Subhash K Jha in a new installment of his series This Day That Year, looks at Hansal Mehta’s CityLights. We also hear from Producer Mahesh Bhatt anout the making of the film
We’ve read a whole lot on the B A Pass Director Ajay Bahl’s walk-out of the Bhatts’ camp over the project CityLights which clocks 11 years on May 30. What is not known to the public is the real reason why the fall-out happened. Apparently the flash-point that severed Ajay Bahl’s relationship with the Bhatts was the film’s pretty Sikkimese model-turned-actress Geetanjali Thapa’s remuneration.
The problems started early. Ajay Bahl had no stress with Mahesh Bhatt. It was Mukesh who first declared that CityLights would have a budget of Rs 5 ½ crores. But when Ajay insisted on Raj Kumar Yadav for the film’s leading man Mukesh further cut the budget as he felt Raj was not a boxoffice pull.
We’ve read a whole lot on the B A Pass Director Ajay Bahl’s walk-out of the Bhatts’ camp over the project CityLights which clocks 11 years on May 30. What is not known to the public is the real reason why the fall-out happened. Apparently the flash-point that severed Ajay Bahl’s relationship with the Bhatts was the film’s pretty Sikkimese model-turned-actress Geetanjali Thapa’s remuneration.
The problems started early. Ajay Bahl had no stress with Mahesh Bhatt. It was Mukesh who first declared that CityLights would have a budget of Rs 5 ½ crores. But when Ajay insisted on Raj Kumar Yadav for the film’s leading man Mukesh further cut the budget as he felt Raj was not a boxoffice pull.
- 5/30/2025
- by Subhash K Jha
- Bollyspice
New Movie Alert! Coming soon to Netflix is an off-kilter, quirky new film starring Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra titled Toaster. Directed by Vivek Das Chaudhary, the mystery also features Archana Puran Singh, Abhishek Banerjee, Farah Khan, Upendra Limaye, Vinod Rawat, Jitendra Joshi and Seema Pahwa.
Apparently, murder and mayhem ensue as a miser gets fixated on a toaster he gifted for a wedding. Intriguing!
The team of Toaster shares: “As first-time producers, stepping into production with Toaster has been an exhilarating experience. This film tells a quirky, layered story that masterfully blends humor, chaos, and unexpected twists. With a talented cast, including Sanya Malhotra, Abhishekh Bannerjee, Upendra Limaye, Seema Pahwa, Jitendra Joshi, and Archana Puran Singh, the narrative navigates a complex web of secrets and surprises — all centered around a seemingly ordinary toaster. As Kampa Film, we are thrilled to partner with Netflix, who share our passion for innovative storytelling,...
Apparently, murder and mayhem ensue as a miser gets fixated on a toaster he gifted for a wedding. Intriguing!
The team of Toaster shares: “As first-time producers, stepping into production with Toaster has been an exhilarating experience. This film tells a quirky, layered story that masterfully blends humor, chaos, and unexpected twists. With a talented cast, including Sanya Malhotra, Abhishekh Bannerjee, Upendra Limaye, Seema Pahwa, Jitendra Joshi, and Archana Puran Singh, the narrative navigates a complex web of secrets and surprises — all centered around a seemingly ordinary toaster. As Kampa Film, we are thrilled to partner with Netflix, who share our passion for innovative storytelling,...
- 2/20/2025
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan has boarded his acting coach Vinod Rawat’s feature directorial debut “Pushtaini” (“Ancestral”) as a presenter.
Rawat, who previously directed Season 1 of Disney+ Hotstar’s Emmy-nominated series “Aarya” alongside Ram Madhvani, has served as Roshan’s acting coach since “Kaabil” (2017).
In “Pushtaini,” Rawat stars as Bhuppi, a struggling actor who is desperate to secure his last chance at stardom after he finds himself caught in an embarrassing scandal. Forced to return to his home and face his past, Bhuppi travels through the mountains and shares adventures with strangers, unaware of what the journey has in store for him.
The film features a cameo by Rajkummar Rao. It is written by Rawat and co-written by Rita Heer, who also plays a prominent character in the film. Additionally, the film features non-professional actors, including Rawat’s own family members.
“Pushtaini” debuted at the 2023 Mumbai Film Festival. It is...
Rawat, who previously directed Season 1 of Disney+ Hotstar’s Emmy-nominated series “Aarya” alongside Ram Madhvani, has served as Roshan’s acting coach since “Kaabil” (2017).
In “Pushtaini,” Rawat stars as Bhuppi, a struggling actor who is desperate to secure his last chance at stardom after he finds himself caught in an embarrassing scandal. Forced to return to his home and face his past, Bhuppi travels through the mountains and shares adventures with strangers, unaware of what the journey has in store for him.
The film features a cameo by Rajkummar Rao. It is written by Rawat and co-written by Rita Heer, who also plays a prominent character in the film. Additionally, the film features non-professional actors, including Rawat’s own family members.
“Pushtaini” debuted at the 2023 Mumbai Film Festival. It is...
- 6/10/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Rajkummar Rao’s First Look As Srikanth Bolla Is Out! (Photo Credit – Youtube)
Rajkummar Rao is an actor for all occasions! The Guns & Gulaab actor has been deemed one of this generation’s best. He has showcased his talents in dynamic and applaudworthy roles. The actor is gearing up for his next release, Srikanth—Aa Raha Hai Sabki Aankhein Kholne. Bhushan and Krishan Kumar of T-Series are the producers. Fans and friends of Rajkummar Rao are applauding the movie’s first look. Hansal Mehta and Mukesh Chabbra all praise Rajkummar as Srikanth.
After Rajkummar Rao shared a clip from the film in which his character races through the finish line, fans appeared unable to contain their excitement. Rajkummar shared the first image from the movie on Instagram, writing, “A journey that will inspire you to open your eyes!” Aap sabka nazariya badalne aa raha hi Srikanth.” Soon after, the actor...
Rajkummar Rao is an actor for all occasions! The Guns & Gulaab actor has been deemed one of this generation’s best. He has showcased his talents in dynamic and applaudworthy roles. The actor is gearing up for his next release, Srikanth—Aa Raha Hai Sabki Aankhein Kholne. Bhushan and Krishan Kumar of T-Series are the producers. Fans and friends of Rajkummar Rao are applauding the movie’s first look. Hansal Mehta and Mukesh Chabbra all praise Rajkummar as Srikanth.
After Rajkummar Rao shared a clip from the film in which his character races through the finish line, fans appeared unable to contain their excitement. Rajkummar shared the first image from the movie on Instagram, writing, “A journey that will inspire you to open your eyes!” Aap sabka nazariya badalne aa raha hi Srikanth.” Soon after, the actor...
- 4/6/2024
- by Aayushi Hemnani
- KoiMoi
Aarya is a crime-thriller drama based on the Dutch drama series ‘Penoza‘. Sushmita Sen plays Aarya Sareen, an independent woman who seeks to protect her family and becomes a mafia gang to take revenge for her husband’s murder. Earlier, the show has been nominated for International Emmy Awards for best Drama series.
Having said so, the first thing that comes to my mind is about the producers / platform’s release strategy. They seem to be caught between being periodic or one-timer. I mean, most of the (Indian) web series that we see are released in one go (called a season). Fair enough, for, if the audience likes the content, they binge watch and feel satisfied. On the other hand there are these TV shows that release episodes on a daily/weekly basis. Similarly, we have seen quite a few international web series content release their episodes on a weekly basis.
Having said so, the first thing that comes to my mind is about the producers / platform’s release strategy. They seem to be caught between being periodic or one-timer. I mean, most of the (Indian) web series that we see are released in one go (called a season). Fair enough, for, if the audience likes the content, they binge watch and feel satisfied. On the other hand there are these TV shows that release episodes on a daily/weekly basis. Similarly, we have seen quite a few international web series content release their episodes on a weekly basis.
- 11/3/2023
- by Nitin Jain
- GlamSham
Aarya is a crime-thriller drama based on the Dutch drama series ‘Penoza‘. Sushmita Sen plays Aarya Sareen, an independent woman who seeks to protect her family and becomes a mafia gang to take revenge for her husband’s murder. Earlier, the show has been nominated for International Emmy Awards for best Drama series.
Having said so, the first thing that comes to my mind is about the producers / platform’s release strategy. They seem to be caught between being periodic or one-timer. I mean, most of the (Indian) web series that we see are released in one go (called a season). Fair enough, for, if the audience likes the content, they binge watch and feel satisfied. On the other hand there are these TV shows that release episodes on a daily/weekly basis. Similarly, we have seen quite a few international web series content release their episodes on a weekly basis.
Having said so, the first thing that comes to my mind is about the producers / platform’s release strategy. They seem to be caught between being periodic or one-timer. I mean, most of the (Indian) web series that we see are released in one go (called a season). Fair enough, for, if the audience likes the content, they binge watch and feel satisfied. On the other hand there are these TV shows that release episodes on a daily/weekly basis. Similarly, we have seen quite a few international web series content release their episodes on a weekly basis.
- 11/3/2023
- by Nitin Jain
Actress Sushmita Sen shared her thoughts about her on-screen brother-sister bond with Ankur Bhatia, portrayed in ‘Aarya’, saying Rakshabandhan is a celebration where you embrace ‘imperfect’ bond, promise to be each other’s strength in tough times
From having each other’s backs to fighting over the silliest things, brother-sister bond experiences all emotions possible. One such complex aspect of the relationship we witnessed in the fan-favorite series ‘Aarya’. While Aarya (Sushmita) and Sangram (Ankur) do not share the perfect brother-sister relationship, the love and care for one another remain unwavered.
Opening up about the same, Sushmita said: “Sibling relationships are very difficult to put into words. They fight, they make-up, they fight again, it’s a vicious cycle that we all enjoy going through. The bond between Aarya and Sangram is not the ideal one but what I love about their relationship is that they have accepted their bitter...
From having each other’s backs to fighting over the silliest things, brother-sister bond experiences all emotions possible. One such complex aspect of the relationship we witnessed in the fan-favorite series ‘Aarya’. While Aarya (Sushmita) and Sangram (Ankur) do not share the perfect brother-sister relationship, the love and care for one another remain unwavered.
Opening up about the same, Sushmita said: “Sibling relationships are very difficult to put into words. They fight, they make-up, they fight again, it’s a vicious cycle that we all enjoy going through. The bond between Aarya and Sangram is not the ideal one but what I love about their relationship is that they have accepted their bitter...
- 8/29/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Mumbai, June 5 (Ians) Sushmita Sen has wrapped up the much-awaited third season of the much-loved web series ‘Aarya’. She has shared a BTS video to mark the occasion.
The actress took to her social media profile and dropped a video from the sets. She wrote: “And it’s a wrap!!!!! #Aarya3, Here’s to @amitamadhvani @madhvaniram #kapilsharma #Shradha @disneyplushotstar @officialrmfilms @endemolshineind & the Most Amazing Cast & Crew Ever!!! Thank you #aaryafamily. Warmest hug ever Daulat @sikandarkher, I love you guys!!! #duggadugga”
In the video, she can be seen doing a dance with director Ram Madhvani and also giving a warm hug to her co-star Sikandar Kher.
The series ‘Aarya’ marked Sushmita Sen’s on-screen comeback and her digital debut. In the series, the actor plays a tough woman, who goes beyond all boundaries to protect her family from the world of crime.
Directed by Ram Madhvani, the series also stars Namit Das,...
The actress took to her social media profile and dropped a video from the sets. She wrote: “And it’s a wrap!!!!! #Aarya3, Here’s to @amitamadhvani @madhvaniram #kapilsharma #Shradha @disneyplushotstar @officialrmfilms @endemolshineind & the Most Amazing Cast & Crew Ever!!! Thank you #aaryafamily. Warmest hug ever Daulat @sikandarkher, I love you guys!!! #duggadugga”
In the video, she can be seen doing a dance with director Ram Madhvani and also giving a warm hug to her co-star Sikandar Kher.
The series ‘Aarya’ marked Sushmita Sen’s on-screen comeback and her digital debut. In the series, the actor plays a tough woman, who goes beyond all boundaries to protect her family from the world of crime.
Directed by Ram Madhvani, the series also stars Namit Das,...
- 6/5/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
“Agra” by Kanu Behl, “Joram” by Devashish Makhija and “Sultana’s Dream” by Isabel Herguera (San Sebastian selection “Kalebegiak”) are among the selections at India’s Film Bazaar Recommends (Fbr) strand.
The strand is a part of Film Bazaar, the South Asia film project market operated by India’s National Film Development Corporation. The Fbr selections, comprising 20 features, two mid-length films and eight shorts are chosen from 247 films in the market’s Viewing Room that presents films from India and South Asia, which are recently completed or still in post-production. The films are available for film festival selection, world sales, distribution partners or finishing funds. All the selections are awaiting their world premieres.
The 30 selected films will have the opportunity to pitch to Bazaar delegates during the market.
The Bazaar has also chosen five projects for its Work-In-Progress Lab, which provides the selected filmmakers an opportunity to screen the rough...
The strand is a part of Film Bazaar, the South Asia film project market operated by India’s National Film Development Corporation. The Fbr selections, comprising 20 features, two mid-length films and eight shorts are chosen from 247 films in the market’s Viewing Room that presents films from India and South Asia, which are recently completed or still in post-production. The films are available for film festival selection, world sales, distribution partners or finishing funds. All the selections are awaiting their world premieres.
The 30 selected films will have the opportunity to pitch to Bazaar delegates during the market.
The Bazaar has also chosen five projects for its Work-In-Progress Lab, which provides the selected filmmakers an opportunity to screen the rough...
- 11/13/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Aarya 2(Disney+Hotstar, 8 episodes)
Directed by Ram Madhvani, Kapil Sharma, Vinod Rawat
Normally the thought of a sequel to a webseries scares the hell out of me. These encores are more often than not, an excuse for carrying things too far.
Not Aarya. Not Ram Madhvani and Sushmita Sen. The lethal duo have sculpted the most engaging crime drama on this side of the first season of Mirzapur. Aarya 2 is everything that a sequel to a triumphant first-season should be. It is gritty and revealing, powerful and yet sensitive where it needs to be.The shocks and surprises never stop spilling out right until the end.
It is a defly-written drama yoking its violent heart with a solid storytelling that moves fluently from hand-held camera sequences to solidly-grounded dramatic conflicts where the camera abnegates its presence. Madhavani who is master of dramatic crisis, uses Sushmita Sen’s powerhouse presence to...
Directed by Ram Madhvani, Kapil Sharma, Vinod Rawat
Normally the thought of a sequel to a webseries scares the hell out of me. These encores are more often than not, an excuse for carrying things too far.
Not Aarya. Not Ram Madhvani and Sushmita Sen. The lethal duo have sculpted the most engaging crime drama on this side of the first season of Mirzapur. Aarya 2 is everything that a sequel to a triumphant first-season should be. It is gritty and revealing, powerful and yet sensitive where it needs to be.The shocks and surprises never stop spilling out right until the end.
It is a defly-written drama yoking its violent heart with a solid storytelling that moves fluently from hand-held camera sequences to solidly-grounded dramatic conflicts where the camera abnegates its presence. Madhavani who is master of dramatic crisis, uses Sushmita Sen’s powerhouse presence to...
- 12/14/2021
- by Subhash K Jha
- Bollyspice
Aarya
Starring Sushmita Sen, Chandrachur Singh, Ankur Bhatia, Namit Das, Sikander Kher
Directed by Ram Madhvani,Sandeep Modi, Vinod Rawat
As a bereaved wife and a protective mother who would go to any lengths for her family, Sushmita Sen towers over the proceedings as only she can. Thankfully, the series– a clever, canny altogether cool but not always crisp adaptation of the Dutch series Penoza– is a stirring enticing mixture of crime and family drama blended in a heady brew which doesn’t always stand steady on its feet.
Even when the narration stumbles, there is a certain grace to the fall. Luckily even at its lowest ebb Aarya never hits the ground. Like its supremely inviolable survivor-heroine, the series keeps afloat even when it has serious length issues. I feel the same story if told in 5 instead of 9 episodes would have been much more alluring with a landscape that exuded unrest without diversions.
Starring Sushmita Sen, Chandrachur Singh, Ankur Bhatia, Namit Das, Sikander Kher
Directed by Ram Madhvani,Sandeep Modi, Vinod Rawat
As a bereaved wife and a protective mother who would go to any lengths for her family, Sushmita Sen towers over the proceedings as only she can. Thankfully, the series– a clever, canny altogether cool but not always crisp adaptation of the Dutch series Penoza– is a stirring enticing mixture of crime and family drama blended in a heady brew which doesn’t always stand steady on its feet.
Even when the narration stumbles, there is a certain grace to the fall. Luckily even at its lowest ebb Aarya never hits the ground. Like its supremely inviolable survivor-heroine, the series keeps afloat even when it has serious length issues. I feel the same story if told in 5 instead of 9 episodes would have been much more alluring with a landscape that exuded unrest without diversions.
- 6/23/2020
- by Subhash K Jha
- Bollyspice
OTTIt’s a pleasure to see a more restrained and mature version of the star who transforms convincingly from sophisticated mother and wife to wily drug transporter.Saraswati DatarAarya, now streaming on Disney+Hotstar, has been marketed and publicised as Sushmita Sen’s return to acting after almost a decade of being away from any Hindi language films or shows. Over nine episodes of almost an hour each, show creators and directors Ram Madhvani and Sandeep Modi along with their co-director Vinod Rawat, build a vast canvas of characters and plot twists around Sushmita’s undeniable charisma and screen presence. Aarya (Sushmita Sen) is married to Tej (Chandrachur Singh) and is a happy stay-at-home mother of three kids, a devoted wife, daughter and sister, trying to keep the uneasy peace in her aristocratic family. Aarya, Tej and their kids live in a multi-storied mansion with a swimming pool and fancy cars,...
- 6/20/2020
- by Sowmya
- The News Minute
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