
- Bollyspice
Gulabo Sitabo directed by Shoojit Sircar, is all set to premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on June 12, 2020. The film stars Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana in a quirky hilarious battle of wits.
Welcome to the World of Gulabo Sitabo where two slimy scheming foxes in a game of one upmanship, each one attracting other members to their clan and each one with an agenda of his own. Meet Mirza (Amitabh Bachchan) – a 78yrs old landlord, who would move heaven and earth for his most prized possession – an old Dilapidated Mansion in the heart of Lucknow. But this garden of roses comes with its own cluster of ‘pricky thorns’ – tenants. Amongst them most prominently, Baankey (Ayushmann Khuranna)’ a shrewd, sly and squatted tenant, who matches Mirza bit for bit in their ceaseless bantering.The two are equally sly and crafty, making for hilarious banter and playful chaos.
Check out the trailer!
Welcome to the World of Gulabo Sitabo where two slimy scheming foxes in a game of one upmanship, each one attracting other members to their clan and each one with an agenda of his own. Meet Mirza (Amitabh Bachchan) – a 78yrs old landlord, who would move heaven and earth for his most prized possession – an old Dilapidated Mansion in the heart of Lucknow. But this garden of roses comes with its own cluster of ‘pricky thorns’ – tenants. Amongst them most prominently, Baankey (Ayushmann Khuranna)’ a shrewd, sly and squatted tenant, who matches Mirza bit for bit in their ceaseless bantering.The two are equally sly and crafty, making for hilarious banter and playful chaos.
Check out the trailer!
- 6/11/2020
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Much to fans delight, Gulabo Sitabo, the dramedy starring Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana is all set to premiere on June 12, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. Gulabo Sitabo
The two stars took on a tongue twister challenge, saying
“gulabo ki khatar-patar se titar-bitar sitabo. sitabo ke agar-magar se uthal-puthal gulabo” – 5 times without stopping to promote their upcoming film.
Here’s Big B’s attempt!
can you do this Tongue Twister?
“gulabo ki khatar-patar se titar-bitar sitabo. sitabo ke agar-magar se uthal-puthal gulabo”#GiboSiboOnPrime, June 12.@SrBachchan @ayushmannk @ShoojitSircar @ronnielahiri #SheelKumar #JuhiChaturvedi @filmsrisingsun @Kinoworksllp pic.twitter.com/sxkp5JWQdR
— amazon prime video In (@PrimeVideoIN) June 9, 2020
While Ayushmann nailed it
Baankey tongue twisters mein bhi mahir hai. I nominate @karanjohar @Varun_dvn @Its_Badshah @arjunk26 @taapsee to do this challenge.
“Gulabo ki khatar-patar se titar-bitar Sitabo
Sitabo ke agar-magar se uthal-puthal Gulabo” pic.twitter.com/EIKHBnaows
— Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) June 9, 2020
Big B nominated Deepika Padukone,...
The two stars took on a tongue twister challenge, saying
“gulabo ki khatar-patar se titar-bitar sitabo. sitabo ke agar-magar se uthal-puthal gulabo” – 5 times without stopping to promote their upcoming film.
Here’s Big B’s attempt!
can you do this Tongue Twister?
“gulabo ki khatar-patar se titar-bitar sitabo. sitabo ke agar-magar se uthal-puthal gulabo”#GiboSiboOnPrime, June 12.@SrBachchan @ayushmannk @ShoojitSircar @ronnielahiri #SheelKumar #JuhiChaturvedi @filmsrisingsun @Kinoworksllp pic.twitter.com/sxkp5JWQdR
— amazon prime video In (@PrimeVideoIN) June 9, 2020
While Ayushmann nailed it
Baankey tongue twisters mein bhi mahir hai. I nominate @karanjohar @Varun_dvn @Its_Badshah @arjunk26 @taapsee to do this challenge.
“Gulabo ki khatar-patar se titar-bitar Sitabo
Sitabo ke agar-magar se uthal-puthal Gulabo” pic.twitter.com/EIKHBnaows
— Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) June 9, 2020
Big B nominated Deepika Padukone,...
- 6/10/2020
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
In a country where going to the cinema is a national pastime, India's novel coronavirus-related lockdowns hit the various regional movie industries particularly hard, with a slew of summer movies missing out on a lucrative theatrical release.
One such film was the eagerly anticipated Gulabo Sitabo, the latest from Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan. Producers behind the comedy caused waves in the industry, and not all of it of the good kind, when they skipped a theatrical release for a streaming debut on Amazon. Originally slated for release on April 12, the film, in which Bachchan co-stars with Ayushmann Khurrana, will ...
One such film was the eagerly anticipated Gulabo Sitabo, the latest from Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan. Producers behind the comedy caused waves in the industry, and not all of it of the good kind, when they skipped a theatrical release for a streaming debut on Amazon. Originally slated for release on April 12, the film, in which Bachchan co-stars with Ayushmann Khurrana, will ...
- 6/10/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
This is with reference to current baseless allegations that the script of Shoojit Sircar’s Gulabo Sitabo, written by Juhi Chaturvedi has been copied from another story. We would like to clarify some facts and update the media with relevant information that shows this is a misguided attempt to malign the team.
These claims are by Akira Agarwal, the son of writer late Rajeev Agarwal who had submitted his story in a contest known as “Cinestaan India’s Storyteller Script Contest” promoted by The Screenwriters Association (Swa), a Trade Union of screenwriters and lyricists who work for Films, TV and Digital Media in India. Veteran screenwriter Anjum Rajabali chaired this jury, and Juhi along with 2 more jury members was part of the plan for the final 8 scripts .The final shortlisted scripts (which did not include Akira’s story) came to Juhi and other jury members on 24th October 2018.
The real...
These claims are by Akira Agarwal, the son of writer late Rajeev Agarwal who had submitted his story in a contest known as “Cinestaan India’s Storyteller Script Contest” promoted by The Screenwriters Association (Swa), a Trade Union of screenwriters and lyricists who work for Films, TV and Digital Media in India. Veteran screenwriter Anjum Rajabali chaired this jury, and Juhi along with 2 more jury members was part of the plan for the final 8 scripts .The final shortlisted scripts (which did not include Akira’s story) came to Juhi and other jury members on 24th October 2018.
The real...
- 6/8/2020
- by Joginder Tuteja
- Bollyspice
InterviewThe director’s much-awaited 'Gulabo Sitabo', with Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana in the lead, is set to release on Amazon Prime Video on June 12.Sanyukta DharmadhikariAll images: Amazon Prime VideoIn the middle of a two-month-long lockdown, even as film industries try to teeter back to normalcy, director Shoojit Sircar has been busy. He has a new release just days away, and perhaps for the first time, a big-ticket Hindi movie has skipped a theatrical release to premiere on a digital Ott (over-the-top) platform. The director’s much-awaited Gulabo Sitabo, with Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana in the lead, is set to release on Amazon Prime Video on June 12. Tnm caught up with Shoojit over the phone to talk about his upcoming release, why he decided to go digital, and his memories of actor Irrfan who passed away in April this year. Can you tell us about Gulabo...
- 6/3/2020
- by Sanyukta
- The News Minute
InterviewThe director’s much-awaited 'Gulabo Sitabo', with Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana in the lead, is set to release on Amazon Prime Video on June 12.Sanyukta DharmadhikariAll images: Amazon Prime VideoIn the middle of a two-month-long lockdown, even as film industries try to teeter back to normalcy, director Shoojit Sircar has been busy. He has a new release just days away, and perhaps for the first time, a big-ticket Hindi movie has skipped a theatrical release to premiere on a digital Ott (over-the-top) platform. The director’s much-awaited Gulabo Sitabo, with Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana in the lead, is set to release on Amazon Prime Video on June 12. Tnm caught up with Shoojit over the phone to talk about his upcoming release, why he decided to go digital, and his memories of actor Irrfan who passed away in April this year. Can you tell us about Gulabo...
- 6/3/2020
- by Sanyukta
- The News Minute
As we revealed earlier Shoojit Sircar’s quirky drama Gulabo Sitabo, is set to premier on June 12th exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. The film sees Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana unite for a quirky and fun time at the movies at home.
About the film director Sircar said, “I am happy that a global audience will be able to watch our gritty dramedy, and enjoy what the film has in store for them. Gulabo Sitabo is a quirky, light-hearted movie that the audience can enjoy with their families. It has been a wonderful experience working with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana on the film.”
Actor Ayushmann Kurrana says, “Gulabo Sitabo is a special film for me. It made me reunite with my mentor Shoojit da after Vicky Donor. Whatever I’m today is because of him and I’m happy that he made me a part of his vision again.
About the film director Sircar said, “I am happy that a global audience will be able to watch our gritty dramedy, and enjoy what the film has in store for them. Gulabo Sitabo is a quirky, light-hearted movie that the audience can enjoy with their families. It has been a wonderful experience working with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana on the film.”
Actor Ayushmann Kurrana says, “Gulabo Sitabo is a special film for me. It made me reunite with my mentor Shoojit da after Vicky Donor. Whatever I’m today is because of him and I’m happy that he made me a part of his vision again.
- 6/3/2020
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
OpinionOne cannot totally stop an idea for which the time has come. Anand Kumar RSPTIOn Friday, Ponmagal Vandhal, a Tamil film with Jyotika in the lead and accomplished actors like Parthiban and Bhagyaraj in the cast, will be premiering on Amazon Prime Video. And soon Gulabo Sitabo, a Hindi film directed by Shoojit Sircar and featuring big names like Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushman Khurana will also take the Ott route first, skipping the conventional theatrical release. These two announcements were enough to spook the exhibitors and trigger a larger debate on Theatres Vs Ott in recent times. Not that these are the first instances of films being premiered on Ott platforms. The big difference is, these are the first instances featuring really big names in the Indian industry. When small budget films and films made by rookie makers featuring newcomers made their way to Ott platforms earlier, skipping the theatrical route,...
- 5/28/2020
- by Sowmya
- The News Minute
Greetings, and welcome to our monthly rundown of goodies that are set for Amazon’s Prime Video streaming service here in the UK this June!
Highlights on Prime this month? Anthony Horowitz’s Alex Rider book series gets the TV treatment, This Is Us returns for season 4 after Channel 4 abandoned the UK broadcast rights to the hit series last year, and El Presidente explores the 2015 FIFA Gate corruption scandal for dramatic purposes. Elsewhere, A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon will be streaming, as will 2018’s terrifically underrated dark comedy Game Night, starring Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams. Definitely try and check that out if you have a bit of time on your hands! When all else fails, you can also watch the Back to the Future trilogy again, as that’ll be available, too.
You will find as the weeks tick along that our list of stuff coming...
Highlights on Prime this month? Anthony Horowitz’s Alex Rider book series gets the TV treatment, This Is Us returns for season 4 after Channel 4 abandoned the UK broadcast rights to the hit series last year, and El Presidente explores the 2015 FIFA Gate corruption scandal for dramatic purposes. Elsewhere, A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon will be streaming, as will 2018’s terrifically underrated dark comedy Game Night, starring Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams. Definitely try and check that out if you have a bit of time on your hands! When all else fails, you can also watch the Back to the Future trilogy again, as that’ll be available, too.
You will find as the weeks tick along that our list of stuff coming...
- 5/27/2020
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
The hilarious trailer of Shoojit Sircar’s Gulabo Sitabo with Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana
Welcome to the World of Gulabo Sitabo where two slimy scheming foxes are caught in a game of one upmanship, each one attracting other members to their clan and each one with an agenda of his own.
Meet Mirza (Amitabh Bachchan) – a 78yrs old landlord, who would move heaven and earth for his most prized possession – an old depleted mansion in the heart of Lucknow
But this garden of roses comes with its own cluster of ‘pricky thorns’ – tenants. Amongst them most prominently, Baankey (Ayushmann Khuranna) a shrewd, sly and squatted tenant, who matches Mirza bit for bit in their ceaseless bantering.
Gulabo Sitabo is a quirky slice-of-life dramedy where Mirza and Baankey, much like Tom and Jerry are unique and unmatched, friend and foe, naughty and smart, little and large – all things required to produce chaos.
A Rising Sun Films production, Gulabo Sitabo is directed by Shoojit Sircar, written...
Meet Mirza (Amitabh Bachchan) – a 78yrs old landlord, who would move heaven and earth for his most prized possession – an old depleted mansion in the heart of Lucknow
But this garden of roses comes with its own cluster of ‘pricky thorns’ – tenants. Amongst them most prominently, Baankey (Ayushmann Khuranna) a shrewd, sly and squatted tenant, who matches Mirza bit for bit in their ceaseless bantering.
Gulabo Sitabo is a quirky slice-of-life dramedy where Mirza and Baankey, much like Tom and Jerry are unique and unmatched, friend and foe, naughty and smart, little and large – all things required to produce chaos.
A Rising Sun Films production, Gulabo Sitabo is directed by Shoojit Sircar, written...
- 5/23/2020
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Indian cinemas are shuttered, production continues to be at a standstill and the country remains in lockdown until at least May 31 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Unsurprisingly, consumption of television and streaming services has surged during this period. But digital may not be an existential threat to the film business.
India remains the most prolific film-producing country in the world, with an insatiable appetite for cinema, Hindi-language Bollywood, and regional. The 2018-19 financial year alone saw 2,446 films in 49 languages certified in the country.
According to the Ernst & Young annual report on India’s media and entertainment sector, theatrical business for 2019 was valued at $2.5 billion, making it fourth in the overall pecking order behind television’s $10.4 billion, print’s $3.9 billion and digital’s $2.9 billion. Cinema screen numbers have shrunk over the years to 9,600 for a population of 1.3 billion, and producers of several films, led by comedy “Gulabo Sitabo,” starring...
India remains the most prolific film-producing country in the world, with an insatiable appetite for cinema, Hindi-language Bollywood, and regional. The 2018-19 financial year alone saw 2,446 films in 49 languages certified in the country.
According to the Ernst & Young annual report on India’s media and entertainment sector, theatrical business for 2019 was valued at $2.5 billion, making it fourth in the overall pecking order behind television’s $10.4 billion, print’s $3.9 billion and digital’s $2.9 billion. Cinema screen numbers have shrunk over the years to 9,600 for a population of 1.3 billion, and producers of several films, led by comedy “Gulabo Sitabo,” starring...
- 5/21/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
While Indian cinemas remain closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Sony Pictures Networks and Phantom Films’ “Ghoomketu” will become one of the first Bollywood films to release directly on an Ott platform when it begins streaming from May 22 on Zee5.
Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap (“Sacred Games”) features as a bumbling cop in “Ghoomketu,” a Hindi-language satire starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui (“Manto”) as an aspiring Bollywood screenwriter. Several top Bollywood actors including Amitabh Bachchan (“Badla”), Ranveer Singh (“Gully Boy”), Sonakshi Sinha (“Mission Mangal”), Chitrangada Singh (“Baazaar”) and Lauren Gottlieb (“Abcd”) play themselves in cameos, as does filmmaker Nikkhil Advani (“Batla House”).
Pushpendra Nath Mishra, who wrote and directed 2020 Netflix series “Taj Mahal 1989”, directs.
Kashyap said: “Every film is a labour of love and I saw the conviction in the director of “Ghoomketu” and hence decided to do something which is my least favourite thing to do, which is act.”
Despite his reluctance,...
Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap (“Sacred Games”) features as a bumbling cop in “Ghoomketu,” a Hindi-language satire starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui (“Manto”) as an aspiring Bollywood screenwriter. Several top Bollywood actors including Amitabh Bachchan (“Badla”), Ranveer Singh (“Gully Boy”), Sonakshi Sinha (“Mission Mangal”), Chitrangada Singh (“Baazaar”) and Lauren Gottlieb (“Abcd”) play themselves in cameos, as does filmmaker Nikkhil Advani (“Batla House”).
Pushpendra Nath Mishra, who wrote and directed 2020 Netflix series “Taj Mahal 1989”, directs.
Kashyap said: “Every film is a labour of love and I saw the conviction in the director of “Ghoomketu” and hence decided to do something which is my least favourite thing to do, which is act.”
Despite his reluctance,...
- 5/20/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
CinemaTwo Hindi films too are slated for direct Ott release.Tnm StaffAdapting to changing times and dealing with the uncertainty in the Indian cinema industry due to the lockdown necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic, a handful of film producers have decided to release their films directly on online streaming platforms. While Jyotika’s Ponmagal Vandhal dropped the news of direct Ott release last month, causing a controversy in the Tamil film industry, a total of seven films across five Indian languages will now be released on Amazon Prime Video streaming platform in the next three months. Ponmagal Vandhal (Tamil) from May 29: Starring Jyotika, Parthiban, Bhagyaraj, Prathap Pothen and Pandiarajan, the film was the first in the Tamil industry to announce its direct Ott release. It will now begin streaming on Amazon Prime from May 29. Produced by Suriya’s 2D Entertainment and Rajsekar Karpoorasundarapandian, Ponmagal Vandhal is a legal drama...
- 5/15/2020
- by Anjana
- The News Minute
Major exhibitors protest at films moving straight-to-digital in the midst of India’s Covid-19 lockdown and cinemas closures.
Two of India’s biggest cinema chains, PVR Cinemas and Inox Leisure, have spoken out against the growing number of theatrical movies that are opting for a digital premiere during India’s Covid-19 lockdown and cinema closures.
The backlash follows an announcement made yesterday by Amazon Prime Video that Shoojit Sircar’s Gulabo Sitabo, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana, would premiere on the platform from June 12 and bypass a theatrical release. The film was originally scheduled to open in theatres on April 17.
Today,...
Two of India’s biggest cinema chains, PVR Cinemas and Inox Leisure, have spoken out against the growing number of theatrical movies that are opting for a digital premiere during India’s Covid-19 lockdown and cinema closures.
The backlash follows an announcement made yesterday by Amazon Prime Video that Shoojit Sircar’s Gulabo Sitabo, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana, would premiere on the platform from June 12 and bypass a theatrical release. The film was originally scheduled to open in theatres on April 17.
Today,...
- 5/15/2020
- by 89¦Liz Shackleton¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Following yesterday’s news that Amazon Prime Video India had made its biggest direct-to-service movie acquisition with the Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana comedy Gulabo Sitabo, the streamer has unveiled a further six local titles that will debut exclusively on the platform.
The six movies all would have been theatrical releases, were it not for the ongoing cinema closures in India due to the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, Amazon has stepped in to give them a home, and will premiere each title on its platform in 200 countries over the next three months.
The films span five Indian languages. They include Anu Menon’s mathematician biopic Shakuntala Devi starring Vidya Balan and produced by Abundantia Entertainment, legal drama Ponmagal Vandhal starring Jyothika (Chandramukhi), and Penguin starring Keerthy Suresh (Mahanati).
Last month, Deadline interviewed Shakuntala Devi producer Vikram Malhotra about how the Indian market is coping with the pandemic, during...
The six movies all would have been theatrical releases, were it not for the ongoing cinema closures in India due to the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, Amazon has stepped in to give them a home, and will premiere each title on its platform in 200 countries over the next three months.
The films span five Indian languages. They include Anu Menon’s mathematician biopic Shakuntala Devi starring Vidya Balan and produced by Abundantia Entertainment, legal drama Ponmagal Vandhal starring Jyothika (Chandramukhi), and Penguin starring Keerthy Suresh (Mahanati).
Last month, Deadline interviewed Shakuntala Devi producer Vikram Malhotra about how the Indian market is coping with the pandemic, during...
- 5/15/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
All seven films are acquisitions during a time when Indian cinemas have been closed since mid-March.
Following yesterday’s announcement that Shoojit Sircar’s Gulabo Sitabo will bypass Indian theatres and premiere on Amazon Prime Video, the streamer has confirmed that six further Indian-language movies are set to do the same.
The slate, which will premiere on Amazon Prime between May and August, also includes Anu Menon’s Hindi-language Shakuntala Devi, starring Vidya Balan, and five regional-language films.
Shakuntala Devi, a biopic of the mathematics genius, writer and astrologer, is produced by Sony Pictures Networks Productions and Vikram Malhotra’s Abundantia Entertainment.
Following yesterday’s announcement that Shoojit Sircar’s Gulabo Sitabo will bypass Indian theatres and premiere on Amazon Prime Video, the streamer has confirmed that six further Indian-language movies are set to do the same.
The slate, which will premiere on Amazon Prime between May and August, also includes Anu Menon’s Hindi-language Shakuntala Devi, starring Vidya Balan, and five regional-language films.
Shakuntala Devi, a biopic of the mathematics genius, writer and astrologer, is produced by Sony Pictures Networks Productions and Vikram Malhotra’s Abundantia Entertainment.
- 5/15/2020
- by 89¦Liz Shackleton¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Gulabo Sitabo, directed by Shoojit Sircar, stars Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana. Ever since it was first announced and we saw the first looks, we and audiences have been excited to see the quirky, dramedy film. Now, the wait is over because in a special global premiere, this movie will stream exclusively on the 12th of June, 2020 on Amazon Prime Video and will be available in 200 countries and territories worldwide.
“Gulabo Sitabo is a slice of life, dramedy that is a must watch for families at home,” said actor Amitabh Bachchan, “I was excited about my role since the first time Shoojit showed me the character’s look. It took me almost 3 hours each day to get into character with its different look. I had a wonderful time working with my very talented co-star Ayushmann Khurrana. Even though we are constantly bantering in the film, it has been a pleasure...
“Gulabo Sitabo is a slice of life, dramedy that is a must watch for families at home,” said actor Amitabh Bachchan, “I was excited about my role since the first time Shoojit showed me the character’s look. It took me almost 3 hours each day to get into character with its different look. I had a wonderful time working with my very talented co-star Ayushmann Khurrana. Even though we are constantly bantering in the film, it has been a pleasure...
- 5/14/2020
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
OTTThe film, directed by Shoojit Sircar, had been slated for a theatrical release but had been delayed due to the national lockdown.IANSAfter much speculation, director Shoojit Sircar along with actors Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana have confirmed that their upcoming film Gulabo Sitabo will release directly onto an Ott streaming platform instead of going to theatres first. It will be released on Amazon Prime Video on June 12. The quirky dramedy is written by Juhi Chaturvedi of Piku fame. "Gulabo Sitabo is a slice of life, dramedy that is a must watch for families at home," said Bachchan. Discussing his experience of working on the film, he added, "I was excited about my role since the time Shoojit showed me the character's look. It took me almost three hours each day to get into character with its different look. I had a wonderful time working with my very talented co-star Ayushmann Khurrana.
- 5/14/2020
- by Nikhita Venugopal
- The News Minute
Hindi-language dramatic comedy “Gulabo Sitabo,” starring veteran Amitabh Bachchan (“Piku”) and hot Bollywood A-lister Ayushmann Khurrana (“Andhadhun”), will release directly on Amazon Prime Video worldwide on June 12. The film’s theatrical release in April was scuppered by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“At Amazon we’re listening to our customers, and working backwards from there.” said Vijay Subramaniam, director and head, content, Amazon Prime Video, India. “’Gulabo Sitabo’ is one of the most anticipated films of the year. It is the first step in our endeavour to bring superior cinematic experiences to our customer’s doorstep.”
The film’s director Shoojit Sircar described the decision to premiere directly on Amazon as “the dawn of a new era for Indian entertainment.”
The move to Ott is the new normal for India as cinemas remain shuttered and the future remains uncertain. Revenues are poised to fall because of continuing social distancing regulations coupled...
“At Amazon we’re listening to our customers, and working backwards from there.” said Vijay Subramaniam, director and head, content, Amazon Prime Video, India. “’Gulabo Sitabo’ is one of the most anticipated films of the year. It is the first step in our endeavour to bring superior cinematic experiences to our customer’s doorstep.”
The film’s director Shoojit Sircar described the decision to premiere directly on Amazon as “the dawn of a new era for Indian entertainment.”
The move to Ott is the new normal for India as cinemas remain shuttered and the future remains uncertain. Revenues are poised to fall because of continuing social distancing regulations coupled...
- 5/14/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Shoojit Sircar directed A Rising Sun Films production.
Amazon Prime Video will debut Hindi film Gulabo Sitabo with Bollywood stars Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana exclusively on Prime Video as the streaming giant pushes into the subcontinent.
The film, which Amazon acquired from its producers, will start streaming on Prime Video on June 12, completely bypassing a theatrical release. Shoojit Sircar directed the story about two schemers engaged in a game of one-upmanship as each one attracts members to his clan and pursues his agenda.
Juhi Chaturvedi wrote the screenplay to the production by A Rising Sun Films, and Ronnie Lahiri...
Amazon Prime Video will debut Hindi film Gulabo Sitabo with Bollywood stars Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana exclusively on Prime Video as the streaming giant pushes into the subcontinent.
The film, which Amazon acquired from its producers, will start streaming on Prime Video on June 12, completely bypassing a theatrical release. Shoojit Sircar directed the story about two schemers engaged in a game of one-upmanship as each one attracts members to his clan and pursues his agenda.
Juhi Chaturvedi wrote the screenplay to the production by A Rising Sun Films, and Ronnie Lahiri...
- 5/14/2020
- by 14¦Screen staff¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Amazon Prime Video India has made its biggest direct-to-service movie acquisition in the shape of Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana comedy Gulabo Sitabo.
The Hindi-language comedy will launch exclusively on the streaming service on June 12 and will be simultaneously available in 200 countries worldwide. The film was originally due to launch theatrically earlier this year but the coronavirus pandemic has shuttered theaters across the country and hampered releases.
Directed by Shoojit Sircar, Bollywood royalty Bachchan and growing star Khurrana play two slimy scheming foxes who get caught up in a game of one upmanship, each one attracting other members to their clan and each one with an agenda of his own.
The Rising Sun Films production is written by Juhi Chaturvedi and produced by Ronnie Lahiri and Sheel Kumar.
“Gulabo Sitabo is a slice of life dramedy that is a must watch for families at home,” said Bachchan, “I was excited...
The Hindi-language comedy will launch exclusively on the streaming service on June 12 and will be simultaneously available in 200 countries worldwide. The film was originally due to launch theatrically earlier this year but the coronavirus pandemic has shuttered theaters across the country and hampered releases.
Directed by Shoojit Sircar, Bollywood royalty Bachchan and growing star Khurrana play two slimy scheming foxes who get caught up in a game of one upmanship, each one attracting other members to their clan and each one with an agenda of his own.
The Rising Sun Films production is written by Juhi Chaturvedi and produced by Ronnie Lahiri and Sheel Kumar.
“Gulabo Sitabo is a slice of life dramedy that is a must watch for families at home,” said Bachchan, “I was excited...
- 5/14/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon has made its most aggressive move in Bollywood to date by picking up global rights to Shoojit Sircar's dramedy Gulabo Sitabo, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana.
The streamer said the film will have its premiere on June 12 and will be be available in 200 countries and territories worldwide. A Rising Sun film, Gulabo Sitabo was originally slated to be released in theaters on April 17, but the Indian government's directive to close all cinemas as part of a nationwide lockdown to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus put the film's theatrical release in doubt....
The streamer said the film will have its premiere on June 12 and will be be available in 200 countries and territories worldwide. A Rising Sun film, Gulabo Sitabo was originally slated to be released in theaters on April 17, but the Indian government's directive to close all cinemas as part of a nationwide lockdown to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus put the film's theatrical release in doubt....
- 5/14/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Amazon has made its most aggressive move in Bollywood to date by picking up global rights to Shoojit Sircar's dramedy Gulabo Sitabo, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana.
The streamer said the film will have its premiere on June 12 and will be be available in 200 countries and territories worldwide. A Rising Sun film, Gulabo Sitabo was originally slated to be released in theaters on April 17, but the Indian government's directive to close all cinemas as part of a nationwide lockdown to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus put the film's theatrical release in doubt....
The streamer said the film will have its premiere on June 12 and will be be available in 200 countries and territories worldwide. A Rising Sun film, Gulabo Sitabo was originally slated to be released in theaters on April 17, but the Indian government's directive to close all cinemas as part of a nationwide lockdown to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus put the film's theatrical release in doubt....
- 5/14/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
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