Stories

Bollywood heartthrob Vicky Kaushal and Punjabi sensation Ammy Virk set the Pink City ablaze with their charisma and energy as they visited Jaipur to promote their much-anticipated film, Bad Newz. The star-studded promotional event, held at the iconic Rambagh Palace, drew fans from all corners of the city, eager to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars.

The duo arrived in Jaipur to a grand welcome, with traditional Rajasthani music and dance performances adding a cultural touch to the festivities. Vicky Kaushal, known for his versatile acting and dynamic screen presence, expressed his excitement about the film and the warm reception from Jaipurites. Ammy Virk, making waves with his transition from Punjabi cinema to Bollywood, shared his thoughts on the film and the city’s vibrant culture.

During the event, the stars interacted with fans, answered questions from the media, and shared intriguing behind-the-scenes stories from the making of Bad Newz. The film, a thrilling drama with unexpected twists and turns, promises to be a cinematic treat for audiences nationwide.

Watch the trailer here:

Directed by Anand Tiwari, Bad Newz is presented by Amazon Prime and Dharma Productions, in association with Leo Media Collective, distributed overseas by Moviegoers Entertainment. Save the date for the only ‘Bad Newz’ to leave you in absolute splits, delivering in theatres near you on 19th July 2024!

If you’ve seen any of the promotional materials of Kill claiming it to be India’s goriest and most violent film – believe it.

I went for the UK press screening for Kill and I honestly didn’t have any expectations especially because I’m not a huge action film buff and the trailer didn’t excite me much.

But boy, was I wrong!!

Kill had me hooked from the minute go, leaving me breathless, gasping for air, grabbing the edge of my seat, waiting for the nightmare to end, but also wanting more.

A little bit of background – Kill, directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, revolves around Amrit (Lakshya Lalwani), a commando in the Indian army who’s traveling on Rajdhani Express train to stay close to his girlfriend Tulika (Tanya Maniktala). What begins as an uneventful journey soon takes a drastic turn when it’s hijacked by a gang of extremely aggressive and merciless bandits, led by the leader Fani (Raghav Juyal).

What follows is about an hour and half of intense adrenaline rush of excessively graphic bloodshed, gory train ride pack with violence and constant action.

And just when you think it’s over – BAM – it gets worse, and it’s bloody good!

You cannot watch a film like Kill and not commend the extremely well crafted and choreographed fight sequences with the punch, kicks, throat slashes, and brain smashes (yes, you read that right).

Each move is so meticulously designed by Action Director Se-Young Oh and Action Director Manager Seung Hyun Joey Kim in a confined setting of a narrow train. Remember when I mentioned earlier that I felt breathless during the screening – that is the desired effect because that’s how each character feels at every second; The film doesn’t allow the audience any time to process the shock, just like the characters holding onto their dear lives to survive on that train.

On that note, a film like this deserves the biggest theatre screen because the collective experience of watching it in a community makes it a thousand times more enjoyable. There were gasps, screams, cheers, slight giggles, and even applause.

You may not enjoy it on a small screen, watching it alone in your home.

Popcorn Rating:   [4/5]

Overall, don’t expect to watch Kill for the plot or a marvellous story – there are evident flaws. But if a film can keep you engaged and entertained throughout its runtime, despite its flaws – it’s a job well done!

After a spectacular launch of the fifth hero, Bujji, the first-ever life-sized futuristic vehicle in Indian cinema from the sci-fi epic, Kalki 2898 AD, the makers are set to give the audience an unprecedented introduction into the film’s world through a two-episode animated series, B&B: Bujji & Bhairava. Exclusively premiering on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories worldwide on May 31 in Telugu, English, Hindi, and Spanish, the animated series features Prabhas’ character, Bhairava, and his best friend, the futuristic vehicle, Bujji.

The pioneering series is another milestone for one of the highly anticipated films of 2024, which releases worldwide on June 27, making it the first Indian film to launch an animated prelude. Recreating his likeness in an animated form and lending his voice to his impressive character, Prabhas’ Bhairava and Bujji in the series give an unfiltered glimpse into the origins of their friendship, which evolves into an unbreakable bond. Creating an extraordinary visual spectacle complemented by an unparalleled audio experience, the brilliant animation uses cutting-edge technology to bring to life a captivating story of friendship and adventure.

Sharing his thoughts on the same, C. Ashwani Dutt, producer of Kalki 2898 AD and B&B: Bujji & Bhairava stated, “Vyjayanthi Movies has completed 50 glorious years. All these years, we have done larger-than-life spectacle movies like Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari and small-scale movies like Yevade Subramanyam, which have always created a benchmark for Telugu cinema. My daughters have worked on television, digital films, and series. For the first time ever, ‘B&B’, an animation series, a prelude to Kalki 2898 AD, is being launched even before the release of the film. This is the most innovative idea, and I am glad it is happening in Vyjayanthi. I am quite excited about this and am certain that it will entertain audiences of all ages.”

Adding to the same, director Nag Ashwin further said, “Bujji & Bhairava is a pure work of joy, just exploring the story of these two characters in Kalki that I enjoyed writing. It introduces audiences to the world and allows us to know more about these characters than the movie allows.”

“We are thrilled to exclusively stream and showcase B&B: Bujji & Bhairava on Prime Video. The two-episode animated series is a fitting precursor to the expansive and enthralling world of Kalki 2898 AD, a magnum opus that promises to leave the audience awestruck,” said Manish Menghani, director, content licensing, Prime Video India. “At Prime Video, we take immense pride in the synergistic collaborations and partnerships, such as this one with Vyjayanthi Movies, that endow us with the ability to build an enviable slate of content that includes the likes of Sita Ramam, Jathi Ratnalu, Mahanati, and many more. B&B: Bujji & Bhairava builds on the enormous scale and fandom amassed by Kalki 2898 AD and its star-studded ensemble cast, making it an exciting prelude that will further accentuate the experience of our customers while getting them involved and invested in the film, even before they watch it.”

B&B: Bujji & Bhairava is a fascinating prelude to Kalki 2898 AD, which features a stellar cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone and Disha Patani in key roles, made waves after its groundbreaking debut at San Diego Comic-Con last year, earning massive global acclaim.

Directed by Nag Ashwin and Produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, Kalki 2898 AD is a multilingual film, a mythology-inspired sci-fi spectacle set in the future which will release worldwide on June 27, 2024.

Production images have been released from Wise Children and the RSC’s adaptation of Hanif Kureshi’s The Buddha of Suburbia, adapted by Wise Children Artistic Director, Emma Rice, with Kureishi. The production runs at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in a co-production with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) as part of Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey’s inaugural season as Co-Artistic Directors.

Rice directs Dee Ahluwalia, Ankur Bahl, Raj Bajaj, Tommy Belshaw, Rina Fatania, Natasha Jayetileke, Bettrys Jones, Simon Rivers, Lucy Thackeray and Ewan Wardrop. The production opens on 30 April, with previews from 18 April, and runs until 1 June.

Emma Rice, Artistic Director of Wise Children said, “I’m honoured and excited to be part of Tamara and Daniel’s inaugural season as Co-Artistic Directors at the RSC. It’s magic to be returning to The Swan stage – and in such a thrilling way! There’ll be no iambic pentameter here, oh no! Expect party poppers, lawn mowers, bean bags and balloons!

“Hanif Kureishi’s debut novel The Buddha of Suburbia is a messy, joyful, and angry love letter to family, theatre and music. Funny and tender in equal measure, this landmark story fizzes with rebellion, confusion, love and acceptance.

“I couldn’t be more delighted to be working with my hero Hanif Kureishi on transforming his literary masterpiece into a joyful theatrical whoop. As the dawn of a new era shines upon the Swan stage, Buddha promises to be dashing, dirty, devasting and hopeful – just as theatre should be!”

Hanif Kureishi said today, “I am absolutely thrilled that Emma Rice is adapting my novel for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Emma has a uniquely theatrical imagination, which, in combination with my own theatre background and the novel’s partial setting in the theatre, will result in a vibrant and provocative production.”

Set Designer: Rachana Jadhav; Costume Designer: Vicki Mortimer; Sound and Video Designer: Simon Baker; Lighting Designer: Jai Morjaria; Composer: Niraj Chag; Choreographer: Etta Murfitt; Fight Director: Kev McCurdy; Casting Director: Matthew Dewsbury CDG

An irresistible, heart-breaking and joyful exploration of family, friends, sex, theatre and, ultimately, belonging. Emma Rice adapts the award-winning 1990 novel, The Buddha of Suburbia with Hanif Kureishi in a major new co-production with Wise Children and the RSC.

Applause Entertainment’s highly anticipated series, Gandhi, is currently in production, filming across various locations under the creative helm of visionary director, Hansal Mehta. The series promises a riveting period drama, transporting audiences to Gandhi’s captivating journey. Today, the makers unveil the esteemed International cast that are poised to breathe life into pivotal roles.

Enlisting an array of diverse artists, each bringing their unique talents to the forefront, the series boasts an impressive ensemble. Leading the charge is none other than Tom Felton, celebrated for his iconic portrayal in the Harry Potter series. Alongside Felton, the cast features a constellation of stars including Libby Mai, Molly Wright, Ralph Adeniyi, James Murray, Lindon Alexander, Jonno Davies and Simon Lennon amongst others. At the forefront of this project is the immensely talented Pratik Gandhi, portraying the iconic role of Gandhi himself.

Sameer Nair, Managing Director, Applause Entertainment, “We are excited to bring together an exceptional ensemble cast from across the globe, each adding their own unique brilliance to this monumental tale. With Hansal Mehta at the helm, and the incomparable Pratik Gandhi embodying the spirit of Gandhi, we aim to propel our Indian series onto the global stage with resounding impact.”

Director Hansal Mehta, “Working with an exceptionally talented cast has been nothing but a privilege. The casting of some exceptional international actors to our ensemble is even more exciting as we prepare to take our labour of love to audiences worldwide. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s story, particularly his more formative years spent in London and South Africa, is a story for our times, an untouched but fertile tale of a young man who goes on a voyage of self-discovery, not knowing the impact he’d have on history and on our collective consciousness. I feel truly honoured to have gotten the opportunity to bring this epic tale to life.”

Tom Felton, “I’m excited to be part of the journey of telling the story of Gandhi’s early years in London. It’s an important aspect of history that hasn’t been told on screen before, and to be working with Hansal & Pratik is an honour and pleasure.”

As production continues on Gandhi, anticipation mounts for its release, promising an unforgettable exploration of Indian history.

I Wanted to Quit Too was created as a medicine for those who feel misunderstood and discouraged, for anyone who faces heartbreak and grief, for anyone who is tired of pursuing their dreams, for those who are lonely or homesick and craving some love, affection, touch and care, for those just trying to face another day. Featuring stories from a range of voices that cross generations, through different cultures, lifestyles and life experiences, some familiar, others being heard for the first time, these stories explore the exceptional essence of wanting to give up and the true power and magic in never doing so.

Split into five parts – Health, Hustle, Help, Hope and Healing – and featuring exclusive poetry throughout from award-winning creative, Manawer, this ground-breaking anthology includes short stories and conversations from global household names and hometown heroes including photographer Greg Williams, actress Courteney Cox, actors Hero Fiennes Tiffin and Jay Ellis, YouTuber KSI, rugby union player Maro Itoje, singer-songwriter Sinéad Harnett, amongst many others.

Interspersed with beautiful poetry from Hussain Manawer, this is an uplifting, hopeful and
honest collection that is guaranteed to inspire.

Hussain Manawer was born and raised in London’s East End. It was here Hussain found his love for the poetic arts. At 15, he found fascination with Rap, Music, Poetry and Spoken-Word. This fierce passion has continued into adulthood with the poet constantly searching for understanding of humankind, whether across borders or life within.

More than a decade later, his debut collection, Life Is Sad And Beautiful, entered The Sunday Times chart upon release, sitting there for two consecutive weeks. The collection sold more than 10,000 copies within the first few months, making him the first British Pakistani Poet to hold such a position.

Life Is Sad And Beautiful has since been adopted in the UK’s Key Stage 3 and 4 National Curriculum.

His unique style of poetic storytelling blends a fusion of dynamic life experiences, pain, humour, heartbreak and music, finding him on a variety of stages including Glastonbury. High profile collaborations include featuring alongside Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry in their latest docu-series, The Me You Can’t See, and special commissions include The Royal Family, BAFTA, Burberry, Google, The Royal College of Psychiatrists and others.

Having reached millions of people online with his raw emotive pieces expressing grief, loss and an attempt to build a life after loss, he used his reach to create an entirely new Guinness World Record for The World’s Largest Mental Health Lesson; alongside Professor Dame Til Wykes, King’s College London and the Hackney Empire in 2017.

In 2018, Prime Minister Theresa May went on to award him the Point of Light award, recognising his outstanding efforts in helping the country’s mental health crisis. He was also awarded an Honorary Fellowship of King’s College London in 2018.

I Wanted to Quit Too is published by Catalyst in hardcover on 23rd May priced at £16.99.