With a commitment to offer quality content to further the business and reach of Indian entertainment, Miraj Creations has joined hands with AVMA Media to produce two Hindi films. The first of the two projects, titled Uma, will be directed by debutant Tathagata Singha and creatively produced by Sujoy Ghosh. Apart from this film, Sujoy will write, direct and jointly produce the second project in the line-up, which is a big-screen adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore’s famed Bengali short story Kabuliwala. It will be a period drama set in the United Kingdom. Both films will go on floors next year.

The two projects signal the revamped production vertical of Miraj Creations, which is in discussions with leading filmmakers to build a portfolio of movies with the right creative and commercial mix. Many more projects are likely to be announced shortly.

Mantraraj Paliwal, Vice Chairman, Miraj Group, says, “We find ourselves in a great phase, and are delighted to partner with a master filmmaker like Sujoy Ghosh, to bring to life his creative vision. Staying committed to producing quality film products, we will always strive to collaborate with top talent in the entertainment business.” Sujoy shares, “Both the films are very exciting, Kabuliwala, in particular, has been a dream project for me, and now, I can finally adapt the story for the screen.”

Talking about the collaboration, Avishek Ghosh of AVMA Media says, “We are thrilled with this association and are looking forward to bringing two wonderful stories on screen. The audience is in for a treat.”

Raj Malik, Business Head, Miraj Creations, says, “These two refreshing and exciting films from an ace filmmaker like Sujoy Ghosh is just the beginning of our vision to build strong creative credibility in the entertainment industry.”

Krian Pictures, producer of film Laal Rang, is promoting the film through a novel idea among college students. The film starring Randeep Hooda, Akshay Oberoi, Pia Bajpai, Meenakshi Dixit and Rajneish Duggall among others, deals with the menace of blood theft, and to put the idea across, the makers have decided to organize blood donation camps in colleges across Mumbai and Delhi. The campaign has started in Delhi where the camp was organized in the IIT campus and a huge number of students participated to make it a success.

Says Raj Malik, Senior V P, Production and Distribution, Krian Pictures, “Though the film talks about friendship, brotherhood, love and redemption, the backdrop is of a heinous crime. We are often unaware of the discrepancies that can take place in blood banks. To highlight an important issue and to create awareness, we thought it is a good idea to drive blood donation camps across colleges in India.“ The cast would also visit a few camps to engage students in a conversation about the right ways to donate blood.

Adds director Syed Ahmad Afzal, “This is probably the first time that a Hindi film is talking about blood theft. If through a film, we can give a correct message and do something for society along with entertaining people; there is nothing better than that.“

We must say a novel idea indeed. Laal Rang is slated to release on 22nd April.

Randeep Hooda, who is known for choosing unconventional projects and pushing the boundaries as an actor, is upbeat about his upcoming film Laal Rang. Based on true events, it is set in Haryana and revolves around the blood trade racket. This is the first time a Hindi movie is tackling such a topic. The unique subject, however, is infused with black humour.

Randeep essays a zindadil and colourful character named Shankar, who swears by Lord Shiva. He plays a mentor to Akshay Oberoi's character and teaches him how to run the business while enjoying the pleasures of life. Rajniesh Duggall, Pia Bajpai, Meenakshi Dixit, Shreya Narayan and Rajendra Sethi, who comprise the rest of the cast, will be seen in pivotal roles. Director Syed Ahmad Afzal says, “I am happy to have such a talented cast. Although the film deals with an important and unexplored subject of the blood mafia operating in interior regions of India, it's not at all preachy.“

The teaser that went viral a few days ago has already garnered a great response while the trailer will be unveiled today. Raj Malik (Senior VP, Production & Distribution, Krian Media) says, “What made us pick Laal Rang is the novelty of the subject. While it is a social drama about friendship, brotherhood, bonding and redemption, it is set against the gritty backdrop of blood theft.“

Laal Rang, presented by Krian Pictures, releases worldwide on April 22.