Watch your favourite Hollywood actors – Matthew McConaughey, Scarlett Johansson, Reese Witherspoon, Taron Egerton, Seth MacFarlane and other “SING” this holiday season

The stars talk about their animated characters in upcoming film ‘SING,’ set to release in India this December

Scarlett Johansson records original soundtrack “Set it all Free” for the film

Matthew McConaughey performs Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe”

Reese Witherspoon does her own singing in the film, including renditions of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” Katy Perry’s “Firework”

Set in a world like ours but entirely inhabited by animals, SING stars Buster Moon (McConaughey), a dapper koala who presides over a once-grand theater that has fallen on hard times.  Buster is an eternal—some might even say delusional—optimist who loves his theater above all and will do anything to preserve it.  Now faced with the crumbling of his life’s ambition, he has one final chance to restore his fading jewel to its former glory by producing the world’s greatest singing competition.

Five lead contestants emerge: Mike (MacFarlane), a mouse who croons as smoothly as he cons; Meena (Kelly), a timid teenage elephant with an enormous case of stage fright; Rosita (Witherspoon), an overtaxed mother run ragged tending a litter of 25 piglets; Johnny (Egerton), a young gangster gorilla looking to break free of his family’s felonies; and Ash (Johansson), a punk-rock porcupine struggling to shed her arrogant boyfriend and go solo.

Each arrives under Buster’s marquee believing that this is their shot to change the course of their life.  And as Buster coaches each of his contestants closer and closer to the grand finale, he starts to learn that maybe the theater isn’t the only thing that is in need of saving.

Featuring more than 65 hit songs, Sing is produced by Meledandri and his longtime collaborator Janet Healy. Together, they have produced all of Illumination’s films since the studio’s inception.

MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY AND BUSTER MOON

For the first time ever, Academy Award^® winner MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY appears with his character, Buster Moon, from Illumination Entertainment’s Sing.

Buster Moon is an eternal—some might even say delusional—optimist who still believes in the wonder and magic of his once-grand theater and will do anything to preserve it.

Like all the stars of Sing, McConaughey does his own singing in the film, with a memorable rendition of Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe.”

MCCONAUGHEY QUOTE:

“I’ve always regarded Buster as the ultimate creator…a showman who refuses to accept defeat and a guy who will accomplish the impossible through sheer force of will.  Others may see his theater collapsing around him, but not Buster.  Through his eyes, you’ll begin to imagine the crown jewel of this incredible town…a place where people can truly transform.”

The shot was created by the animation artists of Illumination Entertainment and photographer Norman Jean Roy in a unique collaboration.

Credit: Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures

SCARLETT JOHANSSON AND ASH

For the first time ever, SCARLETT JOHANSSON appears with her character, Ash, from Illumination Entertainment’s Sing.

Ash is a betrayed teenager who will mend her broken heart through the power of rock-and-roll.

Like all the stars of Sing, Johansson does her own singing in the film, including renditions of Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” and an all-new original song, “Set It All Free.”

JOHANSSON QUOTE:

“Once Ash understands that all of the attention, effort and energy she’s been giving her worthless boyfriend has been standing in the way of her own musical gifts, she transforms into a badass.  Ash eschews outdated expectations that she should deliver a pop-princess act on the stage and just rocks it out with original music.  I adore her.”

The shot was created by the animation artists of Illumination Entertainment and photographer Norman Jean Roy in a unique collaboration.

Credit: Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures

REESE WITHERSPOON AND ROSITA

For the first time ever, Academy Award^® winner REESE WITHERSPOON appears with her character, Rosita, from Illumination Entertainment’s Sing.

Rosita is an overtaxed mother run ragged tending a litter of 25 children but who keeps the flicker of a secret dream inside.

Like all the stars of Sing, Witherspoon does her own singing in the film, including renditions of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” Katy Perry’s “Firework” and Bananarama’s “Venus.”

WITHERSPOON QUOTE:

“Ever since she was a girl, Rosita has held on to this tiny part of herself she’s been hesitant to share with the world.  But once she genuinely owns who she is, this shy mom and wife realizes that it would be criminal not to unleash her talents.  In fact, it’s the love and passion Rosita’s given and received that pours out of her when she embraces her inner diva and lets loose.”

The shot was created by the animation artists of Illumination Entertainment and photographer Norman Jean Roy in a unique collaboration.

Credit: Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures

SETH MACFARLANE AND MIKE

For the first time ever, SETH MACFARLANE appears with his character, Mike, from Illumination Entertainment’s Sing.

Mike is a con man who croons as smoothly as he swindles.

Like all the stars of Sing, MacFarlane does his own singing in the film, including renditions of standards including Irving Berlin’s “Let’s Face the Music and Dance,” “Pennies From Heaven,” made famous by Bing Crosby, and “My Way,” which is synonymous with Frank Sinatra.

MACFARLANE QUOTE:

“What I like about this character is that he has zero concept of just how small he is.  Mike is a whirlwind mix of bravado, swagger and showmanship, and he genuinely believes he has nothing to prove.  He needs the contest money because he’s made some very poor decisions, and he’s certain that his larger-than-life personality and stage persona hold the ticket to winning.”

The shot was created by the animation artists of Illumination Entertainment and photographer Norman Jean Roy in a unique collaboration.

Credit: Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures

TARON EGERTON AND JOHNNY

For the first time ever, TARON EGERTON appears with his character, Johnny, from Illumination Entertainment’s Sing.

Johnny is a reluctant part of his dad’s bank-robbing crew, as well as an aspiring singer who longs to step out and show who he really is.

Like all the stars of Sing, Egerton does his own singing in the film, including renditions of Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me,” John Legend’s “All of Me” and Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing.”

EGERTON QUOTE:

“I think that one of the biggest fears we all have is that we will disappoint our parents.  All you want is their acceptance, but as you come into your own, you begin to realize that your dreams don’t always intersect with theirs.  Johnny’s relationship with his father epitomizes this.  He only needs Big Daddy to listen, to actually hear him, just once.  If that happens, Johnny believes he can become his own man and really soar.”

Credit: Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures 

The shot was created by the animation artists of Illumination Entertainment and photographer Norman Jean Roy in a unique collaboration.

TORI KELLY AND MEENA

For the first time ever, TORI KELLY appears with her character, Meena, from Illumination Entertainment’s Sing.

Meena is a timid teen with an enormous case of stage fright who keeps a powerhouse voice trapped inside.

Like all the stars of Sing, Kelly does her own singing in the film, including renditions of Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” and Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” The Beatles’ beloved classic.

KELLY QUOTE:

“I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have a bit of Meena inside.  She’s that timid kid who desperately wants to share her gifts with the world, but is always second guessing herself.  As an artist, I went to that place of insecurity inside teenage Tori to find my inner Meena.  Then you take a deep breath, shake off the nerves and just let the music take over.”

Credit: Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures

NICK KROLL AND GUNTER

For the first time ever, NICK KROLL appears with his character, Gunter, from Illumination Entertainment’s Sing.

Gunter is the Spandexed show-stopper whose sheer enthusiasm overcomes his lack of actual talent.

Like all the stars of Sing, Kroll does his own singing in the film, including renditions of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” and Bananarama’s “Venus.”

KROLL QUOTE:

“Gunter knows what we all should: Everything is better in a gold track suit.  He is the yin to Rosita’s yang.  If she’s hesitant, insecure and brilliantly talented…then Gunter is the one who’s first to hit the stage and shake his piggy patootie; he’s a legend in his own mind.  When I first experienced Reese and myself as Rosita and Gunter on the screen, I honestly couldn’t stop grinning.”

The shot was created by the animation artists of Illumination Entertainment and photographer Norman Jean Roy in a unique collaboration.

Credit: Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures

FundsIndia.com launches FundsIndia Ratings

Chennai, November 23, 2016: FundsIndia.com, India’s first online-only investment platform for mutual funds and equities, has launched their own research-driven, in-house funds rating service – FundsIndia ratings (FI ratings). With this launch, FundsIndia becomes the first investment service provider to rate funds, and is amongst the few in the country to analyze and rate mutual funds. 

Currently, FundsIndia’s basket of researched funds – FundsIndia Select Funds, is widely regarded and used by the investor and advisory community.

With FundsIndia ratings, investors would not only have access to investment-worthy funds through Select Funds, but also get an idea of where their other current holdings stand, in relation to category peers. 

‘Over the years, our research team, using insights received from interactions with fund managers, investment experts, and investors, has built a robust methodology to analyze mutual funds. This methodology has been fine-tuned over several years of observation and experience with funds and markets. We believe it is now time to share the results of our analysis with our investors through FundsIndia ratings’, said Srikanth Meenakshi, Co-founder and COO, FundsIndia.com

With the impressive growth of the firm in recent years, an in-house ratings system has become imperative, and ensures that the institutional views of the house are expressed uniformly across the platform. This momentous launch moves FundsIndia closer to their vision of being a comprehensive mutual fund platform.

‘FundsIndia Ratings is a result of intensive in-house research work by the Mutual Fund Research desk, using quantitative metrics that have been fine-tuned over years, with learnings from experts, the industry, and our investors. FundsIndia Ratings is one more step in our endeavor to provide our investors with a comprehensive investment platform. My team and I are working to ensure that investors receive the best-in-class advisory and research’, said Vidya Bala, Head, Mutual Fund Research, FundsIndia.com

Tata Capital’s Do Right Initiative wins the Global EthicMark® Award

The initiative was awarded EthicMark®’s Best Advertising Campaign 2016 in the ‘For Profit’ category

Mumbai, 23^rd November, 2016: Tata Capital’s ‘Do Right’ initiative has won the Global EthicMark® Award for Best Advertising Campaign 2016 in the ‘For Profit’ category – the first Indian company to achieve this feat. The EthicMark® Awards seek to transform advertising by demonstrating the power of media campaigns to inspire, focus on human potentials and further both public and private legitimate interests. EthicMark® award-winning companies are recognized for the creativity of their message, the value of the product or service, and the quality of the company culture. This all-encompassing standard ensures the integrity of the Awards and the esteem accruable to winners' reputations. The ‘Do Right’ Initiative by Tata Capital was shortlisted in the ‘For Profit’ category along with other brands like GNP Insurance (Mexico), ESPN (Brazil) and Chase (Netherlands).

The ‘Do Right’ initiative emanates from the brand philosophy of Tata Capital - ‘We only do what’s right

for you’ and aims to spread the spirit of ‘doing right’.  The initiative involved a journey of over 3000 kms across India to discover stories of courage and perseverance from the farthest corners of India and use the power of digital media to help effect social change.

Speaking about the achievement, Mr. Praveen Kadle, Managing Director & CEO, Tata Capital said, "Tata Capital is delighted to win the EthicMark® Award. The ‘Do Right’ Initiative stems from Tata Capital's brand promise of 'We only do what's right for you' and is a confluence of the brand's purpose and positive societal impact. This prestigious award is a validation of our efforts on a global stage."

BABY’S CASTLE - India’s first and only Baby and Mother Wellness Centre Launched In Mumbai

23^rd November, 2016, Mumbai:  India’s first and only Baby and Mother Wellness Centre - Baby’s Castle was launched in the city today. A unique first-of-its-kind center in India, Baby’s Castle caters to nurturing, enhancing and advancing the milestones every baby and mother would need to cover in the early stages of childhood and pregnancy, respectively.

Registered with Freds Swim Academy (Australia), the services offered at Baby’s Castle not only helps cognitive development in new-borns and infants but also equally focuses on mothers through the first year of motherhood with their luxury Ante-Natal & Post-Natal care.

Baby’s Castle aims to be a part of the beautiful journey of motherhood by treating every baby like a precious little star, just as exceptionally cherished by a mother.  They wish to be a part of those first beautiful moments of infancy, where every smile, every touch is ultra-gentle and unmatched.

Speaking on the launch, Dr Priyanka Bhoir – Founder and Managing Director, Baby’s Castle said, “Child care in the formative years is the most important aspect in any parent’s life. Every parent wants to give the best to their child’s growth. We are glad that with the launch of Baby’s Castle we are going the extra mile by offering and designing an array of ultra-luxurious services for babies & their mothers. Keeping in mind the priceless and pure characteristics of childhood, we have put in our unmatched effort to carefully nurture the little clients that visit our centre and we are confident of making a constructive difference to their growth in the long run.”

With an array of best quality products used, Baby’s Castle provides its clients the option to choose from a variety of certified products & find the most beneficial ones for their baby. All the products are chemical free and meet the standards of certification from AAP (American Association of Paediatric). Some of the baby products have organic certifications from USDA / follow the NSF/ANSI 305 Standard and are appropriately labelled on the products.

WWW.REPAIREASY.IN LAUNCHES “SHIELD” AN ANNUAL MAINTENANCE PROTECTION PLAN FOR YOUR DEVICES

November 2016: The organized gadget repair platform, www.repaireasy.in announced the launch of “SHIELD” – an ideal consumer assurance and maintenance program for your lifestyle devices. Now lifestyle device owners can have their devices like smartphones, laptops and tablets protected from accidental damage or liquid damage excluding theft.

Customers can visit the nearest Point of Sale (Pos)/Centres to get their Gold or Platinum packages. This app driven process reduces the paper work and gives consumer a unique advantage to protect their devices which are up to 2-year-old with an additional 1year warranty.

The best part is that the customer needs to pay Protection plan fee at the current Device Value & not the Original Invoice Value. In other terms, the customer pays Protection fee on the depreciated value of the device. The process is very simple. Right from capturing information on the app to an easy claim process, Shield gives you a hassle-free experience.

Commenting on the recent launch, Mr. Naveen Goyal, Co-Founder of repaireasy.in said “Shield is a unique product that would help millions of customers with older Devices in securing their devices against all kinds of mishaps and failures. We would be happy to see smiles across faces of all our patrons and users whose devices we would be able to revive.”

Shield will be available across all cities in Maharashtra at 250 + OEM service centres.

Visit your nearest Centre and SHIELD your device, NOW!!!

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat addresses industrialists and business leaders in Mumbai; invites them to take part in event and invest in Gujarat

Key Highlights:

• Singapore latest addition to the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017 as ‘partner country’. 11 countries including USA are partner countries to VGGS 2017
• Mr Vijay Rupani, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat,  announced the formation of new policies around Biotech, Defense & Aerospace and Healthcare sectors
• Emphasis on ease of doing business, proactive investor facilitation, promoting investment in manufacturing sector

Mumbai, 22nd November, 2016: As a precursor to the 8th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017, a high-level delegation from the Government of Gujarat led by Mr. Vijay Rupani, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat was in Mumbai addressing industrialists and business leaders to not only partner and attend the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in January 2017, but to also take advantage of the myriad business opportunities that the state has to offer. The event in Mumbai received an overwhelming participation of more than 450+ businessmen representing top companies.

While speaking to a gathering of 450+ representatives from corporates and policymakers in Mumbai, Mr Vijay Rupani, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat elaborated upon the inclusive growth and sustainable development that Gujarat has achieved and further stated that the state will continue to lay emphasis on ease of doing business and proactive investor facilitation in line with the vision set forth by Honourable Prime Minister.  The Chief Minister also expressed his gratefulness to the Prime Minister for the betterment of the centre-state relations. The PM’s ‘Make In India’ initiative has propelled India as an emerging market for businesses to set up. The Chief Minister also stated that the PM’s idea for creating co-operative federalism has ensured that states are partners in the growth of the country.  States are a focal point for the implementation of many of the historic schemes launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.

Addressing the large gathering, he also highlighted the tremendous opportunity for the industry to invest in Gujarat International Finance Tec- City (GIFT-City), Mandal Becharaji SIR, Dahej, PCPIR and Dholera Special Investment Region, which is one of the biggest investment zones on the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor. The GIFT City will be India’s first multi-functional Special Economic Zone which will be a hub to the share market, capital markets and the banking sector. This will be a huge boost to the banking sector. The Bombay Stock Exchange will be setting up international operations at the GIFT City.

Spread over more than 102 sq. km, Mandal Becharaji Special Investment region (SIR) is new industrial hub being planned in Gujarat, 90km away from Ahmedabad, near Becharaji town. Envisaged by the govt of Gujarat, MBSIR is one of its kind industrial hub and will compromise automobile, manufacturing and auxiliary industries. Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, Maruti Suzuki India have plants located in MBSIR. Soon Honda car plant to be operation. Gujarat is emerging as one of Asia’s largest automobile and auto components hub.

Gujarat is fast emerging as a manufacturing and a R&D hub with major private players like Tata, Ford, Honda 2 wheelers and Suzuki having set up or in the process of setting up their plants in the state. Key investments can also be made for joint R&D with Indian companies for new product development and process innovation. Investment of USD 2 billion in this sector realized till 2015, and additional USD 3.2 billion committed by 2020 in this sector. State has a sound base of 30 clusters comprising of castings, brass parts, oil engines & electric motors, bearings, auto-ancillaries.

Speaking about employment opportunities, The CM stressed on defense and aerospace as key sectors of growth, with the intention of setting up manufacturing facilities. Maine, ship-building, agro-food processing, textiles and diamonds are some of the other focus sectors. He also announced that policies for biotech, healthcare, defense and aerospace will be finalised in the coming week

The Government of Gujarat had earlier announced the first ever Nobel Laureates Exhibition and Symposium at the upcoming edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. The Department of Science and Technology has received 11 confirmations from Nobel Laureates including the likes of Harold E. Varmus, William E. Moerner, Randy Schekman, Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, Ada Yonath, David Gross.

Dr. J.N. Singh, Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat spoke about all round development of Gujarat and stated that the Gujarat Government has also focused on holistic development of social and economic sector both through balanced policies and inclusive growth. He added that, Gujarat has traditionally been the ideal choice for industries due to its strong entrepreneurial spirit, right ecosystems. Over the years, the state has become a preferred place for businesses to flourish. The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is poised to be a platform for connecting India to the world. He concluded saying that, Gujarat has set an example for rest of the states of the nation as to how investment opportunities could be explored and employment can be generated by laying proactive policies for investment.

Shri P.K. Taneja, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat delivered a presentation about the business opportunities in Gujarat. As Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit has seen a transformation from an investment exercise to India’s largest growth propelling event, the State Government has put significant impetus on inclusive and sustainable growth. In order to achieve this, he spoke about the strengths of Gujarat, showcased the investment opportunities across various sectors which include Automobiles and Auto Components, Electronics, Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Ports & Maritime, Banking and Finance Services, Industrial Townships and Infrastructure, Education, Construction and Urban and Rural Development and Tourism and invited the participants to the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017.

The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit has received tremendous response and support from other countries. So far, 11 countries and 4 partner organisations have signed up to partner VGGS 2017. The 11 partner countries to Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017 comprise of the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Poland, The Netherlands, Japan, France, Denmark, Canada, Australia and Singapore being the latest addition. Further, the United Kingdom India Business Council Australia India Business Council, Japan External Trade Organizations and the US India Business Council are ‘partner organizations’ at the summit.

The Vibrant Gujarat delegation also had series of one-to-one meetings with the MDs and CEOs of key industries and corporates such as Mr. Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Group, Mr. Adi Godrej, Chairman, Godrej Industries, Mr. Uday Kotak, Executive Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Kotak Mahindra, Mr. Anand Mahindra, Chairman and Managing, Mahindra Group, Mr. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director, Reliance Industries Limited,  Mr. Anil Ambani, Chairman of Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG), Mr. Dilip Shanghavi, Managing Director, Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries, Mr. B.K. Goenka, Chairman, Welspun, Mr. Ajay Piramal, Chairman, Piramal Group amongst a few and shared an updated with them about investor friendly policies and key developments on the initiatives spearheaded by the State Government.

Mr. Punamchand Parmar, Additional Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development & Urban Housing Department, Mr. P.K. Taneja, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries & Mines, Mr. Rohit Patel, Shri Rohit bhai Patel, Hon’ble Minister of State Industries, Mines and Minerals, Finance and other senior officers from Government of Gujarat graced the event.

About Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit:

The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, which started in 2003 to rekindle the pace of investments in the state, has since established itself as the most important business events in the country. Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is an example of the visionary approach of the Government of Gujarat towards inclusive and sustainable development by ensuring policy coherence and effective investment promotion. Far from the regional investment fair that characterized the first Summit in 2003, the biennial Summit has today become a unique forum for ideation, knowledge sharing, networking, explore business opportunities, sign cooperation agreements and partnerships, while setting the policy agenda to meet some of the current national challenges.

Having successfully organized seven constructive summits, Government of Gujarat, as part of its journey towards sustainable long-term growth and inclusive development is organizing the 8th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit from the 10th to 13th of January 2017 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar. The Summit will bring together Heads of States and Governments, Ministers, executives from the corporate world, senior policy makers, heads of international institutions and academia from around the world to further the cause of development and promote cooperation.

Hungama Launches the Official Force 2 Game

A great adrenalin pumping game that brings together the unholy trinity of action games with platformer shoot outs, car chasers and bomber maze puzzle game

Mumbai, November 21, 2016: Hungama Digital Media has launched the official game of Force 2 - an action thriller featuring John Abraham, Sonakshi Sinha and Tahir Raj Bhasin. The game lets you step into the shoes of the leading three to virtually experience the thrill and excitement of Force 2. The power-packed 3D animations game is available on Android and is soon to launch on iOS devices. The game is inspired by the journey of the three leading characters of the film - Yash, KK and Shiv as they foil an assassination in Budapest. Hungama has recreated the thrill of the film by making a combination game with 3 gaming experiences rolled into a single game.

Yash, the action hero is equipped with a Platformer Game: With John’s macho personality and the tag of ‘Rambo of Bollywood’, in this platformer game, the player plays as Yash, Assistant Commissioner of Mumbai Police (ACP), and breaks into the villains’ territory and knocks them out. Each level gets tougher and more exciting with zip lines and other great terrains.

Car Chase Game: In the movie, Sonakshi plays the role of a RAW agent - KK Malhotra and teams up with Yash to nab the antagonist – Tahir whose character is called Shiv. Inspired by her character, the car chase game requires the player to ride past the thugs and win missions. 

Strategy based Puzzle Game:  Being the bad guy can be the most fun. Since Tahir plays the role of Shiv, a conspirator and deceiver who believes in mind games, the minefield puzzle game will require players to plan their strategy and collect confidential files while escaping bombs and other barriers. 

Commenting on the game, John Abraham said, “I think what Hungama has created with this game is commendable. It feels great to see that an all-out action film can be adapted so intriguingly as a game and can be such an engaging experience. The game-play, graphics and overall user experience had me hooked to it completely. Urge all gaming enthusiasts to try their hand at the Force 2 game and enjoy the experience.”

An excited Tahir Bhasin said, “It feels great to see myself as a part of the Force 2 game. Shiv’s character has been interestingly integrated along with a challenging puzzle game. I am eagerly looking forward to the response to the game and the movie alike!”

Link to download the game: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vroovy.force