New Zealand will once again star as the Middle-Earth in the upcoming "Lord of the Rings" TV series.
The country, where Peter Jackson shot the "Lord of the Rings" film trilogy, based on JRR Tolkein's epic fantasy saga of the same name, will act as the setting for the Second Age of Middle-Earth in the Amazon series.
"As we searched for the location in which we could bring to life the primordial beauty of the Second Age of Middle-earth, we knew we needed to find somewhere majestic, with pristine coasts, forests, and mountains, that also is a home to world-class sets, studios, and highly skilled and experienced craftspeople and other staff.
"And we're happy that we are now able to officially confirm New Zealand as our home for our series based on stories from J R R Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings'," showrunners and executive producers JD Payne and Patrick McKay said in a statement.
According to the makers, the upcoming series is due to be set before the events of "The Lord of the Rings" .

'Lord of the Rings' TV series to shoot in New Zealand

PTI Automatic

Armed with banners and placards,  a group of students from schools and colleges on Thursday  staged a protest outside megastar Amitabh Bachchan's residence  here over his tweet supporting the Mumbai Metro project.
As many as 22 students were detained when they  squatted on a road near Bachchan's bungalow in suburban Juhu  and engaged in slogan shouting, police said.
The 76-year-old Bollywood icon, himself a face of  several environmental campaigns, is facing flak from certain  quarters for coming out in support of the Metro project.
His stand has not gone down well with activists  opposing the proposed felling of over 2,600 trees in Aarey  Colony, a green belt, to make way for a Metro car shed.
According to senior inspector from the Juhu police  station Pandrinath Vahwal, "The students, under the banner of  the Vidhyarthi Bharatiya Sanghatna, landed outside Bachchan's  'Pratiksha' bungalow holding banners and placards."
Their banners and placards had messages calling for  saving Aarey 

Aarey: Students protest outside Bachchan's house; 22 detained

Award-winning filmmaker Rima  Das' Assamese film 'Bulbul Can Sing' will hit the theatres in  Assam on Friday ahead of its pan-India release on September  27.
The film, which was screened in 40 film festivals across  the world, has been submitted for selection as an entry for  the Academy Awards, Das told reporters here on Thursday.
"The film must be released by September 28 for being  considered as an Oscar entry and that is why we have planned  to release the film early'', she said.
Das said she did not get enough time to promote the  film but hoped the audience will "support and accept the film  with the same enthusiasm and goodwill" as they did for her  'Village Rockstar'' film.
The Assamese movie is a coming-of-age drama about a  teenage girl, Bulbul, living in a village in Assam, fighting  her way through love and loss as she figures out who she  really is.
''We have got less screening space than 'Village  Rockstar' but I am sure that if people accept the 'Bulbul Can  Sing', ...

Rima Das' 'Bulbul Can Sing' to be released on Friday in Assam

"24" star Keifer Sutherland is set to play the lead in the series adaptation of Harrison Ford's 1993 movie "The Fugitive".
The series has been given the greenlight at Quibi and will feature Sutherland as Detective Clay Bryce who is trying to apprehend Mike Ferro, played by Boyd Holbrook.
According to Variety, Stephen Hopkins is directing the series.
Nick Santora is writing and executive producing alongside Hopkins.
The series comes from Warner Bros Television, whose film arm produced the original movie.
Quibi is expected to launch in the US on April 6, 2020.

Kiefer Sutherland joins Quibi's 'The Fugitive' remake

Activists opposing the proposed  felling of over 2,600 trees in Aarey Colony staged a silent  protest outside Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan's bungalow  here against his tweet supporting the Mumbai Metro project.
Several activists, who are against the felling of  trees in the leafy colony to make way for a Metro car shed, on  Wednesday staged their protest outside Bachchan's residence in  Juhu, holding banners and placards carrying messages: 'Save  Aarey' and 'Gardens do not make forests'.
Earlier on Tuesday, Bachchan in a tweet said, "Friend  of mine had a medical emergency, decided to take METRO instead  of his car...came back very impressed..said was faster,  convenient and most efficient..Solution for Pollution..Grow  more trees..I did in my garden.. have you."
Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited's Managing  Director Ashwini Bhide even hailed Bachchan's praise for the  Metro project.
"Thank u @SrBachchan ji fr depicting d importance of  #Metro so succinctly. Thank you for ..

Activists protest outside Bachchan's house over Metro tweet

Veteran actor Patrick Stewart is returning to Star Trek universe with a new series based on his character, Jean-Luc Picard, and he believes the show will leave the audiences "surprised and shocked".
In an interview with Examiner, the 79-year-old actor, who turned down the opportunity to return to the role twice before, revealed that the series will take the Star Trek story forward.
"I don't regard it as going back. In fact, we are definitely moving the series forward and that's what made the difference for me. It was a very difficult decision," Stewart said.
"We are looking at a new world with new objectives, problems and issues that could not have been raised when we were making 'The Next Generation' and I found that very exciting. It's very exciting and people will be surprised and perhaps even shocked," he added.
"Star Trek: Picard" will premiere in early 2020 on CBS All Access in the US and Amazon Prime Video internationally.

'Star Trek: Picard' will shock people: Patrick Stewart

Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston was asked to lose 30 pounds if she wanted to sustain in the showbiz.
In a new book, titled "Generation Friends: An Inside Look at the Show That Defined a Television Era", Saul Austerlitz said it was always tough to be a woman in the industry and match up to its impossibly high beauty standards.
"She had to lose thirty pounds if she wanted to stay in Hollywood. Los Angeles was a tough place to be an actress, it was a tough place to be a woman, and Jennifer Aniston's agent was reluctantly leveling with her," Austerlitz writes.
According to the excerpts obtained by People magazine, Aniston once received a callback where she was told to wear a leotard, and she jokingly said to her agent: "This'll blow it for me."
Her representative, in turn, "responded seriously".
"Aniston was hardly fat  everyone could see she was beautiful  but as the show she would one day become indelibly associated with later made a point of noting, the camera added 10 pounds," ...

Jennifer Aniston was told to lose 30 pounds to stay in Hollywood

Irrfan Khan's much-awaited film "Angrezi Medium" will hit the theatres on March 20 next year.
The film, directed by Homi Adajania, also features Kareena Kapoor Khan and Radhika Madan.
Producer Dinesh Vijan announced the release date of the movie on Thursday.
"Angrezi Medium" is a sequel to 2017 film "Hindi Medium".
Apart from "Angrezi Medium", Vijan also revealed the release date of his another production "Rooh-Afza", starring Rajkummar Rao, Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Sharma.
The film, directed by Hardik Mehta, will come to the cinema halls on April 17, 2020.
The project marks Vijan and Rao's second collaboration post "Stree".

Irrfan's 'Angrezi Medium' to release on March 20, 2020

Actor Alec Baldwin and his wife Hilaria Baldwin are expecting their fifth child together.
Hilaria shared the news on Instagram on Wednesday alongside a video showing the baby's heartbeat.
"It is still very early... but we have learned that there is a little person inside of me," she wrote in the caption.
"The sound of this strong heart makes me so happy  especially because of the loss we experienced in the spring. We want to share this news as we are excited and don't want to hide the pregnancy... My one request is that the media not send paparazzi to follow me or buy independent paparazzi photos, hence encouraging them. I want to remain peaceful during this very early time in my pregnancy and getting chased around by cameras is not in the doctor's orders," she added.
The couple are already parents to Romeo Alejandro David, 16 months, Leonardo Angel Charles, three, Rafael Thomas, four and Carmen Gabriela, six.
Baldwin also has 23-year-old daughter Ireland, from his previous marriage ..

Alec and Hilaria Baldwin expecting fifth child

Jeffrey Dean Morgan is set to make a comeback to horror genre with adaptation of late British author James Herbert's novel "Shrine".
The actor, who has featured in popular horror series "The Walking Dead" and "Supernatural", will play the lead role in the film produced by Screen Gems.
According to Deadline, "Shrine" focuses on a disgraced journalist who discovers a series of seemingly divine miracles in a small New England town and uses them to resurrect his career, but the 'miracles' may have a much darker source.
The film will be written and directed by Evan Spiliotopoulos.
Production on the project will begin in February.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan to star in horror film 'Shrine'

Filmmakers Anthony and Joe Russo are set to receive Publicists Motion Picture Showman of the Year Award from the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG).
The director duo, behind this year's "Avengers: Endgame", which became the highest-grossing box office movie of all time, will be honoured on February 7 at the ICG's annual Publicists Awards ceremony at the Beverly Hilton.
"Anthony and Joe Russo have made a huge impact in cinema with the record-breaking Avengers and Captain America films. They have taken audiences around the world on a wild journey with their unique and imaginative brand of storytelling and are two of the most exciting innovators in our industry today.
"We are thrilled to celebrate their cinematic showmanship and commitment to nurturing new talent," Lewis Rothenberg, National President of the ICG, said in a statement to Variety.
Russo Brothers have also directed Marvel blockbusters "Captain America: The Winter Soldier", "Captain America: Civil War" and "Avengers: .

Russo Brothers to be honoured with Publicists Motion Picture Showman Award

"Queen and Slim" actor Jodie Turner-Smith has joined the cast of Michal B Jordan-starrer adaptation of Tom Clancy's  thriller novel "Without Remorse".
According to  Variety, Turner-Smith will play Karen Greer in the Paramount film.
The movie also features Jamie Bell as Robert Ritter, the deputy director of operations at the CIA.
Jordan is playing operations officer John Clark aka John Terrence Kelly, a former Navy SEAL working for the CIA.
Stefano Sollima is directing the movie from a script penned by Taylor Sheridan.

Jodie Turner-Smith boards Michael B Jordan-fronted 'Without Remorse'

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "In-shaa-allah", featuring Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt, may have been shelved, but the actor says she will be working with the celebrated filmmaker "very soon".
The project, a co-production between Salman and Bhansali's banners, marked the director-actor duo's first collaboration in two decades where Salman, 53, was suppose to play the lead.
It was, however, announced last month that the film has been shelved.
When asked about it, Alia told reporters, "I was very excited to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Salman as well, I believe sometimes certain things happen which are not in your control.
"They say if you want to make God laugh, tell them your plans. Plans never really go 'as per plan' but I can give it to you in writing that I am going to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali very soon," she added.
She was speaking at the 20th edition of IIFA awards.
Alia will be next seen in "Brahmastra" and "Sadak 2".

I'm going to work with Bhansali soon: Alia

Actor Vicky Kaushal says the team of "Takht" is preparing in full force to begin the film in February next year and he can't wait to share screen space with the "huge" star cast.
Directed by Karan Johar, "Takht" is based in the Mughal era and chronicles the story of two warring brothers. It features Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Bhumi Pednekar, Janhvi Kapoor and Anil Kapoor.
"We will begin 'Takht' in February, preparations of which are on in full force. Before that, I will finish 'Udham Singh' and then I will go for 'Takht,'" Vicky told reporters here.
"I am very excited. It is a big film with a huge cast. I am very excited for when we will come in one frame and act. We are all very happy and am waiting for it to start," he added.
"Takht" reportedly traces the relationship between Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and his brother Dara Shukoh, with Ranveer playing the former while Vicky will play Aurangzeb.
The actor was speaking at the 20th edition of IIFA awards.

'Takht' preparation in full force, will begin filming in February: Vicky Kaushal

Actor Deepika Padukone says she gave her nod to Kabir Khan's "83" as she believes the contribution of the family or the spouse of a sportsperson is not recognised.
Deepika will essay the role of Romi Dev, wife to cricketing legend Kapil Dev, to be played by her real-life husband, actor Ranveer Singh.
This will be the duo's fourth collaboration after 2018's "Padmaavat".
"Kabir thought of me for the film. It's a very small role but a very special role because I feel like the role of a spouse or family is not always given enough credit," Deepika told reporters here.
"When you look at athletes and when they win and perform on an international stage and platform, the family gets very little recognition. Keeping that in mind I wanted to do the film," she added.
The actor was speaking at the 20th edition of IIFA awards.
"83" will chronicle India's win under Kapil's captainship, when the the team defeated West Indies in the final to clinch their first-ever World Cup trophy in 1983.
The ...

Did '83' as families of athletes are not given enough credit: Deepika Padukone

Superstar Salman Khan says he will definitely come with a movie during Eid next year after his collaboration with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, "In-shaa-allah" got shelved.
After it was announced that "In-shaa-allah"-- scheduled to release on Eid 2020--won't be going on floors, Salman had posted a cryptic tweet, writing "Itna mat sochna mere baare mein, dil mein aata hoon.. aur Eid pe bhi," alluding to a possible film release.
When asked about it, Salman told reporters, "A film will definitely come on Eid. First, it (Dabangg 3) will come on December 20, then a film will come on Eid also."
The actor was speaking at the 20th edition of IIFA awards on Wednesday night.
Salman further said that the movie, which would have marked his first with Bhansali in two decades, will not happen with him.
"'In-shaa-allah' is not happening now. 'Insha-Allah' kuch aur banegi (some other film will be made). It is not happening with me now."
At the ceremony, he came with actor-filmmaker  Mahesh Manjrekar's ...

A film will definitely come on Eid: Salman Khan

The father-son may be mostly associated with their "He Man" personas in films down the decades, but Dharmendra and Sunny Deol have always been unapologetic about showing their emotional, gentler side off screen.
Crying in public doesn't denote being strong or weak, said Sunny, who is all set to launch his son Karan Deol in the romance drama "Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas" presented by Dharmendra.
"We are so connected with our family. I'm getting emotional while talking about it. I can't help it. We are like that. A man is a man. You don't have to live up to an image to be a man. You are a man anyway, so what do you have to live up to?
"That's the way I have always been, my family has been. We aren't bothered. Who cares? They say men don't cry. Crying doesn't mean being strong or weak. It's a release of an emotion. Why stop it?" the actor told PTI in an interview here.
His new film, also starring debutante Sahher Bambaa, releases this Friday. Romance seems to be the go-to genre to launch new ...

You don't have to live up to an image to be a man: Sunny Deol

Indian pop icon Usha Uthup, who  has wowed her audience with her pop, filmi, jazz, and playback  singing for decades has now created a new record - this is the  50th year of her career.
Usha began her career at a night club in Chennai in  1969, shifted to Kolkata later that year and began singing at  'Trincas' bar and restaurant in Park Street, which held live  floor shows.
Now after having sung in more than 13 Indian and eight  foreign languages and becoming a name to reckon with, she says  has no regrets about starting her career as a "night club  singer".
If her husky voice is a trade mark, so are the fresh  flowers in her hair, her trademark big 'bindi' and her rich  Kanjivaram saris, which she wears to all her live programmes,  even abroad.
The Park Street diva, who was talking to reporters on  Tuesday, said she is happy that she had started as a night  club singer where there are  no second takes.
"I am happy to tell all of you that I did not start as  a playback singer. I ...

Don't regret beginning as a night club singer : Usha Uthup

After Diljit Dosanjh, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has asked music singers Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik and Kumar Sanu to not participate in a concert in the US.
FWICE claims that the concert is organised by a Pakistani national and the singers should "delink" themselves from the event on November 17.
"Having learnt that you along with your contemporaries are scheduled to perform in USA on November 17, 2019 that is organised by a Pakistani national Moazzma Hunain, We at FWICE are requesting for your reversal step that would delink your participation from the said event," FWICE said in its letter to the singers.
The film body said the members of the film industry should "abstain" from participating in any Pakistani event in the national interest amid tensions between the two countries following the abrogation of Article 370.
The body also referred to Dosanjh's decision to postpone his show in Houston after they pointed out that it was being organised by a ...

FWICE asks Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan and Kumar Sanu to not participate in US show

Producer Dinesh Vijan on Wednesday said his upcoming film "Made in China" has received U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The film, featuring Rajkummar Rao in the lead, is about a Gujarati businessman who becomes successful thanks to 'jugaad'.
At the film's trailer launch, Vijan said the film does not have an crude language or profanity, something the censor board understood while granting them the U/A certificate.
"The film is censored as U/A. There is no profanity, no language. The moment the film will get over, audience will feel something. Like after 'Stree', people felt about women empowerment. The films that we make should make some point. It shouldn't be preachy but should make sense.
"Today censor board understands that very well. They have a very balanced system. I saw this film with my mother and there is no bad language and guidelines as adhered to," Vijan told reporters.
Also featuring Mouni Roy, Boman Irani, Paresh Rawal and Gajraj Rao, ..

'Made in China' gets U/A certificate, says Dinesh Vijan

The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) has come to the aid of veteran music composer Vanraj Bhatia following reports about his declining health and poor financial situation.
Bhatia, 92, is best known for providing music to films such as "Ankur", "36 Chowringhee Lane" and TV show "Tamas", for which he won a National Award.
Earlier this week, a daily reported on Bhatia's ill health and dwindling financial state. The veteran is having trouble walking properly and is not able to get treated due to lack of funds.
IPRS, headed by veteran screenwriter Javed Akhtar, stepped in for help after the news. It is a registered body which safeguards the rights of authors (lyricists), music composers and music publishers in the country.
"We always strive to help our music fraternity through all available means whenever needed. The moment we came to know about the ill-health of our composer friend Vanraj Bhatia, we immediately released from our funds for his aid.
"Going forward, we are looking into 

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