STARFRIDAY

Thursday 22 October 2015

Sri Adhikari Brothers strikes gold with its debut venture– Pyar ka Punchnama -2

Legends of TV production have already made a foray into film production and worldwide distribution

Mumbai, October 2015: Media and Entertainment stalwarts Sri Adhikari Brothers (SAB) have extended their latest arm into film production and now have had great success with their first worldwide distribution of Pyar ka Punchnama -2 along with Lotus Group promoted by Anand Pandit. The box office collection over the first weekend has been a phenomenal Rs. 22.75 crores. The follow up to the youth cult with the same title, the 2nd part is an edgy take on real life situations related to real friendships and relationships.

Sri Adhikari Brothers also have an impressive array of movies lined up for both production and distribution in the near future. Adhikari Brothers on-going production Great Grand Mastiii is in the last stage of filming.

On the future developments, Manav Dhanda –Group CEO said, "At SAB, it is our relentless drive to facilitate accessibility of world class entertainment to the Indian audience across media verticals. Having engaged in production already, the distribution vertical would only be a progressive component in order to complete the value chain of the cinema business. This umbrella corporation has housed the film exhibition division as its key drivers in 2016 and will be seeing aggressive expansion in the years to come."

About SAB: Sri Adhikari Brothers Group is a pioneer in the field of Indian Media and has gone through various stages of growth over the last 3 decades. It is a leading Indian M&E conglomerate with interests in Broadcast, films, content production and publishing. The group’s channel Mastiii is the leading channel in Hindi Youth & Music genre in the Indian M&E industry through 2015 and continues to be rated as the no. 1 television channel in the music genre (Source: BARC).The group has envisioned and founded the comedy genre in Indian broadcasting sector by creating a leading light humor centric television brand, SAB TV. The Group has a network of five channels and intends to expand its bouquet by launching various channels in the years to come and also concentrating on expansion of its core business i.e. Content Production and Syndication.

Governance Now which is a bilingual from Sri Adhikari Brothers aims at creating awareness in the society on issues of governance & policy.

The group is already in the process of setting up two state of art production studios and its film arm expects to sign over a dozen projects in the coming financial year.

First song from Hate story 3, "Tumhe Apna Banane ka" released

After the sizzling trailer that is burning up the internet, now Hate Story 3 has unveiled its first song "Tumhe Apna Banane Ka" which keeps the temperature soaring further.. Featuring Sharman Joshi and Zareen Khan in their hottest avatar ever, the song is inspired by the cult song from the Sanjay Dutt and Pooja Bhatt starrer "Sadak". The recreated track composed by Amaal Mallik is sung by brother Armaan Mallik and female vocals by Neeti Mohan while the new lyrics are penned by Rashmi Virag.

Produced by T-Series Hate Story 3 starring Sharman Joshi, Karan Singh Grover, Zareen Khan and Daisy Shah is slated to release on 4th December.

Guddu Ki Gun title song released

The title song of Guddu Ki Gun has been released. The song features Kunal Kemmu, Aparna Sharma and Sumit Vyas. Directed by Shantanu & Sheershak the film is set to release on 30th October 2015.

Starring: Kunal Kemmu, Payal Sarkar & Sumit Vyas
Singer: Vikram Singh
Lyricist: Aseem Ahmed Abbasse
Music by: Gajendra-Vikram
Directed by: Shantanu & Sheershak

New Bond Girl Lea Seydoux Admits To Being Scared Before Filming Love Scenes with Daniel Craig!

New Bond girl Lea Seydoux has admitted she was initially scared before filming love scenes with Daniel Craig, but said Daniel made it easy for her!!

The 30-year-old, who plays Doctor Madeleine Swann in the forthcoming 007 movie SPECTRE, said she did not think she would be good enough to make the scenes believable.

"All of my scenes were with Daniel. It was a dream," she said."It was scary too, though. I thought, 'Will I be good enough? Will people believe in the love story?' But it was much easier than I thought and Daniel was so good with me. He is the perfect James Bond – the best ever, I think, serious and strong as well as intelligent."

She said both of bonded very well on the sets and that it would hopefully reflect onscreen.

"We have the same sense of humour," she added. "There was a real complicity. Even when filming serious scenes we joked and had fun. It was always that 'wink, wink' feeling between us. The chemistry was strong. I hope the audience can feel that."

SPECTRE, the 24^th James Bond adventure, from Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, is set for release in India on November 20, 2015 in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu.

Official Statement from Mr Amitabh Bachchan

"Ref:Theannouncement in the media today by the UP Govt for pension to YashBharati Award winners :

Whereas I respect the UP Govt’s honour of the Yash Bharati Award to members of my family, and their decision as per reports in the press, for providing pension of Rs 50, 000 per month to each recipient, I am requesting the UP Govt., with all humility, to redirect the entire amount designated for my family towards any noble charitable scheme or cause that benefits the poor and the needy.
I shall be writing to the Chief Minister in this regard, in a separate communication."
Amitabh Bachcha3d

Super Star Hrithik Roshan turns home stylist with DCtex Furnishings, ranked as one of the largest woven upholstery & curtain mills in the world

The super star unveiled ‘Iconic’-the new upholstery and curtain collection and bed linen collection as 'Dream Runner' by DCtex

October 21, 2015: Bollywood Style Icon Hrithik Roshan has been in the news for designing his waterfront property, not for a showpiece mansion but for his own home. As an interior enthusiasts , he now turns home stylist and proudly announces his association with DCtex Furnishings. Hrithik Roshan along with Nimish Arora after creating his own home was seen launching a collection titled 'Dream Runner' - comprising of new bed linen collection, curated by Hrithik himself from the House of DCtex which has a blend of Italian art.

DCtex Furnishings, one of the world leaders in up class furnishing fabrics and upholstery mesmerized the crowd of over 600+ top retailers from all across India with the collection that comprised of a free-spirted bohemian appeal, a canvas of serenity and calm. A bright and vibrant summery feel, an isle of relaxed countryside charm, Dream Runner collection will offer stunning array of premium furnishings. With an objective to cater to today's well-travelled homemaker, this collection curated by Hrithik Roshan will offer the most tasteful selection in fabrics, textures, colours and prints. In a city where the dinner party is a key element in how the industry socializes, the collection by DCtex has an objective to create signifiers — be it in terms of sheer power (think the palatial houses in Beverly Park) or aesthetic cachet (such as an offbeat lair in Venice). The collection caters to people from all age group from toddlers to teens to adults.

Hrithik Roshan, the super star who turn home stylist on this occasion said "A house that telegraphs the right image completes the picture in a statement-making way is my definition of an ideal home. I am glad to have partnered with Nimish Arora, the chief of a pioneering brand DCtex to style homes that script a personal style. i am excited to style homes that will help one define, create and implement an inspiring living space, a flexible but unique environment, staging a property to appeal to a wider audience. Drawing on a wealth of experience that DCtex has with a comprehensive portfolio of suppliers to meet the exact requirements, I will work seamlessly to ensure complete satisfaction of customers."

Mr. M.L Arora, Chairman of DCtex said, "DCtex stands for growth, fuelled by innovation. DCtex started with a singular vision of becoming a globally reputed name in the Home Décor industry. In a little over 14 years, today we are among the world's largest manufacturers of uber-chic furnishing fabrics and upholstery with a turnover of around 350 crores INR. Its now time to take the brand onto the next level with Hrithik Roshan to create finer nuances of home décor and enhance the experience of living spaces, we are proud to have him on baord."

On the professional front, Hrithik is busy with the shooting of Ashutosh Gowariker’s ‘Mohenjo Daro’. Set in a period as early as 26th century BC, ‘Mohenjo Daro’ is a romantic drama based on the Indus Valley Civilization. Also Kabir Bedi and Arunoday Singh will play the baddies in ‘Mohenjo Daro’. The shooting of the film is majorly done in Bhuj, Gujarat.

About DCtex: DCtex Furnishings incorporated in 1999 and ever since the company has moved towards greater glory. Dicitex Furnishings creates a luxury brand for Indian and International markets with vertically integrated production facilities, an extraordinary design team and expert textile knowledge along with the best industrial capabilities of creating furnishing collections. It includes fabrics that are inspired by the inputs of some of the industry’s best and brightest designer’s. Mr. Nimish Aroraa, the Managing Director of DCtex Furnishings vision is to create stylish, affordable & luxurious collection for novo rich.

Wednesday 21 October 2015

Sonam Kapoor has not signed Happy News !

While a daily reported that Sonam Kapoor has signed Ashwini Dheer's Happy News, official sources confirm that the rumors are completely untrue.

Sonam Kapoor has an exciting slate of films ahead, including Sooraj Barjatya ‘s Prem Ratan Dhan Payo with Salman Khan and Ram Madhvani’s film where she essays the titular role of braveheart Neerja Bhanot, the chief flight purser of Pan Am 73 flight.

The actress will also start shooting for sister Rhea Kapoor's production Battle for Bittora and has also signed a film with an ensemble starcast, which will go on floors mid next year.

Denying the news says the source, "Sonam Kapoor's schedule is completely choc-o-bloc at the moment. There is no truth to the reports. She hasn't signed Ashwini Dheer's film".

North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja 2015 gets a special visit

The grand annual celebration of Durga Puja organized by North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samity sees a lot of devotees visiting the pandal at Hotel Tulip Star, Juhu to seek blessings of the deity every day.

But, today was a special day for children from the Dilkhush Special School. The pandal saw around 40 children from Dilkhush Special School which is managed by the Society of Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The children were more than excited to come see Maa Durga in person. The reason being, before the children are gathered for the pandal visit, they are explained the significance of the festival which creates a lot of curiosity.

Minal Gupta who is the special educator says, “Before getting the children to the pandal, we show them the story of Durga Maa and its significance. This builds up the excitement and they can’t wait to see it for themselves. Every year, we get them to the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja. The feeling comes alive once they see the idol for themselves. Their source of happiness reaches another levels and we strive to keep them happy and engaged. It is a beautiful feeling for them as it bring outs the essence of the whole festival.”

Aanchal Patalkar one of the special child says, “ I feel very good coming here each year as I feel peaceful. Maa Durga looks very pretty and this year too is no different.”

About the Trust:

The Mukerji family’s Durga Puja is a Mumbai based non-profit organization which is involved in various charitable causes through its vast and distinguished member base. The trust was founded in 1948 by Mr. Sasadhar Mukerji of Bombay Talkies also a well-known Hindi films producer, a Padma Shri Awardee and the one who is described as the founder of Filmistan & Filmalaya Studios, along with Mr. J. M. Bhadra and other family members and like-minded people of the Santacruz area. The founding committee consisted of 26 members, led by Mr. Sasadhar Mukerji as its President. Today, Mr. Deb Mukerji is the Secretary of North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja. Over the years, the Trust’s followers has expanded to more than 50,000 and voluntary work by these dedicated members keeps the organization committed to its primary objectives.

Website - http://www.northbombaydurgapuja.com/

VIVEK KRISHNANI NAMED MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SONY PICTURES INDIA

Vivek Krishnani

Mumbai, October 20, 2015… Vivek Krishnani has been appointed Managing Director of Sony Pictures India (also known as SPE Films India). His appointment will be effective November 1, 2015.

Under his leadership Sony Pictures India will handle all theatrical distribution for Sony Pictures Entertainment’s films. Sony Pictures Entertainment produces, acquires, and distributes its films under its various film labels: Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures, Screen Gems, Sony Pictures Animation, Sony Pictures Classics, Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions and Sony Pictures International Productions.

Vivek was most recently Senior Vice President – Revenue and Marketing at MSM Motion Pictures. MSM Motion Pictures is the film production arm of Multi Screen Media Pvt. Ltd which is a part of Sony Pictures Entertainment Television Network. Sony Pictures Television’s media networks are available in 178 countries on 81 unique channels in 29 different languages. Sony’s network of television and digital channels has over 1.3 billion subscribers worldwide. Sony’s television assets in India have over 650M subscribers worldwide across its portfolio of channels. Sony is also the exclusive linear TV broadcaster of Indian Premier League (“IPL”). Sony’s MSM Motion Pictures co-produced the Hindi film Piku earlier in the year to major box office success.

Previous to his tenure at MSM Motion Pictures, Mr. Krishnani spent six years at 21^st Century Fox, Fox Star Studios heading distribution, marketing and syndication where he worked on Hollywood titles such as Avatar, Slumdog Millionaire, the Ice Age franchise, Life of Pi, the X-Men franchise and Indian films including My Name is Khan, Bol Bachchan, Raaz 3, Force, Jolly LLB, Jannat 2 among others.

Commenting upon his new role Vivek said, “I have had a great experience being part of the Sony family and I am now looking forward to a new role with Sony Pictures India. With a legacy of over 80 years since the first Columbia Pictures office opened here, Sony Pictures has over the decades continued to entertain Indian and global audiences. We are committed to further strengthening our distribution network in India and overseas and also looking to scale up our local acquisitions as well. We have a great line-up ahead and I’m excited to hit the ground running.”

Brett D. Hogg, Senior Vice President, International Distribution - Asia commented on the new appointment saying, “I’m very pleased to welcome Vivek to Sony Pictures India. He’s a media veteran with very valuable experience in the unique and dynamic Indian market, in both Hollywood and Local Language productions. Under his leadership, we look forward to taking Sony Pictures India to even greater heights.”

Prior to Fox Star Studios, Vivek was the Executive Director Marketing Asia Pacific at Turner Entertainment Networks based out of Hong Kong, responsible for Marketing and Interactive strategy for the entertainment channels for Turner Entertainment (Cartoon Network, POGO, Boomerang and TCM). He joined Turner from Radio City where he was part of the start-up team and before that he was with Star Plus responsible for strategic planning and marketing. He began his career with Lowe Lintas (previously Ammirati Puris Lintas). He holds a Masters degree in Management Studies, Marketing from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies.

About Sony Pictures

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.

Tuesday 20 October 2015

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2 to release on Nov 6.

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2 (3D)

Release date: 6-Nov-15

Genre: Animation, 3D

Director: Genndy Tartakovsky

Cast: Adam Sandler (Dracula), Andy Samberg (Johnny), Selena Gomez (Mavis), Kevin James (Frank), Fran Drescher (Eunice), Steve Buscemi (Wayne), Molly Shannon (Wanda), David Spade (Griffin), Keegan-Michael Key (Murray) and Mel Brooks (Vlad)

The Drac pack is back for an all-new monster comedy adventure in Sony Pictures Animation's Hotel Transylvania 2! Everything seems to be changing for the better at Hotel Transylvania... Dracula’s rigid monster-only hotel policy has finally relaxed, opening up its doors to human guests. But behind closed coffins, Drac is worried that his adorable half-human, half-vampire grandson, Dennis, isn’t showing signs of being a vampire. So while Mavis is busy visiting her human in-laws with Johnny – and in for a major cultural shock of her own – “Vampa” Drac enlists his friends Frank, Murray, Wayne and Griffin to put Dennis through a “monster-in-training” boot camp. But little do they know that Drac’s grumpy and very old, old, old school dad Vlad is about to pay a family visit to the hotel. And when Vlad finds out that his great-grandson is not a pure blood – and humans are now welcome at Hotel Transylvania – things are going to get batty!

GOOSEBUMPS is US #1

GOOSEBUMPS (3D)

Language: English, Hindi, Tamil

Date: 30-Oct-15

Genre: Adventure Comedy

Director: Rob Letterman

Cast: Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush, Amy Ryan, Ryan Lee, Jillian Bell

Upset about moving from a big city to a small town, teenager Zach Cooper (Dylan Minnette) finds a silver lining when he meets the beautiful girl, Hannah (Odeya Rush), living right next door, and makes a quick friend in Champ (Ryan Lee). But every silver lining has a cloud, and Zach’s comes when he learns that Hannah’s mysterious dad is in fact R.L. Stine (Jack Black), the author of the bestselling Goosebumps series. As Zach starts learning about the strange family next door, he soon discovers that Stine holds a dangerous secret: the creatures that his stories made famous are real, and Stine protects his readers by keeping them locked up in their books. When Stine’s creations are unintentionally released from their manuscripts, Zach’s life takes a turn for the weird. In a crazy night of adventure, it’s up to Zach, Hannah, Champ, and Stine to team up and get all of these figments of Stine’s imagination – including Slappy the Dummy, the girl with the haunted mask, the gnomes and many more – back in the books where they belong to save the town.

Brand new official motion poster of Sunny Deol's much awaited GHAYAL ONCE AGAIN, releasing on 15th January 2016.

Bollywood Songs That Inspired Charles Sobhraj

Story of the infamous criminal in history, Charles Sobhraj, is widely popular in the world. Several books were written on him. Plenty of documentaries depicted his crimes. A lot of characters were adopted inspired from him. And more recently, Bollywood is releasing a movie based on his life.

Ever wondered what could have helped in shaping his colorful and notorious character? Could it have been his past? Or the books he read? What about the movies he watched? How about the culture he lived in? Well, wonder no more. We are pretty sure it was the Bollywood songs he listened to that got him all coocoo in his upper apartment. Here are few songs that really changed his life.

Upon arriving in Bombay in 1970

This classic Bachchan song would have been the intro to most Nomads who entered the city for some quick buck making stint

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5ont1c0r7M

When he partied in Bombay

Nobody would have missed this Killer dance number from the past. And this must have been no exception for this badass murder too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2OrvjLtzEY

When he formed his clan

This particular track is the culprit that’s always present in the making of big ideas and decisions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2b_Dd69I_YI

When anxiety hit him and he was tempted to commit crime

The song makes everyone crazy and one can actually imagine Charles getting drunk and do the Nagin dance.

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

When he got away with his crimes

As an expert in escaping earning the nickname ‘Serpent’ this murderer must be humming this song throughout his entire life.

After his wife left him:

The song that gets most of us hate the word LOVE must have also pinched Charles Sobhraj.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpkXN3hM66Y

Finally when he felt unstoppable and on Top of the world

This track needs no explaination. Every conman has this song as a ringtone on his phone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__-bBleeZrE

Watch the latest song from the movie Main Aur Charles that is inspired from Charles Sobhraj’s real life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLYDs7utaDQ

Less Noise & Fire - Anushka Campaigns for Diwali on a ‘Pawsitive’ Note

Anushka Sharma loves animals. She spends quality time with her pet dog, Dude, whenever she can. She has consistently supported worthwhile causes that protect rights of these mute creatures, including a recent initiative to prevent culling of stray dogs in Kerala. In sync with this cause, as Diwali festivities set in with bright lights & fire crackers, Anushka is encouraging everyone to celebrate the festival of lights on a PAWsitive note.

Through an innovative social media campaign, she will generate awareness & sensitize people towards reduction of noise and fire crackers for the sake of animals.

Around Diwali, fire crackers generate massive noise pollution. It’s a proven fact that in Indian cities, noise pollution levels go up by a stupendous 80 to 100 per cent around Diwali. Bursting crackers is an accepted pastime everywhere. But the sound created by these crackers scares animals & disturbs their everyday life patterns.

Ahead of Diwali, Anushka will launch an extensive social media campaign through facebook & twitter to encourage people to reduce use of crackers, especially in residential areas. Less crackers also mean reduced levels of noise pollution.

In her words, “Animals are our best friends. They make me laugh & I share a personal bond with them. Their welfare is one cause that’s close to my heart & I will keep taking up initiatives that makes us care for them too. When somene bursts fire crackers during Diwali, they don’t think of how it affects animals or birds. With ‘Pawsitive’ I hope I can inspire some of us to care about them, and avoid making a lot of noise. Diwali is a festival of lights & happiness, and can also be celebrated with your family in a safe & healthy manner.”

The ‘Paw’sitive’ initiative is an innovative social media campaign and is bound to generate interest amongst the youth & children. Anushka’s active support for it helps amplifying it’s message. And her love for animals goes on to benefit these meek creatures in the long run.

Monday 19 October 2015

Maha Panchami saw Samrat Mukerji, Sharbani Mukerji, Raja Mukerji and important members from the Mukerji family gather at the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja 2015

Mumbai, 19th October, 2015: The grand annual celebration of Durga Puja organized by North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samity saw a lot of devotees visiting the pandal at Hotel Tulip Star, Juhu to seek blessings of the deity yesterday.

Every year, the pandal is visited by famous personalities from the Bollywood fraternity and this year was no different. Raja Mukerji, Sharbani Mukerji, Samrat Mukerji, Sumona Chakravarti and many others were present at the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja 2015 to seek blessings of Maa Durga on Maha Panchami (18th October). Each day will see a host of celebrities visiting the pandal followed by various artists adding the entertainment quotient.

The evening of Maha Panchami (18th October) saw members of the Mukerji family get together to bring in the Durga Puja festival followed by the Committee Night where close friends and family members like Raja Mukerji, Sharbani Mukherji, Samrat Mukherji, Rema Lahiri, Bappa Lahiri and others performed on traditional Bengali songs dedicated to the Goddess.

This year the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja 2015 is in its 67th year and the theme is the famous Meenakshi Temple which is one of the ancient and important temples of India. Bhog will be served in an air conditioned hall on 20th, 21st and 22nd October, 2015. Ensuring the convenience of the numerous devotees visiting the pandal, the trust provides the devotees with better infrastructural facilities such as a pleasant location overlooking the Juhu Beach, easy accessibility to the venue for all the devotees, abundant car parking space and a luxurious pandal with better security and washroom facilities. The Puja will be streamed live on www.northbombaydurgapuja.com.

The stage of this pandal has been very lucky and auspicious for upcoming talent since its inception. Great personalities have performed on this stage and reached great heights over years. Some of the famous names include Sanjeev Kumar, Hemant Mukherjee, Mala Sinha, Bappi Lahiri, Sudesh Bhosale, Johnny Lever and many others who have ruled the industry. The stage is considered as one of the luckiest for upcoming talent and artists who have performed and later made a big name for themselves in the Bollywood industry.

Dusshera will be celebrated on 22nd October (Maha Novomi & Maha Dashami) wherein Durga Maa’s idol (17 ft X 30 ft) will be immersed at Juhu Beach with help of a huge crane. North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja’s visarjan is known to be a spectacular experience for the viewers. Prior to the visarjan, the ladies will gather for the Sindoor Utsav.

About the Trust:

Website - http://www.northbombaydurgapuja.com/