Showing posts with label Pathan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pathan. Show all posts
Working with Shah Rukh Khan feels like home-Deepika Padukone
10:15 PM
Set to wrap up Pathan soon, Deepika gears up for Fighter, and The Intern remake that has been delayed by the pandemic
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; February 18, 2022)
Deepika Padukone has little time for a breather. The actor, whose last release Gehraiyaan got a mixed response, has a string of big-ticket films lined up for this year — from Pathan opposite Shah Rukh Khan to Fighter that marks her first collaboration with Hrithik Roshan. Even as she focuses on her projects, the actor-producer is keeping tabs on her production, The Intern remake that was announced in 2020.
After a round of casting change and two waves of the pandemic, it was reported that the Hindi adaptation of the Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway film was to roll towards the end of 2021. Padukone says the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer has now been earmarked for 2022.
“The Intern will happen this year, or early 2023. The third wave wasn’t anticipated, so it threw a few things off course. But now, [we are] back on track,” she says.
Before she can slip into the role of the workaholic boss to Bachchan’s warm-natured intern, she will head out for a foreign schedule of Pathan. About reuniting with Shah Rukh Khan, she says, “Working with him feels like home. This is my second film with [director] Siddharth Anand, so there is a comfort [level]. In the next few months, I will start Fighter with Hrithik.”
Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone say hola in Spain
8:48 AM
Initially slated for last October, Pathan’s Spain schedule now back on the table; Khan, John and Padukone to fly to Mallorca in March
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; February 15, 2022)
Since late December, it has been work all the way for Shah Rukh Khan as he honoured his commitments on Pathan and his cameo in Tiger 3. With a major chunk of Pathan shot on home turf, director Siddharth Anand is now ready to revisit his plan of taking the espionage thriller to Spain. It may be recalled that Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham were scheduled to be Mallorca-bound last October for an extensive foreign leg (Serenading Dippy in Spain, Sep 28). The plan, which had to be deferred after Khan’s son Aryan was embroiled in the drugs-on-cruise case, is now back on the table. mid-day has learnt that the cast and crew will head to the European country in the first week of March.
On the itinerary are Mallorca, and Cadiz in southwestern Spain. “The director will shoot a romantic song in Mallorca. He wants to capture the beauty of the island city that is famed for its pristine beaches and limestone mountains. It is Pathan’s first international schedule, and Siddharth wants to pull out all stops to make the sequences look grand. He will also film high-octane action scenes featuring Shah Rukh, Deepika and John, and major confrontational sequences during the 17-day stint. While the schedule was initially deferred in the wake of the Aryan case, the director had to postpone it further after the third wave of the pandemic hit India in the last week of December,” reveals a trade source.
Before Khan & Co wing their way to Europe, they will have to make pit-stops at the Yash Raj Studios and Film City. “A week-long schedule has been lined up for the last week of February, during which they will focus on action scenes,” adds the source.
Shah Rukh Khan is back to work, one film at a time
8:28 AM
Sources say Shah Rukh, who had stopped work on Atlee’s next to focus on son Aryan’s legal battle last year, to resume shooting by mid-February
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 3, 2022)
Since late December, Shah Rukh Khan has been single-mindedly focusing on work, wrapping up his brand endorsements and film commitments. After wrapping up his cameo in Tiger 3 and the domestic portions of Pathan, the actor will now turn to his maiden project with Atlee. While the director had lined up a schedule break in November, it had to be extended to January due to the rising Omicron cases in the country. Now, with his leading man right beside him, Atlee is said to resume the shoot in mid-February.
A unit hand reveals, “The schedules have all been pushed due to the unforeseen break. Shah Rukh will begin Rajkumar Hirani’s film in April. So, Atlee’s team has been instructed to wrap up the actioner by March. The shoot will take place at multiple locations in Mumbai.” This will mark the superstar’s return to the project since October when son Aryan was embroiled in the drugs-on-cruise case.
Meanwhile, the makers of Pathan are trying to lock the Europe schedule. “Shah Rukh, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham’s dates were taken for October. Now, the team is trying to get their combination dates again,” adds the source.
Bollywood vs Covid-19 in Mumbai - Go all in or sit out?
8:30 AM
Bollywood in a dilemma amid surge in city cases; while Akshay and Vidyut shoot for their projects, makers put the brakes on biggies Pathan, Tiger 3 and Heeramandi
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 17, 2022)
Mumbai is valiantly navigating its way through the third wave, with cases ranging from 11,000 to 20,000 a day. Where does B-Town — that had ground to a halt during the last two waves — stand amid the recent surge in Coronavirus cases? While TV shoots have continued undisrupted over the past few weeks, filmmakers have taken a few measured decisions.
Vidyut Jammwal, who recently kicked off his maiden production IB 71, has decided to continue shooting in adherence with stringent safety norms. A source reveals, “Vidyut has been filming at Sunil Maidaan in Film City over the past few days. Akshay Kumar recently shot for a commercial in Madh Island. These instances send out a strong message to the industry that work has to go on. This time around, the industry so far has suffered less than the last two waves.”
Where some films are powering through the adverse times, makers of big-budget movies are waiting it out. A prime example being Yash Raj Films, which staying true to their ethos of taking the onus of their cast and crew’s safety, has halted three major productions — Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathan, Salman Khan’s Tiger 3 and its maiden web series.
A source from the Tiger 3 unit says, “The production house was vigilant with testing on set. However, once a case was detected, they immediately decided to halt work as the city’s doubling rate was high at the time. The crew strength of Pathan and Tiger 3 is heavy. In such a scenario, a high number of people would be at risk, even if one tested positive. Taking this into account, the directors along with producer Aditya Chopra decided to put the brakes on the shoots.”
Work on The Railway Men too will resume only after the cases decline significantly.
Meanwhile, leading OTT platforms have left the decision to individual production houses. However, should they go ahead with work, the studios have been instructed to shoot only in a bio-bubble. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus Heeramandi has been deferred in the wake of the cases. The Netflix series, which was to roll in February, will now kick off in March.
Amazon Prime Video’s long-in-the-making Dongri To Dubai, the shoot of which was halted twice over due to the pandemic, reached the finish line last week.
Shah Rukh Khan takes a day’s break from Pathan and Tiger 3 shoot to film commercial with R Balki
7:56 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 28, 2021)
It has been a busy week for Shah Rukh Khan who returned to work last Wednesday, thus ending his three-month hiatus since son Aryan was embroiled in the drugs-on-cruise case. Now that the superstar is back where he belongs, he is working at a frenetic pace, juggling the shoot of Pathan and his cameo in Tiger 3. It is heard that yesterday, Khan took the day off from the two projects to film a commercial for a luxury brand with ad man-director R Balki.
A source reveals that the production team reached Mehboob Studios in Bandra by 8 am for last-minute preparation. “The shoot, which began around noon, went on for almost 10 hours. As per procedure, the entire crew was tested a few days ago as well as on the day of the shoot. Given the rising cases in the city, Shah Rukh has been vigilant, with his team and him being tested thrice a week during the film shoots,” says the source.
Khan will go back to the world of Tiger 3 today, where he is expected to be joined by actor-friend Salman Khan.
3 months after Aryan Khan's arrest, Shah Rukh Khan returns to work with Tiger 3
8:14 AM
Almost three months after son Aryan’s arrest, Shah Rukh Khan returns to work; kicks off 12-day schedule for cameo in actor-friend Salman’s Tiger 3
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; December 24, 2021)
The Internet went into a tizzy on Wednesday evening, and with good reason — Shah Rukh Khan was seen returning to work almost three months after his son Aryan was embroiled in the drugs-on-cruise case. While many assumed that he reported to the Pathan set, it was, in fact, for the filming of a brand commercial. Now, Khan is back in action — mid-day has learnt that on Thursday, the superstar began shooting for close friend Salman Khan’s movie, Tiger 3. The actor will make a special appearance as a Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW) officer, joining forces with Salman’s R&AW agent Tiger in Maneesh Sharma’s directorial venture.
A source reveals, “It will be a 12-day schedule at Yash Raj Studios in Andheri. While Salman will not join him in this stint, the two actors will share the frame at some point for the combination scenes of Tiger 3. After Shah Rukh wraps up his portions, he will fly out for the foreign schedule of Pathan, where a romantic song with leading lady Deepika Padukone and some action scenes will be canned.”
It may be recalled that Pathan’s crew was to be Spain-bound on October 7 for the international leg (Serenading Deepika in Spain, September 28). However, the schedule had to be cancelled after Aryan’s case.
In early October, Khan was shooting for filmmaker Atlee’s next when Aryan and many others on board the cruise were arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The star kid was finally granted bail on October 28.
The source adds, “That month, Shah Rukh was slated to lead a 10-day shoot at a south Mumbai hospital for Atlee’s film before flying off to Spain. But he put all the shoots on hold then, to single-mindedly focus on his son’s legal battle. Now, he is picking up where he left off. After Shah Rukh’s shoot and the Delhi schedule with Salman and Katrina Kaif in mid-January, Tiger 3 will be almost complete.”
I can’t visualize myself on OTT; I am a big screen hero-John Abraham
7:41 AM
Birthday boy John Abraham shares why he isn’t likely to do web projects any time soon
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 17, 2021)
Actor John Abraham doesn’t believe in crafting answers to please other people. He would rather say what he truly feels, and that’s evident when we ask him whether he would follow in the steps of his contemporaries and release a film on OTT platforms for any reason.
“I believe, in my head, I am a big screen hero, and I will appear on the large screen,” he continues, “At this point, I can’t even visualise myself appearing for a subscription fee (on OTT). All my films have been designed for the big screen for the next three years. I don’t have the time to do anything else outside of big screen films at this point... But never say never.”
The 49-year-old, who celebrates his birthday today, also believes that nothing can match the experience of watching a film in a theatre. “Take Sooryavanshi, for example. Watch it [in the theatre] with an audience and see the experience you have. Then go back home and see the experience you have watching a film on a tablet. You tell me the difference,” Abraham says, adding, “Don’t get me wrong. We make OTT films, we respect those platforms. But some films are not OTT films.”
Busy with a packed schedule, the actor’s 2022 is set to be hectic. He confirms that he is starring in the film Pathan, also said to co-star Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone.
“My film Attack releases on Republic Day 2022, then there’s Ek Villain Returns somewhere in June, on Eid. I have no idea about Pathan’s release, because we have not yet finished shooting for it, so I cannot comment on it,” Abraham concludes.
Sir hasn’t asked to halt work, says Shah Rukh Khan’s body double Prashant Walde
8:28 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 9, 2021)
Since the arrest of his son Aryan Khan in a drug case, actor Shah Rukh Khan hasn’t stepped out for shoots, but that doesn’t mean work has come to a grinding halt. Instead, his body double, Prashant Walde, is ensuring the show goes on.
At the moment, Walde is shooting portions of Khan’s latest project with filmmaker Atlee, and some commercial advertisements. “The shooting of the film with Atlee is going as per plan. I’ve been shooting these projects for the last 20 days, and that hasn’t changed after recent developments,” Walde tells us, adding that the only difference is that Khan isn’t coming to the set at the moment. The stand-in actor is also ready to jet off to Spain for the next schedule of Pathan.
According to Walde, the superstar has asked the camera to not stop rolling even in his absence as he understands how the delay might affect the income of many crew members. “Our work has resumed after so many difficulties after the lockdown. The whole team from South is here for the shoot of the film. Aur unke kaam ke saath lakhon logon ka rozgaar juda hai, aur yeh SRK sir ko bhi maloom hai. That’s why he hasn’t asked us to stop working,” shares the body double, who has been working with Khan for the last 15 years.
Ask him about the current mood on the set, and he shares, “We are all trying to be professional, but are also disturbed on the inside ke SRK sir ke saath yeh kya problem ho gayi. But we trust him.”
While the shoot of Atlee’s film might be going smoothly, there have been several reports about Pathan’s Spain schedule being in a limbo. Walde reveals, “We all got our visas, but don’t know when we will fly out, and whether sir will join us or not. In fact, I don’t know when he’ll get back on set. But, whatever he decides, will be best for all of us.”
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 694
10:01 AM
IT'S GOING TO BE RAINING MOVIES IN CINEMAS FROM DIWALI!
Two weeks back, we had reported in our Bollywood Talk that cinemas in Maharashtra are finally going to open soon. The state contributes 30% of the domestic business. While cinemas opened in every major state in July or August, the Maharashtra government preferred to keep theatres shut over the fears of the third wave of Covid-19. Hence, only three major Hindi films managed to release in cinemas in this season – Bellbottom, Chehre and Thalaivii.
On Saturday, September 25, the government of Maharashtra finally announced that it’ll throw open cinemas from October 22. It was quite late but the mood in the industry was jubilant. Many felt that one should look at it positively since the government for the longest time was not in favour of opening cinemas before Diwali. Hence, if it has agreed to reopen theatres 2 weeks before the festival, it’s a feat. An hour after the government announcement, Rohit Shetty announced that he’ll release his much awaited film, Sooryavanshi, on Diwali. Incidentally, Rohit Shetty met Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray regularly and played an important role in getting the approval of reopening cinemas.
The next day, Yash Raj Films unveiled the release date of some of its upcoming films. Soon, many other producers too jumped on the bandwagon. In no time, all important slots like Diwali 2021, Diwali 2022, Christmas 2021, Christmas 2022, Republic Day, Holi, Ramzan Eid, Independence Day, Valentine’s Day etc were booked. As expected, some clashes are also taking place.
While cinemas open from October 22 in Maharashtra, no major Hindi film is scheduled to release that day or on October 29. Sooryavanshi would be the first significant film. This would be followed by Bunty Aur Babli 2, starring Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukerji, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Sharvari Wagh, on November 19 followed by John Abraham-starrer Satyameva Jayate 2. December 3 would see the release of the launch vehicle of Suniel Shetty’s son Ahan, Tadap. On December 10, Ayushmann Khurrana-Vaani Kapoor starrer Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui will make its way to the cinemas. There’ll be no Hindi release on December 17 but it’ll be significant as it’ll see the clash between Allu Arjun’s much talked about Telugu film Pushpa and the most awaited Hollywood film in recent times, Spider-Man: No Way Home. On December 24, sports period film ’83 would release and on December 31, another cricket-based film, Jersey, starring Shahid Kapoor, would be out.
January 2022 might begin on a dramatic note as the first weekend sees the clash between Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Alia Bhatt starrer Gangubai Kathiawadi and Baahubali S S Rajamouli’s director’s next, RRR. January 14 would see Prabhas presenting his love saga, Radhe Shyam. On January 21, Akshay Kumar would be back with the epic period drama, Prithviraj. On Republic Day, John Abraham would present Attack. February 4 might have no release as on February 11, Aamir Khan’s much awaited film, Laal Singh Chaddha, would be out.
The other release dates that were announced were of Ranveer Singh's social comedy Jayeshbhai Jordaar (February 25), Akshay Kumar's action entertainer Bachchan Pandey (March 4), Shamshera, a period dacoit film starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Vaani Kapoor (March 18), the horror comedy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (March 25), Tiger Shroff's Heropanti 2 and Ajay Devgn and Amitabh Bachchan's Mayday on Eid (April 29), Ajay Devgn's sports drama Maidaan (June 3), John Abraham and Arjun Kapoor-starrer Ek Villain Returns (July 8), a clash between Akshay Kumar-starrer Raksha Bandhan and Prabhas's Ramayana version, Adipurush on Independence Day week (August 11), Akshay Kumar's Ram Setu on Diwali (October 21) and Tiger Shroff's futuristic film, Ganapath - Part I (December 23).
And this is not all. The release dates of many films are still pending like Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Pathan, Salman Khan’s Tiger 3 etc. Even Karan Johar hasn’t announced the release plans of his films. Experts are expecting that SRK and Salman might try to grab the Diwali or Eid slot. This would mean that the films already scheduled on those days would move. Or they won’t and the Khans would end up clashing with them. The latter won’t be a favourable situation but then, it's bound to become very common since so many films have held up releases for so long. As long as moviegoers come out in hordes to theatres and a significant number of films become hits, everything would be fine.
Shah Rukh Khan to kick off 10-day schedule of Atlee’s next at B D Petit Parsee Hospital
8:12 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 2, 2021)
As soon as he finished the domestic schedule of Pathan, it was time for Shah Rukh Khan to begin work on his maiden project with Atlee — a film that he has been looking forward to. After kicking off the yet-untitled actioner in Pune in early September, the superstar and the Tamil filmmaker headed to Mumbai where they shot a pivotal action sequence at Film City in Goregaon over 10 days. Now, mid-day has learnt that their next stop is the B D Petit Parsee General Hospital in Cumballa Hill.
A source from the unit reveals, “The cast and crew will begin filming at the south Mumbai hospital from today. Atlee has lined up a 10-day shoot, post which it will be a wrap on the first schedule.”
There is little rest for Khan who will then be Spain-bound for the three-week schedule of Pathan with co-stars Deepika Padukone and John Abraham. The source adds, “Back home, Atlee will use the time to do the groundwork for the next stint.”
The stylised actioner reportedly stars Nayanthara, Sanya Malhotra and Sunil Grover.
Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone to kick off Pathan’s first international schedule as they fly to Mallorca for song shoot on October 7
8:40 AM
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; September 28, 2021)
Mumbai has been the base for Pathan over the past many months as Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone shot a major chunk of the film. Now, as the situation is improving the world over, producer Aditya Chopra has given the greenlight to take the spy thriller on international turf. Director Siddharth Anand, whose last release War (2019) was quite a visual treat, now intends to capture the scenic beauty of Mallorca on camera. The cast and crew will head to the Spanish island city, famed for its pristine beaches and limestone mountains, on October 7 to film a romantic song featuring the two leads.
“The team will begin shooting from October 10 in Mallorca, moving on to Cadiz that is home to beautiful historical landmarks. They will also film in the hilltop town of Vejer de la Frontera in Cádiz. Adi and Siddharth zeroed in on these locales for the love track as they have rarely been explored in Hindi cinema. They know that all eyes will be on Pathan as it marks Shah Rukh’s return to the screens after a hiatus, and are pulling out all stops to make it visually grand,” reveals a trade source.
The filming of the Vishal-Shekhar composition aside, the director will shoot some action and confrontational scenes during the 20-day schedule. Yash Raj Films remained unavailable for comment.
Shah Rukh Khan to kick off Atlee’s next in Pune in September?
8:06 AM
With international schedule of Pathan yet to be locked, sources say Shah Rukh Khan to kick off Atlee’s next in Pune in September
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 30, 2021)
As Shah Rukh Khan was single-mindedly focusing on Pathan over the past few months, director Atlee, miles away in Chennai, was simultaneously setting the stage for his next. According to sources, the Tamil filmmaker’s efforts will come to fruition next month with the superstar kicking off the yet-untitled project.
“Shah Rukh has wrapped up his Pathan portions on home turf. Now, the team is working on locking the locations for its international schedule. So, the actor felt it best to turn his attention to Atlee’s film, which would have rolled earlier had it not been for the Coronavirus pandemic,” says a source.
One hears that the stylised actioner will roll in Pune. “It will be a 10-day shoot. While the film has been in the news since 2020, it will be officially announced on the day it goes on floors. The subsequent schedules will be conducted in Mumbai, Dubai and a few other locations.”
The film will mark the Mersal (2017) director’s debut in Bollywood. Rumoured to be mounted on a budget of Rs 200 crore, the movie reportedly also features Nayanthara, Sanya Malhotra and Sunil Grover.
mid-day texted Khan’s team, who remained unavailable for comment.
Tax rebates and relaxed Covid-19 protocols help film shoots shift abroad
8:10 AM
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 23, 2021)
After the lockdown last year, BellBottom kick-started its shoot in Scotland, a move that set a precedent for other films stuck in limbo due to the pandemic. These films include Pathan, Laal Singh Chaddha, Vikram Vedha, Dhaakad, Brahmastra, Action Hero, Fighter and Parineeti Chopra’s untitled action thriller, among others, as reports suggest.
Strict Coronavirus protocols and difficulties in shooting in bio bubbles in India have opened up opportunities for filmmakers to shift their productions overseas. Italy-based line producer Ivano Fucci facilitated the shoot of Radhe Shyam in October 2020 for 40 days along with Telugu films Khiladi and Thank You in February and May this year, respectively.
“Many countries have announced special measures to attract global producers. Right now we are back to the usual incentives, which are still very interesting for Hindi producers. Italy offers 30% rebate, Hungary 25%, France 30%, Spain 30% and Morocco 20%,” Fucci says, adding that he will be shooting for two movies in Hungary, and one film in Bali.
Line producer Sarfaraz Alam, who was a part of the Russia schedule of Sardar Udham Singh, is currently working on Tiger 3 in Russia and will start Ajith Kumar starrer Tamil actioner, Valimai, from August 27. “In Russia, the rules are less strict,” he says.
He believes that shooting Indian projects in other countries can help up tourism and hence, restart economy at a time like this. He adds, “When Indian filmmakers shoot abroad, they give employment to the local people and hire local equipment. The governments offer a good rebate or even a cashback which intrigues many producers.”
Producer of Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, Monisha Advani, says that shooting abroad was required by the script, but reveals there are other reasons too: “The ever-expanding consumption of content is encouraging countries including India to incentivise shooting of films and shows. It is an encouraging time for content creators as we are able to find places that suit our story and can accommodate our budget.”
Producer and trade analyst Girish Johar adds, “In India, travelling is a bit on a sticky wicket right now. Different states have different SOPs. If you shoot abroad, you have to deal with one SOP. Hence, it’s less tedious to shoot films overseas.”
Shah Rukh Khan all set to shoot for his cameo in Tiger 3?
9:04 AM
With SRK, Salman set to unite at YRF Studios to shoot for respective movies, sources say Shah Rukh may use the window to film 'Tiger 3' cameo
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 20, 2021)
Yash Raj Films in Andheri has witnessed a hubbub of activity over the past three weeks as Shah Rukh Khan has been single-mindedly working on Pathan. Soon, he will be joined by his superstar friend next door. Sources say that Salman Khan — who has been busy with reading sessions and rehearsals for 'Tiger 3' — will resume work at the studio from July 23.
“A special set has been constructed for the Maneesh Sharma thriller. While Salman and Katrina Kaif will begin shooting their portions by the weekend, Emraan Hashmi, who plays the antagonist, will report to the set next week. A few doors away, Shah Rukh will be breathing life into his RAW agent character as he cans confrontational scenes with John Abraham,” says a trade source. The studio will play host to the superstars until mid-August, after which both units will jet off for their respective international stints.
The overlapping schedules may be the perfect time for producer Aditya Chopra to shoot Shah Rukh’s cameo for 'Tiger 3', thus beginning the crossover between the two spy thrillers backed by the banner. “The actors’ on-screen reunion is bound to create a frenzy, so Adi wants to create a spectacular scene that will be worthy of them. The teams are currently discussing possible dates to can the sequence.” In February, Salman had shot for his special appearance in Pathan.
No EU Green Pass for Covishield: Bollywood unfazed; aam janta worried
8:13 AM
Anjuri Nayar Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 5, 2021)
News reports of Covishield vaccine getting excluded from the new EU Covid ‘Green Pass’ eligibility list has received mixed reactions in the country, with Europe-bound denizens wondering when would they be able to travel next! Nine European countries have accepted Covishield and India has asked other EU member states to individually consider. Some big ticket films, which are scheduled to be shot in European cities, might also be at the receiving end of this debate, alongside those who need to travel for business and education.
According to sources, parts of Salman Khan-Katrina Kaif starrer Tiger 3 as well as Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathan are scheduled to be shot in certain cities of Europe. Film trade analysts, however, are of the opinion that these films won’t lose out. “This vaccination issue will be resolved with the higher authorities coming together. Then, film teams will travel, following all protocols and formats like maintaining a bio bubble,” says trade analyst Atul Mohan.
Trade analyst Komal Nahta agrees with him: “This is just a matter of time; it’s at most a procedural problem and is not reala big hitch.”
Commoners who were planning to travel are feeling stuck now. “Since the European cities are returning to normalcy, we hoped to get our businesses back on track,” says Neeharika Leekha, a Delhi-based entrepreneur, adding, “Face to face meetings are needed... We hope that we are allowed to move freely in different European cities.”
Aditya Chopra to rope in four action directors for Pathan
8:01 AM
Beginning with Mad Max stunt artiste who was flown down for shoot, Aditya Chopra to rope in four action directors to design stylised sequences for SRK’s Pathan
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 29, 2021)
Producer Aditya Chopra knows the high expectations that surround Pathan — after all, the movie will see Shah Rukh Khan in action after his self-imposed break since Zero (2018). Naturally then, the filmmaker is pulling out all stops for the Maneesh Sharma-directed actioner that sees Khan as a Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) agent. To ensure that Pathan translates into a hyper-stylised espionage thriller on the big screen, Chopra has decided to rope in four action directors who will design elaborate set-pieces.
While the director-producer duo have yet to finalise the remaining stunt co-ordinators, South African stunt artiste Craig MacRae has already reported to the film’s set in Mumbai. “Craig, who runs the stunt company, Titan Stunts with Katja Hopkins, and his four-member team landed in the city on June 8. After quarantining at a Juhu hotel, the team joined Shah Rukh and John Abraham this week. The actors kicked off the latest schedule with confrontation scenes, and will film major fight sequences early next month. Craig is a highly skilled martial artiste too, and has designed sequences for Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Bloodshot (2020) and War (2019),” reveals a trade source.
Deepika Padukone and Dimple Kapadia will join the cast later this week at Yash Raj Studios in Andheri. While the team focuses on the ongoing leg, Chopra will utilise the time to zero in on the remaining action directors, one of which may be a home-grown talent. “The idea behind having different experts is to have breathtaking stunts in the movie, ranging from martial arts to hand-to-hand combat and chase sequences. Adi and Maneesh intend to conduct a schedule in Europe sometime between July and August, but the plan depends on the travel restrictions in the countries at the time. So, they are torn between two possibilities — either fly down the chosen stunt coordinators to India and shoot the sequences, or have them join the cast abroad.”
The source adds that Salman Khan, who reprises his role of RAW agent Avinash Singh Rathore from the Tiger franchise, has shot for his special appearance in Pathan.
Shah Rukh Khan to kick off director Atlee’s film in December?
8:34 AM
Sources say Shah Rukh to kick off director Atlee’s actioner in December after wrapping up Pathan; film to see him in a double role
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 27, 2021)
With the self-imposed break behind him, it’s work all the way for Shah Rukh Khan. The actor, who is currently giving shape to Siddharth Anand’s Pathan, has given his nod to another project. If all goes as per plan, the superstar will begin shooting for Tamil filmmaker Atlee’s action thriller from December. The project will mark the Bigil (2019) director’s Bollywood debut.
The actor, who has been in advanced talks with filmmakers Raj-DK and Rajkumar Hirani, was simultaneously approached by Atlee in 2019. The duo apparently spent the last two years brainstorming on the plot outline that Atlee had pitched.
A trade source reveals, “When Atlee first approached the superstar, he had the plot and a few powerful sequences in mind. Now, the complete script is ready. In March, he flew down to Mumbai to give the final narration to Shah Rukh at Mannat. The actor loved it so much that he immediately agreed. The stylised action drama will be jointly backed by Shah Rukh and good friend Karan Johar. For now, the movie is remains untitled.”
According to sources, Khan will play a double role in the movie. The director is wasting no time in mounting the film on a grand canvas, worthy of the larger-than-life hero, and has begun pre-production in Chennai. “The film was supposed to originally roll from August 2021, but the second wave disrupted the plan. Shah Rukh is expected to wrap up Pathan by September. He, along with Atlee and Karan, will make a formal announcement regarding this film before October, paving the way for its December shoot. SRK plays an Indian intelligence agency officer, and a lawbreaker, with the story tracing the conflict that arises when the two characters’ paths cross. He will sport two distinct looks in the movie,” adds the source.
mid-day reached out to Atlee, but he remained unavailable to comment.
Shah Rukh Khan to resume work on Pathan?
8:17 AM
After 'Pathan' shoot was held off due to the lockdown in April, sources say Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone to resume work with a 10-day schedule at YRF studio
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 25, 2021)
When director Siddharth Anand had called for a two-day schedule break for Pathan on April 12, he had no idea that he wouldn’t be able to call the shots again until late June. The Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham-starrer was among the many projects whose shoots were disrupted due to the second round of lockdown in mid-April. Now, as production houses have gingerly begun shoots, it is heard that Khan and Padukone will resume work on the spy thriller early next week.
Sources close to the unit reveal that the cast and crew will get tested over the weekend. “It will be a seven-to-10-day schedule that will take place at Yash Raj studio in Andheri, in a bio-bubble. Aditya sir [Chopra, producer] is clear that only those who have been vaccinated can be part of the team. Siddharth has an international schedule pending, but that will happen later. Given the current scenario, they plan to shoot in short stints,” reveals a source. With Maharashtra witnessing cases of Delta plus variant, the state government has instructed production houses to exercise caution while shooting.
Pathan: Shah Rukh Khan to spring into action soon?
8:22 AM
Sources say unit gears up for the next schedule of Shah Rukh-Deepika’s Pathan; to begin shoot in mid-June if state govt lifts restrictions
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 31, 2021)
Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone had last shot for Pathan on April 12, after which director Siddharth Anand had called for a two-day schedule break. However, before the team could reunite, the Maharashtra government imposed a lockdown on April 15. Now, as the state government has extended the junta curfew by another fortnight, the production team at Yash Raj Films is set to begin the groundwork for the next schedule. This will enable them to get a jumpstart on the shoot in mid-June, should the restrictions be lifted then.
“While some members of the crew have received their jabs, the majority will be vaccinated over the next week. Buzz in the industry is that the government will give a green signal to shoots after June 15. That way, the team will be ready to begin filming in a bio-bubble. The production house is treading carefully, given the impact of the second wave, and will film the portions entirely inside the Yash Raj studio in Andheri,” reveals a source.
mid-day reached out to YRF, which remained unavailable for comment.
Death cover of Rs 25 lakh due to COVID-19 and hospitalisation cover of Rs 2 lakh have been provided-B N Tiwari, FWICE
8:21 AM
Phone Bhoot, starring Katrina Kaif, Ishaan Khatter and Siddhant Chaturvedi
With filming suspended, Guild VP distributes food to daily wagers; FWICE ensures studios bear treatment cost of those who contracted virus on set
Uma Ramasubramanian, Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 20, 2021)
The daily-wage workers, who had returned to Mumbai after the entertainment industry resumed work last October, have taken a beating again as the state government suspended filming till May 1. As they face economic strain while the Coronavirus cloud looms large, leading cine bodies have sprung into action to alleviate their troubles. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) is ensuring that the concerned production house bears the treatment expense for every daily-wager who has contracted the virus during the shoot of its project.
Sharing the details, Birendra Nath Tiwari, president, FWICE, says, “A death cover of Rs 25 lakh due to COVID-19 and hospitalisation cover of Rs 2 lakh have been provided. Recently, one of our members [who was working on a television show] met with an accident on his way back home, post 18 hours of the shoot, and lost his life. We ensured his family was given the Rs 25 lakh compensation, even though he didn’t die on the sets or due to the virus. He was an assistant art designer; we have offered the same position to his wife if she wishes to take it up. As far as the members who are not working are concerned, they can contact us if they [come down with the infection]. We’ll do everything we can, in our personal capacity.”
Manish Goswami, vice-president, Producers’ Guild, believes things will take a turn for the worse if the junta curfew is extended. “In my personal capacity, I am doing whatever I can for the daily wagers. I have distributed groceries among them,” he says.
Pappu Lekhraj, who provides junior artistes to Bollywood, says the Junior Artistes’ Association was happy to see the safety measures adopted by the production houses. “Yash Raj Films was shooting two major projects [Pathan and Tiger 3] in a bio-bubble; they were testing weekly and had put up all artistes at a Goregaon hotel. Excel Entertainment had mandatory bi-weekly RT-PCR tests on the sets [of Phone Bhoot and Dongri To Dubai], and it took care of anyone who came down with the infection. The chance of contracting the virus in such set-ups was negligible,” he recounts, adding that some television shows, unfortunately, cut corners. “They rely solely on antigen tests, which is not the right yardstick. Now, most serials have shifted base to Goa, Silvassa and Rajasthan. I appraise the safety norms [employed on sets] before assigning my artistes to them.”
For a better purpose
With film shoots stalled in the state, Ketan Rawal — who is among the biggest vanity-van suppliers in Bollywood — has deployed about 10 vans to Marol, Malad, Dahisar and Ghatkopar, where they are being used by frontline workers. Cops on COVID-19 duty have been utilising them to change, have meals and use the restrooms during their long shifts. Each vehicle is demarcated into three distinct areas that can host up to 10 people. Rawal has about 30 more vans that can be assigned to frontline warriors, should the suspension of shoots continue.
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