Categories
Films Kerala Lite Blogs

‘Kerala Crime Files’: Trailer hints at a high octane drama

Citing Paatal Lok and Delhi Crime as the main inspiration for coming up with this dark thriller, Ashiq Aimar is sure to stir up an exciting watching experience never ever seen on the Malayalam screen…reports Asian Lite News

Come June 23 2023 and the long wait for Kerala’s first thriller web series would be answered with the release of ‘Kerala Crime Files’ streaming on Disney+Hotstar.

Written by Ashiq Aimar and directed by Ahammed Khabeer, the trailer of the web series has been the talk of town and the buzz of excitement in the air has been on the surge.

With the modern Malayali audience who are well acquainted with binge watching web series and movies on platforms like Disney+Hotstar, Netflix and Amazon Prime, the announcement of this project comes with high expectations.

In an interview with the New Indian express, Ashiq Aimar narrates the pressure to deliver a quality screen experience with an equally important script that would keep the audience hooked to their seats and be mind-blowing simultaneously.

When asked about the choice of casting for the project, he says that it was a deliberate attempt to drop the big names in order to ‘avoid the predictability factor’. “Normally, when a big star is playing the investigator, people immediately assume they’ll easily catch the killer. But when you cast someone who doesn’t have the burden of a superstar persona, you get to make them look like ordinary human beings”, The New Indian Express quoted Ashiq Aimar as saying.

“When you cast someone who doesn’t have the burden of a superstar persona, you get to make them look like ordinary human beings”– Ashiq Aimar

This was a prerequisite for roles of the police officers who would appear as ordinary human beings who were bound to err in their line of duty, without which they would not do justice to the expertly crafted characters. By choosing many people’s favourites, the casting is crucial as their performance would add layers to complexity of the series.

Speaking of the format of episodic narration, he finds it quite liberating, for the space of an episode could crafted with more detailing, leading to a sound building up of the escalating suspense and intensity of unpredictable twists.

With 6 episodes running 30 minutes each, the story follows the investigation carried out by Aju Varghese and Lal in the lead roles following the murder of a prostitute along with probing into ‘the lives of the cops, their struggles, and problems in the police system and bureaucracy’. 

Citing Paatal Lok and Delhi Crime as the main inspiration for coming up with this dark thriller, he is sure to stir up an exciting watching experience never ever seen on the Malayalam screen.

The trailer of this venture oozes with a gripping, dark, gore plot and promises the audience nothing short of a classic, masterpiece in the genre of a crime investigation thriller.

ALSO READ: ‘The real Kerala story is the state’s peaceful life’

ALSO READ: Wangmo wins top prize at int’l film festival

Categories
Bollywood Films Lite Blogs

Sonakshi’s favourite scene from ‘Daahaad’ was empowering

Directed by Reema Kagti and Ruchika Oberoi, ‘Dahaad’ is produced by Excel Media and Entertainment and Tiger Baby. The series is streaming on Prime Video…reports Asian Lite News

Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha, who is receiving a lot of positive response for her streaming debut in ‘Dahaad’, shared her favourite moment from the series.

In the crime series, Sonakshi essays the role of a cop, Anjali Bhaati who comes from a lower caste and has been facing discrimination since her childhood.

Speaking about her favourite scene from the series, Sonakshi said: “My favourite scene is the one where we go to raid Anand’s father’s house and he does not let Anjali enter because he says that she’s from a lower caste and he won’t allow such people into the house. The way that scene was written – the dialogue was so powerful, it was really moving. It was really empowering for me as an actor to be able to say those lines and stand up for myself.”

She further mentioned: “I could feel the power of that one single line in my bones which said ‘This is not your pushto ka time. It’s Kayda-Kanun ka time, Samvidhan ka time (This is not the time of your ancestors, today things are judged and decided as per the law and Constitution). And as a cop, the Constitution has given me the right to enter your house. And if you try and stop me, I’ll put a case on you for trying to stop my investigation.’ So I think those were truly very powerful words written and the writers have done a fantastic job. And as an actor, for me, to execute it was extremely special.”

Directed by Reema Kagti and Ruchika Oberoi, ‘Dahaad’ is produced by Excel Media and Entertainment and Tiger Baby. The series is streaming on Prime Video.

Sonakshi gifts thematic painting made by her to ‘Dahaad’ creators

Actress Sonakshi Sinha, who has been receiving a lot of positive response for her streaming show ‘Dahaad’, recently gifted a painting to the show’s creators Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti as a gesture of gratitude. The painting is of a tiger looking blankly at the viewer.

Zoya took to her instagram to thank Sonakshi for her gesture, and commented: “Tiger Tiger Burning Bright #bestgift #painting #sonakshisinha #thatgirlisanartist @aslisona @tigerbabyofficial.”

Sonakshi Sinha gifts hand-made painting to ‘Dahaad’ creators Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti

Sonakshi also re-shared the post and thanked the creators for the show: “My best creation for the girls who created my best role. Thank you tiger babies Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar for making me Anjali Bhaati #forevergrateful.”

The thematic painting made by Sonakshi, is a tribute to Reema and Zoya’s production house, Tiger Baby.

Directed by Reema Kagti and Ruchika Oberoi, ‘Dahaad’ is produced by Excel Media and Entertainment and Tiger Baby with Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti as Executive Producers. The 8-episodic series is streaming on Prime Video.

ALSO READ-Sonakshi unveils her fashion preferences

Categories
Bollywood Films Lite Blogs

Rani shares her vision to represent women correctly in Bollywood

In her last release, ‘Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway (MCVN)’, Rani again played a fiesty woman who took on a country to win back her children. The film was a resounding hit at the box-office and it brought back belief that content cinema could pull in people to theatres in this post pandemic world…reports Asian Lite News

Actress Rani Mukerji has shared her vision to represent women correctly in Hindi cinema. She said that women are the backbone of a family and the society and that she has a responsibility to show this to people across the world.

Rani says, “As an actor, your vision for cinema and roles will constantly evolve but one thing that’s constantly stayed for me is the way I wanted to portray and represent women on screen. Women are the backbone of a family and the society, and I think, as an actor, I have a responsibility to show this to as many people as possible across my country and the world.”



She added: “Cinema can have a lasting impression on the minds of people. It is a very powerful tool to trigger a national conversation and I became conscious very early on in my career that I could make a real change in the way women are projected on-screen, that could be positive.”

Rani wanted to show girls as fiercely independent and self-reliant in films.

She says, “I made it a point to choose films where the girl is also pivotal to the plot, where the girl is projected with dignity and power.”

“For me, women have always been agents of change. They have been independent, courageous, caring, pursuers of dreams and the best multitasker you can ever find. I wanted to highlight these facets of a woman by choosing characters that echo this belief system of mine.”

Rani adds, “So, if you see films like ‘Black’, ‘Veer Zaara’, ‘Mardaani’ series, ‘Yuva’, ‘No One Killed Jessica’, ‘Hichki’ or even my latest film ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’, to name a few, the girls I play are central to the plot, the sheroes that people have adored and accepted for being who they are.”

In her last release, ‘Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway (MCVN)’, Rani again played a fiesty woman who took on a country to win back her children. The film was a resounding hit at the box-office and it brought back belief that content cinema could pull in people to theatres in this post pandemic world.

Rani says, “The fact that MCVN is a hit today is because people want to see strong woman protagonists like this on the big screen. There is constant chatter whether women-centric films are box office draws? That concerns me, of course they are box office draws.”



“A film is a hit when producers make money from it and it is not just about how much it collects at the box-office because one should also factor in the cost of the film.”

She adds, “There is a lot of misconception about what a hit means and I think people should pay attention to this before passing judgement if a film is profitable. A good film will always bring people to the theatres and their gender has no role to play.”

ALSO READ-Search for Rani Jhansi’s stolen insignia

Categories
Bollywood Films

IIFA 2023: Kamal honoured with Outstanding Achievement Award

Ajay Devgn’s ‘Drishyam 2’ got the Best Film trophy and the honour for Best Director went to R. Madhavan for ‘Rocketry: The Nambi Effect’…reports Asian Lite News

After sweeping the technical awards at IIFA 2023, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ continued its winning run on Saturday night, with Alia Bhatt getting Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female).

The film’s producer, Jayantilal Gada, received the award on Alia’s behalf, as the actor’s maternal grandfather, Narendra Razdan, is reportedly not well.

Ajay Devgn’s ‘Drishyam 2’ got the Best Film trophy and the honour for Best Director went to R. Madhavan for ‘Rocketry: The Nambi Effect’.

Hrithik Roshan, meanwhile, bagged the trophy for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his turbo-charged performance in ‘Vikram Vedha’, which also starred Saif Ali Khan.

‘Vikram Vedha’ is an official Hindi remake of the Tamil film with the same title, which featured R. Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi in the lead roles.

Hrithik said in his acceptance speech: “I have lived with Vedha for many years now. It began right here in Abu Dhabi. I gave my first shot as Vedha here … it feels like life has come full circle to me. Vedha helped me unleash the madness inside me … Thank you universe and thank you Vedha for helping me discover that madness and helping me discover the strength to hold that madness.”

Celebrated actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan received a standing ovation when he was honoured for Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema. Singer and music composer A.R. Rahman gave the award to Kamal, who was applauded by all present, starting with Salman Khan.

Accepting the golden trophy, Kamal expressed his gratitude and said: “I grew up in cinema … I came here when I was three and half. … You have been kind enough to allow me to survive till this stage … I’m very thankful and humbled.” Kamal started as a child artiste in the 1960 Tamil film ‘Kalathur Kannamma’.

Senior actor Anil Kapoor also received an award — for Performance In A Supporting Role (Male) for his part in ‘JugJugg Jeeyo’.

Fantasy drama ‘Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva’ and ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ were the big winners. The awards that went to ‘Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva’ included the ones for Best Playback Singer (Shreya Ghoshal, female, and Arijit Singh, male) and for Best Supporting Actor (Female) for Mouni Roy.

Late Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan’s son, Babil Khan, won the Best Debut (Male) award for the film ‘Qala’, and shared it with Santanu Maheshwari, who starred in ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’. Khushali Kumar won Best Debut (Female) for ‘Dhoka Around the Corner’.

ALSO READ-Abu Dhabi to host 23rd IIFA event

Categories
Bollywood Interview Lite Blogs

Dimple believes ‘each one plays such an important part’

The crime drama streaming television series also stars Radhika Madan, Isha Talwar, Angira Dhar, Deepak Dobriyal, Monica Dogra and Naseeruddin Shah…reports Asian Lite News

Veteran actress Dimple Kapadia has been in the industry for five decades and has given unforgettable power-packed performances. Be it her maiden film ‘Bobby’, which released in 1973 or her latest series ‘Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo’, her on screen game is top-notch.

However, the 65-year-old actress says one cannot have a decent performance if not given the meat.

Her latest release ‘Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo’ has redefined the relationship between the women of the family, where often it is shown that “aurat hi aurat ki dushman hoti hai”.

Asked how she feels the show and the relationship of the women in the show has changed the perspective, Dimple told: “I haven’t broken the barrier. It was the character that’s broken the barrier. And that’s important. At the end of the day, it’s the written material, it’s the role, it’s the character, that really works and people often mistake by saying – Oh, what a great performance.”

“You can’t do a decent performance if you’re not given the meat. If the character is not good enough, if the lines are not good enough – it’s an effort by the entire team.”

Dimple Kapadia.

The actress firmly believes that “each one plays such an important part”.

Dimple added: “It’s unbelievable where it can get you. In the sense that even a hug or a dress person or your makeup artist, even that matters and it translates, so it’s a complete team effort. You can’t stand there alone and do anything.”

In ‘Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo’, Dimple plays a strong-headed matriarch and a drug lord. It is the women in her family who take care of the business. The crime drama streaming television series also stars Radhika Madan, Isha Talwar, Angira Dhar, Deepak Dobriyal, Monica Dogra and Naseeruddin Shah.

Talking about how much of herself did she see in her character of Rani Baa, Dimple said: “It would be a lie to say that in every character that you do, there has to be 30 per cent of yourself, otherwise, where do you dig from? Where do you get your experiences from? Where do you get your emotions from? So yes, 30 per cent of it is you.”

Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo.

She added: “And the other thing is that I’m silly, but I don’t think I have done any work – I have this thing where some part of my jewellery has to be on me, I don’t know why, it’s been like that always from the beginning, so that there is always some part of me and I take it from there.”

Directed by Homi Adajania, ‘Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo’ is available on Disney+ Hotstar.

ALSO READ-Stylish bollywood celebs at dior fall/winter 2023 show

Categories
Bollywood Lite Blogs

Bollywood style guide for fashion aspirants

No fashion listicle is complete without the sartorial leader of style, Ranveer Singh. The trend setter makes a bold statement with this outfit…reports Asian Lite News

Call it lime, neon or highlighter green, the summer hue has evolved into a wardrobe staple. And if you’re confused just how to pull off the colour without a faux pas, this style guide from Bollywood A-lister’s helps you do the job.

Kriti Sanon

Kriti’s one-shoulder midi in lime teamed with zebra patterned heels checks all the boxes.

Vicky Kaushal

Vicky Kaushal is a top player when it comes to experimenting with styles, he shows you just how to pull off a lime green look from head to toe with perfection.  

Kiara Advani

Kiara’s co-ord set is a great style for a summer brunch with the girls. 

Aditya Roy Kapur

Aditya Roy Kapur’s lime on green has the ladies at hello. 

Ranveer Singh

No fashion listicle is complete without the sartorial leader of style, Ranveer Singh. The trend setter makes a bold statement with this outfit. 

Janhvi Kapoor

We admire Janhvi’s commitment to dressing simply but stylishly, and she nailed it with this handkerchief top and lime pants, a great way to embrace summer. 

ALSO READ-Anushka makes Cannes debut, walks with Eva Longoria

Categories
Bollywood Lite Blogs

Janhvi Kapoor the face of Nykaa Naturals

No stranger to the Nykaa family, Janhvi Kapoor is the perfect fit for the brand, known for her stunning mane and affinity for homegrown ingredients…reports Asian Lite News

I have been a firm believer in the benefits of using natural ingredients on the body, be it the face or hair, because I have seen it practiced at home since childhood. When I have time, I still take care of my hair by applying apple cider vinegar or onion. When I got the opportunity to represent something that I believe in, I was completely convinced. Nykaa Naturals Hair Range is something that resonates with the idea of replicating the use of natural ingredients in a more advanced form and being able to provide hair with the nourishment it needs to be healthy,” says Janhvi Kapoor.

Nykaa Naturals Hair introduces a potent blend of traditionally successful ingredients to address issues with Indian hair and debuts a new campaign with Janhvi Kapoor as the face. Born and raised in India, where haircare practises are deeply ingrained, Nykaa Naturals has a thorough understanding of the various hair types and issues that Indians face as a result of their diverse environment, including hard water, pollution, humidity, UV damage, dust, and filth. It combats these environmental stressors with six potent formulations that combine traditional hair care methods with research, understanding that Indian hair requires specific care.

No stranger to the Nykaa family, Janhvi Kapoor is the perfect fit for the brand, known for her stunning mane and affinity for homegrown ingredients. The Nykaa Naturals Hair Care range is infused with traditional hair-loving ingredients like – Apple Cider Vinegar, Ginger, Fenugreek, Onion, Amla, Curry leaves, Fermented Rice Water, Charcoal, and Shikakai, etc. all of which are complete superfoods for hair. A customized solution backed by experts, the Nykaa Naturals Hair Range has been developed after analyzing Indian weather, water, lifestyle, and diverse hair types to create a potent infusion of effective ingredients for beautifully healthy hair. The campaign will see Janhvi’s association being brought to life via onsite, digital and social media campaign via a brand film- https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsdRDQAoe01/that focuses on the core messaging Indian Hair Care = Nykaa Naturals Hair Care.

Natural hair care range to boost your hair.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Vishal Gupta, Executive Vice President, Nykaa’s Consumer Beauty brandssays, “Indian hair is very different owing to extreme geographical weather conditions. One product can’t fit all. With Nykaa Naturals, our team has developed products that blend centuries old hair care rituals with modern science. Janhvi Kapoor was our first pick since she perfectly fits the persona of the brand. Her gorgeous hair and her connection with her roots towards the use of natural ingredients and believing in them, is the core reason why we wanted her to represent the brand.”

ALSO READ-Shivani exhibits ‘classic sophistication’ at Cannes

Categories
Films Lite Blogs

‘’Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum’ is a beautiful story of an emotional journey’

Produced by Sethu Mannarkkad, ‘Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum’ will be available to stream on Prime Video on May 26, and will also be available in Tamil and Telugu dubs…reports Asian Lite News

Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil, who is awaiting the release of his comedy drama film ‘Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum’, has shared that the film presents an emotional journey peppered with comedy and drama.

Written and directed by Akhil Sathyan, the film stars Fahadh Faasil as the protagonist – Prashanth Rajan aka Pachu, with Anjana Jayaprakash, Mohan Agashe, and Indrans in pivotal roles. It narrates the story of a Mumbai-based middle-class Malayali businessman – Pachu, who travels to Kerala for an errand.

Malayalam star Fahadh Faasil to play villain in ‘Pushpa’

Talking about the film, Fahadh Faasil said, “My character, Pachu, is an ordinary man, who lives an ordinary life but suddenly finds himself on this extraordinary journey, which changes his perspective of life and everything in it. ‘Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum’ is a beautiful story of an emotional journey, sprinkled with comedy, and drama, making it a light and engaging watch for audiences of all ages.”

During Pachu’s visit, a series of unexpected events lead him to a lucrative opportunity, wrapped in even more surprises and twists than he could have imagined. The film follows Pachu, as he embarks on this transformative journey of empathy, and love, while assisting a spirited senior in her noble endeavour.

Director Akhil Sathyan, said, “‘Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum’ has received an extremely positive response from the audience and critics, not only for its unique story, and exceptional performances, but also for the deep and meaningful message behind it. We realise that with the right intention, approach, and execution, films can move people. And we tried to do just that, with a delicate balance of comedy and drama. I am delighted that ‘Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum’ will reach an even wider audience when it premieres on Prime Video, and I can’t wait for them to watch and enjoy it as much as I did while making it.”

Produced by Sethu Mannarkkad, ‘Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum’ will be available to stream on Prime Video on May 26, and will also be available in Tamil and Telugu dubs.

ALSO READ-Hombale Films ready with ‘Dhoomam’

Categories
Bollywood Films Lite Blogs

Jennifer Lawrence wears flip flops on Cannes red carpet

Lawrence was joined by producers Daniel Angeles and Justine Ciarrocchi when posing photographers. She also received their help as she navigated the stairs…reports Asian Lite News

Actress Jennifer Lawrence made a statement with her choice of footwear at the Cannes Film Festival. Attending the premiere of ‘Anatomie d’une Chute (Anatomy of a Fall)’ , she broke the festival’s unofficial dress code by wearing flip flops.

The actress turned heads in a cherry red, crepe silk gown by Dior Haute Couture which featured spaghetti straps and a soft ruffle at the bustline along with a matching red wrap. She wore an Archi Dior necklace made of white gold and diamonds as her accessory, reports aceshowbiz.com.

As she walked down the stairs at the Palais des Festivals, the 32-year-old lifted up her skirt, revealing a pair of black flip flops underneath her elegant dress. It was a bold move since Cannes famously encourages women to wear heels on its red carpet. Back in 2015, a number of women were reportedly turned away from attending a premiere of ‘Carol’ because they were wearing flats.

Lawrence was joined by producers Daniel Angeles and Justine Ciarrocchi when posing photographers. She also received their help as she navigated the stairs.

Although Lawrence opted for the comfy sandals for the special screening of ‘Anatomy of a Fall’, she changed into a more formal footwear for another premiere on the same day. The ‘X-Men’ star wore the same gown but paired it with red satin heels when attending the premiere for ‘Bread and Roses’, a documentary she produces, at Cannes. The project follows the lives of women living in Afghanistan after the Taliban’s resurgence.

At another premiere held during the film festival in France, Natalie Portman wowed in a dazzling recreation of a 1949 Christian Dior gown. She wore a sparkling strapless gown that featured a voluminous, scalloped skirt with layers of ornate blue beading when attending the premiere of ‘May December’ on Saturday.

The ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ actress’ custom Christian Dior piece was inspired by the ‘Junon’ dress from the designer’s 1949-1950 fall/winter collection. The original dress is part of The Costume Institute’s collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, although it’s not currently available to view.

Portman was joined by her co-stars Charles Melton, Julianne Moore and Cory Michael Smith at the special screening.

ALSO READ-Aishwarya Rai Bachchan dazzles at Cannes

Categories
Films Lite Blogs

‘Ghuspaith’  a tribute to Danish Siddiqui

Danish Siddiqui was a photojournalist for an international news portal. He was from New Delhi…reports Asian Lite News

Actor Amit Sadh is all set to enchant the audience with his compelling performance in the short film ‘Ghuspaith’ which was recently screened at the Boston International Film Festival 2023.

He said that the film is dedicated to photojournalists like Danish Siddiqui, who “risked their lives to report realities to us through their heart-wrenching photographs.”

Amit said: “I’m thrilled to be a part of this project. When Mihir approached me for the film, his preparation and exuberance won me over. That’s why I said yes to Ghuspait. As his first directorial venture, he has done an excellent job.”

“I’m confident that he will go far from here, and it’s an honour to have been a part of encouraging such talent. They say pictures speak a thousand words. We’ve dedicated the film to photojournalists like Danish Siddiqui, who risked their lives to report realities to us through their heart-wrenching photographs.”

Danish Siddiqui was a photojournalist for an international news portal. He was from New Delhi. It was in 2021, when he was killed while covering a clash between Afghan security forces and Taliban Forces near a border crossing with Pakistan.

On the work front, Amit has projects lined up such as ‘Main’, ‘Pune Highway’, ‘Duranga 2’ and a few more in the pipeline, of which some are said to release this year.

ALSO READ-Danish Siddiqui’s parents file new evidence against Taliban