Latest Bollywood News Today Transcript at 11:30 AM on 25 July 2023
In our top story. Ever since the makers released the prevue of Atlee’s maiden Bollywood venture Jawan, starring Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role, moviegoers have been brimming with excitement. Now, more than a month before the global premiere of the actioner, the team unveiled the first look poster of Vijay Sethupathi, who plays the antagonist in the film, with a compelling tagline that reads – “The dealer of death”. Taking to social media to share the poster, SRK wrote: “There’s no stopping him… or is there?” Jawan marks the first collaboration between SRK and Atlee. The film features Nayanthara, Priyamani and Sanya Malhotra, among others in pivotal roles. Jawan is set to release in theatres on September 7th.
Moving on. The 14th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne will honour actor Kartik Aaryan with its Rising Global Superstar of Indian Cinema award. According to the festival organisers, the “Satyaprem Ki Katha” star will receive the award at the annual gala night of the festival on August 11th. The award will be presented by the Governor of Victoria, recognizing Kartik’s remarkable achievements and his significant impact on Indian cinema. Kartik told PTI in a statement – “I am deeply honoured and grateful to the Victorian Government and the festival for this prestigious award and humbled to be celebrated at the 14th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. It is a privilege to receive this recognition for my work in Indian cinema.”
Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra‘s Bhaag Milkha Bhaag recently completed 10 years. Marking the special occasion, Mehra has decided to organise a special screening of the film, which is based on the late Indian athlete and Olympian Milkha Singh. Farhan Akhtar essayed the titular role. A spokesperson from ROMP Pictures, PS Bharathi told ANI – “It’s a very special movie for me and the entire nation indeed. The ‘The Flying Sikh’ of the nation, the late Milkha Singh is a pride of our country and with this special screening scheduled for 26th July, we are paying tribute to this legend who has inspired millions of people.” The screening will take place in Mumbai.
Meanwhile, megastar Amitabh Bachchan says that many projectionists have lost their livelihood and it is important to recognise their contribution to Indian cinema. In a recorded video message shared with the Mumbai-based Film Heritage Foundation, Bachchan appreciated the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award for Cinema Projection’ that was instituted by the FHF to celebrate the “unsung heroes” of the film industry. Bachchan, in his minute-long video, shared – “The world of a projector, a beam of light in a dark room theatre, and flicker of images on the big screen. That was, what cinema was for me. As the fate of single-screen cinemas hangs by a thread, it is important to recognise their immense contribution to the history of Indian cinema”
Veteran star Anil Kapoor and his son, Harsh Vardhan Kapoor, in a recent interview with the Times of India, shed light on their relationship and how their artistic choices sometimes diverge. Harsh, who made his debut with Mirzya in 2016, has maintained a strong stance when it comes to choosing acting projects, even if it contradicts his father’s point of view. Anil Kapoor admitted to comparing Harsh to other Bollywood actors, but he emphasised that he provides constructive feedback without inflating his son’s ego. He shared – “It’s very natural. But I do it in a very positive way. He is sharp, he knows if I’m praising him excessively. So I have to be very real with him.”
Meanwhile, actor Sunny Deol isn’t bothered by box office clashes, it is the perception of facts that hurts him the most. The actor is currently gearing up for his latest, Gadar 2, which will hit cinema halls on August 11 and have a box office face-off with Akshay Kumar’s OMG 2. But Deol isn’t new to clashes. Back in 2001, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha had released on the same Friday as Aamir Khan’s globally acclaimed Lagaan. In an interview with ETimes, Deol opened up about the clash and said he doesn’t understand why people compare the two films. He also shared that the comparison happens from a “business as well as a likeability point of view”.
Actor Vicky Kaushal who delivered a hit recently with Zara Hat Ke Zara Bach Ke spoke about his actor-wife Katrina Kaif and shared how he believes that she created a success story on her merit. In a conversation with Anupama Chopra, Vicky said – “Katrina is very practical when it comes to work but otherwise she is a very emotional person. I know I have to consider her opinion seriously because it is very objective. That wisdom and practicality is something very commendable.” Talking about her career, Vicky added, “Knowing her, not everything was going as she wanted but she has really hustled, worked hard and aced it.”
Lastly, Producer Sandeep Singh has announced the shelving of his upcoming film on Indian ruler Tipu Sultan. In a statement released on Twitter, Sandeep cited receiving threats and intimidation aimed at him and his family as the primary reason for the decision. Just months after revealing his ambitious project, Sandeep explained his decision in a Twitter post and wrote, “The film on Hazrat Tipu Sultan will not be made. I kindly request my fellow brothers and sisters to refrain from threatening or abusing my family, friends and me. I sincerely apologize if I have unintentionally hurt anyone’s religious sentiments. It was never my intention to do so, as I firmly believe in respecting all beliefs.”
Click to listen to yesterday’s bulletin