Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 30, 2017)

Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; January 4, 2017)

Shilpi Sampad (MID-DAY; December 8, 2016)

For a Punjabi kudi with acting experience in Kannada films, how difficult could learning a new language be? Ask Kriti Kharbanda, Emraan Hashmi’s heroine from Raaz Reboot, who plays a Gujarati girl in her second film, Ashwini Dhir’s Atithii Iin London.

Faced with the challenge of perfecting the nuances of the language, Kriti turned to co-star Paresh Rawal, a Gujarati, for some quick lessons. The film’s team, including Tanvi Azmi and Kartik Aaryan, is currently shooting in London, where it is set.

A unit hand informs, “Kriti had to pick up a typical Gujarati accent for an authentic touch. So, she would spend time with Pareshji before and after shoot, and he was more than happy to help her perfect the lingo.”

Kriti says, “During the extensive shoot schedule in London, Paresh sir helped me to get Gujarati diction right. I used to sit with him during breaks and he would recite my lines in Gujarati to help me learn how to speak the words right. I can’t thank him enough for that.”

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 6, 2016)

Ajay Devgn who starred as the lead in the 2010 release Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? is expected to shoot a cameo for its sequel Atithii Iin London next year.

A source associated with the film reveals, “He is expected to be part of the film’s climax that will be shot sometime in February, over three days. The makers have planned to shoot the portion in New York on ground zero.”

However, filmmaker Abhishek Pathak when contacted, says he isn’t sure when Ajay will shoot for his film. He says “We will have to wait for Ajay’s dates to see if he shoots our film. He is working on other films like Baadshaho currently so we are not sure how we are going about it.”

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 11, 2016)

"I hadn't thought I could step into Ajay Devgn’s shoes,” says Pyaar Ka Punchnama’s monologue boy Kartik Aaryan, who is currently shooting for comic caper, Athithii Iin London, in the British capital. The sequel to Devgn and Konkona Sensharma-starrer Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge, a story about a live-in couple harrowed by a pesky guest, is set for a contemporary reboot.

Talking about the project, Kartik tells hitlist, “Just like my debut film [Pyaar Ka Punchnama], this one will also connect with the young audience. At its core, this film is more emotional than the last one. We kept it real and were careful to not be preachy.”

The actor confesses that he is excited to work alongside Paresh Rawal, who, he says, can make the audience chuckle at the drop of a hat. “I had to pinch myself to believe I have signed a film with him. It is a lot of pressure that’s making me nervous but also pushing me to work hard, a lot more than I usually do.”

Comedy films make for the larger part of the actor’s filmography. Yet, Kartik took the audience by surprise with his portrayal of a Muslim boy who falls in love with an older woman in Tanuja Chandra short, Silvat, which was screened at Wagah Border earlier this year. “It was done for the India-Pakistan peace initiative. Everybody loved it. I was doing something more than comedy for a change, and enjoyed it. I was offered a few action movies after that and I know that people are looking at me as more than just a funny guy. I am open to exploring other genres,” he adds.

Dogged by a ghost in her B-wood debut, Kriti Kharbanda’s now shrugging off guests
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 3, 2016)

After making her Bollywood debut in Vikram Bhatt’s Raaz Reboot, Kriti Kharbanda is currently shooting her second Hindi feature, Abhishek Pathak’s Atithii Iin London in well, London. The 28-year-old actress plays Kartik Aaryan’s live-in girlfriend. The couple’s life turns topsy-turvy when unwanted guests from India, Paresh Rawal and Tanvi Azmi, suddenly turn up and are in no hurry to leave.

“I got three films offers after Raaz Reboot, this one was exciting as I haven’t done much comedy earlier,” says Kriti who has replaced Lisa Haydon. The newlywed Lisa dropped out at the last minute but bring this up and Kriti claims she had no idea she was stepping into someone else’s shoes till she read about it in the papers. “Even if I’d known, it wouldn’t have bothered me, it’s a really good role and that’s all what matters.”

They have been shooting all over London and Birmingham and on her day off, Kriti and Tanvi went off together to explore the Queen’s City. “We went to the Oxford Street which is a shoppers delight and binged on delicious crêpes and waffles,” says the self-confessed foodie who admits to having piled on a few pounds since landing in Londres. “I relished the Gujarati spread on Diwali day. This was the first time I was away from home during the festival and celebrated with the team here. We even saw people burst some crackers.”

She will be shooting for another week before heading back to the Bay and will miss Paresh who will return back soon. “He never retires to his van after his shot but hangs around on set. Since learning that I’m a Punjabi he speaks to me in the language. That’s really cute.”

Any regrets that Raaz Reboot didn’t live up to expectations? “None,” she quips. “I got a good feedback, the film worked for me.” Now, if the Queen heard that answer she would definitely induct KK into Her Majesty’s diplomatic service, what say?

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 31, 2016)

Kriti Kharbanda who turned 28 on Saturday had a working birthday in Birmingham. The Raaz Reboot actress is currently shooting for Abhishek Pathak’s Atithii Iin London, after having replaced Lisa Haydon who married her beau, Dino Lalvani on Saturday, and was surprised by the cast and crew on her special day.

A source from the sets says, “They wrapped up the shoot early and hosted a bash for the birthday girl, with cake and gifts. Since they were shooting a song on an open bus that day, everyone had a blast.”

Atithii Iin London, directed by Ashwini Dhir, has Kartik and Kriti playing a young couple who are living in together. Paresh Rawal and Tanvi Azmi play uninvited guests from India whom they are forced to entertain at their London pad. The veteran actors have wrapped up their portions but the two Ks will be in the Queen’s City till November. Ajay Devgn who featured in Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge with Konkona Sen Sharma, is expected to shoot a ‘friendly’ cameo soon.

The actor plays an NRI sporting a turban in his next that also features Kriti Kharbanda, Tanvi Azmi and Paresh Rawal
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 22, 2016)

Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Kharbanda kicked off the shooting of Abhishek Pathak’s Atithi In London in a Southall Gurudwara earlier this week. And Kartik who plays a Sikh for some scenes is making sure that he gets the look right. “I was surprised when I read the script and learnt that certain scenes required me to wear a turban. But it was great filming in a gurudwara there.

It felt like home even on foreign soil,” reminisces the 27-year-old actor, adding that an NRI Sikh gentleman helps him tie the turban every day before shooting commences. “It takes me about an hour to get ready.”

Kartik plays a London resident, Kriti who’s replaced Lisa Haydon, is his girlfriend. Tanvi Azmi and Paresh Rawal play his middle-aged relatives who arrive unannounced and turn his life topsy-turvy.