Rani Mukerji and Karan Johar invited to address the Australian Parliament ahead of Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2024

In a landmark moment for the Indian film industry, actress Rani Mukerji and director Karan Johar address a profound keynote representing the Indian Film Industry Australian Parliament House. This prestigious event is to take place on August 13, ahead of the 15th annual Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) which is slated to commence from August 15. The invitation extended to Rani Mukerji and Karan Johar marks a significant milestone, acknowledging the growing cultural impact of Indian cinema and its expansion in Australia.

The keynote address is set to be attended by distinguished dignitaries, Members of Parliament, and various ministers, underscoring the global impact and cultural significance of Indian cinema. This comes at a time when the festival is celebrating its milestone 15th year and also in tandem when recently a co-production treaty was signed between India and Australia furthering as a gateway into the relationship. The duo are invited to speak about the power of cinema to bring people together regardless of geographical distances , and bring cultures together.

Actress Rani Mukerji expressed her excitement, saying, “I’m proud to represent the Indian film fraternity at the Australian Parliament House and speak about the rich history of cinema that we have offered to the world at large. This is a milestone moment for our fraternity and it would be an honour for me to speak about the growing cultural ties between Australia and India through cinema. Indian cinema comprising Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Bengali, Assamese, Odia, Hindi, and others, is right now at the forefront of shaping pop culture worldwide with our talent, our films making a mark globally. Our films bring a lot of joy to the world, our films bring a lot of colour in people’s lives. As an entertainer, I have always loved to see people going on a journey with the emotions that our cinema has to offer. I’m humbled to represent my country which is so diverse and its cinema reflective of each different culture at the Australian Parliament House . I would like to congratulate the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne for their efforts in making this landmark moment possible. IFFM continues to be a beacon of cultural exchange, showcasing the rich diversity and creativity of Indian cinema to Australia and the world.”

Director Karan Johar added, “I am deeply honored to be invited to speak at the Australian Parliament House. I am thrilled to be a part of this historic event and to celebrate the incredible journey of Indian cinema. It’s incredible to see how far the stories we as an industry create travels, and this moment is a testament to the growing influence of the cultural impact of Indian cinema. I’m grateful to the house, the members of the parliament for extending this invite and to have me represent the rich legacy of cinema and storytelling”.

Festival Director Mitu Bhowmik Lange shared her thoughts, stating, “This is a landmark year for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne as we celebrate our 15th year. Having Rani Mukherji and Karan Johar as keynote speakers at the Australian Parliament House is a testament to the festival’s growing influence and recognition”

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne continues to be a beacon of cultural exchange, showcasing the rich diversity and creativity of Indian cinema. This year’s festival promises to be a grand celebration, with the keynote speeches and the launch of the Yash Chopra stamp marking the commencement of an unforgettable event. The festival is the largest celebration of Indian films outside of India and will take place across Melbourne between 15-25 August 2024.

Also Read: Vikrant Massey, Rasika Dugal, and Adarsh Gourav to represent young voices of Indian cinema at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2024

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Shah Rukh Khan CONFIRMS his next film King with Sujoy Ghosh: “For 6-7 years I have been thinking about it”

Shah Rukh Khan has finally confirmed his next project, the much-anticipated action film titled King. The superstar made the announcement during a recent interaction at the 77th Locarno Film Festival. The film, directed by Sujoy Ghosh, will also mark the big-screen debut of Shah Rukh’s daughter, Suhana Khan. For the unversed, Shah Rukh Khan was honoured with the Pardo alla Carriera award at the Locarno Film Festival.

Shah Rukh Khan Gears Up for His Next Action Film King
In a video clip that has been widely circulated online, Khan revealed, “The next film that I am doing is King. I have to start working on it, lose some weight, stretch a little so my groins don’t get caught while I am doing action.” This announcement has created a buzz among fans eagerly awaiting the release of this film.
SRK’s Long-Standing Desire to Work on King
SRK also shared that he has been contemplating this project for several years. Reflecting on his film choices, Khan mentioned that after wrapping up Jawan and Dunki last year, he was keen on exploring a new genre. “There’s a certain kind of film I want to do, where, maybe it is more age-centric, and I want to try something. For 6-7 years I have been thinking about it. I mentioned it to Sujoy one day and he says, ‘Sir, I have a subject.’”  

Scheduled to go on floors in November this year, King has already generated significant buzz. Apart from Shah Rukh and Suhana Khan, the film also stars Abhishek Bachchan as the antagonist and Abhay Verma in a pivotal role. With such a talented cast and crew, expectations are high for this action-packed extravaganza.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan on being FIRST Indian to be honored at Locarno Film Festival: “I love the coziness of this place”

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Conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar gifts lavish yacht, 100 iPhone 15 Pro’s to Jacqueline Fernandez on her birthday

Alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, currently incarcerated in a Delhi jail, has gifted actress Jacqueline Fernandez a luxury yacht named ‘Lady Jacqueline’ on her birthday. The revelation came to light through a letter penned by Chandrashekhar to the actress, who celebrated her birthday on Sunday.

The yacht, according to Chandrashekhar, is the same one that Fernandez had selected in 2021. He assured the actress in his letter that all taxes related to the yacht had been cleared, implying its legitimacy. This extravagant gesture, however, has raised serious questions given the circumstances under which Chandrashekhar acquired his wealth.

Beyond the opulent gift, Chandrashekhar also announced a donation of Rs. 15 crore and the construction of 300 homes for the families affected by the Wayanad landslide disaster. In addition, he pledged to gift 100 iPhone 15 Pro phones to commemorate the success of the song ‘Yimmy Yimmy’ featuring Fernandez.

Chandrashekhar’s criminal history is extensive. Arrested in 2015 for charges including cheating, criminal conspiracy, and violations of financial regulations, he was granted bail last month. However, multiple cases against him have kept him behind bars.

The actress herself has been embroiled in controversy due to her alleged links with Chandrashekhar. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has questioned Fernandez in connection with a money laundering case involving the conman. The ED’s charge sheet alleges that Chandrashekhar used illegally acquired funds to purchase lavish gifts for Fernandez.
ALSO READ: Sukesh Chandrashekhar pens letter to Jacqueline Fernandez lauding her song ‘Yimmy Yimmy’; says, “Every word, every line in the song is clearly about me and our story”

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Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions looking for investors? Major corporations eye Bollywood’s crown jewel including a music company

Dharma Productions is one of the premier production houses in the country and its head honcho Karan Johar is looking at making a strategic shift in the company. As per a report by Exchange4Media, the veteran filmmaker wants to sell majority stake in Dharma Productions. In order to do so, he has reached out to some of India’s biggest corporations and enterprises for investment purposes.

The Exchange4Media report further said that the potential investors are said to be top business houses based out of Mumbai, Kolkata and Ahmedabad. The article, however, doesn’t name them. Further, it also hints that one of these enterprises is a music company and is a frontrunner in this race.

As per Dharma’s financial data, the profit generated by Dharma Productions, after tax deduction, in FY 2022-23 was Rs. 27.1 crores. In FY 2023-24, it was reduced to Rs. 10.70 crores. While its total revenue was Rs. 278 crores in FY22, it was Rs. 1,044 crores in FY23. Its borrowings amounted to Rs. 82 crores in FY23, though it totalled Rs. 92 crores in FY22.

Exchange4Media had contacted Dharma Productions CEO and producer Apoorva Mehta but he was unavailable for comment.

Dharma Productions have had 4 releases this year already. Their first film of 2024 was the hijack drama Yodha, starring Sidharth Malhotra. This was followed by the sports romantic drama Mr & Mrs Mahi, starring Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor. In July they had two releases – the violent flick Kill and the comic caper Bad Newz.

Dharma’s next production will be Jigra, starring Alia Bhatt and Siddhant Chaturvedi-Triptii Dimri’s intense love story, Dhadak 2. While the former releases on October 11, the latter will arrive in cinemas on November 22.

Their other release this year is Devara, which is presented by Dharma Productions. It stars Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor.

Also Read: “My biggest regret is that my father wasn’t there”: Karan Johar on Yash Johar’s absence during Dharma Productions’ peak

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Shah Rukh Khan on being FIRST Indian to be honored at Locarno Film Festival: “I love the coziness of this place”

Global superstar Shah Rukh Khan was recently honored at the 77th Locarno Film Festival, where he received the prestigious Pardo Alla Carriera award. This recognition highlights Khan’s immense contributions to global cinema, marking a significant moment for both the actor and the Indian film industry. The award ceremony took place in the iconic Piazza Grande, drawing a crowd of over 8,000 attendees, all eager to witness the legendary actor’s acceptance speech.

SRK’s Return to Switzerland: A Nostalgic Experience
During the event, Shah Rukh Khan spoke with NDTV, sharing his feelings about returning to Switzerland after a long hiatus. Reflecting on the weather, he humorously noted, “It’s a little hot here compared to when I’m usually here. Normally, it’s very cool and nice. It’s like India, like Mumbai.”

Khan also expressed nostalgia for the locations in Switzerland where he has filmed some of his most memorable movies, especially those directed by the late Yash Chopra. “Send me pictures from there. It’s been so long I don’t remember them,” he said with a smile. He fondly recalled his early days in the country, working on films in the 1990s. “When I started off in the late 90s, to be here was a big thing. And now, when I come so many years later, people remember those things. Yeah, it’s very happy,” Khan added.
A Proud Moment for Indian Cinema
Shah Rukh Khan’s receipt of the Pardo Alla Carriera award marks a historic achievement, as he became the first Indian actor to be honored with this distinction at the Locarno Film Festival. Reflecting on this milestone, Khan shared his appreciation for the event’s atmosphere. “I love the coziness of this place, the dignity with which they do the award function. So I’m very happy to be here and really thrilled,” he remarked.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan says “Namaskaar” to crowd of 8000 plus in Switzerland as he accepts award at 77th Locarno Film Festival

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Trailer of Binny And Family attached with Stree 2; to be EXCLUSIVELY launched in cinemas first followed by digital release

The industry is gearing up for the release of Stree 2, Vedaa and Khel Khel Mein on Independence Day. The significant release after the release of these three films is Binny And Family. It stars Varun Dhawan’s niece Anjini Dhawan in her debut role under the Newcomers Initiative. The poster was launched last month and has got a positive response. A few weeks ago, there were reports that the theatrical trailer of Binny And Family would be attached to the prints of the Dinesh Vijan-produced Stree 2 starring Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao and Pankaj Tripathi.

Producer Mahaveer Jain exclusively spoke with Bollywood Hungama and confirmed that this is indeed true. He said, “I thank producer Dinesh Vijan for agreeing to attach the trailer of our film with his much-awaited flick, Stree 2. This gesture means a lot to us and the entire team of Binny And Family. Stree 2 is going to attract an audience in hordes. Such a huge number of people will get to see the trailer of our labour of love and this would play a huge role in increasing awareness. Moreover, Binny And Family’s trailer will be attached even to the Stree 2 prints in Overseas.”

The norm is to first release the trailer on digital and then a day later, present it on the big screen. Mahaveer Jain, however, revealed, “The trailer will be exclusively launched in cinemas with Stree 2. Only then, we’ll release it on digital platforms.”

Binny And Family will be released in cinemas on August 30. Besides Anjini Dhawan, it also stars Pankaj Kapur, Himani Shivpuri, Rajesh Kumar, Naman Tripaathy and Charu Shankar and is written and directed by Ssanjay Tripaathy. It is produced by Mahaveer Jain Films and Wavebrand Productions and presented by Ektaa R Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms, Shashank Khaitan and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba. As per inside reports, the film has got an unanimously positive response in the test screenings, which has boosted the morale of the team.

Also Read: CONFIRMED! Varun Dhawan’s niece Anjini Dhawan set to make acting debut with Binny And Family; to release on THIS date

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Angry Young Men docuseries on lives of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar to premiere on Prime Video on August 20

Prime Video today announced the global premiere of Angry Young Men, a captivating docuseries that delves deep into the lives and careers of the legendary writer duo, Salim-Javed. The series, produced by Salman Khan Films, Excel Media & Entertainment, and Tiger Baby, will be available for streaming worldwide on August 20.

Angry Young Men is an ode to the rebellious spirits who transformed the landscape of Hindi cinema in the 1970s. The docuseries, directed by Namrata Rao in her directorial debut, promises an intimate look at the resilience, defiance, and boldness of Salim-Javed. Their iconic characters and thought-provoking narratives resonated with audiences on a profound level, and their impact on the industry is undeniable.

Speaking about Angry Young Men, Salman Khan said, “Two sensible, intelligent, and dignified individuals, best at their craft with mutual admiration for each other’s work ethics and compassion. The ‘Angry Young Men’ of Indian cinema. Growing up, seeing my father and Javed Sahab work together on films was nothing short of magical. Their love for cinema redefined heroism for an entire generation, leaving behind a legacy of cult classics. Personally, I would love to see them working together in the future, I hope the fans and viewers can also agree. Whether it’s time, destiny, or professional choices that bring them together, their partnership always brings out the best. Angry Young Men is a tribute to their creative brilliance and the profound impact they’ve had on Indian cinema. It’s an insightful journey into the hearts and minds of two superstar writers who changed the landscape of storytelling forever. This series is close to both families. I hope this marks a new chapter for our dads, the angry young men, who are now older. May they have the best time of their lives now, with emotional happiness and physical health. Long live the kings of story, screenplay, and dialogues. Producers of our lives and directors of our present and futures.”

 

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“Angry Young Men is about the two men that created a character that has pretty much defined Hindi cinema in the 70s. The story of Salim-Javed’s dynamic journey starting out from small towns to exploding onto the silver screen and how they put their hardships, their heartbreaks and their swag into their cinema,” said Zoya Akhtar.

Executive-produced by a formidable team including Salma Khan, Salman Khan, Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, and Reema Kagti, the docuseries is set to be a visual and emotional spectacle. By exploring the lives and work of Salim-Javed, Angry Young Men aims to capture the essence of an era that shaped the course of Indian cinema.

“I remember everyone referring to my father and Salim uncle as Salim-Javed, a singular name; their names were never mentioned separately but always together. Their journey was marked by grit, passion, and a fierce zeal to transform Hindi cinema, especially in its attitude towards the writer. They succeeded and in doing so, left an impression that still lives on generations after,” said Farhan Akhtar. “Angry Young Men is a testament to the genius and the legacy of these two undeniable forces of nature. We’re proud to bring such a landmark docuseries to a global audience through Prime Video and continue our commitment to offering the very best in storytelling.”

With its global premiere on August 20, Angry Young Men is poised to captivate viewers with its compelling narrative, archival footage, and insightful interviews.
ALSO READ: Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan’s documentary Angry Young Men eyes October 2024 release on OTT platform: Report

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Sidharth Malhotra starrer Yodha to premiere on television on August 11

To celebrate the spirit of freedom and patriotism this Independence Day, Colors Cineplex is thrilled to announce the World Television Premiere of Siddharth Malhotra’s starrer Yodha on August 11 at 8 PM. To mark this occasion, the fastest-growing Hindi movie channel is celebrating the Asli Yodha, paying tribute to our nation’s true heroes. Yodha conveys a powerful message of bravery and self-sacrifice, and Colors Cineplex’s ‘Asli Yodha’ campaign recognizes the immense contributions of those who elevate India on the global stage, showcasing their commitment and patriotism.

To further commemorate this occasion, Colors Cineplex is delighted to host Harmanpreet Kaur, Captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket team and the only Indian woman cricketer to score over 3,000 runs in both ODIs and T20Is. In the 2017 Women’s World Cup, she scored an astonishing 171 (not out) in the semi-final against Australia, setting the highest individual score by an Indian woman in the World Cup and the highest individual score of all-time in the Women’s World Cup. We will also have Col. Rajeev Bharwan of the Indian Army—who has always put his country first, demonstrating unparalleled dedication while commanding the elite Infantry/Strategic Specialized Airborne Regiment. Additionally, Afroz Shah, an environmental activist, and lawyer, has been named the winner of the top environment honor by the United Nations and lauded by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi for his cleanliness work at the Versova beach in Mumbai, to participate. Shah is best known for organizing the world’s largest beach clean-up project, which has grown into a movement that has inspired people around the world to clean up their surroundings. Their presence embodies the spirit of heroism celebrated by the ‘Asli Yodha’.

Rohan Lavsi, Head of the Hindi Movies cluster at Viacom18, said, “At Colors Cineplex, we are deeply honored to celebrate the ‘Asli Yodha’, praising the bravery and dedication of our nation’s true heroes. By inviting remarkable individuals like Harmanpreet Kaur, Col. Rajeev Bharwan, and Afroz Shah, we aim to acknowledge their exceptional impact and patriotism. Our commitment is to showcase inspiring stories that resonate with the values of courage and sacrifice. Through ‘Asli Yodha,’ we honour those who elevate India globally and remind us of the profound effect of selfless service.”

An ‘Asli Yodha’ signifies exceptional dedication and sacrifice. These individuals, whether in defense, sports, or environmental activism, embody the strength and spirit of India, prioritizing their country above personal comforts and often risking their lives for the greater good.

Harmanpreet Kaur, Captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket team, said, “It is an honor to be recognized as an ‘Asli Yodha’ by Colors Cineplex. Cricket has always been more than a game for me—it’s a way to serve my country and make my fellow Indians proud. I share this recognition with every girl who dreams of wearing the Indian jersey.”

Col Rajeev Bharwan, Indian Army Veteran, says, “Being called an ‘Asli Yodha’ is a profound honor. Every soldier in the Indian Army serves with the sole aim of protecting our motherland and ensuring its safety. This recognition is not just mine but belongs to every brave soldier who stands guard at our borders.”

Afroz Shah, environmental activist and lawyer, best known for organizing the world’s largest beach clean-up project, said, “Being part of the ‘Asli Yodha’ campaign is a great privilege. Just as our beach clean-ups aim to restore and protect the environment, this campaign celebrates those who have dedicated their lives to serving and uplifting our nation. By highlighting these stories, Colors Cineplex inspires us all to contribute positively and embody the true spirit of bravery and resilience.”

Colors Cineplex is committed to showcasing a diverse range of inspiring content, including successful properties like Hanuman, Bhediya, OMG 2, Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, Drishyam 2 and Tiger Nageswara Rao.

Also Read: Sidharth Malhotra calls Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification for being marginally overweight in Paris Olympics 2024 ‘disheartening’: “Still rooting for her”

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Taapsee Pannu hints at third installment after Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba release: “Looking forward to what all we can possibly do in the next part”

Taapsee Pannu has returned with the anticipated sequel Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba. The actress, known for her bold choices and powerful performances, has once again delivered a tour-de-force with her portrayal of Rani.

Reflecting on the relations from audience, Taapsee shared, “Doing a sequel is always tricky because the first one comes with no expectations, and if people like it, it becomes a hit. But with sequels come expectations, which are always tricky to meet. I am glad people have loved Rani and the film more than part 1. I knew how much people loved Rani from Part 1 So I kept those expectations in mind when I approached the next part.”

She also hints at the possibility of a third installment. “This response has been so validating that I’m already looking forward to what all we can possibly do in the next part,” she said.

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba is the second of Taapsee’s two major releases this August. The film, directed by Jayprad Desai and written by Kanika Dhillon, also stars Vikrant Massey and Sunny Kaushal.
ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Did you know Taapsee Pannu has a ritual for all promotions in Delhi? Deets inside

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EXCLUSIVE: Narendra Hirawat breaks silence on Tirangaa remake reports: “We are indeed producing a film with Akshay Kumar but it is not a remake of any film”

A few days back, Bollywood Hungama reported that Akshay Kumar has signed the remake of the Nana Patekar-Raaj Kumar starrer Tirangaa (1993). The report further stated that producer Narendra Hirawat of NH Studioz will be producing the film. We had called and messaged him to get his version at that time but he was unavailable for comment. Narendra Hirawat has now exclusively shared his statement with Bollywood Hungama on this news report.

The veteran producer has stated in the report that while he has indeed signed Akshay Kumar, the film is not a remake of Tirangaa or any other film and that it has an original script. The statement reads, “In the last few days, there have been a few media reports stating that we are producing a remake of the film Tirangaa with Shri Akshay Kumar in the lead. We would like to hereby affirm that this news is completely baseless and untrue. Yes, we are indeed producing a film with Shri Akshay Kumar in the lead but we would like to categorically state that it is NOT a remake of any film. It is a completely new and original script. An official announcement regarding the same will be made soon.”

Narendra Hirawat’s recent release was Neeraj Pandey’s love saga Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha, starring Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shantanu Maheshwari and Saiee M Manjrekar. Akshay Kumar, meanwhile, was last seen in the inspiring biopic Sarfira. His next release, Khel Khel Mein, would arrive in cinemas on Thursday, August 15.

Akshay Kumar has an exciting line-up of films after Khel Khel Mein as well. These include the aerial action thriller Sky Force on October 2 and the much-awaited Singham Again on Diwali. This would be followed by the period courtroom drama Sankara, the hilarious legal flick Jolly LLB 3 co-starring Arshad Warsi, the big-scale comic capers Welcome To The Jungle and Housefull 5, the Pan-India film Kannappa and Narendra Hirawat’s next.

Also Read: SCOOP: Akshay Kumar signs remake of Nana Patekar-Raaj Kumar starrer Tirangaa?

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