Latest Bollywood News Today Transcript at 11:30 AM on 16 August 2023
In our top story. Actor Sunny Deol’s latest film Gadar 2 box office collection showed no signs of slowing down as it recorded mammoth numbers. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Gadar 2’s total box office collection now stands at Rs 173 crore – a figure which has surpassed the expectations of many in the trade, who expected the film to fire but certainly not with this intensity. Gadar 2 has also emerged as Sunny Deol’s biggest hit in his 40-year career. It is his first film to enter the Rs 100 crore club. Seeing the unprecedented demand for the film, early-morning and late-night shows were added in many parts of India by exhibitors.
Moving on. Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar posted a picture of the official papers announcing him as a citizen of India. The paper, which is issued by the Government of India reads – ‘This is to certify that the person whose particulars are given below has been registered as a citizen of India.’ The official paper refers to the actor as Akshay Hariom Bhatia and his father’s name is mentioned as Brijmohan Bhatia and his mother’s name, Aruna Bhatia. His previous nationality was noted as Canadian. Akshay shared the photo with the caption – “Dil aur citizenship, dono Hindustani. Happy Independence Day!” The actor’s fans took to the comments and congratulated him for acquiring Indian citizenship.
For the first time in more than two decades, a Hindi film was screened in ethnic strife-hit Manipur. Tribal organisation Hmar Students’ Association screened a Hindi film at Rengkai in Churachandpur district on Tuesday, 15th August. However, it did not disclose the name of the movie. The HSA in a statement said, “This is to show our defiance and opposition to terror groups which have subjugated the tribals for decades. We take a pledge to continue our fight for freedom and justice.” The HSA said the last Hindi film that was publicly screened in Manipur was Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in 1998. The ban on the screening of Hindi films was imposed in September 2000 by the Revolutionary Peoples’ Front.
Meanwhile, the makers of the actioner, Fighter released its first motion poster featuring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles. The film is helmed by Siddharth Anand. The motion poster, titled ‘Spirit of Fighter’, begins with a visual of three Sukhois taking off. Then the camera pans to Hrithik Roshan, who will be essaying the role of an IAF officer in the film. We are also introduced to Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor, who will be playing Air Force officers. The motion poster had a rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ playing in the background. The film, bankrolled by Viacom18 Studios, Mamta Anand, Ramon Chibb and Anku Pande, will release on January 25, 2024.
After sending shock waves across the nation with his highly controversial film The Kashmir Files, director Vivek Agnihotri is set to return with a new film titled The Vaccine War, based on India’s process of crafting a successful Covid-19 vaccine. The makers unveiled a teaser of the film on Tuesday, 15th August. The brief teaser provides a glimpse of the activities of scientists involved with the BBV152 vaccine, also known as Covaxin, developed by Bharat Biotech in partnership with the Indian Council of Medical Research – National Institute of Virology. The Vaccine War stars Anupam Kher, Nana Patekar, Raima Sen, Pallavi Joshi and Sapthami Gowda in key roles. The film is scheduled to release on September 28.
Meanwhile, after the success of Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, Vicky Kaushal is all set to star in another family drama. Backed by Yash Raj Films, The Great Indian Family also stars Manushi Chillar in the lead role. The makers released the first teaser of the film on 14th August, which gives a glimpse into the hilarious family drama. Set in the heartland of India, the movie revolves around the madness that ensues in Vicky’s character’s family due to some sudden developments that are beyond anyone’s control. The Great Indian Family also stars Sadiya Siddiqui, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Alka Amin, Shrishti Dixit and Bhuvan Arora among others. The Vijay Krishna Acharya directorial will hit cinema halls on September 22.
Abhishek Bachchan grew up on film sets as he often accompanied his father Amitabh Bachchan during his shoots. In a recent interview, Abhishek shared that back in the 70s & 80s, a large part of the Hindi film industry would shift base to Kashmir during the summer. Abhishek shared on Mashable India – ” At any point in time, at least 7-10 units were living there. The biggest of actors and actresses, and their families used to be there. It used to be great fun. In the evenings, if the husbands were shooting, the families would play Tambola at 4 pm, then tea in the evening, and then dinner together. It was like one big happy family.”
Lastly, Actors Lara Dutta and Patralekhaa have teamed up for a revenge thriller drama, titled Suryast. The film, directed by Avishek Ghosh, has concluded shooting in the UK, the makers said in a statement. Set in a majestic mansion with sprawling lawns, Suryast presents a tale of two women who cross paths in an elaborate mind game of cat and mouse, setting it as the perfect revenge drama. The movie marks the reunion between Dutta and Ghosh after they worked on “Ishq-E-Nadaan” earlier this year. Lara told PTI – ” It has been an incredible experience on one of the most organised sets. I am glad that I was given this opportunity to explore playing a character like this.”