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Blockbusters “Rrr” and “Gadar 2” are spearheading a wave of patriotic films that have captured 65% of movie viewership on ZEE5 Global, the streaming platform for South Asian content, over the past year.

“Rrr” has emerged as a standout, consistently driving viewership and subscription growth on the platform. “Gadar 2” has also secured its place among ZEE5 Global’s all-time top movie titles, ranking within the top 10.

The platform’s collection of patriotic-themed films includes “Swatantrya Veer Savarkar,” “Sam Bahadur,” “Tejas,” “Main Atal Hoon,” “Uri: The Surgical Strike,” “Maurh,” “Ghoomer” and “Parmanu.” These titles feature actors such as Vicky Kaushal, Ntr Jr, Ram Charan, Sunny Deol, Abhishek Bachchan, Randeep Hooda, Pankaj Tripathi, Ammy Virk, Akshay Kumar and John Abraham.

“Maurh,” starring Ammy Virk, became the most-watched Punjabi-language title of the year. The classic film “Sarfarosh,” starring Aamir Khan, saw a 150% increase in viewership on its 25th anniversary. The U.S. and...

Actor Tusshar Kapoor is set to play a pivotal role in acclaimed producer Prerna Arora’s Ott film ‘Dunk – Once Bitten Twice Shy’. The actor will be portraying the role of a lawyer inside the mystery. The project marks a leap for Kapoor, who is known for his multifaceted performances spanning romantic, dramatic, and comedic genres. Produced by Ujs Studio and Ess Kay Gee Entertainment, ‘Dunk’ holds the promise of a thrilling cinematic voyage, diving into the depths of land exploitation’s hard core reality and its grave impact on rural life. Kapoor’s depiction of this character is poised to be his most demanding yet, injecting an additional dose of mystery into the film’s storyline.

Talking about ‘Dunk’, Prerna had earlier said, “Dunk focuses on the urgent need for legal protections, enforcement mechanism, and support systems to safeguard the rights of farmers. As a society, we must stand...

Hindi cinema is filled with movies that cater to the theme of patriotism. In the last few years, many films in this genre have taken over the theater and Ott platforms. Shershaah, Sardar Udham, Uri: The Surgical Strike, Kesari, Bhuj: The Pride of India, Parmanu, Baby, and Satyamev Jayate. Only a few films could tap into genuine patriotism, while the rest were loud and jingoistic, with little to nothing to offer in the emotional sector or storytelling aspect. Tejas is one such film that could be included in the latter group. There is nothing beyond Kangana’s decent performance that sustains the film for two hours. The movie is the story of an Air Force officer who becomes a part of a mission to save an Indian soldier held captive in a hostile country.

Spoilers Ahead

Why Was Tejas Under Probation?

Tejas was a skilled Indian Air Force pilot who...

Festival

James Hawes‘ Holocaust drama “One Life” will be the American Express Gala at the 67th BFI London Film Festival.

The film tells the true story of Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Winton, a young London broker who, in the months leading up to WWII, rescued 669 children from the Nazis. Fifty years later, in 1988, Winton is haunted by the fate of the children he wasn’t able to bring to safety in England. It’s not until a live television show “That’s Life” surprises him with the surviving children – now adults – seated all around him that he can finally make peace with the loss he had carried for five decades.

The cast includes Anthony Hopkins, Johnny Flynn, Lena Olin, Romola Garai, Alex Sharp, Marthe Keller, Jonathan Pryce and Helena Bonham-Carter.

Hawes said: “This film pretty much begins and ends in London and says so much about the people of this city, its heart and its history.

Mumbai, July 2 (Ians) Bracing himself for another geo-political drama, actor John Abraham is geared up to star in his new film ‘The Diplomat’, which now has booked a release date of January 11, 2024.

Taking to his Instagram account, John Abraham posted the official poster of the film and captioned it: “Some wars are fought even outside the battlefield. Prepare for a new kind of a hero as the high-octane drama ‘The Diplomat’ gets a release date!!”

He further mentioned: “The film will release globally on 11th January 2024. Based on an incredible true story, ‘The Diplomat’ is directed by Shivam Nair, produced by Tseries, Ja Entertainment, Wakaoo Films, FortunePictures, Seeta films and is written by Ritesh Shah.”

Based on a true story, John is set to play a high-ranking government official in ‘The Diplomat’ with the movie poised to take viewers on a roller coaster ride of high-octane drama filled with tension and suspense.

‘Bhed Chaal’ is a Hindi proverb very much used in relation to the Hindi film industry. It means that one huge success is followed by numerous other attempts. Original ideas are at a premium in the Hindi film industry. The makers either depend on a foreign film, or a novel, or a South Indian film for a subject.

Filmmakers always want to play safe because the risk factor is always high. The distributor, while being wined and dined, gets a sales pitch, like “Zanjeer se kam nahi hamari picture…” and such. Many smaller-budget imitations of ‘Sholay’, ‘Zanjeer’, ‘Deewaar’ and other such films flooded the market. That is to say, if one action film worked, many more were certain to follow.

With the introduction of the video format followed by CDs, the trend changed to copying Hollywood films. A star was sent two videos or discs to watch, and they were...

Mumbai, April 21 (Ians) ‘Ram Setu’ and ‘Parmanu’ director Abhishek Sharma will be making a film based on the controversies surrounding the Wuhan virus and how it caused a global pandemic.

The source said: “Abhishek Sharma has finished the script for his next film which is an espionage thriller set in the backdrop of when the Wuhan virus became a global issue.”

“It’s not a movie on the pandemic but instead a larger than life action drama that uncovers the origin story of the covid virus that stopped the entire world. Not much has been revealed about the film, but according to the people in the industry it is a large scale pan India film that intends to investigate the Wuhan lab leak theory with a thrilling narrative.”

“It’s going to be one of the biggest films made and we hear Mahaveer Jain has come on board to produce this movie.

The makers of the biographical streaming series ‘Rocket Boys’ announced a new season of the show through a special Independence Day promo. Creator and producer of the series Nikkhil Advani took to his Instagram and shared the video as he wrote in the caption: “Milestones. Architects. Let’s never forget. The countdown begins for #RocketBoysSeason2 (sic).”

The video shows glimpses from the Pokhran village of Rajasthan before the Republic of India conducted its first nuclear bomb test in 1974. It builds up the anticipation for the test through imagery of sandstorm, banging window panes and a vehicle stuck deep in the sand before it cuts to the blast and subsequent cast reveal for the second season.

Actors Jim Sarbh and Ishwak Singh will reprise their respective roles of India’s space and nuclear programme pioneers – the Nobel Prize winner Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Padma Vibhushan awardee Vikram Sarabhai along with other...

MOLLYWOODThe ‘Cocktail’ actor shared a photo with Dulquer and revealed that she has begun shooting for the yet-untitled film.Digital NativeDigital NativeBollywood actor Diana Penty is all set to make her Malayalam film debut in Roshan Andrews’s untitled directorial venture, co-starring Dulquer Salmaan. The actor took to social media to reveal that she has begun shooting for the film, and posted a photo alongside her co-star Dulquer Salmaan. Taking to Twitter, Diana Penty wrote, "Cheers to new beginnings! Super excited to join @dulQuer, #RosshanAndrrews and the whole crew on this new journey - my first Malayalam film! Looking forward to the ride (sic)." Cheers to new beginnings! Super excited to join @dulQuer, #RosshanAndrrews and the whole crew on this new journey - my first Malayalam film! Looking forward to the ride ☺️ pic.twitter.com/zAtm5EnRmV — Diana Penty (@DianaPenty) February 9, 2021 The film has noted writer duo Bobby – Sanjay penning the script for the film,...

Filmmaker Abhishek Sharma says though releasing films on Ott has become a convenient option for many, the relevance of theatrical release of a film has increased because filmmakers now have to adhere to the gold standard to draw people to theatres.

"The relevance of theatrical release of a film has increased because now we have to match the gold standard for each film that we will plan to release in theatres. Due to the global pandemic, and with the way our lifestyle has changed, going to the theatre for watching a movie is not a 'timepass' anymore. People are putting a high value in stepping out to get entertained. At least, for the next year or two, things will go on like this," Sharma told Ians.

He added: "The films we will get to see in theatres from now on will not only be about big stars but also about...

Hindi film actress and Estee Lauder cosmetics ambassador Diana Penty, poses for "Femina Brides" (India) magazine, photographed by Keegan Crasto:

Penty began her modelling career in 2005 when she was signed by Elite Models India. She made her film acting debut in the romantic comedy  Cocktail (2012). 

She also played a runaway bride in the comedy film "Happy Bhag Jayegi", followed by the prison feature "Lucknow Central" (2017)...

...and the action film "Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran" (2018). 

Click the images to enlarge... ...

The Zee Studios in-house production comedy family entertainer, Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari, brings to you Manoj Bajpayee playing a 90s-era wedding detective, Mangal, who is chasing a prospective groom, Suraj, played by Diljit Dosanjh, to find and reveal his vices.

The trailer drops on October 21, 2020. The film also features Fatima Sana Shaikh in the lead role.

Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari is a social satire, a social commentary on how arranged marriages happen in India; how the match-making process for marriages happen between two families. The filmis among the big Diwali releases of 2020. Get ready to be a part in the most awaited wedding of the year.

Helmed by The Zoya Factor (2019) and Parmanu (2018) famed director Abhishek Sharma, Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari is a slice of life story set in the 1990s where Suraj Singh Dhillon is your quintessential Punjabi young bachelor who is looking to get hitched to a beautiful girl.

The Zoya Factor movie review is here. Starring Sonam Kapoor and Dulquer Salmaan, the movie is directed by Abhishek Sharma and produced by Fox Star Studios, Pooja Shetty and Aarrti Shetty.

The movie is a light adaptation of Anuja Chauhan's 2008 best seller of the same name. Does Zoya charms the screen as well?. Let?s find out in the movie review of The Zoya Factor.

Immediate reactions when the end credit rolls

Love, passion religion all in one.?The Zoya Factor is a feel good heart warmer that is born on belief, grows on faith and lives on loves and dreams. A movie that hugs cricket, kisses Mills and Boons and worships the lady luck is blessed by top notch act by Sonam Kapoor and Dulquer Salmaan.

Memorable moments

Quite a few for example - when Zoya dressed in red waves from the packed stadium, When Dulquer Salmaan talks...

Diana Penty who is raising the temperature with her latest picture. She dazzles as she is seen wearing a grey colored gown. The picture is all enough to set you the right fashion goals.

The actress was last seen in the song 'Sheher Ki Ladki' alongside Badshah, Suniel Shetty, and Raveena Tandon. She shared the picture on her social media in which her post read, "Not your regular ??????@GG_Studio ?#GauravGuptaOccasionsFineJewellery ?@fdciofficial #ICW2019 #DeepaVermaMakeup ?PhotoByGulshanSachdeva"

The star shot to fame with her movie Cocktail alongside Deepika Padukone and Saif Ali Khan and later went on to act in a film like Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran,?Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi, and Khandaani Shafakhana.? ??...

Actor John Abraham, who is gearing up for the release of his forthcoming film Romeo Akbar Walter, has said he is doing back to back patriotic films by default, and not by design. John said this on Wednesday while interacting with the media here to promote Romeo Akbar Walter. The actor has worked in patriotic films like Madras Cafe, Parmanu: The Story Of Pokhran and Satyameva Jayate in the past and now, he is coming up with a spy thriller film.?

Asked whether doing back to back patriotic films is a conscious decision on his part, he said: "Its a sheer coincidence that I am doing it with every film. Of course, I love my country and I think anybody who doesn't love his country has a problem... I feel it's by default and not by design."

John also cleared that he is not following any industry trend, he said: "After this film,...

The 'josh' for patriotic films is 'high' in Bollywood. After the success of Uri: The Surgical Strike, Hindi movie buffs can gear up to watch Kesari, Major, Raw, Batla House, Panipat, Saare Jahaan Se Accha, Mission Mangal, '83 and a biopic on Kargil war hero Vikram Batra, among others. Amid the escalating tension between India and Pakistan, netizens turned to past and recent patriotic films to dig out memorable dialogues, the most recent being from "Uri: The Surgical Strike", based on the surgical strikes that India conducted on terror camps in Pakistan in 2016.

The Indian Air Force's air strike on terror camps in Pakistan, which was in retaliation to the February 14 Pulwama terror attack, led to social media speculations that a "Surgical Strike 2" could be made.

From wars to fighting social evils and telling heroic tales of sportsperson -- various shades of patriotism have been depicted on the big...

Parmanu- The Story of Pokhran has been the talk of the town since its trailer launch and has just increased over the weekend after the release of the film. It is clear from the name what the movie is about. Based around the events and people behind making India a nuclear nation, Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran tells the story of how India decided to become a nuclear state. It salutes the efforts of the Indian Army and scientists who worked so tirelessly against all odds to ensure that India finds its due place in the World Nuclear Map.

Directed by Abhishek Sharma, Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran is about a team of officers who were given the responsibility of carrying out a covert operation. The movie takes you riveting journey and promises to be an edge of the seat entertainer. What attracted the audience is to John Abraham back...

Parmanu: The Story Of Pokhran

Starring John Abraham, Boman Irani, Anuja Sathe, Diana Penty

Directed by Abhishek Sharma

If good intentions made good cinema then every propaganda film by Films Division would be a classic. In the absence of a hefty grip and a budget to rev up the key sequences pertaining to the historical nucleur explosions Parmanu: The Story Of Pokhran ends up more as a fable of one man’s heroism than the saga of a nation that woke up to a nucleur dawn.

The facts are twisted into commercial shapes including a flashpoint button-on-the-fingertip climax where the film’s editor runs with breathless bravado from pillar to post trying to keep the audiences’ interest alive.

But all in vain. Parmanu is like a promised havoc that never goes beyond a wound-up whimper. The film’s opening shows the bureaucrat-hero Ashwat Rana grappling with a roomful of bored...

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The Breadwinner

A young girl (voiced by Saara Chaudry) in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan disguises herself as a boy in order to support her mother and sister. Directed by Nora Twomey; written by Anita Doron.

my review | find cinemas

The Rape of Recy Taylor

Nancy Buirski writes and directs this documentary about unsung pioneer of the American civil rights movement Recy Taylor, a black woman raped by white men in Alabama in 1944 who dared to demand justice.

my review | find cinemas

Zama

Lucrecia Martel writes and directs this historical drama about a (male) Spanish officer in 17th-century South America.

find cinemas

Edie [pictured]

Sheila Hancock stars as a woman who has devoted her entire life to others who now sets off on a physical adventure solely for herself. Cowritten by Elizabeth O’Halloran. (male director)

my review | find cinemas

Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran

Sanyukta Shaikh Chawla cowrites this historical docudrama about...

It seems to be a war to the finish between John Abraham and KriArj Entertainment, the production company that has accused John of serious breach of contract. On Thursday evening John unilaterally released a teaser trailer of the disputed film Parmanu: The Story Of Pokhran. The tackily cut trailer with no style or substance, soonRead More

The post John Abraham’s Parmanu plans get digital disapproval, teaser blocked appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.

A couple of weeks back, we had reported that the release of the John Abraham – Diana Penty starrer Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran had been rescheduled. Interestingly, while the release of the film was delayed to avoid a clash at the box office with Aiyaary and Pad Man, the film that is produced by KriArj Entertainment was later slated to hit screens with another one of their productions Pari on March 2. Now we hear that the makers of Parmanu have yet again rescheduled the release of the film that will now hit screens on April 6. Sources close to the production say that while KriArj Entertainment were keen on releasing Parmanu alongside Pari, John Abraham, who is co-producing the venture, was unhappy. Currently, we hear that KriArj Entertainment is in talks with John to lock a new release date for Parmanu.

The post Scoop: John Abraham starrer Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran...

The 2018 movie calendar is going berserk, all thanks to Sanjay Bhansali’s delayed opus Padmaavat. As we hear of movies being hastily shifted to safer areas than Republic Day weekend when Padmaavat opens, we now hear of John Abraham shifting his ambitious true-life story Pramanu from February 23 to March 2. Confirming the same, Girish Johar of KriArj Entertainment the producers of Pramanu: The Story of Pokhran added that they have indeed shifted the release of the John Abrahan – Diana Penty starrer and as of now, Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran will release on March 2.

The post Breaking: Release of John Abraham – Diana Penty starrer Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran shifted to March 2 appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.

Producer Prernaa Arora is gearing up for the release of her very ambitious political thriller Parmanu: The Story Of Pokhran, director Abhishek Sharma’s taut take on the experimental nuclear explosions conducted by the Indian army on Pokhran in 1988. The film’s leading man John Abraham, who went through rigorous research before plunging into the project, will soon be hosting a very special screening of this vital political drama for our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Though the plans are enormously hush-hush right now, a source close to the project spills the beans saying that the film has tremendous political relevance even today John and Prernaa are keen to show Parmanu to the Prime Minister.”

The post John Abraham starrer Parmanu to be screened for Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.