Last week, after Uday Shankar announced that he will step down as Star and Disney India chairman and Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific president in December, murmurs suggested that all was not well in the power corridors of Disney Star India. This comes barely seven months after Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox Star Studios — the film studio subsidiary of the parent company — resigned in March.

Over the past four months, the media giant has cut down the studio's 25-member team to five. Sources say that while Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt-starrer Brahmastra is the only project currently on floors, the company has held off the greenlighting of new films for the immediate future.

An employee, who was handed the pink slip in August, says, "We had expected [the termination] because the studio stopped sanctioning films in India since the takeover. Brahmastra is our last project. Though they were in talks to back Karan Johar's Takht, the studio decided against it. We were paid our dues with a severance package of three months."

However, another employee, who was let go in September, says that the media giant wants to change business tactics instead of writing the vertical off. "The studio will continue to invest in Hindi series, regional language shows, and direct-to-net films. Over the past two months, close to 18 people have been let go from the unit due to overlapping duties."

Of its six releases last year, Fox Star Studios enjoyed box-office success with Housefull 4, Chhichhore and Mission Mangal while the poor run of Kalank, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga and The Zoya Factor apparently put the balance sheet in the red. A Disney employee says, "This year, Chhapaak and Panga did average business, and the box-office run of Baaghi 3 was cut short by the pandemic. The studio was not faring well. The change of plans is necessary, but their commitment to backing films continues. The only unit making money is Disney+Hotstar due to its sports content. We are hoping the platform's subscription base will increase post the release of Bhuj and Laxmmi Bomb." It may be noted that the Star India network, which had 2,400 employees, saw close to 500 people being laid off since Walt Disney's takeover in June 2018.

mid-day reached out to Disney India, which did not respond till press time.

As Lootcase eyes July 31 release on Disney+ Hotstar, maker Rajesh Krishnan on how he had no idea of movie's marketing strategy, including virtual presser
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 14, 2020)

Disney+ Hotstar announced that Kunal Kemmu-starrer Lootcase, one of the seven films that have been picked up by the streaming giant for digital premiere, will drop online on July 31. With this, ad filmmaker-turned-director Rajesh Krishnan's journey with his debut film reaches its culmination point. Ask him why the black comedy — which has been ready for the past two years — took so long to reach the audience, and Krishnan says, "A director makes the film, but he is not in charge of the advertising and promotions. I credit the studio for giving us 100 per cent freedom to make the film we wanted to. I would like to believe that the movie is as important to them as to me. We were shopping for a producer for long; the studio coming on board was a shot in the arm. Kunal had spoken to Vijay Singh [former CEO, Fox Star Studios] and made the film happen."

Fronted by Kemmu and Rasika Dugal, the film has a talented ensemble cast comprising Vijay Raaz, Ranvir Shorey and Gajraj Rao. Surprisingly, the lead actors were not invited to join Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt and Abhishek Bachchan, among others, as they announced the OTT platform's new slate during a virtual press conference last month. Kemmu had then expressed his disappointment on Twitter, noting that Bollywood is not a level-playing field. "This is a homegrown Fox film. Why our film wasn't represented at the virtual press conference is beyond me. They did not even ask us. Kunal and Rasika should have been part of the panel. It was upsetting, but, I don't understand the business of promotions. Kunal, Gajraj, Vijay and Rasika always believe the project is bigger than them. Kunal is the kind of guy who will say, 'This is Rasika's scene, so reduce my dialogues here'. So, I can understand why he wasn't upset," says the director.

Krishnan believes Lootcase will be a departure from the slapstick comedies that the industry churns out. "[As an adman] I knew how to entertain in 30 seconds, but to do it for two hours was not easy."

WILL BOLLYWOOD TALK THE OTT BAIT?

With theatres shut on account of Coronavirus pandemic, the film industry all over the world has taken a hit. Bollywood, too, is no exception. We have discussed in the past editions of Bollywood Talk about films that were to release in the months of March, April and May which got sadly pushed as theatres were ordered to be shut. Many of these films were fully ready. And it’s no surprise that the OTT giants have begun to eye these movies.

As we all know, right now, TV and streaming platforms are booming and have got record viewership since people are all locked down in their homes. Hence, they are consuming unusually high amount of content, which they wouldn’t have done if the situation was normal. The OTT platforms obviously are laughing all the way to the bank. But they too are concerned since after a point, they won’t have anything new to offer as even their productions have been halted. Hence, in order to keep the interest going, they have started approaching makers of all the films that were scheduled for release in the near future. One might expect that they’ll approach only filmmakers of smaller and medium-sized films. However, they have been sending feelers to producers of biggies as well. Thankfully, Reliance Entertainment, the producers of ’83 and Sooryavanshi, have refused to take the bait and are preferring to wait. Same with Salman Khan-starrer Radhe.

However, the industry and trade were left shocked as it came to light that Fox Star Studios, Akshay Kumar, Tusshar Kapoor and Shabinaa Khan are in advanced talks with Disney+ Hotstar for their film Laxmmi Bomb. It has Akshay in the lead and is one of the biggest and one of the most awaited films of 2020. It was to in fact clash with Radhe on Eid 2020. Hence, many were astonished that such a big film is opting for direct-to-digital release. There’s no confirmation on how much Disney+ Hotstar is offering them but it surely must be an excessive amount.

The Laxmmi Bomb makers haven’t still signed on the dotted line. However, the fact that they are in talks and that they haven’t denied the reports has led to anger and even concern among the exhibitors. The theatres have been shut since mid-March and are running into heavy losses. They don’t just have to pay salary employees but also bear the overhead costs. Also, once cinemas began, they’ll have to further invest in sanitation measures, which will further give them a financial blow. Hence, they are just hoping that more and more big films release so that they can earn profit. And Laxmmi Bomb is one such film which they were looking forward to big time. As a result, the speculations of it going on Disney+ Hotstar has naturally infuriated them. They are also worried that filmmakers of many smaller and mid-sized flicks might also follow suit, motivated by Laxmmi Bomb episode. That, in turn, will led to closure of some cinema halls and loss of jobs for it’s staff.

The scenario arose in the South as well but there, the exhibitors have much more power and have resorted to extreme measures. When it came to light that Ponmagal Vandhal, produced by Suriya’s wife Jyothika will come directly on Amazon Prime after it failed to release on March 27 as it scheduled, it led to a lot of brouhaha. The Tamil Nadu Theatre and Multiplex Owners’ Association have in fact threatened to ban films produced by or featuring Suriya if Ponmagal Vandhal directly arrives on OTT. It won’t be a surprise if our theatre owners also take a similar, drastic step.

The upcoming film has also got a new title that embodies its theme
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 8, 2019)

Sushant Singh Rajput, along with his leading lady Sanjana Sanghi, had flown to Paris in mid-January to wrap up the last schedule of their upcoming film, the Hindi adaptation of Josh Boone’s 2014 Hollywood film, The Fault In Our Stars, that kicked off in Jamshedpur last July. Earlier Kizie Aur Manny, the film has now been titled Dil Bechara.

Saif Ali Khan also joined the duo in the city of love for an interesting cameo. Reportedly, he plays the author Peter Van Houten, who in the original was essayed by Willem Dafoe. While debutant director Mukesh Chhabra is tight-lipped on details, explaining that he can’t reveal much of Saif’s character which is integral to the plot, he does admit that they shot with the actor at Quai de l’Hotel-de-ville near Montmartre where very few people have filmed earlier. “We shot in Paris for a week but Saif was only there for a few days. He gelled well with the team and we had a great time,” says Mukesh who also canned a scene at the iconic Eiffel Tower. “Shooting there was surreal and no, I didn’t make Sushant and Sanjana dance around the tower,” he laughs.

When quizzed on the change in the title, Rucha Pathak, Chief Creative Officer of Fox Star Studios, pointed out that the new title emerged as they were completing the shoot. “A R Rahman, who is composing the music, shared a vibrant and fun number, with lyrics penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya. When we heard the song, we found our title in it. It perfectly embodies the theme of our film,” she says.

Mukesh adds that the earlier title was a combo of the names of Sushant and Sanjana’s characters. “But in retrospect we felt that viewers would only connect with it after watching the film while Dil Bechara is self-explanatory and people will instantly relate to it,” he maintains. 

MUMBAI MIRROR (February 7, 2019)

Indra Kumar’s adventure comedy, Total Dhamaal, the third installment of the popular comedy franchise, is a comic caper that brings alive the allure of money and the thrill that chasing it brings. The makers of the film have taken this experience to the next level, and are looking to get fans to live through the experience of finding a lot of money, like the characters do in the film, and looking high and low for it.

As part of that endeavour, to build an engaging movie experience, Fox Star Studios has launched a game called Fun Dhan Dhamaal. The game is a mobile experience which brings alive the milieu and the settings of the film, in a 360 degree experience. This game is an opportunity for fans to acquaint themselves and get familiar with the world and the characters of Total Dhamaal. FSS has recreated and rebuilt various scenes from the film specifically for the game, and just like the stars in the film, have encouraged fans to go crazy in chasing bags of money!

Says Shikha Kapur, CMO, Fox Star Studios, “The game is a microcosm of Total Dhamaal itself—a lot of money, and a lot of fun! We wanted to bring alive the experience of our movie to fans, who live and breathe in virtual worlds. The quality of the game-play and the 360-degree, immersive experience, that we have created is as good as anything that’s been developed in Bollywood.”

Fun Dhan Dhamaal Game Highlights:
- The game will last a total of 10 days
- Each day one new level will be unlocked (9 levels + 1 Bonus Level)
- Each day one new level will be unlocked
- Each level will have 60 second game play
- Points will be given for collecting cash bundles & correctly answering questions
- The points collected will decide their position on the leader board
- The player with the highest points at the time of closing will be the grand prize winner

What are You Winning:
1. Hourly Winner- 5,000/-
2. Daily Winner – 1,00,000/-
3. Grand Prize Winner – 5,00,000/-

Where to Find the Game:
http://206.189.135.17/

Total Dhamaal presented by Fox Star Studios, produced by Fox Star Studios, Ajay Devgn Ffilms, Ashok Thakeria, Indra Kumar, Sri Adhikari Brothers, Anand Pandit and co-produced by Sangeeta Ahir and Kumar Mangat Pathak. Releases on 22nd February, 2019.

In wake of sexual assault allegations against Rajkumar Hirani, sources claim Fox Star have indicated comedy on hold till director given clean chit
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 14, 2019)

EEven as sexual harassment allegations against Rajkumar Hirani surfaced yesterday, those in the know indicate that Vinod Chopra Films and Fox Star India sprung into action as soon as the survivor accused the filmmaker, in an e-mail addressed to Sanju producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra in November.

Sources suggest that in light of the allegations, Fox Star India — though bound by a three-film deal with VVC Films — has conveyed to the latter it will bow out of the partnership if the studio continues to collaborate with Rajkumar Hirani Films. This implies that Munnabhai 3, which is currently in the pre-production stage, will be put on hold.

A source from Star India reveals, "In a meeting in late December, it was decided that Fox would pull the plug on Munnabhai 3 if Hirani was found guilty. The studio stands in solidarity with the survivor. VVC Films too has taken the matter seriously, and dropped Hirani's name from the promotional material of Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga."

Though rumours suggested that Star India was to set up an enquiry against Hirani, the company is not in a position to take action since the alleged incident extended beyond Sanju's release. "An ICC set up by VVC Films will investigate the matter. Munna Bhai 3, however, by default, is on hold till Hirani gets a clean chit."

Meena Iyer (DNA; December 15, 2018)

Everyone was curious about what would be Abhishek Bachchan’s next film post Anurag Kashyap’s Manmarziyaan. The actor was so good in it that there was a kind of frenzy on what he would choose next.

Momentum built up when AB Junior started talks with director Pavan Kirpalani (of Ragini MMS and Phobia fame). An international film giant agreed to fund the project.

However, talks fell through because when it came to remuneration, Abhishek reportedly asked for big money.

Next, the studio, which was committed to Pavan and the subject, apparently began talks with Saif Ali Khan. The Nawab of Pataudi’s fee was settled on, but it allegedly came with a rider, according to which Saif would have to do a cameo or an extended special appearance in Mukesh Chhabra’s Kizie Aur Manny that features Sushant Singh Rajput and newbie Sanjana Sanghi.

Saif agreed and was about to begin work when Mukesh’s career hit a small roadblock. His name cropped up in the #MeToo Movement that gripped Bollywood. Work ground to a halt on Kizie Aur Manny as the director’s name had to be cleared by the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).

By the time his name was finally cleared and the shoot for his romantic film was supposed to resume, Saif’s dates were committed to Sacred Games season 2. Hence, the Nawab had to request for a fresh set of dates for his cameo in the Sushant-starrer, failing which he had to be let off.

Now, the studio was adamant that they couldn’t relieve him. Instead, it is strongly rumoured that they went back to AB Junior, who agreed to be a part of Pavan’s film. Apparently, he got away with asking for a fat pay cheque, too. A source says, “When Saif learnt all this had happened behind his back, he was furious. He called the studio bosses and told them that it was unprofessional on their part to deal with another actor without keeping him in the loop.”

The studio heads, of course, reportedly mumbled excuses and put the blame on another reputed filmmaker. They claimed he suggested them to ditch Saif and go back to Abhishek. Once again, there was commotion. The Sacred Games hero confronted this filmmaker, who also happens to be his friend. The director-producer, in turn, asked the studio why his name was dragged into the controversy in vain.

Guess while all this was playing out, Pavan felt he had suffered too much grief over his movie and decided enough was enough. Our source adds, “Pavan felt the studio and everyone concerned was treating his passionate project with too much disdain. So, he decided to step back.”

We messaged Pavan to ask whether this information about his backing out of the Saif/Abhishek project was true? And whether he was doing something altogether different now. He read our SMS, but chose not to respond till the time of going to press.

Radha Bharadwaj files lawsuit to halt production of Vidya Balan's Mission Mangal, claims film borrows from her script; calls out Atul Kasbekar for sharing screenplay without her nod
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 22, 2018)

A lawsuit seeking to halt the production and release of Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan-starrer Mission Mangal was filed in Mumbai on Wednesday by US-based filmmaker Radha Bharadwaj.

She alleges that the R Balki production, which revolves around India's 2014 Mangalyaan Mars Mission, infringes on the copyright of her original screenplay that she had shared with Atul Kasbekar in 2016. According to Bharadwaj, Kasbekar's studio — Ellipsis Entertainment — then shared the script with Balan, one of its clients, who is now doing another film based on the same idea. Apparently, Kasbekar's team negotiated the deal for Balan's new movie.

Having registered the script with the US Copyright Office in 2016 for the US and Indian market, Bharadwaj recently completed shooting her film, titled Space MOMs. She also claims that Mission Mangal is being rushed into production to cripple the commercial prospects of her venture. Bharadwaj's lawyer Srishti Ojha says, "There are hundreds of ways to tell the story of Mangalyaan, but Radha came up with the angle of focusing on the women engineers working on the mission."

Tracing the sequence of events that began in 2016, Ojha said that Bharadwaj was set to work with Kasbekar's studio to find financing for her film. In her lawsuit against Kasbekar's company, Bharadwaj states that the firm signed a non-disclosure agreement that prohibited them from disclosing her project to anyone without her written consent.

However, the lawsuit cites an e-mail from Kasbekar's team admitting that they had, in violation of the contract, given the script to Balan and confirmed that she had read it.

While Kumar recently announced the film on Twitter, Bharadwaj says, "I'll bet the details of the origin of this project were not known to Akshay Kumar, Fox Star or its US partners. But now that they know it, I ask them to act honourably. I have documentation going back to 2014 on my efforts to bring this story to screen."

The lawsuit cites media reports suggesting that Mission Mangal filmmakers are rushing into production. Adds Bharadwaj, "That they are scrambling to catch up with me seems to be an acknowledgement that their project is the same as mine. They seem to think that rushing their film into production will discourage any distributor from releasing my film."

When mid-day reached out to Ellipsis Entertainment, Tanuj Garg, managing partner, said, "Back in 2016, Radha and David [husband] were in touch with us on the subject. We interacted for a while to attempt producing her script, but eventually parted ways amicably as we were unable to reach a mutual understanding on the creative route forward. Ellipsis is not connected with the film that is currently under production in any way." Balan remained unavailable for comment.

Hiren Kotwani (DNA; November 20, 2018)

It’s been over a month since Mukesh Chhabra was suspended as the director of Kizie Aur Manny. The international corporate studio backing the film, which features Sushant Singh Rajput and newbie Sanjana Sanghi, took this step after he was named in the #MeToo Movement. Back then, the studio had issued a statement saying, “As a responsible organisation, Star India takes any allegation of sexual harassment of women at workplace very seriously. Hence, Fox Star Studios has suspended the services of Mukesh Chhabra, director of our film Kizie Aur Manny, which is under production, till the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of M/s Mukesh Chhabra Casting Company concludes its inquiry into the allegations against him.”

However, now we hear that Mukesh will be back in the project as the ICC apparently hasn’t found any evidence against the casting agent-turned-director. After reportedly considering the findings and the ICC’s observations, the corporate studio eventually decided to reinstate him. Now, it remains to be seen when the international conglomerate will make an official announcement. The second schedule is slotted for next month in Paris.

Despite repeated attempts, Vijay Singh, CEO of Fox Star Studios, was unavailable for comment till the time of going to press.

BOMBAY TIMES (October 20, 2018)

Following sexual harassment accusations, casting director-turned-filmmaker, Mukesh Chhabra has been suspended from his debut film Kizie Aur Manny. Reportedly, an unnamed actress had alleged that she was harassed by Chhabra during an audition. Reacting to the #MeToo allegations levelled against the filmmaker, the production house handling the film that features Sushant Singh Rajput and Sanjana Sanghi in the lead, issued a statement addressing Chhabra’s removal from the project.

The statement read, “As a responsible organisation, Star India takes any allegation of sexual harassment of women at workplace very seriously hence Fox Star Studios has suspended the services of Mukesh Chhabra, director of our film Kizie Aur Manny, which is under production, till the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of M/s Mukesh Chhabra Casting Company concludes its inquiry into the allegations against him.”

Chhabra has denied all allegations on social media.
---------------------------
MUMBAI MIRROR (October 20, 2018)

Over a week ago, casting director-turned-filmmaker Mukesh Chhabra was anonymously accused by two artistes of sexual misconduct, following which his casting company issued a statement, denying all allegations and stating that their Internal Complaints Committee, which is headed by the company CEO Punam Sawhney, would investigate the matter.

On Friday, Fox Star Studios, which is producing Chhabra’s directorial debut, the Sushant Singh Rajput-starrer Kizzie Aur Manny, revealed in a statement that they have recused him from all duties on the project. “As a responsible organisation, Star India takes any allegation of sexual harassment of women at workplace very seriously hence Fox Star Studios has suspended the services of Mukesh Chhabra, director of our film, Kizie Aur Manny, which is under production, till the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of M/s Mukesh Chhabra Casting

Company concludes its inquiry into the allegations against him.’’ Later in the day, Chhabra shared the statement, reiterating, “The matter is now in the purview of Internal Complaints Committee” of his company.
---------------------------
Following revelations first published by mid-day, four associates said to have brought Chhabra's 'inappropriate behaviour' on the sets of his directorial debut to Fox Star's notice
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; October 20, 2018)

The #MeToo movement has gathered steam in Bollywood with several artistes being called out for offensive behaviour. On Friday, Fox Star Studios removed casting-agent-turned-director Mukesh Chhabra from his directorial debut, Kizie Aur Manny, amidst sexual harassment allegations against him.

The statement read, "As a responsible organisation, Star India takes any allegation of sexual harassment of women at workplace very seriously. Hence, Fox Star Studios has suspended the services of Mukesh Chhabra, director of our film Kizie Aur Manny, which is under production, till the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of M/s Mukesh Chhabra Casting Company concludes its inquiry into the allegations against him."

While, a week ago, mid-day had published survivors' accounts accusing Chhabra of sexual misconduct, a source close to the production unit reveals that four more survivors have apparently reported his misbehaviour to the studio since.

The source says, "In the past few days, four associates working on Kizie Aur Manny brought it to Fox Star's notice that Chhabra behaved inappropriately with them on set. They urged that the matter be investigated. That is when Fox Star swung into action. However, it is surprising that the production house hasn't put their Internal Complaints Committee [ICC] on the job. Ideally, a studio employs its ICC to enquire into the matter, but in this case, they have entrusted the ICC of Mukesh Chhabra Casting Company with the responsibility." Given the recent turn of events, the film remains in a limbo. "There are around 12 days of shoot left, including a foreign schedule."

When mid-day contacted Chhabra, he said, "The matter is now under the purview of ICC and I am bound by confidentiality." Fox Star India remained unavailable for comment till the time of going to press.

Clearing the air
Rumours of Sushant Singh Rajput "being over-friendly" with Kizie Aur Manny co-star Sanjana Sanghi resurfaced yesterday. He responded to the allegations by sharing snapshots of his conversation with Sanghi, on Twitter. He wrote, "I feel sad to reveal personal information but it seems there is no other way to state what was, in the midst of this curated and well-timed smear campaign. From the first till the last day of the shoot, this is what happened on the Set with Sanjana(sic)." The snapshots reveal their chats about encouraging and supporting each other to perform better.

Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari on the inspiration behind her upcoming directorial, Panga, produced by Fox Star Studios
MUMBAI MIRROR (August 21, 2018) 

Behind every successful person is his or her family. It is the silent force and a source of strength. For Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, her existing reality is a reflection of her dear ones’ belief in her. The filmmaker, who has earlier made compelling films like Nil Battey Sannata and Bareilly Ki Barfi, is all set to direct Panga, which narrates a story reaffirming that a family that laughs, cries, dreams together, is a solid support system and makes everything seem possible even in the face of adversity.

Kangana Ranaut and Jassie Gill, as leads, see this belief taking shape in Panga, whic revolves around a new-age family that challenges stereotypes and dares to dream.

“When Ashwiny narrated the film’s story, I was completely moved. My family has been my pillar of strength and have always stood by me through thick and thin. I could really relate to the emotions of the film. Plus, Ashwiny is known for her slice-of-life films and I loved her recent work in Bareilly Ki Barfi. Panga is even more special for me as, for the first time, I will be playing the role of a National-level Kabaddi player. That’s going to be challenging for sure! I am looking forward to some exciting times with Ashwiny and the Fox Star team,” says Kangana.

Jassie, who is playing Kangana’s husband in the film, says, “I loved the script, especially the inspiring family angle. The film is a roller coaster of emotions but to me the real Indian family feeling was the most heart-warming part of the subject. Since I come from a very close-knit family, I could identify with the story.”

“I wanted to keep evolving with stories that talk about relationships in a new-age Indian family. Fox Star Studios is exactly in the same space of storytelling and I am filled with gratitude to work with them to see our vision unfold and create characters and stories that would be relatable to all and still be unique,” says Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari.

Rucha Pathak, chief creative officer, Fox Star Studios, adds “About a year ago, we had approached Ashwiny with an initial draft of a script that we believed would resonate with her. The idea was that almost all great achievers in any field credit their success to their family which is what resonated with Ashwiny as she developed the script further with Nikhil Mehrotra. Kangana herself did not hesitate for a second when we narrated the script to her and we’re delighted to have her, Jassie Gill and Neena Gupta as part of the Fox Star Studios family on this journey!”

Taking the family concept ahead, the makers decided to announce the title with the favourite family pictures of the primary cast and director. Surprised by the unusual idea, everyone enthusiastically shared the pictures that came together to announce the film in a unique way.
--------------------------------
DNA (August 21, 2018)

After Hrs had got this title from the grapevine a few weeks ago.

However, at the behest of the makers, we held back our information. Now, hit director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari (of Nil Battey Sannata and Bareilly Ki Barfi fame) has finalised the title for her family entertainer starring Kangana Ranaut, Jassi Gill and Neena Gupta. It’s going to be called Panga! And now, we can finally go public with this one.

The title was revealed late last night in an interesting fashion. The makers put out a collage of some pictures from the actual family albums of Kangana, Jassi, Neena and Ashwini indicating that when your kin stands behind you, no one in the world can take panga with you.

MUMBAI MIRROR (August 14, 2018)

Fox Star Studios and Raj Kumar Gupta’s next offering is an espionage thriller, India’s Most Wanted, which is inspired by true events. It is the story of the mission that captured India’s most wanted terrorist without firing a single bullet. Arjun Kapoor will be seen playing the role of an intelligence officer for the first time on-screen.

Acclaimed director Raj Kumar Gupta, who recently delivered a hit with Raid and is also known for writing and directing taut narratives like Aamir and No One Killed Jessica, says, “India’s Most Wanted is very close to my heart. It’s a script that I have been researching and writing for the past three years and I am eager to tell a story that needs to be told. I am glad to be working with the talented, sincere and hardworking Arjun Kapoor on this film and am also looking forward to my first collaboration with Fox Star Studios as the producing partner on this film.”

Arjun, who is excited to collaborate with Fox Star Studios and Raj Kumar Gupta, says, “Raj sir was the first director to call me after the release of my first film Ishaqzaade. We’ve been waiting to collaborate ever since. India’s Most Wanted is a film about real people and real incidents. Raj sir has his finger on this genre’s pulse. As an actor, I feel India’s Most Wanted is something that is extremely unique as a film; it’s a special and important story that needs to be told. Personally, I’m entering an uncharted territory with this genre, I am nervous and excited working on such an evocative and impactful film that every Indian needs to watch.”

Rucha Pathak, Chief Creative Officer, Fox Star Studios, says, “At Fox Star Studios, we are excited when we spot a special script. When Raj Kumar first narrated the story to us, we knew we had found that special story. Our excitement doubled when Arjun agreed to be a part of this wonderful project. This is the story of our unknown, everyday heroes that we want to bring to the big screen and there is no better person than Raj Kumar to direct this film.”

Produced by Fox Star Studios and Raj Kumar Gupta, the film is slated for release on May 24, 2019.

After Ranbir Kapoor's big-ticket film gets leaked online within a day of release, producers appoint five tech teams to tackle setback
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; July 2, 2018)

One of the most anticipated films of the year, Ranbir Kapoor's Sanju fell prey to piracy a day after its release on Friday. As the film's pirated copy went viral on Whatsapp and other platforms, Kapoor's fans made pleas to social media users, requesting them to refrain from watching the illegal version. The producers of the Sanjay Dutt biopic, on their part, immediately sprung into action to curtail the damage.

mid-day has learnt that Fox Star Studios, the distributors of the movie, appointed five special teams on Saturday to ensure that the pirated copies circulating online are monitored and deleted at the earliest. The teams are also said to be in the process of tracing the origin of the leak. Director Rajkumar Hirani and producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra, meanwhile, have already lodged a complaint with the Cyber Crime Cell.

A source informs, "While the five teams are trying to pull the film down from various sites, a few download links are still available. In a pre-emptive move, the makers had released the film in the UAE only on Friday, instead of Thursday as is the norm, hoping that it would reduce the chances of it getting leaked from the Middle East. Ideally, the team should have procured a John Doe order, given how rampant piracy has become in this country."

The cyber cell has extended support to the producers on the matter. "The tech team of the cyber cell too is helping the in-house team in curbing the piracy. If the pirated copies exist post Monday, the cell will take the matter into their hands and begin a thorough investigation," adds the source. Hirani and the production house refused to comment on the matter.

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 22, 2018)

Mirror (August 11) was the first to report that after delivering hits like Mani Ratnam’s O Kadhal Kanmani, Anjali Menon’s Bangalore Days and Martin Prakkat’s Charlie, Malayalam actor and son of veteran South actor Mammootty, Dulquer Salmaan is to make his Bollywood debut with Ronnie Screwvala’s Karwaan which also features Irrfan Khan and Mithila Palkar. While reports of the 31-year-old actor signing many new films have been doing the rounds, we have learnt that Dulquer has given his nod to a Sonam Kapoor-starrer, a screen adaptation of Anuja Chauhan’s 2008 novel The Zoya Factor. “It’s an interesting character and Dulquer has liked the script. While he has committed to the project he is yet to sign on the dotted line,” informs a source.

The fictional story revolves around Zoya Singh Solanki and the younger players in India’s cricket team, who after discovering that the advertising executive was born at the very moment when India won the World Cup in 1983 and that having breakfast with her ensures victory, decide she is their lucky charm. Pursued by international cricket boards and wooed by advertisers, Zoya struggles to stay grounded in the thick of World Cup action. It doesn’t help that she keeps clashing with the brilliant new skipper who tells her that he doesn’t believe in luck.

In August, Sonam had confirmed that she is a part of the film. “Super excited to work with amazing sister duo, Aarti and Pooja Shetty, with the brilliant Abhishek Sharma on Anuja Chauhan’s Zoya factor (sic),” she had announced on the social media.

The actress is currently busy with the promotions of R Balki’s Pad Man, with Akshay Kumar in the titular role, and the filming of her home production, Veere Di Wedding, also featuring Kareena Kapoor. “The Zoya Factor is expected to roll sometime in March-April,” adds the source.

When contacted, Rucha Pathak of Fox Star Studios who is producing the film did not deny the news, saying instead, “We are yet to finalise the cast and will soon make the announcement.”

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 6, 2017)

It was a happy ending for the Kriti Sanon, Ayushmann Khurrana and Rajkummar Rao love story, Bareilly Ki Barfi, and now three months later, it’s versatile director, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari has a new game plan. Mirror has learnt that her next film, which is currently being scripted, revolves around kabaddi which has become a popular sport over the last three years thanks to the annual Pro Kabaddi League which has Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan and filmmaker Ronnie Screwvala rooting for it.

Ashwiny when contacted confirmed the news, saying, “My quest for telling stories close to my heart has found a like-minded partner in Fox Star Studios. Bareilly Ki Barfi was very different film from my debut directorial Nil Battey Sannata, but the idea is always to tell varied, content-driven stories that resonate with the audiences.”

The writer-director goes on to reveal she enjoys tennis and badminton in real life but kabaddi, even as a sport, is new to her. “It’s something I’d like to explore because like football, kabaddi too is getting into the limelight. The film will go on the floors next year. We are still to finalise the cast,” she informed.

Rucha Pathak of the production house says, “While researching and developing a concept on kabaddi we came across an idea that we felt was just right for Ashwiny, who has a unique voice as a storyteller as was evident in her first two films. I’m really glad she is going to be directing the film.”

MID-DAY (October 4, 2017)

Tremors were felt in Bollywood when Salman Khan and his manager of many years, Reshma Shetty parted ways, earlier this year. Now, Amar Butala, chief operating officer of Salman Khan Films (SKF), has ended his association with the superstar. A key member of Khan's inner circle, Butala has joined Fox Star Studios as the chief acquisition officer. The announcement took Bollywood by surprise yesterday.

Tongues have been wagging about Butala's sudden decision to move away from the superstar, especially when Khan is slated to kickstart his next, Remo D'Souza's Race 3. He had supervised films like Hero (2015), Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) and Tubelight (2017) during his stint with the company.

According to sources, Salman Khan is keen to put things in order on the production front after Tubelight's dismal performance at the box office earlier this year. Butala was earlier associated with UTV Studios and Balaji Pictures. He has also worked on films like Slumdog Millionaire (2008), Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai (2010) and Love Sex Aur Dhokha (2010). When contacted, Butala told mid-day, "Yes, I have joined Fox Star and will start working [with them] later this month."

Harshada Rege (DNA; June 3, 2017)

According to a trade source, Fox Star India has come aboard as the studio for Rajkumar Hirani’s Sanjay Dutt biopic starring Ranbir Kapoor at a price of a whopping Rs 180 cores. This has shocked the entire business because it is a unheard of price. Film studios in India have been facing rough times and this has stunned the industry into silence.

Hirani’s last film PK was sold for approx Rs 110 crores, and included satellite rights. The Dutt biopic has been picked up by the studio at an exorbitant price for just the film. The satellite rights will be sold separately. Adds a source, “Furthermore, the film’s profits will be shared 85-15. While Hirani will keep 85 per cent of the profits, the studio will get a mere 15 per cent.”

Says a trade analyst, “Please remember that Rajkumar Hirani has broken records with 3 Idiots and PK, but those films were created with Aamir Khan, who has made these records even without Hirani. No one is doubting Raju’s capability, but will he be able to break records without Aamir remains to be seen.”

Another studio head says, “Raju is an A-Class director, but he has not directed a biopic before. In the past, he has told stories that connect with people as they have had a pan-India appeal. This is new territory even for Raju. It’s great that the studio has this much confidence in the maker, actor and the subject, but while biopics are an interesting concept, they don’t do earth-shattering business at the box-office. Now the film is burdened and the collections will have to justify the cost.”

A producer on the condition of anonymity says, “What worries me is not the price, but the subject. A commercial film can recover the cost. Sanjay Dutt’s life story is known. It has been covered and read by magazines and newspapers for decades. No doubt it is an interesting story, but there is nothing new to it. Sports biopics make sense because their lives are not an open book. Which is not the case with actors. So, you have to think if people will come to the theaters to see the film. The only novelty is Ranbir Kapoor as Sanjay Dutt.”

Guess the business of Baahubali — The Conclusion in India has expanded the market. It has shown the potential and now sky is the limit...

MUMBAI MIRROR (May 24, 2017)

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 24, 2016)

A popular shoe brand has sent a legal notice to the Jolly LLB 2 team for defamation and commercial disparagement after the brand was run down in a dialogue in the film’s trailer for its cheap quality products. In the notice, the company has stated that the dialogue is a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the brand, perhaps on the instigation of its competitors considering the film’s leading man, Akshay Kumar, is the face of the rival brand.

The notice further states that the film’s team should immediately pull down the trailer with that dialogue from all online sites and theatres. It has also demanded a written apology for using the company’s trademark and tarnishing their reputation as also an undertaking that the brand shall not be tarnished further. They also want a notice in the trailer and the film stating that the brand was mentioned erroneously. The notice has been sent to the production house, Fox Star Studios India, along with executive producer Naren Kumar, company directors Deepak Jacob and Amit Shah, writer- director Subhash Kapoor and actors Akshay Kumar and Annu Kapoor.

Subhash Kapoor confirmed receiving the notice, and said, “The producers will talk about it, I’m not authorised to.” The spokesperson for Fox Star Studios India however did not respond to our texts.

Akshay had left town and Annu Kapoor’s assistant claimed the actor is unaware of the notice.
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Shoe company slaps legal notice for dialogue in Akshay Kumar’s film that disparages their product chaanta from
MID-DAY (December 24, 2016)

Legal firm Kochhar & Co. has shot off a legal notice to the makers of Jolly LLB 2, the sequel to the popular Boman Irani-Arshad Warsi courtroom drama (2013), on behalf of global footwear brand Bata.

The brand has asked the makers to apologize for an allegedly disparaging comment made against it by a protagonist in the film’s trailer that released recently.

The scene features lawyers Annu Kapoor and Akshay Kumar. Annu’s character is slapped by Akshay’s for the comment: “Varna Kya…. BATA ka joota pehan kar, tuchhi si terricot ki shirt pehan kar, saala humse zabaan lada rahe hain”. The dialogue is accompanied by English subtitles that read: “Who are you to argue with me in your cheap shoes and shabby clothes”. Partner at Kochhar & Co., Neeraj Grover’s petition says the trailer, which released on December 19 and is being viewed widely online, is damaging to Bata’s image.

The petition reads: The footwear and other accessories of Our Client are worn by the who’s who of the country and patronised by well known personalities… the dialogue is intended to convey that the brand Bata is adorned only by the lower strata of society and one should feel humiliated if one wears Bata footwear.” They have asked Fox Star Studios India Pvt Ltd, director Subhash Kapoor and actors Annu Kapoor and Akshay Kumar to pull down the trailer and issue an apology in mainstream media.

Grover told hitlist, “Bata has taken this derogatory remark very seriously and shall pursue all legal remedies. The impunged dialogue has caused immense damage to the goodwill of Bata and lowered its image.’’

Repeated attempts to get a comment from the film’s makers were met with no response. Jolly LLB 2 was the story of a simpleton lawyer with the track record of attracting legal notices, earlier played by Arshad, now Akshay.

Interestingly, the first film was also embroiled in controversy and was served three legal notices for allegedly ridiculing Meerut Law College, where the protagonist had earned his LLB degree.