Page 752 - Entertainment Culture

Lack of government fund handicaps Indian Oscar entries, say experts

Even as Rima Das hopes the Indian government will help her surmount monetary hurdles to begin the Oscar campaign for her Assamese film "Village Rockstars", filmmakers like Vetrimaraan and Manish Mundra are still waiting for government funds promised to them.

'Sanju', 'Newton' nominated at Australian Academy awards

Indian films "Sanju", "Newton" and "Gali Guleiyan" have been nominated for the Best Asian Film Award at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA).

Vivek Agnihotri calls Tanushree's allegations 'false, frivolous'

Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, who has been accused by Tanushree Dutta of harassment, has called the allegations "false, frivolous and vexatious."Agnihotri's lawyer Nidhish Mehrotra sent a legal notice to Tanushree for claiming the filmmaker indulged in inappropriate behaviour on the sets of his 2005 movie, 'Chocolate'."The allegations levelled against my client Mr. Vivek Agnihotri by Ms. Tanushree Dutta for misbehaviour and/or harassment are absolutely false, frivolous and vexatious," read the notice.It further stated that the allegations are "deliberate and have been borne with an intent to attract publicity."Earlier in a statement, Tanushree revealed she had received a notice from actor Nana Patekar as well. "I have been slapped with two legal notices today. One from Nana Patekar and another from Vivek Agnihotri. This is the price you pay for speaking out against harassment, humiliation and injustice in India," she said.Tanushree has alleged that Patekar misbehaved with her on the sets

Matt Bomer joins 'Doom Patrol'

Actor Matt Bomer has joined the cast of "Doom Patrol", the drama series in the works for Warner Bros. DC Universe streaming service.

'Hichki' to release in Taiwan as 'My Teacher With Hiccups'

After receiving applauds at the Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) and Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), Rani Mukerji's heart-warming and inspiring film 'Hichki' has become a worldwide success story. The movie is now being re-titled as 'My Teacher with Hiccups' for the Taiwanese audiences.Given the universal appeal of the film, the flick has witnessed a staggering release across the world and now it is set to release in Taiwan on November 2.The film's Taiwanese poster also has a motivating thought written on it. It reads, 'Never limit yourself, don't be afraid, even though you have some born disability'.Internationally, 'Hichki' has so far released in Russia and Kazakhstan, and is expected to wow audiences in Taiwan. The film is also releasing in Hong Kong on November 8 and in China on October 12.The film 'Hichki' is a subtle reminder of discrimination that exists in the society and has become a part of the day-to-day lives.It highlights this through the story of ...

Bill and Hillary Clinton attend Christina Aguilera concert

Former United States president Bill Cilton and his wife, Hillary Clinton went on a date night to Christina Aguilera's concert.The former first couple was spotted supporting their close friend at her performance in New York City. Their fans went berserk over the surprise sighting, but oddly enough, the Clintons and Christina were not there for long, reported E!Online.A fan took to Instagram and uploaded a picture of the couple enjoying the concert. She wrote, " I'M SITTING RIGHT NEAR HILLARY AND BILL!!!!! #hillaryclinton #president #concert."Hillary and Christina have been friends for a long time. The 'Liberation' singer has performed at various events for the Clintons over the years and even hosted a star-studded fundraising event for Hillary when she was campaigning to become president in 2015.

NTR biopic renamed 'Kathanayakudu', 1st part out on January 9, 2019

The makers of "NTR", the highly anticipated two-part Telugu biopic on the life of legendary actor and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), announced on Thursday that the film will now be titled "Kathanayakudu".

Culture secy gets charge of VC of music & arts varsity in MP

Madhya Pradesh culture department's Additional Chief Secretary Manoj Shrivastava has been given an additional charge of vice chancellor of the Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University at Gwalior. The order to this effect was issued Wednesday evening by Governor and Chancellor of state universities Anandiben Patel, a Public Relations department official said Thursday. The governor also appointed Dr Jayant Sonwalkar as vice chancellor of the Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University at Bhopal, he said. Sonwalkar is currently professor and head of the department of journalism and mass communication at the Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalalya at Indore. He will remain vice chancellor for four-year term or till the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier, the official added.

'Newton', 'Sanju' nominated for AACTA Asian Film award

Three Indian films, "Gali Guleiyan", "Sanju" and "Newton", have been nominated in the Best Asian Film category of Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards. The nominations were announced on Thursday and AACTA said the Asian films have contributed 36 million dollars at the Australian box office in last one year, signalling the immense popularity of Asian cinema Down Under. The AACTA Award for Best Asian Film was incepted to recognise the exceptional calibre of films from the Asian region as well as their growing popularity, not just with audiences domestically within Australasia but also globally. "This year's Best Asian Film nominees form a unique snapshot of the finest Asian films from the past year, from box-office hits and international film festival favourites to a Palme d'Or winner and multiple Best Foreign Language Film Oscar entries," AACTA said in a statement. Other nominees include South Korean film "1987 When The Day Comes", Taiwanese film "The Bold, ..

Armie Hammer boards 'Death On The Nile'

Actor Armie Hammer has joined the cast of "Death on the Nile", Twentieth Century Fox's follow-up to "Murder on the Orient Express". The 32-year-old actor joins "Wonder Woman" star Gal Gadot in the project, reported Variety. Kenneth Branagh is expected to come back as the director and reprise his role of the mustachioed Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, though a deal is yet to be signed. "Murder on the Orient Express" scribe Michael Green is also coming back as the screenwriter. Based on celebrated author Agatha Christie's novel of the same name, the follow-up will chronicle Poirots vacation in Egypt where he discovers a murder on the banks the Nile as a love triangle goes bad. Gadot will be portraying socialite Linnet Doyle, recently married to the former fiance of a past friend. The book has been previously adapted into a 1978 film, with Peter Ustinov as Poirot along with Bette Davis, Mia Farrow, Maggie Smith, among others. "Death on the Nile" will be produced by Judy Hofflund, Simon

When Bradley Cooper suprised Lady Gaga with his singing voice

It was the perfect role-reversal for Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in "A Star is Born" with the singer becoming the actor and the actor turning up an impressive performance as a rock star in decline. The film, which also marks Cooper's directorial debut, is already generating Oscar buzz and Gaga has revealed that she was really impressed when Cooper sang for the first time. "We really made a contract together as friends when we first met and decided to do this. He said, 'You're an actress.' And I said, 'You're a musician.' And we shook hands," Gaga told People's Jess Cagle in an interview. The pop star remembered being impressed when Cooper sang in front of her for the first time. "I performed at a cancer fundraiser and was singing 'La Vie en Rose,' and Bradley was in the audience. The next day he came over to my house to meet me. As soon as I saw his eyes, we had this instant connection. We're both from the East Coast; we're both Italian. Before I knew it I was heating up some ...

Kate Hudson, Danny Fujikawa welcome daughter

Kate Hudson and Danny Fujikawa became proud parents to their first child, a baby girl on Tuesday. The 39-year-old actor shared the news on Instagram Wednesday. Hudson also revealed that the couple have named the child Rani Rose Hudson Fujikawa, after her grandfather, Ron Fujikawa. "We have decided to name our daughter Rani (pronounced Ronnie) after her grandfather, Ron Fujikawa. Ron was the most special man who we all miss dearly. To name her after him is an honor... "Everyone is doing well and happy as can be. Our family thanks you for all the love and blessings that have been sent our way and we send ours right back," she wrote. The actor captioned the post: "She's here". She is also a mother to seven-year-old son Bingham Hawn from her relationship with Matt Bellamy and has another son Ryder Russell, 14, from her marriage to Chris Robinson. Hudson and Fujikawa have been in a relationship for over a year.

Indians spend more time watching online videos than TV: Survey

Indian viewers are now watching online video content for an average of eight hours 28 minutes each week, more than the time they spend viewing TV every week -- eight hours and eight minutes, according to a new survey on Thursday.

Kaley Cuoco joins DC universe as Harley Quinn

"The Big Bang Theory" star Kaley Cuoco is set to voice the iconic title role of Harley Quinn in DC universe's upcoming adult animated series. Cuoco said she loved the supervillain but the animated series will bring about a new spin to the character. "I've always loved animation. I did it years ago, and I haven't been in the animation world in a while. (Harley Quinn) is so edgy, it's obviously a very adult comedy, and with such a world-renowned character, it's been a blast to record," Cuoco told Entertainment Weekly on the sidelines of the Titans world premiere event at New York Comic-Con. Cuoco said the series begins with Harley breaking up with the Joker after he screws her over, and deciding to strike out on her own. "Over the course of the first season, we'll see her try to become the "best bada** supervillain that there is," she said, adding the character will cross paths with Doctor Psycho, Batman, Lex Luthor, Wonder Woman, and of course, Poison Ivy. "She just doesn't want to be .

Christopher McQuarrie, Henry Cavill have discussed sequel to 'Man of Steel'

Director Christopher McQuarrie has said he has had discussions with actor Henry Cavill about his Superman character during the making of "Mission: Impossible Fallout". Cavill's fans are eagerly waiting for "Man of Steel 2" and McQuarrie said many of them have asked him whether he would to direct it. "Many, many people have asked, many, many, many times. I had an awesome conversation with Henry Cavill about an awesome version of Superman while we were on set," the director told Collider. "You're sitting around of hours, waiting for stuff to be built so I can put Henry in it, and throw him off a cliff, or freeze him to death. And we talked about a really awesome version of Superman," he added. McQuarrie said Cavill wants a film where the character is portrayed heroic and optimistic. "(That's) the movie Henry wants. There's a really, really beautiful version of that, and I honestly can't speak for the people who are responsible for making those decisions, except to say it's part of a ...

Third 'Conjuring' film finds director

The third film in the "Conjuring" universe will be directed by Michael Chaves. James Wan, who directed 2013's "The Conjuring" and 2016's "The Conjuring 2", will produce the film with Peter Safran, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Chavez has previously directed supernatural chiller "The Curse of La Llorona", which is also produced by Wan. The first two Conjuring films featured Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as real-life supernatural investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren. "While working closely with Chaves on The Curse of La Llorona, I got to know him as a filmmaker. Chaves' ability to bring emotion to a story and his understanding of mood and scares make him a perfect fit to direct the next Conjuring film," Wan said. "I am a huge fan of the Conjuring films. The movies are the rare combination that deliver both tremendous heart and awesome scares. It is both a total thrill and absolute honor to be working with James and the gang at New Line again," Chaves said. "The Nun" was the ...

Janelle Monae joins Harriet Tubman biopic

Singer-actor Janelle Monae has come aboard the cast of "Harriet", the biographical drama on the life of American abolitionist and political activist Harriet Tubman. Cynthia Erivo is playing Tubman in the feature, which will be helmed by Kasi Lemmons, Variety reported. Monae, 32, joins Leslie Odom Jr, Joe Alwyn, Jennifer Nettles, Clarke Peters, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Zackary Momoh, Deborah Ayorinde, and Vondie Curtis-Hall in the cast. The film's story will follow Tubman, who escaped from slavery and subsequently fronted numerous missions to free dozens of enslaved people through the Underground Railroad in the pre-Civil War American south. Lemmons has also penned the film's screenplay along with Gregory Allen Howard. The film, which will start production this month, will be produced by Debra Martin Chase, Daniela Taplin Lundberg, and Howard.

Winston Duke to star in Netflix's 'Wonderland'

"Black Panther" star Winston Duke has joined the cast of Mark Wahlberg-starrer "Wonderland". The project, which hails from Netflix stable, will be directed by Wahlberg's frequent collaborator Peter Berg. They have earlier worked together on films "Lone Survivor", "Patriot's Day", "Deepwater Horizon" and "Mile 22". According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film is an adaptation from Robert B Parker's detective novel series. The story follows Spenser who, fresh out of prison, is sucked back into Boston's underbelly as he uncovers the truth about a sensational murder and the twisted conspiracy behind it. Duke, 31, will portray Hawk, Spenser's close friend and an equally tough, but a somewhat shady image of Spenser himself. Sean O'Keefe has penned the screenplay for the film, which will be produced by Neal H Moritz alongside Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson and Berg. The movie is expected to start production later this year.

Jamie Dornan's daughters think he drives tractor for living

Actor Jamie Dornan has revealed that his daughters are confused about his profession and believe that he is a tractor driver. The "Fifty Shades of Grey" star has two daughters -- five-year-old Dulcie and two-year-old Elva -- with wife Amelia Warner. According to Femalefirst, the 36-year-old actor said whenever they would pass through a field in the part of rural England where they live, one of his daughters would say, "Look Daddy, that's what you do." "I tried to tell her one time that I was an actor and because we live in the countryside with a lot of tractors, she somehow put the two together and I became a tractor driver in her head," Dornan said. The actor said he loves being a father and helping his daughters get ready every morning makes his day. "The madness of getting two tiny people ready for school and nursery every morning is all the fitness you need in a day. When I'm at home, all I am is a husband and father and that is all encompassing," Dornan said. "It's the role I ...

Netflix to develop series, films based on 'The Chronicles of Narnia'

Netflix announced Thursday that they will develop new shows and film projects on CS Lewis' beloved classic "The Chronicles of Narnia" series. The streaming giant and The CS Lewis Company have entered into a multi-year deal. All series and films produced through the deal will be Netflix productions, with Mark Gordon of Entertainment One (eOne) alongside Douglas Gresham and Vincent Sieber serving as executive producers for series and as producers for features. Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer, Netflix said the team is excited about bringing the universe of Narnia closer to people. "CS Lewis' beloved 'The Chronicles of Narnia' stories have resonated with generations of readers around the world. Families have fallen in love with characters like Aslan and the entire world of Narnia, and we're thrilled to be their home for years to come," Sarandos said in a statement. Lewis' stepson Douglas Gresham said it is wonderful to know that fans from all over are looking forward to seeing more of