Okay, so after much hullabaloo over the FFI’s (Film Federation of India) decision on India’s entry for the Best Foreign Film at the Academy Awards 2023, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting recently announced the Gujarati film, Chhello Show as our official entry. Nonetheless, it’s not the end of the road for SS Rajamouli’s magnum opus RRR. The makers of the Ram Charan and Junior NTR’s period drama are pushing it through the FYC (For Your Consideration) campaign. The blockbuster has been submitted to the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences, in as many as 14 categories. Not surprisingly, the makers of RRR are seeking nominations in all the major categories including Best Motion Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay-Story, Best Original Song, Best Music, Best Supporting Actor — Male, Best Supporting Actor — Female, and Best Actor nods for Ram and Jr NTR, among others. Well, what’s the harm in pushing one’s luck?
Sequel plans
Last year, Saif Ali Khan and Arjun Kapoor forayed into the horror-comedy genre with Bhoot Police. However, Pawan Kirpalani’s directorial venture, that also starred Jacqueline Fernandez and Yami Gautam, received mixed reviews after it released directly on OTT. Nonetheless, the film is set to have a second instalment. Saif recently shared that with the views that Bhoot Police is registering, as one of the most watched films on Disney+ Hotstar, “the makers are very keen on making a sequel.” While he didn’t share any further details, it remains to be seen if Arjun shares the same excitement for the film and returns to play Saif’s brother.
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Past perfect
Director-duo Raj-DK, who are helming the Indian version of Russo Brothers’s Citadel, have set their narrative in the ’90s. Distinct looks, in keeping with the style of those times, are being created for lead actors Varun Dhawan and Samantha, who will start their workshops early November. Filming is slated to begin by early December. By then, Varun will have completed the post-release promotions for Bhediya. Sam, too, will wrap up her prior commitments. The action drama series is targeting a late 2023 release.
Also Read: Have you heard? Teaser ke after-effects
Boxing days
Radhika Apte began boxing during the lockdown two years ago. She fell in love with the results of the sport and incorporated it in her exercise regime. Now, the Sacred Games actor is inviting other women to don the gloves. Sharing pictures with her coach, she shared, “Every day is the right day to start changing habits and get stronger. Our brilliant coach @mboxmickey is starting special batches for women only (sic).” That’s the spirit.
The homecoming
Over four years since the release of her debut film, Dhadak (2018), Janhvi Kapoor’s first collaboration with producer-father Boney Kapoor has finalised its date with cinemas. Titled Mili, the survival thriller helmed by National Award-winning director Mathukutty Xavier, is slated to arrive on November 4. Mili marks the Hindi debut of Xavier, who started his directorial innings with the 2019 Malayalam film, Helen. Interestingly, Janhvi’s maiden home production is an official remake of Helen, which starred Anna Ben (of Kumbalangi Nights fame) as the protagonist. Reportedly, Xavier had first declined the offer for a remake, but when Boney approached him, saying he wanted to make it with his daughter, Janhvi, the director agreed. The makers are set to begin the movie’s marketing and promotion with a trailer launch in the coming days.
Twice as nice
mid-day had reported that Urmila Matondkar is making her digital debut with Tiwari (In action mode, October 4). Now, we hear that the actor has a double role in director Saurabh Verma’s web series. Set in small-town India, the narrative has an emotional mother-daughter story at its core. Sources tell us that Urmila will play both roles, of the mother and the daughter, in the show.
Collaboration plans
After announcing Sita: The Incarnation last year with Kangana Ranaut in the titular role, the makers are now looking to start the film next year. Alaukik Desai, director of the movie, which retells the Ramayana from Sita’s perspective, recently met south actor Chiyaan Vikram. Besides discussing the subject at length with the actor, the director reportedly also expressed his wish of getting him on board for a pivotal part. While there’s no official word on whether Vikram too reciprocated the sentiment, Alaukik shared a picture with him on social media from their meeting. Apart from praising Ponniyin Selvan: I (PS: I), the actor’s latest release with director Mani Ratnam, he wrote, “It was knowledgeable meeting you, sir. You are the most humble and energetic personality I have ever met, and am very happy that you like the narration and film concept. Thank you so much for great hospitality.”
First friend is best friend
During their performance together for an awards show, Ankita Lokhande and Shraddha Arya showcased the crackling camaraderie they share in real life as well. Later, Ankita shared that she had the most amazing time during the rehearsals with Shraddha, with whom she kickstarted her career on Cine Star Ki Khoj. The Pavitra Rishta actor said, “Shraddha was my first friend when I came to Mumbai and now, we performed a beautiful act for such an amazing milestone for [the channel]. I feel life has come a full circle and we hope the viewers love our performance together.”
