The Bachchan Jr. duo, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are ready to share screen space again after eight years. The couple has been approached by Phantom Films for a project titled, Gulab Jamun.
As the name suggest, the film is reportedly a drama-comedy (aka “dramedy”) revolving around Bachchans’ characters who grow into elderly people. Talking about the story, a source revealed “the twist is that they won’t be sporting white hair and looking old.”
(L-R) Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan
The source also shared that actor Amitabh Bachchan may play the role of an older Abhishek. The role of an older Aishwarya was offered to actress Jaya Bachchan, but she has declined to play the part.
Gulab Jamun is written and directed by Sarvesh Mewara, who has worked on fine-tuning the script for three months. The final narration has been presented to the leads actors, who seem to have given their nod of approval.
Abhishek and Aishwarya, reportedly, have also been approached by producer Shailesh R. Singh for a cop-drama, which revolves around a married couple who are also IPS officers. There has been no confirmation on the project yet.
Actress Suchitra Krishnamoorthi is ready to face the screen once again. Fondly remembered for her role as “Anna” in Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994), the actress is making a comeback in Bollywood with director Robbie Garewal’s RAW: Romeo, Akbar, Walter.
Source: Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa
The film is an espionage drama starring John Abraham along with Jackie Shroff, Sikandar Kher and Mouni Roy.
Excited about returning to work, Krishnamoorthi said, “This is the first time I am working in such a big film in a commercial setup.”
— Suchitra Krishnamoorthi (@suchitrak) July 6, 2018
In her decade long hiatus, the actress reveals that she regrets rejecting some films which turned out to becoming “really big hits.”
“I’m a moody actor… I’ve been getting mother roles of late so it was a relief to land a film like RAW, which is a true story set in 1971 India. The look is also based on real characters,” she elaborates speaking to you a publication.
Production of RAWis expected to conclude by end of August 2018 and with hit theatre on January 26, 2019.
Brahmastra is quickly becoming the most awaiting film of 2019. With a powerful ensemble cast of actors Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and recent joiner Nagarjuna Akkineni, the film is expected to be larger than life – as the title suggests.
Directed by Ayan Mukerji, Brahmastra is superhero trilogy and first in the fantasy adventure genre series by Dharma Productions. According to rumors, Kapoor’s character has the superpower of unleashing fire from his palms. However, the actor has refrained from confirming the plot, but has clarified that the film is a “supernatural romantic fairytale at heart.”
The crew is currently in Bulgaria shooting the second schedule of the film.
Excited about the mega-ambitious project, Kapoor revealed, “Ayan has worked on this
film for six years. He is going to spend the next 10 years of his life on this trilogy. So when the first part is complete, the audience will know it’s not the end.”
(L-R) Ranbir Kapoor & Ayan Mukerji
Since the series is expected to run for a decade, the team is expected to jump into preps for the second installment right after the first film is out.
“Between every part, Ayan has allowed me to do two films, which is great.” Kapoor added.
The Sanju star will once again be seen in a new avatar in Shamshera, an action period drama scheduled for release in 2020.
Following the announcement, there’s another development on the cast. Earlier reports suggested that actor Abhishek Bachchan will co-star opposite Chopra. However, now Farhan Akhtar has been approached to replace Bachchan, who will play Chopra’s husband in the film. While there hasn’t been an official confirmation regarding the final cast, Akhtar seems to have given a nod on the project.
This will be the second on-screen collaboration between Chopra and Akhtar; they were last seen together in Dil Dhadakne Do (2015). The two collaborated earlier for Don (2006) and Don 2 (2011), where Chopra played the female lead to Akthar’s directorial ventures.
The Sky is Pink is inspired by the life of Aisha Chaudhary, a young motivational speaker who was born with a severe immunodeficiency disorder. At the age of 13, she was diagnosed with a lung disease and underwent a bone marrow transplant. Even though Chaudhary struggled through life-threatening diseases, she was best known for her positive attitude and her book My Little Epiphanies.
Chopra and Akhtar will play the role of Chaudhary’s parents in the film.
Go Goa Gone (GGG) was one of most successful horror comedies of recent times, and is now ready for a sequel. Recently, actor Saif Ali Khan confirmed the return of his pseudo Russian character “Boris” with a second installment of the series titled Go Goa Gone 2.
GGG was the first commercial Bollywood film about zombies, who can only be revived by a dose / sprinkle of cocaine which serve as an antidote. Though the film wasn’t a commercial success, it was well received by the audience and became a cult in its genre.
Apart from Khan, actors Kunal Kemmu and Vir Das will also reprise their quirky characters in the sequel.
Still from Go Goa Gone
Talking about it to a publication, Khan said “We are doing Go Go Gone 2. It’s an exciting idea and I’ve really liked it. I will return as Boris in the sequel. But this time, I’ll be on a different mission. Raj and DK have found an interesting premise for the second installment, which is in sync with the first part.”
The script of the film is still being finalized and the production is expected to go on floors by January 2019.
Biopics seem to be the hottest genre in Bollywood this year. While actors are hustling to play reel-life characters of influential role models, actress Sunny Leone is breaking the stereotype again by doing it her way.
Leone will be seen in her own biopic web-series titled Karenjit Kaur: The Untold Story of Sunny Leone.
Before she became a household name with her stint in the adult film industry, she was identified as Karenjit Kaur Vohra growing up in Canada. Leone’s life has pretty much been an open book since she moved to Bollywood, but the series is expected to delve deeper into the lesser-known facts about journey.
From being one of the most Googled celebrity, to becoming a regular within the Indian film fraternity, Leone has always claimed to do it all on her own terms. Speaking about revealing parts of her life that may be too controversial for the Indian audience, she said, ““Honestly, I don’t think I have ever done my work worrying about people judging me. I have achieved this all by myself, and this is my past, my life story, I have never ran away from it. Also, I had an amazing production team that has backed me well, and we have managed to revisit my life story in the most beautiful way.”
While Leone will play herself in the later part of her life, Rysa Sujania will essay the role her younger version.
Born in Hong Kong and raised in Russia, Rahul Shahani is an artist who is popularly known as Shah Rule. He’s the new kid on the block who became a fan of hip-hop quite young and started writing music, rapping at the age of 13 and later graduated with a degree in Audio Engineering.
Shah started his music career by working within the corporate sector, producing songs and jingles for brands.
He moved to India over 2 years ago to pursue his passion for music in Bollywood, and hit gold with one of the most awaited upcoming films Gully Boy. But, interestingly, he will make his debut as an actor.
GullyBoy is film based on underground music artists in Mumbai, with Ranveer Singh playing titular role. Speaking to the artist on why he’s been cast as an actor, we discovered that the makers wanted to maintain authenticity of the genre and artists. A post was shared by director Zoya Akhtar’s giving real-life rappers an opportunity to feature in the project.
Artist: Shah Rule
How did it all happen? I auditioned for a role because I have some acting experience. After a few months I got a call for the second audition, but I was traveling at that time. So I told [Excel Entertainment] that I would have to do it once I am back in the country. While I was traveling, I found all these Instagram posts of Ranveer Singh at the workshop, so immediately thought I lost my chance. So as soon as I came back I got in touch with the team, we had a meeting and I was offered a role in the film.
Gully Boy is about underground artists, hip-hop, rapping as a musical form, which has really evolved in India today, especially with the popularity of Badshah, Raftaar and Yo Yo Honey Singh. How do you see it shaping or becoming more mainstream? Badshah, [Yo Yo] Honey Singh and Raftaar are the top tier. There are a lot of younger guys who are quite big too and have a huge following, and then there’s another level with artists like Divine [Vivian Fernandes] are crossing over, who are from the streets and underground and have signed deals with major labels.
Even today, with rap being so big in the world, it’s still hard to accept for the masses over here, which is also the great thing about Gully Boy because it will change the perception of that. If you see the talent that this country has in terms of rap, it’s on a complete poetic scale.
But do you think the top artists in the country have established a niche style that has become a benchmark for aspiring rappers? I do feel that but it’s also a formula that’s been used in the U.S. and all over the world. Rap has just recently gotten into Bollywood in the last 4 to 5 years, or even 10 years with artists like Hard Kaur, but it was always just one verse of the song. Now slowly, guys like Badshah or Honey Singh have had a few songs where they have the freedom to do the full song. For example, Badshah had his own song in Veere Di Wedding.
Ranveer Singh & Shah Rule
Coming back to Gully Boy, do you think the film will introduce us to another style to the form? When Gully Boy comes out, India will have a completely different perception of what hip-hop is. It won’t be that glamorous with money, girls, cars and stuff. It will show a completely different point of view. It will be more of the artistry.
I think Gully [Boy] is so important because it will bring out so much talent and opportunities.
Speaking of the main “boy” in Gully Boy Ranveer Singh, how was the experience working with him? Everyone was very dedicated and passionate. Zoya was very cool and helpful. To prep for the scene, she just told me to get on stage and react. I didn’t properly meet Ranveer [Singh] before doing the scene and as soon as the director yelled, “cut” after the shot, I felt his energy and he hugged me. And in between takes we sat together and talked; he’s such a nice guy who’s super passionate, humble and hard working.
Lastly, how would you define yourself as an artist since you have experience in production, mixing, singing, rapper and now even acting? I would say I am Mogul. I don’t look at myself as a rapper anymore. I just want to see myself as an artist, someone who puts out music with emotions that should resonate with people. Rap is my tool and I did start off with it, but at the end of the day I do want to appeal to the commercial audience and I came to India to do that. Being in any part of the music industry is my passion; I am an artist and I want my music out there.
Shah Rule recently released his new single titled Lakhs, exclusively on Apple Music. Check out the video here:
PS. The video features some rappers and extras who will also be seen in Gully Boy.The film is scheduled for release on February 14, 2019.
Vishesh Films by Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt is back in production after two years with Jalebi. The film was initially announced last year in December, and has now been confirmed to complete its first schedule with actors Rhea Chakraborty, Digangana Suryavanshi and Varun Mitra.
The film is written by popular lyricist Kausar Munir and will be directed by Pushpdeep Bharadwaj.
Not much has been revealed about the story of the film, but it’s great to see the Bhatt brothers keep their tradition of introducing fresh talent in Bollywood. Vishesh Films is known for featuring newcomers in interesting and unique story-lines under the production house. Their last venture was Raaz: Reboot in 2016.
Tara Sutaria, debuting in Student of the Year 2 (SOTY2), has already bagged her second Bollywood project. After SOTY2, the actress will be seen in the Hindi remake of the Telegu film Arjun Reddy, co-starring actor Shahid Kapoor.
Arjun Reddy was one of the biggest hits of 2017, earning up to INR 500 million globally. The film is about the heartbreak of a short-tempered surgeon who turns to self-destructive habits after his girlfriend marries another man.
Poster of Telegu film ‘Arjun Reddy’
According to reports, Kapoor insisted on casting a fresh face for the female lead, for which Sara Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor were also being considered. “Soon Tara joined the running as Shahid was very clear that he wants a relatively new actress in the film. He was looking for someone who looks promising, but is yet to establish herself in the industry and he couldn’t find a better choice than Tara to fit into the role,” a source revealed.
Sutaria began her career as a VJ with Disney India and also featured in two Indian sitcoms before signing her first Bollywood film. Directed by Punit Malhotra and produced by Dharma Productions, her debut in SOTY2 will co-star actor Tiger Shroff along with another debutant, Ananya Pandey.
