News

Hollywood workers threw themselves a pep rally on Sunday in hopes that their grassroots campaigning — not to mention their ability to lure hundreds of people into a hot warehouse in balmy Sun Valley — will be enough to keep production in Los Angeles.

SirReel Studios on Lankershim Boulevard lent its large, production rentals property for the 2 p.m. rally, which featured food trucks and Stay in L.A. merch while local, state and national politicians — along with a few actors and writers — spoke about how their hometown has become a ghost town when it comes to film and TV production.

The goal, of course, is to show support for Governor Newsom’s proposed $750 million tax incentive plan, as detailed in recently introduced legislation Ab 1138 and Sb 630 which aims to stop the bleeding and keep studios from seeking cheaper locales to make their shows and films.

But Newsom’s proposal may not be a slam dunk,...

Rajinikanth Was Once Considered For An Iconic Tamil Movie Eventually Went To Kamal Hassan (Photo Credit – Twitter)

The 1970s were known as a golden era for Tamil cinema. And yes, we are talking about when these two legends, Rajinikanth and Kamal Hassan, were at their peak and carving their legacy. Both were young and talented, and just like any other actors in that era, they were hungry for success.

But hear me out: did you know there was a time when Rajinikanth was supposed to play a role that eventually went to Kamal Haasan? Yes, it’s true. This is a fascinating story of how the Kalyanaraman (1979) movie became a milestone in Kamal Hassan’s career, thanks to a twist of fate.

In the late 1970s, director Vijayat T. Rajendar worked on a script for Kalyanaraman. This film required an actor who could easily pull off a dual role. Arunachalam...

After the Berlin Wall fell and the Cold War ended, Russia’s president decided to visit India in 1993. This sparked real concern among the Intelligence Bureau and Wing officers as there were rumors of a plot to assassinate the president during his stay in New Delhi. Government officials suspected a deaf and mute worker from a Berlin café named Ashok Kumar as they found a German-made gun in his possession and thought he might be involved with the Kgb, or Isi, or maybe even the CIA, and thought he may have a possible connection to the assassination plot. Therefore, the government took the help of Pushkin Verma, a government teacher at a local school for the deaf and mute to get to the bottom of this by interviewing Ashok to figure out whether he was truly involved in this dangerous scheme or if he was being framed. The big question...

Atul Sabharwal‘s third feature film, Berlin, is an espionage thriller set during the times when India, under the leadership of Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, was striving to establish a strong geopolitical relation with Russia. The Cold War had just been over, and it was time for new economic growth for the nation. With that changed scenario, the modus operandi of the intelligence departments also changed. The film is forthrightly cerebral and minimalist, and offers a stark and sharp presentation of mystery and tension. The tale largely unfolds in claustrophobic locations where civilians are at pains to constantly wonder. This proves to heighten the mood of the spy game, as it throws the viewer into the deceptive rituals of bureaucratic politics, where intelligence agencies walk a delicate tightrope between managing failures, honeytraps, and denial.

It is 1993, and winter has Delhi City in a cold grip. Pushkin is an...

Gender inequality, caste and police ethics make a compelling combination in this Indian crime drama. Santosh Saini (Shahana Goswami) is the focus from the start. A 28-year-old, her policeman husband has just been killed in riots and her in-laws view her “a cursed witch”, still smarting it seems from the fact that the union between her and their son Raman was a “love marriage”.

A lifeline presents itself in the form of a “compassionate appointment” government scheme, which means she can take on the job of her husband, but what on the surface appears to be a moment of empowerment, turns out to be much more compromised morally than she first imagines. Like recent Nepali film Pooja, Sir this is a crime drama that is less about the acts committed by offenders, or indeed who the perpetrators are, than by the institutional corruption that means justice is hard to come.

Pills, porno, Pokemon cards – The Three P’s! Mysterious Ways reminds us there’s more to faith than avoiding these sins of the flesh in director Tyler Eaton’s comedic and demonic feature debut. Anchored by strong performances and an equally strong message, the film asks viewers to place faith in each other above all, even if one of us is a devoted Bigfoot truther.

Mysterious Ways follows religious siblings Denise (Alyssa Sabo) and her brother Charlie (Brandon Raman) as they attempt to pick up the pieces of their congregation after their parents’ deaths. Children of a pastor, the duo find themselves embarking on much different paths. Denise desperately clings to the church, immersing herself in everything from worship group sleepovers to teen graphic novels featuring Christ crusaders fighting Satanists with Uzi’s. On the flip side is Charlie, slowly becoming disillusioned with his life, planning to escape his situation...

After watching Jaggi, I am at a loss for words. It’s so hard-hitting and disturbing—it makes me want to cry, scream, and just be vulnerable. Jaggi also needed to show all these emotions but couldn’t for fear of being misunderstood, not only by society but also by his own parents. The film is so impactful and distressing, and I feel pain for all who are subjected to conditions as Jaggi. For his impotence, he is referred to as being gay, while at the same time, he gets abused by those same people—how ironic and disturbing it is! On a similar topic, we’ve seen films like Shubh Mangal Saavdhan before, but I think that movie took a much more filtered and palatable approach where it ended on a more positive note, like an “all’s well that ends well” type of magical land. But for those...

Doja Cat is staying close to her friends following startling allegations that were leveled against her brother in newly filed legal documents.

The 28-year-old “Paint the Town Red” hitmaker stepped out for dinner at Nobu Restaurant this week in Malibu, Calif. She also grabbed a bite at SoHo House during another evening out with pals.

Her outings come days after Doja‘s mother Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer sought out a restraining order against the singer’s brother Raman Dalithando Dlamini.

In the court documents, she accused her 30-year-old son of abusing both herself and Doja and documented a frightening alleged incident of physical violence.

Keep reading to find out more…

Deborah said her son once knocked Doja‘s teeth out in one incident. She also said that her daughter had been left with cuts and bruises after other encounters and alleged that her son spoke to her daughter “in a very...

Doja Cat‘s mother has made some shocking allegations about the singer’s relationship with her brother.

The 28-year-old “Paint the Town Red” hitmaker’s mother Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer went to court to obtain a temporary restraining order against her son – 30-year-old Raman Dalithando Dlamini.

In the court documents, she alleged that he was abusive to both her and her daughter and even cited specific examples of abuse that Doja faced at Raman‘s hands.

Keep reading to find out more…

According to TMZ, Deborah claimed that Raman had left her daughter feeling “unsafe and traumatized.”

Aside from speaking to her “in a very degrading and demeaning manor [sic],” Deborah alleged that her son had knocked Doja‘s teeth out and had left her with cuts and bruises in the past.

She said that she faced similar instances of abuse.

Deborah was granted a temporary restraining order against Raman. A permanent...

BBC Studios Builds Team In Western Europe

BBC Studios has made a series of hires and promotions in Western Europe. Bram Husken joins from Paramount Global and takes up the newly-created role of Vice President, Benelux, responsible for P&l across the region. He will be based out of Amsterdam and report to Arran Tindall, Chief Commercial Officer, EVP, Emea Key Markets. Also in Amsterdam is Hale Mouritz, who has been promoted to another newly-created position, Director of Programming, Western Europe. Meanwhile, Andrea Raman has been upped to Business Development Director, Nordic, Mena, Turkey. Responsibilities held previously by Simon Cottle, VP Affiliate Sales Western Europe, who is set to retire this year, will be split regionally between Husken and Raman. “Harnessing their expertise will enable us to unlock new business opportunities and achieve our growth ambitions in the regions,” said Tindall of the moves.

Zdf Studios Behind UK Whodunnit Drama...

Prior to its screening, the makers of the Abhishek Bannerjee-starrer film ‘Stolen’ released the clip of what is one of the movie’s most special scenes. One of its darkest moments, the actor called it the film’s “most emotionally painful scene.”

A realistic and dark crime-thriller, ‘Stolen’ is based on true events and delves into profound themes such as child abductions, spread of misinformation, mob mentality, public lynching, organ trafficking, and societal divisions.

‘Stolen’ is focused on the abduction of a five-month old child which belongs to an impoverished tribal woman. Witnessing this harrowing event, the wealthy brothers Gautam and Raman decide to help her out. As the investigation into this kidnapping deepens, many dark angles of society that remain hidden under our noses are revealed.

The clip is a special one which provides viewers with a brief but intense look into the film’s darker aspects, hyping up the anticipation.

Prior to its screening, the makers of the Abhishek Bannerjee-starrer film ‘Stolen’ released the clip of what is one of the movie’s most special scenes. One of its darkest moments, the actor called it the film’s “most emotionally painful scene.”

A realistic and dark crime-thriller, ‘Stolen’ is based on true events and delves into profound themes such as child abductions, spread of misinformation, mob mentality, public lynching, organ trafficking, and societal divisions.

‘Stolen’ is focused on the abduction of a five-month old child which belongs to an impoverished tribal woman. Witnessing this harrowing event, the wealthy brothers Gautam and Raman decide to help her out. As the investigation into this kidnapping deepens, many dark angles of society that remain hidden under our noses are revealed.

The clip is a special one which provides viewers with a brief but intense look into the film’s darker aspects, hyping up the anticipation.

The upcoming film ‘Stolen’, which stars Abhishek Banerjee in the lead, has been chosen under the Feature Film Competition Category at the Zurich Film Festival this year. The film will be screened alongside the likes of notable international features, including Saudi Arabian feature ‘Mandoob’ by Ali Kalthami, US director Chloe Domont’s ‘Fair Play’ and Pietro Castellitto’s ‘Enea’, among others.

The 19th edition of the Zurich Film Festival will be held from September 28 to October 8, 2023, with ‘Stolen’, directed by Karan Tejpal, scheduled to screen on September 29 at the festival.

The film follows the story of a five-month-old baby being abducted from her mother, and this incident draws the attention of brothers Gautam and Raman, leading them to face various challenges that test their relationships and convictions. The film also stars Shubham and Mia Maelzer in key roles.

Sharing his thoughts on ‘Stolen’ being screened at the Zurich Film Festival this year,...

The upcoming film ‘Stolen’, which stars Abhishek Banerjee in the lead, has been chosen under the Feature Film Competition Category at the Zurich Film Festival this year. The film will be screened alongside the likes of notable international features, including Saudi Arabian feature ‘Mandoob’ by Ali Kalthami, US director Chloe Domont’s ‘Fair Play’ and Pietro Castellitto’s ‘Enea’, among others.

The 19th edition of the Zurich Film Festival will be held from September 28 to October 8, 2023, with ‘Stolen’, directed by Karan Tejpal, scheduled to screen on September 29 at the festival.

The film follows the story of a five-month-old baby being abducted from her mother, and this incident draws the attention of brothers Gautam and Raman, leading them to face various challenges that test their relationships and convictions. The film also stars Shubham and Mia Maelzer in key roles.

Sharing his thoughts on ‘Stolen’ being screened at the Zurich Film Festival this year,...

Mumbai, Aug 26 (Ians) The Abhishek Banerjee-starrer ‘Stolen’ will be showcased at the World Premiere of the Venice Film Festival 2023 as India’s sole selection.

A suspense thriller film helmed by debutant Karan Tejpal, ‘Stolen’ will be showcased alongside impressive international features, notably David Fincher’s ‘The Killer’, Bradley Cooper’s ‘Maestro’ and Sofia Coppola’s true-story movie ‘Priscilla’.

Reacting to the news, Abhishek said: “‘Stolen’ representing India at the prestigious Venice Film Festival is undoubtedly a monumental achievement. I am honuored beyond words.”

He added: “This recognition underscores the power of storytelling and its ability to transcend borders. I am eagerly anticipating how audiences on the global stage will connect with our film.”

Set in a remote rural railway station in India, ‘Stolen’ tells the gripping tale of a five-month-old baby abducted from her mother, a woman named Jhumpa Mahato.

This dark and grievous incident draws the attention of two urban brothers,...

Amazon miniTV has dropped the trailer for its upcoming teenage drama ‘School Friends’, created and produced by Rusk Studios. This is a delightful romantic comedy that follows the experiences of five eccentric high school students in 11th grade as they navigate through friendships, first love, peer pressure, and most importantly, realize the importance of living their school life to the fullest.

Get ready to laugh, swoon, and go down the memory lane as you watch this show and ride along the rollercoaster of these relatable characters.

The trailer opens up with Anirban, the typical boy next door, proposing to Stuti, the ultimate ‘topper material’ student whose only aim in life is to become the Head Girl next year. As Anirban continues to pursue Stuti, the trailer sets into a series of tongue in cheek moments with the rest of the classmates – Dimple, Raman and Mukund, a strict principal, and the...

The boundary of NBCUniversal’s lot is now a flashpoint for the on-the-ground mistrust of Hollywood’s double strike. On July 18, the WGA and SAG-AFTRA filed mirrored complaints with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging NBCUniversal had engaged in “illegal conduct” by having picketers march along blocks of Lankershim Blvd. sidewalk on the west end of its campus which were improperly obstructed by the studio’s ongoing campus construction work. The filings contend that the studio has ignored an advisory from the Los Angeles Police Department to establish concrete barriers for pedestrian safety.

Hours after The Hollywood Reporter first publicized the Labor Board complaints (the studio says it will cooperate with any agency inquiries), L.A. City Controller Kenneth Mejia — an outspoken progressive who holds the municipal office that audits government agencies — tweeted that his department would be “investigating the tree trimming that occurred outside Universal Studios where workers, writers,...

Randeep Hooda, known for his remarkable performances and versatility, is set to enthral audiences once again with his upcoming film ‘Sergeant.’ JioCinema recently unveiled the captivating first poster of the film, creating a buzz among fans and industry insiders alike. ‘Sergeant,’ a highly anticipated cop drama, promises to take viewers on an adrenaline-fuelled journey filled with suspense and gripping storytelling.

The film, scheduled to release on June 30, will be available exclusively on JioCinema, allowing fans to enjoy Randeep Hooda’s stellar performance from the comfort of their homes.

Randeep Hooda has been making waves in the industry with a series of back-to-back projects, showcasing his immense talent and versatility. From the successful ‘Cat’ to the highly anticipated ‘Inspector Avinash’ and the recently praised ‘Veer Savarkar Teaser,’ Hooda has been receiving accolades for his captivating portrayals and his ability to bring characters to life.

Directed by the talented filmmaker Prawaal Raman,...

Lucknow, March 29 (Ians) The Lucknow University (Lu) will be hosting the 109th Indian Science Congress (Isc) for a sixth time next year.

Scientists from across the country will gather in the city to advance and promote the cause of science in the country,

Lu Vice Chancellor Prof Alok Rai said” “It is a historic moment for us. At a time when we are striving to make it at an international level, hosting Isc will be a milestone. Incidentally, we received the letter on Tuesday, the day when the chancellor met our Prime Minister. She has even extended our invitation to inaugurate the mega scientific event.”

Lu has previously hosted the Isc in 1916, 1923, 1953, 1985 and 2002.

Varsity officials said that Lu is related to the Indian Science Congress Association (Isca) since its origin.

In fact, Isca owes its creation to the foresight and initiative of a British chemist Prof P.S. Macmohan who...