Category Archives: Hollywood Films

Hollywood Films

Deep-sea explorers discover one of the ships that sank during the Battle of Midway

Leave a comment

PVR Pictures gears up for its upcoming film ‘Midway’ that narrates stories and pays homage to the brave men who fought the Battle of Midway during World War II.

Until now, only one of the seven ships that sunk in the 1942 air and sea battle of Midway — five Japanese vessels and two American — had been located. And just this week the Research Vessel (R/V) Petrel, funded by the late Paul Allen’s non-profit Vulcan, located one of the Japanese aircraft carriers that was sunk during the battle of Midway.

“We read about the battles, we know what happened. But when you see these wrecks on the bottom of the ocean and everything, you kind of get a feel for what the real price is for war,” said Frank Thompson, a historian with the Naval History and Heritage Command in Washington, D.C., who is on board the Petrel.“You see the damage these things took, and it’s humbling to watch some of the video of these vessels because they’re war graves.”

Midway screenwriter Wes Tooke, met with the team aboard the R/V Petrel earlier this week when the ship was docked at the Midway Atoll. Wes got a behind-the-scenes look at what the team detected along with a tour of the ship and Midway Atoll.

Films like Midway and the search for these wrecks continue because of their historical significance and to pay homage to the brave men who lost their lives at sea.

While the anticipation of the film builds up among audiences, it is all set to release on 8th November 2019.

PVR Pictures releases Midway in theatres from November 8th, 2019

Hollywood Films, Uncategorized

I thought it was bold and complex and like nothing I’d ever read before: Joaquin Phoenix

Leave a comment

Undoubtedly the most anticipated film of 2019, Joker is the filmmaker Todd Phillips’ original vision of the infamous DC villain, an origin story infused with, but distinctly outside, the character’s more traditional mythologies. Phillips’ exploration of Arthur Fleck, who is indelibly portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, is of a man struggling to find his way in Gotham’s fractured society. Longing for any light to shine on him, he tries his hand as a stand-up comic, but finds the joke always seems to be on him. Caught in a cyclical existence between apathy and cruelty and, ultimately, betrayal, Arthur makes one bad decision after another that brings about a chain reaction of escalating events in this gritty, allegorical character study. 

Interestingly, though he’d resisted any sort of genre- inspired projects in the past, Joaquin Phoenix was intrigued when he read the script of Joker. Talking about what he liked about the story and working with Todd Phillips he says, “I thought it was bold and complex and like nothing I’d ever read before. Todd has a unique way of looking at things that is really perfect, I think, for this movie,” Phoenix observes.  “When I work with a director, I want somebody who has a singular take on the material, and nobody could have made this movie but Todd.”   

Directed, co-written and produced by Todd Phillips, Joker is all set to release in India on Oct 4 by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Hollywood Films

A.R. Rahman creates India’s anthem for the release of AVENGERS: ENDGAME

Leave a comment

Marvel India has teamed up with India’s musical maestro – A.R. Rahman to bring in his signature stamp of genius for Avengers: Endgame. The Oscar winner will be creating an all-new anthem for Indian fans of Marvel across three languages – Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. The track will be released on April 1st.

Fans from across the country are eagerly waiting for the grand conclusion, Avengers: Endgame, making it one of the most anticipated movie of the year. Over the last few years, Indian fans have loved and embraced the Marvel Super Heroes; and the success of Avengers: Infinity War is a reflection of the popularity that it enjoys today. With Thanos snapping away half the population from the planet; the conversations around Avengers: Endgame have been unparalleled.

“Being surrounded by Marvel fans in my own family, there was too much pressure to come with something really satisfying and apt for Avengers: Endgame. I hope Marvel aficionados and music lovers enjoy the track,” said A.R. Rahman.

“Avengers: Endgame is not just a movie, it’s an emotional journey for fans everywhere in India. An original composition by Oscar winner A.R. Rahman was the perfect way to celebrate the love for Marvel among fans in the country. This is our small way of thanking the fans here for their extraordinary support”, said Bikram Duggal, Head – Studios, Marvel India.

About Avengers: Endgame

The grave course of events set in motion by Thanos that wiped out half the universe and fractured the Avengers ranks compels the remaining Avengers to take one final stand in Marvel Studios’ grand conclusion to twenty-two films, “Avengers: Endgame.

Kevin Feige produces “Avengers: Endgame,” and Anthony and Joe Russo are the directors. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo, Trinh Tran, Jon Favreau and Stan Lee are the executive producers, and Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely wrote the screenplay. The movie releases on 26th April in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu

Hollywood Films

Disney’s “Mary Poppins Returns” to release in India on January 4th 2019

Leave a comment

Disney’s “Mary Poppins Returns” stars Emily Blunt (“A Quiet Place,” “The Girl on the Train”) as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn an ordinary task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure. In this all new original musical and sequel, Mary Poppins is back to help the next generation of the Banks family find the joy and wonder missing in their lives following a personal loss. The enigmatic nanny is joined by her friend Jack, played by Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton,” “Moana”), an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London. “Mary Poppins Returns” is directed by Rob Marshall (“Into the Woods,” “Chicago”). The screenplay is by David Magee (“Life of Pi”) and the screen story is by Magee & Marshall & John DeLuca (“Into the Woods”) based upon the Mary Poppins Stories by PL Travers. The producers are John DeLuca, p.g.a., Rob Marshall, p.g.a., and Marc Platt, p.g.a. (“La La Land”) with Callum McDougall serving as executive producer and the music is by Marc Shaiman (“Hairspray”) with songs by Scott Wittman (“Hairspray”) and Shaiman.

“I was incredibly honored to be approached by Disney about directing a sequel,” says director/producer Rob Marshall. “This is a brand new original film musical from top to bottom, which is very rare, and it is a wonderful opportunity to create something specifically for the screen.”

PL Travers first introduced the world to the no-nonsense nanny in her 1934 children’s book “Mary Poppins.” However, the subsequent adventures of Mary Poppins remained only on the pages of the seven other PL Travers’ books…until now. “Mary Poppins Returns” is drawn from the wealth of material in these additional books. “Mary Poppins Returns” also stars Ben Whishaw (“Spectre”) as Michael Banks; Emily Mortimer (“Hugo”) as Jane Banks; Julie Walters (“Harry Potter” films) as the Banks’ housekeeper Ellen; Pixie Davies (“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”), Nathanael Saleh (“Game of Thrones”) and introducing Joel Dawson as the Banks’ children; with Colin Firth (“The King’s Speech”) as Fidelity Fiduciary Bank’s William Weatherall Wilkins; and Meryl Streep (“Florence Foster Jenkins”) as Mary’s eccentric cousin, Topsy In addition, Angela Lansbury appears as the Balloon Lady, a treasured character from the PL Travers books and Dick Van Dyke is Mr. Dawes Jr., the retired chairman of the bank now run by Firth’s character.

The film takes place in 1930s Depression-era London 24 years after the first film was set. Michael Banks works for the same financial institution that employed his father and still lives at 17 Cherry Tree Lane with his three children, Annabel, John and Georgie and their housekeeper Ellen. Carrying on in her mother’s tradition, Jane Banks campaigns for workers’ rights and provides a helping hand to Michael’s family. When the family suffers a personal loss, Mary Poppins magically re-enters their lives and with Jack’s help, brings joy and wonder back into their home.

“’Mary Poppins’ was the first film I saw as a child and it opened my mind up to movies and to the love of musicals and adventure and fantasy in film,” says Marshall. “But this film isn’t just for children….it’s for the child in all of us.”

The award-winning craftsmen comprising the creative team include: director of photography Dion Beebe, ACS, ASC (“Memoirs of a Geisha”); production designer John Myhre (“Chicago”); film editor Wyatt Smith, ACE (“Doctor Strange”); costume designer Sandy Powell (“The Aviator”); make-up and hair designer Peter Swords King (“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”); set decorator Gordon Sim (“Chicago”); and production sound mixer Simon Hayes, AMPS, CAS (“Les Misérables”). The film is choreographed by Marshall and DeLuca with Joey Pizzi (“Chicago”) serving as co-choreographer.

“Mary Poppins Returns” will be released in Indian theaters on January 04, 2018.


MARY POPPINS RETURNS

Genre:                                                Live-Action Musical

India Release date:                           January 04, 2019

Cast:                                                   Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer,

Julie Walters, Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh, introducing Joel Dawson with Colin Firth and Meryl Streep

Director:                                             Rob Marshall

Screenplay by:                                   David Magee

Screen Story by:                                David Magee & Rob Marshall & John DeLuca

Based upon:                                       The Mary Poppins Stories by PL Travers

Producers:                                         John DeLuca, Rob Marshall, Marc Platt

Executive Producer:                          Callum McDougall

Songs

Music by:                                           Marc Shaiman

Lyrics by:                                            Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman

Hollywood Films

Deepak Singh’s Hollywood film “Tiger” will hit the Indian Screens soon

Leave a comment

Deepak Singh, who was the key producer in “Soorma”, is now ready to present yet another sports biopic, but this time its boxing.

Deepak Singh is presenting the Hollywood film “Tiger”. A Boxing Drama, inspired by the true story of Pardeep Singh Nagra, a practicing Sikh man who was banned from the sport of boxing due to his religious beliefs.

An official selection of the upcoming Austin Film Festival, San Diego Film Festival, and New Orleans Film Festival, TIGER will hit the Indian Screens soon.

Tiger is inspired by the true story of Pardeep Singh Nagra, a practicing Sikh man who was banned from the sport of boxing due to his religious beliefs. Tiger follows Pardeep’s journey as he, with the support of his coach and mentor (Academy Award nominee Mickey Rourke), does what any strong American would do, fight back! The backlash is a result of racial profiling, stereotypical threats, and the daily pressure to change, even from his loved ones who are caught in the midst of the cross fire. It is within the course of these challenges, and at his weakest moment, that he discovers love (Janel Parrish of ‘Pretty Little Liars’). Consequently, his legacy will be forever tied to his two biggest battles; one in the courtroom, the other in the ring.

The character of Pardeep Singh Nagra is being played by Prem Singh the young talent who even wrote the screen play along with Michael Pugliese.

Deepak Singh first heard the story from Rocco Pugliese who is one of the producers to the film ‘Tiger’, “People will connect to the film as it has an emotional fight of a human, a fighter, he is also a Soorma in his own perspective who fought for his rights and won the case in the Canadian judiciary.”

Hollywood Films

Ghanaian Movie Bad Luck Joe Makes Waves Even Before Its Release!

Leave a comment

It’s history in the making as after several years a Ghanaian based movie is releasing in India and this film is highly anticipated in India for several reasons. The Comedy Drama movie Bad Luck Joe has Ghanaian actors Chris Attoh, Sika Osei, Michelle Attoh and Adomaa besides others.

It’s Written and Directed by the maverick filmmaker Ramesh Jai of Indian origin and is Produced by Apex Advertising and Presented by The Filmmakerz Worldwide.

Bad Luck Joe- All Because Of Patapaa has a perfect concoction of sorrow, joy and pure amusement as it portrays vividly how 2 wives lock horns for their husband’s property. After being appreciated by various entertainment stars in Ghana, the movie has even been praised by Indian actors, filmmakers and journalists who had watched it at a private screening.

Hollywood Films

Grand mahurat of Hollywood Film HE IS BACK in Dubai

Leave a comment

Showtimes Cinema and SBM Studios in Association with Ninjoor Pictures is all set to roll out their ambitious international venture – He Is Back! Produced by Suresh Sharma who last produced the gritty drama Halla Bol and Suresh Babu Malge who also produced many movies and directed by Cheetah Yajnesh Shetty who helmed Hum Tumpe Marte Hain.

He Is Back was launched in Dubai where who’s who of the world were present. The movie was inaugurated with the lamp lighting by Her Royal Excellency Of Thailand Mom Luang Rajadarasri Jayankura, Mr. Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, Former President of the Republic of Kalmykia in the Russian Federation and Prince Firooz Alexander Sefre, Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects Chartered Architect Riba, England. Other eminent guests were Edmond Avakian, Thomas Fung, Fatemah Hossain Zamani and Lazar Jakovljevic.

Inspired by Bruce Lee, the movie revolves around the theme of how a poor boy changes the world! The film introduces Abb Li in the lead role who happens to be a big worshiper of Bruce Lee. It is learnt that Abb Li is such a loyal follower of Bruce Lee that he has transformed his body also to Bruce Lee style.

The movie also introduces actress Aline Ilyumzhinov in the lead role along with an ensemble cast of Hollywood biggies!

Story by Chitah Yajnesh and sound by Rasul Pukutty, the film has been screenplay and dialogue by David White and involves big international names in the movie making business including DOP Ross Clarkson and world renowned action director Kecha Khampakdee.

Rockline Venkatesh gave the clap and Dr. B R Shetty, Abu Dhabhi switched on the camera. AmarjIt Shetty is co-producer of the film and William Bond is Executive Producer.

Hollywood Films

Interview of Olivia Munn, Lead Actress of ‘The Predator’

Leave a comment

The Predator sees writer/director Shane Black returning to a world he first experienced back in 1987 as an actor. In this new film, he’s expanding and exploring the story of the alien hunters and the human beings that must face the threat. With the government attempting to cover up the extent of Predator incursions on Earth, a rag-tag group of military veterans must figure out what is going on and how to save the world – or at least themselves – as the battle spreads from the depths of outer space to once-safe suburbia.

Olivia Munn is a talented actress who began working on television and has successfully segued into cinematic work. She’s known for movies including X-Men: Apocalypse, Magic Mike, and Office Christmas Party. In The Predator, she’s scientist Casey Bracket, dragged into an adventure she might not be quite ready for, but will bring all of her skills to help with. Here, Munn talks getting the part, her own history with Predator movies and the sheer number of spines being ripped out in the film…

Who is Casey Bracket in the movie?

She’s an evolutionary scientist and biologist. In this movie, we have two storylines that merge into one. We’ve got Trevante Rhodes, Boyd Holbrook and Thomas Jane and that group of guys – the soldiers, and their interactions with the Predator. And on the other side, my character has been brought in by the CIA because of her expertise in evolutionary biology to get a better understanding of what they have found. She’s only called if there is a higher life that’s found, and here there is definitely some alien activity.

How did you get involved?

I had actually heard about it before from my reps. They talked to me about it, but I just said no. I wasn’t interested because typically in a big movie like this, I’ll probably go see it, but as an actress, the female role is usually delegated to just being the love interest. But, it ended coming back around, and they said that Shane just wanted to meet.  I’m a huge fan of his work and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is one of my all-time favorite movies, so I wanted to meet with him. I really trusted him as a director. He’s a filmmaker that is really collaborative and actually allows you to bring what you want to the character. I read the script and then had another meeting with Shane about some of my thoughts, and he was really receptive to it.

She definitely doesn’t come across as a damsel in distress…

When you’re fighting for your life, you have to shoot, even though nobody wants to be in a position where they have to fight for their life. The guys – they’re soldiers – but I approached this character as a scientist. I’m sure that she’s picked up a gun before… I grew up in a military family so I knew how to shoot guns. Making this movie was not about us finding moments for her to notbe a damsel in distress. It just wasn’t on the page; it’s not what we were doing.

Was there much training or preparation for the role?

She’s not a trained athlete or assassin, but I think she’s healthy and physical. We did a lot of gun training and that was really fun. And I loved being able to do that with the guys, learning how to shoot together; every time we did that, I learned all these different techniques and tools and skills. But then I tried to incorporate what my character would do and put a little bit of shakiness into it. In this movie, there’s something really big going on and for her, it’s fascinating. This is something that she’s waited her entire life for – especially as an evolutionary scientist, somebody who studies how creatures evolve and change. And yet this is happening right before her eyes, so, there is a shock and awe value that’s happening. While everyone else is running away from the Predator, she’s running towards the aliens, because she’s fascinated.

Does working on real sets and location help your performance?

It’s very intimidating and visceral. And it really puts you in that space. But that being said, there’s still so much stuff that is put in during post with CG and the VFX and everything that really amps it up for the audiences at home. We get enough that we can allow our performances to be even more real. A movie like this really takes advantage of how great technology is and where we’ve come from, and what we can do with it and how realistic things are. Especially when it comes to like the blood and guts and the destruction and death.

Shane has said it won’t shy away from the violence…

I’m really big on it. I think we’ve gotten so PC that we lose the fun of going to the movies sometimes. For me, the more bloody spines being ripped out, the better!

What is your relationship with the original Predator? How old were you when you first saw it and how cool is it to now be in a Predator movie?

I actually hadn’t seen it! I didn’t see it until a few months before shooting. I mean, I knew of it and maybe I knew some of the catchphrases and lines, but no, I never saw it until I signed up for this movie. What’s really great about this movie is that while it’s technically a sequel, it’s not picking up right where the other movies left off. But at the same time, it’s acknowledging all the previous ones and it’s not pretending like they didn’t happen. And it’s interesting because we have some throwbacks from the very first Predator which I love that Shane was able to incorporate. I really enjoy that. But for me, it wasn’t imperative to have watched that film before I signed on because I knew it would be its own beast. After getting it, I did watch it. And loved it. And I kept saying to Shane, “can we not have a scene where someone has to hide in the mud? Can I go hide in the mud?” Because that’s a genius way to not be discovered by aliens!

Hollywood Films, TV

Sony YAY! rings in season 2 of their flagship initiative ‘Heroes Behind The Heroes’

Leave a comment

Being a teacher is an enormous challenge! It is more than just pens and textbooks. It takes patience, passion, resilience, a mammoth sense of commitment and definitely a lot of motivation! Our childhoods are made memorable by the remarkable contributions that our teachers make. Be it supporting us enthusiastically when we come up with a wild idea, or honing and developing our talent, teachers play multiple roles in our lives. We must embrace this as an even bigger job than just an educator — they are social workers, our friends, mentors, and surrogate parents. As a salute to all that they do in shaping lives, Sony YAY! brings season 2 of their flagship Teacher’s Day initiative, Heroes Behind the Heroes!

Building on the success of season one, this season of the acclaimed initiative will continue to celebrate distinguished names and champions who believed in our role models, putting in all their energies to train and coach them.

This year, the channel acknowledged Sania Mirza, a world-renowned Indian tennis player and a former world No. 1 in the doubles discipline. She has also established a tennis academy in Hyderabad, providing world-class tennis training to Indian tennis players and aspirants to meet a greater national responsibility towards the game and its players.

Ace choreographer Terence Lewis, who has choreographed various Bollywood films and musicals, stage shows, ads and music videos. Terence Lewis Professional Training Institute and the Terence Lewis Contemporary Dance Company, widely-acknowledged as the country’s most popular and reputed dance organizations are run by him and foster creative excellence in the talented, enthusiastic dancer, raising the standards of dance in India and beyond.

Director Subhash Ghai, Indian film director, producer and screenwriter, known for his works predominantly in Hindi cinema and the Founder of Whistling Woods International film and media institution.

Kailash Satyarthi, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient and a member of a UNESCO body established with the goal of providing “Education for All”.

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan Bangash, an eminent Indian Sarod player, who has taken the musical instrument to great heights.

Season 2 grows from the success and positive response that Heroes Behind the Heroes Season 1 saw. Heroes Behind the Heroes 2017 saw our YAYtoons visiting renowned names like Anupam Kher, Shaheen Mistri and Shiamak Davar and cheering them for all their efforts. Apart from the above. Pandit Birju Maharaj and Mahavir Singh Phogat were felicitated too.

Behind many successful adults is a teacher that helped contribute and shape those students’ foundations for the future and thanking each one of them, everywhere is what Heroes Behind the Heroes stands for!

Comments:

Leena Lele Dutta, Business Head, SPN Kids Genre 

“Teachers form an important part of a child’s life and while we celebrate our teachers, recognizing and thanking the people who are key in helping our country grow is imperative too. The first season of ‘Heroes Behind the Heroes’ succeeded in imbibing pride and joy amongst teachers, and inspired children across. This time around, we have engaged actively with distinguished teachers to bring their stories on a first-hand basis. Being true to our philosophy, Sony YAY! will continue to drive inspiration for kids through the admirable contributions and stories of these eminent personalities across various fields. Sony YAY! takes this opportunity to salute the contributions of the heroes behind the heroes!”

Subhash Ghai, Ghai, Indian film director, producer and screenwriter, Founder of Whistling Woods International film and media institution.

“I must congratulate Sony YAY! and the entire team for this great initiative. This initiative is going to inspire many teachers and people who believe in the philosophy of equality education, people who believe that they should bring out the new India – Nayi Soch, Naya Bharat. And this is one of the finest initiatives I think I can think of. I, again, congratulate all of you. “I would like to give a message to all the students – to look beyond the obvious. When you study anything or work on anything, try to go into details because God lies in details and around the obvious. The moment you are going to look around obvious, you will find something new in it and you will excel in the job”,

Sania Mirza, World-renowned Indian tennis player and a former world No. 1 

“So honored to win this award, giving back through tennis is something that I could only dream of and I feel so blessed to make a small difference, so thank you Sony YAY! for the recognition,

Terence Lewis, Ace choreographer

“Thank you so much for this amazing award and honestly, there is always someone behind a hero, someone who trains. Thank you so much for acknowledging the “Heroes Behind The Heroes. There are many times when we recognize only the people who are in front, but the people who are behind their success who might be a teacher or a mentor or a parent isn’t recognized and it’s nice to sometimes felicitate them. It’s a very nice idea, simply because even behind me there are my teachers, I have learned a lot from them. It’s very important to recognize these people, so I’m really very happy that Sony YAY! and KickO have done this”

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan Bangash, an eminent Indian Sarod player

“The Old world culture, especially in the field of Indian classical music, is all about reverence and love towards the Guru and his contemporaries. Strict discipline, gracious manners and complete faith in blessings of the Guru and Parents are the timeless and priceless mantras. It is a must to support and encourage the young and talented musicians at every stage of their life. Let us hope our younger generation experience an overall education that encourages in them peace, tranquillity, success and togetherness in their life.”