The much-awaiting trailer of the second season of Amazon Prime Video’s Breathe is out.
Titled Breathe: Into The Shadows promises to be a gripping thriller starring Abhishek Bachchan, Nithya Menen and Amit Sadh in the lead.
The trailer gives a glimpse into the life of a couple Avinash and Abha Sabharwal (played by Bachchan and Menen respectively) whose daughter has been kidnapped.
Distraught by the incident, the parents wait for up to 3 months for a ransom call or any update that leads them to their missing daughter.
However, they soon discover that it’s no ordinary kidnapping – it’s a plot to kill people with lust and anger. The story unfolds in a series of mind-games pushing Avinash and Abha into the dark web of crimes.
Avinash, who is a psychiatrist tries to understand the kidnappers’ motive and patterns by working alongside the police investigation to protect his daughter.
The mood of Breathe 2is quite similar to that of Season 1, which is certainly a plus as it appears to be a sharp drama-thriller. However, with the sudden surge of crime-drama series of several streaming platforms, Breathe 2 may find it hard to break through the clutter.
You can watch the trailer here:
The web show is set to premiere on the Amazon Prime Video on 10 July, 2020.
If you are familiar with names like G.One, Krrish, Drona, Flying Jatt or even Jaadu … this one’s for you!
Bollywood has been quite experimental in the last two decade. I think its safe to say that filmmakers have really pushed the envelope by experimenting various genres. But for some reason our superhero films don’t seem to do well.
And that’s something I don’t understand because I think most of them have been quite brilliant. And I also don’t understand why we always compare our cinema with Hollywood?
I asked you about Ra.One, Krrish and Flying Jatt.
All those films aren’t just about a superhero with a random power to save the world. They are well developed characters with very unique cultural, social and even political references that are relatable with the Indian audience. But they are either completely rejected by viewers or becomes one of those “underrated” films.
My favorite is Ra.One – the story revolves around a villain from a video game where the “bad guy” is named Ravan – the obvious reference is from Ramayan but the film actually explained it being short for Random Access Version One.
And the protagonist is G.One – the “good one.” They kept it so simple but I that’s what made it so interesting.
Same with Krrish – a guy who inherits superpowers from his dad and uses them wisely. I personally liked Krrish 3 more than the prequels which is based on a deadly virus that spread rapidly around the world and scientists are working on its antidote.
Note: The film was made in 2013, not in 2020. Way ahead of its time!
Also, the concept of an evil genius named Kaal who controls the world on a wheelchair by creating a team of human-animal hybrids called “maanvars” is incredible. And I’m sure you remember Kaya played by Kangana Ranaut.
Another film that barely got any recognition was Flying Jatt starring Tiger Shroff as the super hero – If you haven’t seen it, please do – it is available on streaming platform.
Flying Jatt was is such a smart film about how a superhero who saves the planet by fighting an evil force, Raka that thrives on pollutants on Earth. So the more pollution we have on Earth, the stronger he becomes and destroys the planet.
Not too long ago, there were two small-scale “super-hero-ish” films where the hero is like a boy-next-door – Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota and Bhavesh Joshi Superhero. Neither film was a commercial success. Sure, there are some flaws here and there, but I know for a fact that people loved both the films. Surya and Bhavesh become superheroes who fight local neighborhood crimes.
Side note: There may be a collaboration between the two neighborhood superheroes soon. Know more in the interview below:
We might get our very own collaborative superhero franchise soon.
The good news is that there are some interesting projects in the pipeline – there’s buzz about Krrish 4, a collab between Katrina Kaif and director Ali Abbas Zafar, and the highly awaited Brahmastra.
The London Indian Film Festival (LIFF) goes digital this year as cinemas remain shut due to the global lockdown. Backed by the British Film Institute (BFI) and Birmingham Indian Film Festival, LIFF is screening some of the finest films in an online film festival – LOVE LIFF AT HOME.
The festival will be showcasing films as well as host interviews with South Asian artists from 25th June to 5th July 2020.
While the screening is free, the feature films are available exclusively for UK residents. The interviews are available for the global audience.
The opening of LIFF was done with a virtual interview with actor Ayushmann Khurana on 25th July, followed by short films selected as part of the annual Satyajit Ray Short Film Competition (films available online till July 5, 2020).
Several films and conversations have already been aired in this 10-day festival.
You can find the schedule of the remaining program here:
Tuesday – June 30, 2020 6PM (BST) | 10.30PM (IST) Interview with Shabana Azmi
Wednesday – July 1, 2020 6PM (BST) | 10.30PM (IST) Interview with Deepa Mehta
Thursday – July 2, 2020 6PM (BST) | 10.30PM (IST) Interview with Mira Nair Film Screening for 24 hours: Mississippi Masala [1991]
Friday – July 3, 2020 Film Screening for 24 hours: Moothon (The Elder One) [2019]
Saturday – July 4, 2020 Film Screening for 24 hours: The MisEducation of Bindu [2019]
Sunday – July 5, 2020 6PM (BST) | 10.30PM (IST) Interview with Freida Pinto Film Screening for 24 hours: Breaking Barriers
[THIS STORY HAS BEEN SOURCED FROM ANOTHER PUBLICATION. POPCORN PIXEL ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ITS AUTHENTICITY AND DATA OF THE TEXT, AND RESERVES SOLE RIGHT TO ALTER OR DELETE THE CONTENT IN ITS DISCRETION, WITHOUT NOTICE].
Saand Ki Aankh is not a film just about women empowerment – it’s about womanhood, sisterhood and celebrating life.
Starring actresses Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar in the lead roles, Saand Ki Aankh is based on the lives of sharpshooters Chandro Tomar and Prakashi Tomar, also known as Shooter Dadi and Revolver Dadi respectively.
The film made its theatrical release on 25 October 2019 and made its digital premiere soon after.
The film received mix reviews specifically for using younger actors to portray characters of 60-year-old women from rural India. And while that may be a drawback since it takes some time getting used to their heavy makeup, inconsistent dialect in parts and body language, Saand Ki Aankh is a gem once you can move past its flaws.
The women in the film are aware of the toxic patriarchy and misogyny, but doesn’t let the fragile egos of men break their confidence. They don’t even take themselves too seriously – they are firm, focused on finding solutions and sticking to their guns (no pun intended).
Here are 5 memorable moments from the film (stop reading ahead in case you haven’t seen it – spoilers ahead):
When Chandro (Bhumi Pednekar) advises her newly wedded sister-in-law Prakashi (Taapsee Pannu) to pick a color of dupatta that she’s willing to wear for life. This is so their respective husbands can identify them without having to lift the veil.
When Chandro encourages her granddaughter to learn shooting at an all-boys shooting club and ends up shooting a bull’s eye at her first attempt. She then also encourages Prakashi to take her daughter to the club, where Prakashi too hits a bull’s eye effortlessly. While it seems unrealistic (which it is NOT because it’s based on a true story), the grandmothers have a steady hand and sharp eyes due to years of experience in working in the fields and hard-core household chores. Their training doesn’t come from practicing at an indoor club, it comes from life!
Both Chandro and Prakashi are eager to learn, whether it is learning to sew clothes, shooting or even English. Chandro gets excited every time her grandson teaches her a new word (even if its “fool”), and even pushes Prakashi to take up sewing more seriously and stitch clothes for the women of the house if that make her happy.
When Chandro and Prakashi tactfully manage their husbands under the pretense of a dream that could be a bad omen signaling their partner’s passing. They scheme up a plan so they can travel to another city to participate in a shooting tournament. It’s a treat to watch their plans take shape throughout the film.
The last scene when Prakashi’s daughter returns from a World Cup season and thanks the original sharpshooters for encouraging her and giving her wings to fly. She goes to her mother and gifts her an “imported” nail polish – something Prakashi never experienced because she was too caught being tough for her girls.
BONUS: When the Tomar shooters, i.e. Chandro, Prakashi, Chandro’s granddaughter and Prakashi’s daughter are rewarded a mango each they score a bull’s eye at training.
What’s your favorite scene from Saand Ki Aankh. Share in the comment below!
I started a new series to talk about my love for Bollywood and entertainment and couldn’t think of a better topic than the first film that made me fall in love with films, London and Raj – Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
Who doesn’t love the classic love-story of Raj and Simran… from London to Punjab?
Leave a comment if you too have always dreamt of going on the EuroRail with your friends, finding a cute boy on the way, buying that cow bell and ofcourse, reenacting that train scene every time you see one!
My love for DDLJ developed few years after its release. Years ago, my family and I went on a vacation to Canada and stayed with some relatives. Since there wasn’t much to do all day, so while the parents were out and about, the kids (me, my sister and our relative’s kids – also 2 sisters) watched DDLJ – over and over and over again. I’m not joking – we watched it on repeat, day and night. The minute it ended, we would rewind it and get even more excited to watch it all over again with a new bag of popcorn each time. I think we must’ve watched it over 50 times. I’m not even exaggerating.
Towards the end of the trip, I knew every scene, every dialogue, every actor, and ever move of every character (see the above video – you’ll know what I’m talking about!)
There’s no point analyzing DDLJ because it’s a fun film – a family entertainer. And maybe that’s why it’s so special. IT reminds us of a time when films were just simple – they were sweet innocent and pure. You go to a theatre, you watch a film, you absorb it, you LIVE it… and you come home.
FUN FACT – DDLJ is taught at New York University (NYU) in Cinema Studies by some visiting professors. The film has become a tool to learn more about filmmaking, character analysis, story writing and more.
Is Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge your favorite 90’s film too? Tell me your favorite memory of the film!
Few weeks ago singer Neha Kakkar made a statement about the unfavorable payment norms in the music industry as she has never been compensated for playback singing in Bollywood films.
As reported by news agency IANS, the former Indian Idol winner elaborated on the situation:
We don’t get paid for singing in Bollywood at all. What happens is they feel that if we give a super-hit song, the singer will earn through shows. I get a good amount from live concerts and everything, but Bollywood doesn’t have this scene. To make us sing a song, they don’t pay.
Recently, singer Sonu Nigam too released a video supporting such claims and the unethical actions of the Indian music industry that exploits new talent. In the wake of actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s sudden demise due to alleged suicide, Nigam shared in his vlog:
Today, Sushant Singh Rajput, an actor has died. Tomorrow you can hear the same for any singer, music composer or lyricist because there’s a bigger mafia that exists in the music scene in India. I was lucky to debut at a young age and hence was able to flee from this whole mess quite early. But it’s a difficult scenario for the new kids.
Sonu Nigam
The National Award winner further revealed that the industry is primarily monopolized by two players who have the power to decide the fate of artists in collaboration with famous actors.
“In my case, I’ve known of this same actor, who’s under the scanner right now, telling the insiders to not tell me sing a particular song. He’s done the same Arijit Singh as well… How can you use your power like that?
Nigam requested the industry leaders to be more compassionate and act with kindness in the business.
In the music industry, specifically, is quite fluid where artists don’t necessarily have rights or royalty to their songs. These claims have raised several questions about the unprofessionalism in the entertainment business and need for a standardized process that protects artists.
What are your thoughts?
You can watch Sonu Nigam’s vlog here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBkwC8Uhs_H/
[THIS STORY HAS BEEN SOURCED FROM ANOTHER PUBLICATION. POPCORN PIXEL ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ITS AUTHENTICITY AND DATA OF THE TEXT, AND RESERVES SOLE RIGHT TO ALTER OR DELETE THE CONTENT IN ITS DISCRETION, WITHOUT NOTICE].
The Viral Fever (TVF) has aced the web-series game with unique and feel-good content.
Since its inception in 2010, the production house successfully launched several digital shows targeting various groups with diverse subject.
Most of the content is subtle and mature without being too preachy or over-the-top, which makes them extremely authentic and relatable.
Here’s a list of 5 of our favorite feel-good web series by TVF that you can watch (or rewatch) to escape the lockdown blues. All shows are streaming on their app TVFPlay:
Permanent Roommates [2014] Cast: Sumeet Vyas and Nidhi Singh
Permanent Roommates is a sweet romantic-comedy of a couple who decides to move-in together to explore their relationship before getting married. The story revolves around modern relationships with all the ups and downs where two people learn to share a space, fall in love, fall in compromise and even deal with an unplanned pregnancy.
If you’re a newly-wed, you may relate to this and maybe even take few notes from the lives of Tanya and Mikesh.
TVF Pitchers was probably one of the first Indian web show that touched upon the start-up culture and the growing digital landscape in the country. It’s fresh, original and we’re still waiting to find out what happened with the young techies.
If you’re contemplating giving your start-up idea a serious thought, this show might be the inspiration you need.
A quirky coming-of-age series with siblings as the central characters, each fighting their own battles. What starts out as a slightly dramatic story turns into a fun road-trip where three siblings evolve together and learn to bond again.
PS. Season 2 may feel like a let down compared to Season 1, but give it watch for Chandan, Chanchal & Chitvan.
Yeh Meri Family [2018] Cast: Mona Singh, Akarsh Khurana, Vishesh Bansal, Ahan Nirban and Ruhi Khan
Remember playing FLAMES with your friends, listening to music on a walkman, organizing your birthday-party at home or enjoying a surprise mid-week family outing to a restaurant?
Yeh Meri Familyis a refreshing and nostalgic web series that will take you back to the 90’s. A story about a small family that beautifully highlights the lifestyle and relationships between a parents, siblings, friends and even a first crush. Travel back to the era with this subtle and cute show that will keep you smiling till the end.
Panchayat [2020] Cast: Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta and Raghuvir Yadav
The series gives you a real, simple and authentic glimpse into the lives of people in rural India and their take on local politics. The story develops through the experiences of an engineering graduate whose appointed as a panchayat secretary. An urban boy struggles to make the best out of an unfavorable situation and learns to cope with real-world problems in a subtle and delightful 8-episode series.
The good thing is, the season ends with a clear premise set for another season.
Bonus: Kota Factory [2019] Cast: Jitendra Kumar, Mayur More, Ranjan Raj, Alam Khan and Ahsaas Channa
A black and white series that chronicles the experiences of IIT students who struggle to stay on top at school. Kota Factory is set in Kota, Rajasthan which is famous for coaching institutes that “trains” students to help them get good placements and have a fruitful future.
If you have questions about why the 5-episode series is black and white, stick around till the end for it all to make sense.
I wrote an article about you on 14 June, 2018. I can’t believe I’m writing about you again exactly two years later, but for a completely different reason.
On 14 June, 2020 I didn’t want to blast your pictures on social media with an emotional note – it didn’t feel right. I gave myself a day to shake off the numbing and unsettling feeling. I messaged some people in the industry who worked closely with you to ensure they’re doing okay. It felt the best way to honor and respect your memory and life.
I admired you not just as a self-made celebrity in the cut-throat business of Bollywood, but for your passion beyond it.
In 2018, I was curious about your entrepreneurial debut, Innsaei Ventures Pvt Ltd. – A venture that aimed at focusing on emerging technologies that disrupted the socio-economics and developmental transformations.
It was fascinating that a young actor had such diverse interests and utilized his “star-power” to learn more and spread more knowledge to the world.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv6QxhsFzFv/
I followed you on Instagram and often saw you posting extremely informative and enlightening content – things that a “star” doesn’t necessarily do. You shared your bucket-list with everyone, you replied to almost every comment on your posts, you even went off social media for a while and returned when you had some more thoughts to share.
Looking back at your journey, it’s easy to point out moments when something was amiss.
You were a private person.
You know how actors these days are constantly being ‘papped?’ I don’t think you enjoyed being hounded like that. Perhaps that’s what made you stand-out even more. Unfortunately though, it probably made you go deeper into your own shell.
Upon hearing the news of your demise, I kept thinking to myself – “He has a new film coming up in a FEW DAYS! Wasn’t that something to live for or look forward to? I wish he waited… maybe his life could’ve picked up again.”
Poster of Dil Bechara
I will be waiting for your last film, Dil Bechara to release. But I have read the book and I know how it ends… and it’s not going to be an easy watch.
People will continue to speculate and over-analyze your actions and life. But no one knew how dark that cloud over your head really was.
I hope they remember you as the man whose eyes sparkled every time he smiled. For a young man with so many accomplishments and strength, you deserved better. You deserved more.
The story revolves around a family that enjoys a luxurious and comfortable lifestyle, until one day when their world is turned upside down.
Aarya (Sushmita Sen) discovers that her husband Tej (Chandrachur Singh) uses the family business to run an illegal drug ring. She threatens to divorce him if he continues to deal in illegal medicines, but her world is soon shattered when Tej is mysteriously killed.
What follows is a women’s transformation navigating her way in the world of crime, uncovering dangerous and darks secrets of her husband’s illegal business, and fiercely taking over for the safety of her children.
“Aarya represents strength, determination and above all vulnerability in a world full of crime, a world run by men. For me, personally, it is the story of family, betrayal and a mother who is willing to go to any length to protect her children. It took me a decade to find a role like this to sink into and I’m thrilled to be a part of this incredible story.”
Director Ram Madhvani describes Aarya as a “refreshing watch.” He shared that “every character has a purpose in Aarya’s journey as she goes from being a homemaker to a hardened criminal.”
The web-series also stars Namit Das, Sikandar Kher, Manish Chaudhari, Vinod Rawat, Ankur Bhatia, Alexx O’Nell and Sugandha Garg among others.
Watch the trailer here:
It will release on 19 June 2020 streaming exclusively on Disney Plus Hotstar.
