Page 888 - Entertainment Culture

Casey Affleck to produce sports drama 'Fencer'

Actor-director Casey Affleck is all set to produce a sports drama film titled "Fencer", in which he will also do a supporting role.

Parineeti Chopra named brand ambassador of Rangriti

Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra has been roped in as the face of contemporary ethnic fashion brand Rangriti by Biba Apparels Pvt Ltd.

Didn't expect to do a Karan Johar film so early in career: Bhumi

Bagging a Karan Johar directorial so early in her career was a dream come true for Bhumi Pednekar who believes it's a big opportunity to be a part of his next "Takht". Directed by Johar, "Takht" also stars Kareena Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Janhvi Kapoor and Anil Kapoor. "It was a dream come true. I didn't expect to bag a Karan Johar film so soon in my career. I always hoped I would work with him, he's a prolific filmmaker. He has really changed the game "He has a great vision. I was surprised when it happened... I immediately told my parents," Bhumi told PTI. "Takht" is set in Mughal era and chronicles the story of two warring brothers. While Bhumi is tight-lipped about her role, the "Dum Laga Ke Haisha" star says she's happy that the films she's doing align with her sensibilities. "When I started out, I didn't realise I would get a chance to have an effect on so many people. I've been lucky to get work I believe in and which completely goes with my ...

Kajol's 'Helicopter Eela' to now release in October

Actress Kajol's "Helicopter Eela" has been pushed to October as director Pradeep Sarkar has been hospitalised due to dengue.

My aim is to break conventions: Rajkummar Rao

Rajkummar Rao has redefined the word 'hero' in Bollywood and the actor believes one of the biggest reasons for his success is that he has always tried to challenge the norms. The 33-year old star said it is important for an artiste to break through the shackles of "obvious" as being predictable can hinder their growth. "I love it when people call me unconventional. My aim has always been to break conventions and to keep experimenting. I feel it is good to be unpredictable. People are experimenting in every field. We can't keep following what has been there since always. It is important to reinvent as an artiste," Rao told PTI. The actor said he has again tried to do something unique with his upcoming film "Stree", which releases on his birthday August 31. "'Stree' is something fresh and new. Audiences want to see different kind of content on-screen and 'Stree' is exactly that. It is a unique genre horror-comedy which has not been explored much in our country." Rao revealed that he ...

Hope Indian audience reacts well to Cirque du Soleil's 'Bazzar': Costume designer

A Cirque du Soleil show is all about celebrating diversity by creating a new universe, and "Bazzar" -- the show with which they are making their debut in India -- promises to bring all these elements to the stage in India, says the show's costume designer James Lavoie.

Didn't want to exploit the exploited: Tabrez Noorani on 'Love Sonia'

There's a nuanced subtlety in the way first-time director Tabrez Noorani has explored the harsh realities of the human trafficking world in "Love Sonia". He says the attempt was always to avoid crossing the line of exploiting the exploited.

I've pretty much got used to media attention: Alia Bhatt

Actress Alia Bhatt, who is currently making news not just for her Bollywood projects but also for her link-up rumours with actor Ranbir Kapoor, says coming from a family of popular names, she has seen media attention right from childhood -- and such attention doesn't affect her anymore.

Kajol's 'Helicopter Eela' gets postponed

Kajol's upcoming film 'Helicopter Eela', which was slated to release on September 7, will now hit the big screens on October 12.The release date of the flick has been shifted after its director, Pradeep Sarkar was diagnosed with dengue.Confirming the news, film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted, "New release date for #HelicopterEela: 12 Oct 2018... Since director Pradeep Sarkar is diagnosed with dengue, Ajay Devgn has taken a decision to resume work on the film after Sarkar is discharged from hospital... Ajay Devgn and Jayantilal Gada have now shifted the film to 12 Oct."Reinventing the process of parenting, the comedy-drama witnesses Kajol as a single mother and an aspiring singer,Also starring Neha Dhupia and Tota Roy Chowdhary, the film has been produced by Ajay Devgn and Jayantilal Gada.

Of travels, mysterious connections, life beyond 40s and supercharged brains (IANS Books This Weekend)

Read a travel book about treks and trips across the Himalayas; know the story of two strangers who never meet but are connected through a series of handwritten letters -- written by one and discovered by the other; learn how to live life through your 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond; and train yourself to supercharge your brain and improve your memory drastically and immediately.

Kajol's 'Helicopter Eela' delayed, to now release on October 12

Kajol's "Helicopter Eela" has been pushed back by a month owing to the ill health of director Pradeep Sarkar. The film, which also stars National Award winner Riddhi Sen, was earlier scheduled to release on September 7. It will now hit the theatres on October 12. Sarkar was recently hospitalised after being diagnosed with dengue. According to press release, Sarkar had taken a day's leave from hospital to shoot a scene with megastar Amitabh Bachchan for the film. An ambulance and a doctor was put on standby on the sets. After completing the shoot, he went back to the hospital to continue his treatment. Ajay Devgn, who has produced the feature alongside Jayantilal Gada, decided to shift the release date to October 12, the statement read. The makers will wait for Sarkar's recover and resume work.

Casey Affleck producing sports feature 'Fencers'

Oscar winner Casey Affleck is all set to produce the sports feature "Fencers". According to Variety, Affleck will produce via his banner, Sea Change Media, and also take up a supporting role in the project, reported Variety. The film, to be directed by Jasmine McGlade, is about a female fencer attempting to make it to the US Olympic team while facing personal demons and childhood rivals. The script has been penned by McGlade, who made her feature directorial debut with the 2011 indie drama "Maria My Love". She has previously worked as a producer on her ex-husband Damien Chazelle's feature "La La Land". The project's announcement comes two weeks after the "Manchester By The Sea" star apologised for his role in creating an "unprofessional environment" on the sets of his 2010 mockumentary "I'm Still Here" that led to two women filing lawsuits against him. The actor will be next seen in "The Old Man & the Gun", opposite Robert Redford and Sissy Spacek.

Bright cast, intelligent script in 'Happy...' sequel (Movie Review *** ½)

Film: "Happy Phirr Bhaag Jayegi"; Director: Mudassar Aziz; Starring: Sonakshi Sinha, Jassi Gill, Jimmy Shergil, Denzil Smith, Aparshakti Khurrana; Rating: *** ½ (3 and a half stars)

Rajkummar Rao confirms working with Anurag Basu in 'Imli'

Actor Rajkummar Rao, who is gearing up for the release of his forthcoming films "Stree", has confirmed that he will feature in Anurag Basus next film titled "Imli" along with Kangana Ranaut.

Elton John's biopic 'Rocketman' postponed by two weeks

Music legend Elton John's biopic "Rocketman", starring Taron Egerton, has been delayed by two weeks. The film, which was earlier scheduled to release on May 17, 2019, will now hit the theatres on May 31, 2019, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Egerton, 28, is portraying the legendary singer in the Dexter Fletcher-directed film which will focus on John's emergence as a prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music to becoming a music superstar and his partnership with songwriting collaborator Bernie Taupin. Matthew Vaughn and his Marv Films is producing the film along with John and his Rocket Pictures partner David Furnish. The film's cast includes Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard and Gemma Jones. Vaughn and Egerton have teamed on both "Kingsman" films and on "Eddie the Eagle," which Fletcher directed with Egerton starring. Fletcher and Vaughn have previously worked together on "Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels" and "Layer Cake".

Veteran Marathi actor Vijay Chavan dies in Mumbai

Veteran Marathiactor Vijay Chavan, known for his comic roles, died this morning at a hospital after a prolonged illness, a hospital official said. He was 63. The actor, who has featured in more than 350 films, was reportedly not keeping well for some time and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital here. "He was admitted to the Fortis Hospital in Mulund since the last four-five days as his health had started deteriorating. He passed away today morning at about 5," the hospital official told PTI. Chavan, who also featured in numerous plays, is best remembered for his comic roles in Marathi films such as 'Jatra', 'Zapatlela', 'Pachadlele', 'Mumbaicha Dabewala' and 'Shrimanta Damodar Panta', among others. 'Moru Chi Mavshi' is one of his famous plays in which he was appreciated for portraying a woman.

John Cho to star in Netflix drama 'Tigertail'

"Star Trek Beyond" actor John Cho has been cast as the lead in the Netflix feature, "Tigertail". The film, being described as a multi-generational drama, hails from "Master of None" creator Alan Young. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Young has also written the script which is based on events that happened in his family. The story will chronicle two people's poor life choices and the consequences of those decisions, exploring themes of regret, longing, passion and repression while spanning continents and generations, from 1950s Taiwan to present-day New York City. Cho, 46, who is currently awaiting the release of his film "Searching", will be joined Tzi Ma and Christine Ko in the film. The project is expected to start shooting next week in New York and Taiwan. It will be produced by Charles King and Kim Roth via their Macro banner alongside Poppy Hanks and Yang. Peter Pastorelli and David Lee will serve as executive producers in the project.

Release of Elton John's biopic gets new release date

English Singer Elton John's biopic 'Rocketman', which was earlier scheduled to release on May 17, will now release on May 31, 2019.'Kingsman' actor Taron Egerton will be playing the lead role in the film. Penned by Lee Hall, the script will follow the famed singer-songwriter's journey from Royal Academy of Music to his rise in the world of rock 'n' roll during the 1970s and '80s. The film will also narrate the story of his drug and alcohol addiction and recovery followed by a glorious international superstardom.The cast list also includes Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard and Gemma Jones. Egerton, who is will be singing in the film and has already recorded songs at Abbey Road Studios.

Casey Affleck to produce and act in 'Fencer'

Academy Award winner Casey Affleck is all set to produce the sports drama 'Fencer'. Not only this, he will also be playing a supporting role in the movie.According to Variety, the script has been penned by Jasmine McGlade, who will also be directing the film. The story revolves around the journey of female fencer attempting to make it to the U.S. Olympic team while also fighting her personal demons.Earlier this month, Affleck was in news for issuing an apology for his actions following a sexual harassment allegation. The actor admitted that he had contributed to an unprofessional environment on the set of 2010 musical drama, 'I'm Still Here'.Affleck's past credits include 'Manchester by the Sea', 'Interstellar', 'The Finest Hours' and 'Ocean's Twelve'. The actor will next be seen in Robert Redford and Sissy Spacek starrer 'The Old Man & the Gun', which is scheduled to hit the theatres on September 28.

Ali Fazal overwhelmed to meet fans in foreign land

Actor Ali Fazal, whose work takes him places across the world, says it's a different feeling altogether to meet fans in a foreign land.