Page 737 - Entertainment Culture

It immediately adds to drama, excitement: Vasan Bala on crime genre

Vasan Bala's love for the crime genre is not unknown. He has written and directed crime-based films, saying he is comfortable being in that space and feels it adds to drama and excitement of a movie.

Michael Pena to play Mr Roarke in 'Fantasy Island' film

Actor Michael Pena is set to star as Dr Roarke in the upcoming "Fantasy Island" movie. Veteran actor Ricardo Montalban originated the role in the television series "Fantasy Island" as Mr Roarke who oversaw a mysterious island where people could live out their fantasies for a price. The series, which ran for seven seasons from 1977 to 1984, often dealt with dark themes and the supernatural. According to Variety, Sony and Blumhouse are co-financing the project, with production slated to start on January 14. Jeff Wadlow is directing and penning the script with his "Truth or Dare" co-writers, Chris Roach and Jillian Jacobs.

Michael Shannon in talks to join 'Knives Out'

Actor Michael Shannon is in negotiation to star in Rian Johnson's upcoming film "Knives Out". The movie, a modern-day murder mystery, also features Daniel Craig and Chris Evans, reported Variety. Johnson is writing and directing and will produce with his producing partner Ram Bergman. It is not yet known what type of character Shannon will play. The makers are planning to shoot the film in November before Craig starts working on his James Bond film in 2019.

IFFK 2018 gets a nod, to be held on 'limited scale'

After keeping many film buffs on the edge, state film body Kerala State Chalachitra Academy which organises the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), on Tuesday said the 23rd edition of the gala will be held on a "limited scale".

Here's why babies are prone to sepsis after birth

Turns out, infants face high risks of short- and long-term complications, including sepsis, severe inflammation of the gut, and neurodevelopmental disorders.Researchers at the University of Copenhagen demonstrated a link between prenatal inflammation and postnatal immune status and organ function in preterm pigs, suggesting that early intervention (eg, antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs) may be warranted for infants born preterm with signs of inflammation of fetal membranes.Intra-amniotic inflammation caused by short-term prenatal endotoxin exposure leads first to acute fetal lung and gut immune responses, followed by systemic inflammation after birth."Our study may urge clinicians to be more aware of the population of preterm infants with chorioamnionitis (inflammation of the fetal membrane) as they have higher risks of systemic inflammation and neonatal sepsis," explained lead researcher Per T. Sangild."The data imply the importance of the integrity of barriers between ...

Cameron Monaghan announces departure from 'Shameless'

Over a month after Emmy Rossum bid adieu to "Shameless", co-star Cameron Monaghan on Monday announced his exit from the show. The 25-year-old actor, who plays Ian Clayton Gallagher in the Showtime series, penned an emotional Instagram post sharing the news. "I have been a series regular on this show for roughly 10 years. I was the tender age of 15 when we shot the pilot, and I came of age in so many ways, both legally and personally. "Experiencing so many firsts, maturing as an actor, a professional, and a human. In the process gaining friends, family, and the best coworkers a very lucky actor could ask for, and for this I can be nothing but gracious. All good things come to an end," Monaghan wrote alongside a still from the show. The actor said Sunday's upcoming episode will be his last appearance on the show. "I have known since last year, but I didn't want to give it away too early as I wanted this season to be a surprise for the audience, allowing them to experience Ian's unsure ..

BJP MP backs Nana Patekar, says India's #MeToo start of wrong practice

Describing the #MeToo movement in India as the beginning of a "wrong practice", BJP MP Udit Raj on Tuesday supported actor Nana Patekar and questioned actress Tanushree Dutta for speaking up after a decade.

Jessica Biel to feature in and produce 'Limetown' series

Jessica Biel is set to star in and produce the drama series "Limetown". The 36-year-old actor will executive produce via her Iron Ocean Productions banner alongside Michelle Purple, Variety reported. A Facebook Watch project, the show is based on the podcast of the same name produced by Two Up, "Limetown" follows Lia Haddock (Biel), a journalist for American Public Radio, as she unravels the mystery behind the disappearance of over 300 people at a neuroscience research facility in Tennessee. Facebook has ordered a 10-episode first season. Endeavor Content will serve as the studio. Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie, creators of the "Limetown" podcast, will write and also executive produce. Midnight Radio's Josh Appelbaum, Andr Nemec, Jeff Pinkner and Scott Rosenberg will executive produce and showrun, with Adrienne Erickson producing. The show marks Biel's return to the small screen after critically-acclaimed USA Network drama "The Sinner".

James Gunn's 'BrightBurn' postponed to May 24 next year

The release of James Gunn's "BrightBurn" has been pushed by Sony to May 24, 2019. The horror film, backed by Gunn, was initially scheduled to bow on November 30 this year. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film will now open in the beginning of the long Memorial Day weekend, one of the most coveted spots on the box-office calendar. "BrightBurn" will face-off against Disney and Guy Ritchie's live-action "Aladdin", Warner Bros' video game adaptation "MineCraft" and Fox's Stuber, toplined by Gunn's "Guardians of the Galaxy" star Dave Bautista. The film was shrouded in mystery and was set for a panel at San Diego Comic-Con in July, but that appearance was cancelled after news broke that Disney had fired Gunn as director of "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3" over old, offensive tweets. "BrightBurn" stars Elizabeth Banks. Gunn's brother Brian Gunn and cousin Mark Gunn wrote the script, with David Yarovesky directing. Another horror film from Sony, "The Possession of Hannah Grace" will ..

Vinta Nanda accuses Alok Nath of rape, CINTAA to send him notice

Vinta Nanda, a veteran writer-producer of the avant-garde 1990s' show "Tara" fame, has accused actor Alok Nath -- known for his "sanskaari" on-screen image -- of sexually violating her almost two decades ago. The Cine & TV Artists Association (CINTAA) has decided to send him a show-cause notice.

Jim Carrey, Emilia Clarke to get Britannia Awards

Actors Jim Carrey and Emilia Clarke have been selected as recipients of the Britannia Awards from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, Los Angeles.

I'm preparing a book about my career of comedy writing, acting: Bob Odenkirk

Bob Odenkirk started his career with comedy writing, before finding fame as an actor. The "Better Call Saul" star is now all set to retrace his journey as he says he is working on a book about his career.

Jessica Biel to star in 'Limetown'

Actress Jessica Biel will star in "Limetown", based on the fictional podcast of the same name.

Ali Zafar proud to represent Pakistan at film fest in China

Pakistani actor-singer Ali Zafar says he is proud to represent Pakistan at the 5th Silk Road International Film Festival in China, where he will also discuss bilateral cooperation between the two countries in cinema.

Priya Kumar's novel to be made into web series

Priya Kumars novel "I Will Go With You" will be turned into a web series. The fast-paced adventure is scheduled for a release in December.

'Pahuna' film I believed in from the word go: Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra on Monday said she had faith in her maiden Sikkimese production "Pahuna" ("The Little Visitors") right from the outset. The film, produced under Purple Pebble Pictures, was adjudged Best Film (Jury Choice) and Special Mention by Professional Jury in The International Feature Film Category at SCHLINGEL International Children's Film Festival in Germany. "'Pahuna'. A film I've believed in from the word go! Love the response it's getting worldwide. Can't wait to see what's in store for our film next! Congrats team @PurplePebblePic for winning the 'Best Film (Jury's choice)' and a special mention at the #SchlingelFilmFestival," Priyanka wrote on Twitter. Director Pakhi A Tyrewala, thanked the actor-producer for her unwavering faith in the film. "It's true. Only person who repeatedly told me that I made a good film whenever I doubted it. She always had faith in 'Pahuna'. Thanks @priyankachopra," Pakhi replied to Priyanka's tweet. To this the actor responded saying, "Always ..

Long night of LiteratureS 2018

Celebrating the linguistic and cultural diversity of Europe, 10 authors from different European countries travelled to India for an extraordinary night of literary encounters, 'Long Night of LiteratureS 2018'.On the evening of September 28, Instituto Cervantes, New Delhi, welcomed 150 guests to listen to the multilingual authors' sessions. Each author hosted short readings in a classroom with the audience moving from room to room. The sessions were followed by audience questions and conversations where the authors and audience discussed how literature can connect people across countries, languages and cultures.The Long Night of LiteratureS brought authors from different parts of Europe together to present an enthralling experience to the Indian audience. The authors participating in the event were Clemens Berger (Austria), Veronika Resslova (Czech Republic), Henriette Rostrup (Denmark), Jean-Claude-Perrier (France), Istvan Voros (Hungary), Suneeta Peres da Costa (Portugal), Claudiu M.

Netflix series 'Selection Day' to premiere on December 28

Netflix's India Original Series "Selection Day" is set to be launched worldwide on December 28. Based on Aravind Adiga's novel of the same name, the series is a coming-of-age drama about two brothers who are raised by their strict, obsessive father to be star cricket players in India. The cast includes Ratna Pathak Shah, Mahesh Manjrekar, Rajesh Tailang and debutantes Yash Dholye and Mohammad Samad as brothers Radha and Manju Kumar. Actor Anil Kapoor is co-producing the project with Anand Tucker. Simran Sethi, Director, International Originals, Netflix, said the team is looking forward to the series. "We are excited to share this joyous and emotional coming of age story with India and the world. 'Selection Day' is an amazing opportunity to expand our array of programming after the exciting debuts of 'Sacred Games' and 'Ghoul'," Sethi said in a statement. Kapoor said he is excited to collaborate on an Indian story with the streaming platform. "With 'Selection Day', Netflix is once ...

Priyanka praises 'Pahuna...' director Paakhi A. Tyrewala

Actress-producer Priyanka Chopra has praised "Pahuna - The Little Visitors" director Paakhi A. Tyrewala and said that she is talented and hardworking.

Anupam meets 'inspirational, courageous' Sonali Bendre

Veteran actor Anupam Kher met actress Sonali Bendre Behl for dinner in New York, where she is undergoing metastatic cancer treatment and called her inspirational and courageous.