This phenomenon of films meant for theatrical release releasing directly on OTT platforms instead is already giving sleepless nights to the actors. One might argue that these platforms also stream web series featuring popular actors like Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, R Madhavan etc. But that’s different since web series like Sacred Games, Breathe, Bard Of Blood, The Family Man etc were always meant to come directly online. It wasn’t like it was supposed to release in cinemas and that the makers then changed their mind. Hence, in that regard, these OTT portals can be quite lucrative. Even a mega star like Akshay Kumar is expected to soon come up with his Amazon Prime original. Also, blockbuster film director Ali Abbas Zafar is coming up with a web series, Tandav, starring Saif Ali Khan, which will be aired on Amazon Prime. Coming back to Drive, sources say that Sushant Singh Rajput wasn’t happy with this development. He insisted on a theatrical release and tried his best to persuade them for it. But ultimately, Karan had to take a decision that was practical for him. Sushant was hurt and no wonder, that he never posted anything related to Drive on his Instagram handle. On Twitter, he merely retweeted three tweets of Tarun Mansukhani pertaining to the film. Jacqueline Fernandez, meanwhile, regularly shared updates of the film with her million plus followers. Another source, who has seen the rise of OTT from the inside, says, “At the scripting stage, it becomes difficult for producers at times to know how the film will ultimately shape up. At times, they believe the script has potential and there are times when they refuse to see the reality and end up approving a bad script. It’s only when the see the final product do they realize that they have created a bad film that can entail losses. Earlier, a producer would have no choice but now, OTT platforms are giving them a chance to recover the costs.” This source further adds, “The producer is relived that he didn’t make a loss, notwithstanding the immense trolling that he might receive, as it happened in the case of Drive. But in the process, the actors of that film can suffer. They sign a film with the hope that it’ll make it to cinemas. A direct OTT release harms the film and also their track record. Sushant, for instance, must have hoped that a film with Dharma Productions would add to his brand. And it was a given that the film will first release in theatres. Hence, he felt shortchanged but there’s nothing he can do about it.” But going forward, actors will now be careful of this aspect. This source says, “From now on, most of the major and mid-level actors will add a ‘no digital release’ clause in their contracts when they want to do a film. It simply means that the producer will be legally bound to release the film in cinemas and not straightaway on Netflix or Amazon Prime, failing which the actor can sue the producer.” He also states, “The whole industry has observed what happened to Drive and don’t want to be in Sushant’s shoes. As a result, this clause will become commonplace in the days to come.” 
Another row happened last year with Saif Ali Khan whose film on stock market, Baazaar, almost made it to Netflix directly. “The producer Nikkhil Advani wasn’t finding a studio to back the film as Saif had given back-to-back flops. But the actor was dead against skipping a theatrical release. Fortunately for him, his web series Sacred Games, which incidentally streamed on Netflix, did very well and improved his track record. Viacom18 Motion Pictures then came on board and released the film,” says the source and further adds, “The perception in the industry was that Baazaar is not getting buyers and hence, it must be a pretty bad movie. However, all that changed once the trailer was unveiled. It indicated that the film can be quite an entertaining ride. Even at the box office, it wasn’t a huge hit but wasn’t a flop either.” Not just actors, even directors can soon add this clause in their contracts. Another recent case is that of Lootcase, a comic caper starring Kunal Kemmu, Rasika Dugal, Ranvir Shorey, Vijay Raaz and Gajraj Rao. It is directed by Rajesh Krishnan whose Soda Films is a co-producing banner along with Fox Star Studios. The source says, “Fox was happy with the film but had doubts over its commercial prospects. Hence they took the decision to cancel its theatrical release, scheduled for October 11. Rajesh Krishnan however wasn’t happy with this decision and protested. He also had the right to do so since he was a co-producer as well. This was also a reason why Fox Star Studios management then announced that they’ll go back to their original decision of releasing the film in cinemas as the tussle was becoming too ugly.” The source then opines, “Even for a director, it can be a harrowing experience if his film, which was to hit cinemas on the big screen, is instead seen by viewers on their laptops or mobile phones. Also, it can affect his remuneration for his next project. And for a director who already has few hits or important films under his belt, a direct-OTT release of his film can be humiliating. A ‘no digital release’ clause will prevent such a situation.” But isn’t it impractical for an actor or director to expect a theatrical release when the situation warrants a release on digital platforms instead? The source says, “That’s debatable. The producer might argue that actors should put themselves in his shoes and only then they’ll understand why he’d go for a release on OTT. But even the actors and director make the same argument. To avoid such problems and most importantly, to avoid any bad blood, signing the said clause is the best solution.” Also Read: Post the Sushant Singh Rajput – Jacqueline Fernandez starrer Drive, Netflix to do a quality checkfrom BollywoodHungama.com News https://ift.tt/2X21BZe
The shooting of the film s underway and will finish by March 2020. As the film is VFX heavy, the makers want to ensure that the film has top quality VFX. The VFX supervisor has been flown in from LA for this purpose. Maidaan is based on the Golden years of Indian Football and will see Ajay Devgn essay the role of the legendary coach Syed Abdul Rahim who is also known as the father of Indian football for his achievements in making India a top nation in Football during his lifetime. Produced by Zee Studios, Boney Kapoor, Akash Chawla, and Arunava Joy Sengupta, Maidaan is directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma, screenplay and dialogues are written by Saiwyn Quadros and Ritesh Shah respectively.
Sabbir Khan had three different sets prepared for the shoot - one in Madh Island, another at the Garden Retreat in Kandivali and one at Ellora Studios in Mira Road. Sabbir revealed that they had recreated interiors of the house at Madh Island but everything was ruined due to Friday morning rain. They had week-long stint to shoot but they have now postponed it. The set was insured. Sabbir Khan revealed that they will now head for the Lucknow schedule. Upon returning, they will shoot the remaining portions that could not be shot due to the rains. Nikamma is jointly produced by Sony Pictures International Productions and Sabbir Khan Films and is scheduled to release in the summer of 2020.
Are we moving towards a trend of film directors serving as their own music providers? Satyajit Ray is the only example of a major filmmaker in the past who composed music for his own films. Says Bhansali, “There is a genuine music composer dormant in many filmmakers. Raj Saab (Raj Kapoor) used to compose a lot of his music in his own head. Then he would share his creations with Shankar-Jaikishan who would then mould the compositions into a sophisticated work of art. Another great filmmaker, the underrated Raj Khosla was a singer-composer who collaborated with Laxmikant-Pyarealal for some fabulous music.” As a music composer Bhansali admits his greatest inspiration impetus and motivator is Lata Mangeshkar. “My greatest compliment as a music composer came to me from my idol Lataji for the music of Bajirao Mastani. Lataji has inspired all my films. She told me that the Latpat latpat opening of my ‘Pinga’ song was from her song in V Shantaram’s Amar Bhoopali. Lataji said she liked my songs and the way I’ve filmed them. Then she affectionately said, ‘Aapne mera Latpat latpat utha liya.’ I humbly submit that it is indeed true.” Bhansali says there are other influences simmering seductively in the soundtrack. “I am also proud to say that the number ‘Deewani Mastani’ is completely inspired by Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s style of composition. Bajirao Mastani is a tribute to the voice of Lataji, the music of Laxmikant-Pyarelal and the cinema of K Asif and V Shantaram. I am very proud to have absorbed all these influences.”
A source very close to the project informs this writer, “The whole point of doing Forrest Gump in Hindi is to transpose the original into Indian soil. Brutal aspects of Indian history cannot be swept under the carpet. They would have to be carefully probed.” Keenly particular about getting the facts right, Aamir and the film’s producers Viacom 18 will invite eminent historians as consultants on the screenplay. “We want to get this completely right,” says a source in the know.
After it was released that Salman Khan will attend all the promotional events in his Chulbul Pandey avatar, the fans from his Mumbai-based fan club have decided to wear the same attire at the event. The fans will reach the theatre before the superstar's arrival. The trailer will be launched in 9 cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Not only this, there be will an online contest and the winner will get a chance to interact with Salman Khan. The contest is based on explaining in 150 words why the participant thinks that they are Chulbul's biggest fans. Salman Khan will interact with winners across the country through video-conference and selected fans in Mumbai will get a chance to witness the actor live. The audiences are eagerly waiting to see the trailer of the film which will be launched at a grand event on 23rd October. The much-awaited, Dabangg 3 is directed by Prabhudeva and produced by Salma Khan, Arbaaz Khan and Nikhil Dwivedi under the banner of Salman Khan Films and is slated to release on 20th December, this year.
Kiara Advani says "I am super excited to begin shooting for Indoo, I’ve been prepping for the character ever since I signed the film and it’s finally time to live her! Indoo is a part of every young Indian girl she’s endearing, lovable and quirky. Looking forward to work with the teams at Emmay, T-Series and Electric Apples as we all strive to put our best foot forward to deliver a cracking entertainer" Speaking for T-Series, producer Bhushan Kumar said “It is always a pleasure to back good entertaining cinema specially the ones that bring smiles to audiences of all ages. We are delighted to be backing a film like Indoo Ki Jawani”. Nikkhil Advani, on behalf of Emmay, says “We are very excited to produce this youthful film that has such wonderful alchemy of actors. Having seen the rehearsals and prep, we are confident this film will win hearts.” First steps are always very special and filled with hope and optimism! Indoo Ki Jawani is Electric Apples Entertainment’s first foray into production in collaboration with Emmay Entertainment and we are sure that people will be as happy with IKJ as we have been in putting it together!” says Ryan Stephens of Electric Apples. The film marks the sixth collaboration between T-Series and Emmay Entertainment, after Airlift, Satyameva Jayate, Batla House, Marjaavaan (releases Nov 15, 2019), Satyameva Jayate 2 (releases Oct 02, 2019). Joining them for Indoo Ki Jawani are Electric Apples which marks their debut as producers. Indoo Ki Jawani, directed by Abir Sengupta, is expected to release worldwide on June 5th, 2020. Its Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Divya Khosla Kumar, Krishan Kumar (T-Series) Monisha Advani, Madhu Bhojwani, Nikkhil Advani (Emmay Entertainment) Niranjan Iyengar, Ryan Stephens (Electric Apples Entertainment).
According to a source, “Salman Khan has been juggling work between Bigg Boss 13 and Dabangg 3. He will soon wrap up the film and continue his work on the reality show which starts on September 29. As of now, the film’s last leg of the shoot will wrap up on October 4. The post-production work on the film is happening parallel.” Salman Khan and Sonakshi Sinha are all set to return with their fan favourite characters – Chubul Pandey and Rajjo – with the third installment of Dabangg. Dabangg 3 starring Salman Khan, Sonakshi Sinha, Arbaaz Khan, Mahie Gill, Ashwami Manjrekar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Pramod Khanna is set to hit the big screens on December 20, 2020.
However, the good news is that Salman is very much on track as far as his film on the holy festival is concerned. There have been reports that he has signed a film called Radhe. And that’s true. A source close to the film spills the beans, “Radhe is indeed Salman Khan’s next after Dabangg 3 and it’ll release on Eid 2020. Dabangg 3 releases on December 20, 2019 and Salman will shoot few portions of Radhe before the former’s release. It is directed by Prabhudheva, who incidentally, is also helming Dabangg 3. He’s in a race against time and simultaneously handling the shoot and post production of Dabangg 3 along with the pre-production of Radhe.” When further prodded, the source says, “Radhe is an official adaptation of a Korean film. And no, it’s not a remake of the 2015 flick Veteran. The producers have been very secretive about the name of the Korean movie whose rights have been bought by them. They, along with Prabhudheva and Salman Khan, are currently giving final touches to the script.” Salman Khan has played a character called Radhe twice, once in Satish Kaushik’s 2003 love saga Tere Naam and once in his 2009 super-hit flick, Wanted. The source adds, “Just like Prem, Radhe is another of his popular screen-name. Though the part of Radhe in the Eid release is very different from his part in Tere Naam and Wanted, some of the personality traits of his characters in both the films have been retained in Radhe. We assure you that Salman Khan fans would be in for a treat as his character is totally massy, bindaas and entertaining!” The official announcement for Radhe is expected anytime by the producers. As for Sanjay Leela Bhansali, he’s working with the other actor of Inshallah, Alia Bhatt, called Gangubai, based on a real-life respected pimp in Mumbai’s red light area. This film too will be announced formally by him soon and just like Radhe, will be out in 2020. Also Read: