Aditya Chopra plans a global celebration for studio's golden jubilee with film festivals lined up in US, UK, Russia and Switzerland
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 31, 2020)

The countdown to the golden jubilee celebration of Yash Raj Films has begun. While head honcho Aditya Chopra is expected to announce the slate of movies for the coming year on Yash Chopra's birth anniversary on September 27, he plans to take the global audience down memory lane with the studio's past blockbusters. It is heard that the suits at the production house are charting out a plan to conduct YRF Film Festivals across the USA, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Singapore, Malaysia, Switzerland, and several other countries.

"The festival will showcase iconic movies made under the banner, including Aditya's directorial debut Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge [1995], and Yash ji's swan song Jab Tak Hai Jaan [2012]. Since Yash ji gave the industry some priceless songs, radio concerts are being planned where the original artistes will revisit these gems," reveals a source.

The on-ground teams are working out the logistics, given the current restrictions, and a final call will be taken soon. Chopra is apparently keen to have a large-scale promotion next year too when the films announced under the YRF 50 project will be ready for release.

Another biggie falls prey to coronavirus as makers of Mohanlal and Suniel Shetty starrer, Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham (Marakkar - The Lion Of Arabian Sea), defer release at Gulf exhibitor's behest
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; March 14, 2020)

It was exactly a week ago that South megastar Mohanlal released the trailer of the epic war film — Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham (Marakkar - The Lion Of Arabian Sea), sealing a March 26 date with the audience. However, considering the coronavirus outbreak in India, the Mohanlal and Suniel Shetty starrer has become the latest big-ticket project to defer its release. While the shutdown of theatres in Mumbai, Kerala and Delhi forced the decision, filmmaker Priyadarshan says the makers did a rethink at the behest of the exhibitors in the Gulf, particularly those across Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. It would be fair to assume that returns from the overseas market would be crucial to the success of the war film, which is reportedly mounted on Rs 100 crore budget and has been dubbed in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi.

"Theatres in Kerala will remain shut till March 31, so effectively there would have been no cinema halls to screen the movie, had we released the film on March 26. So, we decided to defer it. Moreover, another major territory for us is the Gulf region. The exhibitors there and some of our overseas distributors requested us to not release it now," says the director, pointing out that cinemas in the Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, have been closed until further notice. He adds that Malayalam movies have takers in Malaysia too. "They have shut down cinema halls there too."

While the team hadn't begun their promotions, a grand premiere in Dubai on March 24 was on the cards. "We have cancelled that. Nor are we doing any media events or promotions." Quiz him on the new release date, and Priyadarshan says the team is adopting a wait-and-watch strategy. "We will see how things work out this week and decide."

His debut directorial venture for Doordarshan staying with him for two decades, Kabir Khan on revisiting the subject of WWII in the web show
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; December 19, 2019)

Even as he gears up to bring the story of India's first World Cup victory to life with Ranveer Singh-starrer '83, Kabir Khan is garnering the attention of cinephiles with a project that has stayed with him for several years. It was in 1999 that the filmmaker made his directorial debut with The Forgotten Army — based on Subhas Chandra Bose's Indian National Army — a Doordarshan project that had such an impact on him that he harboured the desire to recreate it on an elaborate scale, ever since.

"This is a story 20 years in the making," Khan tells mid-day of his upcoming web offering, The Forgotten Army — Azaadi Ke Liye. "The story moved me passionately as a filmmaker ever since I made a documentary on the subject. I have always wanted to tell this largely unheard story of our valiant INA soldiers, who were fighting for our country's independence in a land far away from Indian soil."

Revisiting those events that concerned India before and after the second World War, the show, a source says, was filmed in locations that were crucial to the events that transpired then. "We shot in Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. [Certain] locations were recreated in Mumbai on a mammoth scale, even if that meant investing heavily for a mere four-day shoot that required the set-up. The team wanted to make the series look as authentic as possible," says the source.

As Bharat earns praise in overseas markets, Salman Khan takes Dabangg tour to new territories
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 13, 2019)

Banking on the success of his last Da-Bangg The Tour Reloaded, and the subsequent acclaim that recent release Bharat continues to earn, Salman Khan is set to embark on a longer tour this year. With Ali Abbas Zafar's directorial venture performing well in East Africa, Indonesia, Fiji Islands and Malaysia, Khan will apparently enthral his new fan-base at these venues.

A source tells mid-day, "His fans in Africa and Fiji have been requesting that his shows be conducted there and Salman is keen to oblige them. The success of his previous gigs in the US, Canada and New Zealand implies more performances will be conducted. Apart from Salman, frequent collaborators Sonakshi Sinha, Jacqueline Fernandez, Katrina Kaif, Prabhudheva, Maniesh Paul, Daisy Shah and Guru Randhawa are expected to join him this year as well. There may be some new faces too."

Tour managers Sohail Khan Official Entertainment and JA Events are considering places like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, South Africa, Singapore, Nepal and Malaysia. "The team is also working on a Europe tour. Dates are being chalked around the shoot of Bigg Boss 13, which is hosted by Salman. The tours are expected to begin in August."

Sources say Shah Rukh Khan to kick off Don 3 by year-end, makers procuring permission to shoot in South-east Asian country
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; January 26, 2019)

Amidst speculation that Shah Rukh Khan has opted out of the Rakesh Sharma biopic, mid-day has learnt that the makers of Don - director Farhan Akhtar and producer Ritesh Sidhwani - have quietly begun work on the third instalment. It has been heard that the film will roll in Malaysia by year-end.

Says a trade source, "Farhan and Shah Rukh had been looking for a suitable story to take the franchise forward, and now, they have zeroed in on one. The developing of the script will take a few months. In the meantime, Farhan will shoot for his sports drama, Toofan, while SRK will be busy with the Indian Premier League.

So, they are planning to take the film on floors by year-end or early 2020. Like Don 2 (2011), a chunk of the third edition will be shot in Malaysia, and the team has already applied for a subsidy for the shoot." When mid-day asked Akhtar if he plans to start the film this year, he responded saying, "I am working on Toofan this year." Sidhwani remained unavailable for comment.

Harshada Rege (DNA; July 23, 2018)

It’s been a busy time for Ranveer Singh. The actor, who was shooting for Simmba, also has had shooting commitments for various brands to contend with. His energy levels are legendary in the industry, and the adrenaline rush is probably why he doesn’t need a breather despite having collected a lot of air miles.

TRAVEL TALES
A source reveals, “Immediately after Ranveer wrapped up the first schedule of Simmba, he had to shoot for four brands. Not just that, he had to travel to four different cities within a span of eight days.” That meant the Padmaavat star ended up living out of a suitcase. “It’s been super hectic but that’s something an actor has to get used to. The actor is juggling all the commitments with equal focus and enthusiasm,” adds the informer.

DATE DIARY
The 33-year-old started the marathon schedule by shooting in Mumbai on July 13 and 14. “He then flew out to Hyderabad to shoot an advertisement for an automobile brand on July 15 and 16. Later, he went to Malaysia to film another commercial from July 17 to 19. He completes the schedule in Istanbul where he is shooting for a skin care product from July 22 to 23 or 24. Ranveer has fulfilled all his commitments before he gets busy with Simmba again,” says the source.

Four years after Gulaab Gang, the actress is back at work with her first Marathi film which is currently being shot in Langkawi
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 25, 2018)

Madhuri Dixit, who had kicked off her first Marathi film, Bucket List, in December, took off to Malaysia earlier this week with co-star Sumeet Raghavan to shoot for a romantic number titled “Tu Pari”. It has been composed by composer-duo Rohan Gokhale and Rohan Pradhan, who has earlier worked on the Priyanka Chopra-produced Ventilator and Kaay Re Rascalaa.

“We will also shoot a sequence for the film that leads up to the song. It’s a beautiful number and is set against locations in Langkawi that haven’t been explored on screen before. The song serves as a catalyst to the story,” director Tejas Vijay Deoskar told Mirror from Malaysia, adding that viewers will identify with Madhuri’s character. “It’s the story of a housewife but we are striving to convey that there is more to her than that — she is also a daughter, a sister, a wife and a mother who has a lot of responsibilities. Being a housewife is a fulltime job and ours is an uncommon story of a common character.”

Tejas is also all praise for his leading lady. “Beyond her stardom and looks, she is amazing as an actor and is delivering much more than I expected of her,” he informs, adding that Madhuri is enjoying her first visit to Langkawi. “She loves the picturesque island. It’s the ultimate holiday destination even if we are working.” The team returns to the Bay this weekend.

Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; January 6, 2018)

Aditi Rao Hydari started her acting career in 2007 with the Tamil film Sringaram. She enjoys a massive fan following in the south. In a bid to give back to the industry, the actor will raise funds for the Nadigar Sangam (also known as South Indian Artistes’ Association) building.

In April last year, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan laid the foundation stone for the new building after the old headquarters was demolished in 2011. The actor will be performing at a fundraiser event in Malaysia today, which has been organized by the Nadigar Sangam. “When the association approached me to perform, there was no way I’d miss the opportunity,” says Hydari.

“The south industry has supported and welcomed me so warmly that I am glad I could be part of this noble initiative. I am looking forward to it,” she adds.

The estimated budget for the building that is expected to come up by September this year is Rs 26 crore. A series of events are being held in Kuala Lumpur to collect funds for its construction.

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 8, 2017)

After encountering a few bumps, Sonam Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan-starrer Veere Di Wedding will finally roll out in September. Sources close to the production reveal director Shashank Ghosh recently conducted a week-long recce of Thailand and Malaysia, and has zeroed in on a few locations.

A source close to Ghosh informs, “The locations are almost as significant as the characters. Of all the places he visited, he found Bangkok most appropriate from the story’s point of view. That will be the first overseas schedule. The film is essentially a road trip, so it will also move to a few other locations in Thailand followed by Malaysia and four cities in India.”

While the film was originally slated to go on floors last October, it was postponed following Kareena’s pregnancy. It was rescheduled to December, and then the first quarter of this year, but producer Rhea Kapoor clarified last month that shoot will begin only in August. However, the source explains the principal shoot will kick off only in September. “That’s because rains in the east could affect filming. Before that, individual portions of the four actresses will be shot in Mumbai.”

Sonam and Bebo’s girl gang includes Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania too. The full cast will be announced only next month, adds another insider. “The plan was always to shoot across three countries. However, budgetary constraints required the film to be shot over just one schedule.” The producers, though, have now managed to stretch the budget, allowing the film to be shot on a lavish scale. “It will be a straight 50 day schedule with no breaks in between,” adds the source

Organisers of his on-going concert tour have postponed a show but the Aussies and Kiwis will get their Bollywood naach-gaana
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 20, 2017)


Ever since they touched down in Hong Kong on April 15 to kick off their Da-Bangg tour, Salman Khan and Co have been flooding social media. First, the actor posed with a group of children just before he went on stage and posted the pic, then, Akshay Kumar joined him for an impromptu act, followed by Sonakshi Sinha, grooving to his chartbuster, “Hangover” and her own “Kab Tak Jawaani.” The trio set the stage on fire.

Salman, who is travelling with his team of managers and security, as well as siblings, Sohail and Arpita Khan, and nephew Ahil, will now fly off to Auckland for a show on April 21, followed by two more in Sydney and Melbourne.

Buzz is, there have been some last minute changes in the schedule with organisers re-working the itinerary with Malaysia and Singapore going off the radar and some shows cancelled in Oz land.

“The Australia and New Zealand tours are on track. Only the Malaysia show has been postponed for reasons only known to the promoters. To address the rumour that a show in Singapore has been cancelled too, I’d like to add that the Lion City was never on our agenda,” Sohail Khan told Mirror from Hong Kong.

While in Hong Kong, the team including actresses Bipasha Basu and Daisy Shah and singer Badshah celebrated at a traditional Japanese restaurant and attended a live performance by local artistes at their hotel. Sonakshi, who returned to Mumbai to promote her upcoming release and keep a prior television commitment, will join them in Australia where she is expected to swing to her popular tracks, “Saree Ke Fall Sa”, “Rani Tu Main Raja” and “Gandi Baat”. She will also sing live.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 8, 2016)

Mirror had reported (August 10) that the Sidharth Malhotra and Jaqueline Fernandez-starrer Reloaded was headed to Malaysia this October after wrapping up the Miami schedule earlier this year. Now, Mirror has learnt that the shoot has been rerouted to Thailand after the makers' application for subsidies wasn't approved by FINAS — the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia.

A source from the film's crew revealed, "We just got done with the recce and will start shooting by September 19 in a 26-day schedule in Thailand. Later, the team will also shoot some sequences in Mumbai. Before the film wraps up at the year-end, there will be another long schedule in December but the location is yet to be finalised. It could be in Europe."

The film's spokesperson chose not to comment.

A prequel to the Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaifstarrer Bang Bang, Reloaded also features Darshan Kumar and Suniel Shetty in the lead. Suniel who is making a comeback, three years after the 2013 action thriller, Enemmy (Jai Ho, Desi Kattey and The Shaukeens were special appearances), plays an excolonel, mentoring a group of fresh recruits, Sidharth being one of them.

The original was an official remake of the Hollywood film Knight and Day, featuring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. The prequel, however, is an original story, written and helmed by director duo Raj Nidimoru and Krisha DK.

Suniel gets back into action after three years and is set to take off to Malaysia with Sidharth Malhotra and Jacqueline Fernandez this October
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 10, 2016)

The second instalment of the Bang Bang frachise kicks off today followed by sequences in Miami and Malaysia
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 7, 2016)

Sidharth Malhotra, with his Lochinvar locks, well groomed after a visit to a celebrity salon in Bandra, and a leggy Jacqueline Fernandez, will kick off director duo Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK's second instalment in the Bang Bang franchise in SoBo today at 7 am. During the course of this eight-day schedule, the unit will be filming across the city.

"All the Mumbai sequences will be outdoors. After this, they take off to Miami for a month-long schedule," reveals a source close to the development, adding that the makers are clear that the film will not be titled Bang Bang 2 since it is not a sequel to the 2014 action-romance featuring Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif. "No title has been locked yet, they are keeping their options open."

Last month, both Sid and Jackie wrapped up their respective films, Nitya Mehra's Baar Baar Dekho and Rohit Dhawan's Dishoom. While the original was an Indianised adaptation of the Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz-starrer, Knight and Day, the second instalment has been written by Raj-DK themselves. In an interview to Mirror (April 11), Sidharth had admitted to looking forward to teaming up with Jackie again. "Earlier in Brothers, she was paired with Akshay (Kumar) but brought a certain vibe and energy to the sets. She was always cracking jokes and we would talk about fitness," he had reminisced.

The earlier film had some heavy-duty chase sequences designed by Hollywood action director Andy Armstrong who has the mind-boggling gravity-defying stunts of films like Charlie's Angels, Thor, Planet of the Apes and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 to his credit. After returning from a brain surgery, Hrithik left everyone awestruck jumping off the rooftops in Shimla on the very first day of the shoot. He then learnt to jetski for a stunt filmed in a lake in Prague which had him on water skies being pulled along by a sky plane.

During the Miami schedule, lots of action sequences in the sea will be picturised on Sidharth and Jackie with a large team of Hollywood stuntmen and action directors. Fly-boarding and hover-boarding, which involve rising above the water to pull off innovative stunts in the water wearing a jetpack, are on the agenda.

The film will be shot abroad from June to December and is scheduled to release in 2017. "After Miami, the unit will return to Mumbai before heading to Malaysia for the final schedule. All the travel paperwork and schedules have been locked," adds the source.

The filmmaker is forced to think of recreating portions of the country in Hong Kong, Malaysia or Singapore.
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 8, 2016)

After filming some high octane action sequences in Budapest last year, John Abraham, Sonakshi Sinha and Tahir Raj Bhasin were all set to fly off to China for a schedule of their upcoming actioner Force 2. However, despite trying for months, the makers could not get permission to cross the Great Wall of China. Now, producer Vipul Shah and director Abhinay Deo have decided to recreate parts of China, including certain monuments in Hong Kong.

"We were liasing with a line producer in China for a long time. But the script has to be censored before permission is granted. There is an interesting angle on Indo-Chinese politics which they objected to. It's integral to the narrative and we didn't want to compromise on the script so we've decided to shift base to Hong Kong," informs Vipul.

He admits that this will push up the budget but he doesn't want to make any changes in his plot and promises authenticity. "We have the best technicians on board," he points out, adding they start in mid May and will wrap up in June. "In case Hong Kong doesn't work out at the last minute there's always Singapore or Malaysia."

While shooting in Budapest last October, John met with an accident and ended up undergoing a surgery. Is his busted knee holding up well? "He has already shot some action sequences for Dishoom, John's a tough guy," asserts Vipul. However, he is quick to add that during this schedule, they will can more dialoguebaazi than maar dhaad.

BOMBAY TIMES (July 13, 2015)

First look of Randeep Hooda and Kajal Aggarwal from Deepak Tijori's Do Lafzon Ki Kahani. The first look is from the shots taken in an open bus in Malaysia.

Actor injures himself while shooting an action sequence in Malaysia on Friday
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 23, 2015)

Randeep Hooda has been laid low by his own kick. The stuntman he was dueling with in Malaysia, on the sets of Deepak Tijori's Do Lafzon Ki Kahani did not duck in time and he broke four toes on his left foot.

Says a source from the location, "He's broken many bones. The doctor has taped his toes but Randeep can barely walk. He continued filming for over an hour after the accident despite the pain but is hobbling now. He's been advised complete rest."

He plays an ex-mixed martial arts fighter and has been training for around three months for the role which demands plenty of physical action. The macho man who hasn't had many opportunities for hand-to-hand combats was relishing the experience.

"Randeep insisted on doing every scene himself without a body double. And despite a few knocks on his head and knees, was doing well since he was partnered with experts. But during Thursday's night shoot which stretched to Friday morning, he found himself taking on a novice fighter whose inexperience cost him dear," adds the source.

In 2001, while shooting for his first film, Monsoon Wedding, Randeep has broken his right hand. Seven years later, in December 2008, he had undergone surgery after a severe ankle injury following a fall from his horse during a polo match in Mumbai.

In 2008 itself, he hurt his hand while filming a love scene with Shahana Goswami for Ru-ba-ru in Bangkok. He needed 13 stitches on his right palm.

Last year, during a stunt in Kick, he injured his leg when jumping from a height. But since they were shooting in a crowded area in Delhi, the professional that he is, he was soon back on his feet.

"Even during Monsoon Wedding, he had removed his cast till Mira Nair insisted he put it back and the cast became a part of the cast," reminisces the source, adding that it's a two-month schedule and Randeep who has been shooting in Mayalsia for around three weeks now may have to cut short his stay and head to Mumbai to recuperate.

Well, if he does return home, his puppy love, Candy, who had to be left behind with his mother, will be ecstatic. Bow, wow!

Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 20, 2015)

Former Miss India, Manasvi Mamgai, on turning to Bharatanatyam when in doubt
As told to Yolande D'Mello (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 5, 2015)