Showing posts with label Santa Banta Pvt Ltd. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Santa Banta Pvt Ltd. Show all posts
Fiji says ‘Bula’ Bollywood; tempts filmmakers with 75% rebate; free 14-day working visa on arrival
7:55 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (March 16, 2020)
In Fiji, ‘Bula’ is more than just a greeting. It’s a wish for happiness, good health and the energy of life. This archipelago of more than 300 islands in the South Pacific Ocean is known as one of the friendliest places on Earth. And what’s more, it is welcoming Indian tourists with open arms. The country treats India as a visa-exempt nation, having simplified their immigration process, which means Indian tourists can apply for visa on arrival for a stay of four months or less.
Fiji has provided cinematic backdrops to famous Hollywood hits like Cast Away, The Blue Lagoon and the recently released sci-fi feature film Fantasy Island, which was produced by Blumhouse Productions. It has also provided a canvas to Bollywood creations like Table No 21, Warning, 3G and Santa Banta Pvt Ltd. After the recently launched film incentive, Indian filmmakers are being wooed by Fiji with an enticing 75 per cent film rebate on the overall expenditure at Fiji — a free 14-day working visa upon arrival, experienced crew and extras, picture-perfect locations, and most importantly, a comprehensive Hindi-speaking population.
If you thought there was nothing much to Fiji beyond picturesque beaches, think again! This is one country that you shouldn’t rush through. Not only does Fiji lure travellers to relax and unwind, but it is also a place known for adventure. The endless stretches of colourful reefs around Fiji are home to more than 1,500 species of fish and fascinating sea creatures, making it one of the most popular spots in the world for diving. Fiji also has thrills in store for hikers, birdwatchers, forest lovers and nightlife enthusiasts in the folds of its many islands.
With its picturesque locales — be it rugged landscapes, sensational palm-lined beaches, thriving coral reefs with clear lagoons and the famous Fijian hospitality — the country invites you to experience its exotic locations and rich multi-cultural heritage that makes it a filmmaker’s paradise.
Kareena Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut or Sonakshi Sinha for Priya Rajvansh's biopic?
7:34 AM
Late filmmaker Chetan Anand's real life romance with his Heer Raanjha heroine is now being turned into a film
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 7, 2016)
After his Boman Irani and
Vir Das-starrer Santa Banta Pvt Ltd hits the screens, filmmaker
Akashdeep Sabiir will start work on his next, a biopic on the late
actress Priya Rajvansh who was reportedly murdered in March 2000, in
writer-director Chetan Anand's Ruia Park bungalow in Mumbai, allegedly
over property dispute with his sons, Ketan and Vivek.
“The late actor Jankidasji's son Shanu who knew Chetan and Priya closely
had been toying with the idea of making a TV series on them. But when
he narrated the story to
me I knew I had to make a film on it,“ says Akashdeep, adding that the
film is based on Subodh Lal's book Priya Interrupted.
“My wife (actress Sheeba) has been complaining that I haven't been
talking much since I began research. I can't go wrong with this one.
We'll lock the final script with the help of Shanu, Subodh and writer
Mayank Sharma,“ he informs.
The film narrates Priya's life story from her arrival in Hindi films to the present status of the case. The accused, Ketan and Vivek and two of their employees, Mala Choudhary and Ashok Chinnaswamy, were sentenced to life imprisonment by a trial court and were later released on bail. Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court accepted their appeal against the trial court's order. Have the makers pre-empted controversies given the legalities involved? “The case is subjudiced. We will stop at the point where the real-life proceedings are today,“ he asserts, adding that he wants to make a musical with archival footage as montages in the beginning or in end credits.“
And who'd he cast as Priya? Akashdeep's wishlist includes Kareena Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut and Sonakshi Sinha and Randeep Hooda top his list for Chetan Anand. “The cop who solved the case can be perfectly played by either Manoj Bajpayee or Ronit Roy,“ he signs off.
The film narrates Priya's life story from her arrival in Hindi films to the present status of the case. The accused, Ketan and Vivek and two of their employees, Mala Choudhary and Ashok Chinnaswamy, were sentenced to life imprisonment by a trial court and were later released on bail. Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court accepted their appeal against the trial court's order. Have the makers pre-empted controversies given the legalities involved? “The case is subjudiced. We will stop at the point where the real-life proceedings are today,“ he asserts, adding that he wants to make a musical with archival footage as montages in the beginning or in end credits.“
And who'd he cast as Priya? Akashdeep's wishlist includes Kareena Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut and Sonakshi Sinha and Randeep Hooda top his list for Chetan Anand. “The cop who solved the case can be perfectly played by either Manoj Bajpayee or Ronit Roy,“ he signs off.
Sonu Nigam to act once again in Akashdeep's next?
7:49 AM
Roshmilla Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 23, 2014)
It’s been a decade since we saw Sonu Nigam as an actor. But after the debacle of Rajat Mukherjee’s 2004 romcom, Love In Nepal, the singer had refused every acting offer that had come his way saying he was not mentally prepared to face the camera. But a fortnight ago, he has given his nod for a two-character project, which is currently being scripted.
Confirming the news, Akashdeep, who will be directing the film, says that the turning point came when he managed to convince Sonu to croon a peppy number on screen for his upcoming film, Santa Banta Pvt. Ltd. “It’s sung during a Diwali party on a cruise ship in Fiji. Noticing how comfortable Sonu was in front of the camera, his co-actors, including Boman Irani and Neha Dhupia, told him that he should start acting again,” recalls Akashdeep.
Realising that the singer was ready to give the suggestion a thought, the director broached the topic and outlined a plot to him. “He was instantly hooked and gave his nod about 15 days ago. Now the final script is being written by a Delhi playwright, Saeed Alam, keeping Sonu in mind,”says the filmmaker.
The story revolves around two guys who land in Mumbai from another country and traces what happens to them in the next 70 days.“The reason I knew he was perfect for the role is because both characters are constantly humming. Though not a musical, songs and music are an integral part of the script and such harkats cannot be dubbed,” he points out. However, he admits that he’s not looking at another singer for the other role.
Seventy per cent of the film will be shot in Mumbai and the remaining will be done at a location abroad. The script will be finished in two months and the film should roll this year around May-June .
Sonu had started his acting career as the young Sunny Deol in Betaab(1983) and followed it up with films like Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani, Kash Aap Hamare Hote and Love In Nepal.
When asked if he was giving acting another shot, Sonu said,"I didn't say that...you said it." Could we presume that this cryptic answer meant a yes he messaged back, "Arre!!!!"
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