Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 31, 2017)

British model-actress Amy Jackson made inroads in the Indian film industry when Tamil filmmaker AL Vijay cast her as the leading lady in his 2010 period-drama Madrasapattinam, following it up with the Hindi romantic-drama Ekk Deewana Tha in 2012 and Prabhudeva’s 2015 hit Singh Is Bliing opposite Akshay Kumar.

Now, Mirror has learnt that the 25-year-old actress, who is a regular at the Cannes Film Festival, was in the French Riviera to promote her upcoming international release, Boogie Man, when she was handed over the possession of her brand new yacht. “When I was at Cannes last year, I went for a cruise and took a yacht ride as well and absolutely loved it. I wanted to buy one instantly and decided that I’d buy it during my next visit. Fortunately, things worked out, and I bought the yacht. It’s a simple and classy open yacht, entirely covered in sparkling white,” Amy told Mirror, revealing that it is a 30-feet recreational boat equipped for light sailing and boasts of two private cabins and a kitchen and is presently parked at the Porte De Cannes. “I don’t have a name for it yet,” she added.

Sailing along the European coastline, and maybe to the UK, is on her ultimate wish list, as is visiting all the exotic, pristine beaches along the way that are not accessible to tourists. “I love beaches, boat rides and thoroughly enjoy cruises. It was my dream to buy a yacht and I am proud of it,” she exulted.

The actress has wrapped up shooting for S Shankar’s sci-fi-adventure 2.0 — a sequel to the Rajinikanthstarrer Enthiran aka Robot — which features Akshay Kumar as the villain. She has also signed two South and one Hindi films which are to kick off soon. Boogieman is a thriller written, directed by Andrew Morahan and features Amy with Jupiter Descending actor Ramon Tikaram and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels actor Nick Moran.

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 30, 2017)

After the cast and crew of Sundar C's period-drama Sangamithra journeyed to the 70th Cannes International Film festival to unveil its first look, Mirror has learnt that leading lady Shruti Haasan has bowed out of the project following disagreements with the makers. She is also reportedly furious that the makers announced on the social media that it was their decision to end the association.

The official Twitter handle of the film’s presenters and distributors, Sri Thenandal Films, shared on Monday, “Due to unavoidable circumstances, we are unable to proceed working with Shruti Haasan in Sangamithra.”

But the actress's spokesperson told Mirror that she had to walk out of the film despite having begun extensive prep for the part.  “Knowing that it was a massive undertaking and a long commitment spanning over two years, Shruti had hired one of the best combat trainers and begun training, making sure to be ready in time to shoot. Despite her commitment to Sangamithra, she has had to give the film a miss since she had not received a bound script nor a proper schedule,” the spokesperson shared.

Shruti who is currently promoting her Bollywood drama, Behen Hogi Teri, also featuring Rajkummar Rao, will now begin prep for her upcoming Tamil-Telugu spyadventure, Sabaash Naidu, directed and produced by her father Kamal Haasan.
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Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; May 30, 2017)

Shruti Haasan has bowed out of the multilingual period drama, Sangamithra. She had unveiled the film at the Cannes Film Festival barely a week ago along with director Sundar C, music composer A R Rahman, and co- actors Jayam Ravi and Arya.

Last evening, the producers, Sri Thenandal Films, announced on Twitter, “Due to unavoidable circumstances, we are unable to proceed working with Shruti Haasan in Sangamithra.”

The first look of Shruti as the titular warrior queen was released at the French Riveira, with the makers claiming that international studios had expressed interest to co produce the film. Shruti had been cast from among several leading South actresses and in April, underwent training in martial arts in London as part of her prep.

Shruti’s spokesperson says, “She was to take a call [on the film] since she was yet to receive a proper bound script and a calendar for the shoot. Knowing it was a massive undertaking and a long commitment spanning two years, it was important for her to know those details.”

The actress is currently promoting her upcoming Bollywood film, Behen Hogi Teri, which has Rajkummar Rao as her co-star.

Sonam Kapoor responds to reel mother Shabana Azmi’s subtle swipe at Bollywood’s fashion parade at the Cannes Film Festival
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; May 24, 2017)

Fashionable red carpet appearances often tend to overshadow the work of filmmakers at the Cannes Film Festival, something that seems to have irked Shabana Azmi. Recently, the veteran actress posted a photograph with co-star Smita Patil and director Shyam Benegal from her 1976 French Riviera tour where they promoted their film, Nishant. She wrote, ‘The simplicity of it all. Film was important not the clothes! (sic).’

However, Bollywood’s resident fashionista Sonam Kapoor hardly agrees with Shabana, who played mother to her in Neerja (2016). Speaking to mid-day from Cannes, Sonam says, “I don’t think fashion has taken precedence over films. I am representing a cosmetic brand here and it only makes sense to do my make-up and hair. I would be dressing up differently if I were here for a film.”

Perplexed over reasons behind only a handful of films from India travelling to the festival, Sonam says, “Our market is completely different from that of the rest of the world. In recent years, we have had films like Dangal, Neerja and others finding success despite not following the typical Bollywood formula. But I think when a project is tagged as a ‘festival film’, the producers are under the impression that it might not be a commercial success.”

She is quick to cite the example of Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire (2008), which was a festival hit and earned commercial success, as an exception.

Sonam, who has been turning heads at Cannes with her sartorial statements as part of her endorsement deal with a beauty brand, adds that she doesn’t feel the pressure of walking the red carpet, “The whole point is to have fun, look good and just have a good time. I don’t take myself too seriously. In fact, I sleep really well a night before such a big event, and it always works for me.”

Anupama Chopra (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 24, 2017)

The 70th Cannes Film Festival has all the ingredients of a great film — beauty and drama, emotion and magic, a bomb threat and even a tragic, unexpected death.

First the numbers — the 10-day festival, which kicked off on May 17, had 61 films in the official selection. There were new movies from some of the world’s great auteurs, including Michael Haneke, Bong Joon Ho and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. The main competition section featured 19 films (including three by women directors). Iconic Spanish director Pedro Almodovar presided over the competition jury, which included South Korean director Park Chanwook, Oscar-nominated actress Jessica Chastain and Hollywood superstar Will Smith.

Hundreds of films — in the official selection and the Cannes market — were devoured by over 25,000 film professionals and 3000-odd journalists. In snaking queues and over-filled bars, the merits of each title were debated. But beyond the movies, there was another topic of conversation — Netflix.

This was the first year that the festival selected two titles by the streaming giant — Bong Joon-ho’s Okja and Noah Baumbach’s The Meyerowitz Stories. The Netflix model of streaming films without a theatrical window puts it at odds with the global theatre establishment here, specifically with French exhibitors. In response to the loud protest (Christophe Tardieu, director of the French National Cinema Center described Netflix as ‘the perfect representation of American Cultural imperialism’), the festival introduced a new rule starting next year - All competition titles will have to commit to a theatrical release in France. But the two Netflix titles remain in the race for the prestigious Palme d’Or.

The first screening of Okja had to be stopped because of a technical malfunction — the first I’ve experienced in several years of coming to the festival. There was loud booing when the Netflix logo appeared onscreen. The cast, headlined by Tilda Swinton and Jake Gyllenhaal, found themselves fielding questions about the definition of cinema. Almodovar added fuel to the fire by declaring at the jury press conference that he didn’t think a film which would never release in a theatre deserved to win the Palme d’Or.

Sadly, in this landmark anniversary year, the Indian presence was negligible — at least in the official selection. Only one Indian film was deemed good enough to participate.

FTII student Payal Kapadia’s Afternoon Clouds, about an elderly woman who lives with her Nepali maid, was among the 16 films showing in the student film section, Cinefondation. In the last five years, India had made some inroads into the festival so its near total absence was a major disappointment — clearly our films aren’t meeting the festival’s quality standards.

But our industry was everywhere. Deepika Padukone, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor walked the red carpet. A R Rahman and Shruti Haasan were there for the launch of Sangamithra – a two-part, Baahubaliesque fantasy epic. Tiger Shroff was there for the launch of his Rambo remake. Madhu Chopra was networking to spread word about the Sikkimese film Priyanka and she are producing – Pahuna. Nandita Das and Nawazuddin Siddiqui were promoting their new project Manto.



According to the NFDC market guide, over 80 Indian companies had representatives at Cannes. For India, Cannes is still a marketing and networking platform. But if we wish to be serious players at one of the world’s biggest cinema platforms, our films will have to make a bigger impact than our camera friendly, red carpet-ready stars.

Of course the Cannes red carpet is among the most celebrated in the world. This year, the added security gave it even more drama. On opening night, women in expensive designer gowns had their voluminous trains scanned by guards. Getting into a film required two bag checks and two body scans. One morning, as I stood in the queue, I overheard a woman complaining that security guards were even confiscating cough drops. On the fourth day of the festival, there was a bomb scare and a theatre had to be evacuated.

Two days before that, the deputy director of the Busan Interntional Film Festival suffered a massive heart attack and died in Cannes. At an official dinner held for visiting festival heads and programmers, guests toasted Kim Ji-Seok, who was among the founding members of Asia’s biggest festival.

Cannes Festival president, Pierre Lescure, spoke about the passion for cinema that drives film festivals around the world. This passion is the throbbing heart of Cannes. The impossibly glamorous South of France location, the staggering beauty displayed on the red carpet every evening, the designer stores dotting the landscape, the swanky yachts and helicopters are merely peripherals. Cannes is a celebration of cinema unlike any other. As AR Rahman put it — happy accidents happen here! I can’t wait to return.

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 20, 2017)

As Sonam Kapoor readies to walk the Cannes red carpet for the eighth successive year, she admits the pressure could be insurmountable, but not if you know how to have fun. "All I want is not take myself too seriously, have fun and look beautiful. Actresses should stop dressing up for the world. They have to stop caring about who says what. That pressure makes them look awkward," she says.

The actress has, so far, zeroed in on an Anamika Khanna outfit, but is yet to take the final call on what she will be wearing on the other days at the festival.

Calling herself a non-conformist, Sonam says fashion is not as heavy as conceived. "I can't fault people for writing what they feel. They are doing what they are paid for. As for taking criticism in my stride stride, I have managed it well so far. I am happy with what I am. If I start caring about fashion Nazis, I won't be making fashion statements."

The actress's take, on Deepika Padukone being pitted against her and Sonam Kapoor, makes a lot of sense
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; May 21, 2017)

It’s that time of the year again. Bollywood beauties are taking the Internet by storm, thanks to their red carpet appearances at the 70th Cannes Film Festival. Deepika Padukone walked first and then, it was Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s time to walk the walk. She did and how! Wearing a pretty princess gown, she looked gorgeous. But somewhere, Aish admits that she had daughter Aaradhya in mind while picking the dress.

In a FaceTime chat, straight from the French Riviera, Aishwarya talks about her 16th Cannes outing, her tryst with the fashion police, and on plans to join social media soon. Read on...

This is your 16th year at Cannes. What’s special this time?
Oh yes, it’s the sweet 16 but what makes it sweeter is I’m here to celebrate the festival’s 70th year and along with that, L’Oreal, too, celebrates its 20-year association with the festival. So it’s quite a big milestone in the collective association and it’s nice that it coincides with my 16th year. After all these years, it’s kind of a familial relationship that we have developed and it’s always nice to join in any celebrations — congratulate your fellow associates, professionals and fellow friends and it’s nice to just revel.

So much is spoken about your Cannes looks...
Of course! But it’s nice, because in a way, bina soche and bina kuch kiye, yeh kaam kar jaata hai. Like I say, I am a committed professional, but I’m an even more committed mother. So I joke that it’s nice to do fancy dress once in a while and then of course, to do it professionally and impactfully and give every commitment its due. But also living my real life as well, it’s important to balance the two well. This kind of does it!

You are presenting Devdas this year again. Is life coming a full circle?
It personally gives me a lot of pleasure to have Devdas viewed because I enjoy watching it till date. I still get messages from well-wishers, the world over when Devdas is screened on TV. The first time I came to Cannes, it was for Devdas. It was a special moment for all three of us — Shah Rukh Khan, Snajay Leela Bhansali and me — and being driven in a chariot was an amazing feeling. It has never been replicated at Cannes post that, so it’s special too. To recount the first experience in a much easier way this time, feels great. All in all, it’s a wonderful synergy and it’s great that Cannes and L’Oreal thought of etching their 70th and 20th with this special memory.

This year, Deepika also joins the bandwagon along with Sonam Kapoor. Do you think it is fair to pit actresses against one another?
There’s competition everywhere, especially in this world of social media. It’s not just today, it’s been there for over the years. Everybody has opinions and we shouldn’t even bother judging whether it’s fair or not. Because this is here to stay. There is a platform and people will give opinions. So you need to decide for yourself whether you want to stay or stick around or roll like a water off a duck’s back. I think it’s an individual’s prerogative to fashion your outlook and approach and live in the moment or get on with it.

Aaradhya cutely posed for the paparazzi recently. Has she become comfortable with it?
I haven’t asked her the question you’re asking me. (Smiles) But I think it’s normal as she’s been seeing all this since her childhood, there’s a certain amount of familiarity with that. Even I saw the picture like you did. I didn’t even know that she was looking into the camera and making that cute little pose. I was just entering, so I didn’t notice. But yes, the picture made me smile. And I’m a gushing mother so I love her immensely. I too found it extremely cute!

Does Aaradhya know about you guys being such huge film stars?
Obviously, she does. She is very aware of everything. Aaradhya can see all our posters in and around the city, so she totally knows what we do and what we are. But yes, it’s not like ki hum log usko bithake apni movies dikhate hain. It’s nothing like that. Aaradhya has had a very normal upbringing and it doesn’t mean direction or instructions, but guidance on what to make of this beauty called life. We have had a good upbringing from our parents which we are passing on to her, that’s it.

Has she ever told you that she didn’t like any of the outfits you wore?
She’s someone who’s aware of her Disney princesses and dressing up. She knows all that. Without me stating it, I am letting her see it. I told her teacher that I’m going for a fancy dress party with Aaradhya. She gets to see me in all those princess gowns and we get to have fun around it. But we’re not talking about it all the time. It just goes with the flow. I am doing normal mommy-daughter things with her also.

There’s always a lot of criticism and talk about all your appearances, especially last year the purple lipstick made news. How do you take it?
It’s not the first and the last time I’m in the public eye. Here, at the festival, I have a great team doing my make-up and hair. Creatively, it’s exciting, because I trust them and they have been doing this for years now. The proof is there for all of you to see and enjoy. I have obviously joked and said that I go with the flow and you all can enjoy the show. (Giggles) It’s art and creativity in the end. It’s fun to allow people to enjoy the creativity on this palette.

I’m the palette for the day. But the best thing is that they won’t ever do something which will make me feel physically uncomfortable. And if I’m, I won’t go that way in front of the world. So, it’s not that we aren’t in sync. At the same time, I am open to anything on a creative level, even when it comes to my cinema.

Were you ever bothered by the criticism from the fashion police?
Well, if it gets nasty, I’m only human. But I have never taken it to be the fulcrum of my existence. I mean, we are all public personalities. Today, even you guys have so much competition. Everybody has an opinion on social media today and everybody shares it. I’m realistic and I recognise that and I’m someone on the public platform, so there would be opinions galore, but there is so much love out there. I am blessed that way. Even if there are fangs, there is far more admiration, jubilation, kisses, hugs and embraces. I am so humbled by it.

When do we see you on social media?
Thank you for asking that, thinking ki abhi bhi hope hai. (Giggles). I know I haven’t yet forayed into that space. But I think, yeah, the time has come for me to join social media because it’s very much the calling. Everyone has been asking me so vehemently and so sweetly, year after year. Thank you for your enthusiasm, I will surely consider the suggestion. (Smiles)

Have you signed your next film?
No, I took a break for the past five months because of personal reasons. I’m glad I did. It meant a lot for me, personally, so I didn’t have any professional meetings. I started last week and I liked two subjects already. So, as and when, we feel the need or when the time is right, we will share the news with you. But I just started listening to scripts now. Until then, I had taken time off from work for my family, especially my mother.

We heard you could be hosting KBC 3... Is it true?
You tell me where that started! (Laughs)

And Gulab Jamun.. Are Abhishek and you doing it?
We have been approached for Gulab Jamun, but baaki baaton ka I don’t know what to say. We have heard the script, that’s all.

From 'princess' to 'picture perfect', the Indian fashion press drenches Deepika and Ash in clichéd superlatives. The reality isn't as 'osm'
Shefalee Vasudev (THE TIMES OF INDIA; May 21, 2017)

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; May 20, 2017)

Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; May 20, 2017)

Making her debut on the French Riviera, Deepika Padukone has wowed the fashion police with her various red carpet appearances.

Sharing her experience with mid-day via FaceTime, the actress says, with great joy and positivity around, it’s ‘literally like sunshine’. The L’Oreal brand ambassador is soaking in a variety of experiences at the festival, right from fashionable outings to catching up films.

Comparisons with Sonam Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who are regular at the fest, have already started but the actress feels it’s uncalled for. “I feel it shouldn’t happen. This is an incredible platform to showcase our talent and represent a brand or a movie. We all are such strong individuals and I don’t see any overlap [tension],” she says.

Deepika mingled with Hollywood celebrities Julianne Moore and Susan Sarandon on day 1, and calls that a moment she will always cherish. “At 7 am, we were getting our hair and make-up done. What I enjoyed the most was that we all are celebs, but in that room, we were three women giggling, chatting and being real.”

Talking about the perception of Indian cinema at Cannes, the actress says, “Susan was talking about her son picked up a dance element from Indian films and incorporated in his film. I know all our movies are not just about song and dance. Though people are aware of the kind of films we make, there’s a lot to do in terms of educating them,” she adds.

Manish Mundra, one of the top 10 producers to watch out for globally, who ventured into film production at 40, has reshaped indie cinema in India in less than four years
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 20, 2017)

A chance encounter with Rajat Kapoor on Twitter in 2013 resulted in Manish Mundra producing his first film, Ankhon Dekhi, which bagged three Filmfare Awards. He has since produced half-a-dozen films, including Masaan, X: Past Is Present,Waiting, Dhanak and Umrika which is yet to be released. He has three more films — Newton, Rukh and Kadvi Hawa — waiting to be unveiled. And now, Manish is the only Indian filmmaker to make it to Variety magazine’s list of ‘10 Producers To Watch Out For In 2017’, each of whom will be honoured in person at the 70th Cannes Film Festival.

Speaking to Mirror, Manish acknowledged that he is excited and happy. “It was a surprise but it will motivate me to carry this momentum forward over the next three-four years and prove that the privilege was worth it,” he asserted, admitting that while none of the celebs had called to congratulate him, many from the Indian film industry are delighted for him.

He has his life carefully charted out with five-year plans that have kept him on course. When he was between 25-30 he had the option of getting into films and starting at the bottom of the ladder or establish himself as a professional and pursue his passion at a later stage. He took the second route and entered the industry when he was 40, and in less than four years, has made a name for himself internationally. “I didn’t have the money to invest in big films, so I chose to nurture parallel cinema instead, making films within a tight budget and schedule to ensure that the investment paid off. Now, the effort is towards building brand Drishyam with quality products, so a certain audience which loves good cinema will come to the theatres to see a film from my company and we can cut down on the money for promotions,” he informs. “Also, once a film picks up awards and acclaim at fests abroad, the digital platform, along with theatrical and satellite, is available to us for exploiting.”

Quiz him on whether the A-listers want to work with him now, given that his films have found an audience not just at home but even abroad, and he says, “The smaller stars are coming to us but the bigger names are still interested in the big-budget, song-and-dance fantasy films which will continue to be made as they work with the Indian diaspora. For us content is the star and we’re constantly on the lookout for subjects that will appeal to an international, non-Indian audience that is looking for new and genuinely Indian, honest, real and heart-warming stories. We have a team to go through scripts. At Cannes I’m planning to connect with festival directors and their teams to figure out what kind of films they are looking for from India.”

What is his next objective? “To bag an Oscar for India in the Foreign Language category. Newton, which after winning awards at the Berlinale and the Hong Kong Film Festival, has been invited to 40 film fests across the world, stands a good chance if it is selected as India’s official entry. Else, we will come up with another movie,” he says confidently, whose favourite productions so far have been the critically acclaimed Masaan and the upcoming Rukh and Kadvi Hawa. Rukh is an emotional father-son story, an international level film featuring Manoj Bajpayee, and Kadvi Hawa, helmed by Padma Shri Nila Madhab Panda, is about global warming and climate change, based on the true stories from the drought-prone Bundelkhand region and the vanishing villages of coastal Odisha. “Kadvi Hawa has a brilliant performance by Sanjay Mishra and has bagged us the second National Award this year along with Dhanak, making it our third if you count Masaan. It’s been a short but fulfilling journey,” he exults.

And is directing a film on the cards? “Of course, but not till I have made another six-seven films as a producer. Direction needs time and knowledge of techniques. It’ll happen when the time is right. Till then I’ll keep nurturing talent and making good cinema,” says India’s Indie guru.

MUMBAI MIRROR (May 19, 2017)

MID-DAY (May 17, 2017)

International auteur Majid Majidi's 'Beyond The Clouds' second poster will be unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival.

The Iranian filmmaker shot for the film in Mumbai recently. It features debutant Ishaan Khattar (half brother of Shahid Kapoor) and Malavika Mohannan in lead roles with a story woven around human values and relationships. AR Rahman has scored the music. The first look of the film was unveiled at the Berlin Film Festival in February this year.

Says a source, "The producers (Zee Studios and Eyecandy Films) are planning a unique marketing strategy around the posters. They plan to release a series of teaser-posters unveiling different looks and textures of the characters.

The Cannes film festival begins today and runs till May 28

Sanjay Leela Bhansali wants Deepika Padukone starrer 'Padmavati' to be ready by May next year. Here's why...
Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; August 8, 2016)

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period drama, 'Padmavati', is set to go on floors next month and while the filmmaker is known to take his own sweet time to complete his projects, he has already set a deadline for wrapping up his next. He wants the Deepika Padukone-starrer to be ready before May to be able to showcase it at Festival De Cannes. The 70th anniversary edition of the film fiesta is scheduled to be held from May 17 to 28, 2017.

A source says, “After finalising the cast, Bhansali has been meeting the actors to discuss their characters in detail and monitor their prep. The work on music and other departments had begun long ago. His target is to wrap up the film as soon as possible and screen it at Cannes.”

While Deepika has been signed to play the title role, Ranveer Singh will be seen as Alauddin Khilji, who tries to capture the beautiful Mewar queen. Reports suggest Shahid Kapoor will play Deepika’s on-screen husband, king Rawal Ratan Singh.

In 2003, Bhansali attended the Cannes festival for Devdas, along with his lead pair, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.

A source says, “Padmavati has managed to create a lot of buzz for its subject as well as casting. This project is close to Bhansali’s heart and so, he wants to have a grand launch. He is trying to finish shooting and post production by May.”

Bhansali remained unavailable for comment.