She added: “‘Mein maar dungi’ has become my motto, not literally of course but being Full-On with whatever I do.”…reports Asian Lite News.
Actress Parineeti Chopra says she didn’t just want to act like Saina Nehwal as she wanted to be her in the film based on the star badminton player’s life titled ‘Saina’.
Talking about her experience, Parineeti said: “‘Saina’ is the most challenging and exciting film of my career so far. Saina’s simplicity and determination encouraged me to be more meticulous and rigorous towards my goals.”
She added: “‘Mein maar dungi’ has become my motto, not literally of course but being Full-On with whatever I do.”
Parineeti feels that she shared a lot of similarities with Saina in the way they think.
The actress added: “While preparing for the role, I didn’t want to act like Saina, I wanted to be Saina, and I am glad it translated on screen. Join me for the &pictures premiere of Saina and have a smashing weekend.”
‘Saina’ is all set to premiere on October 9 on &pictures.
The film tackles poverty, homelessness, drugs, crime and colour issues seamlessly. But the plot, as a whole, feels rushed, with character-development shortcuts. And the scares are faintly effective…reports Troy Ribeiro
Film: As Black As Night (Streaming on Amazon Prime). Duration: 87minutes.
Director: Maritte Lee Go. Cast: Asjha Cooper, Fabrizio Zacharee Guido, Mason Beauchamp, Abbie Gayle, Craig Tate, Keith David and Frankie Smith. Rating: ***
‘As Black As Night’ is like any other small-budget vampire horror film which begins on a strong note and then gradually slides down the rung carelessly. The film is similar to, but not as good as ‘Vampires vs. The Bronx’.
It uses a teenager horror trope to discuss the heavier topic of marginalisation. It highlights issues in the black community through an amusing story that falls flat in some parts.
Set in New Orleans, post cyclone Katrina, ‘As Black As Night’ is the story of Shawna (Asjha Cooper), a dark-skinned teen girl learning to love herself and finding her power, which is still in short supply.
Saddled with confidence issues, Shawna teams up with her best friend Pedro (Fabrizio Guido), a Mexican immigrant with the opportunity to attend an elite boarding school, for a party where her crush Chris (Mason Beauchamp) would be present.
But being shy, she messes up the situation and is left humiliated. She leaves the party in a huff and walks home alone. She is attacked in an isolated and dimly lit stretch by a group of homeless vampires.
Worried that she too would be turned into a vampire, she joins hands with Pedro, Chris, and her friend Granya (Abbie Gayle), a girl who is obsessed with vampires and vampire literature, to seek out the main vampire to destroy him.
He turns out to be Babineaux (Keith David), a former slave who became a vampire four hundred years ago and had eventually killed his master. Babineaux has been preying on the homeless and extremely poor for misguided reasons.
When he ticks off a list of dates throughout history in which it looks as if the tide of injustice might be shifting, he says, “All bright flames that got suddenly snuffed out.” It is a perspective not typically seen in a generic horror film.
The film tackles poverty, homelessness, drugs, crime and colour issues seamlessly. But the plot, as a whole, feels rushed, with character-development shortcuts. And the scares are faintly effective.
On the performance front, the acting falters at times, varying from overly dramatic to rigid. But Guido and Cooper give a moderately consistent and authentic delivery. Overall, this comic horror story with issues scheming below the surface is still a fun watch.
Renowned for its unrivalled blend of ride, handling and refinement, the XF was put through its paces in pursuit of James Bond on the streets of southern Italy in the twenty-fifth 007 film..reports Asian Lite News
The Jaguar XF will demonstrate its exceptional performance and exhilarating driving dynamics in a thrilling chase sequence in the new James Bond film No Time To Die in cinemas 07 October in the region.
Filmed in Matera, Southern Italy, two XF saloons weave through the narrow, twisting city streets, driving across piazzas and down cobbled steps in pursuit of James Bond.
Jaguar XF debuts in No Time To Die
Both XFs feature Jaguar’s all-wheel drive system with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics, which delivered incredible levels of traction on the low-grip surfaces as No Time To Die’s henchmen demonstrate that no street is too small and no corner too tight. The saloon’s lightweight aluminium-intensive architecture and advanced suspension design enable exceptional handling and agility together outstanding ride, comfort and refinement.
Chris Corbould, No Time To Die’s special effects and action vehicle supervisor, said: “The Jaguar XF was an exciting choice for this high-intensity car sequence. We always look to push the boundaries to extreme limits in our stunts, and this extends to the capabilities of the vehicles too. There is no compromise with this particular scene. There were only inches to spare in the narrow alleyways and no margin for error, the XF shows its performance and driving dynamics.”
Anna Gallagher, Jaguar Brand Director, said: ““The Jaguar XF is a car designed to tackle any journey with an unrivalled balance of luxury, comfort and refinement.
Jaguar XF debuts in No Time To Die
“Whether it’s a high-speed pursuit through twisting streets and piazzas of Southern Italy, where the car filmed it’s No Time To Die chase sequences, or the bustling streets of London – the XF really is a car for every occasion.”
No Time To Die is directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and stars Daniel Craig, who returns for the fifth and final time as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007. The film will be released in cinemas 30 September in the region.
Watch the behind-the-scenes film from the set of No Time to Die here:
Land Rover SV Bespoke has created a new Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition to celebrate the 25th James Bond film, No Time To Die, ahead of its world premiere later this month…reports Asian Lite News
The bespoke touches extend to the practical interior, with illuminated ‘Defender 007’ treadplates and a specially developed touchscreen start-up animation for the intuitive Pivi Pro infotainment system that honours Land Rover’s long partnership with the James Bond franchise. At night, customers will also spot unique ‘007’ puddle lamp graphics.
Exclusively available to just 300 buyers around the world, the Defender V8 Bond Edition’s interior features laser etching detailing that it is ‘one of 300’ and the SV Bespoke logo. Each vehicle is commissioned by the vehicle personalisation experts at SV Bespoke in the UK.
Defender 007
Finbar McFall, Land Rover Brand Director, said: “The Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition is an exclusive take on the most powerful production Defender ever made, inspired by vehicles on screen in No Time To Die. It represents a meeting of two great British brands and is a unique celebration of Land Rover’s 38-year association with James Bond.”
Defendersare at the heart of the action in No Time To Die alongside two Range Rover Sport SVRs. A Range Rover Classic and Land Rover Series III are also in the film, which will be released in cinemas around the world from 30 September 2021.
Based on the recently launched Defender V8, the Bond Edition is powered by a 5.0-litre 525PS supercharged petrol engine, which produces 525PS, 625Nm of torque and drives through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Defender V8 90 accelerates from 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds) with a top speed of 149mph (240km/h).
It delivers new levels of performance and driver engagement by combining the V8 with expertly developed suspension and transmission tuning to create the fastest and most dynamically rewarding Defender yet.
Defender 007
With unique suspension and transmission tuning, including bespoke spring and damper rates and a new Electronic Active Rear Differential, Defender V8 delivers more agile and engaging handling with heightened body control – all accompanied by a characteristic V8 supercharged soundtrack.
No Time To Die is directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and stars Daniel Craig, who returns for his fifth and final film as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007. The film will be released in cinemas from 30 September 2021 in the UK through Universal Pictures International and in the US on 8 October 2021, from Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) via their United Artists Releasing banner and on 07 October 2021 in the United Arab Emirates
We are not trying to make fun of traditions and customs. In fact, you can watch the film with your entire family,” said director Singh…reports Asian Lite News.
Every new OTT release is a great relief for people in the lockdown period. As “14 Phere”, starring Vikrant Massey and Kriti Kharbanda, gets ready for an OTT release, the cast and crew shared their excitement about the film.
“14 Phere” is billed as a comedy directed by Devanshu Singh and written by Manoj Kalwani. The film also features Gauahar Khan and Jameel Khan.
“This is a fun-filled family movie where you will see bonding and emotional values. The film celebrates the institution of family and marriage but questions a few basic flaws in a reasonable way. We are not trying to make fun of traditions and customs. In fact, you can watch the film with your entire family,” said director Singh.
Kriti added: “Halfway through reading the script, I felt a range of emotions. The intrigue I felt reassured me that it was a kick** script and would make for a super entertaining movie! It’s not just another wedding film. I can’t wait for the audience to witness it soon.”
Vikrant said: “It is a complete pack of entertainment with all the elements like emotions, drama, romance, song, dance, comedy and family values at the core of it — a complete madly in love! I fell in love with the script immediately.”
Faasil’s Joji is clearly the weakest in every way among the three sons of a rich plantation owner, Kuttappan (Sunny PN). Screenwriter Syam Pushkaran draws up Joji, youngest of the brothers, as a loser…writes VINAYAK CHAKRAVORTY
Joji (film on Amazon Prime); Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Baburaj, Unnimaya Prasad, Joji Mundakayam, Sunny PN, Alister Alex; Direction: Dileesh Pothan; Rating: * * * and 1/2 (three and a half stars)
Just when you’d think another fresh take on William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” couldn’t possibly be done, comes “Joji”. Fahadh Faasil’s new collaboration with director Dileesh Pothan retains the basic outline of human avarice and slant at violence, but sheds Shakespearean grandeur of the story in favour of restraint as it builds up the crime drama.
— amazon prime video IN (@PrimeVideoIN) April 8, 2021
“Macbeth” and its innumerable retellings (including Vishal Bhardwaj’s magnificent “Maqbool”) have traditionally banked on a singular tragic flaw while spelling doom for the towering Shakespearean antihero — his ambition. Pothan’s film underplays that bit, and gives the titular protagonist (played by Faasil) the persona of a weakling, ridden by inferiority complex.
Faasil’s Joji is clearly the weakest in every way among the three sons of a rich plantation owner, Kuttappan (Sunny PN). Screenwriter Syam Pushkaran draws up Joji, youngest of the brothers, as a loser. He is an engineering dropout and while he dreams of being a wealthy NRI he has no clue how to go about it. Twist in the story comes when Kuttappan, on returning home after a stroke, clearly refuses to give Joji any inheritance whatsoever. Angered, Joji quietly changes his father’s medication, which leads to the latter’s death. As the narrative moves ahead, a paranoid Joji sets on a frantic bid to cover his tracks, only complicating his situation further.
Pothan and Pushkaran have tried interesting departures from what defines the “Macbeth” storyline. Among the most pertinent re-jigs is Lady Macbeth, imagined here as Bincy, played with cold precision by Unnimaya Prasad. Bincy, wife of the second son Jaison (Joji Mundakayam), is an accomplice of brother-in-law Joji more by chance than design. Her role is restricted to playing along, because she sees possible subsequent advantage that she could draw out of Joji’s nefarious plan of action.
Unlike “Macbeth” and almost all of its interpretations, the Lady Macbeth track here is restricted to greed. There is no sexual or marital subtext of any consequence in Bincy’s equation with Joji. The idea lets Pothan craft a narrative that stays singleminded in its focus on Joji’s mind games.
That sort of an approach is also the reason this film has done away with the symbolism that renders “Macbeth” much of its textual richness. Parallels to blood on the hands, supernatural apparitions, the Three Witches, or the Birnham Wood coming to Dunsinane are either negligibly touched upon or done away with, in sync with the frills-free cinematic treatment of “Joji”.
The biggest departure, of course, has to be Fahadh Faasil’s reorganised Macbeth. As the low-key Joji, he strikes an antithesis of the heartless killer the protagonist will eventually turn out to be, executing the role with impeccable restraint.
Faasil gets ample support from the prop cast. Baburaj as the eldest of the brothers, Jomon, an alcoholic divorcee and single father, is aptly cast, as is Joji Mundakayam as Jaison, the mild-mannered second brother.
“Joji” strikes subtly as it delivers impact, through Shyju Khalid’s impersonal cinematography that almost functions as a discreet onlooker in a household of disquiet, and through Justin Varghese’s soft background score that leaves a note of menace.
The film was shot in the Covid era, and Pothan has crafted an exquisite “Macbeth” in the time of wearing masks. The characters of “Joji” wear their masks not just literally but metaphorically, too.
Ram Setu will be directed by Abhishek Sharma and is produced by Aruna Bhatia and Vikram Malhotra.
One of the most awaiting movies of Bollywood, ‘Ram Setu’ shoot started in Ayodhya. Actress Jacqueline Fernandez posted a picture on Instagram with “Ram Setu” co-stars Akshay Kumar and Nushratt Bharuccha on Friday, announcing the start of the ambitious film.
“Here we go!!! #ramsetu feeling so grateful and blessed to be a part of this film!!!” Jacqueline wrote as caption.
The actors started off with the Mahurat shot of the Abhishek Sharma directorial on Thursday.
Besides “Ram Setu”, Jacqueline will also be seen in “Bachchan Pandey”, “Bhoot Police”, “Kick 2”, “Cirkus”, and “Attack” in the coming months.
Akshay Reaches Ayodhya
Actor Akshay Kumar, along with his co-actors Jacqueline Fernandez and Nushrrat Bharucha, reached Ayodhya on Thursday for the mahurat of their new film ‘Ram Setu’.
Akshay and his co-actors first went to meet Raja Ayodhya, Bimlendra Mohan Pratap Mishra, where they also met other members of the Shri Ram Teerth Kshetra Trust.
The actors will proceed to the Ram Janmabhoomi temple later in the afternoon where they will perform ‘puja’ and formally start the shooting of ‘Ram Setu’.
In the evening, the actors will return to Lucknow where they are expected to meet Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Ram Setu will be directed by Abhishek Sharma and is produced by Aruna Bhatia and Vikram Malhotra.
The film will be shot at multiple locations with a major part in Mumbai.
Before leaving for Ayodhya, Akshay shared a photo of himself, Jacqueline Fernandez and Nushrratt Bharuccha having a candid chat outside what appears to be a chartered flight on Thursday morning.
Akshay Kumar wrote: “A special film, a special start…Team #RamSetu off to Ayodhya for the mahurat shot. And so the journey begins. Need special wishes from all you guys.”
