Showing posts with label Veeram. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Veeram. Show all posts
In Veeram, I was given a role that no one in Hindi cinema was offering me end at the time-Kunal Kapoor
2:47 PM
M Priyanka Goud (HYDERABAD TIMES; September 27, 2024)
Kunal Kapoor, who began his Bollywood journey as a lead actor nearly two decades ago, is now making a mark in the south film industries, particularly in antagonist roles. Following his performances in Veeram (Malayalam) and Devadas (Telugu), Kunal shared that he feels more satisfied in his career, especially when portraying negative characters.
In an exclusive interview with Hyderabad Times, he spoke about his upcoming Telugu film Vishwambhara, where he stars alongside Chiranjeevi. “Playing an antagonist is more exciting than the protagonist. There are no rules to follow. For a long time, I was stuck in certain roles, but it’s incredible how south filmmakers are seeing me in a whole new way now,” he said.
‘BACK IN THE DAY, I HAD VIDEOTAPES OF CHIRANJEEVI’S AAJ KA GOONDARAJ & PRATIBANDH’
Working with Chiranjeevi sir has been an absolute pleasure — he’s among the kindest and most supportive co-stars. He’s truly a legend, both on and off the screen. I’ve always been a huge fan of Chiranjeevi garu. Back in the day, I had a vast collection of videotapes, and Aaj Ka Goondaraj (Gang Leader in Telugu) along with his Hindi debut Pratibandh were part of it. The last film of his that stood out to me was Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy. Though he’s a Megastar on screen, he’s incredibly down to earth in real life. I remember during an action scene, I felt a slight twinge in my shoulder, and the first thing he asked was, ‘Is your shoulder okay?’ It’s rare to meet someone of his stature who is so thoughtful and concerned about everyone on set.
‘AUDIENCES SEEM TO PREFER ANTI-HEROES OVER TRADITIONAL ONES’
When I started, the roles I was offered were all very similar. Back then, a hero was expected to fit a certain mould, but now even the idea of a hero has changed. Audiences seem to prefer anti-heroes over traditional ones, and I feel fortunate to explore these grey-shaded characters, especially in south films. In the Malayalam film Veeram, I was given a role that no one in Hindi cinema was offering me end of the year.at the time. Director Jairaj saw something in me that the Hindi film industry didn’t, and I’m enjoying this new phase as an actor.
‘IT’S AMAZING TO SEE PEOPLE APPRECIATING FILMS BEYOND THEIR LANGUAGE’
This is an incredible time for actors and technicians, with collaborations across industries becoming more common. South films like Baahubali, RRR, and Kalki 2898 AD have broken language barriers and are being watched nationwide. As an actor, it’s exciting to explore diverse roles in different regions. The content today is outstanding — like the Tamil film Maharaja, which became the most-watched film, largely thanks to OTT platforms making it accessible to wider audiences. It’s amazing to see people appreciating films beyond their language. Everywhere I’ve been, from Bombay to Hyderabad, people have been praising Vijay Sethupathi sir’s performance in that film.
‘I have an exciting lineup of films ahead’
I’m working on Jewel Thief with Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat, followed by a mythological project, Ramayana, alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi, with shooting starting soon. I’ve also ventured into writing and recently completed a script for an action-packed vigilante series, which is set to begin production by the end of the year.
I decided to create them instead of sitting back and waiting for them-Kunal Kapoor
8:17 AM
As he turns writer-director with short film Half Pant Aur Baniyan, Kunal Kapoor says lack of diverse parts during his 15-year acting career made him explore filmmaking
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 12, 2020)
While the lockdown has been tough, it has given some artistes time to pause, reflect and steer their careers in a new direction. Kunal Kapoor has utilised the period to explore his filmmaking skills. Written, directed and edited by him, the short film, Half Pant Aur Baniyan, has received a positive response. "The lockdown made me realise that we need little to survive. So, I wanted to tell a story about minimalism. I am the co-founder of the crowdfunding platform, Ketto. Many people came forward to contribute not only their money, but also their time during this period. I was moved by a 10-year-old, who started a campaign for migrant workers. She inspired me to write a story about kindness," says the actor turned director.
Writing comes naturally to Kapoor—in his early years, it was the only form of expression for the introvert. After 15 years in the industry, he took to writing with a renewed vigour when acting offers failed to satisfy him creatively. "After Rang De Basanti [2006], I was offered similar parts. I needed to do more as an actor. Even though I am happy with my recent films, Veeram [2017] and Noblemen [2018], the kind of movies that I look for are few and far between. Since I wasn't getting the roles that appealed to me, I decided to create them instead of sitting back and waiting for them. I know my capabilities as a writer and actor. The scripts that I am developing now will help me step out of the box."
In the past few months, he has developed three scripts, including a coming-of-age film and a thriller. "The third is a comedic social drama set in Punjab. It's a world I understand well, and had explored with co-writer-director Sameer Sharma in Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana [2012]. Acting is my primary calling, but I want to dabble in storytelling. I have conceptualised two other short films that I plan to direct."
After Super 30 success, four films in the pipeline for Hrithik Roshan?
8:32 AM
Following Super 30 success, Hrithik Roshan in talks to headline four films, starting with Satte Pe Satta remake that goes on floors in December
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; August 3, 2019)
With Super 30, Hrithik Roshan ended his two-year hiatus from the big screen. Those who were missing the actor are in for a treat — known to cherry-pick his projects so meticulously that he doesn't give his nod to more than two films at a time, Roshan is apparently in talks to front as many as four films. mid-day has learnt that come September, he will announce four projects, including the Farah Khan-directed Satte Pe Satta (right) remake and father Rakesh Roshan's Krrish 4.A source reveals, "Even before Super 30 released, Farah had initiated talks with Hrithik about the Satte Pe Satta remake. The two have been close friends over the years and were waiting for the right project to collaborate together. While Hrithik has already opened up about being part of it, he will soon sign on the dotted line. Currently negotiating with Rajesh Vasani of a movie marketing firm regarding the 1982 film's rights, Farah and producer Rohit Shetty are optimistic about the turn of events, and are hoping to roll with the redux version in December.
It appears to be raining remakes in Roshan's backyard. Buzz in trade circles is that Sajid Nadiadwala — who was one of the producers of Super 30 — has approached the actor for the remake of the Tamil hit, Veeram (2014). "That apart, another leading studio that recently collaborated with Hrithik is looking at a second outing with him," adds the source.
It will be only by mid-2020 that Roshan will don the superhero suit again to take the Krrish franchise ahead. "Rakesh Roshan is still scripting Krrish 4, and it will only go on floors by September next year."
Akshay Kumar to star in Land of Lungi, a remake of the Tamil film Veeram?
3:07 PM
Harshada Rege (DNA; September 1, 2017)
Akshay Kumar seems to be having a great time playing son-of-the-soil on the screen. Post his current lot of films like Padman, Gold, Kesar and 2.0, he is ready to start work on his next project. The actor has picked Farhad’s (of Sajid-Farhad duo) solo directorial debut for his next on-screen outing.
The movie, tentatively titled Land Of Lungi (LOL), is a remake of the Tamil movie Veeram (2014) that starred Ajith. It will have Akshay as a lungi-clad hero and will be produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. The original was a village-based drama, hence, the remake is also likely to be based in the heartland of India, a background that Akshay has explored in his recent outings.
Not another social saga
With movies that handled sanitation (Toilet - Ek Prem Katha) and hygiene issues (Pad Man) releasing back-to-back, the general perception was that Akshay would be picking up another subject on similar lines. However, Veeram is an out-and-out entertainer. Says a source, “Akshay hasn’t done a South remake since Boss, so this will be a good change for his fans.”
Oh, brother!
The original saw Ajith playing bade bhaiyya to three younger siblings. He chooses to stay unmarried to look after his brothers. While the trio say that they want to follow their brother’s example and stay unmarried, they have their hearts set on their sweethearts. They then plan to get their brother to fall in love so that it clears their path. But a few bad guys and twists come into play before they find their happily ever after. The South Indian original was directed by Siva, starred Tamannaah Bhatia, who has shared screen space with Akshay in It’s Entertainment. It remains to be seen if she will be cast in the remake as well.
In good company
Sajid-Farhad, who wrote movies like Golmaal Returns, All The Best: Fun Begins, Housefull 2, Ready, Golmaal 3, Singham, Bol Bachchan, and Chashme Baddoor among others, before making their directorial debut with It’s Entertainment, parted ways recently. “Akshay is very comfortable with Farhad’s brand of humour. As for Akshay and Sajid, this will be their ninth film together. They make a great team and are good friends, too. The original film had done good business, and looking at the combination that has come together for the remake, this seems like a safe bet,” adds the source.
We are all proud and excited-Kunal Kapoor on 'Veeram' song being listed for Oscars
2:00 PM
Kunal Kapoor talks about the song from his trilingual film 'Veeram' being long-listed for the Oscars
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; December 17, 2016)
India's official entry to the Oscars, Tamil film Visaranai, may be out of the Best Foreign Language Film race, but the country can take heart from the fact that upcoming tri-lingual film Veeram starring Kunal Kapoor is still part of the Academy Awards contest. We Will Rise, an English song from the film, is among 91 songs competing in the Original Song category.
Sung by American singer-songwriter Kari Kimmel, the track has been composed by Jeff Rona, who has earlier scored the music for several American TV series and films including Phantom, Traffic and Brotherhood. Elated by the news, Kunal told hitlist, “It’s a beautiful composition. We are all proud and excited that it has been long-listed for the Oscars.”
Director Jayaraj tweeted, “Humbled by the happy news. Dedicating the same to all who are with Veeram.”
An adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Veeram also draws inspiration from the Vadakkan Pattukal (Northern Ballads) of North Malabarregion in Kerala and is based on Chandu Chekavar, an infamous warrior in the 13th century. The film is scheduled to release in mid-2017.
Visaranai out
On Thursday night, the Academy announced a list of nine films in the advanced category, which did not include Visaranai. Directed by Vetrimaran and produced by south star Dhanush, it has bagged three National Awards — Best Tamil Film, Best Supporting Actor (Samuthirakani), and Best Editing (TE Kishore).
Alif Surti, the film’s executive producer, said, “We did our best to ensure the film was viewed widely, and the fact that we made it to the top contenders’ list in both Hollywood Reporter and Variety shows the film did make an impact. But, we have to accept that the voting members preferred nine other films in a year which had an all-time record of 85 competing films. I personally feel it will get better for India now with the government supporting our films.”
Inputs by Bharati Dubey
Check out Kunal Kapoor's rocking look in trilingual period drama Veeram
7:49 AM
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 31, 2016)
Kunal Kapoor who plays a Kalaripayattu warrior in Jayaraj’s trilingual period drama, Veeram, set in 13th century Kerala, reveals that it would take him nearly four hours to get ready for the shoot. “Trefor Proud, who has worked on over 50 films and TV shows, including Gladiator, Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace, The Gospel of John, Ender’s Game and Topsy-Turvy which bagged him an Oscar has designed my look for the film. Four other guys who have specialised in the make up for a Kalari martial artist before he goes out to battle also helped. I’d wake up at 4 am and tune into heavy metal music to do away with sleep as I sat through makeup,” informs Kunal.
He also trained for five months before the shoot, putting on twelve-and-a-half kgs of muscles to look like a warrior who is intimidating but not too bulked up. Kunal broke his workout schedule into three parts of 20-minutes each. The first was scheduled in the morning, the next at noon and the final one after pack up, as they used to shoot 17-18 hours. “We filmed some parts in Thiruvananthapuram and Agra and the major portions in the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. I created a temporary gym there with some weights, big lamps and a bunch of chairs,” he reminisces.
The 39-year-old actor also spent three months learning Kalaripayattu and got weapon training as well with traditional swords and the urumi (a sword with a flexible whip-like blade). The biggest challenge was filming in Hindi, English and Malayalam simultaneously. “Malayalam was tough and minor nuances in the performance would change depending on the language,” he points out.
I admire Alia Bhatt for her risky choices-Kunal Kapoor
8:12 AM
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 22, 2016)
Mirror (April 4) had earlier reported that Kunal Kapoor plays a producer in Gauri Shinde’s upcoming slice-of-life film, Dear Zindagi, one of the four men Alia Bhatt dates in the film. After a decade in the industry the 38-year-old actor is familiar with a producer’s highs and lows and was comfortable in his role.
“I didn’t have to prep up much because it’s a world I’m familiar with. What I like most about Alia is that she isn’t interested in the other trappings of being an actress, she only wants to get the character right. She’s just started off and I admire her for her risky choices. A lot of people in her place would have chosen safer films,” he points out.
Kunal Kapoor is also the voice of Ram in an animation film, Mahayoddha Rama.
Dubbing for an animation film is a first for the actor who admits it wasn’t easy. “While shooting for a film you have your co-actors around, so during dubbing you have a visual reference. But this time it was just me alone in a studio and that was a real challenge. For one of the scenes I requested the director, Rohit Vaid, if he could get me an actor because usually acting is about reacting. He obliged and with an actor speaking for another character, it was easier to respond,” Kunal explains.
What makes the film important to the 39-year-old actor is his personal memories associated with the Ramayana. “My mother was very religious, so we grew up reading the Ramayana. I think most of us remember Sundays in front of the TV when Ramanand Sagarji’s Ramayana used to air,” he recalls, adding that during Diwali the residents of his society would put up a skit based on the epic saga. “I made the scrawniest Hanuman.”
Another ace he has up his sleeve is the action-packed Hindi, English, Malayalam, trilingual, Veeram, which has him playing an anti-hero. “It’s my first period film and my character is a desi Macbeth who goes from being a honourable soldier to a tyrant. I had to build a lot of muscle and maintain it throughout the shoot. We would shoot 17-18 hours a day so finding the time to work out was tough. I also had to learn Kalaripayattu,” he says of his emotional journey, having enjoyed the transition from good guy to bad man.
Kalaripayattu trainers talk about teaching the art to Jackie Chan, Deepika Padukone, Kunal Kapoor
7:29 AM
With Bollywood actor Kunal Kapoor being the latest to be trained in Kalaripayattu, Malayali gurukkals recount the training sessions with actors including Jackie Chan and Deepika Padukone
Anjana George (BOMBAY TIMES; August 13, 2016)
Bollywood actor Kunal Kapoor
has undergone several months of vigorous Kalaripayattu training to
perfect his movements required for his role in a regional film, Veeram. He is
the latest in the list of actors being trained in Kalaripayattu by
Malayali gurukkals. Last year, the much-lauded action sequences in Bajirao Mastani showcased Kerala's own martial art with the stars Ranveer
Singh and Deepika Padukone being trained by these gurukkals (local
parlance for gurukul). Here's a lowdown on what went be hind the screen
to get the actors prepped for their roles: BAJIRAO, MASTANI LEARN KALARI
Sunil Kumar, a Kalari exponent, has choreographed Kalari sequences for more than 25 non-Malayalam movies including Asoka and Raavan. Bajirao Mastani is just the latest in the list. “The film had a lot of action sequences, and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali wanted perfection, so the sessions went on for almost a year in Mumbai. Both the actors were devoted to learning Kalari and even practised the craft when they were not shooting,“ says Sunil, adding that his crew had travelled with the stars during the shoots in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
CAPSULE KALARI FOR CELEBS
According to martial art experts, mastering Kalari takes nearly a decade. For celebs, the Gurukkals devise crash courses based on the requirements of the script, explains G Sathyanarayanan, who has trained the likes of Jackie Chan, Mohanlal and Mammootty. “We vet the scripts and then plan the training,“ he explains. “It is essential for the actors to develop the body language of a Kalari practitioner. So, we first teach them a bit of basic chuvadukal so they get the postures right to train for the action scenes,“ he explains.
TEACHING JACKIE CHAN
This was also the method used to train Jackie Chan for the Hollywood movie The Myth in 2004. Chan was apparently impressed with a video clip featuring Sathyan's Kalari performance and invited the Trivandrum-based master to act in the film as well as train the actor. “I was in Shanghai for 30 days,“ he says. “We had limited time to train Chan. He was well-versed in martial arts such as kung fu and wing chun but they are totally different from Kalaripayattu. He, however, quickly learnt the moves. He is talented when it comes to delivering even a small move dramatically.“
Bollywood actor Om Puri too receives similar praise. The actor had trained under trainer Shivakumar while working in Lenin Rajendran's Puravrutham. “We trained in the forests of Wayanad, where the movie was shot. What made the experience unforgettable was that Puri was adamant about learning Kalari from its basics so it doesn't look like he was acting. He valued and enjoyed each lesson,“ Shivakumar explains.
KALARI TRAVERSES BORDERS
Incidentally, Kalari's popularity is surging worldwide, say experts. “Hollywood star and Japanese actor Tadanobu Asano (of Zatoichi and Thor fame) often flies down to India to train in Kerala's martial arts form,“ says Sunil Kumar.
The Hunger Games action choreographer roped in for Kunal Kapoor's trilingual
7:39 AM
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 11, 2016)
Mirror (January 5) was the first to report about Kunal Kapoor's next, Jayaraj's trilingual Veeram, which is set in 13th century Kerala and revolves around the martial art form of Kalaripayattu.
Now, Mirror has learnt that the six-time National award-winning filmmaker has roped in four renowned Hollywood technicians --action choreographer Allan Poppleton (Hunger Games, Avatar and Lord of the Rings fame), Oscar-winning make-up artist Trefor Proud, composer Jeff Rona (Phantom) and colourist Jeff Olm (Monsters vs Aliens, Titanic and Spiderman).
According to Jayaraj, Allan spent two months at various Kalaripayattu centres to understand its nuances. "Allan researched under the aegis of teachers like Siva Kumar Gurukkal of CVN Kalari in Kollam and incorporated his own styles to fit the camera angles," says the Malayalam director, adding that he wanted to strike a chord between the art form's traditional essence and its contemporary depiction. "The idea was to sharpen the storytelling as well as capture the audience's interest by bringing a western perspective on board."
Trefor's prep included extensive research spanning several months too. "The costumes represent the ones worn by warriors in the 13th century South India. They would also use body paint and colourful tattoos to look more ferocious. Incidentally, the colours bear a striking resemblance to the ones incorporated in many dance forms in Kerala, including Kathakali," Jayaraj explains. Meanwhile, the film's soundtrack is an orchestral combination of traditional Maratha folk music with some new elements.
Kunal who has shot for some high-octane action sequences was accompanied by a personal trainer throughout the shoot. "He had to build muscle in order to lend a sense of ferocious grandeur to his onscreen personality as an ancient warrior. At the same time, he had to be agile and flexible enough to practice Kalari in the film," Jayaraj signs off.
For Veeram, I needed a warrior's gait-Kunal Kapoor
7:54 AM
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 15, 2016)
Kunal Kapoor has finally wrapped up the most physically challenging film of his career. Directed by National Award winner Jayaraj, Veeram is a unique combination of two stories, an adaptation of the Shakespearean tragedy Macbeth and the real-life journey of the infamous 16th century North Malabar warrior, Chandu Chekavar. It has been filmed almost entirely in Trivandrum, with some sequences around the Ajanta-Ellora caves of Aurangabad.
"We were simultaneously filming in three languages. I'd shoot a scene in Hindi first since that was the language I was most comfortable with, then, reshoot in English, which comes to me naturally, and finally the toughest, Malayalam. I was initially intimidated when told I'd act in all the three versions but Jayaraj was sure I'd ace it," says the Rang De Basanti actor.
For his last release, Nila Madhab Panda's drama Kaun Kitney Paani Mein, which was set in two fictional Indian villages, Kunal had lost over eight kilos. And to transform himself into this warrior hero, he put on 12 kilos and trained for over six months. "I couldn't be gym-fit for the role, I had to look fighting-fit, feel strong and powerful. I needed a warrior's gait," says the 38-year-old actor, who aggressively pursued Kalaripayattu, the martial art form from Kerala, and did functional training using everything from kettle bells and ropes to truck tyres. "I also worked on a strict diet with a nutritionist and began to really dig my beefed up-look. I am excited about this project," he smiles.
Since the shooting days went up to as long as 16-hours at a stretch, Kunal often divided his workout into three parts of 20-minutes each. The actor ended up sweating it out before shoot began, during lunch break and after the shoot ended.
Interestingly, Veeram has no songs, so it's all action and no dance for Kunal. "It was a novel experience and I broke a lot of barriers. This will be the first time I will be seen in a full-fledged action role. It's like nothing like anything I've done before," Kunal says, planning to join the makers as the film travels to the international film festivals soon.
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