Shah Rukh Khan Has A Contingency Plan For His Film, Zero

Said to be mounted on a budget of Rs 200 crore, Zero finds pride of place in Shah Rukh Khan's filmography as his most expensive film to date. While the mammoth budget would give sleepless nights to most producers, one can count on Khan's astute business skills to ensure that the project does not spell losses for him. With over two months to go before the Aanand L Rai-directed venture hits screens, trade sources indicate that the superstar has already recovered approximately Rs 130 crore through telecast rights, music rights and in-film branding. A trade source reveals, "The satellite rights have apparently been sold at a whopping sum to Sony Pictures. Plus, Shah Rukh's standing collaboration with Netflix has helped him bag a lucrative deal with the streaming giant for the film's digital rights."

Filmmaker Kabir Khan’s next directorial venture 83 is set to go on floors from June 5 in Glasgow, Scotland.

The film features Ranveer Singh as Kapil Dev, captain of the World Cup-winning Indian cricket team of 1983.

The team will shoot at a local cricket club in the Scottish port city for a week, followed by other popular locations like Dulwich college in London, Edinburgh cricket club, Nevill Ground at Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent and the Oval cricket ground.

“Since it’s a real-life story, this film involved a lot of training and research. Now that it’s going on the floors, starting with the Glasgow schedule, everyone’s excited to recreate a journey that made history, all thanks to our cricketing heroes of the 83 team,” Kabir said in a statement.

The film will chronicle India’s win under Kapil’s captainship when the team defeated West Indies in the final to clinch their first-ever World Cup trophy in 1983.

The film, presented by Reliance Entertainment, also features Pankaj Tripathi, Saqib Saleem, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Jatin Sharma, Ammy Virk and Hardy Sandhu.

Ali Abbas Zafar spent several days thinking about a perfect name for the lead character of his upcoming film and the director says he even delved into mythology until he got a perfect title in Bharat. The film, which is scheduled to release on June 2019, is a remake of Ode To My Father. Ali says he was extremely impressed with the 2014 Korean drama but the adaptation had to be in sync with the Indian sensibilities. "I didn't want to call it 'Ode to My Father.' I wasn't looking only at the promise he makes to his father but a lot of other things. I told Salman I'll make the film as not only his but the nation's journey. But I needed to know what the character should be called," Ali told PTI. The director said since Salman was headlining it, the film had to be "completely re-written", while simultaneously finding an ideal Indian name for the hero. "I thought Ram is an ideal hero from mythology. Could the character be called Arjun because he is doing it for his dharma, karma? Or should he be called Karna, a selfless hero. What do I call the film? "I felt if he is synonymous with what the nation has been over the generations, he should be named after the country. One night at 3AM, I was tossing on the bed, thinking hard, and then I had it: Bharat," he said. He immediately shared the name with Salman and producer Atul Agnihotri. "Producer Sajid Nadiadwala had the title registered under him so I told him about our film. Both Salman and Atul also jumped on it. Once I found the title, I started writing the film." The writing process for Bharat lasted almost a year and a half and Ali said, of all the Salman films, this one has gone through severe drafting. He said, "To bring out an emotion is the most difficult thing in a film. If you can crack that code, crack the reason you're making the film and how the audience will react, everything else becomes peripheral. Once I understood the emotion we were trying to show the film was set." 'Bharat' is solely a film on relationships. That was a new territory for me. At 36, I wanted to explore a man at 70. I pushed myself," said Ali. The film features the 53-year-old superstar in several looks, depicting changing decades, and Ali says Bharat has "six Salman Khan films in it." "The soul is the same throughout every look but every chapter is like a story, with a beginning, middle and an end. Like the thin moustache he sports is a hat tip to the Guru Dutt era. As we evolved, the look changed with bell bottoms, the language changed- from Urdu it become Hindustani and few English words came in. Along with the language graph, the visual tone also changes." Ali credited Salman for giving his best in the film. "If I'm calling Bharat as old as the nation, he needs to look like that, someone who has seen everything and evolved. Salman had no apprehension. He understands his audience really well. He thought that the old man look will get the maximum impact. He is bang-on in that look and with his performance," the director said.

Priyanka Chopra has a new role, as tech Investor

In one of her first acts as a startup investor, actress Priyanka Chopra recently toured the San Francisco home of her new portfolio company, a coding education company called Holberton School. The campus resembles a WeWork more than a school, with open-plan rows of desks, decorative neon lights and meeting rooms named after famous people. The school uses projects and group learning instead of more traditional courses, to teach software development. “You just hang out and you’re learning,” Chopra said. “It’s amazing.” Chopra, 36, has been doing a lot of hanging out and learning in technology circles lately. In between presenting at the Emmys, sitting in the front row at New York Fashion Week, celebrating the birthday of her fiancé, Nick Jonas, in Texas, and darting to her native India to act in a movie, she has squeezed in meetings with startup founders and lined up future investments. “Geeks are taking over the world,” Chopra said. “If they haven’t already,” she quickly added. There’s no shortage of celebrities investing in tech startups. So far, deals from male actors, athletes and musical artists have garnered much more attention than those from famous women. Ashton Kutcher is a regular at tech conferences; Carmelo Anthony and Nas have their own funds; Leonardo DiCaprio has been an adviser to at least three venture firms. Tyra Banks, Beyoncé and Demi Lovato have participated in startup deals. But few women have built robust portfolios. Chopra said she did not yet know how many deals she will do or how much money she would invest, but she does plan on building a portfolio. On Wednesday she announced her second investment, in Bumble, a dating and social media app founded by Whitney Wolfe Herd, one of the most prominent startup founders in tech.Chopra plans to help promote Bumble’s launch in India in the coming months. Chopra was introduced to tech investing by her manager, Anjula Acharia, a founder and angel investor who spent time as an entrepreneur-in-residence and partner at Trinity Ventures, a Silicon Valley venture capital firm. Acharia has worked with Chopra since 2010. Acharia was the first investor in ClassPass, a fitness booking startup; she made a return on the company’s most recent round of funding. She’s also invested in Bulletproof Coffee, Health-Ade Kombucha and The Muse. She said Jimmy Iovine, a mentor who backed her entertainment startup, DesiHits, taught her how to anticipate cultural trends. Acharia has straddled Hollywood and Silicon Valley says that, as an Indian woman, she has been a rarity in both worlds. On weekends, at the Hollywood parties she has frequented with Chopra, Acharia noticed they were often the only South Asians in attendance. Then, on weekday meetings with entrepreneurs and partners at Trinity Ventures, she was often the only woman. “I was always a minority,” she said. With Holberton involvement, Acharia and Chopra are making an effort to help change the tech industry’s gender disparity. After the musical performer Ne-Yo invested in Holberton and began to promote the school to his fans, applications from underrepresented minorities increased. Now, two thirds of Holberton’s students are people of color, and 30 percent are women. Chopra plans to promote the school to her fans as well. “If one day, because of Priyanka, it became 100 percent women, I’d be cool with that,” Acharia said. Founded in 2015, Holberton teaches students to code for free, then charges 17 percent of their paycheck for 3 1/2 years after they graduate. All of its graduates have found jobs. Chopra’s investment is part of an $8.2 million round of funding for Holberton which closed in April. She will join the company’s board of advisers. Chopra emphasized her support for Holberton’s mission to educate people from underprivileged backgrounds. Her investments will skew heavily toward companies with an element of social impact, and companies founded by women. “I don’t want to just be one of those people who’s like, ‘Yeah, I want to be on the tech bandwagon — how are they making so much money,’” she said, surveying the Holberton workspace in a cream pantsuit and snakeskin stilettos. “It’s not about that.” Chopra has worked with UNICEF to advocate for children since 2006, focused mostly on developing nations. But a dinner conversation with Acharia around the time of the 2016 election turned to education in America. That led Acharia to introduce Chopra to the Holberton School’s founders. “I think Holberton was the gateway drug for Priyanka,” Acharia said.

What Deepika Padukone Thought Of Ranveer Singh The First Time She Met Him

Despite the swirling wedding rumours, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have not yet admitted to their relationship. Though they are said to wed in November, there is no announcement. On Friday, the two were asked about their wedding at an event in New Delhi. Ranveer quipped that they would tell the world when it happens. Fans were quick to point out that since they are not denying the nuptials means it is happening. Dippy also revealed at the event that when she first met Ranveer, she felt he was not her type. Talk about opposites attracting each other.

Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone have been all over the headlines recently for their stunning appearance at the Met Gala 2019. Both the actresses walked the red carpet perfectly suited for the theme of "Camps: Note on Fashion". However, no one could stop gazing at Priyanka Chopra who made jaws drop with her spooky attire. Another Bollywood actress, Kangana Ranaut is all set to make her second red carpet appearance at the prestigious Cannes film festival in France. The actress has opted for leading celebrity stylist, Ami Patel to style all her looks at Cannes this year. Reportedly, the actress will wear a unique saree which will bring the forgotten weaves to the fore so that the world is more aware of India's rich fabrics and culture. Talking about her Bollywood counterparts Deepika and Priyanka dazzling the red carpet at the Met Gala 2019, Kangana said that it's wonderful how Priyanka and Deepika are making their mark there. However, the 'Manikarnika' actress said veteran actor Rekha really defines the real meaning of ‘Camp’ in India. On the work front, Kangana Ranaut will be next seen in 'Mental Hai Kya' starring alongside Rajkummar Rao. The film is slated to hit the screens on July 26.

Thoughts ON HUMANITY

It’s happening! Salman Khan’s Kick 2...

REVIEW:From the time he is a kid, Karam does a fine job of imitating women’s voices. So while in school he makes proxy phone calls to teachers as his friend’s mom, when he is older, Karam (Ayushmann Khurrana) lands roles in local plays as Sita and Radha. And is often revered by the people in the small town of Gokul for his roles and mostly for the voice he is able to modulate. But it’s not something either he or his father, Jagjit Singh (Annu Kapoor) are comfortable with. His dad wants him to find a regular job, where he doesn’t have to don the woman act and Karam is also very clear that he will play these roles only till he finds a regular job. Which he does soon enough, but the only hitch is it requires him to be ‘Pooja’ at a call center for sex chats. Soon enough, ‘Pooja’ has an assortment of men and a woman besotted by her. And each of them want to either meet or marry her. All this while Karam’s girlfriend Mahi (Nushrat Bharucha) is oblivious of his double life.

‘Dream Girl’ is positioned as an out and out comedy, so don’t expect any nuanced probe into cross dressing or exploring one’s sexuality. In fact, there is none of that.
While the premise of ‘Dream Girl’ is an interesting one to begin with, it doesn’t go beyond that idea. However, director Raaj Shaandilya manages to evoke some amount of laughter in this situational comedy. But there is also a dollop of humor which treads into the bizarre, double entendre and at times offensive zone. As a variety of characters and situations are bunged in, the screenplay moves at an uneven pace. The songs, ‘Radhe Radhe’ and ‘Dil Ka Telephone’ add some of the pep to the wobbly plot.
The performances by an ensemble cast stays above board – Ayushmann Khurrana pulls off a commendable, self-assured act, despite working with a character which is not entirely well fleshed out. Annu Kapoor, Vijay Raaz, Abhishek Bannerjee and Manjot Singh add to the comic element. Nushrat Bharucha and Rajesh Sharma are effective.
At the end of it, the film slips in a message on loneliness, social media friends and having someone to talk to. Despite the flaws, ‘Dream Girl’ attempts to show the leading man in a different light, and manages to entertain in parts.

REVIEW: Stress and overwhelming anxiety is a reality for many young students in India. More so, for those who appear for highly competitive engineering and medical entrance exams. And sometimes, ones who do not make it through the criteria find themselves in a whirlpool of doubt and depression. Unable to take the failure in the face of family and peer pressure, they often resort to actions which can cause irreparable damage to themselves and their families. While this bleak reality is at the center of Chhichhore’s narrative, its heart and soul is purely reserved for the carefree college and hostel days that shape lifelong bonds and life lessons.
Annirudh (Sushant Singh Rajput) lovingly called Anni by his college buddies and Maya (Shraddha Kapoor), a divorced couple, find themselves in a desperate situation when their teenaged son, Raghav attempts suicide. The doctors indicate that he is critical, not just physically but mentally too. Annirudh believes the only way to bring him out of this darkness is to take Raghav down his own memory lane (back to his hostel days from engineering college). A place where he not just fell in love with Maya but also, forged friendships with ‘Sexa’ (Varun Sharma), ‘Acid’ (Naveen Polishetty), Derek (Tahir Raj Bhasin), ‘Bevda’ (Saharsh Kumar Shukla) and ‘Mummy’ (Tushar Pandey).
As the film’s narrative walks us down the hostel corridors, director Nitesh Tiwari creates an authentic world that is evidently filled with nuggets of nostalgia and a breezy, vibrant energy. There are some genuinely very funny moments that click but also be prepared for a generous helping of low-brow, frat boy jokes, all of which may not be palatable. However, there is no doubt that in its flashback mode – packed with romance, comedy, a sporting championship and some hard realities of hostel life – ‘Chhichhore’ soars. And when it zips back to the present day, where the group has an unlikely reunion, its heartwarming to witness that their friendship has survived the test of time and distance.
The arc of the screenplay though is mostly predictable and has a 'Three Idiots' hangover. And with a lengthy runtime of almost two and half hours, the pace lags in the second half. It’s the emotional drama, fun quotient and a surprise element in the climax that keeps one invested. Shraddha Kapoor, packs in a solid performance both as the younger and older Maya. Sushant Singh Rajput shines as the young Anni (watch out for the scene where he goes tongue-tied in front of Maya!), however as the older Annirudh he seems a little uncomfortable. In fact, as the young lot – the performances are consistent - Varun Sharma steals the show in many of the scenes with his comic timing. Tahir Raj Bhasin is impressive as the intense Derek. Naveen Polishetty, Prateik Babbar, Tushar Pandey and Saharsh Singh also enhance the film with their likeable performances. Together, as a group of friends, they have an easy camaraderie that’s relatable.
‘Chhichhore’ has a relevant message on the inherent attitude towards academic success and failure that will connect with many youngsters and parents of today. It tells you that the journey is far more important than the destination and that losing is as critical a life lesson as winning. The film scores high on many accounts and is certainly worth watching.

REVIEW: Zoya (Sonam Kapoor), a junior copy writer in an ad agency is sent on an ad photo shoot with the Indian cricket team. When a love struck Zoya meets Nikhil Khoda (Dulquer Salmaan), captain of the Indian cricket team, they hit it off instantly. But soon, she has the entire team eating out of her hands because she lets out her ‘luck factor’ story over breakfast with them. And incidentally, the underperforming team even win the next couple of matches. And they have their lucky charm to thank for it.
While Nihkil relies solely on self-belief and hard work, his team is increasingly drawn towards Zoya as their lucky charm --- something that Nikhil strongly dissuades them from believing in. Matters come to a head when Zoya and Nikhil start dating, but the team management wants her on board as the team’s lucky mascot.
In his second Hindi movie outing, Dulquer Salmaan exudes oodles of charm as Nikhil. If in his Bollywood debut ‘Karwaan’ we saw him as the understated, almost nerdy (and very likeable) Avinash, in ‘The Zoya Factor’ Dulquer goes all out with his hunky, romantic avatar as Nikhil. From being playful to intense, Dulquer steals the show as he is absolutely brilliant in his portrayal.
Sonam Kapoor as a goofy junior copy writer fits into her role like a glove. In between dating losers and trying to save her flailing career, Sonam’s comic timing as Zoya is on the ball through most of the film. And together, Sonam and Dulquer’s chemistry works its magic and grows on you.
Director Abhishek Sharma gives us a light-hearted romantic comedy that hits all the right notes from the word go. An adaptation of Anuja Chauhan’s novel by the same name, the vibe here is breezy and feel-good. Even some of the improbable moments are dealt with amusingly well. Anil Kapoor in a cameo steals the moment with that one fleeting scene. The supporting cast with Sanjay Kapoor as Zoya’s father, Angad Bedi as Robin, another key player in the team, score well. Sikander Kher as Zoya’s brother pulls off some fine comic moments in the film. Special mention for the running cricket commentary which is absolutely howlarious. The pleasant soundtrack by Shankar Ehsaan Loy and the background score add their zing to the mood.
The Zoya Factor is a fun, frothy film that pits superstitions versus strategy and self-belief versus luck. And delightfully uses India’s cricket craze to deliver a thoroughly enjoyable, entertaining film.

REVIEW:Much like Sunny Deol’s debut film ‘Betaab’, his latest directorial ‘Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas’ also opens in the picturesque mountains of north India. A young Karan Sehgal runs an exclusive trekking company in Manali called ‘Camp Ujhi’, which is very popular among tourists and celebrities alike. Back in Delhi, India’s top vlogger Saher is looking to escape from an annual family reunion. So she somehow manages to bag the assignment to review ‘Camp Ujhi’. However, she is quite certain that the super exorbitant camp experience is a scam and is determined to bust it. This sets the stage for a typical love-hate encounter between the film’s lead pair, which is what takes up most of the first half. Apart from the stunning sights of Himachal (captured beautifully by cinematographers Himman Dhameja and Ragul Dharuman), there is not much to cheer for. Both the lead characters barely have any arch or real conviction to make the audience root for them. Saher is an ace blogger and an aspiring singer, but she doesn’t seem committed to either of the two vocations. She constantly cribs and rants about how difficult the trek is, when she knew exactly what she was signing up for. Karan’s business is flourishing, but he is barely involved in it. Thankfully, the two youngsters show some promise in the acting department, despite their loosely written characters. Karan Deol is honest in his portrayal of an orphaned youngster, who grew up in the hills. While he is decent in the emotional scenes, he has scope to improve in dialogue delivery. Also, he doesn’t quite lend himself naturally into the heavy-duty action scenes where he seems quite far stretched. The film’s leading lady Sahher Bambba makes a confident debut and looks glam. She is strong in confrontational and emotional scenes, but can have better timing in comedy.
However, for a film aspiring to be an innocent love story, the chemistry between the lead pair isn’t exactly crackling to create any memorable moments. The film’s music is melodious, although, it slackens the pace of the narrative. The film turns into an all out confrontation drama towards the climax, but none of the conflicts feel organic.
It’s evident that director Sunny Deol wanted to make a pure, simple love story. However, with a meatier story and better etched out characters, this one could’ve soared.

Several of his friends and filmi folks, who haven't seen him on the big screen in four years, have been congratulating him for attempting to play a teacher who speaks shudh Hindi, a tribute to his father Dharmendra's character in 'Chupke Chupke'. Now that the film, which centres around vasectomy, is all set to hit the screens, the actor will start looking at the other projects he has been offered. For Bobby, his dad has always been a huge inspiration. He says, "I am hungry for work. I want to collaborate with good directors on interesting scripts. I am happy that Poster Boys has got me back on everyone's minds. I am looking forward to new subjects and roles." The upcoming comedy, the remake of a Marathi film of the same name, also features macho Sunny Deol as one of the victims of a campaign that promotes vasectomy. The reason an actor with a repertoire of action films agreed to be a part of this light-hearted project is that today, meritorious content seems to have outshined big-budget projects. 'Poster Boys', produced by Sony Pictures Networks Productions, Sunny Sounds Pvt Ltd, Shreyas and Deepti Talpade, releases on September 8.