Showing posts with label Helmet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Helmet. Show all posts
I didn’t believe anybody should make calls for me-Pranutan Bahl
8:29 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 20, 2024)
Pranutan Bahl’s career has been a waiting game — to get auditions, make her film debut with Notebook (2019) and even for the release of her second film, Helmet (2021). The daughter of actor Mohnish Bahl and granddaughter of the late acting legend Nutan, Pranutan is proud to have bagged her first international film, Coco & Nut, on her own.
“I took a long route [in my career], which people didn’t expect from me. But I was very clear about this (not using her family’s name to get work) from day one. I didn’t know if I could be an actor, so I didn’t believe anybody should make calls for me. I didn’t even want to go to the second round of auditions using their name. Bagging this film is overwhelming,” she says.
The makers of Coco & Nut spotted her in Notebook: “We were supposed to make a film in 2020, but it got pushed due to Covid-19. When they were casting in India, my name was suggested again.”
Ask if not taking on a lot of projects is a conscious choice, and the 30-year-old reasons: “I signed Helmet after my debut. It was going to have a theatrical release in 2020, but the pandemic pushed it to the end of 2021 and it released on OTT. A few other projects I had signed didn’t take off.”
Only leads roles for me now-Aparshakti Khurana
8:06 AM
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 18, 2021)
Two months ago, actor Aparshakti Khurana made his debut as a solo lead in Helmet. While the film received a lukewarm response, he believes that it has added a new leaf to his career. “It makes complete sense to keep doing lead roles now and if the fraternity is sending you such scripts, it’s a no-brainer. When you do get such scripts, why would you pick up stories where you are the second lead?” he asks, adding, “I’m getting those scripts right now where I’m the lead. I’m trying to zero down on a few of them.”
The Pati Patni aur Woh (2019) actor quips that he would be open to playing the second lead only if a film starring Aamir Khan, Vijay Sethupathi, Kamal Haasan or Amitabh Bachchan comes his way. But he quickly clarifies, “I’ll choose films keeping an open mind. I wouldn’t think, ‘My journey as a lead actor is going on right now.’ If I get to be a part of films with them, I don’t have to think twice because I’ll be surrounded by people, who will only make me a better actor.”
On the personal front, the Hum Do Hamare Do actor turns 34 today. It is a rather special birthday for him as this is his first after becoming a father. Khurana has flown back to Chandigarh to be with his wife, Aakriti Ahuja, and daughter Arzoie to celebrate the day.
So, what’s he looking forward to in the next year? “I just bought a new apartment in Mumbai. The interior design is going on, which Aakriti is taking care of. That’s going to take a couple of more months to get sorted. Arzoie is still in Chandigarh as we can’t keep changing her surroundings. She needs to be comfortable,” ends Khurana.
As cinemas reopen, OTT platforms amp up promotional plans
8:26 AM
With a string of theatrical releases lined up, OTT platforms amp up promotional plans to ensure direct-to-web films Sardar Udham, Rashmi Rocket aren’t lost in the noise
Mohar Basu, Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; September 29, 2021)
As soon as the Maharashtra government announced the reopening of theatres from October 22, countless Hindi films lined up for their turn on the big screen. Simultaneously, Amazon Prime Video and ZEE5 are gearing up for the digital premiere of two promising films — Sardar Udham featuring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmi Rocket with Taapsee Pannu in the lead, respectively. At a time when all eyes are on the big-ticket theatrical outings, the two web platforms may have to launch an aggressive promotional campaign to ensure that their offerings are not lost in the noise.
Manish Kalra, chief business officer, ZEE5, says the streamer has a strong audience base, thanks to its diverse library. “For our latest title Helmet, we planned the #HelmetOn [campaign], [a series of] above- and below-the-line promotional activities covering social media, television, and out-of-home space,” he says.
It is not lost on the team at Amazon Prime India that the theatre-versus-OTT competition will, in the true sense, play out in the coming months. An insider says, “To generate buzz around Sardar Udham, the team is planning a massive event in the city, where they will recreate London. Going ahead, more films will resort to on-ground activities, besides chasing digital tie-ups and creating social media trends to ensure that their movies are a talking point.”
Shailesh Kapoor, CEO of media research firm Ormax, predicts that the small direct-to-web films will probably lose out in this race for eyeballs. “Shershaah broke out [online] in a big way in its second and third week. The upcoming theatrical releases won’t enjoy this luxury since there will be a new release every week. [Despite the disadvantage], films like Sooryavanshi and '83 will fare well because of their all-star cast. The pressure will be more on smaller films, lacking in star power, that are taking the OTT route.”
However, Varun Gupta of Max Marketing — that recently handled the promotions for Bhoot Police — states that theatrical outings have a tougher road ahead. “Every Friday has a big offering, right up till mid-2022. A cinema-going family can afford one major film [per month], so each movie has to fight for attention. [In contrast], an OTT outing targets more subscriptions. [With each film], they are luring people to the platform, not to the product.”
Helmet is the first feature film to be made on condoms worldwide-Aparshakti Khurana
8:08 AM
Aparshakti discusses safe sex practices with Satram Ramani’s Helmet
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; August 29, 2021)
Following in his brother’s footsteps, Aparshakti Khurana has bagged a social comedy film that finally sees him as the lead actor. “Ayushmann [Khurrana] has been a flag bearer of such cinema. He loved the vibe of my trailer. I hope to continue the [trend],” says the actor of the film, Helmet, which talks about people’s resistance to buy condoms.
While Aparshakti was shocked to learn that only 5.6 per cent of Indian men use condoms, it was a bigger surprise to know “that this is the first [feature] film to be made on condoms worldwide, especially since people have been trying to break that monotony with content-driven cinema. [The idea of not practising safe sex] is obnoxious, and that is what sets Helmet apart”.
Promising to keep it “light-hearted”, he says, “It is an entertaining outing that a family can watch together.” In the past, the Central Board of Film Certification has often omitted the use of the word, ‘condoms’ in films. However, “we didn’t get a single cut from the censor board”.
Aparshakti asserts that Satram Ramani’s Helmet is not so much about using condoms as it is about the awkwardness people face asking for it. “People shy away from going to a medical store and asking for condoms. [I hope] that the film will free them from this discomfort.”
Originally set to premiere at theatres, Helmet will now release on ZEE5.
Ranveer Singh pulled off Padmaavat's character with such finesse. The comparison is a compliment-Dino Morea
8:06 AM
Dino Morea hopes his menacing act of Shaybani Khan in The Empire will kick off a new phase in his career
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 27, 2021)
"Finally, it feels like good days are here,” begins Dino Morea, who considers The Empire a new lease of life that he has been awaiting for a decade. The actor plays Shaybani Khan, the nemesis to Kunal Kapoor’s Babur, in the Disney+ Hotstar offering. Morea, who likens the character to a ferocious panther, says he prepped hard to slip into the part, giving him kohl-lined eyes and a ruthless air. “Shaybani has animalistic traits. He is cunning and agile. When I read the episodes, I knew it was an opportunity of a lifetime. I worked extensively to imbibe the stealthiness of the part. He is a guy whose next move can’t be predicted; I gave him a madness of his own,” he says.
The character’s fierceness has reminded many of Ranveer Singh’s portrayal of Alauddin Khilji in Padmaavat (2018). “At least I am compared to the very best. Ranveer pulled off that character with such finesse. The comparison is a compliment,” laughs Morea.
After foraying into films with Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi (1999), the actor was typecast as the chocolate boy and featured in several forgettable movies. He hopes The Empire will be the beginning of a new innings. “There have been far too many disillusioning years where I kept saying no to everything coming my way. The wait can make you insecure. People around would keep saying that out of sight is out of mind in this industry. I could’ve been disillusioned, but I decided to stay afloat.”
In his bid to find content that he believes in, Morea turned producer. His second production Helmet will drop on ZEE5 next week. The actor-producer is flush with optimism as he says, “Tandav and Mentalhood were the warm-up for this big break in The Empire. There is a sense of maturity that has come to my acting. I have worked on myself and am picking my roles with caution. I love the compliments on my looks, but I refuse to just be an eye candy. The constant endeavour is to deliver performances that prove my mettle as an actor.”
CBFC clears Aparshakti Khurana and Pranutan Bahl-starrer Helmet without cuts
8:36 AM
While makers feared multiple snips for Aparshakti’s comedy about condom use, CBFC clears Helmet without cuts
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 1, 2021)
Having taken giant strides since its days of using shots of two flowers to depict sex, the Hindi film industry has gone on to tackle subjects of sperm donation, menstruation and in vitro fertilisation. However, the makers of Aparshakti Khurana and Pranutan Bahl-starrer Helmet, a comedy that delves into people’s hesitation to buy condoms, were apprehensive that the Central Board of Film Certification may call for one too many snips, owing to the movie’s subject. The team was in for a pleasant surprise when the Prasoon Joshi-led CBFC cleared it without any cuts.
A source says, “Unfortunately, people in India continue to be embarrassed while purchasing or asking for condoms. The film discusses sexual health and encourages the use of condoms. The board has given it a U/A certificate, describing it as ‘a relevant film in today’s times.’”
Dino Morea, who has co-produced the Satram Ramani-directed venture with Sony Pictures, is encouraged by the censor board’s feedback. “I wondered how they would react to this topic, but our intention was always to make an entertaining film. No movie has been made on this subject so far, and we hope the audience will have a good laugh watching this satire,” he says.
Aparshakti Khurana called me ‘Pra’ while I called him ‘Langar service’-Pranutan Bahl
8:16 AM
The actress talks about the debacle of her first film Notebook and how she moved on to her next, Helmet, also starring Aparshakti Khurana
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; February 4, 2021)
“Of course, it hurts as you want your film to do well, you want more people to watch it and see your work. I just wish that a larger audience had seen it. However, I come from a film family and this is something that we are prepared for. I have always been told that you have to give your best shot and uske aage you can’t do anything, but just leave it to the audience. Personally, I feel Notebook was a fantastic experience and I got to work with a director like Nitin Kakkar,” she says.
During the phase when she was low, Pranutan turned to her friends who were not from the film industry. “I have studied law, and so, I have a lot of lawyer friends from my college days. They helped me uplift my mood,” she shares.
Talking about how studying law helped shape her as a person, she says, “I studied law and I also interned and worked in the field for five years. I was really good at it and had an amazing experience. But I had made up my mind that I didn’t want to pursue a career in that field. Studying law has shaped me so much as a person and changed my thought process. When I receive a contract from a producer, I read it on my own. I don’t need any help in understanding it and I know what my interests are and ask for changes accordingly.”
Pranutan, who features opposite Aparshakti Khurana in her next film, Helmet, wrapped up the shoot of the movie in September 2020. Talking about her co-star, the actress adds, “He is much senior to me as he’s acted in so many movies. He comes from a theatre background, so I was a little nervous initially. But we got along really well. He used to give me tips and suggestions during my scenes. He called me ‘Pra’ while I called him ‘Langar service’, as he used to get so much food on the sets and feed people. Since we both are Punjabis, we used to listen to that music a lot. While shooting in Banaras, we would blast Punjabi music on our set (laughs!)”
Pranutan has got everything on her own; she is still struggling-Mohnish Bahl
8:03 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 22, 2020)
Actor Mohnish Bahl’s daughter, Pranutan, started her Bollywood career with Notebook (2019), produced by Salman Khan. And considering that Bahl and Khan have known each-other for a long time, since Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) days, it was assumed that this friendship paved way for Pranutan too.
Bahl, 59, however, refutes this notion and says, “She has got everything on her own. Salman wasn’t even aware that auditions were going on. In fact, he called me when it was final and asked ‘Mohni, are you sure you’re good with it? I thought she’d be a lawyer or something’.”
Asserting that such discussions are ‘bound to happen’, he adds, “Nepotism has unfortunately been extended to star kids. A more appropriate usage would be that star kids are more privileged. But at the same time, Pranutan is still struggling. She managed her second film Helmet, which is yet to get a theatrical release.”
The actor admits that he isn’t bothered by what people say, as he knows the ‘facts’ and feels Pranutan is becoming a ‘stronger human being’. As of stars helping their kids, he notes, “If as a producer, I like to invest in my friend’s kid, that’s my call. I’m not holding a government position, where I’m selecting the best candidate, then I’d give preference to somebody, that’d be nepotism.”
I took a conscious decision not to accept stupid films-Dino Morea
9:06 AM
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 13, 2020)
After debuting on OTT with Mentalhood, this year, where he played the role of a doting dad, Dino Morea took on the role of the antagonist in Hostages 2. “The OTT experience has been outstanding because you instantly reach out to millions of viewers as compared to a movie, though movies have a charm that is unmatched. I don’t differentiate between mediums and I feel if your web show is interesting and people love it, then it reaches out to a wide number of people all over the world. I enjoyed the roles in both projects I was a part of and I am looking forward to the other OTT projects that I am currently working on,” he shares.
With everyone raising the bar and trying to excel on OTT, Morea feels “you can’t be mediocre on OTT.” He adds, “The content on OTT is outstanding. There are so many options and so many platforms out there. I am enjoying being on OTT and the roles coming my way.”
Morea started his acting career with Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi (1999), and followed it with a number of hit films including Raaz (2002) and Aksar (2005), among others. But in the last 10 years, he wasn’t seen much on screen. Talking about the long gaps in his career, he says, “When I came into the industry, I didn’t know anyone. I was modelling and I got one opportunity after another. This industry has given me life and my home. I am extremely grateful to the industry for making me who I am today. My journey has been wonderful even if I have not scaled the heights that I wanted to. I took a step back because of the kind of movies I was getting. I took a conscious decision not to accept stupid films and scripts that were coming my way.”
He admits that he didn’t want to be part of movies that he didn’t believe in. “I felt I was digging my grave by making ridiculous choices. I took a step back and continued to be a part of the movies. I produced a movie, Jism 2 (2012), thereafter I went to Delhi and did an acting course. Now, I am producing another film called Helmet starring Aparshakti Khurana. One hasn’t seen me much as I don’t want to accept just about any movie,” he signs off.
We want to normalise the usage of condom in our vocabulary-Aparshakti Khurana
8:30 AM
Aparshakti Khurana talks about his next, which he hopes to wrap up by September
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 31, 2020)
It has been almost four months since Aparshakti Khurana moved to Chandigarh to spend time with family. During the Coronavirus-triggered lockdown, he released two singles, collaborated on an audio script, and shot for almost 15 brands at home.
“A productive mindset keeps you energised and creative. I don’t want to go with a lazy mindset to the set whenever shooting resumes,” reasons the actor, who shot with his parents and wife for the first time while handling the shoot by himself. “Since I had done radio before, I am used to multi-tasking and doing a lot of behind-the-scenes work. So, this was not new.”
Aparshakti returns to the city on September 8 to complete work on his first film as a leading actor, Helmet. “Just the climax is left, which is only a couple of days’ work. We should resume by mid or end-September depending on the situation,” he informs.
The film is about condoms, not so much to promote its usage as much as it is about including the word in our daily vocabulary. “We just want to establish that it’s normal to go and ask for a condom at a store. The film ends on the word ‘condom’, to normalise its usage, and not something that has to be whispered into someone’s ear or conveyed through gestures,” he avers, adding that he plans to start his next film around October 15. “It will require some outdoor shooting, so we are still figuring out places where the impact of the virus has subsided.”
Apar and brother Ayushmann Khurrana shared glimpses of their family time on social media during the lockdown.
However, Apar denies a film together on cards for them. “There are offers, but we haven’t found something that we both connect on,” he reveals, happy that the brothers celebrated Raksha Bandhan together at home after almost 12 years. “It was amazing to be with family as that is what makes a festival worth celebrating.”
I thought to go ahead with Antakshari, where no one is judged for their skills-Aparshakti Khurana
8:38 AM
After wrapping up his first film as a hero, which revolves around contraceptives, Aparshakti Khurana playing musical games with friends, family
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 16, 2020)
Meanwhile, Aparshakti is utilising the Coronavirus-induced house arrest to try out new things. “I am learning how to cook and brushing up my knowledge of classics. I am also reading scripts and working out with the help of fitness videos,” the actor shares, adding that in the last few days, he has watched Martin Scorsese’s Leonardo DiCaprio-starrer psychological thriller, Shutter Island, and the 2016 sports drama, Race. By the end of the lockdown, he intends to become an expert at rustling up his favourites—kaale chaney, dhokla and aloo paratha.While everyone is feeling the pinch of social distancing, the actor recently devised an innovative plan to touch base with family and friends. On March 24, he launched ‘Quarantine Antakshari’ online, which saw Tiger Shroff, Ananya Panday, Parineeti Chopra, Arjun Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, and his brother, Ayushmann, join in. “Honestly, it was my singer-friend Jonita Gandhi’s idea. Aakriti (his wife) and I were thinking of things to do. That’s when we thought of putting our musical skills to use. The idea was to ask friends, family to sing, but everyone is not a singer, I thought to go ahead with Antakshari, where no one is judged for their skills,” he smiles.
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