Showing posts with label Syed Ahmad Afzal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Syed Ahmad Afzal. Show all posts
Randeep Hooda, Akshay Oberoi-starrer Laal Rang 2 to go on floors this year
8:58 AM
Randeep and Akshay are set to reprise their popular roles of Shankar and Rajesh from Syed Ahmad Afzal’s Laal rang in a sequel of the 2016 film
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; February 17, 2023)
Seven years after the release of Laal Rang, Randeep Hooda and Akshay Oberoi are ready to reprise their roles for the sequel. Director Syed Ahmad Afzal’s black comedy, set in Haryana, revolved around the blood trade. While Hooda played the owner of an illegal blood bank, Oberoi was seen as Rajesh, a youngster who makes quick money after joining the former’s business.
The actor, excited to step into the shoes of Rajesh again, reveals that the second instalment will pick up where the first part ended. “My character started out as a wide-eyed boy who wants to take the world by storm, and realizes that you have to be knocked down by life to be able to see it. It was a grounded film, and its sequel cannot be a brand new story [in a different world],” says Oberoi.
If things go as planned, the sequel will roll later in the year, with Afzal resuming his place behind the camera. The affection in Oberoi’s voice is palpable as he speaks about reuniting with Hooda, whom he considers “one of the best in the business.”
“It was my third or fourth movie. I have done a lot of work since. Earlier, I was trying to stay afloat. Now, I will be able to learn new things from him and absorb more.”
Laal Rang makers come up with a charitable idea to promote the film among the youth
8:55 AM
MUMBAI MIRROR (April 18, 2016)
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.
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.
Awards are a very funny thing-Randeep Hooda
7:59 AM
Randeep Hooda opens up about not being recognised for his work among other things in a candid chat
Anirban Das (MID-DAY; April 7, 2016)
On a sultry Wednesday afternoon, we caught up with Randeep Hooda, who has just got down to the promotions of his next project, Laal Rang. Dressed in a white T-shirt and denims, he looked fresh and game for questions notwithstanding the fact that he had been doing interviews all morning. “Tired?” I asked. “Not at all,” he replied with a smile. He then reached into his pant pocket, took out his phone and started typing away. “Shall I wait?” I asked impatiently, but he insisted that he was ready to start the interview. Excerpts from the 30-minute conversation:
What interested you to sign Laal Rang?
I had met (director Syed Ahmed) Afzal long ago for some other film, but that did not materialise. But during the course of briefing, I realised that he is an exceptional talent. So, when he brought this script to me, it moved me. It deals with crime, romance and bromance. Moreover, it is set against the backdrop of Haryana where I hail from. The film will give Haryana its real idenitity. It is a very larger than life character — one of the most flamboyant characters that I have ever played in my career so far. I could relate to some of the things in the film because I have experienced them for real.
Are you talking about heartbreaks?
Yes, and also the bromance.
Although people appreciated your roles in multi-starrers like Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai and Jism 2, your solo hero films have not worked as much…
The reason why most of my solo lead role films suffered so much was that they were not promoted well. But that is not really my job. I do my job, which is acting, and then move out of the way. But I am going to do a lot more solo lead films. There is Sarbjit biopic and then Do Lafzon Ki Kahani. But I have also maintained a balance between mainstream and other roles. I make sure diverse work keeps me engaged and also interests the audience.
Your potential as an actor has never been questioned, but not many awards have come your way. What could be the reason behind it?
Awards are a very funny thing. They are meant for other things than just rewarding a performance. I have never shunned them (award functions) as such but I have also never worked for an award. That doesn’t really get my attention. My interest is more on good work and that keeps me busy. Naseeruddin (Shah) sir told me an interesting thing — in the Himalayas, there is a monastery where monks make intricate sand structures and once they are done with it, they destroy them to make another. That is my approach. Once I am done with my work in a film, I leave it to the audience. Whether the film industry acknowledges it or not is another thing.
Marketing a talent to become a star is as important as acting. Have you given a thought to the importance of marketing yourself?
It is a kind of a paradox that follows an actor. You have to market yourself because there is a career involved. I think it is good to master it (marketing). Some people are good at it and some are not. You can decide that your work can speak for itself but because of so much clutter in the information given to the audience, one can get lost.
Is there anything else that interests you apart from acting?
Sports. You either win or lose. It is not opinion-based or subjective.
Your love for horses is well known. What was your reaction to the horse beating incident in Deshradun?
I don’t know who hit the horse. But it was unfortunate that such a thing happened. My vet friend went there and put a prosthetic leg on the horse. I asked him about it and he said that he wants the horse to not just walk but also run. The government has asked him to perform a surgery on it.
Your personal life is not talked about much, unlike other actors…
Maybe because they think it is a way to stay in news. I find a lot of it manipulated. But to each his own. I have a lot of interesting things to talk about; talking about my personal life is unnecessary.
Laal Rang celebrates friendship and brotherly love
7:30 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (March 30, 2016)
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.
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.
Randeep Hooda in Yeh Laal Rang, film on blood theft in Haryana
8:08 AM
Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 13, 2015)
He started his acting career
more than a decade ago but Randeep Hooda has never
acted in a film set in his homestate of Haryana. But he has now
greenlit a social-drama which will see him return to his roots. Randeep is playing a Jat in Laal Rang. The film is directed by Syed
Ahmed Afzal who last helmed the Jacky Bhagnani-starrer Youngistaan.
Confirming this, Afzal told Mirror, “The film deals with a serious issue plaguing the region but it will be treated with a lot of dark humour.I have co-written the script with Pankaj Matta. We should go on floors by July.“
Asked to elaborate on the subject Afzal revealed that the film deals with thefts from blood banks. It's a common occurrence in Haryana but hasn't been explored in cinema before. “We hope to bring fresh insight into the crime of stealing blood and supplying it to places around Haryana, like the Delhi NCR region. Randeep will be playing a Jat for the first time,“ he asserts.
Randeep admits that he's usually apprehensive about scripts set in Haryana as they tend to grossly misrepresent his homestate. “But this one blew me over. Realistic cinema impresses me more than commercial cinema,“ he points out. Was he aware of the phenomena of blood thefts? “No, but I wasn't surprised,“ he says.
Confirming this, Afzal told Mirror, “The film deals with a serious issue plaguing the region but it will be treated with a lot of dark humour.I have co-written the script with Pankaj Matta. We should go on floors by July.“
Asked to elaborate on the subject Afzal revealed that the film deals with thefts from blood banks. It's a common occurrence in Haryana but hasn't been explored in cinema before. “We hope to bring fresh insight into the crime of stealing blood and supplying it to places around Haryana, like the Delhi NCR region. Randeep will be playing a Jat for the first time,“ he asserts.
Randeep admits that he's usually apprehensive about scripts set in Haryana as they tend to grossly misrepresent his homestate. “But this one blew me over. Realistic cinema impresses me more than commercial cinema,“ he points out. Was he aware of the phenomena of blood thefts? “No, but I wasn't surprised,“ he says.
Jackky Bhagnani cherishes Farooq Shaikh’s words
7:53 AM
Sunanya Suresh (BOMBAY TIMES; March 27, 2014)
Jackky Bhagnani, who plays Abhimanyu Kaul, a young Prime Minister, in Youngistaan, says the role is close to his heart. Though all his colleagues have appreciated his performance, the actor cannot forget Farooq Sheikh’s words. After shooting together for an intense scene, the late actor sent Jackky an SMS saying, “Aadab Jackky sahab, Maashaallah aapne bahut hi achha scene kiya aaj (sic). You’ve really got a grip on the character I think.”
Director Syed Ahmad Afzal says, “I appreciate Jackky’s ability to absorb a character to the extent that he starts living it. I have minutely observed how he internalised Abhimanyu.”
His leading lady Neha Sharma also recalls how he made the team feel at ease. “He’s pleasant to work with and ensures that the mood on the set is very light. He’s disciplined, punctual and hard-working; I’ve never seen him cheat on his diet.”
Executive producer Pranjal Khandhiya says, “Jackky represents the carefree, yet determined character of today’s youth. He has made Abhimanyu a real-life young Indian, who decides to be the change he wishes to see.” The film also stars Boman Irani and Kayoze Irani.
Youngistaan, produced by MSM Motion Pictures and Pooja Entertainment & Films Ltd, releases March 28.
Film and ad units have tough time shooting, performing at Taj Mahal
8:28 AM
Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; March 7, 2014)
Recently, producer Sanjay Kapoor and his team were shooting for their upcoming film, 'Tevar', at and around the Taj Mahal. During their 50-day
schedule, they even shot a song near the monument using a Jimmy Jib
crane camera. However, after a local complained to the archaeological
department (Archaeological Survey of India or ASI), the film unit was
asked to remove the crane.
An eyewitness says, “We had taken all the permissions from the respective departments, but for this particular song sequence, we used a Jimmy Jib camera crane. Just as we were carrying out our shoot, a local complained to the authorities. So we then had to stop using the crane and take shots with an arial camera.”
Sanjay Kapoor brushes it off as a
minor incident. “If one follows the procedures, there shouldn’t be any
issues. It is understood that if you shoot at any place of historical
significance -- be in India or abroad -- the unit has to follow the
rules laid down by the authorities,” he says.
Interestingly, 'Tevar' is not the only film to run into trouble over flouting rules governing shoots at / near the Taj Mahal. Several film units have had to stop shooting at the monument due to failure to abide by the authorities’ rules and regulations. Performing at the Taj Mahal has been a tricky affair too. N K Pathak, superintending archaeologist (monuments), Agra, points out the due procedure for film shoots. “The producer has to submit a copy of the script to us.
A form has to be filled spelling out details about the shoot and the unit, including its crewmembers. If a unit has on board a foreigner, then his or her details have to be submitted to us. We also need to know the instrument that will be used during the film’s shoot. Safety and security of the monument is our top priority,” he says, adding that in the Tevar instance, they had to stop the shoot as the unit didn’t have permissions to use the crane.
He also clarifies that while they don’t object to filmmakers using reflectors and umbrellas, any publicity material — for example, an imprint on the umbrella or a product endorsement — is strictly forbidden. He adds, “We only charge Rs 5,000 a day, but there is a refundable security deposit of Rs 50,000 that needs to made.”
hitlist brings you other instances where film units had to stop shooting or were not allowed to perform at the Taj Mahal because of their run in with the authorities. (with inputs by Bharati Dubey)
'Youngistaan'
The lowdown: Director Syed Ahmad Afzal recollects that shooting at the Taj Mahal in December last year was really tough for their unit. “With videography banned in certain areas of the Taj Mahal, we could only use a tripod and a camera to capture the front of the monument. Due to the ban on mirrors and umbrellas, artistes couldn’t even do their touch up in between shots. Also, I don’t see why ASI should object to umbrellas bearing logos or prints,” he says. Afzal shot most of his scenes in and around Mehtab Baug, which is close to the Taj.
'Ekk Deewana Tha'
The lowdown: In 2011, A R Rahman along with his team of singers had planned to perform at Mehtab Bagh in Agra against the backdrop of the Taj Mahal as part of promotions for the film, Ekk Deewana Tha. But the ASI declined permission for the same. While the exact reason is not known, it is said that permission was denied due to earlier damage caused by the crew of the film, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan.
'Mere Brother Ki Dulhan'
The lowdown: Director Ali Abbas Zafar shot a song sequence for his film at the Taj Mahal back in 2010. He recollects that apart from facing trouble while getting the required permission, the unit was also harrowed by the crowds that had gathered at the shoot. “I shot a couple of scenes and a song at the Taj Mahal using a steady cam. We were not allowed to use any equipment that has petrochemicals in it, so we couldn’t use generators anywhere in a 250 metre radius of the monument,” he says.
'Pardes'
The lowdown: Subhash Ghai shot several scenes from the film in and around the Taj Mahal. He says, “We had to apply for permission six months in advance. And yes, there is certain equipment that can’t be used there. I only used a trolley to shoot my scenes.”
A commercial shoot
The lowdown: In 2012, Miss Universe Olivia Culpo came to India from America for a 10-day trip aimed at spreading awareness about AIDS and women empowerment. During this trip, her crew decided to do an ad shoot with her at the Taj Mahal. Culpo apparently wore shoes at that shoot and even placed them on a bench as part of an allegedly unauthorised photo session. She soon received flak for her disrespectful act and was fined for the same.
An eyewitness says, “We had taken all the permissions from the respective departments, but for this particular song sequence, we used a Jimmy Jib camera crane. Just as we were carrying out our shoot, a local complained to the authorities. So we then had to stop using the crane and take shots with an arial camera.”
Sanjay Kapoor brushes it off as a
minor incident. “If one follows the procedures, there shouldn’t be any
issues. It is understood that if you shoot at any place of historical
significance -- be in India or abroad -- the unit has to follow the
rules laid down by the authorities,” he says.Interestingly, 'Tevar' is not the only film to run into trouble over flouting rules governing shoots at / near the Taj Mahal. Several film units have had to stop shooting at the monument due to failure to abide by the authorities’ rules and regulations. Performing at the Taj Mahal has been a tricky affair too. N K Pathak, superintending archaeologist (monuments), Agra, points out the due procedure for film shoots. “The producer has to submit a copy of the script to us.
A form has to be filled spelling out details about the shoot and the unit, including its crewmembers. If a unit has on board a foreigner, then his or her details have to be submitted to us. We also need to know the instrument that will be used during the film’s shoot. Safety and security of the monument is our top priority,” he says, adding that in the Tevar instance, they had to stop the shoot as the unit didn’t have permissions to use the crane.
He also clarifies that while they don’t object to filmmakers using reflectors and umbrellas, any publicity material — for example, an imprint on the umbrella or a product endorsement — is strictly forbidden. He adds, “We only charge Rs 5,000 a day, but there is a refundable security deposit of Rs 50,000 that needs to made.”
Other films that bore the brunt...
hitlist brings you other instances where film units had to stop shooting or were not allowed to perform at the Taj Mahal because of their run in with the authorities. (with inputs by Bharati Dubey)
'Youngistaan'The lowdown: Director Syed Ahmad Afzal recollects that shooting at the Taj Mahal in December last year was really tough for their unit. “With videography banned in certain areas of the Taj Mahal, we could only use a tripod and a camera to capture the front of the monument. Due to the ban on mirrors and umbrellas, artistes couldn’t even do their touch up in between shots. Also, I don’t see why ASI should object to umbrellas bearing logos or prints,” he says. Afzal shot most of his scenes in and around Mehtab Baug, which is close to the Taj.
'Ekk Deewana Tha'The lowdown: In 2011, A R Rahman along with his team of singers had planned to perform at Mehtab Bagh in Agra against the backdrop of the Taj Mahal as part of promotions for the film, Ekk Deewana Tha. But the ASI declined permission for the same. While the exact reason is not known, it is said that permission was denied due to earlier damage caused by the crew of the film, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan.
'Mere Brother Ki Dulhan'The lowdown: Director Ali Abbas Zafar shot a song sequence for his film at the Taj Mahal back in 2010. He recollects that apart from facing trouble while getting the required permission, the unit was also harrowed by the crowds that had gathered at the shoot. “I shot a couple of scenes and a song at the Taj Mahal using a steady cam. We were not allowed to use any equipment that has petrochemicals in it, so we couldn’t use generators anywhere in a 250 metre radius of the monument,” he says.
The lowdown: Subhash Ghai shot several scenes from the film in and around the Taj Mahal. He says, “We had to apply for permission six months in advance. And yes, there is certain equipment that can’t be used there. I only used a trolley to shoot my scenes.”
A commercial shootThe lowdown: In 2012, Miss Universe Olivia Culpo came to India from America for a 10-day trip aimed at spreading awareness about AIDS and women empowerment. During this trip, her crew decided to do an ad shoot with her at the Taj Mahal. Culpo apparently wore shoes at that shoot and even placed them on a bench as part of an allegedly unauthorised photo session. She soon received flak for her disrespectful act and was fined for the same.
Jackky Bhagnani back with Youngistan, co-starring Neha Sharma
8:18 AM
Seema Sinha (BOMBAY TIMES; December 12, 2013)
Vashu Bhagnani’s Youngistaan, starring his son Jackky alongwith Neha Sharma, Boman Irani and Farooq Sheikh, is a love story set against the backdrop of Indian politics. Jackky says, “Youngistaan stands for the youth of the country... it is a common love story with a very uncommon premise.” Neha adds, “It is an inspiring yet entertaining take on politics with the right dose of drama.”
While the first schedule of the film took place in Lucknow and overseas, the second schedule happened at the Taj Mahal in Agra, where a campaign titled ‘Yo Youngistan Go Youngistan’ was launched.
Syed Ahmad Afzal, who is making his directorial debut with this film, says, “The story revolves around a young and highprofile couple caught up in a highly political environment. This couple in some way represents the progressive youth of this nation. Through the campaign, we created awareness.” Adds one of the producers, NP Singh, COO of Multi Screen Media Pvt Ltd, “We aim to create meaningful cinema and this film is a strong step in that direction.”
Youngistaan, produced by MSM Motion Pictures and Pooja Films, is scheduled to release March 28, 2014.
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