Page 1577 - Entertainment Culture
Padmaavat: FIR filed after Harish Salve gets life threat
The Delhi police on Friday registered an FIR against unknown person for threatening senior advocate Harish Salve.Salve, who represented the producer of Padmaavat in Supreme Court, had earlier alleged that he had received life threats over phone.The callers reportedly claimed that they were from Karni Sena, the group which is protesting against the release of the epic drama.Earlier on Thursday, the apex court stayed notifications issued by four states - Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat - to ban the release of the film 'Padmaavat'.In its interim order, the court said all states are constitutionally obliged to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident during the screening of the film after permission has been granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).The flick has run into trouble time and again, as members of several Rajput factions have accused the director of the film, Bhansali of distorting history.Starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh .
9 French authors to attend Lit Fest at Kolkata book fair
Nine French authors will be attending the Kolkata Literature Festival that will be hosted as part of the International Kolkata Book Fair this year. The five authors will be Volodine, Christian Garcin, Gerard Meudal, Jean Claude Perrier, Katia Legeret, Philippe Forest, Sabine Wespiser, Sebastian Ortiz and Shumona Sinha, the general secretary of the Kolkata Book Fair organisers Tridib Chatterjee said at a press meet here today. While the 42nd International Kolkata Book Fair, recognised by International Publishers Association Geneva, will be inaugurated on January 30 by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and conclude on February 11, the Kolkata Literature Festival will be held at the fair ground from February 8-10. France is the focal theme of the International Kolkata Book Fair this year and the theme country's pavilion will be bigger than last year. "The French pavilion will cover a large area of 14,000 square feet and it will have the latest digital look reflecting the ...
'Dangal' a hit in China, says Consul General
Chinese Consul General Ma Zhanwu today said Indian films are very well known in his country and Aamir Khan's 'Dangal' has been a runaway hit with subtitles. Movies like 'Dangal' had garnered more profits than many Chinese films in recent times, Zhanwu told PTI on the sidelines of the inauguration of the 7th Kolkata International Children's Film Festival (KICFF) here. "Your films with Chinese translations are well received in China. And there have been cultural exchanges. About a year and half back, a delegation of Bengali film makers from India had visited China and screened some Bengali films," Zhanwu said. "We are actively participating in cultural activities in Kolkata International Film Festival and KICFF. We are working closely with the state government as well as artistes from West Bengal," he added. About the KICFF, the Chinese Consul said, China has submitted four recent films to be screened in this festival. Altogether 200 films from India and abroad, 97 of them
Cast of 'Padmaavat' thanks Akshay Kumar
The lead actors of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's much-awaited "Padmaavat" thanked Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar for shifting his film "Pad Man" to February 9, leaving a solo week for "Padmaavat".
Bollywood trend analysts hail decision to defer 'Pad Man' release
As the Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar rescheduled the release of his upcoming film "Pad Man" to avoid its clash with the much-awaited magnum opus of Sanjay Leela Bhansali -- "Padmaavat", trend analysts said the decision will help both movies in terms of box office numbers.
Vijayvargiya sees international conspiracy behind Dalit anger
BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya today claimed that there is an "international conspiracy" which is fuelling discontent among the Dalits. Speaking to reporters here, he said, "The discontent among the Dalits is being fuelled as part of an international conspiracy. Some forces do not want unity in the society. We all need to be on alert on this issue." When asked, he didn't specify who he meant by "forces". "There are several such forces, who would be exposed at the right time," he said. Some political parties, now marginalised by people, too are trying to incite the Dalits, he said. Recently, Maharashtra witnessed strong Dalit protests over violence at Koregaon Bhima in Pune district. On the Rajput organisation Karani Sena's protest against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film "Padmaavat", Vijayvargiya said, "Filmmakers should avoid making films on subjects which tarnish the image of any community. Social sentiments should be respected. "I will not say anything either ..
Kolkata book fair dedicates largest pavilion to France
The 42nd edition of International Kolkata Book Fair is dedicating its "largest-ever" theme pavilion of 14,000 sq.ft. to France, that is also the focal theme of the event rated as the world's most attended book fair, the organisers said on Friday.
Karni Sena warns Prasoon Joshi against entering Jaipur
Continuing with their protest against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Padmaavat", the Shree Rajput Karni Sena on Friday warned that Censor Board chief Prasoon Joshi will not be allowed to enter the city during the Jaipur Literature Festival and will be "thrashed" if he does so.
Clash averted: 'Padmaavat' to fly solo on January 25, 'Pad Man' shifted
It was set to be the first major box-office clash of the year on January 25, but in the interest of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's controversial drama "Padmaavat" -- set to hit the screens after a lengthy row -- actor Akshay Kumar on Friday announced that he is shifting the release of his "Pad Man" to February 9.
Bhansali 'thanks' Akshay for averting PadMan-Padmaavat clash
In the staring game between 'Padmaavat' and 'PadMan', one movie has blinked.Akshay and 'Padmaavat' director Sanjay Leela Bhansali announced that 'PadMan's release date has officially been postponed to February 9.While addressing the media, Bhansali thanked the 'Rustom' star for moving the release date of his film ahead.He said, "Padmaavat has been made after facing a lot of difficulties. We [the makers] decided to release the film on January 25, but it was clashing with Akshay Kumar's movie 'PadMan' and we requested him to move the release date of his film ahead and he agreed. I will always be grateful to him".Bhansali also noted that film fraternity will be really proud of Akshay for this gesture.Meanwhile, Akshay said that there is no point of clashing now, adding, "His (Bhansali) need is more for this date than mine".When asked why 'PadMan' moved its release date and not 'Padmaavat', the National-award winning star replied, "They have a reason to release the movie this time. It is .
Clash averted: 'Padmaavat' to fly solo on January 25, 'Pad Man' delayed
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar on Friday announced that he has decided to delay the release of his movie "Pad Man", thereby giving Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Padmaavat" a clear window to hit the screens on January 25 after a prolonged struggle.
'PadMan' avoids clash with 'Padmaavat' on Jan 25
The social media was abuzz with the reports of Akshay Kumar's 'PadMan' being postponed to avoid a clash with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus 'Padmaavat' and now it's official.Trade Analyst Komal Nahta has tweeted that the film's release date has been postponed to February 9, 2018.Earlier, the movie was scheduled to release on January 25.The movie is a biopic based on the life of Arunachalam Muruganantham, who makes cheap and affordable sanitary pads for the women of his village and fights for menstrual hygiene.Helmed by R. Balki, 'PadMan' also stars Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte.
Akshay postpones 'Padman' to Feb 9 to make way for 'Padmaavat'
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has postponed the release date of his much-awaited film "Padman" to avoid a box office clash with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama "Padmaavat". Akshay said Bhansali approached him to shift the release of "Padman" and he decided to push the date as the director had already faced a lot trouble. "Padman", directed by R Balki, was supposed to release on January 25, but now it will arrive in theatres on February 9. "My film 'Padman' was going to come out on January 25 and 'Padmaavat' was going to come out at the same time. I met Sanjay Leela Bhansali at Filmfare press conference and he told me to push the release date. "We all are here as one family. I want his film to come solo and I wish him luck. He has gone through a lot," the 50- year-old actor said at a press conference here. Bhansali, who has stayed away from the limelight due to the controversy surrounding "Padmaavat", was also present at the press conference. The director said he is ...
SC declines early hearing on plea against 'Padmaavat'
The Supreme Court on Friday declined to hold an early hearing on a plea challenging the grant of U/A certificate to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film "Padmaavat" by the Censor Board.
IFTDA appeals 'Padmaavat' protesters to abide by SC's decision
Indian Film & Television Director's Association (IFTDA) has appealed to the protesters of "Padmaavat" to abide by the decision of the Supreme Court and let the film have a peaceful release on January 25. In a press release issued today, IFTDA also requested exhibitors to stand by the decision of the apex court and exhibit the film "without any fear". The court yesterday allowed the country-wide release of the controversial movie on January 25. The court stayed notifications and orders issued by Rajasthan and Gujarat prohibiting exhibition of the lavishly- mounted period drama in their states. The producers, Viacom18 Motion Pictures, had approached the top court challenging the notification and orders issued by four states -- Gujarat Rajasthan, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh -- prohibiting exhibition of the film. The governments of Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan had declared that they will not allow screening of the movie which stars Deepika Padukone, ...
Cinepolis celebrates National Popcorn Day
Cinepolis, India's first international and the world's second largest movie theatre circuit, celebrated National Popcorn Day with its patrons across Delhi and Mumbai, with a Popcorn Party hosted at Grand Venice Mall, Greater Noida and Viviana Mall, Thane on January 19.Creative and peppy to the core, Cinepolis has been celebrating National Popcorn Day since 2016. This year, Cinepolis unveiled #cinepolispopcornday by going beyond classic concessions and standard deals in a bid to pique the interest of the movie goers. It is not just a celebration of the most loved snack but a quest to make the National Popcorn Day a memorable one.The multiplex chain introduced the Popcorn Family this year with 3 members - Daddy Popcorn, Mommy Popcorn and Little Popcorn. The characters interacted with the audience, danced their way through a parade to celebrate the occasion. The activity was well received by the Cinepolis audience.Devang Sampat, Director - Strategic Initiatives, Cinepolis India said, ...
Facebook to soon launch Desktop Stories
Social media giant Facebook is doubling down on 'Stories' by testing the ability to create them from desktop. The tech company is also considering a much more prominent placement for viewing 'Stories', from atop one's News Feed instead of in the sidebar."We are testing the option to create and share Stories from Facebook on desktop and are also testing moving the Stories tray from the top right corner to above News Feed, just like on mobile," TechCrunch quoted a Facebook spokesperson.By deciding to show 'Stories' above the News Feed instead of to the side, Facebook is clearly emphasising that the content deserves more attention.Moreover, the social media giant is even willing to push down its status update composer and News Feed posts to make room for this latest addition.Facebook launched 'Stories' in March 2017, pitching it as the second news feed for the social media website.
Producing films was not on my radar: Ayushmann Khurrana
He is an actor, a singer and has been a VJ in the past but Ayushmann Khurrana says turning producer was not a part of his career plan. Ayushmann has donned a producer's hat for wife Tahira Kashyap's directorial debut "Toffee", a short film set in the 1990s which takes on child marriage. The "Shubh Mangal Savdhaan" actor said it was the story of "Toffee" that pushed him to back the project. "Producing films was not really on my radar. I am more of an actor and singer and performer. I am more of an artiste. I don't understand numbers. We needed somebody who is liable and would do it in a clean, nice manner. So we got Mukesh Chhabra for this short film," Ayushmann told PTI in an interview. The idea to turn producer was purely a creative decision for Ayushmann and he felt a story on the issue of child marriage was the need of the hour. Ayushmann revealed that the idea of a short film struck Tahira's during her childhood when she came across a girl named Ritu, who was married
'My Birthday Song': A skilfully mounted psychological drama (IANS Review, Rating: ***)
Film: "My Birthday Song"; Director: Samir Soni; Cast: Sanjay Suri, Nora Fatehi, Zenia Starr, Ayaz Khan, Samire Sharma, Elena Kazan, Aarti Khetarpal, Aryan Veir Suri, Kausher Ali Khan, Rahul Gaba, Aarav Bedi and Rohan Awasthi; Rating: ***
Joseph Gordon Levitt defends 'The Last Jedi' with lengthy letter
Hollywood actor Joseph Gordon Levitt has defended the latest entrant in the epic 'Star Wars' franchise, 'The Last Jedi', in a 2000-word essay after the movie proved hugely divisive among fans.In a post written on website Medium, the 36-year-old actor insisted that his secret cameo in the movie was not a reason for him to defend the flick, reports The Independent.Instead, the 'Looper' star offers a comprehensive reasoning for the depiction of Luke Skywalker, after he was portrayed as a grizzled hermit who is determined to abandon his Jedi past.In his eyes, it is through Luke that the movie tells the story of "one of the most universal truths of human experience - getting older".He wrote, "We all get older, and those of us who are lucky enough to survive our youth all face the joys, the terrors, the puzzles, the pitfalls, the surprises, and the inevitabilities that come along with doing so. Re-meeting our beloved protagonist decades after we last saw him, only to learn that the passing .