Mumbai, May 21 (IANS) Director Abhinay Deo known for films like ‘Delhi Belly’ and ‘Force 2’, has shared that it was easy for him to convince Anil Kapoor to play the role in ‘Savi: A Bloody Housewife’, which also features Divya Khosla Kumar, and Harshvardhan Rane.

The director revealed it was very easy for them to convince Anil Kapoor to play the role in the film.

Abhinay Deo said: “It is a very interesting and flamboyant role and there are very few actors in our industry who could do justice to it. When we all were discussing, we felt Anil would be the best choice for this role. I had a history with him as I did two seasons of 24 with him so it was easy to approach him.”

“For him also, it was a no-brainer to say Yes. First, the role was like that, second, he had a history with Mukesh Ji, T series and Me. The audience will see him in a very different role. So it was not difficult to convince him for this role.”

He added, “I don’t believe in planning so much. If I like something and I want to tell that story to the audience, I go ahead with it and put my 200 per cent into it, whether it is a commercial, action or comedy film.”

It will hit the cinemas on May 31, 2024.

–IANS

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Mumbai, May 21 (IANS) Director Santosh Singh, who is enjoying the positive response to his recently released streaming series ‘Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond’, feels that there’s a lack of authenticity when it comes to the portrayal of armed forces in Hindi films and webseries.

In fact, the director recollected feedback from the Indian Air Force. The feedback stated that the Air Force doesn’t believe in hero worship.

‘Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond’ exemplified his fresh approach to storytelling.

He said, “When we portray our armed forces or the defence establishment, we have to be extra careful with how we present them onscreen. They are all about discipline — the way they behave, their body language, and their uniforms. They wear it with a lot of pride. You have to respect that.”

He further mentioned that in one of the movies, he saw the hero walking around the whole film with his collar up.

He shared, “It’s a major put-off and wrong on so many levels. In the Air Force, you would be thrown out for this.”

He said that his approach to patriotic narratives is informed by a critical piece of feedback he received from the Air Force

Recollecting the same, he said, “I was told by the Air Force that they don’t believe in hero worship.”

“You mainly find movies built around just one heroic character. In the real world, there are many, many people behind these historic events. As soon as you put the disclaimer that your film or series is inspired by true events, then you are looking at a credible and authentic portrayal of the events, and your responsibility as a filmmaker increases many folds,” he said.

For him, as the director, it’s his job to make people understand, and if the audience does not understand, then it means the director has failed them.

–IANS

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Mumbai, May 21 (IANS) Music composer Rochak Kohli, who has recreated the song ‘Ishq Vishk’ from the upcoming rom-com ‘Ishq Vishk Rebound’, has shared that he made 17-18 versions of the recreated title track.

The composer was presented at the song launch event at a multiplex in the Juhu area of Mumbai on Tuesday along with the film’s star cast Naila Grrewal, Rohit Saraf, Pashmina Roshan and Jibraan Khan.

Talking to the media, the composer shared that the song being an iconic track demanded a certain flavour.

Rochak told the media: “I made some 17-18 versions of the title track. It’s such an iconic track that every millennial grooved to, and it still rules the hearts. When I was asked by the makers of the film to recreate the track, I pushed myself to do justice to the original track. The new version has been sung by Sonu Nigam with the same energy, and it has been made keeping the Gen Z in mind.”

‘Ishq Vishk’, which was released 20 years ago, revolves around two childhood friends Rajiv (played by Shahid) and Payal (played by Amrita Rao). As the two friends grow older, Payal eventually falls in love with Rajiv, though Rajiv is unaware of her feelings.

Produced by Ramesh Taurani & Jaya Taurani, ‘Ishq Vishk Rebound’ is directed by Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari. The film will debut in theatres on June 21, 2024.

–IANS

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Thiruvananthapuram, May 21 (IANS) One of Kerala’s most popular personalities, superstar Mohanlal is celebrating his 64th birthday on Tuesday.

Mohanlal was not born with a silver spoon, instead, went up the ladder of success through sheer hard work, dedication and commitment to his profession.

In a career that began in 1978 (his first film ‘Thiranottem’ was released a quarter century later) he had to wait another two years before he began his full-fledged film career, after which there was no looking back.

It was in 1980 that the biggest grosser then –‘Manjil Virinja Pookal’ was released; but surprisingly, he was cast as a villain in it but that did not affect his career as in a short period, he rose to the status of a superstar.

Now, at 64, Lal is presently doing his 360th Malayalam film which is yet to be titled and the highlight of this film is that he is pairing with Shobana for the 56th time.

On Tuesday, the first wish came from his senior colleague Mammootty, who shared a picture of the two with the latter giving Lal a kiss.

Birthday wishes have started to pour in from several quarters.

His 64th birthday comes at a time when the superstar’s first directorial venture ‘Barroz’ is getting ready for release.

Lal, over the years, has been decorated with five national awards which includes two best actor, a special jury mention and a special jury award for acting and as producer for the best feature film.

Apart from national honors he has won nine state film awards as well.

Additionally, he became the first actor to be awarded the honorary rank of Lt Col in the Territorial Army.

–IANS

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Mumbai, May 21 (IANS) Actor Harsh Mayar, who essays the role of Aman in the hit streaming series ‘Gullak’, has opened up on the challenges of depicting his character’s transition from a teenager to adult in the show.

The 26-year-old actor said that essaying a teenager on screen is akin to capturing lightning in a bottle.

Shedding light on the complexities of portraying teenage innocence on camera, the actor said: “The art of playing a teenager on camera is like trying to capture lightning in a bottle. Portraying the innocence of a teen while capturing the complexities of their transition to adulthood can pose quite a challenge, even though we’ve all been through that cycle. You have to tap into this raw, unfiltered energy that teenagers possess, especially today.”

He further mentioned: “It’s all about finding that sweet spot between naivety and wisdom, and it’s not as easy as it looks. For instance, during one scene, I had to channel Aman’s frustration with his older brother, Anand. To make it authentic, I had to go back in time and relieve my own teen years and those moments of sibling rivalry. It’s these personal reflections that helped me bring a genuine touch to the role.”

The show also stars Jameel Khan, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Vaibhav Raj Gupta and Helly Shah.

Created by Shreyansh Pandey, the series follows the life of the Mishra family as it faces new challenges.

‘Gullak’ season 4 is set to drop on June 7 on Sony LIV.

–IANS

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