Showing posts with label Kuala Lumpur. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kuala Lumpur. Show all posts
When Sonakshi Sinha pulled off a Priyanka Chopra for her prior commitments
8:04 AM
DNA (May 11, 2018)
Taking a red-eye flight is never easy. But when it’s for work, you can’t avoid it. And like Priyanka Chopra, who recently flew down to Delhi just for a day to attend a UNICEF event, Sonakshi Sinha pulled off a similar feat.
Our source says, “Sonakshi, who is currently in Kuala Lumpur shooting for Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi, requested for a day off from her shoot to fulfil a prior commitment made to a brand she endorses — for a meet-and-greet session with the media in the capital.”
So, the actress flew to the city early in the morning for the event that was to be held later that evening. “After the session, Sona took the last flight out back to Kuala Lumpur. She resumed her shoot early the following morning,” adds the source. Post the sequel, Sonakshi will get busy with Kalank and Dabangg 3.
I wish we were shooting for a longer time-Ali Fazal
8:29 AM
Ali Fazal on reuniting with ‘Happy’ team and passing on the baton to Sonakshi Sinha, Jassie Gill for sequel
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 4, 2018)
Two months after hobnobbing with Hollywood elite at the Oscars, Victoria & Abdul actor Ali Fazal headed to Malaysia for a 10-day schedule of Aanand L Rai’s romcom, Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi. Ali was joined by his co-star from the original, Diana Penty, as the duo passed the baton to the new leads — Sonakshi Sinha and Jassie Gill.
“I had shot for a few days in December in Mumbai and then got busy with my show Mirzapur. Now, I have completed shooting for my portions in the Happy sequel. Diana and I reprise our characters from the original, so our work is very limited in this film. But the way Mudassar (Aziz, director) has written the script, there are many interesting things in this story too,” Ali informs.
The 31-year-old actor adds that it was a delight to reunite with Jimmy Shergill and Piyush Mishra who had played pivotal parts in the 2016 film. “It’s amazing to work with such a nice bunch of people and the crew as well is amazing. Many of them were a part of the previous film too. There were times when Jimmy sir and I would crack up between shots,” Ali says, adding that while the sequel is set in China, the makers wanted to shoot certain portions in Kuala Lumpur as well.
And what was it like working with Sonakshi and Jassie? “Sonakshi is chilled out, while I am a big fan of Jassie’s music. I wish we were shooting for a longer time, but because of my schedule I had to do the whole film in parts. But I have to say, it’s really a hard-working set of people,” adds Ali.
His only grouse? While the shooting experience was great, the weather could have been a tad cooler. “We have all come back with distinctive tans. Mudassar is almost unrecognisable,” he says.
Did they get time for sight-seeing during the schedule in Malaysia? “I got to see a bit of the city and was fascinated by the Batu Caves. But most of the time, we would hang around the film sets as the schedule involved a lot of travelling from one location to the other,” Ali says.
Two months after hobnobbing with Hollywood elite at the Oscars, Victoria & Abdul actor Ali Fazal headed to Malaysia for a 10-day schedule of Aanand L Rai’s romcom, Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi. Ali was joined by his co-star from the original, Diana Penty, as the duo passed the baton to the new leads — Sonakshi Sinha and Jassie Gill.
“I had shot for a few days in December in Mumbai and then got busy with my show Mirzapur. Now, I have completed shooting for my portions in the Happy sequel. Diana and I reprise our characters from the original, so our work is very limited in this film. But the way Mudassar (Aziz, director) has written the script, there are many interesting things in this story too,” Ali informs.
The 31-year-old actor adds that it was a delight to reunite with Jimmy Shergill and Piyush Mishra who had played pivotal parts in the 2016 film. “It’s amazing to work with such a nice bunch of people and the crew as well is amazing. Many of them were a part of the previous film too. There were times when Jimmy sir and I would crack up between shots,” Ali says, adding that while the sequel is set in China, the makers wanted to shoot certain portions in Kuala Lumpur as well.
And what was it like working with Sonakshi and Jassie? “Sonakshi is chilled out, while I am a big fan of Jassie’s music. I wish we were shooting for a longer time, but because of my schedule I had to do the whole film in parts. But I have to say, it’s really a hard-working set of people,” adds Ali.
His only grouse? While the shooting experience was great, the weather could have been a tad cooler. “We have all come back with distinctive tans. Mudassar is almost unrecognisable,” he says.
Did they get time for sight-seeing during the schedule in Malaysia? “I got to see a bit of the city and was fascinated by the Batu Caves. But most of the time, we would hang around the film sets as the schedule involved a lot of travelling from one location to the other,” Ali says.
Check out Akshay Kumar, Taapsee Pannu shooting for Naam Shabana in Kuala Lumpur
7:59 AM
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 17, 2016)
Akshay Kumar along with
Taapsee Pannu kicked off Naam Shabana, reportedly a prequel to their
earlier film Baby, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Saturday. The actor
plays a cameo in the film directed by Shivam Nair whereas, Neeraj Pandey
had directed the earlier espionage thriller.
A source from the sets revealed that the duo was filming at KL's City Centre, a mall forever buzzing with tourists and locals. “The location was chosen because the scenes need a lot of crowd movement. They will also be shooting next at the famous Petronas Twin Towers and wrap up the schedule by October 28. Akshay will be shooting only for six-seven days,“ informs a source from the sets. The next schedule is in Mumbai.
The source added that the characters return with some subtle differences, the primary change being that Taapsee is the central Indian security agent this time this time around with the movie going back in time to trace her journey from the girl-next-door to one of the most qualified agents.
“The prequel will have more action. Akshay didn't need to prep for his role but Taapsee who had learnt Krav Maga for Baby has been training everyday for two hours since August with Akshay personally supervising not just her training but even her action choreography which will be more intense and less dependent on VFX,“ said the source.
A source from the sets revealed that the duo was filming at KL's City Centre, a mall forever buzzing with tourists and locals. “The location was chosen because the scenes need a lot of crowd movement. They will also be shooting next at the famous Petronas Twin Towers and wrap up the schedule by October 28. Akshay will be shooting only for six-seven days,“ informs a source from the sets. The next schedule is in Mumbai.
The source added that the characters return with some subtle differences, the primary change being that Taapsee is the central Indian security agent this time this time around with the movie going back in time to trace her journey from the girl-next-door to one of the most qualified agents.
“The prequel will have more action. Akshay didn't need to prep for his role but Taapsee who had learnt Krav Maga for Baby has been training everyday for two hours since August with Akshay personally supervising not just her training but even her action choreography which will be more intense and less dependent on VFX,“ said the source.
Tiger Shroff dances with his idol Hrithik Roshan at IIFA Awards 2015
7:45 AM
Subhash K Jha (DNA; June 10, 2015)
That Tiger Shroff is a fan of Hrithik Roshan is not a secret. The junior actor looks up to Hrithik and models everything from his physique to dancing on the superstar. It was therefore a pleasure beyond measure for Tiger to treasure, when he got to dance with his idol at the IIFA in Kuala Lampur this weekend. “Not only did I get my best debutant award for Heropanti from my idol, he also danced with me to the tune of my song — Whistle Baja. It was a golden moment for me,” says Tiger who confesses he admires every aspect of Hrithik’s personality. Tiger’s contemporary Arjun Kapoor who similarly idolises Salman Khan got to shake a leg in Tevar to a song dedicated to his idol. Tiger hopes to get a similar opportunity soon.
Mary Kom's National Award win is for the entire team-Omung Kumar
7:44 AM
Filmmaker Omung Kumar is ecstatic as his very first film — Mary Kom has won him the National Award
Sneha Mahadevan (DNA; March 26, 2015)
"It is a dream come true for me”, says Omung Kumar
expressing his excitement after his much acclaimed Mary Kom on the life
of boxing champion M.C Mary Kom won a National Award. It has been named
the Best Popular Film providing wholesome entertainment for being an
exalting story of a woman who becomes a national icon through her
determination. Though he hasn’t managed to touch base with the boxer, as
he is away in Kuala Lumpur, he says Mary has been informed about the
win. “It was the sweetest surprise to be given this kind of an honour
for your very first film. I am in Malaysia and suddenly my phone started
buzzing with calls and messages. Initially I was very confused as I
couldn’t figure if we had been nominated or won but when they informed
me that the calls were to congratulate me on the win, it was an
indescribable feeling,” he says.
The award, he explains is for the efforts everyone put in the film, right from the assistant directors to the technicians to supporting members of the cast. “Priyanka Chopra is the whole and soul of the film and I think this has been her best performance ever. Though it was my story, Sanjay Leela Bhansali trusted me enough with the film. Without him, I wouldn’t have been able to make this film. But this award is not mine or her’s or any single person’s. Everyone who worked on the film deserves this. We didn’t expect it but I always harboured ambitions of my film winning a National Award and this is definitely a dream come true,” Omung explains.
His leading lady, Priyanka called him up to congratulate him. “She is ecstatic and very happy for me. It is a big deal and once we are all back in town, we will throw a party and celebrate.”
Randeep Hooda-Kajal Aggarwal in Deepak Tijori's Do Lafzon Ki Kahani
7:49 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (February 25, 2015)
Randeep Hooda and Kajal
Aggarwal are coming together for Do Lafzon Ki Kahani, directed by Deepak
Tijori. The love story will be set in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
Deepak, who is returning to direction after more than five years, feels that the fresh pairing will be a highlight of the film. “It's a brooding love story with a little bit of action. Randeep and Kajal are an intriguing combination, and are apt for the story. Once you watch the film, you'll understand why I chose them,“ he says.
Randeep, who is known to play unconventional roles, essays the role of an ex-Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter. To lend authenticity to his character, the actor is currently training in the martial art form.
Kajal too has an author-backed role.About his choice of actress, Deepak states, “I think Kajal's potential has not been exploited in Hindi films so far. I can assure you of a powerful performance by her.“
The movie, produced by Avinaash V Rai under the banner of Dhiraj Motion Pictures, marks Randeep's first out-and-out love story . “It's also my first attempt at a love story,“ says Deepak, adding, “Randeep was our only choice for this role. Avinaash and I were convinced that only he can play this intense character. It was tough to find a girl who could match Randeep's potential. Kajal fit the bill. Once I met her, I knew I had found the perfect match.“
Deepak, who is returning to direction after more than five years, feels that the fresh pairing will be a highlight of the film. “It's a brooding love story with a little bit of action. Randeep and Kajal are an intriguing combination, and are apt for the story. Once you watch the film, you'll understand why I chose them,“ he says.
Randeep, who is known to play unconventional roles, essays the role of an ex-Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter. To lend authenticity to his character, the actor is currently training in the martial art form.
Kajal too has an author-backed role.About his choice of actress, Deepak states, “I think Kajal's potential has not been exploited in Hindi films so far. I can assure you of a powerful performance by her.“
The movie, produced by Avinaash V Rai under the banner of Dhiraj Motion Pictures, marks Randeep's first out-and-out love story . “It's also my first attempt at a love story,“ says Deepak, adding, “Randeep was our only choice for this role. Avinaash and I were convinced that only he can play this intense character. It was tough to find a girl who could match Randeep's potential. Kajal fit the bill. Once I met her, I knew I had found the perfect match.“
13 facts that you didn't know about Roy
7:55 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (February 11, 2015)
Roy, featuring Arjun Rampal,
Ranbir Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez, is a thriller revolving
around four pivotal characters. Ranbir, in the title role, will
be seen as a thief who has
captured the imagination of many with his smooth heists. While Arjun
plays Kabir, a filmmaker, Jacqueline will be seen in a double role - as
Tia, an art enthusiast and Ayesha, a director. The T-Series production
marks the directorial debut of Vikramjit Singh.
BEHIND THE SCENES
- For a particular sequence, Ranbir had to drive a 1960's model of a luxury car. However, when the actor drove the car inside a tunnel, it caught fire. Fortunately, Ranbir escaped without a scratch. However, the shoot was halted for four hours until the mechanic came and fixed the car.
- Vikramjit had to shoot a scene in the middle of the night in China Town, which is one of the busiest streets of Kuala Lumpur. Besides, the place is said to be dominated by the mafia and drug peddlers. The director decided to adopt guerrilla style of filmmaking, so as to not attract attention towards them. The scene had Arjun walking out of the busy street.
- In an impromptu move, Vikramjit also included the street urchins who were playing guitars, to give it a realistic feel.
- Vikramjit suffers from sea sickness. Obviously , that did not bode well for the unit as they had to shoot a yacht sequence, in the middle of the sea in Malaysia. Initially, the director joined the cast on the yacht, hoping to film the sequence. However, he soon felt uneasy and returned to the port. The scene was finally shot with the help of assistant directors, who would keep taking instructions from him and execute them.
- Apparently, a number of people would show up on the set to get a glimpse of Jacqueline. The director says, “She would sweetly meet all of them in between shots and post wrap-up.“
- The actress turned designer for the thriller. Not only did she wear clothes from her personal wardrobe for Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan, but also designed the jeggings that she sports in Sooraj Dooba Hai.
- For Sooraj Dooba Hai, Vicky wanted the location to be reminiscent of a music festival. When he expressed his desire to producer Bhushan Kumar, he recreated a similar set in Mumbai's Film City in two days.
- Jacqueline's dance number Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan has Kanika Kapoor reuniting with Meet Bros Anjjan after Baby Doll. Choreographer Ahmed Khan wanted to shoot the song in Penang, but that couldn't be worked out. So the team recreated a set that resembled a Malaysian street, in Mumbai.
- Arjun has sported glasses and hats from his personal collection to give a personal touch to his character Kabir.
- Since Jacqueline loves horse riding, she was ecstatic to know that she has horse-riding sequences in the film. The unit was surprised to see her handling horses with ease.
- Vikramjit wore the same white kurta throughout the shoot, believing that it was lucky for him. Of course, everyone on set used to tease him about it.
- Composer Amaal Mallik approached many producers with the tune of Sooraj Dooba Hai, but was turned down by all of them. When Amaal made Bhushan hear the tune, he immediately decided to incorporate it in the album. Sung by Arijit Singh and Aditi Singh Sharma, the song has been written by Kumaar.
- Ankit Tiwari, who last worked with the producer in Aashiqui 2, has composed three songs in the film -Yaara Re, Tu Hai Ki Nahi and Boond Boond.
PRODUCER'S NOTE - BHUSHAN KUMAR
“The film's music is doing really well. When Vicky came to me with the script, I was in two minds initially, but his confidence and conviction encouraged me to come on board. Finally, when I saw the rushes of the film, I was happy with my decision. Arjun and Jacqueline have done a very good job, and Ranbir will be a surprise package in his intense role.“
DIRECTOR'S TAKE - VIKRAMJIT SINGH
“Making Roy has been an incredible journey -r ight from its inception, the script, the filming to the post-production and marketing. Filmmaking is not a one-man job, it's all about collaboration. It's a vision that the 200-odd-member crew worked tirelessly to achieve. Now that the movie is ready, I feel deep gratitude and a sense of responsibility towards each person who has worked so hard on creating it.“
Roy, produced by Bhushan Kumar, Divya Khosla Kumar and Krishan Kumar, releases February 13.
BEHIND THE SCENES
- For a particular sequence, Ranbir had to drive a 1960's model of a luxury car. However, when the actor drove the car inside a tunnel, it caught fire. Fortunately, Ranbir escaped without a scratch. However, the shoot was halted for four hours until the mechanic came and fixed the car.
- Vikramjit had to shoot a scene in the middle of the night in China Town, which is one of the busiest streets of Kuala Lumpur. Besides, the place is said to be dominated by the mafia and drug peddlers. The director decided to adopt guerrilla style of filmmaking, so as to not attract attention towards them. The scene had Arjun walking out of the busy street.
- In an impromptu move, Vikramjit also included the street urchins who were playing guitars, to give it a realistic feel.
- Vikramjit suffers from sea sickness. Obviously , that did not bode well for the unit as they had to shoot a yacht sequence, in the middle of the sea in Malaysia. Initially, the director joined the cast on the yacht, hoping to film the sequence. However, he soon felt uneasy and returned to the port. The scene was finally shot with the help of assistant directors, who would keep taking instructions from him and execute them.
- Apparently, a number of people would show up on the set to get a glimpse of Jacqueline. The director says, “She would sweetly meet all of them in between shots and post wrap-up.“
- The actress turned designer for the thriller. Not only did she wear clothes from her personal wardrobe for Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan, but also designed the jeggings that she sports in Sooraj Dooba Hai.
- For Sooraj Dooba Hai, Vicky wanted the location to be reminiscent of a music festival. When he expressed his desire to producer Bhushan Kumar, he recreated a similar set in Mumbai's Film City in two days.
- Jacqueline's dance number Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan has Kanika Kapoor reuniting with Meet Bros Anjjan after Baby Doll. Choreographer Ahmed Khan wanted to shoot the song in Penang, but that couldn't be worked out. So the team recreated a set that resembled a Malaysian street, in Mumbai.
- Arjun has sported glasses and hats from his personal collection to give a personal touch to his character Kabir.
- Since Jacqueline loves horse riding, she was ecstatic to know that she has horse-riding sequences in the film. The unit was surprised to see her handling horses with ease.
- Vikramjit wore the same white kurta throughout the shoot, believing that it was lucky for him. Of course, everyone on set used to tease him about it.
- Composer Amaal Mallik approached many producers with the tune of Sooraj Dooba Hai, but was turned down by all of them. When Amaal made Bhushan hear the tune, he immediately decided to incorporate it in the album. Sung by Arijit Singh and Aditi Singh Sharma, the song has been written by Kumaar.
- Ankit Tiwari, who last worked with the producer in Aashiqui 2, has composed three songs in the film -Yaara Re, Tu Hai Ki Nahi and Boond Boond.
PRODUCER'S NOTE - BHUSHAN KUMAR“The film's music is doing really well. When Vicky came to me with the script, I was in two minds initially, but his confidence and conviction encouraged me to come on board. Finally, when I saw the rushes of the film, I was happy with my decision. Arjun and Jacqueline have done a very good job, and Ranbir will be a surprise package in his intense role.“
DIRECTOR'S TAKE - VIKRAMJIT SINGH “Making Roy has been an incredible journey -r ight from its inception, the script, the filming to the post-production and marketing. Filmmaking is not a one-man job, it's all about collaboration. It's a vision that the 200-odd-member crew worked tirelessly to achieve. Now that the movie is ready, I feel deep gratitude and a sense of responsibility towards each person who has worked so hard on creating it.“
Roy, produced by Bhushan Kumar, Divya Khosla Kumar and Krishan Kumar, releases February 13.
Exotic locations viewers will get to see in Bollywood films this year
8:00 AM
Kunal Guha (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 5, 2014)
Hindi films are synonymous with escapism. One reason could be the exotic locations they’re set in. From Switzerland to Shimla, our films have given an identity to the places that have served as a picturesque backdrop for their stories.
For years, Indian filmmakers have scanned the globe for unique destinations that complement the script and offer viewers a chance to visually experience places that may not (always) be on the tourist map. So fasten your seat belts as Bollywood takes you on a world tour:
Kick in Warsaw
Sajid Nadiadwala has shot in the swankiest clubs of Las Vegas (Anjaana Anjaani) and is the first Indian producer to shoot at the Universal Studios in Los Angeles (Kambakkht Ishq). For his directorial debut Kick, he was looking for a country with stunning locales, a European feel and interesting architecture. “My subject required a place with concrete buildings like New York’s Wall Street and some heritage buildings. I found all this and more in Warsaw,” says Sajid, who has just returned from a schedule in Poland with some amazing footage never seen before in Hindi cinema.
Humshakals in Derbyshire
Director Sajid Khan’s next, Humshakals, has one thing common with his Housefull franchise; they’ve all been shot in England. Being his third time in the UK, Sajid admits that he feels less like a tourist there. His breakthrough find: the Chatsworth House in Derbyshire. “The house is almost like a silent character in the film. After 30-40 recces and checking out about 100 castles in England and Scotland, my mother suggested the Chatsworth House, which she’d seen in a movie adaptation of Pride and Prejudice,” he reveals. It was love-at-first-sight for Sajid but his location manager told him that it would be impossible to shoot there as it was a major tourist attraction. “But I was determined and agreed to an hourly breakdown whereby I would be allowed to shoot in a part of the house which would be locked down each day for certain hours,” explains Sajid.
Phantom in Beirut
Kabir Khan’s ambitious spy thriller, Phantom, has mostly been shot in places that one has only heard about while browsing through the news. “My choice of location is script-driven. I don’t set my film in a city or a country simply because it would make for a pretty backdrop,” explains the director whose latest story led him to civil war-ravaged Beirut, Lebanon. He not only shot in the city but even in the mountains close to the Syria border. “There are some talented production designers who are capable of recreating these places, but I hate sets. I’ve been a documentary filmmaker and for me authenticity is important. And today, we have the budgets to shoot in countries we’ve never considered before. Besides, the audience is sharp and well-travelled and you can’t claim to have filmed in Beirut when you’ve actually shot in Dubai or somewhere in the Middle-East. Even the light is different in different parts of the world and something like a tree could give it away,” asserts Khan. But a location like this would mean braving volatile conditions and Khan admits that you don’t do something as foolish as landing up in a country that’s going through a political crisis without proper planning. “As a documentary filmmaker, I realised that things aren’t as bad as they sound in the news. Yes, security is a concern and there were bombings before and even during our schedule in Beirut. But if you only reach out to people and explain what you’re doing that takes care of most things,” reasons the filmmaker who even met a Hezbollah leader who smoothened out things for him. While shooting near the Syria border the Phantom unit once even managed to attract the attention and interest of the Israeli army. “We were filming in the hills near the border. Our cast and crew were armed with tanks and guns and that drew the Israeli forces to us. They circled our unit on F16s and even clicked several pictures—possibly wondering who we were or what we were up to,” narrates Khan with a laugh.
The Xpose in Paris
This Himesh Reshammiya murder mystery The Xpose may be set in India but some of the songs have been shot in Paris. “The light you find in European countries illuminate the frames, literally. Also, one gets more day hours to shoot between June to July, when you can begin as early as 7am and wrap up as late as 9-10pm,” explains Rakesh Upadhyay, business partner, HR Musik Ltd, the banner producing the film.
Tina And Lolo in Penang and KL
This Charlies Angelsesque action flick starring Sunny Leone and Karishma Tanna needed a big city setting, along with a few beaches. Director Devang Dholakia considered several options, including Georgia, which he had to drop for lack of subsidies, before finally settling for Malaysia. “We needed a city with a lot of skyscrapers, runways, shopping malls and a few imposing structures. We found these in Penang and Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia is a shoot-friendly country and it cost us the same as it would in Mumbai. Many South Indian films have been shot there,” says Dholakia.
Hindi films are synonymous with escapism. One reason could be the exotic locations they’re set in. From Switzerland to Shimla, our films have given an identity to the places that have served as a picturesque backdrop for their stories.
For years, Indian filmmakers have scanned the globe for unique destinations that complement the script and offer viewers a chance to visually experience places that may not (always) be on the tourist map. So fasten your seat belts as Bollywood takes you on a world tour:
Kick in Warsaw
Sajid Nadiadwala has shot in the swankiest clubs of Las Vegas (Anjaana Anjaani) and is the first Indian producer to shoot at the Universal Studios in Los Angeles (Kambakkht Ishq). For his directorial debut Kick, he was looking for a country with stunning locales, a European feel and interesting architecture. “My subject required a place with concrete buildings like New York’s Wall Street and some heritage buildings. I found all this and more in Warsaw,” says Sajid, who has just returned from a schedule in Poland with some amazing footage never seen before in Hindi cinema.
Humshakals in Derbyshire
Director Sajid Khan’s next, Humshakals, has one thing common with his Housefull franchise; they’ve all been shot in England. Being his third time in the UK, Sajid admits that he feels less like a tourist there. His breakthrough find: the Chatsworth House in Derbyshire. “The house is almost like a silent character in the film. After 30-40 recces and checking out about 100 castles in England and Scotland, my mother suggested the Chatsworth House, which she’d seen in a movie adaptation of Pride and Prejudice,” he reveals. It was love-at-first-sight for Sajid but his location manager told him that it would be impossible to shoot there as it was a major tourist attraction. “But I was determined and agreed to an hourly breakdown whereby I would be allowed to shoot in a part of the house which would be locked down each day for certain hours,” explains Sajid.
Phantom in Beirut
Kabir Khan’s ambitious spy thriller, Phantom, has mostly been shot in places that one has only heard about while browsing through the news. “My choice of location is script-driven. I don’t set my film in a city or a country simply because it would make for a pretty backdrop,” explains the director whose latest story led him to civil war-ravaged Beirut, Lebanon. He not only shot in the city but even in the mountains close to the Syria border. “There are some talented production designers who are capable of recreating these places, but I hate sets. I’ve been a documentary filmmaker and for me authenticity is important. And today, we have the budgets to shoot in countries we’ve never considered before. Besides, the audience is sharp and well-travelled and you can’t claim to have filmed in Beirut when you’ve actually shot in Dubai or somewhere in the Middle-East. Even the light is different in different parts of the world and something like a tree could give it away,” asserts Khan. But a location like this would mean braving volatile conditions and Khan admits that you don’t do something as foolish as landing up in a country that’s going through a political crisis without proper planning. “As a documentary filmmaker, I realised that things aren’t as bad as they sound in the news. Yes, security is a concern and there were bombings before and even during our schedule in Beirut. But if you only reach out to people and explain what you’re doing that takes care of most things,” reasons the filmmaker who even met a Hezbollah leader who smoothened out things for him. While shooting near the Syria border the Phantom unit once even managed to attract the attention and interest of the Israeli army. “We were filming in the hills near the border. Our cast and crew were armed with tanks and guns and that drew the Israeli forces to us. They circled our unit on F16s and even clicked several pictures—possibly wondering who we were or what we were up to,” narrates Khan with a laugh.
The Xpose in Paris
This Himesh Reshammiya murder mystery The Xpose may be set in India but some of the songs have been shot in Paris. “The light you find in European countries illuminate the frames, literally. Also, one gets more day hours to shoot between June to July, when you can begin as early as 7am and wrap up as late as 9-10pm,” explains Rakesh Upadhyay, business partner, HR Musik Ltd, the banner producing the film.
Tina And Lolo in Penang and KL
This Charlies Angelsesque action flick starring Sunny Leone and Karishma Tanna needed a big city setting, along with a few beaches. Director Devang Dholakia considered several options, including Georgia, which he had to drop for lack of subsidies, before finally settling for Malaysia. “We needed a city with a lot of skyscrapers, runways, shopping malls and a few imposing structures. We found these in Penang and Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia is a shoot-friendly country and it cost us the same as it would in Mumbai. Many South Indian films have been shot there,” says Dholakia.
Sunny Leone makes Tina And Lolo makers pay for her travel to promote Ragini MMS 2?
7:50 AM
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; February 19, 2014)
Sunny Leone’s packed schedule is proving to be a tough proposition for her producers. The starlet, who has been shooting in Malaysia for Devang Dholakia’s action flick, 'Tina and Lolo',needed to be in Mumbai recently for the launch of a song from her horror film 'Raginni MMS 2'.
Buzz has it that the 'Tina and Lolo' unit had to let go of crucial locations and shots in a bid to accomodate Sunny’s travel to Mumbai. To add to it, they had to take care of her travel costs from Kuala Lumpur to Mumbai — all for the promotion of the film, 'Raginni MMS 2'.
Says a unit source, “There was no way Sunny could skip the event, so the director had to allow her to travel to Mumbai and that too, at our expense. Shoot schedules are always interlinked as one follows another and even a small change can disturb a lot of other plans.”
Adds the source, “Despite a gruelling shoot in Malaysia for over 20 days and an already choc-a-block schedule, the makers of Tina and Lolo let her go to Mumbai. We are now shooting at break-neck speed to wrap up the schedule.”
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