Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; April 19, 2020)

Sayani Gupta has had an appetite for films in different languages from an early age. That's why she is spoilt for choice when deciding films to watch amid the Coronavirus lockdown. "Even though people have different lives, and the shows have varied milieus, they can be relatable, because emotions are universal," says the Four More Shots Please! actor, before listing binge-worthy projects in Lebanese, Taiwan, Chinese, and Spanish, for people to indulge in.

An Iranian film tops her list. "Asghar Farhadi's About Elly is a fabulous film. It's a family drama with a gripping plot. There's also a heart-breaking Lebanese movie called Capernaum, which won the Jury award at the Cannes Film Festival."

She also recommends the unassuming Bring On The Night. "It was made by Vishwesh Krishnamoorthy. Since it's funny, it makes for great viewing in this scenario." The Taiwanese offering, The Wayward Cloud, also makes it to her list. "It's an adult film, but is beautiful. There is also a show called Catch 22," she says before signing off.


Stills from Capernaum and About Elly

Plans to roll by year end and is scouting for a South Indian actor; he will score the music himself
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 5, 2015)

Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman has turned scriptwriter with 99 Songs, a sensual story about art and self-discovery. The Hindi film, which will also release in Tamil, will roll this year end. "Music is crucial to the plot and will be composed by Rahman sir himself but the film is not his biopic. It follows the journey of a struggling singer and the roadblocks he faces before he becomes a successful composer. It is a love story too, but is more about art, passion and realising one's true capabilities," informs a source.

Earlier this year, the 47-year-old-music director had wrapped up the score of the Ranbir Kapoor-Deepika Padukone film, Tamasha. Now, he is busy with the music for Ashutosh Gowariker's period drama, Mohenjo Daro. "After finishing the Hrithik Roshan film, Rahman sir will kick off this film. He will supervise every aspect. Earlier, he had planned it as his directorial debut but with English, Hindi and Tamil films lined up for 2016, he has no time to direct a film and has handed over the reins to debutant Vishwesh Krishnamoorthy," adds the source.

For four years, he has been busy setting up his production house, toying with multiple scripts before finally locking this one. 99 Songs will be co-produced under his banner, YM Movies. Casting is underway in Mumbai. "They are looking for a fresh face. Rahman sir wants a South Indian actor to play the musician. He should have a basic understanding of music too. There will be a strong supporting cast of international musicians and actors too," the source signs off.

Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; April 2, 2015)

If the gossip mills are to be believed, music maestro A R Rahman is producing two films. One of the projects has been scripted by him, say sources adding that musician and ad filmmaker Vishwesh Krishnamoorthy has been roped in to direct it.

A source clued in on the development says, “Yes, Rahman is indeed producing two films and had launched his production company four years ago. He is collaborating with Vishwesh to direct one of them and the casting will be done soon.” The film will apparently be set in North India and the pre-production work is said to be in progress.

Rahman and Vishwesh, who has earlier directed television shows like The Dewarists and Bring On The Night, were unavailable for comment.