Showing posts with label Vishnu Induri. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vishnu Induri. Show all posts
Rape case against Jackky Bhagnani, other Bollywood figures closed as police find no evidence
9:12 AM
(From left) Actor Jackky Bhagnani, Photographer Colston, Talent manager Anirban Blah
Investigators cite the complainant’s failure to cooperate and provide key evidence, including phone records, as reasons for case closure
Diwakar Sharma (MID-DAY; November 27, 2024)
Three years after investigating a high-profile rape and molestation case filed against top Bollywood personalities including photographers and actors, the Bandra police filed a closure report citing various reasons including the ‘inconsistency’ in the allegations made by the complainant who is a model-turned-independent artist and songwriter.
A total of 12 people, including film photographer Colston Julian, Anirban Blah, founder of talent management company Kwan Entertainment, actors Jackky Bhagnani, Krishan Kumar, Nikhil Kamat, Sheel Gupta, Ajit Thakur, Gurjot Singh and Vishnu Induri, were booked on May 26, 2021 by the Bandra police.
In May, the Bandra police filed an ‘A summary report’ and closed the case. An officer, who studied the case thoroughly, told mid-day that "Most of the time she remained unavailable despite sending her summons to join us in the investigation. We had also requested her to submit her mobile phone, but she did not give it to us for forensic analysis,” the officer said.
“We had to investigate with the vague details she had mentioned. For example, the year was mentioned, but not the exact date and time; the area of the alleged offence was mentioned, but not the precise location where we can go to enquire and collect evidence. Our officers faced a lot of difficulties because of non-cooperation on the part of the complainant,” said a senior officer of the Mumbai police.
One of the men named in the FIR told mid-day that his life and career were ruined for no fault of his own. “I don’t want to be named but this case has ruined me to the core and tore me into bits and parts from within.” He added, “People stopped giving me work as someone had called and informed about the case to the brands I was associated with. The situation was so bad that my school friends had stopped talking to me.”
In May 2021, the model-turned-independent actor first approached the office of deputy commissioner of police, Zone 10 with her complaint against the list of high-profile men. Since the allegations were serious in nature, the zonal DCP asked an officer attached to the Andheri police station to record her statement.
She had alleged sexual abuse at the hands of a dozen influential people including a celebrity photographer, author and others over the years from 2015 to 2021. Since the complainant had claimed that most of the alleged incidents took place in Bandra, the entire matter was transferred to Bandra police station where the cops registered an FIR on May 26.
Mohanlal, Kangana Ranaut may come on board to headline the web series, One Nation
8:27 AM
As six National Award-winning directors come together to helm One Nation, sources say Mohanlal, Kangana in talks to lead Priyadarshan and Vivek’s segments
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; February 2, 2023)
Last week, 83 producer Vishnu Vardhan Induri announced that he was bringing six National Award-winning directors together for his next, One Nation. Priyadarshan, Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, John Mathew Mathan, Manju Borah, Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi, and Vivek Agnihotri are teaming up to helm the six-episode mini-series that sheds light on India’s unsung heroes.
Only days into the announcement, the filmmakers have begun work on their respective segments. We hear that south superstar Mohanlal, and Kangana Ranaut have been approached to lead the project.
Priyadarshan has collaborated with Mohanlal on over 25 films, including Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham (2021). Naturally then, the superstar was his first choice when the director locked the script of his segment.
A source reveals, “He has given a narration to Mohanlal, who is impressed by the story. But the two have yet to finalize the details. Meanwhile, Vivek has approached Kangana Ranaut for his segment. The two have been keen to collaborate professionally. The series, given its subject, seems like the perfect platform for the duo to come together. It will study events of the past 100 years, from 1925 to the present day, unearthing stories of little-known local heroes who made huge contributions to the country.”
While Induri remains tight-lipped about the cast, he reveals that each segment will be an hour long. “While some stories have been [brought to the table] by the directors, there are some that we have researched,” he says, adding that Mathan of Sarfarosh (1999) fame took some convincing to come on board. “We plan to begin shooting by the second or third quarter of 2023. The OTT release will primarily be in Hindi, and will be dubbed in multiple languages.”
Assamese director Borah is considered one of the country’s finest filmmakers. Induri says that he roped her in as he wanted the project to have a pan-India presence. “The stories come from different parts of the country, and have the core emotion of service to the nation. They can [reflect] any episode — the freedom movement, natural calamities that happened in the country, riots, or national crisis.”
83 producer Vishnu Vardhan Induri to make a film on IPL and Lalit Modi
8:21 AM
As IPL turns 15, 83 producer announces screen adaptation of Boria Majumdar’s book Maverick Commissioner; film to focus on cricket league’s genesis and founder Lalit Modi
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; April 18, 2022)
Inside Edge is set in the world of a fictional T20 cricket league, along the lines of the Indian Premier League (IPL). But truth is stranger than fiction. So, it was only a matter of time before the IPL — with its dizzying highs, plunging lows and controversies galore — became the subject of a movie. As the IPL, founded by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), enters its 15th year, Thalaivii (2021) and 83 (2021) producer Vishnu Vardhan Induri is set to announce a film on the franchise tourney. The movie will be based on sports journalist-academician Boria Majumdar’s upcoming book, Maverick Commissioner: The IPL-Lalit Modi Saga.
Like its source material, the film will focus as much on the league’s mastermind Lalit Modi as it will on the journey of the tournament. A source reveals, “It will begin right from 2007 when the IPL was announced, and the teams were subsequently formed. As the tournament rolled out, some cricketers became famous overnight.” The league was a marriage between cricket and Bollywood, as stars became owners of teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings.
Among its many controversies, the biggest was Modi’s suspension in 2010 over alleged financial irregularities, after which the BCCI in 2013 banned him for life for “indiscipline and misconduct”. The source adds, “The IPL became a mega event that saw a heady mix of sports stars, glamour, and business deals that ran into crores of rupees. At the centre of it all was its founder and commissioner. The makers are in talks with a top star to play the character of Lalit Modi, which will drive the narrative.”
For Induri, the book-to-screen adaptation marks his second cricket offering after 83. “We are adapting Maverick Commissioner into a feature film. The book will be out in the next three weeks. We are in the process of finalising the screenplay, director and cast,” he says.
Induri adds that the film will examine all the important events of the T20 league. “The book is a fascinating account of the creation of the world’s biggest cricketing mela, and insights about the man behind the show. The film’s soul will be the IPL formation, Lalit Modi’s journey in making it, and his exit.”
When Kabir Khan came on board, he changed it to 83. He felt 1983 was not contemporary-Vishnu Induri
8:29 AM
Induri is unwilling to reveal the reason behind the directorial baton being handed over to Kabir Khan, while Chauhan took credit for the story alone
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; December 24, 2021)
While Kabir Khan has been the face of Ranveer Singh’s '83, producer Vishnu Induri’s film was originally to be helmed by Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan. Induri reveals that he conceptualised the film in 2013, and, along with Chauhan, knocked at Kapil Dev’s door on several occasions to get his nod. “He liked that we were so persuasive,” says Induri of the multiple interactions.
“We narrated the first draft to him, and were very happy with it. Without Kapil sir’s approval, we wouldn’t have gone ahead with the project. The initial research was done by Sanjay. He travelled all over the country and interacted with Kapil sir multiple times. Following that, he wrote the final draft,” he says of the National Award-winning director.
Induri is unwilling to reveal the reason behind the directorial baton being handed over to Kabir Khan, while Chauhan took credit for the story alone. But buzz in media circles pin it down to the desire to attach a mainstream director’s name with the film. “It is too uncomfortable for all three of us [to discuss it]. When we began the project, it was called 1983. But when Kabir came on board, he changed it to 83. He felt 1983 was not contemporary.”
Induri does, however, admit that things would work out differently if there was a second chance. “I would be more in control. After this film, Sanjay and I are working on some exciting projects. He is one of the best storytellers of the country. I like his sensibilities.”
The script of 83, he says, also underwent changes when the new director took charge. “The essence is the same as the movie is based on two common events. But the vision is different. The film is not just about cricket, but also about how India changed after 1983. It’s the story of a developing nation and the transition that we went through.”
Induri also avoids discussing details of initially approaching Arjun Kapoor for the role of the leading man. “Kabir played the captain’s innings in the casting of the movie. It is an ensemble cast. It’s not a biopic. Here, each player has his own moment. Kapil is a fantastic human being. And even after 38 years, he still takes care of his team as much as he used to when he played with them. Ranveer shares these traits — he is comfortable in sharing the limelight with each actor.”
I visited Kapil Dev over 10 times in a year and it took him over 15 months to say okay-Vishnu Vardhan Induri
8:12 AM
Ranveer Singh, Kapil Dev, Kabir Khan and Vishnu Vardhan Induri
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; December 24, 2021)
It took over 15 months of convincing Kapil Dev, multiple flights from Hyderabad to Delhi, over seven years of the filmmaking process and an indomitable spirit for Vishnu Vardhan Induri to turn his dream of making a film on India’s 1983 World Cup victory into reality. As Kapil Dev points out, “It all started with Vishnu, and the credit for turning the 1983 victory into a film goes to him.” With the film 83 hitting cinemas today, Vishnu talks to us about his dream project. Excerpts:
ON CONVINCING KAPIL DEV TO COME ON BOARD
I chased Kapil Dev for very long. I called him multiple times (in 2012-13). Then I heard that he was coming for an event in Chennai, and I landed up there and introduced myself as the one calling him persistently for an appointment. When he said he wasn’t keen on having a film made on the win, I said, ‘Sir this story has to be told to the world. We are very keen to tell the story.’ Then he looked at his secretary Rajesh Puri and both smiled. He finally agreed to talk to me. And that’s how our first meeting ended.
He felt that it was too early to make a film and kept saying no. Whenever he would not take my call for three-four days, I would land up at his Delhi office all the way from Hyderabad. He was always polite. So it didn’t feel like a rejection to me, and his stature is so huge that I didn’t mind going again and again to him. From a ‘strict no’ to ‘maybe not’ to it is ‘not only about me’ to ‘only if it is about the entire team coming together’ to ‘okay, fine’ — I visited Kapil Dev over 10 times in a year and it took him over 15 months to say okay.
Kapil sir said, ‘I want you guys to make sure that each player gets equal importance, and the film is not just about me.’ That’s when it hit me very hard that this story must be told. If we don’t tell this story to the world then it would be injustice to the game of cricket. Even after 38 years of winning the World Cup, the bond that he and his team share is beautiful. I think their trust and confidence in him, that he is always going to safeguard their interests - that’s what is binding them. He didn’t see the film in advance even though he got ample opportunities because he said ‘I want to watch our film with my team. I don’t want to watch it alone.’ He doesn’t want any privileges of being the captain.
ON HIS DREAM PROJECT COMING TO LIFE
I wanted to tell this story because cricket would not have been this big in our country if the 1983 victory would not have happened. I was confident that the story of the 1983 victory has to be told and I was persistent that I would make it happen. If not me, then someone else would have told this story. I was extremely keen to produce 83. I thought that if I could bring so many stars, so many team owners and so many industries together for the CCL (Celebrity Cricket League, of which he is the founder) then I could do this as well. That gave me the confidence that I could pull it off.
I contacted Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan after his film Lahore won the National Film Award (for Best Debut Film in 2010) and he was also convinced that this is a great story. I am working on a couple of projects with him, and he is an amazing writer. He gave life to my dream with the film’s first draft. And then Kabir Khan (the director) took it forward and made it bigger.
I’m a shy person. I want my work to talk. And I’m very, very happy that many people collaborated with me, had confidence in my idea and my dream came true. Everyone worked for my dream, my vision and that’s the happiest thing. This dream came true only because of Kabir and Ranveer.
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ALL THE CREDIT GOES TO VISHNU FOR STARTING THIS IDEA: KAPIL DEV
Recounting how the film’s journey started, Kapil Dev says, “Around five-seven years back Vishnu came to me with this idea of making the film and I said no. But he kept on coming for months. I think it took around two years. He spent a lot of time with me, and finally, I passed on this message to my team. Whatever we do, we do collectively as a team, so the team decided that yeah it is okay. Vishnu then picked Kabir Khan, who was very interested and then told the story to Ranveer and that’s how it happened. But all the credit goes to Vishnu for starting this when he came to meet me. We weren’t ready to talk to anybody for a film. But Vishnu became a friend and we started spending time, then the team and I started thinking about it.”
Filmmakers don’t want their films to release unless they can in Maharashtra-Komal Nahta
8:34 AM
Despite recent offerings faring well, filmmakers unwilling to release movies in limited theatres; Hollywood offerings make the most of lack of competition
Mohar Basu, Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; September 18, 2021)
Not too long ago, Akshay Kumar was hailed by industry folk for leading from the front and facilitating a theatrical release of his film, Bellbottom. However, despite a notable collection of Rs 30-crore — collected from theatres across India, where a 50 per cent occupancy clause was in place — the development hasn’t encouraged other filmmakers to follow suit.
Mid-day has it that the recently released offerings have been unable to recover costs. Kumar’s Bellbottom, which also began airing on Amazon Prime Video this week, earned about Rs 30-crore, but trade pundit Atul Mohan puts the predicted figure of a pre-pandemic film of this nature at Rs 150-crore.
“Roughly, 30 per cent of the national box office [collection] comes from Maharashtra, 20 per cent of which comes from Mumbai and Thane alone. Mumbai is where buzz around a film is generated. Because the centre is shut, exhibitors are not particularly interested in [showcasing] films. Bellbottom, Chehre and Thalaivii are doing [well], but the industry isn’t picking up pace. Among the factors contributing to this failure are the ticket prices, which are too high for a post-pandemic era. There’s also a great deal of fear among viewers, who are willing to wait for an OTT release that follows within weeks.”
When establishing how the film’s subject affects its collection, Kangana Ranaut’s Thalaivii serves as an ideal case in point. The film’s primary market was South India. Rs 3.85 crores of the Rs 5 crores generated by the film, he says, came from this market.
Producer Vishnu Vardhan Induri says that while he didn’t expect promising collections from a theatrical release, the film warranted a big-screen airing. “People are unwilling to return to theatres. Our focus was still trained on the digital and satellite platforms. Kangana has a huge fan base, and many people would have watched it, had it aired in Mumbai. We were not expecting great collections. We knew it was not going to screen in multiplexes.”
The development has taken a toll on Bollywood. With news of a third wave intensifying, and city cases averaging 500 a day, cinema halls are not expected to open soon. Trade sources set the expected date in November, ahead of Diwali.
Trade analyst Komal Nahta says, “Filmmakers don’t want their films to release unless they can in Maharashtra. There is no Hindi film screening in the forthcoming fortnight.”
Hollywood flicks, in the interim, are making the most of the lack of competition. Daniel Craig’s much-awaited No Time To Die is set to hit screens on September 30, with The Boss Baby: Family Business, House Of Gucci and Resident Evil: Welcome To Raccoon City following in the weeks that will follow. It is believed that the first Hindi film will be Tadap, in December.
If I opt for a four-week window for Thalaivii's Hindi version, I will lose money and will land in a financial problem-Vishnu Induri
8:28 AM
As leading multiplex chain refuses to screen Hindi version of Kangana’s Thalaivii due to narrow window between theatrical run and OTT release, producer says the demanded four-week gap is financially unfeasible
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; September 7, 2021)
Kangana Ranaut and theatre chain PVR Cinemas were engaged in a war of words last week after the latter refused to screen Thalaivii until the makers ensured a four-week gap between its theatrical release and subsequent OTT run. The story took a turn on Saturday with PVR agreeing to run the film’s Tamil and Telugu versions after the producers met the four-week demand. However, the multiplex chain was “disappointed” that the Hindi version will drop on Netflix India only after a two-week window, and took a hard stand against its big-screen outing.
Producer Vishnu Vardhan Induri says that while he empathises with the exhibitors, the two-week gap is a necessary measure in this hour. After all, backing Thalaivii — touted to be one of the most expensive woman-led films — comes with its share of risks. “As a producer who has invested so much money in the film, I have the right to recover the investment. Every producer is trying various means [to stay afloat] — some are taking the direct-to-web route, others are waiting for a few more months. I can recover the cost only if there is a two-week window because at this point, box office won’t give me the returns that we would get earlier.”
The biopic on J Jayalalithaa, the late chief minister of Tamil Nadu, was among the films that the exhibitors had hoped would turn the tide in their favour. While the Ranaut-starrer’s Tamil and Telugu versions are slated to drop on Amazon Prime Video in mid-October, Induri says his hands are tied as far as the Hindi counterpart is concerned. “If I opt for a four-week window [for the Hindi version], I will lose money and will land in a financial problem. I will never be able to make a film again.”
Despite the leading multiplex chain barring its release, he says the Hindi offering will enjoy a “wide reach” through local movie halls.
The A L Vijay directorial venture has another disadvantage — cinemas in Maharashtra continue to remain shut. But Induri is undeterred. “If I hold off the release and the third wave hits, I will lose out on seven months or so. Hence, the key people on the film have decided to go ahead with the September 10 release. Kangana stands by our decision.”
Thalaivii row: Filmmakers and exhibitors divided over the reduced gap between theatrical & OTT release
8:26 AM
While team Thalaivii wants the gap between the film’s digital and theatrical release for its Hindi version to be reduced to two weeks instead of four, exhibitors feel this will mean cinemagoers will not watch the film in cinemas, and instead wait for its digital release
Niharika Lal (DELHI TIMES; September 6, 2021)
Team Thalaivii and exhibitors are making an ‘appeal’ and ‘sincere requests’ to each other to negotiate the period between the film’s release in cinemas and its release on other platforms. Exhibitors believe that reducing the theatrical window further to two weeks (as opposed to the existing four weeks) means that cinegoers will not watch the film in cinemas, and would rather wait for the release on a digital platform. Whether this gap should further be reduced to two weeks or not is the core discussion around the release of Thalaivii.
WHAT IS THE DEBATE AROUND THALAIVII?
For now, Thalaivii is scheduled to be released in Hindi on an OTT platform two weeks after its release in cinemas, while its Tamil and Telugu versions are scheduled to be released on another OTT platform four weeks after its theatrical release. Multiplexes, such as PVR and INOX, are firm that if the four-week theatrical release window is not kept uniform across all languages then they will not release the film in Hindi. They will, however, release the film in Tamil and Telugu versions as the theatrical window for them is four weeks.
On Saturday, Kangana Ranaut released a video, saying, “We are theatre-made people, so our (Thalaivii) producers Vishnu Vardhan Induri and Shaailesh R Singh decided to support theatres. My producers have rejected several exclusive streaming offers, but we didn’t know that we will not get support from theatres... If multiplexes don’t screen our movie, watch it on single screens, and later on streaming platforms.”
On Saturday evening, PVR issued a statement that read, “We are thankful to the Thalaivii team for offering a four-week theatrical window for its Tamil and Telugu language versions. We are delighted to be able to play Thalaivii in Tamil and Telugu language at our cinemas, however, we are disappointed that for the Hindi language version, the Thalaivii team has decided to offer only a twoweek window. We would like to appeal to Kangana Ranaut, Vishnu Induri and Shailesh Singh to keep a uniform window of four weeks across all language versions, and therefore, allow all cinemas across the country to showcase the film on the big screen.”
Kamal Gianchandani, CEO, PVR Pictures Ltd Chief of Strategy, PVR Limited, says, “Considering the severe impact of the ongoing pandemic on our business, we have already agreed to reduce the eight-week theatrical window to four weeks, for all films releasing in the near future.”
Following PVR’s official statement, Kangana posted on Instagram, “I hope with talks, and a passion for the theatrical experience, we can come together to find a solution so that the Hindi version can also find love and appreciation on the big screen.”
WHY ARE EXHIBITORS RELUCTANT TO REDUCE THE THEATRICAL WINDOW TO TWO WEEKS?
An industry insider says, “The audience still doesn’t have full confidence in visiting a cinema hall. If we will reduce the window to two weeks, then they’ll not go to cinemas and would rather wait for two weeks. It will not just affect exhibitors, but also producers who are making films keeping the big screen in mind.” Another concern that exhibitors have raised is that if four weeks window is reduced to two weeks for one film, then cinemas will have to do it for other films, too, which means losing audience and revenue.
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WHAT IS A THEATRICAL WINDOW?
It is the period between a film’s release in cinemas and its release on other platforms. While before the pandemic, the gap between releasing a film in a cinema hall and on a streaming platform was eight weeks (two months), this has been temporarily reduced to four weeks (one month).
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‘HOLLYWOOD CAN RELEASE ON THE SAME DAY ON OTT AND IN CINEMAS AS THEY ARE A MATURE MARKET, BUT WE ARE AT A NASCENT STAGE’
In the last 15 months, multiple big star-led films from Gulabo Sitabo to Coolie No.1, were released directly on OTT platforms. However, films like Roohi and Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari that opted to release on OTT and cinemas both maintained four weeks window. However, this discussion on reducing the theatrical window to two weeks from four didn’t surface before. Some sources point out that it happened with Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai, however, it was not in the public domain.
Now, in Hollywood, some studios are opting for simultaneous releases on OTT platforms and cinemas. Last year, Warner Bros issued a statement saying it is abandoning the windowing system and will release the film the same day in cinemas and on its streaming platform. If in Hollywood, films can be released simultaneously in cinemas and on the streaming platforms, then why not in India?
Girish Johar, producer and film business analyst, says, “The pandemic has accelerated the growth of OTT in India. The growth that would have been in five years happened in the last 14-15 months in terms of reach, content and direct release on OTT platforms. But if cinemas reduce the theatrical window, viewers will not come. The reason why OTTs are focussing on a shorter theatrical window is so that they can encash film promotions. If word of mouth of a film is bad, it affects the film’s long-term prospects. OTTs want to make all possible revenues, and that’s the reason why Hollywood is now practising simultaneous releases. But Hollywood is a mature market. In India, we are at a nascent stage. There have to be a lot of technological advancements for us to come to a par where we can have simultaneous releases.”
Thalaivii and '83 have been made for the big screen-Vishnu Vardhan Induri
8:31 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; August 24, 2021)
In these unprecedented times, producer Vishnu Vardhan Induri braved a challenge, holding on to two big-ticket ventures — 83 headlined by Ranveer Singh and Kangana Ranaut-starrer Thalaivii — in order to unveil them on the big screen. While his plans are afoot to prepare a hybrid release strategy for his projects, the producer spoke to BT about his journey with these films and more. Excerpts:
On Independence Day this year, you announced a franchise called Azad Hind, and the first film in it will be about Durgawati Devi, popularly known as Durga Bhabhi. At a time when people are taking calculated risks, what drove you to plunge into a mammoth project like this?
Real-life stories have always inspired me. For a long time, I have wanted to build a franchise around our freedom fighters who have not received their due. There are so many. Durga Bhabhi is one of them. She inspired the likes of Chandra Shekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh and she made numerous sacrifices for the motherland. Her story is phenomenal. When I was planning the franchise, Azad Hind, we felt her story should be the first one to roll out. Also, I wanted to make this announcement coinciding with our 75th Independence Day. There could not have been a more momentous day to do it. We have already commenced work and we will announce the finer details of the project soon.
You already have two big films in the offing — Ranveer Singh-starrer '83 and Thalaivii headlined by Kangana Ranaut. There has been so much speculation about whether these films will really make it to cinemas...
The films are complete and ready for release. In fact, Thalaivii will be released on September 10 in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. We made these films for a theatrical experience and we are going to bring them out in cinemas. It was a huge risk to wait with such big films in the kitty, and so, it was important for us to safeguard our investment while ensuring the films see a theatrical run. We are working out multiple options. In times like these, with the pandemic still playing on people’s minds, box-office collections can’t be taken as the benchmark for a film’s success. The only criteria should be the recovery of investment while ensuring the film is showcased to an audience as large as possible through whichever model a producer chooses for the film’s exhibition. It could be direct-to-digital, a hybrid of theatrical and OTT, or a straight-out theatrical release. The industry is going through a tough time and we can’t judge anyone if they decided to go with a direct-to-digital release. No one expected this pandemic to hit us this bad.
Producers, who are wanting to opt for a theatrical run, also need to look for various permutations and combinations to de-risk their investments, and in the process, they may need to take some drastic decisions, which might be unconventional. Thalaivii and '83 have been made for the big screen and we want to showcase our films in theatres first. At the same time, we definitely want to safeguard our investment through nontheatrical deals. We, as an industry, including producers, distributors and exhibitors, should all work together and create a win-win situation for each other by relaxing the traditional terms and conditions. Film business arms around the world are supporting one another. We should do that, too.
Thalaivii, with Kangana and Arvind Swami in central roles, was a difficult project to pull off in these times with independent producers backing it. After the trailer was released earlier this year, there was talk that the multilingual would be released on an OTT platform...
There were many offers, which were fancy and the prices quoted were quite high, but we have made this film for the big screen. We want the audience to experience this story on the big screen with lovely performances by Kangana and Arvind. It will be a delight to watch Kangana as Jayalalithaa in Thalaivii. Later, they can also watch it on an OTT platform. We have made our films for a theatrical experience. I have to thank Vijayendra Prasad and Rajat Arora (screenwriters) and Vijay (director) who brought my vision to life despite all the constraints and keeping the timelines and the budget of the shoot intact. I am fortunate to have a very strong team with me. Producer Shaailesh R Singh, co-producers — Thirumal Reddy and Hitesh Thakkar and Brinda Prasad, our creative producer have been with me on this incredible journey.
Kabir Khan’s '83 has also been a long journey for you, which started in 2013 when you announced the project...
It has indeed been a long journey, but one that has been extremely satisfying and fruitful. The ideas for most of my films come from me and I have been lucky to find writers who have brought my vision to life. Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan had written the initial drafts of '83. Eventually, when Kabir Khan came on board, both as a producer and director, he brought in his own spin. He had his own take on it. Kabir played a captain’s innings in this film. As a director, he pulled off what seemed very difficult to imagine. He had an ensemble cast on hand, difficult weather conditions in the UK while shooting, and he had a strict timeline to meet. He ticked all the boxes well. The film looks great; it’s in 3D, and the audience will be treated to a fabulous experience when they watch it in theatres.
How have the actors in both your films reacted to the decision to endure such a long wait for a theatrical run?
They have all been very supportive and they stood by us in this. They have always supported every decision that makes business sense to us. We had come very close to releasing '83 when the first lockdown happened. A similar incident occurred when we were planning to release Thalaivii. It’s disheartening to bear with that, but the whole world was suffering and there was nothing anyone could do on both occasions. We had to wait to let things get a little better.
Lastly, where do you draw your strength to hold on to such big films with no time limit in sight?
If I am able to live my dreams and do things the way I feel is justified for the films we have made, it is because of the friends, family and extremely supportive business partners that I have. Without them and my faith in the almighty, things would not be the same.
Makers of '83 decline offers from OTT; eyeing December release?
8:36 AM
Despite lucrative offers from OTT platforms, '83 producer asserts Ranveer Singh-starrer will only be theatre-bound; team apparently eyeing December release
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 17, 2021)
Ranveer Singh’s '83, originally meant to hit the marquee in April 2020, has waited out two lockdowns and 15 months to enjoy a theatrical run. In the interim, several big-budget movies have taken the safety net of a digital premiere. Given the promise that the Kabir Khan film — which offers a retelling of India’s victory at the 1983 Cricket World Cup — holds, leading OTT platforms are naturally vying for its premiere rights.
“The makers have got many lucrative offers from streaming giants, but they have stuck to their guns, believing that the movie deserves to play out on the big screen. The sports drama will not only be released in five languages, but will also have a 3D version,” says a trade source.
The latest buzz suggests that a December release is on the cards. The source adds, “The team is still figuring out the date, depending on the situation across the country and the reopening of theatres.”
Though tight-lipped about the possible December outing, producer Vishnu Vardhan Induri asserts that an OTT release is out of the question. “'83 is made for [community viewing] like how people watch a cricket match. We have never entertained any conversation with OTT platforms regarding [its premiere],” he says.
FIR filed against nine from showbiz after model alleges sexual assault; those charged deny claims, allege blackmail
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Actor Jackky Bhagnani, Bollywood photographer Colston Julian and Kwan Entertainment founder Anirban Blah
As per the model’s complaint, the alleged incidents happened between 2013 and 2019. While some of the accused refused to comment, others denied the claims and said they plan to take legal action
BOMBAY TIMES (June 1, 2021)
On May 10, a 28-year-old model-turned-independent artiste and songwriter approached the police alleging that she had faced sexual harassment and physical assault at the hands of a dozen men from showbiz over the years. As per a report, the woman had approached Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Zone 10, Dr Maheshwar Reddy, who directed an officer at Andheri Police Station to record her statement. After her statement was recorded on May 18, the matter was forwarded to Zone 9 DCP office in Bandra, as most of the alleged incidents of sexual abuse had taken place in its jurisdiction during 2013-2019.
An FIR in connection with the complaint has now been registered, and nine high-profile men have been named in the case. Among the accused named in the FIR are photographer Colston Julian, Kwan Entertainment co-founder Anirban Blah, actor-producer Jackky Bhagnani, Krishan Kumar of T-Series, Aha CEO Ajit Thakur, Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamat, producer Vishnu Induri, Sheel Gupta and Gurjot Singh.
MODEL ALLEGES REPEATED SEXUAL ABUSE
On April 12, the model took to her social media handle and wrote a long post, in which she gave an account of the abuse she allegedly faced over the years. Talking to Bombay Times, she says, “These incidents took place over a span of four years from 2013 to 2019. I have accused 11 people, but the police have registered an FIR against only nine of them, stating that they can’t register a complaint about incidents that have taken place outside Mumbai.”
She adds, “I met DCP Zone X Dr Maheshwar Reddy on April 1 and thought that I would be able to register a complaint, which will be converted into an FIR immediately, but it happened only recently (May 26).”
Talking about her complaint against Colston, she alleges, “I had been with him briefly from 2014 to 2015. During that time, he abused me physically, hit me, and raped me. I severed all ties with him and even blocked him from everywhere. However, he got in touch with me via email in March 2017, after almost seven months. He called me to his residence for a photoshoot, which he had promised on our first meeting. He tried to kiss me and get intimate with me again. When I pushed him away, he hit me and slapped me hard a couple of times. I fell, and my head hit the wall. I somehow managed to get out of that place. I was in tears and in complete shock at what he tried to do with me.”
“Ajit (Thakur) tried to molest me at a party. They didn’t think I would proceed with my complaint. They wanted me to take down my posts. In April Ajit told me that my Bollywood career would be over and I would be abandoned, nobody would work with me if I went ahead with my posts on social media,” she alleges.
Talking about the others she had named in the FIR, she claims, “I knew Krishan Kumar from before. I had first met him at his office. Later, he invited me to a restaurant at Kamala Mills. He tried to kiss me outside the restaurant, but I managed to push him away. He offered to drop me home and kissed me forcibly near my residence.”
She alleges, “In 2018, I had attended a party at Jackky’s residence, and he told me that he would like to show me his house. He took me to a different floor, it was dark, and he made a lewd suggestion… I refused and left immediately.”
ACCUSED DENY THE CLAIMS, PLAN TO TAKE THE LEGAL ROUTE
After the model approached the police in May, photographer Colston Julian denied the accusations in a social media post. “Dear all. It has come to my notice that a social media post and news article with entirely false and spiteful accusations, are making certain claims against me. My lawyers are following the official process and are responding to the situation legally (sic),” he wrote.
On Colston’s behalf, his lawyer Ravina Rajpal told BT, “It is a false case, we will cooperate with the authorities concerned in all ways possible. The matter is pending investigation and is sub judice. We are also exploring legal remedies including defamation in due course.”
In 2018, Anirban Blah was accused of seeking sexual favour from several women. Subsequently, as per reports, he had to step down from the board of trustees of Kwan, the talent management company he had co-founded. When BT reached out to Anirban regarding these new allegations against him, he answered the phone but said that he doesn’t talk to the media.
Ajit Thakur had also resigned from his post as the content studio head at Reliance Industries in 2018 after allegations of sexual misconduct levelled against him. He is currently the CEO of Aha. About the current allegations against him, his legal counsel on his behalf stated, “The allegations made are false, malicious and motivated. It is nothing more than an attempt to smear my reputation. In fact, I have evidence, which indicates that the complainant was attempting to blackmail myself amongst several others and when her attempts failed, she resorted to registering an FIR with baseless allegations. I will take all the necessary legal action against her and I am certain that truth will prevail.”
Responding to the accusation, Krishan Kumar of T-Series says, “This is all bullshit! It has been over a year that she has been threatening me and blackmailing me, asking for money. I have all her chats from the first day up to April 2021. I have also recorded her a few times when she tried to say things on the phone. When the police calls me, I will give all the evidence to them and they can figure out who is right and who is wrong. I will bring it out in the media also eventually. I want people to know how some people are taking advantage of others nowadays. A girl has the right to go to the police and state what she wants, I appreciate that, but some people take advantage of this right. I am not talking about all, but some people do. I have all the proofs. I met her for the first time at a friend’s party and I must have met her twice or thrice in my life.”
Till the time of going to press, Jackky Bhagnani did not respond to our calls or messages.
Kangana Ranaut's Thalaivi makers fear their unused sets may be destroyed in the rains
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Incurring losses as sets built in Hyderabad and Chennai stand unused, makers of Jayalalithaa biopic featuring Kangana Ranaut hope to resume shoot before monsoons destroy outdoor set-up
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; April 27, 2020)
The makers of Kangana Ranaut's Thalaivi are resigned to the fact that the film, like many other Bollywood offerings, will be delayed. However, they have a more pressing problem on their hands — two elaborate sets that were built in Hyderabad and Chennai have been standing unused over the past six weeks, leading to losses. If the lockdown extends to June, the makers fear the sets may be destroyed in the rains.
"We need to wrap up the film before the rains hit. Since they are outdoor set-up, they will be ruined in the monsoon. Reconstructing the set will be an expensive affair," laments producer Shaailesh R Singh.
The shoot of the biopic on J Jayalalithaa, the late chief minister of Tamil Nadu, was running like clockwork until March. With a 45-day shooting stint slated to kick off on March 10, the A L Vijay-led team had constructed a set of the Parliament House at the Ramakrishna Cine Studios in Hyderabad. After the shoot would be wrapped up by the third week of April, their next pit-stop was Chennai.
"We have recreated Mount Road at the AVM Studio in Chennai, and had planned a patchwork shoot there. Almost 40 per cent of the movie is left to be filmed," says producer Vishnu Vardhan Induri, adding that they pre-emptively cancelled the Hyderabad shoot in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Sources say that the makers, who are bearing the maintenance cost of the sets and the studio rent, have incurred losses of Rs 5 crore so far due to the lockdown. While Singh is unwilling to put a number to the damages, he adds, "Our team's safety is our priority. We had paid [the studio] for March, but were unable to shoot for a single day in Hyderabad. It's uncertain when the lockdown will be lifted. Even if we get a 10-day window, we will finish shooting the outdoor portions."
Revealed: Kapil Dev's wife Romi Bhatia was stunned by Deepika Padukone's look in '83
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Having wrapped up the shoot of '83, maker reveals how Kapil Dev's wife Romi was stunned by Deepika Padukone's look that was modelled on her
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; October 8, 2019)
After stints in London and Scotland, the shoot of Ranveer Singh's ambitious sports drama, '83 — based on India's World Cup victory over the West Indies — has finally drawn to a close. While director Kabir Khan unveiled Singh's look as then-skipper Kapil Dev, the makers have carefully kept the on-screen avatar of Deepika Padukone — who plays Dev's wife Romi Bhatia — under wraps. Buzz is that Padukone, with the help of makeup artist Clover Wootton, has become a spitting image of her muse in the film.A source from the creative team reveals, "When Deepika was shooting for her portions in London in July, Kapil Dev and wife Romi had casually dropped in once on the sets. While Romi had met the actor several times before, this was the first time she was seeing her sport her on-screen avatar. Romi was surprised by her transformation. In the film, Dippy sports a shorter hairdo, but has not resorted to using prosthetics. The makers plan to reveal her look as part of the run-up to the teaser's release." The source adds that Padukone also imbibed her subject's soft-spoken nature. "During their meetings, Dippy would carefully study her behaviour and has brought these traits alive in front of the camera."
Confirming the news, producer Vishnu Induri says, "When Romi saw Deepika on the set, she remarked that she was looking at a mirror image of herself, from 20 years ago. There is a striking similarity. Kabir and Ranveer had met the Devs at their Delhi home for 10 days before the London schedule, so the director had the opportunity to discuss the inputs with Deepika before they began the shoot."
Arvind Swami to play M G Ramachandran in Kangana Ranaut's Jayalalithaa biopic Thalaivi
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Mani Ratnam's Roja and Bombay star Arvind Swami to play Jayalalithaa's mentor MGR in Kangana Ranaut-led biopic, Thalaivi
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; October 4, 2019)
A retelling of J Jayalalithaa's life would be incomplete without a mention of the late actor-politician M G Ramachandran, or MGR, as he was popularly known. The former chief minister of Tamil Nadu had played an integral role in engineering Jayalalithaa's rise in politics. Now, it can be confirmed that the makers of Thalaivi — featuring Kangana Ranaut as the protagonist — have zeroed in on South actor Arvind Swami to step into the shoes of MGR. Last seen in Bollywood in Dear Dad (2016), Swami is best remembered for his roles in Mani Ratnam's Roja (1992) and Bombay (1995).Says a trade source, "MGR and Jayalalithaa starred in 28 box-office hits between 1965 and 1973. While the makers needed a worthy actor to do justice to his role, another criterion was that the artiste be fluent in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Arvind satisfied both criteria. The unit will kick off Thalaivi's shoot with Kangana from the first week of November in Mysore, and Arvind will join her on November 15."
In charting Jayalalithaa's journey from her teenage years, the A L Vijay-directed and Shailesh R Singh-produced venture will shed light on how MGR became her mentor as she forayed into politics through his party, AIADMK. During her reign as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, she had famously said, "One-third of my life was dominated by my mother, the other by MGR."
Confirming the development, producer Vishnu Induri says, "We wanted someone who has a pan-India appeal, and resembles MGR. Arvind Swami perfectly suited the role. His and Kangana's on-screen pair will be fresh. He took lot of time to sign on the dotted line because he wanted to be sure that he could devote enough time to prep for the role. He is a perfectionist."
Ranveer Singh's '83 prep begins; heads to Mohali to train under Kapil Dev
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Before the first schedule of '83 in May, Ranveer Singh and cast to head to Mohali for 15-day coaching camp under Kapil Dev; state-level players likely to join
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; February 2, 2019)
With '83, Ranveer Singh has been entrusted the responsibility of recreating India’s victory at the 1983 Cricket World Cup for celluloid. Knowing that they cannot falter in reimagining one of the biggest milestones of Indian cricket, director Kabir Khan and Singh are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the cast is fully ready before the camera starts rolling in May. To familiarise them with the sport, the director has lined up a fortnight-long cricket camp in Mohali in April. While cricketers from the winning squad — Kapil Dev, Madan Lal, and Yashpal Sharma — will be part of the camp, several Ranji Trophy players too are expected to join in.
Co-producer Vishnu Induri says, “Besides interacting with the actors, Kapil Dev, Madan Lal, Yashpal Sharma and other cricketers from the 1983 World Cup team will give their inputs and open up about their techniques. The actors will also get an opportunity to play with the present day cricket teams [state-level and Ranji Trophy players] from all over India so that they are well-versed with the sport.”
The co-producer adds that before the training camp in April, Khan has organised a meet-and-greet session for the cast in the last week of February. Considering the principal cast includes 11 actors — including South star Jiiva as Krishnamachari Srikkanth and Ammy Virk as Balvinder Singh Sandhu — that form the on-screen squad, the director thought it imperative that the boys bond with each other. “The idea is to get the boys to break the ice. This will happen at Film City.”
Phantom’s internal issues won’t affect '83-Vishnu Induri
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Upala KBR (MID-DAY; October 9, 2018)
With news about the dissolution of Phantom Films hitting headlines, discussion has evidently steered towards understanding the fate of the movies that were to emerge from the banner. One among them being the much anticipated Ranveer Singh-starrer 83, that chronicles India’s first world cup victory.Even as rumour mills were abuzz with suggestions that Kabir Khan’s directorial venture would inevitably be postponed, 83 co- producer Vishnu Vardhan Induri suggests otherwise. Asserting that a tripartite agreement implied that the film was being funded by Reliance Entertainment, Induri says that financial constraints will not cause a roadblock in the filming process. “Reliance is on board this project. Along with the support of an experienced production house like mine, and with Kabir Khan [director] managing the film, things are [in control]. Phantom’s internal issues will not affect it. The film will role as per schedule. We start shooting in India in December, which will be followed by a schedule in London from March to April next year.”
While Reliance Entertainment and Phantom Films were working on the project as one entity, the former was bringing in the money for production work. Induri tells mid-day that since a conversation with the members of the now- dissolved production house is pending, decisions pertaining to their association with the film are yet to be arrived at.
Vidya Balan shoots at N T Rama Rao's house in Hyderabad for NTR biopic
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To lend authenticity to the NTR biopic, Vidya Balan shoots key portions in legend's Hyderabad house, meets former CM's family again
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; August 29, 2018)
In a bid to make NTR - the biopic on the former Andhra Pradesh chief minister NT Rama Rao - as authentic as possible, lead actor Nandamuri Balakrishna and Vidya Balan, who plays his wife Basavatarakam, filmed key sequences in the superstar's former house in Abids, Hyderabad, last week.
A source from the production reveals, "The shoot was conducted under complete secrecy. The crew was barred from carrying their mobile phones inside the house." A part of the Krish-directed venture chronicles NTR's rise in politics during the '80s. Since the Abids apartment served as his residence during the period, Nandamuri thought shooting in the original house would add to the film. Vishnu Induri, one of the producers, says, "When NTR shifted to Hyderabad to get into politics, he lived at this address. He resided here for 12 years before moving to Banjara Hills in the '90s. The house was subsequently sold off."
The bilingual marks Balan's foray into Telugu cinema. As part of her prep, she had met NTR's family in July to gain insights into her muse. Induri reveals that the family visited the location last week to meet Balan again. "NTR's daughters and grandchildren dropped in on the sets. They also gave her gifts, including a particular kind of South Indian saree, which Basavatarakam loved."
We are looking at a Bollywood actress for J Jayalalithaa's biopic-Vishnu Induri
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Producer Vishnu Induri reveals details on late Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa's biopic, which is currently underway
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; August 16, 2018)
After a biopic on Andhra cine-idol turned top politician NT Rama Rao, there have been reports about a similar biopic on the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, J Jayalalithaa. But now the project has been finalised, informs producer Vishnu Induri who's incidentally also making the NTR film, along with '83 - film on India's first cricket World Cup victory.
Induri says the Jaya biopic will be directed by award-winning Kollywood filmmaker, A L Vijay, of Madrasapattinam (2010) fame. It will be made in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Vijay will direct the movie in all languages.
While top South actors' names, including Keerthy Suresh's, were doing rounds for the titular role, it is learnt that in fact three top Bollywood female stars instead have been shortlisted for the lead part, to be played simultaneously in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.
Says a source, "In an interview to Simi Garewal in 1999, Jayalalithaa had said that Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan would be best suited to play her on screen. But she hasn't been approached yet. Incidentally Rai-Bachchan had played a role inspired by Jayalalitha in her debut, Mani Ratnam's Iruvar (1997)."
According to sources, Tabu, Vidya Balan, and Deepika Padukone have been sounded off to play Jayalalithaa, "Vidya is already in the NTR biopic - playing the protagonist's wife Basavatarakam - so the makers already share a rapport with her."
Induri admits, "We are looking at a Bollywood actress, since this is a national, multilingual film. We want the story to travel across India. Though Jayalalithaa was the CM of Tamil Nadu, her story has a global appeal. We have approached two-three top Bollywood actresses. Director Vijay is overseeing the pre-production work of the film" Induri plans to release the Jaya film, along with '83, and the NTR biopic, in 2019.
Kapil Dev to coach Ranveer Singh for a week before '83 rolls in December
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Upala KBR (MID-DAY; August 13, 2018)
When Kabir Khan announced his ambitious project '83 — based on India's victory at the 1983 Cricket World Cup — last year, the director had mentioned that the winning squad, including then captain Kapil Dev, would be training Ranveer Singh and other actors in the sport. Staying true to his word, Dev, we hear, has squeezed out a week in November to coach the leading man. While learning the sports icon's signature outswinger is on the agenda, the interaction will also enable Singh to pick up his muse's mannerisms and body language.
Vishnu Induri, one of the co-producers of '83, reveals, "Ranveer will start prepping from November. Kabir and he are in touch with Kapil, who will fly down to Mumbai for a week in November to help Ranveer prep for the role." The producer adds that they will zero in on the remaining actors who will portray the other players in the coming months, just in time for them to join the prep. "Every actor will be spending quality time with their muse. The members of the '83 team have come on board as consultants."
The sports drama goes on floors in December. "After shooting some scenes in India in December, we'll head to London in March for the second leg. The World Cup matches, including the final, will be shot in that schedule."
It's official: Rakul Preet Singh roped in to play Sridevi in NTR biopic
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Makers of Sridevi biopic confirm Rakul Preet Singh their only choice to play Sridevi; actor working out dates to accommodate film
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; August 8, 2018)
In the weeks since the N T Rama Rao biopic was announced, the cast members have begun their prep on the Krish-directed venture that traces the journey of one of the most charismatic chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh. While Vidya Balan - who plays NTR's wife Basavatarakam - is taking harmonium lessons to perfect her act, Rana Daggubati met his muse Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu.
Amidst rumours that Rakul Preet Singh, Sonakshi Sinha and Shraddha Kapoor are in contention to play Sridevi — who was a frequent collaborator of NTR during his acting days — mid-day has now learnt that Singh has almost been finalised for the role.
Says a trade source, "Even though it is a small part in the biopic, Rakul is keen to play Sridevi. The makers have been in talks with her for long. Although Rakul has agreed to do the film in principle, she first needs to inform the producers of her other movies about this development. She will have to reshuffle her dates to accommodate the biopic before she can make a formal announcement about it."
Producer Vishnu Induri says that though the role is essentially a cameo — entailing a song and few scenes — one can't negate the fact that Rao was instrumental in shaping Sridevi's career. The duo had done over 14 films together. Naturally then, a biopic on the legend would be incomplete without a mention of the actor.
"We haven't approached Sonakshi, Kangana or Shraddha. Rakul Preet Singh is our only choice as she's popular in the South, especially in Telugu films. We have shot almost 30 per cent of the movie; Vidya has already shot for six days. We are working on Rakul's dates for now," says Induri.
When contacted, Singh's spokesperson confirmed that the actor has been approached for the bilingual. "Rakul would love to do the role as she's a big Sridevi fan. But she hasn't discussed the details of the film yet with the team, as she's busy shooting for four films. She needs to figure out her dates for the biopic."
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