Showing posts with label Shaailesh R Singh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shaailesh R Singh. Show all posts
Jai was born when I was 23. I managed to find my son when I needed him-Hansal Mehta
3:13 PM
His father’s early failure was a learning. The recent zip zap zoom to critical acclaim and fame has brought faith. Hansal Mehta, readying for the release of his first solo directorial, says it’s cinema that has kept the two together
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; March 24, 2024)
“Disney’s mandate doesn’t allow the title of father on screen,” Hansal Mehta displays disarming candour as he opens up about his motivation to board son Jai’s latest directorial, Lootere, as showrunner. This is not the first time Jai has taken up director duties—he co-directed Sony LIV series Scam 1992 (2020) with Hansal, his director-producer father—but it’s the first time he is the captain of his ship, prompting senior Mehta’s emotional involvement.
“The only reason for me to be the showrunner was that it was Jai’s solo directorial. I have seen him in action before, but it was good to see him taking charge this time and not having to fight with me,” he chuckles. Before collaborating with his father on the web series, Jai served as associate director on several of his films, including Shahid, Citylights and Aligarh. This time, Mehta wasn’t instructing him.
“I was handling him. We served as a sponge for each other. When Shaailesh [R Singh, show’s co-creator, co-writer and producer] had an issue and wanted to tell Jai something, he’d target me, because Jai would be at the shoot. He would call and scream. I would say, ‘Okay, okay. I will talk to Jai.’ Then I would convey the message to him, but in a different way. Similarly, if Jai was facing frustration, he couldn’t share it with his team; a director must keep the morale high. So, he too would come to me.”
Jai doesn’t feel the difference, though. The roles might have changed, but his father’s unwavering support stands. “He has been supportive, including for my short films.. and I have made some terrible ones; some even I don’t have copies of,” he laughs.
Their filmmaking styles are different, but there’s much that they share in common as people. Like their ability to veil emotions as mature professionals. “I refer to him as Hansal Sir. The last time I called him on the phone and addressed him as ‘dad’, he asked, ‘Do you need money? What happened? Why are you calling me dad?’,” Jai says.
It can be attributed to the fact that their relationship has been built on film sets. To Hansal, their shared love for the movies is what makes them father and son. “We have spent more time on set than we have at home together. He was born when I was barely 23. I was searching for myself and in that search, I managed to find my son when I needed him, which was when he became assistant director. We have ended up discovering each other on set. We have spent the most intense times together and discovered each other as people, passionate about films and telling stories. So, it [cinema] keeps us together.”
Even before he joined his father on the set as assistant, Jai had developed an intimate connection with Mehta’s filmmaker self. He grew up watching a director failing with every movie and trying again. “A lot of people know of Hansal Mehta only after he made Shahid [2013]. He made six films before that. That’s something no one will talk about. Even he won’t,” Jai laughs, before adding, “I have two younger sisters. Their father is the director of Shahid, Citylights, Aligarh, Scam, Scoop. [But] the father I know is the director of Jayate, Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar, Chhal, three unreleased films. Of Raakh too. I grew up with that director.”
Shahid, a critically acclaimed film based on the life of lawyer and human rights activist Shahid Azmi, who was assassinated in 2010, it starred Rajkummar Rao, and brought Mehta the Best Director gong at the 2014 National Film Awards.
Evidently, it has not been easy. Mehta is the first in his family to take up filmmaking. “We aren’t film royalty,” Jai declares.
In a rare display of emotion, Mehta sounds poignant while painting a picture of Jai’s childhood and their journey as a family. “He has seen me through days that weren’t exactly ideal, struggling to find myself and keep our lives together. We were searching for a structure as family when things were going haywire. Jai has lived through the troubles of a slightly complicated childhood,” Mehta says.
In a bid to snap out of this reflective moment, Jai quickly adds, “But there are no regrets. There’s only good from here on. You don’t look back. You think about all that you learnt and use that to do better.”
And the biggest learning from a challenging childhood is to never give up. “There was a time when he felt, ‘What am I doing?’ And he did take a break [from filmmaking] but ultimately, he returned and did Shahid, which took two years to make, and another year and a half to release. It was tough but he never stopped.”
All isn’t well with Arjun Kapoor-Bhumi Pednekar’s The LadyKiller?
9:55 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 30, 2023)
A poster of The LadyKiller was quietly dropped on October 28, announcing November 3 as the date of release. This rushed release, our sources tell us, hasn’t gone down well with the film’s team, as the announcement came out of nowhere. For this reason, the lead actors, Arjun Kapoor and Bhumi Pednekar, are also not keen on promoting the film in any manner.
“Arjun and Bhumi had worked hard on the film. They are unhappy with it being treated in this manner. They have expressed their displeasure, and this is the reason they did not even share the release date poster,” says our source.
We are further informed that the original plan was to release the film on October 27. Speaking about the reason for this hush-hush release, the source says, “The film has turned out well, but the makers are only giving it a limited theatrical release. The rights have already been sold to a streaming giant, so the makers are not worried about the collections.”
We reached out to Bahl, producer Shaailesh R Singh, Kapoor and Pednekar, but were met with no response till the time of going to press. Our WhatsApp call to Singh was answered by a person who claimed that “sir is on a flight, so this call has been diverted”, even though it is not possible to divert calls on the app yet.
Is the film industry prepared to handle the Omicron variant?
8:08 AM
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 13, 2021)
The last two years saw the Hindi film industry incur huge losses, with shoots being stalled and theatres shutting down due to the pandemic. It was only in September that things resumed in full swing. But now, with the threat of the Omicron variant of Coronavirus looming large, the industry has once again come face-to-face with the big question: How to not let history repeat?
Sharing his concern, filmmaker Anees Bazmee says, “The budget for most films has increased by 40% due to the adoption of several SOPs and facilitation of vaccination for everyone. The very thought of a third lockdown is giving me jitters. We will all be in a mess.”
Asserting that the third wave will severely impact show business, producer Amar Butala, says, “There’s no way to measure the loss of opportunity, given that the Christmas and New Year window sees huge footfalls in cinemas, and if we lose this window, it’d mean we’ve pretty much lost 2021.”
Producer Shaailesh R Singh, who is currently shooting in Omicron hotspot South Africa, says, “We don’t feel the looming fear of the Omicron variant, since we’re in a protected environment.”
And, for actor Nushrratt Bharuccha, health comes first. “No one can be prepared for another wave. However, even if work comes to a standstill, we’ll eventually bounce back by working double shifts.”
Actor Shruti Haasan, who was working throughout the pandemic phase, adds, “Some people think I’m mental. Many people don’t wear masks on set. But I tell myself I rather be paranoid, as we have to work and be safe at the same time.”
Trade analyst Atul Mohan feels the industry is more prepared: “Though much precaution isn’t taken in the smaller production houses, the big ones are making sure that they carry shoots forward only after all cast and crew members are vaccinated.”
Thalaivii row: Filmmakers and exhibitors divided over the reduced gap between theatrical & OTT release
8:26 AM
While team Thalaivii wants the gap between the film’s digital and theatrical release for its Hindi version to be reduced to two weeks instead of four, exhibitors feel this will mean cinemagoers will not watch the film in cinemas, and instead wait for its digital release
Niharika Lal (DELHI TIMES; September 6, 2021)
Team Thalaivii and exhibitors are making an ‘appeal’ and ‘sincere requests’ to each other to negotiate the period between the film’s release in cinemas and its release on other platforms. Exhibitors believe that reducing the theatrical window further to two weeks (as opposed to the existing four weeks) means that cinegoers will not watch the film in cinemas, and would rather wait for the release on a digital platform. Whether this gap should further be reduced to two weeks or not is the core discussion around the release of Thalaivii.
WHAT IS THE DEBATE AROUND THALAIVII?
For now, Thalaivii is scheduled to be released in Hindi on an OTT platform two weeks after its release in cinemas, while its Tamil and Telugu versions are scheduled to be released on another OTT platform four weeks after its theatrical release. Multiplexes, such as PVR and INOX, are firm that if the four-week theatrical release window is not kept uniform across all languages then they will not release the film in Hindi. They will, however, release the film in Tamil and Telugu versions as the theatrical window for them is four weeks.
On Saturday, Kangana Ranaut released a video, saying, “We are theatre-made people, so our (Thalaivii) producers Vishnu Vardhan Induri and Shaailesh R Singh decided to support theatres. My producers have rejected several exclusive streaming offers, but we didn’t know that we will not get support from theatres... If multiplexes don’t screen our movie, watch it on single screens, and later on streaming platforms.”
On Saturday evening, PVR issued a statement that read, “We are thankful to the Thalaivii team for offering a four-week theatrical window for its Tamil and Telugu language versions. We are delighted to be able to play Thalaivii in Tamil and Telugu language at our cinemas, however, we are disappointed that for the Hindi language version, the Thalaivii team has decided to offer only a twoweek window. We would like to appeal to Kangana Ranaut, Vishnu Induri and Shailesh Singh to keep a uniform window of four weeks across all language versions, and therefore, allow all cinemas across the country to showcase the film on the big screen.”
Kamal Gianchandani, CEO, PVR Pictures Ltd Chief of Strategy, PVR Limited, says, “Considering the severe impact of the ongoing pandemic on our business, we have already agreed to reduce the eight-week theatrical window to four weeks, for all films releasing in the near future.”
Following PVR’s official statement, Kangana posted on Instagram, “I hope with talks, and a passion for the theatrical experience, we can come together to find a solution so that the Hindi version can also find love and appreciation on the big screen.”
WHY ARE EXHIBITORS RELUCTANT TO REDUCE THE THEATRICAL WINDOW TO TWO WEEKS?
An industry insider says, “The audience still doesn’t have full confidence in visiting a cinema hall. If we will reduce the window to two weeks, then they’ll not go to cinemas and would rather wait for two weeks. It will not just affect exhibitors, but also producers who are making films keeping the big screen in mind.” Another concern that exhibitors have raised is that if four weeks window is reduced to two weeks for one film, then cinemas will have to do it for other films, too, which means losing audience and revenue.
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WHAT IS A THEATRICAL WINDOW?
It is the period between a film’s release in cinemas and its release on other platforms. While before the pandemic, the gap between releasing a film in a cinema hall and on a streaming platform was eight weeks (two months), this has been temporarily reduced to four weeks (one month).
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‘HOLLYWOOD CAN RELEASE ON THE SAME DAY ON OTT AND IN CINEMAS AS THEY ARE A MATURE MARKET, BUT WE ARE AT A NASCENT STAGE’
In the last 15 months, multiple big star-led films from Gulabo Sitabo to Coolie No.1, were released directly on OTT platforms. However, films like Roohi and Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari that opted to release on OTT and cinemas both maintained four weeks window. However, this discussion on reducing the theatrical window to two weeks from four didn’t surface before. Some sources point out that it happened with Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai, however, it was not in the public domain.
Now, in Hollywood, some studios are opting for simultaneous releases on OTT platforms and cinemas. Last year, Warner Bros issued a statement saying it is abandoning the windowing system and will release the film the same day in cinemas and on its streaming platform. If in Hollywood, films can be released simultaneously in cinemas and on the streaming platforms, then why not in India?
Girish Johar, producer and film business analyst, says, “The pandemic has accelerated the growth of OTT in India. The growth that would have been in five years happened in the last 14-15 months in terms of reach, content and direct release on OTT platforms. But if cinemas reduce the theatrical window, viewers will not come. The reason why OTTs are focussing on a shorter theatrical window is so that they can encash film promotions. If word of mouth of a film is bad, it affects the film’s long-term prospects. OTTs want to make all possible revenues, and that’s the reason why Hollywood is now practising simultaneous releases. But Hollywood is a mature market. In India, we are at a nascent stage. There have to be a lot of technological advancements for us to come to a par where we can have simultaneous releases.”
Pratik Gandhi, Khushali Kumar team up for a unique family drama
8:55 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (August 10, 2021)
After making a powerful impact with his performance in Scam 1992 last year, Pratik Gandhi is back as a lead in Bhushan Kumar, Shaailesh R Singh and Hansal Mehta’s next yet-to-be-titled film. Joining him is the pretty Khushali Kumar, who won hearts with her music videos and recently completed the shoot of her debut film, a psychological thriller with R Madhavan and Aparshakti Khurana. Set in a small town in Uttar Pradesh, this film will be helmed by Pulkit, the director of Rajkummar Rao-starrer series Bose: Dead or Alive.
Featuring for the first time together, Khushali and Pratik have already started prepping for the film in Mumbai. This unique family drama will focus on a common man’s struggle to win what is rightfully his. Bhushan Kumar and Shaailesh R Singh will come together again after working on the Kangana Ranaut-starrer Simran (directed by Hansal Mehta) and upcoming release Hurdang starring Sunny Kaushal and Nushrratt Bharuccha.
Talking about the Pratik-Khushali film, Bhushan says, “The story is simple yet very real. This is a film that millions of people in our country will resonate with. I am glad Shaailesh, Hansal Mehta and I are again collaborating on such an interesting subject.”
Shaailesh adds, “The story sheds light on issues faced by several Indians. Our audiences will connect with this film in many ways. I am glad to be bringing this story on screen with Bhushan ji and Hansal ji who love telling stories that leave an impact on their audiences.”
Director Pulkit says, “This film is close to my heart. It is the story of a dignified struggle of a common man to get his land back. The story revolves around a normal middle-class family and deals with the system, power and the abused theory of law.”
A T-Series & Karma Media and Entertainment production, this untitled film produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Shaailesh R Singh and Hansal Mehta will go on floors on August 18.
Judgementall Hai Kya producer Shaailesh Singh accused of dumping injured dog to die
8:20 AM
Locals fondly called the female dog Motu
Shaailesh Singh says the dog had already died when his driver took it to the hospital; they had left it on a road as cremation could not be done at night
Faizan Khan (MID-DAY; January 20, 2021)
A stray dog died after she was hit by a BMW car owned by a Bollywood producer outside his society in Goregaon West. An animal activist has alleged that the Shaailesh R Singh was driving the car at the time and he got the dog dumped somewhere when it was still alive.
On a complaint by the activist, Usha Soni, the Goregaon have registered an FIR against the “driver” of vehicle number MH02 FB 5001. Singh, a resident of Imperial Heights, has produced hits like Tanu Weds Manu, Judgementall Hai Kya and Shahid. Soni too lives in the same society.
Soni said she learnt about the accident on Monday night through their society WhatsApp group. The watchman said a BMW car had run over the stray, called Motu, she said. After the guard informed the car owner, another vehicle took the injured dog somewhere.
“I then confronted Singh who said his driver was at the wheel and the dog was taken to a hospital but doctors declared her dead. He didn’t say anything about where the body was. The watchman said Singh was driving the car at the time,” she told mid-day.
Soni said Singh also asked her to take back the FIR.
She shared an audio clip in which Singh’s wife purportedly says their driver was not on duty that time. The voice also asks the watchman to take the dog to the hospital and that she will pay for the treatment.
Singh said, “Even I’m having the guilt inside me that the dog has died because of me. The allegations levelled against me are not true. I am cooperating with the police and trying to find where the dog has gone.”
He said his driver was taking the dog to the hospital but was asked to return midway after he said the animal was already dead. “I called a pujari for cremation but he said it could not be done after sunset. My driver then left the body at Lokhandwala back road and covered it with a cloth. A sweeper told us the next morning that a BMC vehicle took it away,” he added.
Kangana Ranaut's Thalaivi makers fear their unused sets may be destroyed in the rains
8:06 AM
Incurring losses as sets built in Hyderabad and Chennai stand unused, makers of Jayalalithaa biopic featuring Kangana Ranaut hope to resume shoot before monsoons destroy outdoor set-up
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; April 27, 2020)
The makers of Kangana Ranaut's Thalaivi are resigned to the fact that the film, like many other Bollywood offerings, will be delayed. However, they have a more pressing problem on their hands — two elaborate sets that were built in Hyderabad and Chennai have been standing unused over the past six weeks, leading to losses. If the lockdown extends to June, the makers fear the sets may be destroyed in the rains.
"We need to wrap up the film before the rains hit. Since they are outdoor set-up, they will be ruined in the monsoon. Reconstructing the set will be an expensive affair," laments producer Shaailesh R Singh.
The shoot of the biopic on J Jayalalithaa, the late chief minister of Tamil Nadu, was running like clockwork until March. With a 45-day shooting stint slated to kick off on March 10, the A L Vijay-led team had constructed a set of the Parliament House at the Ramakrishna Cine Studios in Hyderabad. After the shoot would be wrapped up by the third week of April, their next pit-stop was Chennai.
"We have recreated Mount Road at the AVM Studio in Chennai, and had planned a patchwork shoot there. Almost 40 per cent of the movie is left to be filmed," says producer Vishnu Vardhan Induri, adding that they pre-emptively cancelled the Hyderabad shoot in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Sources say that the makers, who are bearing the maintenance cost of the sets and the studio rent, have incurred losses of Rs 5 crore so far due to the lockdown. While Singh is unwilling to put a number to the damages, he adds, "Our team's safety is our priority. We had paid [the studio] for March, but were unable to shoot for a single day in Hyderabad. It's uncertain when the lockdown will be lifted. Even if we get a 10-day window, we will finish shooting the outdoor portions."
Coronavirus scare: Jayalalithaa biopic on track, Vidya Balan and Bhumi Pednekar hold fort in MP
8:20 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 14, 2020)
Kangana Ranaut had returned to Mumbai earlier this month after wrapping up the second schedule of her Jayalalithaa biopic, Thalaivi. She is heading to Chennai in the next few days for the third spell. Producer Shaailesh R Singh informs, “The 45-day schedule is on track and will start next week. We’ll be shooting in Chennai and Hyderabad.”
He adds, “Things are changing every day. The government or industry associations might come out with some new instructions tomorrow, and we will have to adhere to them. So, we can’t predict anything. Other than that, we are going ahead with the work, while keeping safety measures in mind.”
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Vidya Balan joined the shoot of Amit Masurkar’s Sherni in Bhoot Palasi, Madhya Pradesh, on March 4. Meanwhile, Bhumi Pednekar, who plays an IAS officer in Durgavati, Ashok G’s Hindi adaptation of his Telugu film, Bhaagamathie, has been shooting in the state for more than a month.
A spokesperson for Vikram Malhotra, producer of both films, confirmed that work is on track. “The health and safety of our crew is paramount. We’ve set detailed precautionary and safety protocols on the sets of our productions, including Durgavati and Sherni, that are currently being filmed in MP. Masks, hand sanitisers, gloves, hand-washes, immunity-boosting foods… We’ve arranged for all necessary support for the teams. Doctors and medical care are available on set. Our teams’ well-being matters more than the films,” the statement said.
Kangana Ranaut's followers head to Manali for Jayalalithaa biopic
7:45 AM
Makers of Jayalalithaa biopic to join Kangana Ranaut in her hometown as she begins prep and look tests ahead of September shoot
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 26, 2019)
Having seen Judgementall Hai Kya reach its finish line, leading lady Kangana Ranaut intends to head to Manali next month. However, work will follow the actor to her hometown. mid-day has learnt that the makers and creative team of Thalaivi, the biopic on the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, will join her in Himachal Pradesh in early August to kick off look tests and workshops with the actor. Director A L Vijay hopes to take the trilingual — titled Jaya in Hindi, and Thalaivi in Tamil and Telugu — on floors by September-end.
Producer Shaailesh R Singh, who also backed Judgementall Hai Kya, reveals that the groundwork on the biopic has been underway, with writers Vijayendra Prasad and Rajat Arora working dedicatedly on the cinematic retelling of the inspiring journey of India's Iron Lady. Now, it is Ranaut's turn to begin the process of becoming Jayalalithaa for the big screen. "Kangana has already started her Tamil classes for the biopic. Now, she will head to Manali to kickstart her prep that will include studying Jayalalithaa's body language and doing look tests. My team, including the writers, and I will travel there, too," says Singh.
On the agenda are sessions with the prosthetics team since Ranaut, 32, will have to age for the role. The biopic opens during Jayalalithaa's student days at Stella Maris College when she had to discontinue her studies to become an actor, and progresses to chart her rise as a force to reckon with in the world of politics.
Singh adds, "We are in talks with the makeup and prosthetics teams of Gary Oldman's Darkest Hour (2017). We intend to get the best team on board, and lots of international technicians will be involved. We will begin shoot in Mysore, and then move to Chennai and Mumbai."
Stars will give you a great opening, but eventually, they can’t save a bad film-Shaailesh R Singh
8:19 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; July 24, 2019)
Ahead of the release of his upcoming films — JudgeMentall Hai Kya and Jabariya Jodi — Shaailesh R Singh talks about movies and what drives him to select projects as an independent producer. Having backed various commercial and critically acclaimed films in the past, his future projects include Hurdang and a biopic on late political leader Jayalalithaa. Excerpts from a conversation...
Your film, JudgeMentall Hai Kya, has courted quite a few controversies. To begin with, there was a row over the original title (Mental Hai Kya), and it was followed by Kangana Ranaut’s clash with a certain section of the media. Are you happy that the film is garnering a lot of attention?
There are mixed emotions. As far as the title is concerned, the intention was never to exploit mental illness. We have taken a sympathetic approach, as the protagonist is shown dealing with a mental disorder. However, since we didn’t want to create any controversy, we agreed to change the title. The new title is in our favour, as people were actually judgemental about the original one (smiles!). As far as the other controversy is concerned, I don’t think that the belief that, ‘any publicity is good publicity’, works today. Controversies don’t bring audience to the theatres. Also, the issue was between two people and it should have stayed that way. The film didn’t have to be dragged into it, as it’s a collective effort of over 200 people. Kangana needs to put her point across to people, which she is doing now.
What drew you to JudgeMentall Hai Kya?
How do you define normal? For some people, a normal person is supposed to be someone who is good, has no vices, says the right things, etc. But that person will still end up offending someone or the other. Does that make him/her abnormal? The film offers an interesting perspective on this. It is not just a quirky psychological thriller. The best part about it is the central characters. The fact that stellar performers like Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao have come together for it, shows that the film has some meat.
Would you agree that over the past few years, content has become the king in Bollywood? Films no longer rely solely on star power…
Today, the audience has access to good content. They don’t want to see a substandard product. There was a time when, if a film didn’t have superstars, people would say, ‘Yeh picture theatre mein kaun dekhega?’ But that has changed now. People will watch a good film in the theatres no matter who’s in it. Of course, stars are an added advantage as they will give you a great opening, but eventually, they can’t save a bad film.
As an independent producer, what do you look for in a film before you back it?
I have produced around 16 films, out of which 10 have been helmed by new directors. As an independent producer, what draws me to a film is just the story, nothing else. Content should have substance, whether it is a commercial or an independent film. The characters need to be relatable. There are films that you want to watch and there are films that you want to make. Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra liked the story of Jabariya Jodi, which is why they said ‘yes’ to it even though it’s being made by a new director (Prashant Singh).
Nushrat Bharucha, Sunny Kaushal and Vijay Varma bag Hurdang
7:51 AM
MUMBAI MIRROR (June 19, 2019)
After two star-studded upcoming projects—Mental Hai Kya and Jabariya Jodi, which are produced under his banner Karma Media and Entertainment, producer Shaailesh R Singh is all set to begin shooting for his next film— Hurdang.Known for producing commercial as well as critically acclaimed films like Tanu Weds Manu, Shahid, Madaari, Aligarh among others, Shaailesh R Singh’s Hurdang is a love story inspired by true incidents set in 1990s Allahabad.
Giving an insight, director Nikhil Bhatt said, “This is a story inspired by true incidents. In the year 1990, as a kid, I saw thousands of youngsters getting involved in a fight for their rights. They fought for two whole years. They were angry on being taken for granted and for two years their lives came to a standstill. Every other day there was a bandh or a dharna. The students’ agitation was not politically motivated; they were fighting for their rights. Lots of lives were lost and lots of lives were rendered directionless. They say, love stories coming out of duress stand tall. Hurdang is a love story set in those times.”
The film, which will be shot entirely in Allahabad to preserve the authenticity of the story, is to be directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhatt. “I am very glad that I got an opportunity to direct this film. Hurdang is a hard-hitting subject that is sure to touch a chord with all,” reveals Nikhil Bhatt.Hurdang stars Nushrat Bharucha, Sunny Kaushal and Vijay Varma, who recently made an impact in Gully Boy.
Speaking about the cast of the film, Shaailesh R Singh revealed, “It’s a young, restless love story from the 90s. People in 1990s were innocent and vulnerable. They didn’t have the advantage of technology the way youngsters have now. There was a deep desire to fight for your cause and claim your right. Sunny, Nushrat and Vijay fit in quite naturally. Sunny and Nushrat play students coming from different ideologies and backgrounds, but a couple destined to be together. They play childhood lovers who have grown up together. Both Sunny and Nushrat bring innocent and palpable energy, naturally into the story.”
Hurdang is all set to go on floors on July 1, 2019.
Kangana Ranaut to play Jayalalithaa in her biopic
3:32 PM
BOMBAY TIMES (March 23, 2019)
Over the years, Kangana Ranaut has beaten many odds to establish herself as a name to reckon with, in Bollywood. So, it’s only befitting that on her birthday, an official announcement has been made that the actress is all set to portray the late Jayalalithaa, a legendary actress-turned-politician, who is fondly referred to as ‘Puratchi Thalaivi’ (revolutionary leader).Titled Thalaivi in Tamil and Jaya in Hindi, the film will be bilingual and directed by Vijay, one of South’s leading filmmakers, who has made movies like Madrasapattinam and Deiva Thirumagal. Talking about the biopic, Vijay said, “Jayalalithaa madam was one of the most prominent leaders of our country. Making a film on her life is a big responsibility and we are going to do it with utmost care and honesty. I am proud and happy that a talented actress like Kangana Ranautji will portray the dynamic role of this dynamic leader.”
The film will be written by K V Vijayendra Prasad, who has also penned Baahubali and Manikarnika - The Queen Of Jhansi, and will be produced by Vishnu Vardhan Induri and Shaailesh R Singh under the banners of Vibri and Karma Media and Entertainment. “This is my fifth collaboration with Kangana. Working with her is always an enriching experience. I’m glad that Vishnu and I are producing a film that is based on an eminent personality,” Shaailesh shared.
When asked about the film, Kangana said, “Jayalalithaa ji is one of the biggest female success stories of this century. She was a superstar and went on to become an iconic politician, it’s a great concept for a mainstream film. I am honoured to be a part of this mega project.”
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