Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has lauded the makers of "Blackmail", calling the film "delightful" watch with a "unique story".
The comedy, directed by Abhinay Deo, features an ensemble cast of  Irrfan Khan, Kirti Kulhari, Divya Dutta, Arunoday Singh, Omi Vaidya, Anuja Sathe and others.
The makers of the film, Bhushan Kumar and Abhinay Deo had hosted a special screening for Bachchan on behalf of Irrfan, who is indisposed due to his health issues.
Taking to Twitter, the 75-year-old star lauded the films screenplay and performance by the cast.
" Saw a delightful film today... 'Blackmail'... A brilliant screenplay, unique story, exemplary performances and great presentation and editing. Actors excel from Irrfan Khan to some fresh new faces. So happy to see such creativity," Bachchan tweeted.
The film will release on April 6 as per its original schedule after Irrfan, who was recently diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour, stressed that his illness should not affect the movie.

Amitabh Bachchan praises Irrfan's 'Blackmail'

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Actor Kate McKinnon is in negotiations to star in Danny Boyle's new comedy film.
The film's script has been penned by "Notting Hill" scribe Richard Curtis and the musically themed movie is said to be set in the 1960s or 70s, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
"Baby Driver" star Lily James is aboard the project and is playing one of the main leads.
The project will be produced by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce alongside Matt Wilkinson and Bernie Bellew.
Both Boyle and Curtis are also going to produce the project.

Kate McKinnon in talks for Danny Boyle's new comedy

"Get Out" star Lakeith Stanfield is in negotiations to star in the romantic comedy "Someone Great" from Netflix.
If finalised, the 26-year-old actor will join actor Gina Rodriguez in the film, which will be directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The film's script, which has also been penned by Robinson, follows a woman who, after a heart-wrenching breakup, decides to seek adventure in New York City with her two best friends before she moves across the country for her dream job.
Brittany Snow and DeWanda Wise will also star in the film, playing Rodriguez two friends.
The project is being produced by Paul Feig and Jessie Henderson along with Anthony Bregman and Peter Cron. Rodriguez is also producing the film through her banner, I Can & I Will Productions.

Lakeith Stanfield in talks to star in rom-com 'Someone Great'

Top South Korean musical acts including a K-pop girlband are set to hold a rare concert in North Korea today in the latest reconciliatory gesture before a rare inter-Korean summit.
Sunday's event -- which will be the first concert by South Korean artists in the North for more than a decade -- comes as a diplomatic thaw quickens on the peninsula after months of military tensions.
The 120-member group -- 11 musical acts as well as dancers and technicians -- flew to Pyongyang on Saturday to perform concerts on Sunday as well as on Tuesday.
South Korean singers held a rehearsal Sunday afternoon at the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre where the concert is set to begin at 0830 GMT, according to South Korean pool photos.
The rapprochement was triggered by the South's Winter Olympics, to which the North's leader Kim Jong Un sent athletes, cheerleaders and his powerful sister as an envoy.
Kim followed up by agreeing to summits with US President Donald Trump and the South's President Moon Jae-in. ..

SKorea pop stars to perform in rare NKorea concert

Singer Celine Dion, who recently turned 50, has thanked fans for sending their "wonderful" birthday wishes.
Last week, the singer had cancelled a series of shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and said she is suffering from an ear condition, called Patulous Eustachian tube, which requires a surgery.
The condition causes hearing irregularities and makes it extremely difficult to sing.
Taking to Twitter, Dion said that the birthday messages had "touched me deeply" and revealed that she celebrated the day with her family.
"Dear friends, I want to thank all of you for the wonderful birthday messages and videos. They touched me deeply," Dion said.
"I celebrated this day surrounded by family, while feeling the spirit of your presence. Thank you for the love and support and for being such a big part of my life for all these years. I can't wait to get back to being 100%, and to see you all again!" she added.

Celine Dion thanks fans for 'wonderful' birthday messages

Actor Bryan Cranston has said that money has never been a parameter for him when he is choosing a project as he holds his work in "high standards".
The 62-year-old actor said personal satisfaction matters more to him over the commercial success of his films.
"There's so much product out there, all the time, it's 'Do this!' 'Do this!' 'Do this!' But, for me, it's not about how much a movie makes or the TV ratings or the awards," he said according to Femalefirst.
"I hold myself to a high standard. I want to reach a level of accomplishment with the characters I take on and the stories I tell. I can only be true to myself, so my measure of success is entirely personal," he added.
The "Breaking Bad" star, who has voiced a character in Wes Anderson's stop-motion animation film "Isle of Dogs", said he wanted to work with the director after watching his movie "The Grand Budapest Hotel".
"I absolutely loved Anderson's 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' so when the word came through that West wanted ...

I hold myself to a high standard: Bryan Cranston

Veteran actor Helen Mirren has quipped that she once "begged" to be cast in an action film and used her Oscar winner reputation to put pressure on the film bosses.
The 72-year-old actor, who won an Oscar for Best Actress for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth in 2007's "The Queen", said the filmmakers "love" to cast Academy Award winners in their films.
"It was a little hankering definitely. Absolutely it was. I begged. I put it out there and then I begged. That was one of the wonderful advantages of winning an Oscar. I got to be in action movies!" Mirren said, according to Femalefirst.
"Because they love having Oscar winners in their action movies. They want to bring you down," she added.
The actor recently appeared in the latest installment of "The Fast and the Furious" franchise, "The Fate of the Furious".
Mirren said she loved the experience of shooting for an action film, especially the stunt scenes.
"(It was) more fun. Especially the action sequences, they're the best. I love ...

Filmmakers love having Oscar winners in action movies: Mirren

Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, the stars of the 1989 time-traveling comedy series "Bill & Ted", have hinted at the possibility of a third film.
The first film "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" was released in 1989 with Reeves playing the role of Ted "Theodore" Logan and Winter as Bill S Preston, Esquire. The duo reunited for a second film "Bill & Ted's Bogus Adventure" which hit the theatres in 1991.
Now, almost 30 years later, the two actors discussed the possibility of a third film during Untold Stories issue of Entertainment Weekly magazine. They were joined by original screenwriters Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon.
The new film, tentatively titled "Face the Music", would spring from the end of Excellent Adventure, when futuristic mentor Rufus (played by George Carlin) told the two teenagers that they would write music that would turn the world into a utopia.
"You're told you're gonna save the world. And now you're 50 and you haven't done it. Now they're married, and it ...

Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter talks about possibility of third 'Bill & Ted' film

Wrestler-actor John Cena has expressed his desire to join Dwayne Johnson in the "The Fast and the Furious" franchise.
The 40-year-old star believes that he has a great "chemistry" with Johnson and said he would love to share the screen with him as he continues to explore the world of Hollywood.
"That stuff is beyond my control, but I would absolutely love that opportunity. That, for me, would be a dream," Cena told Entertainment Weekly.
"I'm never really like, 'Oh, I'd like to work with this person,' but I just think between our chemistry in the live performance setting, there's something certainly there with The Rock. So that would be my one name on the wish list," he added.
Cena will be next seen in "Transformers" spinoff "Bumblebee: The Movie" alongside Hailee Steinfeld. The film will hit the theatres on December 21.

John Cena wants to star in 'The Fast and the Furious' franchise

Relations between Pakistan and India might be at their lowest ebb in years but the presence of celebrated Indian actors, producers, and directors at the Pakistan International Film Festival being held in Karachi has lifted the bar for the event.
The day two of the festival saw participation by Nandita Das, Vinay Pathak, S S Rajamouli and Shobu Yarlagadda in a panel discussion, titled "Genre busters".
Yarlagadda, the producer of the super-hit film Baahubali 2, talked about different genres in Indian filmmaking.
There is commercial and niche cinema in India for different age groups. But Baahubali was a film enjoyed by everyone as it is a mainstream film, he said.
Rajamouli, who directed the blockbuster film, said he felt that if a film's story is powerful, it would be a hit with audiences, whether it is commercial or art.
He said the intensity with which a director wants the story to be told and way it is eventually made also matters a lot.
Nandita Das said that space for art or ...

Nandita Das, S S Rajamouli attend Pakistan International Film Fest

Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore is the "most-admired" Indian in China while Bollywood star Aamir Khan is "most-adored" by the Chinese youth, film director Vivian Qu said here today.
Qu, whose film "Angels Wear White" won the Best Director award at last year's 48th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) at Goa was presented the award by Indian Ambassador to China, Gautam Bambawale, at a special function at the embassy.
"Aamir Khan is the most-adored Indian by the Chinese youth. Most-admired Indian is Tagore. We voraciously read his poems and can imagine how pleasant it is to hear those verses in Bengali," Qu told the gathering after receiving the award.
"I understood the significance of art and its legacy. Art can span time, cut across countries and even go beyond life and death," she said.
Reading out one of Tagore's celebrated poems, "Who are you reader", Qu said the poem touched her deeply and "the reasons why I have remembered for years is at that moment I understood the ...

Tagore most-admired, Aamir most-adored in China: Vivian Qu

Christopher Nolan has recently watched legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray's "Pather Panchali" and the ace Hollywood director says he is willing to learn more about Indian cinema.
The 47-year-old director, who is in India on a three day trip along with visual artiste Tacita Dean to promote  the cause of film preservation and restoration, said his aim during his stay is to meet Indian filmmakers and get the better understanding of cinema culture here.
"I have had the pleasure of watching Mr Ray's 'Pather Panchali' recently, which I hadn't seen before. I think it is one of the best films ever made. It is an extraordinary piece of work. I am interested in learning more about Indian film industry and that is the reason why I came.
"Obviously, Tacita and I want to spread our message about reframing the feature films as broadly as possible. And India being the largest film industry in the world is an essential part of that. The other reason why I wanted to come here was from selfish point of ..

I am interested in learning more about Indian film industry: Christopher Nolan

Director Karthik Subbaraj says his upcoming silent thriller "Mercury" is inspired by real-life incidents and about big corporate companies exploiting small towns.
The germ of the idea for "Mercury" came from the 2001 poisoning case where hundreds of workers were allegedly exposed to toxic mercury vapours at the Hindustan Lever factory in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. The plant has since been shutdown.
"This film also talks about corporate exploitation of small towns. This is one such incident that in a way inspired me to make this film.
"It is an important factor in the film and that's why the title is 'Mercury'. The true incident inspired me, the film is a fictional story but it does talk about a real issue like corporate exploitation," Karthik told PTI.
For Karthik, making a silent film was not a risk but a challenge.
"As there were no dialogues in the film, I had to concentrate on every little things, from taking the shot to technicalities to expressions of actors," he said.
This film, ..

"Mercury" is about corporate exploitation of small towns: Karthik

Actor Kangana Ranaut will speak on Gandhian philosophy at an event in the US which will be attended by Michelle Obama and media mogul Oprah Winfrey.
The programme, 'Gandhi Going Global', will be held in New Jersey in August and it is aimed at spreading Mahatma Gandhi's ideology and philosophy at the global state.
The 31-year-old star will share stage with Obama, Winfrey, and American advocate Martin Luther King III, a press release said.
"For me, it's always been about the impact you make on the society and how you contribute to it. Sharing the stage with Michelle and Oprah will be inspiring.
"I've never been anybody's fan but I admire and idolise women like Oprah," Kangana said in a statement here.
The 'Gandhi Going Global' campaign will host interactive activities, educational programmes, motivational talks and cultural celebration on August 18 and 19.
More than 500 NGOs and organisations, 400 universities and over 100 high schools will be participating at the event, which is ...

Kangana to promote Gandhian ideas; share stage with Michelle, Winfrey

Christopher Nolan has been vocal about his love for traditional formats -- 35mm and 70mm- over digital and the renowned director today encouraged aspiring filmmakers to believe in and fight for their choice of medium.
The director, who released his World War II drama "Dunkirk" earlier than the scheduled date in cinemas that still projected celluloid, said a film is a director's dream and it should be their call when it comes to the movie watching experience they want their audiences to have.
"This discussion has risen in the past that why somebody chose to shoot a film in something which is difficult and not digital. They (critics) speak as if filmmaking were a illogical and pragmatic thing to do. But its not. No film is illogical or pragmatic. Films are about dreams, magic, escapism and experience.
"So, it is about your feeling towards the medium whether you want to work or not work that way. I am somebody who choose to shoot film in something which is difficult than shooting it ...

Films are about dreams, magic, escapism and experience: Nolan

Tiger Shroff-Disha Patani starrer "Baaghi 2" raked in Rs 25.10 crore on the day one of its release.
The film is a sequel to 2016 film "Baaghi" and also stars Manoj Bajpayee, Randeep Hooda, Prateik Babbar and Deepak Dobriyal.
The film has achieved a milestone by becoming the highest opener of 2018 followed by the highest Good Friday opener ever, the makers said in a release.
Directed by Ahmed Khan, the film has been produced by Fox Star Studios and Sajid Nadiadwala under the banner name Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment.

'Baaghi 2' mints Rs 25.10 crore on day one

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan had his fan boy moment as the actor met renowned filmmaker Christopher Nolan today.
Nolan, known for modern classics such as "Memento", "The Prestige", "Inception" and the Dark Knight series, is in India on a three day trip along with visual artiste Tacita Dean.
The 52-year-old star took to Twitter to share his experience about meeting the ace director.
"My Fanboy moment. Inspiring to hear Mr.Nolan and Ms Tacita Dean talk of the virtues of celluloid as an artistes medium. Thanks @shividungarpur for having me over" SRK tweeted along side his picture with Nolan.
Earlier, South superstar Kamal Haasan had shared a photograph with the "Dunkirk" director.
The actor had said he was surprised to know that Nolan had seen his film "Papnasam".
During his trip, Nolan will also be present for the screenings of two of his recent films  Oscar-nominated "Dunkirk" and "Interstellar".

Shah Rukh's fan boy moment with Christopher Nolan

Actor Chrissy Metz has parted ways with Josh Stancil.
Metz met Stancil on the set of "This Is Us", where he worked as a camera grip.
"I'm dating myself currently," Metz said confirming the break up on "The Wendy Williams Show".
The 37-year-old actor said  Stancil "moved onto another show" before they ended their relationship. She also confirmed they are "still friends."
"I'm always friends with people who I was previously with, which is important to me, you know? Because you care about the person. You don't just, like, dump them off," she said.

Chrissy Metz and Josh Stancil split

Jeremy Saulnier has exited HBO's "True Detective" after directing two episodes of its third season.
Daniel Sackheim has been announced as Saulnier's replacement and he will divide the directing duties with show creator Nic Pizzolatto for the remainder of the episodes. However, the total number of episodes in season three have not been revealed yet.
"Director and executive producer Jeremy Saulnier has completed the first two episodes of 'True Detective' Season 3 and will be departing the production due to scheduling issues.
"Daniel Sackheim has come on board as a director and executive producer for the series alongside series creator and director Nic Pizzolatto," HBO said in a statement obtained by Variety.
The third season tells the story of a macabre crime in the heart of the Ozarks, and a mystery that deepens over decades and plays out in three separate time periods.
It will star Oscar winner Mahershala Ali along with Carmen Ejogo, Stephen Dorff, Scoot McNairy, Mamie Gummer and Ray .

Jeremy Saulnier departs from 'True Detective' after helming 2 episodes

Former Disney Channel actor Alyson Stoner has opened up about her struggle to embrace her sexuality in an essay.
In the piece published in Teen Vogue, Alyson described how she realised she was not attracted to just men after she became "mesmerised and intimidated" when she attended a dance workshop and met her female instructor.
"After I dizzied myself from doing knee spins, she walked toward me to correct my form,"she wrote. "My heart raced wildly and my body grew hot. Was I nervous to fail in front of an expert? Was I breathing heavily from being out of shape? Her smile was the most electrifying thing I'd ever seen."
Post her class, Alyson texted her mother and her best friend, writing, "I met a woman today, I'm not sure who she is or what I'm feeling, but I think she's going to be in my life for a very long time."
The actor said as she got to know the dance instructor, she also struggled with her feelings that were not "quite sisterly or platonic."
"I realised I had never ...

Disney star Alyson Stoner pens emotional essay about her sexuality

Director Colin Trevorrow is making a comeback to "Jurassic World" franchise as he has been confirmed to helm the third part.
Steven Spielberg, the creator of the franchise, shared the news in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
"Colin Trevorrow is going write and direct the third 'Jurassic World' story,"Spielberg said.
Trevorrow directed the 2015's "Jurrasic World", which starred Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins, Irrfan Khan and Vincent D'Onofrio.
The film was set 22 years after the events of the first movie and went on to rake in USD 1.67 billion at the global box office.
Spielberg has also confirmed that he will return as executive producer on the third film.
The Jurassic World sequel, "Fallen Kingdom", is scheduled to hits theatres on June 22. Trevorrow, along with Spielberg, is executive producing the project, which is directed by J A Bayona.

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