entertainment

May 102018
 

Avengers: Infinity War topples The Jungle Book to emerge as the highest grossing international film by hitting Rs 200.39 crore so far

Avengers: Infinity War

Even on home turf, Bollywood’s superstars have been unable to match up to the bevy of superheroes that graced our cinema halls two weeks ago. Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War has become the first Hollywood film, and the only other movie after Padmaavat, to breach the Rs 200 crore mark at the domestic box office. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus, which hit screens in January, earned Rs 302.15 crore.

With this feat, Infinity War has toppled The Jungle Book [Rs 180 crore] to emerge as the highest grossing Hollywood film in India by hitting Rs 200.39 crore so far.

Trade analyst Amod Mehra says, “It is amazing yet astonishing to see a Hollywood film doing such good business. The film has been doing well at both, single screens and multiplexes. The Indian film industry needs to pull up its socks. We need more films like Dangal or a Baahubali [to match up to their creations].”

Interestingly, Avengers: Infinity War, which entered its third week today, continues to carry promise for theatre owners. “We’ve received a decent response to advance booking for Avengers for the next three days as well.”

Also read: Marvel film Avengers: Infinity War now fastest film to earn USD 1 billion worldwide

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

May 102018
 

Invitees spill the beans on Angad Bedi and Neha Dhupia’s nuptials on Thursday

Angad Bedi and Neha Dhupia tied the knot at a Delhi Gurudwara yesterday
Angad Bedi and Neha Dhupia tied the knot at a Delhi Gurudwara yesterday

Still feasting on the heart-warming images spilling out from Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja’s recently concluded wedding, netizens did not expect to find themselves waking up to news of Angad Bedi and Neha Dhupia’s nuptials yesterday. The lovebirds took everyone by surprise by announcing their marriage by sharing pictures from their Anand Karaj ceremony held at a Vasant Vihar Gurudwara.

A source, who attended the wedding told mid-day, “It was a quiet ceremony because that’s how they wanted it to be. It was an intimate affair, with only friends and family in attendance. They wanted to break the news to the world, so even we refrained from posting photos online.”

Dhupia at the mehendi ceremony earlier
Neha Dhupia at the mehendi ceremony earlier

The former cricketer’s friends from the field, Ajay Jadeja and Ashish Nehra, apart from actor Gaurav Kapoor and photographer Prasad Naik showed up for the ceremonies – starting with the mehendi rituals on Wednesday evening – at a half-day notice. Neha Dhupia wore a blush chanderi embroidered lehenga designed by Anita Dongre. Apt for a daytime ceremony, the lehenga had exquisite zardosi and resham work. Dhupia teamed it with a kundan choker and matching earrings from Dongre’s jewellery collection.

Another friend of the couple adds, “They are planning a Mumbai reception. They will host a party to make up for not having invited us to the wedding. But, they are in most likelihood, leaving for the US tonight for a charity event, and will be back next week.”

In a joint statement, the couple announced, “Marrying your best friend is one of the greatest feelings in the world, and we are extremely fortunate to have found love in each other.”

Also read: Neha Dhupia gets secretly married to ‘best friend’ Angad Bedi, see photos

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

May 102018
 

Arjun Kapoor on collaborating with Raid director, Raj Kumar Gupta, for a thriller based on India’s 2012 secret mission to capture India’s most wanted terrorist

Arjun Kapoor and Raj Kumar Gupta
Arjun Kapoor and Raj Kumar Gupta

With Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar, Namastey England and Panipat, Arjun Kapoor will be seen straddling diverse genres of romantic thriller, romantic comedy and period drama. Now, the actor has given his nod to Raj Kumar Gupta’s next, India’s Most Wanted. The thriller is said to be inspired by a secret mission that was conducted between 2012 and 2014 to capture one of the country’s most dreaded terrorists.

Arjun Kapoor, who plays an intelligence officer, tells mid-day, “The film revolves around an event that transpired recently, but not a lot of people know about it. My character is straight out of a real-life incident. It intrigues me to play such a role.” The youngster believes that it will be exciting to collaborate with the Raid director who belongs to the school of gritty cinema. “He was the first director to call me after watching Ishaqzaade [2012]. He said he was looking forward to working with me some day. When he narrated the script of India’s Most Wanted to me, I felt proud of my motherland and its unsung heroes.”

To be shot between Nepal and Delhi in a start-to-finish schedule in July, the movie is slated to hit screens in May 2019. Gupta says, “I am looking forward to my collaboration with Arjun and producers Fox Star. He is a sincere actor and the best choice for the role.”

Also read: Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja wedding: Ranveer Singh and Arjun’s funny ‘Masakali’ rap

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

May 102018
 

Huma Qureshi turns to celebrated desi couturiers for turns on French Riviera

Huma Qureshi
Huma Qureshi

Having returned to the French Riviera for the 71st Cannes Film Festival yesterday, Huma Qureshi has chosen to make Indian designers’ names part of the whispers that fill the red carpet. After having sported a white Varun Bahl creation at the festival’s India Pavilion inauguration ceremony yesterday, Qureshi will slip into designs crafted by Manish Malhotra and Falguni & Shane Peacock for the upcoming events on the international shore. Celebrity stylist Mohit Rai, the man behind her Cannes turns tells mid-day that they were conscious in picking Indian names for her look.

“For several years, Indian artistes have been wearing international designers at the Cannes red carpet. The idea [this time] was to showcase Indian talent on international shores. The younger, cooler designers [in this case, the Indian designers when pitted against international labels] never make it to the Cannes,” he says. 

Huma Qureshi

For Huma Qureshi, the designs, he says, will be subtle. “We wanted to create beautiful looks, keeping in mind a muted palette. We chose to create [the look of] a strong, bold woman. Huma stands out, and we wanted her to express her individuality.” Qureshi will slip into a lavender Falguni & Shane Peacock creation for tomorrow’s proceedings. Falguni tells mid-day, “With Huma, we wanted to create a sharp look. We’ve designed a pewter suit with power shoulders and a cape.”

Also Read: Prasoon Joshi: Happy to showcase regional cinema on a global platform

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

May 102018
 

Chunky and Bhavna Pandey got married on January 17, 1998, at the same hotel where Sonam’s reception was held

Chunky Pandey and Bhavna Pandey
Chunky Pandey and Bhavna Pandey

Chunky and Bhavna Pandey got married on January 17, 1998, at the same hotel where Sonam’s reception was held. It was nostalgia time for the couple. Anil Kapoor had attended their nuptials and now they were at his daughter’s wedding at the same venue. Chunky and Bhavana have a daughter Ananya Panday, who is set to make her Bollywood debut this year alongside Tiger Shroff and Tara Sutaria with Student Of The Year 2, which is being produced by Karan Johar.

While Chunky Panday‘s daughter Ananya is set to make her Bollywood foray, the actor says nephew Ahaan will also join the bandwagon, but, Johar’s Dharma Productions will not mark his launch. Chunky was addressing reporters at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards voting weekend. Responding to questions on whether Ahaan would make his debut soon, he said, “My nephew Ahaan is just like my son. He is famous on Instagram and Twitter. A [film] announcement [involving him] will also be made soon. He is not debuting with Dharma. The other banner could be Yash Raj [Films]. I can’t talk about it, but good news is on its way.”

Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja‘s wedding reception was a grand affair that saw the creme-de-la-creme of Bollywood under one roof. From Shah Rukh Khan to Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar to Saif Ali Khan, the A-listers were all smiles for the shutterbugs and blessed the newlyweds with their presence for the couple’s glamorous reception party.

Photos and videos, shared by celebrities on social media pages, were out instantly and looking at them one can only say Sonam Kapoor’s wedding reception was high on fun. Though Karan Johar and Ranveer Singh’s crazy dance videos going viral were on cards, it was Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Anil Kapoor’s performances that actually managed to steal the show.

Photo Gallery – Sonam Kapoor’s mehendi and sangeet: Janhvi, Khushi, Rani Mukerji attend festivities

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

May 102018
 

Breaking down John Abraham’s look in RAW, director tells the actor to get buzz cut for spy drama

John Abraham
John Abraham

Ahead of Romeo Akbar Walter RAW going on floors in June, the team is hard at work finalising leading man John Abraham’s look. The actor, we hear, will be sporting a buzz cut in the espionage drama that is set against the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. To add to his character of a spy, Abraham is also working towards attaining a leaner physique. The team — including the actor, director Robby Grewal, producers Ajay Kapoor and Bunty Walia, and makeup artist Vikram Gaikwad — is set to conduct a series of look tests before zeroing in on one.

Grewal tells mid-day, “It’s a true-blue espionage film with John playing a RAW agent. While it has its share of action sequences, it’s not an action film. You won’t see him bashing up 10 people. Instead, the film will delve into the mindspace of a spy. We are presenting John in a different avatar – he will sport a leaner frame and possibly, a buzz cut. We will explore various looks before locking in on one for his role.”

The director adds that John Abraham‘s character will be seen sporting various disguises in keeping with the narrative of the spy thriller. Intrigued by the political climate during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, Grewal says that he decided to weave a fictional story set in the era. “The story is fictional, but the events [that form part of the background in] 1971 are part of my script. Things were dramatically different in that era, and the secret service was a fantastic unit to be part of, in those times.”

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

May 102018
 

Amidst Sanjay Dutt’s biopic up for release, essayed by Ranbir Kapoor, the makers of Yash Raj Films have surprised their fans by announcing Shamshera. Sanjay Dutt will be seen in a negative role in this film opposite Ranbir Kapoor

Sanjay Dutt and Ranbir Kapoor
Sanjay Dutt and Ranbir Kapoor

In what can be called the ultimate casting coup, director Karan Malhotra has got Sanjay Dutt to play the ruthless, merciless villain in Yash Raj Film’s period action-adventure Shamshera! He will be pitted against Ranbir Kapoor in the mega action spectacle. Interestingly, Shamshera will be Sanjay’s first ever film with YRF.

Talking about it Sanjay Dutt said, “My father and Yash uncle were very close friends and now that I’m doing my first YRF film, it is an extremely emotional moment for me. When I heard Karan’s idea to pit Ranbir against me, I thought it was just brilliant. I’m looking forward to shooting this incredibly exciting film, my second with the hugely talented Karan Malhotra.”

On the other hand, director Karan Malhotra says, “Shamshera is a highly ferocious and fearless character in the film. Therefore his nemesis, the villain had to be even more fierce and monumental in every aspect. Who’s better than Sanjay Sir to give us that impact on screen.”

This high-octane adventure film is set in the heartland of India and will have jaw-dropping action sequences and a never seen before Ranbir Kapoor.

Here is the teaser of the film Shamshera:

[embedded content]

Shamshera is set to go on floors end of this year and shooting will wrap by mid-2019.

Also Read: Sanju New Poster Marks The Anniversary Of Sanjay Dutt’s Debut Film Rocky

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

May 092018
 

On Sunday, 102 Not Out earned Rs 7.60 Crore, and Monday it minted Rs 3.02 Crore. After continuing a decent five-run at the Box Office, the film has finally earned Rs 22.50 crore

102 Not Out
A still from the film 102 Not Out

Moviegoers turned up in abundance to watch Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor reunite on screen after 27 years in 102 Not Out. The comedy raked in approximately Rs 9.05 crore (Rs 3.52 on Friday and Rs5.53 on Saturday) since its release.

After five days of its release, Amitabh Bachchanand Rishi Kapoor’s film remains strong on Tuesday and garners Rs 2.83 crore at the box office. 102 Not Out is set to have long legs at Box Office.

On Sunday, the film earned Rs 7.60 Crore, and Monday it minted Rs 3.02 Crore. After continuing a decent five-run at the Box Office, the film has finally earned Rs 22.50 crore.

While fans are appreciating the camaraderie between Amitabh Bachchan andRishi Kapoor in 102 Not Out, music aficionados are celebrating the movie’s soundtrack. Composed by Salim–Sulaiman, the film, which was earlier supposed to be song-less, features three tracks that have an old-world charm.

Talking about their vision for the music, Salim Merchant says, “While composing the tracks, we reflected upon a dialogue that Mr Bachchan says in the movie, ‘Mujhe duniya ki har nayi cheez pasand aati hai, par music puraana pasand hai.’ That triggered the idea that we make vintage music for the film — music that’s reminiscent of the ’60s and ’70s.” The duo enjoyed liberty while composing the songs because their vision coincided with that of the makers. “Umesh [Shukla, director] and Saumya [Joshi, screenplay writer] needed songs that touched the heart and were close to the character sketches . We were happy to hear that brief because that was our vision too. We didn’t face any challenges while working on the film.

The makers loved what we made them listen to. There was mutual respect and trust,” says Sulaiman Merchant. Considering music plays a pivotal role in determining a film’s success, one would anticipate that working on 102 Not Out, which marks the on-screen union of Bachchan and Kapoor after 27 years, would have been taxing for the composer duo. But they refute the notion, stating, “We consider composing music a serious, yet passionate art form. And pressure is challenging. The stress is more when the star cast is new or a film marks a director’s debut, because the music plays an important role in the initial success of such films,” says Salim.

Most music directors who compose the soundtrack of a film usually like to work on its background score too, 102 Not Out’s backing music was helmed by George Joseph. “But we were a big part of the score. Initially, the movie was to release on a previous date. But since it got delayed, and we were committed to perform at concerts overseas around the time allotted for the creation of the background music, we thought of getting someone else, someone who is good, who would work with us, and still get the screen credit,” says Sulaiman.

Also Read: Bringing The ’60s Back! Salim-Sulaiman On Making 102 Not Out’s Music

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

May 092018
 

After conquering TV, the content czarina is leaving impressive imprints on the cine-goers

Ekta Kapoor
Ekta Kapoor

Filmmaker Ekta Kapoor is the uncrowned queen of entertainment as she rules not just the television industry but also has a commendable hold over feature films. Recently having ventured into the digital space with ALT Balaji, Ekta Kapoor is creating waves in the online medium as well.

Hailed to be the TRP Queen and the pioneer of daily soap entertainment, Ekta Kapoor solely changed the face of Indian TV. After conquering TV, the content czarina is leaving impressive imprints on the cine-goers. Ekta Kapoor clearly knows the pulse of viewers across the platform as she gave us movies based on different genres.

When asked about her varied content presented by her, the filmmaker replied, “I don’t know about versatility but I just believe that I like telling a lot of stories I probably have told more than anyone else. There are more than 1 lakh episodes on television, but I definitely believe that every story chooses its medium and I am lucky I have the opportunity to do all three. I don’t think I am the only person who has dabbled with all 3 mediums but probably the only person who at least got a chance to do that.”

Her latest domain being the Digital platform, Ekta has tailor-made content for the online audience. She has her own digital video streaming service where she brings in content for the younger generation who prefer watching content on their phones as opposed to Television.

Also Read: Dus Ka Dum Promo Actor Yogita Bihani Bags Lead Role In Ekta Kapoor’s Show Dil Hi Toh Hai

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

May 092018
 

The slice-of-life story is shot on the promenade of the Worli Sea Face

Prashantt Guptha and Bidita Bag
Prashantt Guptha and Bidita Bag

Neerja (2016) actor Prashantt Guptha is working on a short film, titled A Bit Of A Loner. Produced by Priti Rathi Gupta, the movie also features Babumoshai Bandookbaaz (2017) actor Bidita Bag. The slice-of-life story is shot on the promenade of the Worli Sea Face. “When director Sandeep Chandrra offered the script to me, I fell in love with it. I called up my friend, Bidita, to check if she would be interested in doing the movie. She said, ‘If you are doing it, I shall too,'” says Guptha.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

Let’s block ads! (Why?)