News
Ferrari Ki Sawaari rights sold for Rs 65 crores
The upcoming Sharman Joshi - Boman Irani starrer Ferrari Ki Sawaari has already earned Rs.65 crores for its producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Despite the film's release being over a month away, the makers seem to be making money already.It is learnt that collectively, the film's theatrical, satellite, music and home video rights have been sold for a whopping Rs. 65 crores. However, the biggest chunk comes from the sale of the theatrical rights, which alone have been sold to Eros for Rs. 42 crores, while the rest includes satellite, DVDs and music rights.
The film which is directed by debutante Rajesh Mapuskar is set to release this June.
Watch Promo: Ferrari Ki Sawaari
Deepika to sport red bikini in Cocktail
Deepika Padukone, who is presently one of the front runners for the top slot in Bollywood, is now all set to razzle and dazzle everyone alike, by donning a bikini onscreen for the first time in her upcoming film Cocktail. The first theatrical promo of the film is expected to be unveiled early next week which will show Deepika in a hot red bikini.In the past, Deepika did wear a bikini top in Housefull, but this time around, the buzz is that she will flaunt her toned body in the film. Besides Deepika, there's yet another hot model Diana Penty, who will be making her Bollywood debut with Cocktail.
Cocktail produced by Illuminati films will be Homi Adjania's second directorial venture after Being Cyrus.
Gangs Of Wasseypur teams Cannes fashion
What Anurag Kashyap has managed to do with Gangs Of Wasseypur is unique. Apart from directing his first ever mainstream film, Anurag has roped in 340 actors for Gangs Of Wasseypur (GOW), making it one of the first films to ever have so many characters.The film that will be screened at the Cannes Film Festival in the Directors' Fortnight section will feature the crew attending the festival in a novel fashion. In fact everyone attending the screening will be wearing a "gamcha" around their neck irrespective of whether they are wearing a suit, tuxedos or gown, the gamcha will be a common accessory. The gamcha which is the trademark accessory up north was prominently featured even during the promotions of Wasseypur recently.
Speaking about the impending Cannes visit, Anurag Kashyap says, "GOW has probably been the toughest and most fun we have had making films. It had 340 cast actors out of which 270 were speaking parts. We shot all across UP and Bihar, Ranching airport, Patna jail, Varanasi jail, Calcutta, various coal mines, powerhouses and even ghost towns. To create Dhanbad and Wasseypur from three different time zones, we had to shoot in six different cities, towns and villages. Keeping in mind the progress, we got actual shots of coal mining, sand mining, and blasts. The film covers all that the mafia does and exactly how it operates. Where Part One covers the first two generations and covers the time period from 1941 to 1990, Part Two is set in current times. We had a strong crew that stayed in villages and cooked their own food. It was like a moving commune shooting this massive film both in terms of scale and content."
Gangs Of Wasseypur which is based on the coal mafia in Dhanbad stars Manoj Bajpayee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Syed Zeeshan Quadri and Richa Chadda.
Watch Promo: Gangs Of Wasseypur
Raj Thackeray appreciates Shekhars social service
It seems to be the season of social awakening with Aamir Khan's 'Satyamev Jayate' being debated vociferously throughout the country. On the other hand, another gentleman of repute from the industry, Shekhar Ravjiani, arguably one of the biggest names in Bollywood is quietly and tirelessly working towards a cause that he believes in. Ravjiani has been carrying out his social responsibilities in the way he knows best, by creating wonderful music. The music in question being his recently released Marathi single 'Saazni' composed and sung by him, proceeds of which will be given to Maniketan, a NGO that looks after the well being of underprivileged girls.'Saazni' roots from Shekhar's childhood interaction with farmers during his stay in rural Nashik. Most of Bollywood have come out in full support of Shekhar's efforts with several of them taking to micro blogging sites to show their appreciation. However, Shekhar has found a rather special supporter from outside the industry in the form of politician Raj Thackeray. When Mr. Thackeray was informed about Shekhar's efforts during a recent meet, he lauded his commitment to the cause and also extended his pledged support in every way possible to him. Here's hoping others in place of high repute take cue from these gentlemen and lend a helping hand to a cause that is in need.
Shiv Sena lashes out at SRK
After the by now (in)famous Shah Rukh Khan - MCA spat, Shiv Sena, in its mouthpiece 'Saamna', lashed out at the actor by saying he should have been handed a life ban by the MCA (Mumbai Cricket Association).It also stated that 'Shah Rukh Khan has been insulted several times by the security at American airports but we didn't see him lose his cool there. The rich make their own law in this country, which is why he shoved around a security guard.'
In addition to that, it added, 'Saif received a Padma for indulging in a brawl in a hotel. Now Shah Rukh Khan will at least be made a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha... He was supposed to be handed a life ban from the MCA but now it's only for 5 years. If pressure comes from Delhi, it will be further reduced to 5 minutes. Shah Rukh Khan should stay away from such brawls and stop abusing people. He should not try and make a 'My Name Is Khan' out of the episode at Wankhede'.
Readers maybe aware that SRK was at the receiving end of the Shiv Sena even in the past, for his criticism of yoga guru Baba Ramdev's proposed hunger strike against corruption, also when he threw a lavish party at his residence when Mumbai was mourning the loss of lives in the triple bomb blasts that rocked the city last year and also when SRK lent his support in the inclusion of Pakistani cricket players in the IPL - India's Premier Cricket League.
Music companies upset over Copyright Bill Amendments
The Rajya Sabha (RS) yesterday passed the much talked about bill amending Copyright laws in the country. Some of the core points reflected in the Copyright Amendment Bill include the right of author and music composer, right to the visually impaired, extending compulsory regime to unpublished work and imposition of punitive actions. For a while now, noted lyricist-writer Javed Akhtar had been fighting for the rights of writers, lyricists, singers and composers so that these artistes get a fair share in revenue in the form of royalties from music companies and production houses. The bill got passed with support from RS member Jaya Bachchan, BJP's Arun Jaitley, Congress's Kapil Sibal and Left members.While the singers, composers and lyricists seem to be rejoicing at the new amendments, the music companies are not too happy with the amendments made in the copyright bill. Lot of the music companies feel that they have got a raw deal with respect to royalty as well as statutory licensing. Speaking about this Neeraj Kalyan, President of T-Series, said, "The amendment in the copyright act could have been a welcome step if the filmmaker's representations were heard. It seems obvious here that most of the arguments of filmmakers have not been considered and dealt with. The filmmakers have not objected to the rightful share of the authors at all. We are in fact, committed to work out a win-win model for the authors, ensuring that their work is protected and monetized so that the authors receive royalties during the entire life span of the rights but it is extremely unfortunate that with the process followed for amending of the existing copyright bill, the film producers are feeling marginalized."
One of the main complaints of the music companies has been with amendments made in Section 31D which deals with statutory licensing for broadcasting of literary works, musical works and sound recordings. While, the amendments on one side is ensuring royalties for the authors but on the other side the bill is restricting revenues for filmmakers and authors by imposing Statutory Licensing to the broadcasting sector which companies feel is unfair. Shedding light on this grave issue, Neeraj Kalyan said, "This regulation imposed in the proposed amendment bill will take away the freedom of the content owner's to trade. It means that the content owners will have no option then to license music rights to the broadcasters. Till recently, the statutory licensing was limited to the Government owned networks (namely AIR & Doordarshan), however, post these changes, even the private broadcasting networks are treated on par with the Government owned networks. Unlike the past, the Broadcasting sector in India now is owned, managed and controlled by large media conglomerates with cross holdings by profit making bodies wanting to enlarge their profits at the cost of survival of authors, composers, producers and music labels. The broadcasters may therefore exploit the provisions of this new section 31D to avoid freely negotiated voluntary license arrangements thereby causing unprecedented losses to the Film & Music industry, whereas the same broadcasters are free to charge advertising rates at their own will depending upon their TRP / RAM ratings. It will grossly disturb the equilibrium in favour of such broadcaster who would disturb the competitive market and abuse the process of law for indirect subsidies through the Copyright Board while there is no control over costs incurred in producing or acquiring copyrights by Film & Music industry. The Govt by bringing this Amendment intends to control and squeeze the revenue pipe of film & music industry to favour already profitable broadcasters. This unconsidered intervention by State in existing free market arrangements and free market structures will have highly unpredictable negative consequences for film & music industry."
Kalyan further added, "Though the Government has made amendments to the copyright act on the pretext of the laws prevailing in other countries, however, as far we are aware that the statutory licensing regime is not applicable in any other country and thus why only Indian Govt. is so keen on this draconian provision which will take away our right to negotiate a fair license fee for our copyrighted works. We appreciate that the copyright laws balances the rights of public at large to have access to such works that have been circulated in public. But if the provisions of statutory licensing are passed as proposed the entire concept of exclusivity of control of copyright in the owner/author as guaranteed by the act shall be defeated and the economic rights that it seeks to provide shall be unfairly withdrawn. Statutory Licensing is to Copyright what Emergency or Martial Law is to Democracy."
Meanwhile the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) which represents the recording industry worldwide, with over 1400 members from 66 countries also seems unhappy with amendments made in Section 31D relating to statutory licensing. An official press release sent by the IFPI states, "We have grave concerns regarding the proposal for a compulsory license for broadcasters (Section 31D of the proposed amendments to India's copyright law). This proposal is unprecedented, and conflicts with the exclusive rights granted to creators in India. It could also find India in breach of its international obligations, as it represents an overly broad limitation on exclusive rights. The reason for this major change in India's approach to the rights of producers and other creators is unclear. Existing law has worked well for many years and the major shift in India's approach to the nature of producers' broadcasting rights is unexplained. The statutory license would diminish the exclusive nature of the broadcasting right, turning it into a mere right to receive royalties. This would not only negatively impact on creators' ability to negotiate license terms with broadcasters, but also cause significant losses to rightholders in terms of the costs they will need to bear in Board proceedings. India should avoid such a change in its law. We urge that Section 31D be deleted and that the nature of existing broadcasting rights granted to record producers and other creators is maintained."
Aata majhi satakli in Bol Bachchan
The super combination of superstar Ajay Devgn and ace director Rohit Shetty is back! The power packed duo which gave Singham one of the biggest hits of 2012, has a new treat in store for fans. Not only was Singham a stupendous earner at the box office, but its famous dialogue "Aata majhi satakli" achieved cult status amongst audiences.Buzz is that Shetty has retained Devgn's famous one liner "Aata majhi satakli" from Singham in his upcoming comic caper Bol Bachchan starring Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Bachchan, Asin and Prachi Desai.
A source tells us, "Last year, the dialogue had become a complete rage among the masses. So much so that people started using it in common man lingo. Also, Rohit's films are known to be commercial and massy and hence he decided to retain the famous dialogue albeit in a comic situation this time."
The film's promo is expected to be out soon and the movie is one of the most eagerly awaited films this year. Bol Bachchan which is presented by Fox Star Studios and is produced by Shree Ashtavinayak LFS Infra Ltd and Ajay Devgn Ffilms is slated for release on 6th July, 2012.
Shabana attends graduation ceremony of Mona Kapoors daughter
Mona Kapoor, Boney Kapoor's late wife, was sorely missed at her daughter Anshula's graduation ceremony in America, which was held on May 14. But her presence was compensated by Mona's good friend Shabana Azmi, who traveled all the way to US to attend the ceremony at Columbia University in New York. Readers maybe aware that the duo of Shabana and Mona had been the thickest of friends for many years.Shabana was accompanied by Boney Kapoor, Sanjay Kapoor and also Neena, who is Anshula's local guardian, and also a close friend of Mona. Talking about Anshula, Shabana said that she is an exceptionally bright student who got an 'A' grade for her thesis. The ceremony was attended by US President Obama, who was present as the chief guest for the graduating class of 2012.
Ajay - Kajol to star in film on female foeticide
Ajay Devgn who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film Bol Bachchan alongside Abhishek Bachchan will be working on a social awareness film next. In fact the actor along with wife Kajol will star in the film based on female foeticide.Confirming this Ajay's publicist tells us. "Yes both Ajay and Kajol will be acting in the film. In fact the Maharashtra government had approached them for the film which will be a part of their campaign against female foeticide."
Ajay's script for a social awareness film has been approved by the state's health department. The Health Minister Suresh Shetty said the department has appreciated the script and it will be the endeavour of the government to make the film available to maximum number of theatres.
If that was not enough, the actors have decided to star in the film free of cost and are expected to start filming soon.
Upcoming Movies
Box Office and Reviews
Box Office
| Film Name | Net Gross | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Jannat 2 | 34.06 Cr | - |
| Fatso! | 0.15 Cr | Disaster |
| Tezz | 15.67 Cr | Disaster |
| Vicky Donor | 31.99 Cr | Super Hit |
| Hate Story | 11.91 Cr | Average |
| Ab Hoga Dharna Unlimited | 0.01 Cr | Disaster |
| Bittoo Boss | 2.00 Cr | Flop |
| Chhodo Kal Ki Baatein | 0.02 Cr | Disaster |
| Housefull 2 | 111.85 Cr | Super Hit |
| Bumboo | 0.31 Cr | Disaster |
Reviews
| Film Name | Reviewer Name | Rating | Url |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department | Taran Adarsh | 2.00 | URL |
| Department | Srijana Mitra Das | 2.00 | URL |
| Department | Raja Sen | 1.00 | URL |
| Department | Mrigank Dhaniwala | 2.00 | URL |
| Department | Indo-Asian News Service | 3.00 | URL |
| Department | Rajeev Masand | 1.50 | URL |
| Department | Shalini Langer | 1.00 | URL |
| Department | Shivi | 2.00 | URL |
| Mr. Bhatti on Chutti | Taran Adarsh | 1.00 | URL |
| Mr. Bhatti on Chutti | Madhureeta Mukherjee | 1.00 | URL |
