Showing posts with label Shashank Khaitan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shashank Khaitan. Show all posts
Sajid Nadiadwala’s son Subhan Nadiadwala kicks off the filming of his debut film with action sequence
4:34 PM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 24, 2026)
A new star kid faced the camera on March 23. Producer Sajid Nadiadwala’s son Subhan Nadiadwala’s maiden film, helmed by Shashank Khaitan of Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014) fame, went on floors on Monday at an under-construction building near DN Nagar in Andheri. mid-day had earlier reported that the love story has been titled Aisi Deewangi, a nod to the memorable song from Deewana (1992) that starred Sajid’s late wife Divya Bharti (Tera naam rakh diya, June 18).
According to sources, the first day of shooting involved an action sequence that saw the debutant take on nearly 60 trained fighters.
A source close to the production revealed, “Sajid sir wants to introduce Subhan as a full-fledged big-screen hero, who is adept at both action and romance. The director mounted a stylised action block for the opening day. It was a physically demanding shoot for someone who hasn’t done this before, but Subhan had been training for months for this sequence.”
Besides an extensive leg in Mumbai, the film will also be shot in Manali.
This isn’t Shashank Khaitan’s first brush with a newcomer. He previously directed ‘Dhadak’ (2018), which launched Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor in Hindi cinema.
It’s as tough to make a Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari as it is to make a Homebound-Shashank Khaitan
4:00 PM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 2, 2025)
In the 1990s, most of us grew up on David Dhawan’s comedies. Over two decades on, entertainers in that genre have reduced in Hindi cinema, with Shashank Khaitan being one of the few filmmakers attempting it. From his debut film Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014) to his latest work, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, it’s easy to see that Khaitan is influenced by the senior director’s school of cinema, blending romance and comedy to make an all-out entertainer.
Ask him what led to that brand of comedy’s decline, and Khaitan analyses that it was perceived as “easy”. “A narrative was created that these films were not real cinema. People started believing that only films with intense messages were serious cinema. It made filmmakers apologetic about the genre. But the truth is that someone like David Dhawan could teach cinema to anyone, given his understanding of editing and craft. The genre was unjustly treated. It’s as tough to make a Sunny Sanskari… as it is to make a Homebound. Our definition of entertainment needs to expand. Entertainment isn’t only laughing and clapping. Homebound was entertaining to me because it engaged me, taught me about a different worldview,” he shares.
The industry may create its narratives, but Khaitan is staying true to what he knows. With the Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, and Rohit Saraf-starrer, the director is bringing a family entertainer set against the backdrop of a big, fat wedding. His trump card is his leading man Varun. Having worked together on two movies previously, Khaitan says they push each other by surprising one another.
Khaitan shares, “When I write for Varun, I have to think, ‘How do I present him differently?’ Otherwise he’ll get bored of me. So even within a similar universe, we tried to make Sunny different from Humpty and Badri. Here, we’ve gone more tongue-in-cheek in terms of the performance.”
As he reunites with Kapoor seven years after launching her in Dhadak (2018), the difference in the actor is evident to him. Today, she is more confident and aware of the world around her, he notes. “When Dhadak was released, she was dealing with a massive personal tragedy, which made her retreat into a shell. Now, she is much more open and ready to express herself as an artiste. She accepts the pros and cons of her family background, the love and hate that comes with it. She is not scared to take chances. That’s exciting for me as someone who knows her personally, and as a director who now has an actor unafraid to take risks.”
With Sunny Sanskari…, Khaitan has managed something unusual — an ensemble cast where each actor holds his ground. Many directors say it’s impossible these days because of egos.
What’s his take? “I managed it by being honest with everyone. I gave my entire script to the actors and told them, ‘Only come on board if you trust me’. I don’t oversell. I don’t make commitments about things beyond my control, like posters or promotions. That honesty keeps egos out of the conversation.”
Sajid Nadiadwala's son Subhaan's debut film to be titled Aisi Deewangi Dekhi Nahin Kahin
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Sources say Sajid Nadiadwala’s son Subhan’s debut film named Aisi Deewangi Dekhi Nahin Kahin after Deewana’s hit song
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 18, 2025)
In February, mid-day reported that producer Sajid Nadiadwala is readying to launch his son Subhan Nadiadwala’s acting career (Beta, chalo Bollywood, Feb 28). Now, the chatter in the industry is that the star kid’s debut film may borrow its title from Deewana’s (1992) hit track. It has been heard that the movie has been tentatively titled Aisi Deewangi Dekhi Nahin Kahin, after the popular song that featured Shah Rukh Khan and late Divya Bharti.
It could be a beautiful nod to both — Khan, who came into the limelight with the film, and the late actor, who was married to Sajid. The movie, to be helmed by Shashank Khaitan of Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014) fame, is expected to roll in November.
A crew member reveals, “The film is an intense love story. Aisi Deewangi Dekhi Nahin Kahin is the tentative name with which we refer to the project; it’s not set in stone. The title is from the hit song of Deewana that kickstarted Shah Rukh’s career.”
Neha Dhupia joins Kunal Kemmu in Shashank Khaitan’s Single Papa
11:08 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 25, 2025)
In January, reports emerged that filmmaker Shashank Khaitan — currently wrapping up the Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor-starrer Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari — would make his OTT debut with Single Papa. Following Kunal Kemmu’s casting, sources now reveal that Neha Dhupia has joined the family entertainer, in a pivotal role.
A source close to the production reveals that the series is currently underway. “The show is in its final phase of shooting. Neha Dhupia has joined [the cast] to play one of the key leading parts in the show. The makers are [trying to] build a strong ensemble, bringing in actors with sharp comic timing. Neha brings both warmth and sharp wit to the table — qualities that perfectly complement Kunal’s energy,” shares the source.
The insider added that the dynamic between their characters forms the emotional and comic core of the show. “Shashank was clear he wanted an actor who could hold her own opposite Kunal. Their pairing brings a fresh spark to the screens,” expressed the source, adding that the slice-of-life entertainer will “most likely stream on Netflix.”
Sajid Nadiadwala to launch son Subhan with Shashank Khaitan's directorial
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With Sikandar almost wrapped up, sources say producer Sajid Nadiadwala to launch his son Subhan with his next; Shashank Khaitan to helm it
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 28, 2025)
Another industry kid is readying for his debut in Bollywood. Industry insiders have told mid-day that with Salman Khan’s Sikandar nearing completion, producer Sajid Nadiadwala is now focusing on his next project that will serve as his son Subhan Nadiadwala’s launch vehicle. The film will be helmed by Shashank Khaitan, known for directing Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014) and Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017).
It turns out that Subhan, who harboured acting ambitions since a young age, began training two years ago. A source close to the development shares, “Subhan has been training not only in acting, action, and voice modulation, but also in different aspects of filmmaking. He worked behind the scenes at his father’s production house for a few years. Sajid wanted him to be well-versed in every aspect before facing the camera. Since 2025 marks 75 years of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Sajid feels it’s the perfect time to launch the next generation. For the past year, he had been neck-deep in Sikandar’s shoot. With the actioner almost complete, he will finalize this project with Shashank. The film is expected to go on floors in June.”
Details about the movie’s plot and female lead are under wraps. From what we’ve heard, it will be an out-and-out entertainer with a thrust on romance.
The source adds, “Earlier, Shashank was to work on Dhadkan’s reboot and Sajid on the new edition of Judwaa. But with those projects taking longer than expected, they have decided to focus on this film, which will be primarily shot in Mumbai.”
Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari team begin three-week schedule in Udaipur
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Varun, Janhvi, Sanya kick off Udaipur leg of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari; director to film all ensemble sequences in stint
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; September 10, 2024)
The joy of an ensemble film is that it feels less like work and more like fun. The cast of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari would agree. After kicking off Shashank Khaitan’s directorial venture in May in Mumbai, Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor have now headed to Udaipur.
Akshay Oberoi, who is part of the romantic comedy that also features Sanya Malhotra and Rohit Saraf, says the ongoing schedule has been delightful. “Anyone can imagine the scenario on the set—the laughter, the bonding, and all the fun behind the scenes. I’m enjoying every bit of it,” he shares.
We hear Khaitan has charted out a three-week schedule in Rajasthan during which most combination scenes will be canned. The unit will follow it up with another stint in Mumbai. Oberoi says being part of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari has only reinforced his faith in ensemble films.
“I remember those ’80s films that had all the stars— from Vinod Khanna to Jackie Shroff and Anil Kapoor. The audiences used to love those movies because they would see so many different characters on screen. [Another advantage is] that the weight of the entire film does not rest on one person. Ensemble films bring your favourite heroes together on screen; we should be doing more of them.”
Janhvi Kapoor is wonderful. Varun Dhawan never brings his stardom to set-Akshay Oberoi
9:16 AM
Akshay, who stars in Sunny Sanskari, says director Shashank understands actors’ needs and extracts the best from them
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 1, 2024)
What does a big film on your résumé do? Gets you a bigger movie. Fighter did just that for Akshay Oberoi. Soon after he featured in director Siddharth Anand’s aerial action thriller, the actor bagged Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, which is led by Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor.
“Working on Fighter has been a transformative experience for me. Its success has landed me a substantial role in Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, directed by Shashank Khaitan. Additionally, the recognition from Fighter has [opened me up to] the southern film industry, and I will be part of a yet-unannounced south project,” shares Oberoi.
Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, also starring Sanya Malhotra and Rohit Saraf, is set against the backdrop of a wedding and went on floors in May. While working in a Dharma production is a dream come true for Oberoi, the joy of collaborating with Khaitan and Dhawan stands out for him.
“Shashank understands an actor’s language. He knows how to bring out the best, because he knows exactly what to say to you. I have already worked with Sanya [on Love Hostel]; she is a great talent. Janhvi is wonderful. Varun never brings his stardom to set, and his fun energy keeps the set lively.”
It’s a surreal moment to be cast as a Dharma hero-Rohit Saraf
8:05 AM
Terming it a ‘huge deal’ to bag a KJo film so early on in his career, Rohit Saraf says working with all-star cast of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari will better his craft
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 13, 2024)
For Rohit Saraf, the past few weeks have been straight out of a dream. Late last month, the actor was launched as a mainstream hero with Ishq Vishk Rebound, and now, he finds himself on the set of a Karan Johar production.
“It’s a surreal moment to be cast as a Dharma hero,” he tells us. Saraf has been cast in director Shashank Khaitan’s Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, which stars Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor and Sanya Malhotra. It certainly is an opportunity that most youngsters hope for, and few get.
“To be directed by Shashank Khaitan is a huge deal. Varun, Janhvi and Sanya are not merely stars, but talented actors. I am not at all nonchalant; I am freaking out about this film. I love the story, the script and am so grateful for this opportunity. We’ve shot for a few days,” he says.
Saraf became something of a Gen-Z darling with his hit series, Mismatched. But it has taken him 12 years to make the journey from YA television shows to supporting roles in films, and now, big-ticket projects.
“I count myself lucky to be part of this storytelling community. Yet, success doesn’t diminish my ambition. I’m driven by a desire for personal growth and continuous improvement, rather than external validation.”
Happy as he is to have ticked a Johar film off his wish-list so early on in the movies, he is eager to see what lies ahead. “I’m satisfied with how far I have come, yet an insatiable curiosity drives me forward. There is scope for improvement, and I’ll be able to do that on sets like these.”
Varun Dhawan to begin for shooting for David Dhawan's next on July 12
8:54 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 9, 2024)
After a string of comedies, Varun Dhawan and his filmmaker-father David Dhawan are reuniting for a romantic comedy. Recently, mid-day reported that the director had roped in Mrunal Thakur and Kannada actor Sreeleela for the yet-untitled venture (Three to tango, June 26). Now, word is that Varun, having wrapped up the filming of Baby John, will kick off work on the rom-com on July 12.
With less than a week to go for filming, the lead cast has apparently begun its table reads. A source reveals, “The shoot starts at Mehboob Studios in Bandra on July 12. A huge set has been erected, and over the first week, David will shoot indoor scenes with the leading man at the venue. The schedule has been planned in such a way that the team will film in the Bandra studio through the monsoons, after which they will move to other locations.”
The actor, who embraced fatherhood last month, will juggle this project with Shashank Khaitan’s Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari.
The yet-untitled film marks Varun’s fourth collaboration with his director-dad after Main Tera Hero (2014), Judwaa 2 (2017) and Coolie No 1 (2020). If things work out as planned, they will wrap up the project by Diwali.
Ibrahim Ali Khan to romance Janhvi Kapoor, Mahima Makwana in his third film
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Navya Kharbanda (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 18, 2024)
Ibrahim Ali Khan, actors Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh’s son, and Sara Ali Khan’s brother, is gearing up to make his Bollywood debut with Sarzameen soon, followed by Naadiniyaan alongside Khushi Kapoor. Now, we have exclusively learnt that Ibrahim has signed a third movie, in which he will be romancing actors Janhvi Kapoor and Mahima Makwana.
“Ibrahim, Janhvi and Mahima have signed up for a rom-com together. The scripting and casting of the film are done, and other parts of the pre-production stage will be done soon. Shooting is slated to begin next year for the theatrical release,” a source tells us.
The insider reveals more details about the Shashank Khaitan directorial: “It will be a love triangle featuring these three actors. The plot is like Main Tera Hero (2014) with actors Ileana D’Cruz, Nargis Fakhri and Varun Dhawan. And Ibrahim’s character will have a lisp.”
We contacted the director, but there was no response till the time of going to the press.
Renuka Shahane finds auditions ‘raw’ and ‘cold’
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Ashish Kumar Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 27, 2022)
Actor Renuka Shahane is rarely seen on the big screen, but when she does, she makes sure her roles take centre stage. The 56-year-old, who recently played actor Vicky Kaushal’s mother in Govinda Naam Mera, says that she is indeed picky about projects.
“Whatever roles are offered to me, I want them to make a difference to the script. It’s not the length of a role that decides [if I’ll do a film or not], but the fact that the movie can be made or not without that character. The role has to be consequential to the plot. In that sense, yes, I am choosy,” she confesses.
Shedding light on the other factors that count, Shahane adds that it also depends on the credibility of the people she collaborates with. “You spend so much time on a particular subject and if it doesn’t see the light of day, you feel shattered. So, whoever you are working with has to see the project through,” says the actor, adding that she doesn’t pay much heed to things like which production house or banner is backing a project.
But one thing that the Tribhanga (2021) director is still not able to wrap her head around is the audition process. “For me, as an actor, it is very important to build a character. And that evolves through discussions with directors. Auditions are very raw and too many things are not told about the character. Directors are not even there to direct you during an audition. I feel it is a cold way of doing things,” says Shahane.
Citing an example of working with director Shashank Khaitan in her latest web film, the actor asserts, “Shashank did take my reading, but it wasn’t an audition as such. He wanted me to read out the script with my input. The moment he told me what he wanted, it became easier for me to build the character, emote and give what was expected of me.”
Anees Bazmee and I will work together at some point; it’s only a matter of when-Varun Dhawan
8:28 AM
Having realized his wish of collaborating with Nitesh on Bawaal, Varun eager to work with south filmmakers Lokesh and Atlee
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; December 23, 2022)
If 2022 has been a year of introspection for Varun Dhawan, he is approaching the coming year with only one thing in mind: action. The actor will open the year with Bawaal, which gave him the opportunity to collaborate with Nitesh Tiwari — a director who had long been on his wish-list. Working with the filmmaker was everything he had hoped for.
“I am excited about Bawaal. Ajju bhaiyya is a character I loved playing. The film will be a fun ride,” he says of the love story that also features Janhvi Kapoor.
Besides Bawaal, the actor has the Indian version of Citadel, helmed by Raj-DK, in the pipeline. Rumours also suggest that he will team up with director Anees Bazmee for an action comedy. “Anees sir and I will work together at some point; it’s only a matter of when. But right now, there’s nothing [on the cards]. He is making another film.”
While Bazmee is certainly on his wish-list, some more directors have piqued his interest with their distinct voices. “There are so many directors I want to work with — from Lokesh Kanagaraj, to Atlee. I would also love to reunite with Shashank Khaitan and Amar Kaushik.”
Chances of Dhawan reuniting with Bhediya director Kaushik are high. Fans are speculating that the actor will be seen in a cameo in the director’s next, Stree 2, after Stree’s leading man Rajkummar Rao made an appearance in Dhawan’s monster comedy.
“Dinesh Vijan [producer] and Amar are keen to revisit the Bhediya character. You saw Stree’s characters [make an appearance] in Bhediya, and now, [it will be vice versa].”
Lokesh Kanagaraj and Atlee
I was certain I’d be rejected by Dharma Productions-Viraj Ghelani
8:24 AM
Viraj, who plays Bhumi’s boyfriend in Govinda Naam Mera, says he dilly-dallied on the audition as he feared rejection
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; December 19, 2022)
While most would jump at the opportunity of auditioning for a Karan Johar production, Viraj Ghelani dilly-dallied for a month. “I had faced so many rejections in my initial years that I was certain I’d be rejected by Dharma Productions too. But I eventually did [a screen test],” says the actor, who plays Bhumi Pednekar’s boyfriend Baldev Chaddha in Govinda Naam Mera.
Ghelani may be a YouTube content creator, but acting is a different ball game. Naturally, he was nervous before giving his first shot. He credits director Shashank Khaitan for addressing his fears, which enabled him to deliver a one-take shot.
“Shashank explained to me that he is making a movie [that is] on a much bigger scale than my YouTube videos. So if he found anything lacking in my performance, he wouldn’t hesitate to ask for a retake. He patiently cleared my doubts and boosted my confidence.”
While his character is at loggerheads with Vicky Kaushal’s protagonist in the crime comedy, they bonded easily off screen. “During breaks, Vicky and I would chat about our journeys, in his vanity van.”
I love playing women who challenge the status quo in society-Bhumi Pednekar
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Playing a domineering wife pursuing extra-marital relationship in Govinda Naam Mera, Bhumi says her character challenges society’s gender roles
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; December 15, 2022)
To Bhumi Pednekar, her character Gauri Waghmare from Govinda Naam Mera is “an unstoppable force of nature”. More importantly, she lives life on her terms. If her choreographer-husband — essayed by Vicky Kaushal — finds love outside marriage, Gauri turns the tables on him by flaunting her new boyfriend.
“Gauri can stand up to a man, and be vocal about what she wants in life. I thank Shashank [Khaitan, director] for giving me the freedom to run riot with the character,” begins Pednekar, who had a blast essaying the part.
Govinda Naam Mera, also starring Kiara Advani, is designed as a masala crime comedy centred on a frustrated husband and his domineering wife. From the trailer, it is evident that Pednekar’s character calls the shots in the marriage. Her character’s independent streak, coupled with the unconventional gender dynamics, drew the actor to the film.
“I love playing women who challenge the status quo in society, and change the lens on gender. I would like this to be my calling card. Through my body of work, I want to loudly speak about the need for equality.”
In her seven-year run in the industry, the actor has constantly championed the cause through her movies. The stories and their milieu may be varied, but the women at the centre are similar — each fierce, and exercising agency. From the new bride who seeks a divorce citing the lack of toilet in her marital home, in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017), to the soft-spoken Sumi who comes out of the closet in Badhaai Do, Pednekar says it has been a conscious choice to play these spirited characters.
“I have always believed that cinema can be a powerful tool to showcase strong, independent and progressive women on screen. I have consciously chosen films that present the woman of today. I have been inclined to play women who haven’t compromised on their dreams and wishes, and stood up against patriarchy.”
With Varun Dhawan, the film had a different background. With Vicky Kaushal, I have changed over 40% of it-Shashank Khaitan
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Director Khaitan says he changed the background and ‘over 40 per cent’ of Mr Lele’s premise to make the crime comedy, Govinda Naam Mera
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; December 8, 2022)
One look at the trailer of Govinda Naam Mera tells you that it’s a masala comedy designed to appeal to the masses. Yet, the Vicky Kaushal, Bhumi Pednekar and Kiara Advani-starrer — initially planned as a theatrical offering — is set to première on Disney+ Hotstar next weekend. What led to the change of plans, especially at a time when films like Drishyam 2 and Bhediya have ended Bollywood’s dry spell?
Director Shashank Khaitan explains, “The film was written in the first lockdown, shot in the second and was ready [in early 2022]. But at the time, films that were clear favourites [tanked] at the box office. What you’re seeing today is the [result] of decisions taken much earlier.”
Taking Govinda Naam Mera on floors has been a journey in itself. In 2019, the director had announced Mr Lele with Varun Dhawan. While the comedy did not materialize, Khaitan is said to have reimagined it with a different leading man and title. “With Varun, the film had a different background. With Vicky, I have changed over 40 per cent of it. I’m a writer who incorporates the actor’s traits into the character and the script. Every actor comes with his own energy, and I am glad I got to make it with Vicky.”
Kaushal is known to gravitate towards intense subjects — be it Raazi (2018), or Sardar Udham (2021). The upcoming crime comedy will see him in a new light, says the director. “I think this is his toughest performance because here, he can’t rely on anything — say, make-up or background music [to elevate his act]. I’m not taking away from his hard work in serious films, but in a comedy, if an actor doesn’t deliver the punch correctly, the joke fails. Govinda Naam Mera may not have been an emotionally draining process, but demanded as much effort as any intense film.”
Khaitan had announced a few other movies as well — Rannbhoomi, Screw Dheela, and Bedhadak that was to launch Shanaya Kapoor. But the projects have yet to get off the ground. “We have overcome such a tough period in humanity. In another six months, we should be in a better place. We were planning to start Bedhadak early 2023; we’re figuring it out. It has newcomers, but is still an expensive film. All the films that I’ve announced will be made in due time.”
Tiger Shroff to shoot for Shashank Khaitan's next in Portugal
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Sources say Shroff to kick off his next in Portugal in August; director Khaitan to film romantic songs and action scenes during three-week schedule
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 3, 2022)
Tiger Shroff is currently taking his next, Ganapath, to the finish line. After he wraps up the actioner, the actor will begin prepping for his yet-untitled next to be helmed by Shashank Khaitan. Word is that Khaitan will take his romantic actioner on floors in August, in Portugal. This will be the third Hindi movie to be shot in Portugal after Siddharth Anand’s War (2019), and Imtiaz Ali’s Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017).
The southern European country is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, architectural treasures, and colourful culture. It offers beautiful backdrops for shoots—from the historic Belem Tower to the colourful Aveiro, from Serra da Estrela (Portugal’s highest mountain range) to the Palácio Nacional da Pena—all of which will be on the unit’s itinerary.
A source reveals, “Portugal is a film-friendly destination offering generous tax rebates, local crew pools, rental companies and strong production support.” It is heard that Khaitan will wrap up a promotional video for Govinda Naam Mera, after which he will turn his attention to the Shroff-starrer.
The source adds, “The director intends to wrap up the video featuring Vicky Kaushal and Kiara Advani, and then head to Portugal for the recce. The movie is backed by Karan Johar. While Tiger has earlier featured in Karan’s Dharma Production Student Of The Year 2 [2019], this movie marks the actor’s first project with Shashank. A number of action and chase sequences, and some romantic songs will be filmed in the three-week schedule. The remaining schedules will be conducted in India and other countries.”
It is heard that Shroff will sport a distinct look in the movie. “Tiger needs to build a lean, ripped body. The leading lady has yet to be finalised. Shraddha Kapoor and Janhvi Kapoor are among the frontrunners.”
After returning from New York holiday, Vicky Kaushal to wrap up Govinda Naam Mera shoot with a dance number
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Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; May 10, 2022)
Vicky Kaushal may be currently holidaying in New York with actor-wife Katrina Kaif, but work will soon come calling. The actor has wrapped up the shoot of Govinda Naam Mera, save for a dance number. After he returns to the bay, he is expected to film the song, thus marking the completion of Shashank Khaitan’s comedy that also stars Bhumi Pednekar and Kiara Advani.
It is heard that a massive set is being built at Chitrakoot ground in Andheri for the song. “Vicky has barely had the opportunity to showcase his dancing skills on screen, barring Dhyaanchand in Manmarziyaan [2018]. So, he is looking forward to this number, which will have him grooving to desi beats. Shashank has envisioned it as a fun, quirky offering that will be one of the film’s highlights. If all goes as planned, Vicky will hit the dance floor on June 3, following a few days of rehearsals,” reveals a source.
Govinda Naam Mera is a fun take on a love triangle that sees Pednekar as Kaushal’s on-screen wife and Advani as his girlfriend. The Karan Johar production was announced last November.
Image: 2 years after Street Dancer, Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor reunite for a brand commercial
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Two years after Street Dancer 3D, Varun-Shraddha reunite for brand commercial that is helmed by Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania director
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; March 23, 2022)
When Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor are together, dance can’t be far behind. Two years after Street Dancer 3D (2020), the actors reunited for the shoot of a brand commercial yesterday. The ad, which was filmed at Chitrakoot Studios in Andheri, has been designed keeping the lead actors in mind and sees them put on their dancing shoes.
Reunion appeared to be the theme of the day for Dhawan, with the app’s commercial being helmed by his close friend and Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014) director Shashank Khaitan.
After the success of Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017), the actor-director jodi were to team up for Mr Lele. However, the project failed to materialise. While a feature film will happen when it’s meant to, Dhawan and Khaitan were glad to team up for the campaign.
A source from the unit reveals, “Having worked together, Shashank knows how to present Varun on screen. He knows that the two actors share crackling chemistry and are superb dancers. So, he wove a dance element into the ad. They began the shoot around noon, calling it a wrap by late evening.”
Vanessa Walia (second from left in the picture), who previously produced John Abraham’s Romeo Akbar Walter (2019), is backing the commercial. She says, “Shashank directed them beautifully as he knows them personally, and has worked with Varun in the past.”
Shashank Khaitan resumes the shoot of Mr Lele with Vicky Kaushal and Kiara Advani
8:24 AM
With crew of 'Mr Lele' vaccinated, Vicky Kaushal-Kiara Advani resumed filming in Andheri bungalow on June 15; 40-day schedule drawn up
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 19, 2021)
Within weeks of going on floors, the shoot of Mr Lele had to be called off after Vicky Kaushal and Bhumi Pednekar contracted the Coronavirus in the first week of April. The subsequent junta curfew imposed in Maharashtra only delayed matters further. Now, it is learnt that director Shashank Khaitan resumed the shoot of the comedy with Kaushal and Kiara Advani on June 15. The shoot was greenlit by producer Karan Johar only after the cast and crew got the first dose of the vaccine.
Khaitan has planned a 10-day schedule at an Andheri bungalow. “While Vicky and Kiara reported to the set on Tuesday, Bhumi joined them on Friday. Shashank has lined up some indoor sequences for the next week, after which he will take the film across different locations in Mumbai. He has lined up a 40-day schedule,” reveals a trade source.
He had originally announced the project last year with Varun Dhawan. While the movie did not roll then for various reasons, he has tweaked the script to suit the new cast. The source adds, “Vicky apparently plays a conman who juggles his two love interests. The movie’s title has been changed and is being kept under wraps for now.”
Ashok Dubey, general secretary, Federation of Western India Cine Employees, confirms the development, adding, “Producers can resume shoots only after their crews are vaccinated.”
Anthology films gain momentum on the web
8:13 AM
Content creators, actors open up on this digital trend and what attracts them to the format that binds several short films together with a similar theme
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 15, 2021)
The first decade of the 21st century witnessed a bevy of films offering a cluster of stories tied together by a common theme. Films such as Darna Mana Hai (2003), Dus Kahaniyaan (2007), I Am (2010), among others, introduced the Indian audience to this new format of cinema, known as anthology films.
While these films failed to create a stir at the box office, the concept gradually moved to the web space, where it is gaining both traction and prominence.
Following the critical success of theatrical release, Bombay Talkies (2013), filmmakers Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap, Dibakar Banerjee and Zoya Akhtar took a plunge and helmed Lust Stories (2018), that proved to be a trendsetter. Since last year, the OTT space has witnessed an array of anthology films such as Ghost Stories, Unpaused, Paava Kadaigal, Zindagi inShort (all 2020), Pitta Kathalu and Ajeeb Daastaans, which went on to win acclaim for their motifs and treatment.
Filmmaker Shashank Khaitan who directed Majnu in Ajeeb Daastaans agrees that the format has generated a conversation. “It’s interesting because you get a combination of at least four filmmakers together and then they’re able to bring in extraordinary actors too. And that’s a treat for the audience. Bringing many actors in a feature film might be difficult as one might not be able to justify their characters,” he says.
Going ahead, there is an impressive slate of anthology films lined up for release including Ray (based on Satyajit Ray’s stories), Feels Like Ishq and Aisa Waisa Pyaar (both themed on love). Tamil anthology film Navarasa is also in the making.
Actor Ali Fazal who’ll be seen in Ray, says, “It’s interesting because we can weave in different stories and characters in an anthology film. This is an interesting way to collaborate with amazing filmmakers and talents. As an audience, I like the common string that connects all stories together.”
Actor Divya Dutta who was seen in Zindagi inShort says anthology films are crisp and offer different takes on a single theme: “Isn’t it more fun to watch four distinctly different films made in four distinct styles than one? An anthology film is all about the magic of a short film being told in that much time with an equivalent way of storytelling as much as a feature. It’s nice to watch a bouquet of stories told from the perspectives of different people.”
Ridhima Lulla, chief content officer, Eros Group, producer of Aisa Waisa Pyaar feels that “limited storylines” inspire and connect more with the audience. She says, “It provides a greater variety of content to the viewers within their preferred genre. It presents an opportunity to watch their favourite celebrities in diverse roles.”
Ashish Saksena, COO – cinemas at BookMyShow, believes the format has picked up steam recently with newer content making its way through OTT services. “With growing access to and adoption of OTT platforms, such films have gained more visibility amongst diverse audiences as creators get more liberty to experiment with both narratives and form,” he signs off.
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