Brands queue up for PIKU !

The team of Vicky Donor is back with PIKU, a roller coaster ride of a crazy father-daughter relationship that brings Amitabh Bachchan,  Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan together for the first time ! With an impressive starcast and a light-hearted fun script, the first family entertainer of 2015,helmed by Shoojit Sircar seems to have become a highly sought after film in the brand world, with over 15 brands queuing up to associate with PIKU.




Being a clean comedy drama starring industry stalwarts, the film makes for an ideal platform for the brands to communicate with Indian consumers. Over 15 brands ,including major players like Snapdeal, Ceat, Marico, Hero cycles, Lifestyle and Syska have made a beeline for the film. Apart from associating with the film in various capacities ,brands have also rolled out movie-themed ranges of products in the market, all of which have received a stupendous response from the consumers.




If that wasn’t all, it is for the first time ever that heritage brands such as AMUL and RED Label Tea have done an in-film product placements in a Bollywood film and have led the massive integrations and media campaigns for a movie.




PIKU releases on 8th May.

Manoj Bajpayee attends 'The Anupam Kher Show’ and gets a pleasant surprise

Manoj Bajpayee was a special guest on  'The Anupam Kher Show' a few days ago. The two powerhouse actors had a great time interacting and discussing their lives and careers in Bollywood. Manoj Bajpayee and Anupam Kher have worked together in quite a few movies including the most recent ‘Special 26'.

The interaction was very engaging but Manoj was also got a pleasant surprise when Anupam Kher gifted him a special scroll hand written by him personally. Written in the scroll were kind words from Anupam for Manoj, mentioning him as a rare talent and that he has made a mark in Bollywood on his own merit. Anupam Kher ended the note with wishing Manoj best of luck of luck for the future

Zoya Akhtar shot the song ‘Gallan Goodiyaan’ in one take

​​

Zoya Akhtar shot the song ‘Gallan Goodiyaan’ in one take

Zoya Akhtar is one of the most promising directors in our industry

​.​

The ace director is always pushing boundaries and even for the song in her upcoming film Dil Dhadakne Do she has tried something nouvelle.

Zoya has shot the song Gallan Goodiyan in one take.

A short preview of the song has been released in which audiences get a sense of what it will look like but the whole song which is a 4 minute 48 second song, the audiences will be able to see in the film.

It was a mammoth task to plan the shoot but Zoya was really excited on this one.

While the planning and rehearsals took time the shooting of the song was done in less than five minutes.

They did a few rehearsals before they began shooting and once they started shooting everything fell into sync.

Even the cast was gung-ho about shooting in this style.

The song has turned out fantastic and the track is being loved.

However the audiences will be able to see the direction trick only in theatres. 

Says Zoya "We had to plan every detail before we started shooting for the song. There was a lot of planning and management to be looked into. The song would not be possible without Bosco Caesar and Carlos my DOP"

She further adds "It was challenging but fun. There is a version of the song out and the feedback on it has been very positive and overwhelming. The audiences will get to see the entire song in the film."

Anurag Kashyap's special gift for Anushka Sharma.

Anurag Kashyap hosts a special screening of Bombay Velvet for Anushka Sharma on her birthday.

Anurag Kashyap had a special gift for Anushka Sharma on her birthday.

Anurag hosted a special screening of Bombay Velvet for Anushka on her Birthday yesterday.

Anushka, who plays a jazz singer, in the period drama film, had been desiring to watch the film for weeks now.

Yesterday was the first theatrical screening where the entire cast of the film was present. Anushka's family and friends were also a part of the screening.

Apart from the cast and Anushka’s friends and family, many people from the industry also watched the film last night.

After the screening,  Anushka cut a cake to the chorus of 'Happy Birthday To You'.

Bombay Velvet is one of the most awaited films of the year and is all set to release on 15th May

Aamir Khan looks for a Haryanvi tutor.

Aamir Khan, who plays a wrestler in his next, Dangal, will now be learning Haryanvi for the film.

The actor wants to get into character by learning the dialect of the Bhiwani district and has told his team to arrange for a tutor who can train him to speak the local dialect of the people of Haryana’s Bhiwani district. 

He needs to learn conversational Haryanvi for the film.

Aamir Khan, who has always been a perfectionist, has willingly undergone physical transformations and learnt new languages or dialects for some of his roles.

Last year, he learnt Bhojpuri for his role in Rajkumar Hirani’s PK.

While he was shooting for PK, his Bhojpuri tutor would even accompany him to the sets regularly.

In 2012, Aamir also learnt Marathi .

Aamir enjoys learning new languages, so he doesn’t find it troublesome to do so for his films. He is quite excited about picking up Haryanvi for this film.

The team has found seven-eight tutors, but no one has been finalized yet. Aamir will begin training in the language soon.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Dangal will release in 2016.

​​​Shraddha Kapoor cancels her trip with friends due to work commitments

Shraddha Kapoor recently she planned a trip with friends to go explore the sea world in detail.

Shraddha is a licensed scuba diver. The young actor has gone scuba diving a number of times and absolutely loves the experience.

The ace actor was going to visit Micronesia with a group of friends to witness warship wrecks which have been there since World War 2.

Shraddha has been planning this trip since more than two months. There were special permissions and licenses required all of which took some time to come. There was a lot of to and fro and they finally got a date in April for the trip.

It was a 7 day trip and most of her bookings were in place.

However the date they got was then clashing with some of her work commitments. Shraddha had a chunk of dubbing for ABCD 2 to wrap up and also had some brand commitments come up.

Shraddha even started the prep for Rock On 2 for which she has extensive voice modulation classes every alternate day. The classes are necessary for her role and require continuity and practice so she thought it was best for her to cancel her trip.

So while her friends continued on the trip, Shraddha had to cancel her bookings. They sent her pictures all through out to tell her what she is missing upon.

Says Shraddha “I was really looking forward to this trip but I would feel guilty if I would have pushed my work. I will plan something soon."

Karan Johar to present S.S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali

Karan Johar to present India’s Largest Motion Picture

Karan Johar has seen some portion of S.S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali and has loved the scale, story and concept of the film. He and Rajamouli have joined hands to showcase the film. This is a huge moment, where two of India’s most renowned filmmakers are coming together to present Baahubali.

S.S. Rajamouli is known as the 7th wonder for the magnanimous success he has achieved. A national award winner, he's known for films like Eega and Magadheera. He has had 9 back to back hits and he is now set to release his next film, Baahubali. 

Made on a magnificent scale, Baahubali is the first ever Indian film that transcends regional boundaries and has a pan-India appeal.

Karan Johar recently announced, 'Proud to present India's Largest Motion Picture. @ssrajamouli's

labor of love - #Baahubali....watch this space for more 

Baahubali is set to release on 10th July.

'P se PM tak'

Directed by Kundan Shah, 'P se PM tak' stars Meenakshi Dixit who will be debuting in Hindi Cinema. The film is slated to release on 29th May 2015.

Rishi Kapoor gets into the skin of his character

  Chintu no more! Rishi Kapoor gets into the skin of his character, literally, with an all new 85 year old man look for Divya Khosla Kumar's Sanam Re!!    

For the first time, one will see Rishi Kapoor donning a look of a 85- year old grandfather in Bhushan Kumar’s musical romantic Sanam Re directed by Divya Khosla Kumar. The dedicated actor use to be the first one to report on sets in order to literally get into the skin of his character. The actor and director went through more than 100 references to zero down on this look.

Speaking on his look, director Divya Khosla Kumar says, “Rishiji is essaying the role of an 85 year old man and this look has blown everyone away! The make up took close to 4-5 hours and he never complained even once. What enhances the look further is the attention to detail and nuances worked upon by Rishiji such as the body language, the expressions, he even picked out the character's spectacles himself from a market and that highlights his passion as an actor and commitment to the role."

The director adds, “Rishiji is a very dedicated actor and directing him has been one of the most memorable and learning experiences for me personally. It is clearly evident through his hard work and passion that the actor is called one of the superstars of our country.   He would report on sets before time, even in the freezing minus temperatures of Shimla where Sanam Re has been shot. He is extremely passionate about his craft and this is evident in his look for Sanam Re which has been researched extensively by both of us." 

Sanam Re has garnered positive buzz in the industry for its distinct vintage appeal which is very different from Divya Khosla Kumar's debut superhit, Yaariyan. Rishiji's avatar rockets it to one of the most awaited movies of 2016!

High res image attached below, please contact Nitasha at 9820628870 for all media queries. 

Anil Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri Announced the Availability of LG Flex2

LG G FLEX2 NOW AVAILABLE IN INDIA

Anil Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri Announced the Availability of

LG Flex2 in its true sense of Beast inside n Beauty outside and Showcase Short Films Shot on the Phone

Mumbai, April 30, 2015 — LG Electronics announced the availability of its premium flagship smartphone, LG G Flex2 in India, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 810 processor with X10 LTE, a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., at a celebrity studded event in Mumbai. Bollywood superstars Anil Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri showcased their directorial debut through 4K Ultra HD videos and still shots on the G Flex2. The two came together for the first time to showcase their directorial short films, shot on this revolutionary smartphone that boasts state of art curve design, 4K Ultra HD camera and a brilliant immersive screen. The G Flex 2 is the latest addition to LG’s G Flex line of smartphones and has been improved with an advanced four side curved design and a slimmed down, higher resolution display to support better ergonomics.

On the occasion, Mr.Deepak Jasrotia, Business Head, LG Mobiles India said, “LG G Flex2 is as beautiful to hold as it is to behold and it represents the perfect combination of beauty and brains. We are pleased to have Anil Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri join us today to share their experience of using this one of its kind smartphone and officially launch it in India. The G Flex2 is a beautiful, high performance and a highly desirable smartphone that offers users both comfort and style.”

The iconic curved design of the G Flex 2 follows the contour of your face, while also providing a reassuring ergonomic grip, which makes it easy to hold and operate. While the 5.5-inch Full HD P-OLED curved display of the G Flex 2 provides stunning color and smooth crisp video.

About this unique concept, Bollywood superstar Mr. Anil Kapoor said, “I had a wonderful time using the LG G Flex2. It is a very stylish smartphone with stunning features like the curved display, super-fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor with 64-bit octa-core CPU, Amazing camera and a flaunting design. I had a lot of fun using this smartphone to shoot videos that I have put together in the form of a short film.”

"Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, the LG G Flex2 combines performance, style, features and battery life to offer an exceptional smartphone experience to users,” said Dinesh Prasad, head-devices, Qualcomm India & South Asia. “Consumers can enjoy advanced features such as 4K video recording and playback, -fast web browsing and social media uploads with the Snapdragon X10 LTEmodem, enhanced camera experiences and console quality gaming - all this with extended battery life."

The G Flex 2 comes with an advanced design, faster performance and more importantly greater convenience. Powered by the Snapdragon 810 processor, the LG G Flex2 comes with 64-bit octa-core CPUs and integrated X10 LTE for a fast and smooth performance. The Snapdragon 810 processor also features integrated 3x20MHz Carrier Aggregation support for fast, efficient connectivity. Its 5.5-inch display gets a bump up to Full HD, while the updated software offers even more convenience through all-new features such as Gesture View and Glance View. The unique “Self-Healing” back cover from the original G Flex carries over to the G Flex 2 and is now faster and more effective than before.

Another innovative technology only available in LG smartphones is the amazingly fast Laser Auto Focus camera, first introduced in the popular LG G3. This technology enables the G Flex2 to capture the best moment ― even in low light ― by measuring the distance between the subject and the camera using a laser beam. Combined with LG’s proven OIS+ technology and dual LED flash, the G Flex2 delivers images that rival most standalone point and shoot cameras

*Vodafone consumers in India will get a special offer on the purchase of G Flex2, with 2 GB Free internet for 6 months.

Qualcomm and Snapdragon are trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries.

About LG Electronics, Inc.

LG Electronics India Pvt. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of LG Electronics, South Korea was established in January 1997 in India. It is one of the most formidable brands in consumer electronics, home appliances, and mobile communications space. LGEIL's manufacturing unit at Greater Noida is one of the most eco-friendly units among all LG manufacturing plants in the world. The second Greenfield facility is located at Ranjangaon; Pune has the capacity to manufacture, LED TVs, Air Conditioners, washing machine and refrigerators.

THE 24TH JAMES BOND ADVENTURE WATCH LATEST VLOG FROM THE SET OF SPECTRE ON www.007.COM

http://www.007.com/

Sam Mendes (Director)

“I love the idea of this fantastic car being in a one-on-one battle with another incredible car from Jaguar, which is similarly extraordinary actually. So it’s a cat-and-mouse game through the night time streets of Rome, at great speed, between two of the fastest cars in the world.”

Dave Bautista (Mr. Hinx)

“It’s amazing.  It’s one of those scenes that’s going to be very iconic. Just with the two cars racing through the streets of Rome – I mean, how often do you see that? It’s one of those things you only see in a James Bond film.”

SYNOPSIS:

A cryptic message from Bond’s past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organisation. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE. Sam Mendes returns to direct SPECTRE, with Daniel Craig reprising his role as 007 for the fourth time. SPECTRE is produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, from a script by John Logan and Neal Purvis & Robert Wade.

ovember 6, 2015.

About Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions

EON Productions Limited and Danjaq LLC are wholly owned and controlled by the Broccoli/Wilson family. Danjaq is the US based company that co-owns, with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, the copyright in the existing James Bond films and controls the right to produce future James Bond films as well as all worldwide merchandising. EON Productions, an affiliate of Danjaq, is the UK based production company which makes the James Bond films. The 007 franchise is the longest running in film history with twenty-three films produced since 1962.  Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli succeeded Albert R ‘Cubby’ Broccoli and have produced some of the most successful Bond films ever including CASINO ROYALE, QUANTUM OF SOLACE and SKYFALL. The 24th film, SPECTRE, is currently in production.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer 

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and distribution of film and television content globally. The company owns one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television content.  In addition, MGM has investments in domestic and international television channels and is the majority owner of and distributor for United Artists Media Group (UAMG). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.

Anushka Sharma trained with Ashley Lobo for Bombay Velvet

Anushka Sharma has trained rigorously with choreographer Ashley Lobo for her role in her forthcoming film Bombay Velvet as a Jazz singer.

The actress has had a training for 6 long months with Ashley to get the nuances of her character precisely. He trained her in getting the body language, how to hold the mike and also on correct expressions.

It has been a long exercise for Anushka to adapt to the minutest details required her character as a jazz singer in the film. 

Infact, jazz plays a vital role in Anurag Kashyap's Bombay Velvet. Even the title of the film comes from the name of the jazz club ‘Bombay Velvet’ in the film.

Anushka also put in a lot of effort and time to get the correct look for the film.

Bombay Velvet is set to hit the silver screen on 15th May.

Margarita With A Straw on the threshold of 5 crores

Kalki Koechlin starrer Margarita With A Straw has not only received critical acclaim, but also audience appreciation and box office success.
 
The film’s first week collections are 3,27,53,759 while it collected 1,25,02,326 in the second week.

The total collections of the film so far are 4,52,56,085.

Being a small budget film, it is doing extremely well at the box office.

The film has been constantly growing due to positive word of mouth, creating a rise in demand among audiences.

While it opened in limited theatres, the exhibitors increased the number of shows after the first weekend.

It also released in 12 more centres in the second week due to the demand from audiences who were keen to watch the film.

It has been receiving an overwhelming response and all those who have watched the film have loved it.

Even before it’s release, the film garnered accolades internationally wherein it travelled to numerous film festivals.

Shahrukh Khan has been reaching the set of Raees before time

Shahrukh Khan started shooting for 

​Raees​

 earlier this month.

The film has an elaborate set which was being made since early this year at Filmcity.

Shahrukh has been very excited about starting the film and was actively in touch with the makers; Ritesh and Farhan on the film.

Now that the actor has started shooting for the film his positive energy is getting transmitted to everyone on set. Shahrukh has been reaching sets before his call time every day.

While the call time is 11.00 am he has been reaching about an hour prior every day since a week.

Shahrukh has been exuberant. He reaches sets earlier and spends time reading the script, interacting with the crew and talking to the director about the plan for the day

Shares a source “When he reached early for the first time the team panicked as they thought they made a coordination error. However after they spoke to his team they breathed a sigh of relief.”

He had been reaching early since the last one week and shooting for 10 -12 hours at a stretch.

The set is very interesting. They have recreated the Ahmedabad of the 80's era. Everyone has been very excited about the project. 

In fact Farhan even tweeted on the day the shoot commenced which went viral.

Spokesperson of the film confirms and shares “The shoot has been going fantastic! Shahrukh has been taking the energy on sets a notch higher. He has been reaching early, interacting with everyone on sets, shooting for extra hours."

Fans to get a glimpse of George Clooney’s hugely awaited action futuristic fiesta ‘Tomorrowland’ with Avengers Age Of Ultron in Imax!!

As a special treat for all American fans  (And some international lucky territories) who go to see Avengers: Age of Ultron in IMAX, will be presented with an extended look at Geroge Clooney’s much awaited action ad sci fi fest Tomorrowland, running about six minutes long on 1st May!!

The six-minute preview will be in front of all American and some international IMAX screenings of Avengers: Age of Ultron when it releases in USA on 1st May!

From Disney comes two-time Oscar winner Brad Bird’s “Tomorrowland,” a riveting mystery adventure starring Academy Award winner George Clooney. Bound by a shared destiny, former boy-genius Frank (Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tomorrowland.” What they must do there changes the world—and them—forever.

Featuring a screenplay by “Lost” writer and co-creator Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird, from a story by Lindelof & Bird & Jeff Jensen, “Tomorrowland” promises to take audiences on a thrill ride of nonstop adventures through new dimensions that have only been dreamed of.

The film also stars Hugh Laurie as brilliant scientist David Nix, Raffey Cassidy, Tim McGraw, Kathryn Hahn, Keegan-Michael Key and Thomas Robinson. “Tomorrowland” is produced by Damon Lindelof, Brad Bird and Jeffrey Chernov and directed by Brad Bird, with John Walker, Bernard Bellew, Jeff Jensen and Brigham Taylor serving as executive producers. “Tomorrowland” opens in theaters on May 22, 2015.

JIMMY & RAGHU PLAY ANTAGONISTS IN “VARTAK NAGAR – A Story Of Four Friends”

The gangster era of the 80’s is a principal layer in the upcoming film ‘Vartak Nagar’. The gangster played by Jimmy Shergill has a violent face off with the honest and upright mill union leader played by Raghu Ram.

Producer Amit Agarwal feels that the audience has not seen such a film in years. “Vartak Nagar is the story of four teenage boys set against the gangster era and the great Bombay mill strike of the 80s.” “Though I am based in Kolkata but I am happy teaming up with Kunal Kohli and debuting in Bollywood as a producer for this wonderful tale of friendship” says Amit.

Jimmy Shergill is upbeat about playing Bala Chavan, the local don. “I have never played a Maharashtrian don before. It was fun to play a character which is pure evil and also a bit disconcerting at times to play a character like Bala Chavan who knows neither fear nor remorse”

Raghu Ram identified with Kunwar Singh a lot more. “Kunwar is honest and upright. He is fighting for what is right and is willing to bend a few rules for the more universal good of the mill workers. I liked the gray shades. Kunwar Singh’s means may be debatable but he means well”.

Debutant Director Atul Taishete says  “There is something extremely fresh about the casting. Jimmy Shergill is a revelation and trust me, he will surprise the audience out of their wits and there’s something very honest about Raghu as he fits the part really well”.

‘Vartak Nagar is a joint production of Kunal Kohli Productions, Adarsh Telemedia and Dione Entertainment. The film is in the final stage of post production and is set to get a release this year.

Sway to the tunes of Allen D’costa this International Jazz Day

Known for coupling French hospitality with an Indian touch, Sofitel Mumbai BKC promises you an elegant and chic evening this International Jazz Day. Amidst the Parisian inspired outlet and in the avatar of its Jazz and Blues theme, Artisan will host the versatile musician and guitarist,Allen D’costa. Groove to the beats of the Latin American and Spanish styles, Jazz, Gypsy, Arabic, Fusion, Retro, Pop, Country and Classic Rock this 30^th April 2015.

Originally started by the UNESCO, this day was designated to bring together enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate the virtues of jazz as an educational tool, a force for peace, unity and cooperation amongst people and today, this Art form is recognized every year in all its glory. Starting 7pm onwards, guests can enjoy special cocktails and delectable delights served up at the Artisan like Kiwi and Star Anise Martini, Fresh Fruit Margarita, Rustic Tomato Mozzarella, Calamari Fritters and more, starting from INR 500 (plus taxes).

Revel in the festivities this Thursday, 30^th April, 2015 at Artisan at Sofitel Mumbai BKC!

Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Rajkumar Hirani to launch poetry book

Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Rajkumar Hirani come together to launch the book of an 18 year old.

This 18 year old is the daughter of Rajkumar Hirani’s co-writer of blockbuster films like PK and 3 idiots, Abhijat Joshi.

From the time Abhijat Joshi has met Vinod Chopra, the writer has contributed to the writing of almost all films being produced under Vinod Chopra’s banner

Now that his daughter has compiled a book of all her poems, the duo is extending their support to it by launching it.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Rajkumar Hirani have both read Anushka Joshi’s work and they find it extremely phenomenal.

Vinod Chopra has been around in the industry for decades and has an eye for good work. So, compliments and support coming from him is very special for Anushka Joshi who is very excited about it.

The themes of her poems range from the last moments of the Pompeii civilization to wondrous moments of scientific discovery, and the silent resilience of war victims

When contacted, Vinod Chopra confirmed the news and added, "Anushka is a very talented girl. There is maturity in her writing and we are always happy to support excellence."

Reason behind the title 'Bombay Velvet' revealed!

Anurag Kashyap’s period drama Bombay Velvet is set in the 1960’s.

While it is one of the biggest releases this year and there is great anticipation for the film, not many are aware about the reason behind the title of the film.  

The name of the film comes from the name of the nightclub ‘Bombay Velvet’ in the film.

Ranbir Kappor is the manager of Bombay Velvet and Anushka Sharma is a jazz singer there.

The film revolves around the nightclub, where a lot of important events take place.

Anurag Kashyap has recreated Bombay of the 60’s and has made sure that everything is in sync with that era.

P SE PM TAK release date shifted to 29th May, 2015

Dhaval Gada's PEN India production P SE PM TAK release date is shifted to 29th May,2015. The film is directed by Kundan Shah.

Dhaval Jayantilal Gada (PEN) presents, P Se PM Tak, produced by Akshay Jayantilal Gada and Reshmaa Kadakia and co-produced by Kushal Kantilal Gada. The film features Meenakshi Dixit, Bharat Jadhav, Indrajeet Soni, Yashpal Sharma, Aanjjan Srivastav, Deepak Shirke, Akhilendra Mishra, Mushtaq Khan, Aanand Kale, Vedish, Prerna Wanvari, Chinmay Jadhav, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Virendra Saxena, Upasana Singh, Pandharinath Kamble, Sanjay Dadhich.