Showing posts with label Madhya Pradesh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Madhya Pradesh. Show all posts
Aneet Padda wraps up Shakti Shalini with a sequence celebrating protagonist’s victory over an evil spirit
9:30 AM
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; May 28, 2026)
May has been busy for Saiyaara (2025) star Aneet Padda, who was shooting the final schedule of her next, Shakti Shalini. Like all good things, this one came to an end too. On May 27, director Aditya Sarpotdar wrapped the horror comedy at Chitrarth Studio in Powai, where they filmed an elaborate sequence that sees the celebration of the protagonist’s victory over evil.
The latest chapter in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe sees Padda in a double role — as an ordinary woman-turned-protector Shakti, and an evil spirit Shalini. The story revolves around the vengeful ghost who punishes men, as she was betrayed and killed in a brutal manner, and her eventual face-off with Shakti.
About the last day of the shoot, a source shared, “Massive sets depicting a Rajasthani village and the interiors of a house were built. The sequence shows the village people, especially women, celebrating the defeat of evil.”
Things have progressed briskly on Shakti Shalini — also starring Vishal Jethwa and Viineet Kumar Siingh — since the horror comedy rolled in March. In early May, Padda and the team headed to Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
The source elaborated, “Viineet, who portrays the antagonist, and Aneet shot the climax across Chambal, Datia, Antri, Panihar, Gwalior, and Morena in Madhya Pradesh. They filmed significant portions in Dholpur and Barkhandi in Rajasthan. Nana Patekar and Seema Biswas joined the unit in May.”
Aneet Padda to play a double role in Shakti Shalini
10:04 AM
Sources say ‘Saiyaara’ star Aneet Padda to play double role, as an ordinary woman and a vengeful spirit, in ‘Shakti Shalini’
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; April 8, 2026)
Everyone has wanted to see more of Aneet Padda ever since she broke out with the sleeper hit, Saiyaara (2025). What if we told you that you’ll see two of her in her next, Shakti Shalini? mid-day has exclusively learnt that Padda plays a double role in Aditya Sarpotdar’s directorial venture, which is the next chapter in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe.
As the film’s title suggests, producer and co-writer Amar Kaushik and director Sarpotdar have etched out two powerful roles for the actor — the protector Shakti, and the evil force Shalini. From what we’ve heard, the horror comedy will see Shakti as an ordinary woman who transforms into an indestructible force when her family is attacked by an evil spirit.
A source told us, “Rooted in Bengali folklore and mythology, the movie revolves around the eternal battle between good and evil. The story is about a vengeful female ghost, dwelling in trees and water bodies, who punishes men, as she was betrayed and killed in a brutal manner. In Bengal, the goddess invoked to destroy evil spirits is Goddess Kali. She is recognised as the ultimate form of Shakti. Here, the character Shakti is pitted against the spirit.”
Sarpotdar took the project, also starring Vishal Jethwa and Viineet Kumar Siingh, on floors in Mumbai last month. The unit is currently shooting in Madh Island, where a massive set, depicting a small town in West Bengal, has been built.
The source added, “Next, they will head to Madhya Pradesh for an extensive schedule. Crucial scenes will be filmed in Datia, Gwalior, Morena, and other towns.”
The Bureaucrat is different from 12th Fail or Aspirants-Amol Parashar
9:11 AM
Amol Parashar on finding intrigue in playing a morally grey civil service officer in ‘The Bureaucrat’
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; March 22, 2026)
It takes years to move from paper to screen. For Amol Parashar’s The Bureaucrat, the wait from first hearing the script to going on floors stretched to about two years. “A filmmaker friend, who had read the story, suggested I do the show. He introduced me to Abhishek [Dhandharia, producer], but logistical issues kept delaying it,” shares the actor. Dhandharia reconnected with him six months ago when it was finally greenlit.
The idea of a civil services aspirant-turned-conman was too tempting for Parashar. “Shiddat se likhi hui cheezein, thode kam aate hain,” smiles the actor, adding that the pieces of the story fit well on paper, which got him “excited about the character.”
Aware that there is no dearth of stories centred around the UPSC — Aspirants, now in its third season, and Vikrant Massey’s 12th Fail (2023) — Parashar is confident his show stands apart, as it uses civil services only as a backdrop.
“UPSC [Union Public Service Commission] is a big part of our culture. The Bureaucrat is different from 12th Fail or Aspirants. Although the backdrop is UPSC, the texture, genre, and flow of events is fresh. It’s more of a conman story,” he says, adding that the shoot will wrap up in 20 days.
On ‘Gram Chikitsalay 2’
Amol Parashar confirms he wrapped up ‘Gram Chikitsalay 2’ before starting work on ‘The Bureaucrat’. “We shot in Madhya Pradesh this time. For season one, we shot in Chhattisgarh. We have onboarded a new director.”
Feudal settlement is being built for the final schedule of Dev Patel's The Peasants
3:17 PM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 24, 2026)
The production of Dev Patel’s The Peasant, which went on floors in December 2025, is progressing swiftly. Following a month-long schedule in Madhya Pradesh, Patel — who serves as the actor, director, and co-writer on the revenge drama — is set to call action on the final schedule in Mumbai in the second week of February.
Set in the 14th century, The Peasant is said to be a revenge-fuelled action drama centred on an Indian shepherd, who kills the mercenary knights that had ransacked his village. A major set, in keeping with the period, is currently being constructed in Film City, Goregaon, for the upcoming leg. Apparently, the set-up has been designed to reflect a densely populated feudal settlement, complete with narrow alleys, market-style courtyards, and an adjoining fortress.
Large crowd scenes and combat sequences will be filmed over the six-week schedule. A unit hand tells us, “You’re looking at hundreds of performers in costume, plus stunt teams working in close quarters. The set has to facilitate that. They had earlier done a rough shoot here, but this is the major leg.”
Handling the production logistics in the country is India Take One Productions, which had also worked on Patel’s breakout film Slumdog Millionaire (2008).
Did you know?
‘The Peasant’ was originally envisioned as a revenge thriller in an Italian setting. Director and co-writer Dev Patel later reimagined it against an Indian backdrop.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’s final schedule in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh to culminate next week
8:09 AM
Kartik & Co filming last leg of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 in MP as they aim for Diwali release; horror comedy’s climax to be shot in this schedule
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 10, 2024)
In June, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’s unit had taken a break from shooting as Kartik Aaryan was readying for Chandu Champion’s release. Now, the leading man has shed his Chandu avatar and become Rooh Baba again. mid-day has learnt that Aaryan, Triptii Dimri and Madhuri Dixit-Nene kicked off the horror comedy’s final schedule in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, last week. Vidya Balan, who returns to the franchise after her Manjulika act in Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), is expected to join the unit this week.
Director Anees Bazmee and his team had done a recce across Madhya Pradesh in June-end before finalising Orchha. On July 3, the director called action on the horror comedy again.
A source reveals, “The two-week leg commenced at Kanchan Ghat, along the Betwa river. Last week, Kartik, along with Madhuri and Rajpal Yadav, filmed some dramatic scenes at the Ram Raja Mandir. The leading man and Triptii are currently shooting a song and some romantic scenes at the Jahangir Mahal. Up next is the climax that will have all four actors and Vidya together, with Kartik also performing some crucial action sequences.”
Settings play a crucial role in the popular franchise. While the 2007 original was shot in Jaipur and Hampi, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022) was largely filmed in Mumbai and Lucknow. The upcoming instalment has taken the team from Mumbai to Kolkata and now Orchha. We’re told the unit is currently staying at the Orchha Palace Hotel and Convention Centre.
“Anees zeroed in on the town as it has natural beauty as well as ancient palaces and monuments of historical significance. The latter lends itself beautifully to Bazmee’s story that revolves around superstition and the supernatural,” adds the source.
Highlighting the importance of filming at iconic locations such as Orchha Fort and Ram Raja Mandir, producer Bhushan Kumar says, “These settings not only offer beautiful backgrounds, but also bring an authentic charm to the story. These historical landmarks add to the cultural richness of every scene.”
It will be a wrap on the film by next week, after which it will be readied for a Diwali release.
Kartik Aaryan, Triptii Dimri to head to Madhya Pradesh to shoot Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
9:34 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 17, 2024)
Kartik Aaryan and Triptii Dimri-starrer Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (BB 3) went on the floors in March this year. However, recently, Aaryan had to take a break from filming to promote his sports biopic Chandu Champion, whereas Dimri went on a break to Italy. Now, the duo is now set to return to the BB 3 sets by the end of this month.
After completing the shoot in Mumbai and Kolkata, the BB 3 team is now heading to Madhya Pradesh for the next leg of the shoot.
A source close to the production reveals, “Kartik and Triptii will be going to Orchha, Madhya Pradesh towards the end of June for the next schedule of the film. The location will give a very rooted, aesthetic vibe as per the requirement of the story. The team will be stationed there till July. Post that, another schedule is planned before the film finally wraps up.” The film is slated for a Diwali release, and will clash with Singham Again at the box office.
Apart from Aaryan and Dimri, BB 3 sees the return of actor Vidya Balan, who featured in the first instalment of the film in 2007. Actor Madhuri Dixit Nene is also a new addition to the franchise.
Due to high cost of shooting in Delhi, makers shift to Lucknow, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh
8:26 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 14, 2024)
If you’ve seen Delhi in any film or web show in the last one year, chances are that it’s not the city, but a recreated set in Lucknow or some place in Madhya Pradesh. Shooting in the Capital is expensive. Given the soaring costs, we have learnt that many films that were supposed to be shot in Delhi over long schedules are now being moved to other cities.
For instance, actor Aamir Khan’s Delhi schedule for Sitaare Zameen Par has been cut. A source says, “Instead of a month, the team will only shoot in Delhi in July for just 8 to 10 days now.”
On the other hand, actor Janhvi Kapoor’s Ulajh couldn’t make it to Delhi due to budget constraints. “Earlier, it was to be shot in Delhi for around two weeks. But the budget was overshot in London. So, the makers shifted the shoot to Bhopal. They will either recreate Delhi or will base the plot in Bhopal now,” the source adds. Even the Arshad Warsi and Akshay Kumar-starrer Jolly LLB 3 that was supposed to be shot in Delhi is now being shot in Ajmer.
Sharing a break-up of how shooting in Delhi looks like now, a source says that while shooting at the Rajiv Chowk metro station costs Rs. 2 lakh per hour, the international airport costs Rs. 12 lakh for four hours.
A production head, on condition of anonymity, adds: “If you want to shoot at Rajiv Chowk for four hours, Rs. 8 lakh go to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. GST ki baat agar nahin bhi karte hain, tab bhi Rs. 2.36 lakh go to the New Delhi Municipal Council and Rs. 1 lakh to the parking guys. Around Rs. 2 lakh go to the Delhi Police for security. So, you can do the math.”
The insider adds that makers now tell writers to not write a script around Delhi: “The haveli in Chandni Chowk that would earlier cost Rs. 25,000 is now given for Rs. 4 lakh a day.”
It’s not easy
A source says, “Delhi is an expensive city. Owners of bungalows have hiked the prices due to the soaring demand. Plus, the hotel costs are high in Delhi. While a stay in a five-star hotel in Delhi would cost Rs. 10,000, in Lucknow, it might cost Rs. 5,000.”
Line producer Navmeet Singh adds, “Hotels and travel are expensive in Delhi, which results in less work here. I am planning to change my centre of work and setting things up for shoots in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.”
Lucknow is the new Dilli
The makers of actor Ajay Devgn’s Raid 2 are recreating Delhi in Lucknow. “They shot in Delhi for four days, including India Gate, and then moved to Lucknow for 47 days. At least 20-25 films are being shot in Lucknow, thanks to the subsidies and quick permissions,” a person from the production team says.
Filmmaker Aanand L Rai’s Nakhrewaalii also followed suit. “The team shot in Lucknow for 40 days and recreated Delhi there. That was cheaper. They wanted to shoot in a bungalow in Barakhamba Road that’d cost them Rs. 1 lakh a day. Aanand got that for Rs. 30,000 in Lucknow,” says the source.
When I came to the office in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's attire, everybody went quiet-Sharad Kelkar
9:06 AM
On the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sharad Kelkar opens up on playing him on screen; calls it a once in a lifetime role
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 19, 2024)
Having essayed a variety of roles in films and serials, nothing has given Sharad Kelkar as much of a sense of pride as playing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He stepped in the shoes of the celebrated Maratha ruler for Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020), one of the biggest hits of his career. As the actor shoots for us exclusively on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti aka Shiv Jayanti, today, the first thing he does is remove his footwear as a mark of respect.
He says, “This is a day of celebration for all Indians, not just Maharashtrians. It’s a matter of pride to celebrate the day of his birth.”
The 47-year-old was “surprised” when he was offered the role. “I had never met or spoken to (director) Om Raut before. He called and said he wanted me to play Shivaji. It took me two minutes before asking, ‘Why me?’. We did a look test, and when I came to the office in the attire, everybody went quiet, and I realized they were looking at me. That gave me a lot of confidence,” he shares, adding, “For a Maharashtrian and a Marathi actor this role is once in a lifetime. It’s the biggest achievement [of my career] and a matter of great pride to have played Shivaji.”
Having spent his childhood years in Madhya Pradesh, the actor didn’t have much exposure to learn about Shivaji in school and the film’s set was his learning ground.
After the film’s release, capitalizing on the adulation he received for the role, he says, “I requested the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh to add a chapter or prescribe a separate book in schools [in MP], so people would get to know about him more. I used to see a very small story on Shivaji Maharaj in our textbooks [when I was in school].”
The honour I received in Madhya Pradesh isn’t like a typical film award, for which I have to perform for them-Saumya Tandon
8:27 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 24, 2023)
Saumya Tandon says she only accepts awards if she feels she is deserving of them. The actor, who hails from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh (MP), was recently given the Champions of Change award by the state’s Governor, Mangubhai C Patel.
“I am not too much of an awards person. I barely go to any such events. I received this one as the honourable Governor was presenting it. I come from MP and the place has a lot to do with my growing up years and my personality,” she shares.
Sharing why she stays away from award shows, Tandon explains she’s often expected to perform for free in exchange for an award. “The honour I received in MP isn’t like a typical film award, for which I have to perform for them. If they (award show organizers) pay me for the performance, I agree. If it’s not done with the right intention, I don’t go for it,” she says.
Talking about the state, the 38-year-old says she “grew up with historians around and also did theatre with people so good at Hindi and Sanskrit”.
She adds, “I owed it to the land to be there for the ceremony. If I was born in a big city, I could have got more exposure and perhaps my entry into the industry would have been faster and easier. But I feel the fact that I am rooted is a result of a stable upbringing and I owe that to MP.”
The Kerala Story row could set tone for looming 2024 poll battles
8:31 AM
After MP, UP Set To Make Film Tax-Free
Akhilesh Singh (THE TIMES OF INDIA; May 10, 2023)
You won’t be able to watch ‘The Kerala Story’ in West Bengal as it has been banned across the state in a bid to maintain “peace and harmony”. In Tamil Nadu, the film has been taken out of almost all theatres as “a precautionary measure”. However, in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, you can watch it at a discount with the BJP governments in these states making it tax free.
Such widespread polarization on films, rarely seen before, is set to dominate the political discourse in the year which will witness assembly polls in five states in a few months, followed by the general elections next year.
The success of the film amidst the ongoing controversy over its storyline which has given boost to BJP and other saffron organisations’ claims of forced conversions, love jihad and radicalization of the Muslim youth under Islamic State (IS) influence.
Since the controversy erupted, BJP has been vocal about the issues depicted in the film and even PM Narendra Modi made it a major poll issue in Karnataka saying the movie has exposed the consequences of terrorism in a society, especially in a state like Kerala, a beautiful land of hardworking, talented and intellectual people.
His reference to the movie at a rally in Ballari set the tone for other party functionaries as they highlighted the “menace” in Kerala which has a long boundary with Karnataka. Law minister Kiren Rijiju called the ban in some states an “absolutely intolerant act.”
SC to hear plea against HC’s refusal to stall film
The SC on Tuesday agreed to hear on May 15 a plea challenging an order of the Kerala HC refusing to stall the screening of ‘The Kerala Story’. Accepting the request of senior advocate Kapil Sibal, a bench of CJI D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha slotted the special leave petition for hearing on Monday. The Kerala HC had last Friday said it didn’t find anything offensive in the film’s trailer.
Producer should be hanged in public: Awhad
NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Jitendra Awhad has said ‘The Kerala Story’ producer should be hanged in public. “They have not only tarnished the image of Kerala but have also insulted the women of the state,” he said. “They had said 32,000 women from Kerala had gone missing and joined the terrorist group ISIS, but the real figure is three,” he told a news channel.
Didi gets notice for ‘The Kashmir Files’ remarks
Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri on Tuesday said he has sent a legal notice to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for defaming his movie “The Kashmir Files”. Banerjee on Monday banned the screening of “The Kerala Story” and criticized “The Kashmir Files” as a movie made to humiliate one section of society.
Director asks Mamata to reconsider ban
The director of “The Kerala Story”, Sudipto Sen, said he hoped West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee would “reconsider” her decision to ban it. “It is more unfortunate that it is coming from the state which is the champion of human rights, free spirit, free souls,” Sen said.
TIMES VIEW:
Banning a film or a book is never a good idea in any modern, progressive and democratic society. Neither is granting tax exemption to a film on the basis of a government’s ideological affinity. Both moves are avoidable.
We were exhausted due to Vicky Kaushal-Katrina Kaif's wedding but still went for the safari-Malavika Mohanan
8:28 AM
Ashish Joseph (BOMBAY TIMES; July 30, 2022)
Actress Malavika Mohanan has several memorable wildlife experiences from her safaris in places like Tadoba and Ranthambore, and even from Serengeti in Tanzania. She talks about what it is like to sight tigers in India, safari destinations on her bucket list, and more. Excerpts:
How did you get drawn to wildlife?
Growing up, I read a lot of books and watched several documentaries on wildlife. So, I have always been a nature lover. But living in big cities, you are not exposed to that part of the world. About five-six years ago, I went to Wayanad with one of my friends. From there, we went to Mudumalai, Masinagudi and Kabini that whole belt. That was how I reconnected with that childhood love of wildlife. As I started doing more safaris, I felt the need to start documenting them. That’s how I started taking photographs and all that. And it’s a nice change from what I do career-wise; it feels good to do something completely different and then come back to work.
You went on a safari in Tadoba Tiger Reserve a couple of months ago. Tell us about your experience…
It’s said that lions are the most majestic animals in a jungle. Yes, they are. But I find tigers equally majestic. What makes them even more enduring is that they are hard to spot; they are very shy cats. If you go to Gir National Park or certain parts of Africa, you can see lions sitting in the open. But tigers… if they sense human movement, they crouch and slink away. Tadoba National Park, which is in central India, is one of my favourite places. Thanks to the landscape, it’s easier to spot tigers there than in other places, like Bandipur. Even Wayanad has tigers, but the place has a rich rainforest. So, they stay hidden in the lushness and you may not find them easily. Central India has a more barren and bushier landscape. So, it’s a great place to spot tigers. Especially during summer, when the water bodies start drying up, if you go to these watering holes, you may spot tigers there. I went on five safaris last month and I ended up seeing eight tigers and three leopards!
What has been your most memorable tiger-sighting experience so far?
We were near Ranthambore for Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif’s wedding. It was a big fat Punjabi wedding — three days of partying and dancing. We were also exhausted by the end of it. Even then, I really wanted to go on a safari and told my parents to accompany me. It was a two-and-ahalf-hour safari in the evening and we had a very good naturalist with us. When you’re in the wild, it’s very important to have a good naturalist. They know how to track the movements of big cats and are also familiar with individual tiger behaviour. Two hours went by and we didn’t spot even one tiger. Ranthambore is strict with the entry and exit timings of the safari jeeps. When we had barely five minutes before the safari came to an end, we heard a roar in the distance, and it kept getting louder. And suddenly, we saw a tiger coming out of the bushes. The experience was all the more special because it was just us, as all the others had left. The tiger came close to our jeep and we took some pictures against the setting sun. It was a magical experience.
This must be the best wildlife experience you’ve had, right?
Well, I have had another one in Africa (in Tanzania), one of my favourite places in the world. Africa is where you can feel closest to nature. Though the safaris are curated, once you enter, you don’t know what’s going to happen or what you are going to see. You usually get to do a full-day safari there. So, if it’s a six-day safari, on the first day, you go from point A to B and on the next day, you go from B to C. So, we were just finishing the day safari and heading back to the camp for the night. We had gone to see hippos and suddenly, our driver stopped the vehicle and showed a leopard climbing a tree with its prey — a deer — and there were hyenas below, waiting to feed on the remnants. These are things that you see in pictures and videos, but when you see it in real life, it’s very humbling.
Do you have a bucket list of places where you want to go tiger-spotting?
We’re lucky that India is one of the best places to spot tigers. There are some continents that don’t even have tigers. I want to go to Kanha and Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh to see tigers. I want to explore more of central India. Photography-wise, I want to click more pictures of them in their element and capture their emotions. I have taken enough pics of them simply sitting. That’s one thing on my list.
There is debate over how safaris are detrimental to the conservation of wildlife. Would you agree?
In many ways, we have intruded into their habitats. The forest covers have shrunk. But a place, like Ranthambore maybe — the whole national park is not open to tourism. It’s only a part of it that is open for safaris, and everything else is protected. The idea is to get more money that can then be pumped into wildlife protection and conservation projects. But that said, we have to follow certain rules and maintain decorum while going on safaris. Imagine that you are sitting in a park and suddenly, 10 jeeps with people halt in front of you. But we’ve very stringent wildlife conservation laws.
FOLLOW BASIC ETIQUETTE WHILE GOING ON A SAFARI: MALAVIKA
1. Don’t make noise and maintain the sanctity of their space
2. Avoid using anything that has a strong scent. Their senses are strong and so, I don’t wear perfume on safaris.
3. Wear neutral colours. The idea is to try and camouflage as much as you can.
4. Don’t litter. Unfortunately, that is something most people do.
What makes Madhya Pradesh the most film friendly state in India
10:58 AM
Saptaparna Biswas (BOMBAY TIMES; July 26, 2022)
It was 1951 when Madhya Pradesh saw its first ever film shoot with Dilip Kumar’s Aan. 71 years and more than 600 film projects later, the state has added another accolade to its bag. At the 68th National Film Awards, Madhya Pradesh was declared the Most Film Friendly State in the country. The numerous films and shows shot across MP stand testimony to the fact that it has emerged as a preferred shoot destination for the showbiz industry. What makes MP shoot-friendly?
EASE OF PERMITS AND HASSLE-FREE CLEARANCE
Talking about the reasons that have put MP on the map of filmmakers, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, managing director of the MP Tourism Board, shares, “The award is certainly an impetus to keep working the way we do. We are also working on establishing infrastructure for film studios, post-production houses and virtual studios in the state.”
“With the initiation of Film Facilitation Cell, the department has added nodal officers in all major districts that are popular for shoot, who will be handholding the crew through different processes as and when needed,” he adds.
Umakant Choudhary, deputy director of the board, who handles the filming aspect, explains, “Single window clearance for the shoot permissions through the web portal has been a huge attraction for filmmakers. Between 2019 and 2022, more than 90 films, web series and TV shows have been shot in the state. Under MP’s Film Tourism Policy 2020 we have provided various subsidies to encourage more people to shoot here.”
‘THE VARIETY OF DESTINATIONS, FRIENDLY PEOPLE AND THEATRE CIRCUIT MAKE MP A PREFERRED SHOOT DESTINATION’
In the last 15 years, various destinations have seen shoots taking place. Line producer Syed Zaid Ali, who has handled the work for 350 plus projects, shares, “MP offers diversity in terms of locations, culture, talent and more. Prakash Jha, who shot Raajneeti here, spoke about the opportunities the state has to offer and that helped open more avenues. Even when we faced trouble while shooting a recent series featuring Bobby Deol, the issue was sorted soon, and shooting resumed the same day.”
Harsh Dave, another line producer from Indore, who has handled projects like Dabangg and Ponniyin Selvan: I, shares, “The state has so many beautiful destinations that can double up as options for showcasing any part of the country. The local people go out of their way to accommodate the shoot, even agreeing to temporarily stay at a different place if required. All this makes filmmakers want to return to the state to shoot.”
— Inputs by Mihir Bhanage and Rachana Dubey
Madhya Pradesh to issue notice to IAS officer for tweets on The Kashmir Files
8:33 AM
Niyaz Khan and Vishwas Sarang (File/Twitter: @saifasa)
THE TIMES OF INDIA (March 24, 2022)
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh home minister Narottam Mishra on Wednesday said the government will issue a notice to IAS officer Niyaz Khan for ‘The Kashmir Files’ tweets. Khan, who is posted as deputy secretary with the public works department, had urged makers of ‘The Kashmir Files’ to also make a film on the “killings of large numbers of Muslims across several states”.
In a series of tweets on Holi, Khan also appealed to the film producers to transfer all the earnings from the movie for the education of the children of Kashmiri Pandits and construction of homes for them in Kashmir. BJP leaders were outraged by Khan’s tweets and medical education minister Vishwas Sarang accused him of “trying to spread anarchy”. The film’s director, Vivek Agnihotri, had sought an appointment with Khan for “exchanging ideas”.
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THE INDIAN EXPRESS (March 21, 2022)
An IAS officer in Madhya Pradesh has run into trouble with the state government over tweets calling on the makers of The Kashmir Files to also produce movies on the “killings of (a) large number of Muslims across several states”.
Niyaz Khan, who is currently the deputy secretary in the state Public Works Department (PWD), tweeted last week, “Kashmir File shows the pain of Brahmins. They should be allowed to live safely in Kashmir with all honour. The producer must also make a movie to show the killings of large number of Muslims across several states…”
In another tweet on Sunday, the IAS officer congratulated the film’s producers on the movie touching the Rs 150-crore revenue mark, and said that since people had “given a lot of respect for Kashmiri Brahmins’ feelings” the film’s makers should “transfer all earnings to Brahmin children’s education” and build homes for them in Kashmir.
In response, The Kashmir Files director Vivek Agnihotri asked Khan for an appointment in Bhopal on March 25. “We can meet and exchange ideas how we can help and how you can help with the royalty of your books and your power as an IAS officer,” Agnihotri tweeted on Sunday.
Khan, who is the author of eight books, has also said he is thinking about writing a book on the “massacre of Muslims on different occasions” so that the “suffering of minorities could be brought before Indians”.
Taking umbrage at the IAS officer’s comments, state Medical Education Minister Vishvas Sarang accused him of “firqa parasti (sectarianism)” and called for his removal from the PWD.
The minister told reporters that Khan violated the IAS service conduct rules by making the comments, and added that he would complain against him to the personnel department.
Tvisha will take our lineage forward-Udit Narayan
8:11 AM
Soumya Vajpayee (BOMBAY TIMES; March 24, 2022)
Singer Udit Narayan is on cloud nine. Why? Because he’s loving his life as a grandfather. Ever since his son, singer Aditya Narayan and daughter-in-law, actor Shweta Agarwal, were blessed with a baby girl last month, Narayan has been quite busy. “Being a grandpa is a great feeling. I’ve never felt like this before! I can’t believe Tvisha (Narayan Jha; granddaughter) is almost a month old now. I always wanted Adi to have a baby girl. Humein bahut khushi hai ki humare ghar Lakshmi aayi. Adi ke hone par mujhe khushi hui thi, par Tvisha jab aayi, tab zyada khushi hui,” says the 66-year-old.
The Padma Bhushan recipient has a feeling that the baby has an inclination towards music. He explains, “I sing a lot for her. She sleeps instantly when I sing Choti Si Pyari Si Nanhi Si Aayi Koi Pari (Anari; 1993). Music sunkar woh bahut khush ho jaati hai.”
Does that encourage him to think that she might take up music professionally when she grows up? “I feel music is something you are born with. Aditya mein mujhse aaya and I feel Tvisha will take our lineage forward. She has a very energetic vibe and I have a feeling that woh bahut honhar bacchi hogi,” the singer says.
Meanwhile, amid his busy personal life, Narayan has also started travelling for live shows. The fact that things have started to open up again after two years makes him feel relieved: “Last Sunday, maine Khurai (Madhya Pradesh) mein perform kiya tha. Close to two-three lakh people turned up. I have a busy international travel schedule coming up with Australia in April and the USA in July. I am so glad things are getting better.”
Ask if there’s a difference in the way the audience turns up at his shows, and the Jaadu Teri Nazar (Darr; 1993) singer says, “I haven’t felt any difference... I’ve only seen excited music lovers.”
Sanya Malhotra reunites with Pagglait producer Guneet Monga for a laugh riot that sees her play a police officer
8:28 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 22, 2022)
Sanya Malhotra, playing a young widow on a journey of self-discovery after the untimely demise of her husband, was a delight to watch in Pagglait (2021). Will producer Guneet Monga and Malhotra be able to recreate the magic of the charming film? That’s the obvious question as the duo reunite for a comic caper.
mid-day has learnt that Malhotra will play a cop in the yet-untitled project that is set in the heartland of India. A unit hand reveals, “Sanya has made a few trips to the interiors of Madhya Pradesh to prepare for the part. It’s a classic small-town story, and will require her to pick up the dialect.”
The source adds that Monga is looking for a suitable director who is familiar with the milieu and will be able to pull off the laugh riot. “The final cast and the director will be locked soon. As soon as Love Hostel drops online, the actor will head to Madhya Pradesh for a month-long schedule of the movie.”
Malhotra is also rumoured to front the Hindi remake of the Malayalam gem, The Great Indian Kitchen (2021).
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 706
9:55 AM
LAST FRIDAY OF THE YEAR TO BE A DISAPPOINTMENT AS JERSEY GETS POSTPONED
All was going well as the Coronavirus cases in the country were dropping steadily. The cinema business, too, had come on track with films like Sooryavanshi, Spider-Man: No Way Home and Pushpa: The Rise - Part 01 emerging as super hits. Sadly, the Omicron variant entered the country, and has led to a significant rise in the number of cases. Nevertheless, the fear of the virus isn’t there like last time and life was going as usual. In states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh etc, night curfew was introduced, mainly to avoid gathering of people post evening during the festival of Christmas and during New Year’s Eve. The business was slightly impacted but no one was complaining.
But then on Monday, December 27, the government of Delhi decided to shut down cinemas with immediate effect. Shahid Kapoor-starrer Jersey was all set to release on December 31. An hour after Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal made the announcement, Jersey’s producers revealed that their film has been postponed indefinitely. A few people wondered if this was the right call. After all, just Delhi city was shut; the rest of the country is functioning. However, what’s the guarantee that other states won’t follow suit and shut down theatres in their respective territories? Last year, the producers of Angrezi Medium burnt their hands when they decided to release the Irrfan Khan-starrer in cinemas on March 13, 2020, despite the Covid-19 threat looming over their heads. Within 72 hours, most states shut down the theatres and the business of that film was disastrous.
Hence, it can’t be ruled out that the makers of Jersey must have also feared that if the crucial state of Maharashtra shuts from Thursday or over the weekend and so do the other important states, the film will bomb at the ticket window.
Meanwhile, the Omicron cases continue to increase in most parts of the country. In Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, the number of cases were around 600 on December 24 while on December 29, the number jumped to around 2500! Such a huge jump has been rare. The good news is that most cases are asymptomatic or mild and don’t require oxygen beds or even hospitalization. A few voices in the medical and scientific community are predicting that Omicron can be a blessing in disguise because though it’s more virulent, it’s also less likely to cause severe illness or even death. Hence, a prediction is made that very soon, herd immunity will be achieved and the pandemic will come to an end.
Sadly, no credible organization or government can afford to put their gear down over these beliefs. One needs scientific evidence and it’ll come in a few weeks. The industry stakeholders do understand that the government will need to put some restrictions in place. They are asking various state governments to not shut down cinemas; instead, they are requesting them instead to reintroduce the rule of 50% occupancy in cinemas in states where 100% occupancy is allowed. Also, they are also requesting that only fully vaccinated individuals be allowed inside cinemas.
Sadly, there’s no guarantee the state governments will listen to the rule, especially the Maharashtra government which has been strict in putting restrictions. Despite cases jumping to 2500+ in Mumbai, the government hasn’t told cinemas to halt operations. However, as seen in the past, if cases continue to rise exponentially, cinemas can be told to stop functioning. If this happens in a lot of states, the fate of the upcoming films can be in limbo. Next week, January 7, sees the release of arguably the most expensive film of Indian cinema, RRR. The makers are going ahead with the promotions as scheduled. However, everyone associated, including exhibitors, are prepared for any eventuality.
It is an established fact that the chances of one getting infected with Covid-19 in a cinema hall is negligible. Also, it’s bewildering to see that political rallies are allowed in a state like Uttar Pradesh, where a night curfew is in place. These rallies attract lakhs of people and where wearing of masks, social distancing etc goes for a toss. Even weddings are permitted and so are restaurants and pubs. Masks are required to be put down in these situations and it can lead to a spread of Covid-19 as compared to a cinema hall where viewers have to wear a mask compulsorily. Hence, the way cinemas are shut in the first sign of rise of cases is highly unjustified but the industry sadly, is yet to develop a spine to question the authorities over this logic.
Will Aashram attack row affect Madhya Pradesh's reputation as one of the most film-friendly states?
8:25 AM
‘No such incident will take place in the city in the future’, assured the DIG Bhopal, after protesters were seen pelting stones and manhandling crew on set
BOMBAY TIMES (October 26, 2021)
On Sunday, around 50 protesters barged on to the sets of MX Player series Aashram 3 in the Old Jail Premises located in Arera Hills, MP, where they smeared ink on director Prakash Jha, manhandled bouncers and pelted stones, damaging several vehicles, including lead actor Bobby Deol’s vanity van, state reports. The protesters – who were subsequently identified as members of the local Bajrang Dal – were allegedly heard yelling, ‘Bobby Deol murdabad’ and ‘Prakash Jha murdabad’, while demanding, ‘Bobby Deol kahan hai?’ and raising objections over the name of the series.
A source from the sets told us, “The shooting was on when suddenly hordes of people gatecrashed it with a flag and started shouting slogans. Prakash ji was busy with the shoot inside. When he heard the noise he rushed out, and met the people and listened to their issues and demands. He tried to pacify the protesters. Jab woh samjhauta kar rahe the, unpe ink phenka gaya aur maar peet karne ki bhi koshish ki gayi. Between all this, the police came in.”
The source adds that after all the ruckus on set, the shooting of the show has resumed. “Actors like Bobby Deol and Chandan Roy Sanyal were on set, too. Thankfully, they were not attacked. Everything on set returned to normalcy within an hour. We’re all back to the shoot. It is going on smoothly now.”
NO SUCH INCIDENT WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE CITY IN THE FUTURE: DIG BHOPAL
While the production team didn’t file a police complaint, Irshad Wali, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Bhopal, told TOI, “Police can take action in cognizable offences without waiting for a complaint. A case under IPC 151 (Whoever knowingly joins or continues in any assembly of five or more persons likely to cause a disturbance of the public peace) was registered at MP Nagar late at night. No such incident will take place in the city in the future. All the crew members are safe. We are taking proper measures to keep the city safe from those who are trying to defame it.”
We reached out to the show’s makers (MX Player and Jha) and Deol, but they did not comment on the matter till the time of going to press.
— TNN (With inputs from Onkar Kulkarni)
WILL THIS AFFECT MP’S REPUTATION AS ONE OF THE MOST FILM-FRIENDLY STATES?
MP was awarded the National Film Award for being the ‘Most Film Friendly State’ in 2018. The recipient of the award is chosen on the criteria of ease of filming. The jury takes into consideration many aspects, including how the filmmakers are treated and how friendly people are. However this isn’t the first such incident in the state. In 2019, shoot of Salman Khan-starrer Dabangg 3 was halted after an outfit claimed that the song featured saints and priests dancing, which “hurt sentiments”. Jha himself has shot multiple films in MP including Raajneeti, Aarakshan, Chakravyuh, and Satyagraha in Bhopal. During a discussion in Delhi a few years back, he called the state his ‘karmbhoomi’.
The Film Facilitation Office’s (FFO) website prominently features Jha’s comments on film shooting in MP. It reads, “Bhopal is the best place in the country for shooting Hindi movies. The atmosphere and scenic beauty, blended with chummy Hindi-speaking people, makes it most suitable for filmmaking, I am so in love with Bhopal that I may become a native of the place. As far as shooting films is concerned, I will continue to shoot films here.”
Mid-day’s wildlife and environment correspondent Ranjeet Jadhav calls Sherni a good attempt and a well-written film
8:29 AM
K M Abharna, the deputy conservator of forests (DCF), Pandharkawada, was heading the operation to trap the tigress T1. Pic/Shadab Khan
mid-day’s wildlife and environment correspondent, who extensively covered the killing of tigress T1 for this paper, gives his thumbs up to 'Sherni'
Ranjeet Jadhav (MID-DAY; June 19, 2021)
Bollywood has not attempted a film on the complex, but important, subject of man-animal conflict in such detail and Sherni is a good attempt. The story seems to have been inspired by the cold-blooded shooting of the tigress Avni (or T1) in Yavatmal, Maharashtra. Back in 2018, I had reported from Pandharkawda in Yavatmal about how the son of a controversial private shooter had killed T1, who was responsible for the death of 13 villagers. (Disclosure: I was consulted by the makers at the early stages of scripting.)
The Maharashtra Forest Department, which enlisted the private hunter to resolve the issue, had faced a lot of criticism for their actions.
Balan’s IFS officer Vidya Vincent is modelled on Deputy Conservator of Forest K M Abharna, a smart and young officer, who was then leading the department’s mission to capture the tigress alive. From her looks to the way the character talks, it felt like Abharna was playing herself on screen; Balan has done so much justice to the role.
The film sheds light on the daily difficulties of the forest department in such areas. It also highlights how the actions of an inexperienced and unqualified person can make things spiral out of hand.
However, the film doesn’t show the involvement of expert veterinarians and elephants who were brought from Madhya Pradesh to capture Avni alive. It would have been an interesting addition to the narrative, since not many know about how elephants are often used to catch wild tigers.
I mention this because the MP forest department has an excellent team that, in the past, has successfully rescued tigers and saved people. Given the liberty, they could have well captured Avni alive. Otherwise, the makers have been accurate in showcasing the use of camera traps and technology to monitor and track tigers. The locations in Sherni are realistic and resemble the forest and the adjoining habitats near Pandharkawda.
I hope this well-written film helps explain the complex man-animal conflict issue to the lay viewer effectively.
When one gets a wildlife posting, they are cut off from civilization, living in a parallel reality-Vidya Balan
8:14 AM
Admitting that her knowledge of wildlife was earlier limited to safaris and NatGeo shows, Vidya Balan charts out how she prepped to play forest officer in Sherni
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; June 10, 2021)
Our last brush with Vidya Balan was the joyful Shakuntala Devi (2020), where she played the gregarious math genius with aplomb. Almost a year on, the exuberance has been replaced with an air of reticence, the teasing tone, by measured words, as Balan transforms into Vidya Vincent, the quiet forest officer in Sherni. For the actor, the world of the Amit Masurkar-directed film comes as a breath of fresh air.
“Playing a forest officer was refreshing because it’s a world I am not familiar with. My interaction with this world [was through] a few safaris, and watching Animal Planet and NatGeo,” she shares.
The more she read up on forest officers, the more she understood the demanding nature of the job. “I met a few forest officers to understand what their job entails. It was an eye-opener. They have to undergo an intense three-year course before they make the cut. When one gets a wildlife posting, they are cut off from civilization, living in a parallel reality and are most probably away from their families. The job can be physically arduous and dangerous at times, so [the field] was traditionally male-dominated. But the women officers shared how they negotiated their way around the patriarchal mindset.”
While the Amazon Prime Video offering puts the focus squarely on the man-animal conflict, it also studies how a woman has to fight harder to survive in what is considered a male domain. “I like that Vidya Vincent is a woman of few words and yet has the courage to stand up for what she believes in. You don’t have to be aggressive or be a man in a man’s world; you can be a woman and still find your way.”
The drama was largely shot in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh. Filming in the dense jungles was an experience of a lifetime for Balan. “I have been on safaris in the past, but the wild would always intimidate me. But this time around, I stayed in a tent, which was fun. I would go for long walks in the summer when it was safe. It was heartening to see how the unit was conscious not to litter around as we were shooting in a forest.”
Due to rising Covid cases in Uttar Pradesh, Janhit Mein Jaari to now roll in Madhya Pradesh
7:50 AM
As shooting is curbed in UP due to Covid-19 crisis, Raaj Shaandilyaa to roll Nushrratt-starrer Janhit Mein Jaari in MP
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; June 3, 2021)
If Raaj Shaandilyaa had his way, Nushrratt Bharuccha-starrer Janhit Mein Jaari would have rolled in Uttar Pradesh in late-April. However, with many states going into a lockdown in the second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic, the producer has had to do a rethink. “According to the guidelines, we cannot shoot in Uttar Pradesh. The state witnessed a spike in cases, and things may be improving now, but we cannot venture into the state until further notice,” says Shaandilyaa, who has also penned the script of the comedy.
He now intends to take the film to Chanderi and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh instead. “It’s a small-town story, so these places serve as ideal locations. We are tweaking the story to suit the new locale.”
Bharuccha plays an executive at a condom manufacturing company in her second collaboration with Shaandilyaa after Dream Girl (2019). Last month, director Tejas Deoskar announced his film that will see Rakul Preet Singh play a condom tester. Shaandilyaa is not worried about the similar themes as he says, “They are different films, and my movie was planned last year.”
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