There is no dearth of television shows and web series that have been released this year. Many were brilliant at the subject they chose to tackle, while others were good only on paper. Many might have had good performances, while others relied only on the premise because the rest of the aspects were not very engaging. There were a handful of shows that were interesting and kept the audience hooked. Here is a list compiled by us for your perusal and interest.
The Night Manager (Hindi)
Disney+ Hotstar finally forayed into official remakes of popular shows from the West. There was plenty of apprehension regarding the Hindi adaptation of The Night Manager, mainly due to the popularity of the original British show that features the amazing Olivia Coleman and Tom Hiddleston. Thankfully, Sandeep Modi and Shridhar Raghavan delivered a faithful adaptation by giving it a subcontinental flavor. The best part...
The Night Manager (Hindi)
Disney+ Hotstar finally forayed into official remakes of popular shows from the West. There was plenty of apprehension regarding the Hindi adaptation of The Night Manager, mainly due to the popularity of the original British show that features the amazing Olivia Coleman and Tom Hiddleston. Thankfully, Sandeep Modi and Shridhar Raghavan delivered a faithful adaptation by giving it a subcontinental flavor. The best part...
- 1/2/2024
- by Smriti Kannan
- Film Fugitives
Wamiqa Gabbi lost a tremendous amount of weight during the promotion of the ‘Jubilee’. In the series, she plays the role of an actress in her 40s and 50s for which she has to put on some weight to look the part. Post that she went on a weight-loss journey.
She says, “Going on a weight-loss journey was, of course, a conscious decision and the focus was on being fit. For Jubilee, I had to put on some amount to look the part since the series is set in the 40s and 50s and people then had a certain body type.”
“My only concern was I didn’t want to starve, but I have an excellent and talented fitness team who made sure I didn’t but had some good food. It feels good to fit into my old clothes.”
Wamiqa plays the role of Niloufer Qureshi, a yesteryear actress . The series stars Prosenjit Chatterjee,...
She says, “Going on a weight-loss journey was, of course, a conscious decision and the focus was on being fit. For Jubilee, I had to put on some amount to look the part since the series is set in the 40s and 50s and people then had a certain body type.”
“My only concern was I didn’t want to starve, but I have an excellent and talented fitness team who made sure I didn’t but had some good food. It feels good to fit into my old clothes.”
Wamiqa plays the role of Niloufer Qureshi, a yesteryear actress . The series stars Prosenjit Chatterjee,...
- 6/9/2023
- by Editorial Desk
- GlamSham
Actor Nandish Singh Sandhu, who is receiving a lot of appreciation for his portrayal of Jamshed Khan in the streaming series ‘Jubilee’, had a clean slate before him in terms of sketching the character as he had no references to model his character on.
In this series, Nandish essays the role of a theatre actor Jamshed Khan, who is looking to cross-over to films in order to have a financially fulfilling career but is confused between listening to the mind and the heart.
On the portrayal of Jamshed’s character, Nandish shared: “Jamshed Khan’s character is a crucial element in the show’s storyline. The impact of his presence is felt throughout the series. He brings a certain energy and strength to the show that impacts each character in a unique way. His strong personality and witty comebacks have a way of influencing the trajectory of the show and...
In this series, Nandish essays the role of a theatre actor Jamshed Khan, who is looking to cross-over to films in order to have a financially fulfilling career but is confused between listening to the mind and the heart.
On the portrayal of Jamshed’s character, Nandish shared: “Jamshed Khan’s character is a crucial element in the show’s storyline. The impact of his presence is felt throughout the series. He brings a certain energy and strength to the show that impacts each character in a unique way. His strong personality and witty comebacks have a way of influencing the trajectory of the show and...
- 4/21/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Actor Ram Kapoor, who plays a film producer – Shamsher Singh Walia, in the recently released streaming series ‘Jubilee’, shared that to essay the part he unleashed the inner Punjabi in him and played it to the gallery because he fully trusted director Vikramaditya Motwane’s instincts as the two go long way back, having worked in Motwane’s directorial debut ‘Udaan’ which was released in 2010.
Shamsher Singh Walia always addresses Madan Kumar (played by Aparshakti Khurana) as, “Madan Kumar, B******d” whenever something goes south for him. This has now become a catchphrase, with fans using it to express their own frustrations and exasperations in memes.
On his transformation journey, Ram Kapoor shared, “For Shamsher Singh Walia, I realised that I must bring that Punjabi inside me out. I must be as Punjabi as I can in terms of body language, with my abuses, my obnoxiousness, everything. And that is what I did,...
Shamsher Singh Walia always addresses Madan Kumar (played by Aparshakti Khurana) as, “Madan Kumar, B******d” whenever something goes south for him. This has now become a catchphrase, with fans using it to express their own frustrations and exasperations in memes.
On his transformation journey, Ram Kapoor shared, “For Shamsher Singh Walia, I realised that I must bring that Punjabi inside me out. I must be as Punjabi as I can in terms of body language, with my abuses, my obnoxiousness, everything. And that is what I did,...
- 4/18/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
“Jubilee” can be described as a tale of people who struggle, work hard, and find fruitful results in their work. A lot of them see success, but many of them also end up finding failures. Failures from which they learn to pick up their lives and rebuild them just to be able to move forwards This Vikramaditya Motwane and Soumik Sen show is set in a time when women hardly had the power vested in them to be able to make any crucial life decisions. Women were forced into prostitution or work in a field against their will and constantly kept under the influence of men who were the decision-makers of their lives.
But Vikramaditya and Soumik took a different path in this show and decided to showcase female characters who had it in them to stand up to the predominantly male industry and show their power as decision-making personnel...
But Vikramaditya and Soumik took a different path in this show and decided to showcase female characters who had it in them to stand up to the predominantly male industry and show their power as decision-making personnel...
- 4/16/2023
- by Smriti Kannan
- Film Fugitives
Through “Jubilee,” Vikramaditya Motwane and Soumik Sen were able to portray on screen such an old romance that is rare to come across. Looking into each other’s eyes, having long conversations, longing for the love of their lives, and realizing that person is their one. This kind of romance has been seen and cherished for the longest time in the film industry, which began in an era that was subsequently dubbed the golden period of Hindi cinema. Kudos to the creators, writers, and director for not just portraying this kind of romance in films; it seems to work in the show “Jubilee,” The same kind of romance mirrors in the actual show, where one can see the love oozing out of Sumitra’s eyes for Jamshed or the love Jay had for Niloufer.
Jay and Niloufer meet in Lucknow, where he decides to spend some nights with her on the recommendation of Jamshed Khan.
Jay and Niloufer meet in Lucknow, where he decides to spend some nights with her on the recommendation of Jamshed Khan.
- 4/16/2023
- by Smriti Kannan
- Film Fugitives
“Jubilee” by Vikramaditya Motwane and Soumik Sen brought to the screen a period that was considered the golden era in the history of Hindi cinema. The country has just gotten its independence, but there was still the scar of the partition that people were carrying, having lost everything in the great upheaval. Many who came from what became Pakistan had to end up living in different parts of the country as refugees until they were assimilated as Indian citizens. Many moved to Mumbai in the hope of scoring a job in the film industry. Binod was already a well-established man in the industry, he had a stable job at the Roy Talkies, and he was the best right-hand man the studio head honcho could have asked for. Srikant Roy was the head of Roy Talkies, and his search for a leading man had just come to an end, and he...
- 4/16/2023
- by Smriti Kannan
- Film Fugitives
Part I of “Jubilee” ended with Madan Kumar creating issues with the muhurat of Jay Khanna’s first film. Madan Kumar has had a tiff with Shamsher Walia over the latter’s comments on his debut film. With Sumitra Kumari joining hands with the Russians to bring down Madan Kumar, she has made her choice as a co-owner of the Roy Talkies. Though Srikant allows Madan to work with Jay Khanna, he warns him that Sumitra knows of his involvement in Jamshed’s death, and she will come after him with guns blazing. The show ended at a point where it was made clear that Jay and Madan Kumar would reach a point where they would become not just professional rivals but rivals on a personal basis as well. Created by Vikramaditya Motwane and Soumik Sen, “Jubilee” is set in the post-independence era when Indian cinema was being refurbished for a better viewing experience.
- 4/16/2023
- by Smriti Kannan
- Film Fugitives
Mumbai, April 12 (Ians) Actor Aparshakti Khurana says that there is a weird real-life connection between him and his character Binod from the recently released series ‘Jubilee’.
In the series, Aparshakti showcases Binod’s journey – starting off as a worker in the studio to climbing the ladder to stardom as Madan Kumar.
Aparshakti said, “There is a weird real-life connection between me and my character, Binod. I started my career as a costume designer at the age of 21-22 but I always wanted to switch careers and work on TV as a host.”
“So, I joined a television channel as a costume stylist and worked my way through and landed an audition as a TV host for a show. Luckily, I was selected for the same and my journey started from there. And in Jubilee, too, I start my career as an employee at Srikant Roy’s (Prosenjit Chatterjee) studio where...
In the series, Aparshakti showcases Binod’s journey – starting off as a worker in the studio to climbing the ladder to stardom as Madan Kumar.
Aparshakti said, “There is a weird real-life connection between me and my character, Binod. I started my career as a costume designer at the age of 21-22 but I always wanted to switch careers and work on TV as a host.”
“So, I joined a television channel as a costume stylist and worked my way through and landed an audition as a TV host for a show. Luckily, I was selected for the same and my journey started from there. And in Jubilee, too, I start my career as an employee at Srikant Roy’s (Prosenjit Chatterjee) studio where...
- 4/12/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Vikramaditya Motwane returns with a series on prime with a less glamorous and more political show about the film industry in the late 1940s-1950s. “Jubilee” follows five main characters and their intertwining lives as they seek to reach their dreams through films. Witty dialogue, great music, and a retro style bring this show together. It’s a thrilling watch littered with drama, politics, and the occasional song and dance. When appreciating something, it doesn’t always have to be shown in a good light. Motwane and Soumik Sen prove this through the well-crafted story of “Jubilee.” The show has currently released the first five episodes and will release the last five on April 14, 2023. It’s a shame we don’t get to see all episodes at once because the last episode packed a punch, leaving us with great expectations.
Spoilers Ahead
Introducing Madan Kumar From Roy Talkies
Set in independence-era Bombay,...
Spoilers Ahead
Introducing Madan Kumar From Roy Talkies
Set in independence-era Bombay,...
- 4/8/2023
- by Ruchika Bhat
- Film Fugitives
The next magnum opus from Amazon Prime Video India is “Jubilee,” a period piece that charts the growing pangs of India and the rise of the country’s Hindi-language film industry that would come to be known by the term Bollywood in later years.
Beginning around the months in 1947 when the subcontinent was partitioned into India and Pakistan, the dramatis personae in the series include studio boss Srikant Roy (Prasenjit Chatterjee), his movie star wife Sumitra Kumari (Aditi Rao Hydari), trusted aide with acting ambitions Binod Das (Aparshakti Khurana), talented refugee Jay Khanna (Sidhant Gupta) and courtesan Nilofer (Wamiqa Gabbi), whose worlds collide.
The series is created by Vikramaditya Motwane (“Sacred Games”) and Soumik Sen (“Mahalaya”) and written by Atul Sabharwal (“Class of ’83”). It is produced by Andolan Films in association with Reliance Entertainment and Phantom Studios.
Motwane says that the genesis of the series was a decade ago when...
Beginning around the months in 1947 when the subcontinent was partitioned into India and Pakistan, the dramatis personae in the series include studio boss Srikant Roy (Prasenjit Chatterjee), his movie star wife Sumitra Kumari (Aditi Rao Hydari), trusted aide with acting ambitions Binod Das (Aparshakti Khurana), talented refugee Jay Khanna (Sidhant Gupta) and courtesan Nilofer (Wamiqa Gabbi), whose worlds collide.
The series is created by Vikramaditya Motwane (“Sacred Games”) and Soumik Sen (“Mahalaya”) and written by Atul Sabharwal (“Class of ’83”). It is produced by Andolan Films in association with Reliance Entertainment and Phantom Studios.
Motwane says that the genesis of the series was a decade ago when...
- 4/3/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Mumbai, March 27 (Ians) Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee, who will soon be seen playing Srikant Roy — the head honcho of a Hindi film studio in the upcoming streaming series, ‘Jubilee — recently revealed that his style in the series is an ode to his father Biswajeet Chatterjee.
The series, which is set parallel to the evolution of both India and the Hindi film industry, is a layered drama, interwoven with multiple characters.
Speaking of his character, Prosenjit shared, “I was living Srikant Roy’s character for 7 months before shooting (due to lockdown), there were just minor changes when I got back on the sets. In the series, you will see me in a very nice hairstyle. This is dedicated to my father Biswajeet Chatterjee, they used to have that kind of styling back in the days.”
The series also stars an ensemble cast of Aditi Rao Hydari, Aparshakti Khurana, Wamiqa Gabbi, Sidhant Gupta,...
The series, which is set parallel to the evolution of both India and the Hindi film industry, is a layered drama, interwoven with multiple characters.
Speaking of his character, Prosenjit shared, “I was living Srikant Roy’s character for 7 months before shooting (due to lockdown), there were just minor changes when I got back on the sets. In the series, you will see me in a very nice hairstyle. This is dedicated to my father Biswajeet Chatterjee, they used to have that kind of styling back in the days.”
The series also stars an ensemble cast of Aditi Rao Hydari, Aparshakti Khurana, Wamiqa Gabbi, Sidhant Gupta,...
- 3/27/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
Prime Video recently announced fictional drama Jubilee that has left the audience excited ever since the first look of the series. The Amazon Original series which is set parallel to the evolution of both India and the Hindi film industry, is a layered drama, interwoven with multiple characters – a studio boss, his movie-star wife, a trusted aide, a rising star, a nautch girl, and a refugee – and their dreams and ambitions. It features the Bumba Da aka Bengal cinema’s superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee as studio head, Srikant Roy, of the illustrious Roy Talkies. Ever since the announcement of Jubilee, which is also the superstar’s first Ott series, his fans have been excited for the series premiere.
Speaking of this character, the legendary actor shares, “I was living Srikant Roy’s character for 7 months before shooting (due to lockdown), there were just minor changes when I got back on the sets.
Speaking of this character, the legendary actor shares, “I was living Srikant Roy’s character for 7 months before shooting (due to lockdown), there were just minor changes when I got back on the sets.
- 3/27/2023
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
The trailer of the upcoming streaming series ‘Jubilee’ was unveiled on Friday. It introduces the viewers to the captivating world of Jubilee and takes them down the golden age of Indian cinema. With under 3 minutes in length, the trailer starts off with an accident site in frame with an overturned car as Aparshakti Khurana goes onto kick the accident victim before the camera cuts to another sequence.
It then walks the viewers through an era of films gone by. With retro vibes, costumes, elegant vintage cars, styling, the trailer paints a vivid imagery of the world of films and the secrets held together by the close doors.
Set against the backdrop of the Golden Era of Bollywood, Jubilee is a layered drama that chronicles the lives of a studio boss, his movie-star wife, a trusted aide, a rising star, a nautch girl and a refugee and the gambles they’re...
It then walks the viewers through an era of films gone by. With retro vibes, costumes, elegant vintage cars, styling, the trailer paints a vivid imagery of the world of films and the secrets held together by the close doors.
Set against the backdrop of the Golden Era of Bollywood, Jubilee is a layered drama that chronicles the lives of a studio boss, his movie-star wife, a trusted aide, a rising star, a nautch girl and a refugee and the gambles they’re...
- 3/24/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
Sincere, deadbeat and with eyes full of dreams, Aparshakti Khurana’s new character look as Binod Das in the upcoming Amazon Original series Jubilee looks convincing. Binod, who’s a trusted aide at the studio, finds himself traversing through a series of circumstances on his way to stardom. Aparshakti’s new avatar is bound to grasp everyone’s attention with his ambitious on-screen persona.
Jubilee is directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, created by Soumik Sen along with Motwane. The series also features Prosenjit Chatterjee, Aditi Rao Hydari, Wamiqa Gabbi, Sidhant Gupta, Nandish Sandhu and Ram Kapoor in pivotal roles. Prime members can stream Part One (Episodes One-Five) on April 7, with Part Two (Episodes Six-10) releasing the following week on April 14.
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Jubilee is directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, created by Soumik Sen along with Motwane. The series also features Prosenjit Chatterjee, Aditi Rao Hydari, Wamiqa Gabbi, Sidhant Gupta, Nandish Sandhu and Ram Kapoor in pivotal roles. Prime members can stream Part One (Episodes One-Five) on April 7, with Part Two (Episodes Six-10) releasing the following week on April 14.
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- 3/23/2023
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
Actor Prosenjit Chatterjee’s intriguing new poster from the upcoming series ‘Jubilee’ was unveiled on Saturday by its makers.
The actor can be seen sporting a moustache dressed in a black and white suit. He stares into the lens very intensely.
The official Instagram of streaming portal Prime Videos shared the look and captioned it: “Presenting ‘Srikant Roy’, the suave studio honcho who has only one rule, not being told what stories to tell!”
The 10-episode fictional drama unveils the stories that gave birth to the Hindi film industry.
In the series the Bengali cinema’s superstar plays the suave studio honcho ‘Srikant Roy’ who is the power, prestige and pride at Roy Talkies.
‘Jubilee’ is directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, created by Soumik Sen along with Motwane. The series will also feature Aditi Rao Hydari, Aparshakti Khurana, Wamiqa Gabbi, Sidhant Gupta, Nandish Sandhu and Ram Kapoor in pivotal roles.
The...
The actor can be seen sporting a moustache dressed in a black and white suit. He stares into the lens very intensely.
The official Instagram of streaming portal Prime Videos shared the look and captioned it: “Presenting ‘Srikant Roy’, the suave studio honcho who has only one rule, not being told what stories to tell!”
The 10-episode fictional drama unveils the stories that gave birth to the Hindi film industry.
In the series the Bengali cinema’s superstar plays the suave studio honcho ‘Srikant Roy’ who is the power, prestige and pride at Roy Talkies.
‘Jubilee’ is directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, created by Soumik Sen along with Motwane. The series will also feature Aditi Rao Hydari, Aparshakti Khurana, Wamiqa Gabbi, Sidhant Gupta, Nandish Sandhu and Ram Kapoor in pivotal roles.
The...
- 3/18/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
Sales
Distribution outfit Abacus Media Rights has announced sales on several documentary features and non-fiction series at the ongoing Asian Television Forum, which is part of the Singapore Media Festival.
“Rhys Darby: Big in Japan,” “Griff’s Great Kiwi Road Trip,” “Griff’s Great Australian Rail Trip” and “The Helper” have been acquired by National Geographic, while “Outback Lockdown,” “Alone Across the Arctic” and “Surviving the Outback” have been sold to The Outdoor Channel (Asia). Wowow Japan will air music documentaries “Lennon’s Last Weekend” and “Whitney: Can I Be Me.” Rthk Hong Kong has secured “Toxic Beauty.”
iwonder has picked up a few documentary features for its Asia and Australia markets, including “Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards,” “Jihad Jane,” “People You May Know,” “Redeemed and the Dominant: Fittest on Earth,” “Sound City” and “In Search of the Last Action Heroes.”
Intellectual Property
Singapore-based Darpan Global has acquired...
Distribution outfit Abacus Media Rights has announced sales on several documentary features and non-fiction series at the ongoing Asian Television Forum, which is part of the Singapore Media Festival.
“Rhys Darby: Big in Japan,” “Griff’s Great Kiwi Road Trip,” “Griff’s Great Australian Rail Trip” and “The Helper” have been acquired by National Geographic, while “Outback Lockdown,” “Alone Across the Arctic” and “Surviving the Outback” have been sold to The Outdoor Channel (Asia). Wowow Japan will air music documentaries “Lennon’s Last Weekend” and “Whitney: Can I Be Me.” Rthk Hong Kong has secured “Toxic Beauty.”
iwonder has picked up a few documentary features for its Asia and Australia markets, including “Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards,” “Jihad Jane,” “People You May Know,” “Redeemed and the Dominant: Fittest on Earth,” “Sound City” and “In Search of the Last Action Heroes.”
Intellectual Property
Singapore-based Darpan Global has acquired...
- 12/1/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
It starts with a roar, literally. Unseasonal floods envelope Kerala, as journalist Prateik Babbar, looking distinctly befogged as though caught on the wrong foot (age), almost drowns in the devastation. If he had, we would have been spared the effort of wading through the calamitous climate.
"This is serious," say the ecological experts who huddle together in an important looking techno-office as though waiting for the cricket scores at the Ipl match.
Serious is how novelist Aroon Raman meant to pitch his environmental warning. As directed by Soumik Sen (who last did the underrated "Cheat India"), "Skyfire" comes across as a half-hearted attempt to capture the bite and the warning in the novel.
Firstly, the screenplay compresses all the wrong plot-points, plays up episodes that look dramatic, but also underdeveloped. The Muslim policeman (played rather effectively by Jatin Goswami) has to be honest and duty-bound.
There's a madman who roams...
"This is serious," say the ecological experts who huddle together in an important looking techno-office as though waiting for the cricket scores at the Ipl match.
Serious is how novelist Aroon Raman meant to pitch his environmental warning. As directed by Soumik Sen (who last did the underrated "Cheat India"), "Skyfire" comes across as a half-hearted attempt to capture the bite and the warning in the novel.
Firstly, the screenplay compresses all the wrong plot-points, plays up episodes that look dramatic, but also underdeveloped. The Muslim policeman (played rather effectively by Jatin Goswami) has to be honest and duty-bound.
There's a madman who roams...
- 5/31/2019
- GlamSham
Actor Jatin Goswami, who featured in Babumoshai Bandookbaaz, will make his digital debut with sci-fi show "Skyfire", in which he essays an intelligence agent.
Jatin said: "I'm playing the character Sayed Ali Hassan, an intelligence agent who is brutally honest. He is on this once-in-a-lifetime kind of case that takes him to some extremely dark places."
"In solving the case, he is sucked into a freaky chain of events. It is a gritty, edge-of-the-seat sci-fi thriller," added the actor, who also has appeared in the film Hum Chaar.
"Skyfire" will premiere on May 22 on ZEE5. The show also features Prateik Babbar, Sonal Chauhan and Jisshu Sengupta.
The story revolves around the drastically changing weather that brings life to a standstill, as well as touches upon human trafficking and children going missing in Delhi. Amidst all this tension, an intelligence agent, a journalist and a teacher go on a hunt to solve the mystery.
Jatin said: "I'm playing the character Sayed Ali Hassan, an intelligence agent who is brutally honest. He is on this once-in-a-lifetime kind of case that takes him to some extremely dark places."
"In solving the case, he is sucked into a freaky chain of events. It is a gritty, edge-of-the-seat sci-fi thriller," added the actor, who also has appeared in the film Hum Chaar.
"Skyfire" will premiere on May 22 on ZEE5. The show also features Prateik Babbar, Sonal Chauhan and Jisshu Sengupta.
The story revolves around the drastically changing weather that brings life to a standstill, as well as touches upon human trafficking and children going missing in Delhi. Amidst all this tension, an intelligence agent, a journalist and a teacher go on a hunt to solve the mystery.
- 5/15/2019
- GlamSham
Bollywood actress and stunner Sonal Chauhan is all pumped up to swoon the audience with her first-ever web series! The actress was last seen in Paltan and had garnered a lot of eyeballs with her de-glam look in the movie. The diva adds one more feather to her kitty by making her debut in the Digital world!?
For the first time actress Sonal Chauhan and Prateik Babbar will be sharing the screen space together for the web series ??Skyfire?. Zee 5 is back with an innovative concept based on a sci-fi web series, which also happens to be the first of its kind launching in India. The title of the show ?Skyfire? is ?directed by Soumik Sen. ?
After Slaying on the red carpet with her stylish looks and keeping us motivated with her mind-blowing workout routines, Sonal is all set to enthrall with her acting chops. Talking about her first time...
For the first time actress Sonal Chauhan and Prateik Babbar will be sharing the screen space together for the web series ??Skyfire?. Zee 5 is back with an innovative concept based on a sci-fi web series, which also happens to be the first of its kind launching in India. The title of the show ?Skyfire? is ?directed by Soumik Sen. ?
After Slaying on the red carpet with her stylish looks and keeping us motivated with her mind-blowing workout routines, Sonal is all set to enthrall with her acting chops. Talking about her first time...
- 3/4/2019
- GlamSham
Why Cheat India
Starring Emraan Hashmi, Shreya Dhanwanthary
Directed by Soumik Sen
Relevant topical films frequently fall into the trap of overstatement. But here is where Why Cheat India scores high marks. It succeeds avoiding the imbalance between topicality and engagingness by simply letting the actors be.
The characters in this film exposing the scam of forged duplicate examinees don’t quite develop into the explosive entities they promise to. Their working class psyche shines in their disability to generate spectacular drama. Hearts are broken, young lives are destroyed, marriages fall apart, and ambition dissolve…But life goes on.
Director Soumik Sen sees life in trivia. In the way the characters speak of their unremarkable life, the film creates quite a remarkable litany of bustling boredom. Take for example the character of the protagonist Rakesh alias Rocky’s wife. She is so immersed in her life of mundane domesticity she...
Starring Emraan Hashmi, Shreya Dhanwanthary
Directed by Soumik Sen
Relevant topical films frequently fall into the trap of overstatement. But here is where Why Cheat India scores high marks. It succeeds avoiding the imbalance between topicality and engagingness by simply letting the actors be.
The characters in this film exposing the scam of forged duplicate examinees don’t quite develop into the explosive entities they promise to. Their working class psyche shines in their disability to generate spectacular drama. Hearts are broken, young lives are destroyed, marriages fall apart, and ambition dissolve…But life goes on.
Director Soumik Sen sees life in trivia. In the way the characters speak of their unremarkable life, the film creates quite a remarkable litany of bustling boredom. Take for example the character of the protagonist Rakesh alias Rocky’s wife. She is so immersed in her life of mundane domesticity she...
- 1/18/2019
- by Subhash K Jha
- Bollyspice
Ellipsis Entertainment founded by Ace Photographer Atul Kasbekar and Corporate Media Honcho Tanuj Garg successfully made its mark in Indian Film Industry with its films like “Neeraja”, “Tumhari Sulu” and “Raid”. It is a production house known for bringing out content-driven cinema in the commercial space. Their stories are easily identifiable Indian middle class.
For their next offering “Cheat India” they joined hands with popular star actor “Imran Hashmi” who is first-time producing the film. Imran was recently seen in “Tigers” which found digital release on the ZEE5 streaming platform. After raising awareness about frauds in health care industry in “Tigers”, he seems to be talking about frauds in the education sector in “Cheat India” trailer. Unlike “Tigers” where he was a crusader, here he plays the bad guy who is absolutely unapologetic about his actions.
The film is written by and directed by Soumik Sen and presented by T-series Films.
For their next offering “Cheat India” they joined hands with popular star actor “Imran Hashmi” who is first-time producing the film. Imran was recently seen in “Tigers” which found digital release on the ZEE5 streaming platform. After raising awareness about frauds in health care industry in “Tigers”, he seems to be talking about frauds in the education sector in “Cheat India” trailer. Unlike “Tigers” where he was a crusader, here he plays the bad guy who is absolutely unapologetic about his actions.
The film is written by and directed by Soumik Sen and presented by T-series Films.
- 12/19/2018
- by Prashen H Kyawal
- AsianMoviePulse
Inspired by true events and facts and coming from the makers of Tumhari Sulu, Neerja and Raid, the forthcoming Cheat India starring Emraan Hashmi will bare the malpractices in India’s education system.
It’s controversial tagline, ‘Nakal Mein Hi Akal Hai’, clearly points towards the rampant malpractices in the country’s financially lucrative education sector. The film is directed by Soumik Sen who says, “This film is for every Indian student who is under pressure to excel in a competitive environment. Today’s youth will hugely relate to Cheat India.”
Star Emraan Hashmi says that the film was a first-of-its-kind for him, besides being topical and relevant for students and parents. “The script and title of Cheat India are supremely powerful. This is among the most engaging and riveting stories I’ve read in a while and I am thrilled to be essaying what I believe will be a landmark role in my filmography.
It’s controversial tagline, ‘Nakal Mein Hi Akal Hai’, clearly points towards the rampant malpractices in the country’s financially lucrative education sector. The film is directed by Soumik Sen who says, “This film is for every Indian student who is under pressure to excel in a competitive environment. Today’s youth will hugely relate to Cheat India.”
Star Emraan Hashmi says that the film was a first-of-its-kind for him, besides being topical and relevant for students and parents. “The script and title of Cheat India are supremely powerful. This is among the most engaging and riveting stories I’ve read in a while and I am thrilled to be essaying what I believe will be a landmark role in my filmography.
- 11/16/2018
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Continuing the trend of identifying and launching promising directors, T-Series’ Bhushan Kumar and Ellipsis Entertainment have confirmed Tahira Kashyap Khurrana to take the helm of their third collaboration.
Ellipsis Entertainment had earlier introduced renowned ad filmmaker Ram Madhvani to direct Neerja. T-Series and Ellipsis then launched Suresh Triveni as director in Tumhari Sulu, and more recently, Soumik Sen for his second feature, Cheat India, which is currently under production.
A statement from the producers read, “Tahira has worn several hats…. from being the programming head of a radio station in the North to a theatre writer-director, author, teacher of mass communication and journalism, and short film-maker. Her incredible stories are rooted in realism and heart. We are delighted to back her debut journey and look forward to making many more movies with her.”
A very happy Tahira says, “I am delighted to be working with such incredible partners to bring...
Ellipsis Entertainment had earlier introduced renowned ad filmmaker Ram Madhvani to direct Neerja. T-Series and Ellipsis then launched Suresh Triveni as director in Tumhari Sulu, and more recently, Soumik Sen for his second feature, Cheat India, which is currently under production.
A statement from the producers read, “Tahira has worn several hats…. from being the programming head of a radio station in the North to a theatre writer-director, author, teacher of mass communication and journalism, and short film-maker. Her incredible stories are rooted in realism and heart. We are delighted to back her debut journey and look forward to making many more movies with her.”
A very happy Tahira says, “I am delighted to be working with such incredible partners to bring...
- 8/16/2018
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Produced by Ellipsis Entertainment, Emraan Hashmi Films and T-Series, the shoot of the keenly awaited Emraan Hashmi-starrer Cheat India, directed by Soumik Sen began filming yesterday in Lucknow.
Cheat India, is a never-seen-before peek into the vagaries of the Indian education system. Clearly aimed at Indian students, this edge-of-the-seat Emraan Hashmi-starrer have cast more than 70 actors from Up, including real students from various colleges and universities.
The makers released an interesting video of Emraan playing with the alphabets of ‘Teach’, which ironically, are the same as those of ‘Cheat’.
Hashmi’s naughty wink at the end leaves you wondering whether he’s the hunter or the villain!
Let the exams begin ! #CheatIndia @EmraanHFilms @EllipsisEntt @TSeries #cheatindia . All the best @bangdu pic.twitter.com/eygvB4NLrS
— emraan hashmi (@emraanhashmi) July 25, 2018
Cheat India is set to hit the silver screen on 25th January 2019.
Cheat India, is a never-seen-before peek into the vagaries of the Indian education system. Clearly aimed at Indian students, this edge-of-the-seat Emraan Hashmi-starrer have cast more than 70 actors from Up, including real students from various colleges and universities.
The makers released an interesting video of Emraan playing with the alphabets of ‘Teach’, which ironically, are the same as those of ‘Cheat’.
Hashmi’s naughty wink at the end leaves you wondering whether he’s the hunter or the villain!
Let the exams begin ! #CheatIndia @EmraanHFilms @EllipsisEntt @TSeries #cheatindia . All the best @bangdu pic.twitter.com/eygvB4NLrS
— emraan hashmi (@emraanhashmi) July 25, 2018
Cheat India is set to hit the silver screen on 25th January 2019.
- 7/26/2018
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
After the special screening for Irrfan Khan's Piku co-star Amitabh Bachchan, the makers of Blackmail organised a special screening for Bollywood directors. Renowned filmmakers like Rajkumar Hirani, Amol Gupte, Nishikant Kamat, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Tanuja Chandra, Meghna Gulzar, Ravi Udyawar, Rensil D'Silva, Sudhir Mishra, Sriram Raghavan, Soumik Sen, Pradeep Sarkar and Mukesh Chabbra attended the special screening.The directors posed for a picture perfect moment capturing the creative minds of the industry in a single frame.
The post After Amitabh Bachchan, Irrfan Khan’s Blackmail team holds a special screening for Bollywood directors appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
The post After Amitabh Bachchan, Irrfan Khan’s Blackmail team holds a special screening for Bollywood directors appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
- 4/2/2018
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
Following the success of Tumhari Sulu, T-Series and Ellipsis Entertainment re-unite for Cheat India, an edge-of-the-seat drama to be co-produced with Emraan Hashmi Films.
T-Series and Ellipsis Entertainment are repeating their partnership following the box office success of the acclaimed Vidya Balan-starrer Tumhari Sulu.
The two front-running content companies have partnered with Emraan Hashmi Films on their next production, Cheat India.
The edge-of-the-seat drama, largely inspired by real incidents, will be directed by Soumik Sen.
Emraan Hashmi will headline the film, which takes a startling look at the crimes in the Indian education system that has created a parallel eco-system infested with greed harvesters.
Says Hashmi, “The script and title of Cheat India are supremely powerful. This is among the most engaging and riveting stories I’ve read in a while and I am thrilled to be essaying what I believe will be a landmark role in my film-ography.
T-Series and Ellipsis Entertainment are repeating their partnership following the box office success of the acclaimed Vidya Balan-starrer Tumhari Sulu.
The two front-running content companies have partnered with Emraan Hashmi Films on their next production, Cheat India.
The edge-of-the-seat drama, largely inspired by real incidents, will be directed by Soumik Sen.
Emraan Hashmi will headline the film, which takes a startling look at the crimes in the Indian education system that has created a parallel eco-system infested with greed harvesters.
Says Hashmi, “The script and title of Cheat India are supremely powerful. This is among the most engaging and riveting stories I’ve read in a while and I am thrilled to be essaying what I believe will be a landmark role in my film-ography.
- 1/17/2018
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
T-Series and Ellipsis Entertainment are repeating their partnership following the box office success of the acclaimed Vidya Balan-starrer Tumhari Sulu. The two front-running content companies have partnered with Emraan Hashmi Films on their next production, Cheat India. The edge-of-the-seat drama, largely inspired by real incidents, will be directed by Soumik Sen. Emraan Hashmi will headline the film, which takes a startling look at the crimes in the Indian education system that has created a parallel eco-system infested with greed harvesters.
The post Emraan Hashmi’s next Cheat India to be produced by T-Series and Ellipsis Entertainment appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
The post Emraan Hashmi’s next Cheat India to be produced by T-Series and Ellipsis Entertainment appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
- 1/16/2018
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
In a career spanning three decades, Gulshan Grover has played the villain many times – but the film that earned him his nickname of “Badman”, and which set the tone for much of his Bollywood career, was that of villain Kesariya Vilayati in Subhash Ghai’s 1989 film Ram Lakhan. As traditional villain roles have become rarer in Bollywood (with heroes taking on roles with more shades of grey), Grover has found his way to working in other industries (in the U.S. and Canada), as well as appearing in films that find their way to the festival circuit, such as Soumik Sen’s Badman.
Director Sen (Gulaab Gang) allows the talented actor to step into a fictionalized version of himself – Gulshan Grover the Badman who longs to make a change in his career, to relaunch himself as a hero. The film is, quite frankly, a hoot, sending up a number of Bollywood tropes. This fictional Gulshan Grover has two hapless sons, Suresh (working as an assistant to director/choreographer Farah Khan and writing his own screenplay) and Gaurav (radio show host always looking for money to invest in questionable business schemes).
The film opens with the fictional Gulshan Grover celebrating his birthday – one of his birthday gifts is to be handed the reins of the Bollywood Villains Association by his friend and fellow villain Ranjeeth.
After suffering a sudden heart attack at his birthday party, and faced with his own mortality as well as the incompetence of his sons, Grover decides to liquidate his assets and set up a film fund which he will put at the disposal of his sons if – and only if – they work with him on a film launching a new hero: Gulshan Grover – “Gg” — himself, in a venture entitled, appropriately “Goodman”.
The film sends up contemporary Bollywood film and social media culture, from a nurse who asks to take a selfie with the star in his hospital bed, to the doctor treating him who brings his son to see his patient, to director/choreographer Farah Khan announcing Grover’s death on Twitter. It’s also a biting satire on the current state of filmmaking in Bollywood, where star kids are launched and where heroes in their forties play college students and woo women young enough to be their daughters, where women in their thirties are resigned to playing mothers to men hardly older than themselves, a world in which social media experts are hired in order to make films trend, where images are “refurbished” and hashtags rule.
The film follows Gg’s quest to put together the film that will launch this new, updated, 21st century version of himself, from the search for a director, a heroine, and, most importantly, for the actor who will agree to become the villain. The endless string of cameos are worth the price of admission alone; the turn by Chunkey Pandey, who agrees to become the film’s villain – hysterically, his costumes always match the furniture on which he’s sitting — is delicious.
But at the centre of it all is Gulshan Grover himself, anchoring everything that happens around him, by turns frustrated at the roadblocks he runs up against (veteran actor Rishi Kapoor advises him to forget about becoming a hero and focus on the underserved 90 to 100 year old man slot), frustrated at the stupidity and incompetence of his sons, accused of “corruption” by those in the Villains’ Assocation (who see both his desire to become a hero, and his willingness to cast Chunkey Pandey as his villain as a sell-out) and occasionally baffled by the events that go on around him as he works to create something new out of his life and career. “Badman” defined much of Gulshan Grover’s career, but Badman allows us to remember that he’s a fine actor with a gift for comedy, in a film that guarantees you will “Lol”.
Director Sen (Gulaab Gang) allows the talented actor to step into a fictionalized version of himself – Gulshan Grover the Badman who longs to make a change in his career, to relaunch himself as a hero. The film is, quite frankly, a hoot, sending up a number of Bollywood tropes. This fictional Gulshan Grover has two hapless sons, Suresh (working as an assistant to director/choreographer Farah Khan and writing his own screenplay) and Gaurav (radio show host always looking for money to invest in questionable business schemes).
The film opens with the fictional Gulshan Grover celebrating his birthday – one of his birthday gifts is to be handed the reins of the Bollywood Villains Association by his friend and fellow villain Ranjeeth.
After suffering a sudden heart attack at his birthday party, and faced with his own mortality as well as the incompetence of his sons, Grover decides to liquidate his assets and set up a film fund which he will put at the disposal of his sons if – and only if – they work with him on a film launching a new hero: Gulshan Grover – “Gg” — himself, in a venture entitled, appropriately “Goodman”.
The film sends up contemporary Bollywood film and social media culture, from a nurse who asks to take a selfie with the star in his hospital bed, to the doctor treating him who brings his son to see his patient, to director/choreographer Farah Khan announcing Grover’s death on Twitter. It’s also a biting satire on the current state of filmmaking in Bollywood, where star kids are launched and where heroes in their forties play college students and woo women young enough to be their daughters, where women in their thirties are resigned to playing mothers to men hardly older than themselves, a world in which social media experts are hired in order to make films trend, where images are “refurbished” and hashtags rule.
The film follows Gg’s quest to put together the film that will launch this new, updated, 21st century version of himself, from the search for a director, a heroine, and, most importantly, for the actor who will agree to become the villain. The endless string of cameos are worth the price of admission alone; the turn by Chunkey Pandey, who agrees to become the film’s villain – hysterically, his costumes always match the furniture on which he’s sitting — is delicious.
But at the centre of it all is Gulshan Grover himself, anchoring everything that happens around him, by turns frustrated at the roadblocks he runs up against (veteran actor Rishi Kapoor advises him to forget about becoming a hero and focus on the underserved 90 to 100 year old man slot), frustrated at the stupidity and incompetence of his sons, accused of “corruption” by those in the Villains’ Assocation (who see both his desire to become a hero, and his willingness to cast Chunkey Pandey as his villain as a sell-out) and occasionally baffled by the events that go on around him as he works to create something new out of his life and career. “Badman” defined much of Gulshan Grover’s career, but Badman allows us to remember that he’s a fine actor with a gift for comedy, in a film that guarantees you will “Lol”.
- 6/21/2017
- by Katherine Matthews
- Bollyspice
Directed by Soumik Sen (Gulaab Gang), Badman showcases Gulshan Grover in a fabulous “mokumentary” look at a Bollywood legendary villain trying to stay relevant by becoming a “Goodman” in a new film. The actor plays “himself” in a story that is literally laugh out loud funny, fun, touching and full of crazy reel and real characters. Not only does the film feature Gulshan Grover, it also has Farah Khan as “Farah Khan”, Chunky Pandey as “Chunky Pandey” and amazing special appearance scenes with Rishi Kapoor, Mahesh Bhatt, Manisha Koirala, Jackie Shroff, Shootjit Sarkar, Sujoy Ghosh and many more!
Soumik Sen took the time out of his busy schedule to give us an inside look into the making of this brilliant film. Check out what he had to say in this exclusive interview!
How did the first thought of Badman come to you?
I’ve always had this idea of what happens to a villain’s career graph in Bollywood today, when heroes and heroines (Juhi in my last film too if I may add) are taking on negative roles. Where does that leave the specialised villain? Nowhere except Prakash Raj. And what would they be doing to stay relevant? And this idea came from that thought.
Tell us about writing and developing this script.
I always had the story sorted in my head. And I knew this was an attempt of a villain trying to reinvent himself as a hero, completely unaware of his age. Once Gulshan came on board, referencing his illustrious career and an era when characters were more cardboard-ish than what they are now in an evolving story telling industry, it became more fun.
You worked with Anuvab Pal on the story.
Anuvab and I are friends. And I’ve in fact acted in his web shorts too. And definitely wanted him as part of the cast given his natural comic timing. Writing wise – just jamming lines and scenarios with him was a blast.
When you went to Mr. Gulshan Grover what was the main thing you wanted to show him about the film?
Well, the idea was to cast a Real villain and do it like a mockumentary. And of course to get someone who would be sporting enough to mock himself. Apart from his illustrious career, the fact that he is a legend, it was also important to showcase that behind his larger than life roles, he is a fabulous actor anyways.
What was his first reaction?
He loved the idea. And Without any reservation.
How would you describe Badman?
I’d like to think it’s the first out and out instance in this industry where legends, stars and directors have come on board, lent their names and helped make this first web feature exclusive meant for an online platform.
What is the essence of the film?
I guess the larger story arc is about the never say die drive and endeavour that makes an artist adapt to the changing times and survive, irrespective of his age.
Tell us about working with Gulshan Grover and especially in a part like this.
Incredibly professional and committed to his craft. His infectious energy was like that of a newcomer on set. And yes, his no holds barred diving into the skin of the character. Also comedy requires an actor to be very reactive to lines, and while he has done stellar comic roles in the past, for a different audience and storytelling, his timing was always spot on.
How long did it take to shoot the film?
I shot the film in approximately 15 days.
What did you keep in mind during the shooting of the film?
Have fun. Only then will it reflect on screen.
Badman takes a lot from films and the film industry, so how much of it is true and how much of it is exaggeration and how much of it is what you guys invented for this world?
A lot of it in ways is true and then there is obviously a leap that comic imagination takes.
What was your favorite scene to shoot?
The scene where all the yesteryear villains come together to wish Gulshan on his birthday. To see the legendary Ranjeet, Deepak Shirke (Gendaswamy from the cult classic Tiranga), Shiva (Captain Zattack from Hum) and the original Badman sit down and discuss the Villains Federation of Bollywood was a memorable high.
Also to have Farah choreograph Chunky and Gulshan and the ensuing madness on set was uproarious.
So you played the Social Media director, how was it shooting for the film and directing it? And was that a commentary on Social media today?
Well absolutely. The social media manager in the film is a guy who is essentially fibbing someone alien to jargon, trends and technology and making a quick buck out of him. And like how anything new intimidates us, his persona was meant to be someone who bamboozles clients with his jargon. I’m sure we know plenty of guys like him who take advantage of the eager and moneyed.
Tell us about those amazing guest appearances, how did those all come about?
They were written into the film as you probably would have figured. And thereafter it was all a function of meeting the stars and telling them what it was. Thankfully they were all a sport and agreed.
Favorite guest appearance scene?
Very tough to pick one, but to have Rishi Kapoor who just played a 90-year-old man in Kapoor and Sons to actually tell Gulshan to follow his footsteps was a favourite.
The title song is killer, how did that come about?
It was written on a brief by the extremely talented Protiqe Majumdar, and composed by me. I had sung a scratch and when the energy was upped, I knew only Vishal Dadlani could pull it off.
You also had Farah Khan as Farah Khan, how was it to work with her?
Farah is a dear friend and a legend in her own rights. Without a doubt the person who revolutionised the way we picturise songs. But what drew me to her was the fact that she is way madder and fun a person than the film might suggest. She is a dynamite.
What about the great Chunky Pandey?
Chunky had to be cast because the script needed us to cast a man as villain opposite Gulshan who has been a hero and thrashed him (on-screen) in many films. And who better than him with his incredible comic timing. I’d like to add that it takes a special kind of confidence to be absolutely ridiculous on screen and ‘be’ Chunky Pandey. And he pulled it off like only he could.
What do you love about Badman?
The fun that I had while on set. The challenge to work within a tight budget and pull off a product, which is one of its kind. And to be the first to do anything like this in the online space before Amazon and Netflix had commissioned anything for India.
How exciting is it that the film has now gone on to film festivals and received such a wonderful response?
It’s actually way more than I had expected. I certainly didn’t anticipate it would touch the chords of so many people, despite not having a theatrical release.
Are you excited for the premiere at the London Indian Film Festival?
Yes I am. It is such a prestigious festival and I’m glad that an online film, and more importantly a comedy has found a place in such an esteemed lineup.
What is next for you?
A few things are being written and set up as we speak. A feature, another web show and a few more things.
Badman is screening at the London Indian Film Festival at Cineworld Wembley June 24, 2017 6:00 pm, Cineworld Leicester Square June 25, 2017 3:00 pm and Stratford Picturehouse June 27, 2017 6:30 pm. It also will be showcased the sister festival the Birmingham Indian Film Festival Cineworld Broad Street June 25, 2017 6:00 pm.
If you haven’t, be sure to also check out our amazing interview with Gulshan Grover as well! It is not to be missed!
Soumik Sen took the time out of his busy schedule to give us an inside look into the making of this brilliant film. Check out what he had to say in this exclusive interview!
How did the first thought of Badman come to you?
I’ve always had this idea of what happens to a villain’s career graph in Bollywood today, when heroes and heroines (Juhi in my last film too if I may add) are taking on negative roles. Where does that leave the specialised villain? Nowhere except Prakash Raj. And what would they be doing to stay relevant? And this idea came from that thought.
Tell us about writing and developing this script.
I always had the story sorted in my head. And I knew this was an attempt of a villain trying to reinvent himself as a hero, completely unaware of his age. Once Gulshan came on board, referencing his illustrious career and an era when characters were more cardboard-ish than what they are now in an evolving story telling industry, it became more fun.
You worked with Anuvab Pal on the story.
Anuvab and I are friends. And I’ve in fact acted in his web shorts too. And definitely wanted him as part of the cast given his natural comic timing. Writing wise – just jamming lines and scenarios with him was a blast.
When you went to Mr. Gulshan Grover what was the main thing you wanted to show him about the film?
Well, the idea was to cast a Real villain and do it like a mockumentary. And of course to get someone who would be sporting enough to mock himself. Apart from his illustrious career, the fact that he is a legend, it was also important to showcase that behind his larger than life roles, he is a fabulous actor anyways.
What was his first reaction?
He loved the idea. And Without any reservation.
How would you describe Badman?
I’d like to think it’s the first out and out instance in this industry where legends, stars and directors have come on board, lent their names and helped make this first web feature exclusive meant for an online platform.
What is the essence of the film?
I guess the larger story arc is about the never say die drive and endeavour that makes an artist adapt to the changing times and survive, irrespective of his age.
Tell us about working with Gulshan Grover and especially in a part like this.
Incredibly professional and committed to his craft. His infectious energy was like that of a newcomer on set. And yes, his no holds barred diving into the skin of the character. Also comedy requires an actor to be very reactive to lines, and while he has done stellar comic roles in the past, for a different audience and storytelling, his timing was always spot on.
How long did it take to shoot the film?
I shot the film in approximately 15 days.
What did you keep in mind during the shooting of the film?
Have fun. Only then will it reflect on screen.
Badman takes a lot from films and the film industry, so how much of it is true and how much of it is exaggeration and how much of it is what you guys invented for this world?
A lot of it in ways is true and then there is obviously a leap that comic imagination takes.
What was your favorite scene to shoot?
The scene where all the yesteryear villains come together to wish Gulshan on his birthday. To see the legendary Ranjeet, Deepak Shirke (Gendaswamy from the cult classic Tiranga), Shiva (Captain Zattack from Hum) and the original Badman sit down and discuss the Villains Federation of Bollywood was a memorable high.
Also to have Farah choreograph Chunky and Gulshan and the ensuing madness on set was uproarious.
So you played the Social Media director, how was it shooting for the film and directing it? And was that a commentary on Social media today?
Well absolutely. The social media manager in the film is a guy who is essentially fibbing someone alien to jargon, trends and technology and making a quick buck out of him. And like how anything new intimidates us, his persona was meant to be someone who bamboozles clients with his jargon. I’m sure we know plenty of guys like him who take advantage of the eager and moneyed.
Tell us about those amazing guest appearances, how did those all come about?
They were written into the film as you probably would have figured. And thereafter it was all a function of meeting the stars and telling them what it was. Thankfully they were all a sport and agreed.
Favorite guest appearance scene?
Very tough to pick one, but to have Rishi Kapoor who just played a 90-year-old man in Kapoor and Sons to actually tell Gulshan to follow his footsteps was a favourite.
The title song is killer, how did that come about?
It was written on a brief by the extremely talented Protiqe Majumdar, and composed by me. I had sung a scratch and when the energy was upped, I knew only Vishal Dadlani could pull it off.
You also had Farah Khan as Farah Khan, how was it to work with her?
Farah is a dear friend and a legend in her own rights. Without a doubt the person who revolutionised the way we picturise songs. But what drew me to her was the fact that she is way madder and fun a person than the film might suggest. She is a dynamite.
What about the great Chunky Pandey?
Chunky had to be cast because the script needed us to cast a man as villain opposite Gulshan who has been a hero and thrashed him (on-screen) in many films. And who better than him with his incredible comic timing. I’d like to add that it takes a special kind of confidence to be absolutely ridiculous on screen and ‘be’ Chunky Pandey. And he pulled it off like only he could.
What do you love about Badman?
The fun that I had while on set. The challenge to work within a tight budget and pull off a product, which is one of its kind. And to be the first to do anything like this in the online space before Amazon and Netflix had commissioned anything for India.
How exciting is it that the film has now gone on to film festivals and received such a wonderful response?
It’s actually way more than I had expected. I certainly didn’t anticipate it would touch the chords of so many people, despite not having a theatrical release.
Are you excited for the premiere at the London Indian Film Festival?
Yes I am. It is such a prestigious festival and I’m glad that an online film, and more importantly a comedy has found a place in such an esteemed lineup.
What is next for you?
A few things are being written and set up as we speak. A feature, another web show and a few more things.
Badman is screening at the London Indian Film Festival at Cineworld Wembley June 24, 2017 6:00 pm, Cineworld Leicester Square June 25, 2017 3:00 pm and Stratford Picturehouse June 27, 2017 6:30 pm. It also will be showcased the sister festival the Birmingham Indian Film Festival Cineworld Broad Street June 25, 2017 6:00 pm.
If you haven’t, be sure to also check out our amazing interview with Gulshan Grover as well! It is not to be missed!
- 6/21/2017
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Gulshan Grover is one of the most respected actors in Hindi films. Since 1980, he has thrilled audiences with his characterizations and is known for his outstanding performances in villain roles. In fact, if you mention his name, most likely you will hear him called ‘Badman’. His new film, called Badman, done in a mokumentary style, has the actor playing himself in a very interesting tale. Directed by Soumik Sen, Badman is a mad, comic caper, that sees Gulshan Grover, the legendary villain of Bollywood, decide to re-launch himself in the film industry, but this time as a hero! He enlists the help of his dysfunctional sons and begrudging Bollywood stars including Chunky Pandey and Farah Khan plus a host of special appearances of many famous faces to help him achieve his transformation. Badman is a brilliant, laugh out loud funny and moving look at the world of Bollywood… but more on that later.
First let’s set the scene with the trailer
I was very honored to get the chance to have a conversation with Mr. Grover about Badman, which is screening at this year’s London Indian Film Festival. In a fascinating and fun interview, the actor talks about playing “himself” in Badman, about those special appearances, about his love of acting and so much more! It is not to be missed!
Was acting something you always wanted to do?
Yes, but I would not say always. In the early years the thrust was education and academics because that is what my late father had outlined and made us understand that no matter what our economical conditions are, which were very, very, very bad, we were very exceptionally poor, he said that education is something that you give uttermost importance too – it is something that is truly important. So, I was doing that. I was a brilliant student. I reached Shri Ram College of Commerce, which is the top most college in our country and Asia, where today the cutoff point is 100% marks. At that time I had 92% with distinction in 5 subjects so I was truly brilliant in my studies. I had had a little exposure to acting here and there. It was only after I went to the college and looked at larger things, looked at various prospects that I realised am I going to pursue my academic career or am I going to listen to my heart and go towards art? In the end I did that. Acting assumed the stronger position after I grew up. It was always there, but as I grew up and was in college and was looking towards which direction do I take my life too.. and I followed my heart.
What were your first thoughts when Soumik Sen narrated the concept of Badman to you?
I loved it! I thought it was fantastic. I also thought it was gutsy and courageous to make fun of yourself as opposed to generating humor that makes fun of others. Here the humor is on me! The person who is being laughed is me. I thought that was interesting. I also thought that this is amazing that here is an iconic character played by villain and that villain is expected to play the hero in that film. That was another very interesting thing which has never been done before because there has never been a film called Angry Young Man, there has never been a film called Prem, or Rahul or Lakhan (laughs) so I thought it was truly brilliant and let me be the first one to do this.
I also asked Soumik, is the studio Viacom 18 as passionate in making this and reaching it out to people? The CEO Gaurav Gandhi and Monika Shergill, the head of production, their passion translated, and I was more than happy and excited to be in the movie.
How would you describe Badman?
I would say that it is not just as the tagline says ‘A villain trying to be a hero’, I mean that is an integral part of the film but here it is that you are famous, you are successful, you are a name, and how interesting and comical things can be when you try and do something else. And since it is set in Bollywood and all my colleagues are acting in it and all my colleagues being referred to in the dialogs – it is a very interesting way of looking at the happenings in Bollywood.
It takes a lot of little things from your life, so how much did you contribute to developing and adding to the script from his first narration to the final product?
I would say I only translated what Soumik sent and the other writer Anuvab Pal, who plays one of my sons; he is a stand up comedian, famous name in writing and also a very famous journalist. So I didn’t interfere at all to be very honest. It was not my area of expertise. I hadn’t done anything like this before. I had faith in Gaurav Gandhi, Soumik Sen, Monika Shergill and Anuvab Pal as to what they were making.
Yes, I translated what they had in mind on screen, in their opinion far better and far larger than what they had thought. I wasn’t scared of letting me be the subject of ridicule. You know, in the movie like you are in the hospital room and the nurse wants to take a selfie (laughs) or the doctor wants you to recite some dialogs from your movie while you are in pain, and while your kids are only interested in that they can’t find a will. They don’t give a shit about your legacy or who you are all they want to know is where is the money. All those very human things are also an integral part of the film.
It’s a wholesome film where you will laugh, you will enjoy, and you are really seeing the Bollywood from close quarters. We actually shot with Bollywood stars, actors, technicians, directors and along with all this, you also see some of the emotional side of it.
It takes a lot from films and the film industry, so how much of it is true and how much of it is exaggeration and how much of it is what they invented for this world?
It is not an exaggeration to be very honest. You can really go mad trying to pull favor from your colleagues. You can really go crazy if you are a villain wanting to be hero and at the same time a hero wanting to do something else could also have an interesting, funny reaction of participation of the other colleagues. All of that – nothing is exaggerated.
Like there is a dancing scene and I am a terrible dancer even in real life so that is not an exaggeration at all. (Laughs)
So Ms. Farah Khan was really getting annoyed..…
Yes! That is why the scenes look real! (Laughs)
It must have been fun to play this character, because you are you in a form but you get to expand it into so many different aspects, the more emotional, the funnier, to play the hero…
Absolutely! I would also say enjoy was not the only emotion that I went through… I was also partially scared. I was partially scared that I hope it translates the right way. There is a large part of it where I am called a failure and also in the movie I am called a failure father. There is also a funny certain thing about all this. So I felt all emotions while portraying that and I wanted to play it correctly. That is what sort of has translated into it.
Also the tremendous support of my colleagues – be it Manisha Koirala, Rishi Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Farah Khan, Mahesh Bhatt, Shootjit Sarkar, Sujoy Ghosh, and even Vishal Dadlani, who sung the title song, Goliyan Chidkta Aaya Badman.
I loved seeing all the special appearances. That one scene where you are sitting opposite Mr. Rishi Kapoor, and you both are just staring at each other, I was wondering were you about to crack up?
(Laughs) Yes, yes we were. We shot the scene in the legendary Mehboob studio. And yes we were absolutely about to crack up. Also we had great fun shooting this scene because Shah Rukh was shooting right next to us for his film Raees. We had a very, very enjoyable time while shooting that scene. I also made my friend Shah Rukh hear the whole story of the film and made him hear the title song sung by Vishal Dadlani. And Shah Rukh kept complimenting and saying this is going to be an interesting and amazing film. It was really fun shooting that scene.
One you saw it all together with all scenes, special appearances and everything involved what did you think?
I did not see it for a while to be very honest. I sort of rolled on the faith of Gaurav Gandhi, Monika Shergill, Soumik Sen, Aritra Mukherjee and various others involved. I had faith in their faith. I normally don’t see the films. It is like once it is done it is like I have kicked the ball – whether it hits the goal post or not… we will see. It is gone it is out of my hands, I have kicked the ball, I have hit the ball with my bat in the cricket.
Is it hard to play straight in a comedy like this? You were the straight man throughout the entire thing…
It is very hard, it’s very difficult. See comedies are perceived in a certain way – comedies in India are done a certain way. We were very clear on this – that I am going to play it real. Soumik is not only a very good director; he is a very tough director as well. He is clear what he wants and he does not really want to change or stop. He is clear how he wants it and that is how he wants it, which was good. It didn’t leave any room for any ambiguity or any should we do it this way or should we do that way? He had it all clear. It was good. And good or bad it was his way of thinking.
What is your favorite thing about Badman?
I think I like the scene where literally I have had a heart attack and I am lying on a deathbed and all the kids are discussing the will and calling me an idiot for not really having done enough for the children. You know, that scene is beyond the golden jubilee trophies, the fans, the stars, the stardom, the fans that want a piece of their star… it is beyond all that. It is the real world of a celebrity, a star where kids have a certain perspective have a certain way of looking at things. That scene, you know, I really, really felt very strongly. I am told that that is a very moving scene. That scene was really something that I felt very close too.
Do you still have the acting itch, as Mr. Mahesh Bhatt told you in the film?
(Laughs) I have nothing else but acting itch honestly. The only itch that I have is the acting itch.
Looking back over your career what would you say?
To be very honest I am of the opinion – I don’t look back. I don’t do this throwback photograph, posting ‘this film 15 years back what an amazing time we had on set’ bullshit. Are you relevant today?! Are you relevant in your chosen craft today?!. Are you better than what you were 15 years back in areas where you lacked?! That is what I am interested in. That is what inspires me. This bullshit about when I did this or when I did that or you did this… Many other external elements supported you and that is how you became what you became and that is why we are interested in your story of the early years because you became something. There are many who were left back there and we are not interested in their story. So therefore I am absolutely against this thing about early years and nostalgia. Nostalgia to me is like a soft tranquilizer. It sort of gets the logic out and everything looks nice and beautiful in the movies you know? The earlier years are always in sepia and have beautiful lighting and everything. I don’t really look back honestly. I am looking at the present and I am staring at the future. I am looking at the present very pleasantly and staring at the future and that I am Passionate about acting! I love acting! There is nothing else I can do. I hope and I am very sure that I will continue to do that until the end of my being here in this world.
How exciting is that the film is coming to London Indian Film Festival?
I came many years back; I had such a fantastic experience! There is tremendous energy! I Loved It! I stepped in for another actor, I think Irrfan Khan was supposed to come for The Lunchbox which was being shown and something didn’t go right so I came as the guest of honor and I opened the festival. It left such a warm, nice feeling and memory in my mind. The clarity of Cary Sawhney and all his colleagues and their passion for cinema. The audiences and everybody that I interacted with – their love for cinema was something that left me with the feeling that I want to come back. It happened in a perfect way that I am now coming with a movie that is my film! A film where I play the lead. India’s first mokumentary feature film. Never ever has India made a feature film where everybody plays themselves. Mahesh Bhatt is Mahesh Bhatt, Gulshan Grover is Gulshan Grover, Farah is Farah and there are more. I am proud and happy that I am coming back to the festival with a film that is my favorite film that has me in the lead. And it’s a film that would be a unique entertaining wholesome experience for the festival audiences.
Badman is also the opening film at the Moscow Film Festival in the Indian Panorama on the 23rd. It is one day prior to the London Film Festival. So I literally leave the screening halfway through in Moscow and fly to London to be amidst and in the activity of the London Indian Film Festival that I truly love and adore. The screening opens on the 24th at Cineworld Wembley. I would like to convey through you to my fans that I shall be present at all of the four screenings Cineworld Wembley Cineworld Leicester Square, Stratford Picturehouse and Birmingham’s Cineworld Broad Street. I want them all to know I would be happy to meet my fans, take a picture with them. I will be there throughout the festival!
If you are in London or Birmingham be sure to go experience Badman and meet Mr. Gulshan Grover at the screenings at London Indian Film Festival!
First let’s set the scene with the trailer
I was very honored to get the chance to have a conversation with Mr. Grover about Badman, which is screening at this year’s London Indian Film Festival. In a fascinating and fun interview, the actor talks about playing “himself” in Badman, about those special appearances, about his love of acting and so much more! It is not to be missed!
Was acting something you always wanted to do?
Yes, but I would not say always. In the early years the thrust was education and academics because that is what my late father had outlined and made us understand that no matter what our economical conditions are, which were very, very, very bad, we were very exceptionally poor, he said that education is something that you give uttermost importance too – it is something that is truly important. So, I was doing that. I was a brilliant student. I reached Shri Ram College of Commerce, which is the top most college in our country and Asia, where today the cutoff point is 100% marks. At that time I had 92% with distinction in 5 subjects so I was truly brilliant in my studies. I had had a little exposure to acting here and there. It was only after I went to the college and looked at larger things, looked at various prospects that I realised am I going to pursue my academic career or am I going to listen to my heart and go towards art? In the end I did that. Acting assumed the stronger position after I grew up. It was always there, but as I grew up and was in college and was looking towards which direction do I take my life too.. and I followed my heart.
What were your first thoughts when Soumik Sen narrated the concept of Badman to you?
I loved it! I thought it was fantastic. I also thought it was gutsy and courageous to make fun of yourself as opposed to generating humor that makes fun of others. Here the humor is on me! The person who is being laughed is me. I thought that was interesting. I also thought that this is amazing that here is an iconic character played by villain and that villain is expected to play the hero in that film. That was another very interesting thing which has never been done before because there has never been a film called Angry Young Man, there has never been a film called Prem, or Rahul or Lakhan (laughs) so I thought it was truly brilliant and let me be the first one to do this.
I also asked Soumik, is the studio Viacom 18 as passionate in making this and reaching it out to people? The CEO Gaurav Gandhi and Monika Shergill, the head of production, their passion translated, and I was more than happy and excited to be in the movie.
How would you describe Badman?
I would say that it is not just as the tagline says ‘A villain trying to be a hero’, I mean that is an integral part of the film but here it is that you are famous, you are successful, you are a name, and how interesting and comical things can be when you try and do something else. And since it is set in Bollywood and all my colleagues are acting in it and all my colleagues being referred to in the dialogs – it is a very interesting way of looking at the happenings in Bollywood.
It takes a lot of little things from your life, so how much did you contribute to developing and adding to the script from his first narration to the final product?
I would say I only translated what Soumik sent and the other writer Anuvab Pal, who plays one of my sons; he is a stand up comedian, famous name in writing and also a very famous journalist. So I didn’t interfere at all to be very honest. It was not my area of expertise. I hadn’t done anything like this before. I had faith in Gaurav Gandhi, Soumik Sen, Monika Shergill and Anuvab Pal as to what they were making.
Yes, I translated what they had in mind on screen, in their opinion far better and far larger than what they had thought. I wasn’t scared of letting me be the subject of ridicule. You know, in the movie like you are in the hospital room and the nurse wants to take a selfie (laughs) or the doctor wants you to recite some dialogs from your movie while you are in pain, and while your kids are only interested in that they can’t find a will. They don’t give a shit about your legacy or who you are all they want to know is where is the money. All those very human things are also an integral part of the film.
It’s a wholesome film where you will laugh, you will enjoy, and you are really seeing the Bollywood from close quarters. We actually shot with Bollywood stars, actors, technicians, directors and along with all this, you also see some of the emotional side of it.
It takes a lot from films and the film industry, so how much of it is true and how much of it is exaggeration and how much of it is what they invented for this world?
It is not an exaggeration to be very honest. You can really go mad trying to pull favor from your colleagues. You can really go crazy if you are a villain wanting to be hero and at the same time a hero wanting to do something else could also have an interesting, funny reaction of participation of the other colleagues. All of that – nothing is exaggerated.
Like there is a dancing scene and I am a terrible dancer even in real life so that is not an exaggeration at all. (Laughs)
So Ms. Farah Khan was really getting annoyed..…
Yes! That is why the scenes look real! (Laughs)
It must have been fun to play this character, because you are you in a form but you get to expand it into so many different aspects, the more emotional, the funnier, to play the hero…
Absolutely! I would also say enjoy was not the only emotion that I went through… I was also partially scared. I was partially scared that I hope it translates the right way. There is a large part of it where I am called a failure and also in the movie I am called a failure father. There is also a funny certain thing about all this. So I felt all emotions while portraying that and I wanted to play it correctly. That is what sort of has translated into it.
Also the tremendous support of my colleagues – be it Manisha Koirala, Rishi Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Farah Khan, Mahesh Bhatt, Shootjit Sarkar, Sujoy Ghosh, and even Vishal Dadlani, who sung the title song, Goliyan Chidkta Aaya Badman.
I loved seeing all the special appearances. That one scene where you are sitting opposite Mr. Rishi Kapoor, and you both are just staring at each other, I was wondering were you about to crack up?
(Laughs) Yes, yes we were. We shot the scene in the legendary Mehboob studio. And yes we were absolutely about to crack up. Also we had great fun shooting this scene because Shah Rukh was shooting right next to us for his film Raees. We had a very, very enjoyable time while shooting that scene. I also made my friend Shah Rukh hear the whole story of the film and made him hear the title song sung by Vishal Dadlani. And Shah Rukh kept complimenting and saying this is going to be an interesting and amazing film. It was really fun shooting that scene.
One you saw it all together with all scenes, special appearances and everything involved what did you think?
I did not see it for a while to be very honest. I sort of rolled on the faith of Gaurav Gandhi, Monika Shergill, Soumik Sen, Aritra Mukherjee and various others involved. I had faith in their faith. I normally don’t see the films. It is like once it is done it is like I have kicked the ball – whether it hits the goal post or not… we will see. It is gone it is out of my hands, I have kicked the ball, I have hit the ball with my bat in the cricket.
Is it hard to play straight in a comedy like this? You were the straight man throughout the entire thing…
It is very hard, it’s very difficult. See comedies are perceived in a certain way – comedies in India are done a certain way. We were very clear on this – that I am going to play it real. Soumik is not only a very good director; he is a very tough director as well. He is clear what he wants and he does not really want to change or stop. He is clear how he wants it and that is how he wants it, which was good. It didn’t leave any room for any ambiguity or any should we do it this way or should we do that way? He had it all clear. It was good. And good or bad it was his way of thinking.
What is your favorite thing about Badman?
I think I like the scene where literally I have had a heart attack and I am lying on a deathbed and all the kids are discussing the will and calling me an idiot for not really having done enough for the children. You know, that scene is beyond the golden jubilee trophies, the fans, the stars, the stardom, the fans that want a piece of their star… it is beyond all that. It is the real world of a celebrity, a star where kids have a certain perspective have a certain way of looking at things. That scene, you know, I really, really felt very strongly. I am told that that is a very moving scene. That scene was really something that I felt very close too.
Do you still have the acting itch, as Mr. Mahesh Bhatt told you in the film?
(Laughs) I have nothing else but acting itch honestly. The only itch that I have is the acting itch.
Looking back over your career what would you say?
To be very honest I am of the opinion – I don’t look back. I don’t do this throwback photograph, posting ‘this film 15 years back what an amazing time we had on set’ bullshit. Are you relevant today?! Are you relevant in your chosen craft today?!. Are you better than what you were 15 years back in areas where you lacked?! That is what I am interested in. That is what inspires me. This bullshit about when I did this or when I did that or you did this… Many other external elements supported you and that is how you became what you became and that is why we are interested in your story of the early years because you became something. There are many who were left back there and we are not interested in their story. So therefore I am absolutely against this thing about early years and nostalgia. Nostalgia to me is like a soft tranquilizer. It sort of gets the logic out and everything looks nice and beautiful in the movies you know? The earlier years are always in sepia and have beautiful lighting and everything. I don’t really look back honestly. I am looking at the present and I am staring at the future. I am looking at the present very pleasantly and staring at the future and that I am Passionate about acting! I love acting! There is nothing else I can do. I hope and I am very sure that I will continue to do that until the end of my being here in this world.
How exciting is that the film is coming to London Indian Film Festival?
I came many years back; I had such a fantastic experience! There is tremendous energy! I Loved It! I stepped in for another actor, I think Irrfan Khan was supposed to come for The Lunchbox which was being shown and something didn’t go right so I came as the guest of honor and I opened the festival. It left such a warm, nice feeling and memory in my mind. The clarity of Cary Sawhney and all his colleagues and their passion for cinema. The audiences and everybody that I interacted with – their love for cinema was something that left me with the feeling that I want to come back. It happened in a perfect way that I am now coming with a movie that is my film! A film where I play the lead. India’s first mokumentary feature film. Never ever has India made a feature film where everybody plays themselves. Mahesh Bhatt is Mahesh Bhatt, Gulshan Grover is Gulshan Grover, Farah is Farah and there are more. I am proud and happy that I am coming back to the festival with a film that is my favorite film that has me in the lead. And it’s a film that would be a unique entertaining wholesome experience for the festival audiences.
Badman is also the opening film at the Moscow Film Festival in the Indian Panorama on the 23rd. It is one day prior to the London Film Festival. So I literally leave the screening halfway through in Moscow and fly to London to be amidst and in the activity of the London Indian Film Festival that I truly love and adore. The screening opens on the 24th at Cineworld Wembley. I would like to convey through you to my fans that I shall be present at all of the four screenings Cineworld Wembley Cineworld Leicester Square, Stratford Picturehouse and Birmingham’s Cineworld Broad Street. I want them all to know I would be happy to meet my fans, take a picture with them. I will be there throughout the festival!
If you are in London or Birmingham be sure to go experience Badman and meet Mr. Gulshan Grover at the screenings at London Indian Film Festival!
- 6/21/2017
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Europe’s Largest Indian Film Festival returns to Birmingham again this year for the third year in the row. Sister to the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival, (Liff), Birmingham Indian Film Festival will run from Friday 23 June until Sunday 2 July 2017. This year’s festival promises to be one of the best showcasing 11 Independent Films, 2 Music Documentaries and a host of talent over 10 days in 3 cinemas!
Cary Rajinder Sawhney, Liff & Biff Director, says: “We are delighted to bring Birmingham audiences a carefully curated selection of the very best new Indian and South Asian independent cinema; all films are English subtitled, offering a rare window into over a billion South Asian lives. This year’s selection includes premieres of new comedies, gripping thrillers, shocking horror and insightful true-life documentaries as well as bringing together UK previews of major award-winning films from the world’s greatest film festivals.”
The festival opens on Friday 23 June at Cineworld Birmingham,...
Cary Rajinder Sawhney, Liff & Biff Director, says: “We are delighted to bring Birmingham audiences a carefully curated selection of the very best new Indian and South Asian independent cinema; all films are English subtitled, offering a rare window into over a billion South Asian lives. This year’s selection includes premieres of new comedies, gripping thrillers, shocking horror and insightful true-life documentaries as well as bringing together UK previews of major award-winning films from the world’s greatest film festivals.”
The festival opens on Friday 23 June at Cineworld Birmingham,...
- 6/15/2017
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
As we told you the renowned London Indian Film Festival is back for another year with a new and exciting selection of fabulous cutting-edge films that reaffirm the festival’s position as the ‘punk-rock of Indian cinema’. With films that range from subjects covering stories of gangsters, comedy themes, horror elements, thrillers, immigration and diaspora issues, environment, economics, religion, politics, and the lives of Indian royalty this year’s festival that runs from 22-29 June is not to be missed.
Check out this totally cool trailer (created by Parag Sankhe) to get an idea for what is in store for you! It has some amazing clips of the films that you must see!
The Black Prince opens the festival on 22nd June at the BFI Southbank with the red carpet premiere of the historical epic. The screening will also include a Q and A with the cast and director. Directed by Kavi Raz,...
Check out this totally cool trailer (created by Parag Sankhe) to get an idea for what is in store for you! It has some amazing clips of the films that you must see!
The Black Prince opens the festival on 22nd June at the BFI Southbank with the red carpet premiere of the historical epic. The screening will also include a Q and A with the cast and director. Directed by Kavi Raz,...
- 6/3/2017
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
There are some trailers that stay with you long after you’ve seen it! And that’s exactly what has happened with Shoojit Sircar’s family comedy drama Piku’s trailer that went live on You Tube and Facebook on Wednesday night.
In less than a few hours, the trailer went viral and began trending nationally. Several celebrities joined fans and critics as they gushed about the trailer and showered the cast- Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan with profuse praises!
Leading Bollywood critic Rajeev Masand who was one of the first to tweet said “#Piku looks like such fun! And whattay cast.” Leading director Karan Johar who was equally impressed with the trailer said “Superb and unusual trailer!”
Ranveer Singh who couldn’t contain his happiness said “Motion se hi Emotion! 3 of my fav actors in what promises 2 b a little gem!” The actor was also joined by...
In less than a few hours, the trailer went viral and began trending nationally. Several celebrities joined fans and critics as they gushed about the trailer and showered the cast- Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan with profuse praises!
Leading Bollywood critic Rajeev Masand who was one of the first to tweet said “#Piku looks like such fun! And whattay cast.” Leading director Karan Johar who was equally impressed with the trailer said “Superb and unusual trailer!”
Ranveer Singh who couldn’t contain his happiness said “Motion se hi Emotion! 3 of my fav actors in what promises 2 b a little gem!” The actor was also joined by...
- 3/28/2015
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
Bollywood churns out on average 120 plus films a year, with 2014 reaching 142. So to think all of them will go down in history as being successful is rather naive. But what about the ones we thought would work wonders but came up short? The ones that left us thinking, “Why was this allowed past the editing board”? Even ones that somehow managed to cha-ching the money registers sky high. 2014 had its fair share of films that fit all these categories. BollySpice brings you the biggest disappointments of 2014.
10. Holiday
A.R.Murugadoss blew everyone’s mind when he told a tale of an anterograde amnesia patient desperately seeking revenge for the murder of his girlfriend in Ghajini. Yet when it came to a follow up film, one could say Holiday fell short of all the trimmings to recreate the magic. The writer in Murugadoss failed to see the shortcomings of his story,...
10. Holiday
A.R.Murugadoss blew everyone’s mind when he told a tale of an anterograde amnesia patient desperately seeking revenge for the murder of his girlfriend in Ghajini. Yet when it came to a follow up film, one could say Holiday fell short of all the trimmings to recreate the magic. The writer in Murugadoss failed to see the shortcomings of his story,...
- 1/5/2015
- by Githa Vanan
- Bollyspice
Hawaa Hawaai – which released in theatres last Friday, has become a talking point amidst the cinema lovers. This little movie with a big heart carries a hefty tale about living your dreams. Director Amole Gupte has ingeniously captured the life of Arjun, played sensitively by Partho Gupte, and his four other friends, who have made an impact on their viewers. Post its release,
Hawaa Hawaai has gained highly positive reviews, making it stand out amongst the competition.
Saibal Chatterjee from Ndtv says, “Writer-director Amole Gupte employs the standard tropes of a triumph-of-the-underdog tale to deliver a warm, sensitive and rousing slice-of-life drama.”
Madhureeta Mukherjee from Times of India has said, “Amol Gupte’s story is soulful, heart-breaking and hopeful – moving you from tears to deep-thought. He skillfully creates a portrait of the lives of deprived children – with profundity and playfulness.”
JuhiChawla tweeted, “Hawaa hawaai… Warm… Amusing… Inspiring..lovely for family viewing.
Hawaa Hawaai has gained highly positive reviews, making it stand out amongst the competition.
Saibal Chatterjee from Ndtv says, “Writer-director Amole Gupte employs the standard tropes of a triumph-of-the-underdog tale to deliver a warm, sensitive and rousing slice-of-life drama.”
Madhureeta Mukherjee from Times of India has said, “Amol Gupte’s story is soulful, heart-breaking and hopeful – moving you from tears to deep-thought. He skillfully creates a portrait of the lives of deprived children – with profundity and playfulness.”
JuhiChawla tweeted, “Hawaa hawaai… Warm… Amusing… Inspiring..lovely for family viewing.
- 5/19/2014
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
Abundantia Entertainment Private Limited, India's first independent motion pictures studio, unveiled its business blueprint and confirmed its film slate for 2014 and 2015. The company also announced the arrival of new strategic investors to support its growth and expansion plans. Built with the vision of producing and supporting progressive, high-quality entertainment content, Abundantia has made strong strides, especially in its motion pictures business, in a short span of time. Founded in August 2013, Abundantia was incepted by Vikram Malhotra who, in his earlier avatar as COO of Viacom18 Motion Pictures, built a formidable reputation on delivering successes with new-age, clutter-breaking cinema. Vikram has to his credit some of the biggest and most memorable films of the last 3-4 years and also deep relationships with talent in the film and TV business in India. Driving the model of creating 'talent-studio partnerships', Abundantia has firmed up an impressive line-up for the first two years of...
- 3/20/2014
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
“There are a number of reasons why you may be tempted to watch Gulaab Gang. They include the fact that it is a women-oriented film; the powerful action sequences that have been displayed via the promos; as well as the fact that it brings two legends of Indian Cinema together for the first time. Starring Madhuri Dixit Nene and Juhi Chawla in the leading roles, Gulaab Gang did have some enjoyable moments, but it is ultimately a film that was not as exciting. It’s disappointing to have to report this, given that there is so much excitement surrounding this film in particular. I very much appreciate women-oriented films as they are integral in the shaping and development of Indian Cinema. Past contributors include Mother India (1957), Pakeezah (1972), Chandni (1989), Zubeidaa (2001) and Kahaani (2012). I really wanted Gulaab Gang to be on the list of the greatest women-oriented films of all time. However,...
- 3/9/2014
- by BollySpice Team
- Bollyspice
Film: "Gulaab Gang"; Cast: Madhuri Dixit, Juhi Chawla; Directed by Soumik Sen; Rating:** 1/2 (two and a half stars)
Women in pink sarees dot the lush rural landscape. They want revenge. Men, all raunchy paunchy rapists, leery bribe seekers and rowdy merry makers, get their comeuppance in the hands of these pink ladies armed with sickles, sticks, knives and gumption.
Director Soumik Sen's film is designed as a flamboyant loud and message-driven film on women empowerment.In parts it looks like a government-sponsored documentary on rural development with Madhuri in it to ensure people care and respond to the message.
This would be as good as any place to reveal that the makers' claims that the film is Not based on.
Women in pink sarees dot the lush rural landscape. They want revenge. Men, all raunchy paunchy rapists, leery bribe seekers and rowdy merry makers, get their comeuppance in the hands of these pink ladies armed with sickles, sticks, knives and gumption.
Director Soumik Sen's film is designed as a flamboyant loud and message-driven film on women empowerment.In parts it looks like a government-sponsored documentary on rural development with Madhuri in it to ensure people care and respond to the message.
This would be as good as any place to reveal that the makers' claims that the film is Not based on.
- 3/7/2014
- by Rahul Kapoor
- RealBollywood.com
After a scare that lasted a day-and-a-half, Soumik Sen is a much-relieved man today. The debutant director would finally be seeing a film of his arrive on the big screen and with the Court allowing Gulaab Gang to release despite a case being filed by Sampat Pal, he can finally live the dream that he has carried for the last three-odd years. Read More...
- 3/7/2014
- Bollywood Trade
After a scare that lasted a day-and-a-half, Soumik Sen is a much-relieved man today. The debutant director would finally be seeing a film of his arrive on the big screen and with the Court allowing Gulaab Gang to release despite a case being filed by Sampat Pal, he can finally live the dream that he has carried for the last three-odd yearsIt is human tendency to crib that mujhe yeh nahi mila ya phir woh nahi mila. We keep telling ourselves that if only I would have...
- 3/7/2014
- GlamSham
Today sees the release of Soumik Sen’s Gulaab Gang. The first time director brought together a dream team for the highly anticipated film that includes Anubhav Sinha in his producer avatar and then two of India’s finest actresses to play the lead roles. In a radical and cool concept, Gulaab Gang takes the classic hero vs villain and turns it on its head, featuring Madhuri Dixit-Nene as good and Juhi Chawla as evil in a film all about female empowerment.
Synopsis:
Somewhere in the heartland, an ashram of sorts has been set up by ‘Rajjo’ (Madhuri Dixit), where women armed with axes and sickles and dressed in pink mete out evil and seek out justice for one and all, while making hand-ground spices, hand-woven baskets and sarees. But when the party she was campaigning for reveals its true colours, Rajjo knows she has a whole new battle ahead of her,...
Synopsis:
Somewhere in the heartland, an ashram of sorts has been set up by ‘Rajjo’ (Madhuri Dixit), where women armed with axes and sickles and dressed in pink mete out evil and seek out justice for one and all, while making hand-ground spices, hand-woven baskets and sarees. But when the party she was campaigning for reveals its true colours, Rajjo knows she has a whole new battle ahead of her,...
- 3/7/2014
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Madhuri and Juhi and Bollywood fans you can stop crying into your pillows because the release of Gulaab Gang is back on and will hit theaters on March 7th!
The Delhi High Court lifted the ban that was going to keep the highly anticipated film away from theaters until May 8th! The complaint was lodged by Sampat Pal saying that the film would harm here reputation. The earlier judgement was reversed and the film will release but will have a disclaimer that says it is not based on Sampat Pal’s life.
Producer Anubhav Sinha said in interview, “The similarity ends at the title of the film and the name of the gang. Our film is about a woman who fights for her rights, and has to oppose another woman, a politician, who is played by Juhi Chawla. Why should I ask for permission for something I am not doing?...
The Delhi High Court lifted the ban that was going to keep the highly anticipated film away from theaters until May 8th! The complaint was lodged by Sampat Pal saying that the film would harm here reputation. The earlier judgement was reversed and the film will release but will have a disclaimer that says it is not based on Sampat Pal’s life.
Producer Anubhav Sinha said in interview, “The similarity ends at the title of the film and the name of the gang. Our film is about a woman who fights for her rights, and has to oppose another woman, a politician, who is played by Juhi Chawla. Why should I ask for permission for something I am not doing?...
- 3/6/2014
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Soumik Sen’s Gulaab Gang, which will see Bollywood heavyweights Madhuri Dixit Nene and Juhi Chawla together on screen for the first time, could possibly have its release date postponed. Initially scheduled to come out this Friday (ahead of International Women’s Day), the High Court in Delhi has stayed the release of the film until May 8, upon the request of Sampat Pal.
Sampat Pal is famous for forming a clan of pink saree wearing female activists called Gulabi Gang in Uttar Pradesh. Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva said the film could possibly damage her reputation, despite director Soumik Sen and producer Anubhav Sinha insisting that the film is not based on her life. “Reputation once lost is lost forever and cannot come back and can’t even be compensated in monetary terms,” said Sachdeva.
Pal has claimed that no one came to her to acquire her permission for the film to be made.
Sampat Pal is famous for forming a clan of pink saree wearing female activists called Gulabi Gang in Uttar Pradesh. Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva said the film could possibly damage her reputation, despite director Soumik Sen and producer Anubhav Sinha insisting that the film is not based on her life. “Reputation once lost is lost forever and cannot come back and can’t even be compensated in monetary terms,” said Sachdeva.
Pal has claimed that no one came to her to acquire her permission for the film to be made.
- 3/5/2014
- by Bodrul Chaudhury
- Bollyspice
Just as effortlessly as she dances, Madhuri Dixit brings out the tough side in her out and performs heavy-duty action sequences while she battles with the evil side in Gulaab Gang.
Watch her transform into a fighter here!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1EK3-7z9k8
Directed by Soumik Sen, Gulaab Gang also stars Juhi Chawla. Produced by Anubhav Sinha, Gulaab Gang is presented
by Sahara Movie Studios & Bharat Shah and is a Benaras Mediaworks production.
Fearless Madhuri: making of the Action Sequences in Gulaab Gang is a post from: BollySpice
The post Fearless Madhuri: making of the Action Sequences in Gulaab Gang appeared first on BollySpice.
Watch her transform into a fighter here!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1EK3-7z9k8
Directed by Soumik Sen, Gulaab Gang also stars Juhi Chawla. Produced by Anubhav Sinha, Gulaab Gang is presented
by Sahara Movie Studios & Bharat Shah and is a Benaras Mediaworks production.
Fearless Madhuri: making of the Action Sequences in Gulaab Gang is a post from: BollySpice
The post Fearless Madhuri: making of the Action Sequences in Gulaab Gang appeared first on BollySpice.
- 3/5/2014
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
It seems like the wait for much talked about and keenly awaited film Gulaab Gang, featuring Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla just got longer. A few days ago we had reported that Sampat Pal, the leader of the real life Gulaabi Gang, had moved the Delhi High Court petitioning a ban on the release of the film. Now we hear that in its ruling, the Delhi Hc has issued a stay on the release of the film across the country in any format censored or uncensored till May 8, 2014.
Apparently, Pal had taken objection to the film, and later filed the said petition, on the grounds that the maker had not sought permission from her for the same, especially considering the fact that the film is based on their life story. Apart from requesting a stall on the release of the film, Pal had also sought financial compensation, saying there are...
Apparently, Pal had taken objection to the film, and later filed the said petition, on the grounds that the maker had not sought permission from her for the same, especially considering the fact that the film is based on their life story. Apart from requesting a stall on the release of the film, Pal had also sought financial compensation, saying there are...
- 3/5/2014
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
Brand Ambassador Shah Rukh Khan along with Kunal Kohli, Punit Malhotra and Tarun Mansukhani were at the recent Tag Haeur event celebrating ‘The Golden Era of Carrera’ that launched the famed watchmaker’s new collection of golden Tag Heuer Carrera timepieces in Mumbai.
This new Carrera series by Tag Heuer is powered by the supremely accurate Calibre 5 automatic movement. Created for the true connoisseurs of luxury, this collection has options in 18 carat Gold for those who like bling and 18 carat Rose Gold for those who like to keep in subtle. With options of rose gold or gold with steel and leather straps, details are stunning in their sophistication: hand-applied Tag Heuer logo, indexes and date window.
The evening was all about celebrating the Art of Manufacturing and Creation, and given the long withstanding association that Tag Heuer has had with the world of glamour and movies, Indian Film directors who...
This new Carrera series by Tag Heuer is powered by the supremely accurate Calibre 5 automatic movement. Created for the true connoisseurs of luxury, this collection has options in 18 carat Gold for those who like bling and 18 carat Rose Gold for those who like to keep in subtle. With options of rose gold or gold with steel and leather straps, details are stunning in their sophistication: hand-applied Tag Heuer logo, indexes and date window.
The evening was all about celebrating the Art of Manufacturing and Creation, and given the long withstanding association that Tag Heuer has had with the world of glamour and movies, Indian Film directors who...
- 3/5/2014
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Madhuri Dixit, who has been busy promoting Gulaab Gang, a film with the powerful message of ‘women empowerment’, strongly feels about the cause. To reach out to her audience with this message, the actor participated today in a Live Video Chat, where she and director Soumik Sen spoke about the cause, with poems. The beautiful evening saw the powerful recitation of some of the most timeless poems by Madhuri Dixit. The director and the gorgeous actor also answered questions asked by the online viewers.
Director Soumik Sen revealed how the idea of getting Madhuri to recite these poems, excited him. “While shooting for the film, I had shortlisted 3 poems on women empowerment which I thought Madhuriwould like to read. When I handed over these poems to her, she started to read them and being the actor she is, her reading the lines looked like an expressive narration. That is when...
Director Soumik Sen revealed how the idea of getting Madhuri to recite these poems, excited him. “While shooting for the film, I had shortlisted 3 poems on women empowerment which I thought Madhuriwould like to read. When I handed over these poems to her, she started to read them and being the actor she is, her reading the lines looked like an expressive narration. That is when...
- 3/2/2014
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
Not since the time of Meena Kumari has an actress been known for writing. Actress Shreya Narayan has written the lyrics for the song 'Sharm Laaj in Soumik Sen's Gulaab Gang, which releases next Friday. The song has a sexy, folk rhythm to it and as you keep hearing it, it grows on you. We hear that the song has been picturized on Madhuri Dixit, which only adds to the entire mood of the song which asks women to do away with their inhibitions. When we caught up...
- 2/28/2014
- GlamSham
Gulaab Gang is set to hit theaters on 7th March 2014 to mark Women’s Day (on 8th March) and we can’t wait. A powerful, female-centric film that conveys a hard-hitting social message, Gulaab Gang sees debut director, Soumik Sen, bring together on screen for the very first time two of Indian cinema’s most lauded actresses: the iconic Madhuri Dixit and inimitable Juhi Chawla who will ignite the silver screen in powerhouse performances.
Here’s something cool we bet you would have never guessed. Talking about Gulaab Gang, director Soumik Sen revealed a connection to Aerosmith, “There is a song by Aerosmith called Pink. It has lyrics that say ‘Pink, it’s like red but not quite’. We associate pink with softness but it can also be angry and fierce and ‘Gulaab’ in Gulaab Gang represents that.”
Proving the power in pink, Gulaab Gang releases on 7th March 2014, produced by Anubhav Sinha,...
Here’s something cool we bet you would have never guessed. Talking about Gulaab Gang, director Soumik Sen revealed a connection to Aerosmith, “There is a song by Aerosmith called Pink. It has lyrics that say ‘Pink, it’s like red but not quite’. We associate pink with softness but it can also be angry and fierce and ‘Gulaab’ in Gulaab Gang represents that.”
Proving the power in pink, Gulaab Gang releases on 7th March 2014, produced by Anubhav Sinha,...
- 2/28/2014
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
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