Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 16, 2020)

After the last schedule of Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmastra was suspended amidst coronavirus scare (Mirror, March 13), the Abhimanyu Dassani-starrer Nikamma now finds itself in a similar situation. The film’s 10-day final schedule, which was to kick off this week, has been postponed indefinitely. The action-entertainer is slated for a June 5 release.

A source informs that the makers of the film, which marks Shilpa Shetty’s return to the big screen after 13 years and the acting debut of internet sensation singer Shirley Setia, took the call keeping safety in mind. “The team was supposed to film a love song and a few scenes on a set in a city studio. When the number of diagnosed cases started to increase, they thought it would be safer to postpone the shoot till the situation improves,” the source added. The set has been dismantled and will be put together again when shooting resumes.
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Despite having erected a set worth crores in Madh Island, Nikamma director Sabbir Khan cancels song shoot
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 16, 2020)

While the Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association (IMPPA), Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and Indian Film & Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) announced yesterday that the shoot of Hindi films and television shows will be halted from March 19 in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, the team of Shilpa Shetty starrer Nikamma pre-emptively called off the film's shoot, on Saturday.

Turns out, a set worth a few crores had been erected in Madh Island over the past few days for the filming of the title track, which was to feature Shetty, lead actor Abhimanyu Dassani and Shirley Setia. While the shoot was to kick-off yesterday, director Sabbir Khan — keeping the crew's best interests in mind — sent word on Saturday that the stint had been cancelled until further notice.

"The film is almost complete. We only had to shoot the title song, and one scene, and had taken combination dates from the actors from March 15 to 19. However, with the rise of COVID-19 cases, it seemed too much of a risk to gather an entire unit of over 200 people. Crew members simultaneously work on multiple projects and travel all over, so they are at a higher risk [of contracting the virus]. So, it's best to keep the shoot on hold till this is contained," explains Khan of the June release.

The director informs that the set has been dismantled. Ask him about the losses incurred due to the sudden change in plans, and Khan clarifies, "The film is insured. Even if there is some monetary loss, as the director and part-producer [along with Sony Pictures Entertainment], it is our job to be responsible. We will resume shooting when the situation is better."


Before and After

Kapil Sharma on dubbing for the hot-headed bird in the film’s Hindi version
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 25, 2019)

Three years after the release of Angry Birds, an animated film based on a popular video game by the same name, the makers are coming up with a sequel. Like most Hollywood films, The Angry Birds Movie 2 will be dubbed in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu for its release in India. Mirror has learnt that Kapil Sharma has been roped in to lend his voice to the central character, Red, for the film’s Hindi version.

Comedian-actor Jason Sudeikis has been voicing the character in English and though nervous about matching his pitch, Kapil eventually found the dubbing to be fun because “there was ample of scope to improvise”. Pointing out that dubbing for a film is different than voicing for a character, he says, “In the West, artists first voice for their characters and based on that, the film is shot using graphics. But over here, we have to talk according to the graphics.”

The comedian-actor, who rose to fame with a television show, confesses that he could relate to the character he was voicing for. “He is the hero but, at times, he gets entangled in tough situations. Knowing my history, you’d agree I am Red”, he chuckles.

Kapil goes on to promise that his audience will not be disappointed as Red is quite funny just like him. “The producers (Sony Pictures Entertainment India) expected me to scale up the humour and I have but it’s very situational. In fact, there are times when the character’s anger will make people laugh,” he reveals, adding that he is certain that people will connect to Red. “Though I’ll be voicing the character, they won’t see me in it,” he assures.

Recently, Shah Rukh Khan, Varun Dhawan, Ranveer Singh have lent their voice for the Hindi version of Hollywood films. Ask Kapil if the trend is here to stay and he reasons, “When Shah Rukh Bhai dubbed for the film, the audience could relate more to the character because it spoke in a voice they recognised.”

On the personal front, Kapil and Ginni Chatrath, who tied the knot in December last year, are set to welcome their first child. “I just want to take care of my wife and be by her side for now. We are obviously very excited as it’s our first kid but my mother is the most excited. She has been waiting for this moment for years now. We are just praying for Ginni and the baby’s health,” Kapil shares. And how is he prepping up for his role of a father? “There is no prep because we don’t know if it would be a boy or girl. It’s a happy time for the family and everybody is looking forward to welcome the new member,” he says dismissively before quipping, “I am dubbing for a film for children. So, once the baby grows up, it will pay off,” he grins.

BOMBAY TIMES (June 19, 2019)

Sony Pictures International Productions has an impressive slate of Hindi films for 2020. The line-up includes films across genres, from an action entertainer to a biopic thriller.

The studio has ramped up its production in India by collaborating with four leading filmmakers —Umesh Shukla (OMG Oh My God! and 102 Not Out), Sabbir Khan (Baaghi, Heropanti), Sajid Samji (director of Housefull 3 and co-writer of multiple Bollywood hits, including Judwaa 2, Singham and Simmba)) and Sashi Kiran Tikka (Telugu film Goodachari). All the four films will go on floors before the end of this year.

The studio’s aim is to develop strong in-house content by partnering with writers, directors, and creative production houses. Vivek Krishnani, MD, Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) Films India Private Ltd, says, “We are excited to work with such talented filmmakers, with whom we share a common vision, as we seek to become a content-led studio. With Umesh, Sabbir, Sajid and Sashi working on different subjects, we can’t wait to bring entertaining, clutter-breaking content to the audience.”

Laine Kline, head of Sony Pictures International Productions, shares, “India continues to be a top priority for us. These filmmakers epitomise what makes Indian cinema special, and their distinctive creative visions will elevate each project on our upcoming slate.”

The directors, too, are excited to join hands with the studio. Sabbir Khan says, “I am happy to partner with them, as I like their approach. We have been collaborators, right from brainstorming various ideas to penning the final draft of the script. They have a team of like-minded people, who are facilitating everything to make the right kind of films.”

Umesh Shukla adds, “I want to offer content that’s relevant, entertaining, funny and which conveys a message. Having known this team since 102 Not Out, I know that they have always tried to make meaningful cinema.”

Sajid Samji shares, “Working with an international studio is a big high, but what makes it truly exciting is that the entire team is approachable. Their faith in the director is encouraging. I also feel that I am in safe hands, as I know that they will do a good job; apart from producing the film, they will take its marketing and promotions to another level.”

On his part, Sashi Kiran Tikka notes, “As filmmakers, we look for opportunities to tell stories that inspire and move us. The life of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who was martyred in the 26/11 attacks, is one such story, and I’m grateful to Sony Pictures and G Mahesh Babu Entertainment for giving me this opportunity.”

Meanwhile, the studio is also gearing up for a big Hollywood line-up this year. While Men In Black: International released recently, the upcoming films include Spider-Man: Far From Home, Angry Birds 2, Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood, the Charlie’s Angels reboot and the sequel to 2017 hit, Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle.

MUMBAI MIRROR (February 28, 2019)

The last words of the brave heart Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who died in the line of duty during the November 26 attacks in Mumbai in 2008, were, “Don’t come upstairs, I will handle them.” Sony Pictures Entertainment and Mahesh Babu are bringing the story of real-life hero, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, to life on the big screen. The brave NSG commando had saved several hostages during the 26/11 attack at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai and ended up sacrificing his life for the nation. He was decorated with the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest military honor in peace time for his bravery. The film titled Major will dive deep into the life of legend Major Unnikrishnan whose courage and bravery has made the nation proud.

Major is a bilingual and will be released in Hindi and Telugu. It marks the foray of Sony Pictures International Productions into the Telugu film industry as well as Mahesh Babu Productions’ entry into Hindi cinema. The film is co-produced by Adivi Entertainment, Sharath Chandra and Anurag Reddy’s A+S Movies.

Major Unnikrishnan’s role will be played by Adivi Sesh, a young actor who has previously written and featured prominently in breakout Telugu hits, Kshanam and Goodachari. The film, that will explore the life of the martyr, will be directed by Shashkiran Tikka.

Vivek Krishnani, MD, Sony Pictures Entertainment in India, says “We are excited to partner with Mahesh and Namrata who are such creative forces and are equally thrilled to welcome them in the Hindi film industry. Sesh and Shashi make their debut in Hindi cinema wth this film and we absolutely love the passion with which they have envisioned Major.”

Namrata Shirodkar Ghattamaneni, MD, G Mahesh Babu Entertainment says, “Mahesh and I have envisioned GMB to bring stories that resonate globally. We are excited to be able to tell such a unique and original story about a National hero’s life. The honesty of Sesh and Sashi’s vision for Major’s story echoed with us and in Sony Pictures we found the right partners to bring the incredible story on the big screen not only for a Pan-Indian audience, but an international one.”

Major will go on the floors in the next few months and is expected to release by 2020.

BOMBAY TIMES (November 15, 2017)

From the time it was announced, R Balki’s Pad Man has been in the news. Akshay Kumar plays the protagonist in this film that is inspired by the life of Arunachalam Muruganantham, an Indian entrepreneur who invented the low-cost sanitary pad making machine and revolutionised the movement of cost-effective female hygiene in the country.

Scheduled to release on January 26, the movie, also starring Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte, is a progressive family entertainer. After Toilet - Ek Prem Katha, which also centered around the issue of open defecation, Pad Man once again reinforces Akshay’s commitment to social entertainers — films that entertain as well as address significant social issues. To ensure the film reaches the widest audience, Sony Pictures Entertainment is distributing it worldwide, while also ramping up its India division simultaneously, by tying up with KriArj Entertainment on the film. Upbeat about their new association, Sanford Panitch, President, Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, says, “What makes Akshay and Twinkle (Khanna) special is that they have found a way to make a wonderfully affecting and heart-warming movie that can also bring about a social change. Not only are the movies he makes the kind that the big mass audience enjoys, but he is uniquely successful because he has been courageous about his instincts. We are looking forward to working with Akshay and Twinkle on many projects.”

Calling Pad Man a very special film for many reasons, Akshay says, “It is my wife’s first film from her production house, Mrs Funnybones Movies. She introduced me to Arunachalam Muruganantham and his wonderful story that has a universal resonance and Balki has brought it to life beautifully. Sanford and the Sony Pictures team are ideally placed to take it to audiences worldwide and we look forward to sharing this journey with them.”

Excited to partner with Akshay, Twinkle and KriArj Entertainment on this film, Vivek Krishnani, Managing Director, Sony Pictures Entertainment, India, says, “Pad Man is bound to make every Indian proud because it celebrates a true indigenous inventor and innovator who brought a massive social change.”

Arjun N Kapoor of KriArj Entertainment, sums it up saying, “This film will be path-breaking in more ways than one and we believe that if there are stories that deserve to be told, this one tops the list. We couldn’t have had better creative forces combined than Balki, Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna to portray this extraordinary tale of an ordinary man.”