Hercules review by ANIZ FILMVALA

Hercules

 review by

 ANIZ FILMVALA 

*****

Directed by Brett Ratner’s Hercules gives Dwayne Johnson the much desired super power iconic image which was due for long time for his kind of persona, Hercules a mythological raider in this movie has the nuance of a normal human emotion and the supremacy of the legendary character.

As about the movie the troupes of Hercules are conquering the Nemean Lion and Hercules is the motivation of the fellow warriors Amphiaraus [McShane)], Autolycus [Sewell], Tydeus [Hennie], Atalanta [Berdal] and Iolaus [Ritchie]. 

As they are approached by Lord Cotys's [Hurt] daughter Ergenia [Ferguson] who proposes them Hercules's weight in gold if they conquer the warlord Rhesus [Santlemann]. Henceforth they are beckon to Thrace to train Cotys's army who are dolefully insufficient for the battlefield. Hercules is beleaguered by apparition of his dead wife (Shayk) and kid for whom King Eurystheus (Fiennes) might be the source behind the nightmares. And ultimately fight begins to defeat Eurystheus the malevolence king.

The climax is appealing as the battles scenes are enormously designed to suit an epic movie stature, Dwayne has a scope for some spectacular energy and power driven performance and he Rocks.

A movie for the audience who is keen to be thrilled and reminisced from a legendary Hero ‘Hercules’.

Cast

Dwayne Johnson as Hercules

John Hurt as Cotys, King of Thrace

Rufus Sewell as Autolycus

Ian McShane as Amphiaraus

Ingrid Bolsø Berdal as Atalanta

Aksel Hennie as Tydeus

Reece Ritchie as Iolaus

Rebecca Ferguson as Ergenia

Joseph Fiennes as King Eurystheus

Steve Peacocke as Stephanos

Irina Shayk as Megara

Barbara Palvin as Antimache

Tobias Santelmann as Rhesus

PVR launches special merchandise for Singham Returns!!

PVR launches special merchandise for Singham Returns!!

PVR Cinemas recently held an event to launch the special customised merchandise for Singham Returns and also the launch of the special trailer of the movie powered by Dolby Atmos technology

This is the 1^st time that PVR has taken such a merchandize initiative for any Bollywood Film.

Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor and Director Rohit Shetty unveiled the Singham Returns merchandize which has sippers,customized popcorn tubs & lunch boxes that can also be carried home by patrons, as souvenirs at its various multiplexes.

Mr. Kamal Gianchandani, President PVR Pictures was present at this occasion and was delighted to be part of their association with Singham Returns

Well, we are sure that the audiences are going to love these new merchandize of Singham Returns!!

34th Death Anniversary of the legendary Mohammed Rafi

                                                                  

Saregama India Ltd. is marking the 34^th Death Anniversary of the legendary Mohammed Rafi with an immersive infographic on 31^st July. Rafi Saab, as he was fondly known, was arguably the greatest male playback singer the Hindi film industry has seen.

The infographic will delve into the major milestones in his life in the form of a timeline. A breakdown of his collaborations with various music directors and lyricists is shown, in the form of raw numbers and statistics. 34 interesting bits of trivia about him have been expertly put together. In addition, the languages he sung in and the Awards he won, both the Filmfare and the National Awards, are also mentioned. Some of the greats who influenced him, as well as those he influenced, is depicted in the form of images. Besides, some other quirky aspects of the man, such as his hobbies, are covered as well.

Born in a village near Amritsar, Rafi Saab was noted as a gifted singer from a very early age. After singing at a concert meant for KL Saigal, he got his break in Bollywood, singing for Naushad in a 1944 film. He ruled the roost for a large part of the 1950s and the 1960s, when he won half a dozen Filmfare Awards, as well as a National Award. After a quiet period in the early 1970s, he came back with another National Award winning performance in 1977. A consummate singer till his last breath, he recorded a song for the 1981 film Aas Paas a few hours before his passing. He breathed his last on 31^st July, 1980, leaving behind an enduring body of work.

Covering the legends of Indian music has now become a tradition for the company, having previously made similar infographics for music director RD Burman and singer M Balamuralikrishna. This is because it is the perfect way to convey information and engage with fans and aficionados in the digital medium. The aim is to bring the life of our stalwarts in a form that is easy to understand and enjoy.

Besides the infographic, Saregama is also releasing a series of 11 interactive jukeboxes on YouTube. A dedication to the versatility of the man, each jukebox will consist of 34 songs and will cover a different mood, such as melancholy and romance.

Radio premier of ‘Raja Natwarlal’

 

 

Exclusive Radio premier of ‘Raja Natwarlal’ only on Radio City 91.1FM

~Emraan Hashmi, Humaima Malik & Kunal Deshmukh launch the music~

Mumbai, July 30, 2014: Radio City 91.1 FM delighted its listeners with the exclusive album premiere of the music from the much awaited con movie ‘Raja Natwarlal’. The album was unveiled by the ace director Kunal Deshmukh & actors Emraan Hashmi & Humaima Malik.  The exclusive first look of the video launched today was revealed to the media present.

While talking about the movie the director, Kunal Deshmukh reveled insights about shooting the romantic number ‘Tere Hoke Rahenge’ with Emraan Hashmi & Humaima Malik.

The studio was abuzz with exhilaration as Emraan narrated his dancing experience as the newest ‘item boy’ in town! The song ‘Dukki Tikki’ will witness the ‘reluctant’ Emraan putting on his dancing shoes!

With the music launch on Radio City, the songs of the movie will reach out to wider audiences across the country and definitely create a musical wave for ‘Raja Natwarlal’.

The movie directed by Kunal Deshmukh has Emraan Hashmi & the latest import Humaima Malik. The vocals for ‘Tere Hoke Rahenge’ have been rendered by Arijit Singh.

The movie is expected to hit the theatre on August 29, 2014.

To catch the beautiful tracks from the movie, stay tuned to FM Bole Toh Radio City 91.1. Also log on to www.planetradiocity.com to catch the video of the music launch!

About Radio City 91.1FM

Radio City 91.1FM is India’s first and leading FM radio brand. Promoted by Music Broadcast Private Limited (MBPL), the private FM network has captured the hearts of millions of listeners across 20 FM stations in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Vadodara, Surat, Sholapur, Nagpur, Sangli, Coimbatore, Vizag, Ahmednagar, Akola, Nanded and Jalgaon.

Radio City 91.1FM offers a differentiated listening experience through melodious music to All SEC 12+ audiences across the nation. Aggressively looking at spreading the Radio City experience across the country, Radio City 91.1FM is committed to growing the market and creating superlative content for discerning audiences. Radio City 91.1 FM broadcasts round-the-clock using state of the art digital stereo FM for unmatched quality in signal strength, clarity and brilliance.

Satish Kaushik’s Dead End wins $15,000

Satish Kaushik’s Dead End wins $15,000 in Seoul

Dead end also gets selected at IFP Project Forum at Independent Film Week in New York. 

This one-of-a-kind event brings the international film and media community to New York City to advance new projects and support the future of storytelling by nurturing the work of both emerging and established independent artists and filmmakers. Through the Project Forum, creatives connect with the financiers, executives, influencers and decision-makers in film, television, new media and cross-platform storytelling that can help them complete their latest works and connect with audiences.This one-of-a-kind event takes place September 14-18, 2014 at Lincoln Center supporting bold new content from a wide variety of domestic and international artists. And Dead End has found place in the coveted few from entries coming from world over.

 

After winning HAF at Hong Kong, Dead End scores in Korea. The script is making its rounds in The Network of Asian Fantastic Film (NAFF) countries and makes yet another mark by winning the best script at Seoul at Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (Pifan),

Dev Benegal’s pitch for a dark comedy “Dead End” was named as the best project at the Network of Asian Fantastic Films. The Bucheon Award is worth $15,000.

Dead End is The story of a man who is declared as dead by a shady government department and has to take extreme measures to prove that he is alive. The script is written by Dev Benegal and Sarat Rao and is to be produced by Satish Kaushik Entertainment and Benegal’s August Entertainment. Satish Kaushik will play the main lead.

Talking about the win Satish Kaushik said,” The project has been garnering positive response and now with two awards in its kitty and a cash prize win we can look at kick- starting pre production. Dead end will see one of the most successful complex cross country funding and I’m sure it will firm up India’s position in the global cinema market. I have always believed that cinema has no language and Dead End has proved it so. A simple village folk from India has now known to all top notches in the cinema circuit. Who could even imagine of such a scope? I had the rights to the story. Dev and I developed it and I want him to direct this project as well”.

After the win at HAF and NAFF, the script has garnered interest from world over. Satish Kaushik has been in talks with The Weinstein Company and the legendary Karl Baumgartner’s partners. Enquiries has been trickling down from countries from Germany, France, Japan, UK, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and US have queued up to meet Satish and Dev to lap up the project.

The project is up for funding and will be developed as an international venture. It will release world over as the story caters to international sensibilities and a wider audience beyond India.

The NAFF project platform is a successful market to the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (Pifan). Now in its Eighteenth edition the festival has not only made a mark in Korea but also on the global map. This year It hosted 27 local and Asian projects, welcoming 259 executives to 449 formal one-on-one pitch meetings

Tu Mere Agal Bagal Hai’s Charity Drive

Tu Mere Agal Bagal Hai’s Charity Drive

Tu Mere Agal Bagal Hai is a light-hearted stand-up fiction comedy show that exhibits the comical happenings in the daily lives of all the members residing in Bungalow No. 6.

The actors spread cheer and happiness amongst their viewers through their unique show and on the auspicious occasion of Eid, the entire star-cast of ‘Tu Mere Agal Bagal Hai’ decided to visit an orphanage to distribute daily utilities and necessities amongst the children and spread festive cheer among them. The team of actors which included Rajesh Kumar, Shweta Gulati, Sukesh, Ami Trivedi, Sugandha Mishra and others have made a commitment to donate to a worthy cause every month. They visited an orphanage on the outskirts of the city.

Rajesh Kumar said, “The entire star-cast was planning to do charity and we also discussed amongst ourselves about the institutions that we could approach for the same. Sukesh played a pivotal role in this activity. All of us actors have mutually decided to spend a specific amount from our monthly income and donate it to a worthwhile cause every month. This is the first step from our end and we shall continue with our charity every month. As responsible citizens it’s our moral responsibility to share goodwill and spread happiness amongst people who have been less fortunate.”    

Shweta Gulati said, “It was truly an amazing and heart-warming experience for the entire star-cast of Tu Mere Agal Bagal Hai. We distributed some essential utilities amongst the children and the smiles on their faces showed how happy they were. I am glad that we got an opportunity to lend a helping hand in the noble endeavour of spreading happiness amongst the children. We shall continue with our charity events in the upcoming months.”

Tune into Tu Mere Agal Bagal Hai to catch all the fun and laughter from Monday to Friday at 10.30pm on SAB TV!

Family and friends of Nawazuddin Siddiqui urge him to throw a bash

It was a working Eid for critically acclaimed actor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui who is currently shooting for his upcoming next film Badlapur.

The actor whose film alongside Salman Khan kick just released is enjoying a lot of appreciation and positive feedback for his role in the film

Nawazuddin has received rave reviews from critics,audiences as well as people from the industry on his performance. So much so,that people close to him have been asking him to throw a party to celebrate this big success.

However Nawaz who is currently busy shooting will plan a small get together for close friends and family soon.

When contacted Nawazuddin Siddiqui, he shared, "It is a working Eid for me this time as I'm shooting for my next film. The response on Kick has been overwhelming and people close to me have been asking me for a party which I'll plan sometime this week."

Shraddha Kapoor injured while preparing for ABCD 2

Shraddha Kapoor is preparing for her next ABCD 2. The actress is training hard for this film in which she plays a dancer.

Shraddha has intensive practice s

essions as she has to master various dance styles for this film

While learning an extremely difficult move, a split for one of the sequences, Shraddha injured herself.

She has been working towards the split for a couple of days.. and even before had done a warm up... However it's a strenuous move and she landed up injuring herself.

Shraddha got a muscle pull and was in a lot of pain.

She was immediately taken care of and is currently undergoing physiotherapy sessions.

She has been advised to take rest for a week at least.

Shraddha has been working out and undergoing extensive training. She was dejected as she had to forgo her training for such a long period.

She has a mapped fitness plan and has been trying to follow it to the tee but this recovery is important.

​However even while resting Shraddha has decided to make most of her time. She has been watching dance videos of different forms and trying to understand the knack

Her role in ABCD2 is very different from what the audiences have seen her. It's a very challenging role and she is getting a chance to learn a lot.

She has been giving her 100per cent to it.

Shraddha is keen to get back on her feet as soon as possible so that she can get going with her training.

Says Shraddha "I guess it was a result of over enthusiasm which led to a partial muscle tear. I guess I have to be a lot more careful while rehearsing because it is very important to understand your body and how much you can push it. But I love dancing so much that I'm praying this injury heals quickly."

"Creature" not "Animal"

It's "Creature" not "Animal" for Vikram Bhatt

Earlier Vikram Bhatt wanted his upcoming to be titled as Animal, but as the title is registered with Shirish Kundar, director of Akshay Kumar starrer Joker, he refused to give his title to Vikram Bhatt.

“When I wrote the script, I thought the name fitted really well. Also, it wouldn’t have given people the impression that it is a horror film, which is of utmost importance. Then I found out that Shirish owns the title. So, I approached his wife, Farah Khan, with whom I share a great rapport,” says Vikram.

But Kundar refused to give the title as he is working on a film with the same title. “I really wanted it for my film, but I understand that Shirish, too, is working on his movie, and that’s the reason he could not help me. I am not upset with him.” Adds Vikram.

It was his daughter Krishna who helped him to find a new title revealed the film- maker. “I could not think of the obvious. But Krishna helped me find the current title, and I am very happy with it. I realise now that nothing could have been more fitting than this one.

Bhushan Kumar, producer of T Series says, "Vikram was keen to have Animal as the title. But Creature 3D is a better title and is apt for the film."

Creature 3D starring Bipasha Basu and Imran Abbas produced under the banner of T-series is slated for 12th September 2014 release.

Kriti adds another shining moment

Kriti Sanon lives up to some Heropanti, while she shines yet again on the sets of her first ad shoot

Kriti adds another shining moment to her life, signs her first ever commercial post Heropanti. We caught this pretty lass on the sets. Kriti is playing a college girl, hanging around with her friends and enjoying it all. She is caught swaying and showing off her hair, clicking selfies making work all fun. Kriti also talks about her shine moments in life,her latest moment being to be the face of Parachute Advansed Jasmine hair oil.

All work and no play is definitely not Kriti’s mantra for sure. See it yourself and check her out in this videoand don’t miss her first commercial on TV.

Teri Mahima Aprampaar!

The makers of the movie Entertainment are back with yet another upbeat and masaledaar number, Teri Mahima Aprampaar!

The song features a one of a kind situation where the girl is trying to woo the guy. That's right, the video of this song features Tamannaah Bhatia trying to flirt with Prakash raj & Sonu Sood. Sachin-Jigar have also given this song a quirky twist by using lines from the famous children's nursery rhyme, 'Twinkle Twinkle'.

You can check out the video of this super catchy song on the following link :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8x71Dt6zGM

More info on the film -  Entertainment

 

Entertainment is Akshay Kumar and Tamannah Bhatia’s latest comedy starring stalwarts of humour such as Mithun Chakraborty , Johnny Lever, Prakash Raj, Sonu Sood, and Krushna. Entertainment is truly an entertainment of a different kind what with the star of the show being a dog called Entertainment sharing screen space with Akshay Kumar. Marking the debut of director duo Sajid-Farhad, the film also stars Tamannah, Mithun Chakraboty, Johnny Lever, Prakash Raj, Sonu Sood and Krushna and revolves around Akhil Lokhande (Akshay Kumar) and Entertainment (the dog). And how Akhil, who initially comes up with devious plans to knock off Entertainment to inherit a fortune,ends up sharing a bond with the animal. Producer Ramesh Taurani says, "Akshay and Entertainment's interaction is the USP of the film and forms a crucial part of the storyline. The supporting cast adds to the dynamics. And like all entertainers this film too has action, comedy, drama and even a dose of romance. It’s a fun, family movie which will be enjoyed by people of all ages."

Tips industries Ltd and Jayantilal Gada’s (PEN), Entertainment releases August 8.Produced by Ramesh.S.Taurani, Creative producer Jay Shewakramani, Co Producers Dhaval Jayantilal Gada , Kushal Kantilal Gada & Reshmaa Kadakia.

Entertainment, Shopping And Puppy Love

Entertainment, Shopping And Puppy Love This Season At Shop With Heart

A special sale of garments worn by the stars of the movie Entertainment in support of Youth Organization in Defence of Animals (YODA)

Starring Akshay Kumar and a gorgeous Golden Retriever who plays the title role in Entertainment, this year’s August release by Tips Industries doesn’t just promise to be a mega entertainer, but is also contributing to the cause of our loyal furry friends! In what promises to be an event full of fashion, fun and lots of love, the 2^nd Shop with Heart sale will present to you the wardrobe of the stars from Entertainment (Akshay Kumar, Tamannaah, Sonu Sood, Krushna Abhishek & Prakash Raaj) along with personal pieces from Akshay Kumar, the lovely Twinkle Khanna, and Varsha and Ramesh Taurani.

In a first of its kind initiative, a Bollywood and fashion collaboration will create a platform to help the cause of the animals that have featured in the film. Entertainment joins hands with Shop with Heart founded in 2013 by two friends - Varsha Taurani of Tips Industries & Shanti Sivaram of Bling Entertainment Solutions, in collaboration with Rachana Nakra of Fuffabulous. Shop with Heart aims to bring to you a sale of the finest pre-owned fashion at accessible prices with all of the proceeds going to a charitable cause. The first sale event raised funds for In Defence of Animas (IDA), which were used to conduct repair work at their Deonar centre.

This season, all the proceeds will go to the non-profit animal welfare group YODA (Youth Organization in Defence of Animals). YODA was born out of the minds of 5 young visionaries who were newly exposed to the harsh realities of how animals are treated in India. In particular, animal mills, where the female species are bred over and over until death to produce puppies for monetary gain. 99 percent of the commercial breeders in this country are full-fledged puppy mills. YODA’s method of working towards reducing the number of puppy mills is via adoption, direct action and education. They want to gently alter the Indian mindset towards animals and hope to make our country a safe place for them one day.

Akshay Kumar who is an avid animal lover says, “Animals are no different from us and are entitled to as much care and affection. I have two dogs as pets at home and it is a beautiful relationship full of love. This film is very close to my heart because of Junior who has the title role in the film. His presence on the sets was a total treat! Working with this amazing dog day and night made my feelings against animal cruelty even more pronounced. The work YODA is doing is truly inspiring. It is today’s youth who can bring such a serious issue to light and I am glad to do my bit for the animals.”

If you are looking to ramp up your wardrobe, grab some serious fashion at amazing prices, while doing a good deed then come be a part of Shop with Heart. The racks include brands like Louis Vuitton,Gucci, Balenciaga, Reiss, Karen Millen, Paul Smith, Gant, Armani Exchange, Bebe, Diesel, Masaba Gupta, Neeta Lulla, Nishka Lulla, Asos, River Island, Aldo and many more.

At Woodside All Day Bar & Eatery, New Link Plaza, Near Oshiwara Police Station, Oshiwara, Andheri (W) on August 2^nd from 10.30 am to 6 pm.

And you have a chance to meet the man himself! Akshay Kumar will be at the event supporting this cause. Now, you really have every reason to come!

Recommerce Partner: www.facebook.com/fuffabulous and visit www.fuffabulous.com

YODA: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yoda.mumbai/

TWO TO TANGO

TWO TO TANGO

Raghu Ram & Rajiv Lakshman launch their new venture - Monozygotic

While rumours have been doing the rounds for some time now, we can finally confirm that twin talents, Raghu Ram and Rajiv Lakshman are coming together to launch their new venture, Monozygotic- a Content & Brand Communications studio.
While most of us recognize them as the creative driving force and the definitive face of the cult show Roadies, this dynamic duo is in fact responsible for creating a number of other enduring, genre defining television shows such as Splitsvilla and instrumental in the launch & success of Masterchef India. They have also broken new ground in the digital content space through pioneering properties such as Roadies Battleground and Jack & Jones Hitched.
Monozygotic is the culmination of their careers spanning over two decades.
Mono…what you ask? 'Monozygotic means identical twins i.e. coming from the same zygote' explains Raghu with a smile.
'And life is coming full circle for us, as the two of us are finally joining forces to form one entity' adds Rajiv
Monozygotic will focus on content creation across mediums like television, digital & on-ground and offer brand consultancy for clients across industries. ‘Multi-media formats, optimizing technology, consumer engagement’ is how the duo define the core of this new enterprise.
While their individual ventures have left an indelible impact, it will be interesting to watch how they take this legacy forward as a team.

'Save Our Tiger'

Mumbaites support NDTV’s 'Save Our Tiger' Campaign

Mumbai, July 29, 2014:

Carrying forward the mission to ‘Save Our Tigers’, NDTV and Aircel urged everyone to join and support the ‘#SaveOurTigers’ Agenda on the occasion of WORLD TIGER DAY today.

The third season is appealing to school children, youth and concerned citizens to come forward to celebrate World Tiger Day and sign their names on signature sheets which will then be taken to Chief Ministers of key tiger states to take immediate action towards Tiger Conservation. 

As part of the campaign, the signature sheets in support of the agenda were placed at Select City Walk in New Delhi, High Street Phoenix Mills in Mumbai, City Centre at Kolkata and Citi Centre Mall in Chennai today.

The Mumbai event saw Bollywood actress Tara Sharma express her concern about poaching of tigers, as she joined the signature campaign, suggesting strong steps be taken to curb poaching of tigers and other wild animals.

A special ‘Augmented Reality Zone’ was also created on the ground for people to have an exciting tiger experience exclusively at High Street Phoenix, Mumbai and Select City Walk in Delhi.

In a lead-up to the campaign, painting competitions were held in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Sawai Madhopur that received an encouraging response from school children, with around 500 students participating in each city. Eminent personalities from various walks of life joined hands with NDTV and Aircel to raise awareness about saving the Tiger, our national animal and pride of India. Naynaa Kanadia joined us in Mumbai, Paresh Maity in Delhi, Shuvaprasanna in Kolkata, Ramya in Bangalore and ThotaTharini in Chennai to support the painting initiative.

Creature 3D makers approached Mahadev

Mahadev fame Mohit Raina was approached to play opposite Bipasha in Creature 3D

Creature 3D makers approached Mahadev fame Mohit Raina to play the role opposite Bipasha Basu, but due to his onscreen persona of  Mahadev he was not signed for the film.

Makers felt that as he plays Shiva the ultimate god in tele-series Mahadev, his personality will be too strong in front of the Creature. Finally makers roped in Pakistani actor Imraan abbas to play the role.

Vikram Bhatt’s Creature 3D starring Bipasha, Imran Abbas, produced under the banner of T-series is slated for 12^thSeptember release

Shahid Kapoor receives praises galore

Shahid’s performance in Haider has been received well from all quarters.

He has pushed the envelope a

s an actor for the film and his effort has been noticed and appreciated.

The trailer garnered tremendous traction and was actively discussed in circles.

Social networking sites were a buzz after the trailer launched.  Shahid was also inundated with calls from industry and friends.

The film had a good vibe since it went on floors. The first look was very promising and audiences were looking forward to the trailer. And yet the trailer managed to surpass all expectations and delivered a notch higher.

The actor is now being quizzed on the process he underwent to get into the skin of his character.

While he was in a meeting at a 5 star suburban hotel a hotel guest apologized for interrupting but he had said he had to share how he loved the trailer of Haider.

Even when Shahid was in the lift in his building - twice residents from the building broached the topic and were raving about the trailer and also mentioned how they are looking forward to the film.

Shahid is elated and humbled with all the postivie reactions.

His last outing at the box office was R... Rajkumar which was an out and out masala film. Haider is exactly on the other side of the spectrum.

He has undergone a sea change and he is glad people are accepting and appreciating it.

Karan Johar: Haider looks engaging and power packed with drama and intrigue....it Also appears to be Shahids best celluloid work...Vishals Shakespearean adaptation promises to be a cinematic   Victory... Karan Johar

Pankaj Kapoor : Haider is real, touching and explosive. I have not seen Shakespeare's Hamlet interpreted the way Vishal has in Haider. I am proud of Shahid's performance in Haider.