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IANS News

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Indo-Asian News Service or IANS is a private Indian news agency. The IANS was founded by Indian American publisher Gopal Raju as the India Abroad News Service. It was later renamed the Indo-Asian News Service. The IANS has its main offices located in Noida.

Articles Written By IANS News

Worship Khanna sets the controls on upcoming web series 'Robot'
1623 days ago
Digital Media

Worship Khanna sets the controls on upcoming web series 'Robot'

Mumbai, Dec 30 (IANS) Actor Worship Khanna, who is currently seen as antagonist Vijayendra Singh in 'Meri Doli Mere Angna', is to star in upcoming web series 'Robot'. ## He says: "I'm excited to play a protagonist in the upcoming series, 'Robot'. I will essay the character, Anand, who is a simple and innocent guy working in an office dealing with robots. And after some twist and turn the robot (Rachel) falls in love with me. It is a very beautiful story and I'm sure my audience will enjoy watching me." ## The series of nine episodes also features actors such as Naveen Bawa and Vijay Patkar. ## The 'Kumkum Bhagya' actor looks forward to a healthy and peaceful New year. "I'm looking forward to a healthy and peaceful New year 2022. As Covid-19 is once again increasing I will choose to stay home and welcome the new year with a few of my very close friends. I wish to stay healthy and be able to work more exploring and essaying new characters." ##

'Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa' to release on Jan 14 on OTT
1623 days ago
Digital Media

'Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa' to release on Jan 14 on OTT

Chennai, Dec 30 (IANS) Tamil anthology 'Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa' will release on Prime Video on January 14, 2022, its makers announced on Thursday. ## 'Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa' is the second installment of the Tamil anthology 'Putham Pudhu Kaalai', which was received quite well. ## The new five-episode series will feature stories of hope, determination, and personal discovery, as told through the unique perspectives of five different directors. ## Reflecting on the second lockdown of the COVID pandemic that shook India, the anthology is focused on a message of hope and love amidst despair. ## The second installment of the Tamil anthology will feature director Balaji Mohan's 'Mugakavasa Mutham', featuring actors Gouri Kishan and TeeJay Arunasalam, director Halitha Shameem's 'Loners', featuring actors Lijomol Jose and Arjun Das, director Madhumita's 'Mouname Paarvayaai', featuring actress Nadiya Moidu and actor Joju George, director Richard Anthony's 'Nizhal Tharum Idham', featuring Aishwarya Lekshmi and Nirmal Pillai and Surya Krishna's 'The Mask', featuring Sananth and Dhilip Subbarayan. ## Aparna Purohit, Head of India Originals, Amazon Prime Video India, remarked, "The overwhelming response that we received to our first anthology encouraged us to continue creating narratives of resilience, hope, love, and above all, showcase how humanity came together to battle the crisis. We are happy to present 'Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa', featuring independent, cinematic voices from the Tamil industry, and are confident that the series will infuse viewers with hope and faith as we step foot in the new year." ##

Sandesh Gour excited about his upcoming series in new year
1623 days ago
Digital Media

Sandesh Gour excited about his upcoming series in new year

Mumbai, Dec 30 (IANS) Actor Sandesh Gour, who has been a part of shows like 'Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya', 'Saraswatichandra', 'Shapath', and 'Badi Dooooor Se Aaye Hai', is gearing up to play a protagonist in upcoming web series 'Atrangi Ishq', 'SCAR' and 'Free Ka Bunglow'. ## He says: "I'm glad to start my new year with three big and interesting projects. In all the projects I'm playing the protagonist. 'Atrangi Ishq' and 'SCAR' are youth dramas and 'Free Ka Bunglow' is a sitcom. I'm making my debut on the digital platform and I'm really excited about it. I feel 2021 is ending on a great point for me and 2022 might be turning point of my life." ## Talking about his roles in the series he shares: "In 'Atrangi Ishq', I'm playing Kabir who's lazy, dictator and possessive guy. He is an orphan and lives with his friend and it is scheduled to be released in February. In my other project 'SCAR' I'm essaying Siddharth. He is an aspiring actor who is innocent, dedicated to his career. And 'Free ka Bunglow' is full of comedy and my audience will see my comic timing." ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk For More Updates.

Dibyendu Bhattacharya to play nuclear physicist in 'Rocket Boys'
1623 days ago
Digital Media

Dibyendu Bhattacharya to play nuclear physicist in 'Rocket Boys'

Mumbai, Dec 30 (IANS) Actor Dibyendu Bhattacharya, who is known for his performances in films like 'Black Friday', 'Dev D' and 'Lootera', will soon be seen playing a nuclear physicist in the upcoming sci-drama series 'Rocket Boys'. ## The series, which also stars Jim Sarbh and Ishwak Singh, marks Bhattacharya's first brush with the genre. Talking about his role, Dibyendu says, "It is a very interesting character. I'm a nuclear physicist in the series." ## He adds, "All I can say is that it's a role I've never played before and India hasn't seen too many real scientists being portrayed on screen, so it gives me a free hand to dig into my craft. I'm honoured to have been offered this part. I'm excited, it's a story of how brilliant minds changed the course of history." ## The series celebrates the architects of the future of India, Homi J. Bhabha (essayed by Jim Sarbh) and Vikram Sarabhai (played by Ishwak Singh), the renowned scientists who pioneered India's nuclear programme. Directed by Abhay Pannu with Nikhil Advani as the showrunner, 'Rocket Boys' produced by Roy Kapur Films and Emmay Entertainment, will be available to stream on SonyLIV. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk For More Updates.

'Squid Game' maker teases Season 2; third may be coming soon
1623 days ago
Digital Media

'Squid Game' maker teases Season 2; third may be coming soon

Seoul, Dec 30 (IANS) Hwang Dong-hyuk, the writer and director of popular Korean survival drama 'Squid Game', has discussed the future of his hit Netflix series. ## During a new interview, Dong-hyuk teased that two more seasons of the thriller series are probably coming soon, reports aceshowbiz.com. ## Speaking with KBS (Korean Broadcasting System), Dong-hyuk said that he is in talks with Netflix about Season 2 "as well as season 3." ## He went on to share: "We will come to a conclusion any time soon." ## Dong-hyuk added: "We know that many people are waiting, so everyone is working hard to prepare for the next season with a positive outlook." ## Netflix confirmed the claims on the same day. ## "It's true that we are discussing a wide variety of possibilities for 'Squid Game', including the production of a Season 3, but nothing has yet been set in stone," the streaming giant said in a statement. ## Back in November, Dong-hyuk shared that he had been working on a Season 2 storyline. ## "I do have a basic storyline for Season 2 - it's all in my head - and I am currently in the brainstorming stage," the writer-director said during a special screening and Q&A. "It will happen, someday, but as for when I cannot tell you the details." ## Dong-hyuk didn't really say much about the potential plot in Season 2. However, he confirmed that the sophomore season would follow Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) and his investigation of those behind the deadly, titular tournament. ## Debuting on September 27, 'Squid Game' tells "an imaginative, unorthodox story in which 456 contestants risk their lives in a mysterious survival game -- involving multiple rounds of childhood games -- for a chance to win 45.6 billion won." ## The show quickly becomes a global phenomenon. ## It was officially named the biggest launch for a new show on Netflix, surpassing 'Bridgerton', after it reached 111 million viewers in less than a month. ## Additionally, 'Squid Game' is among Netflix's Top 10 list in around 94 countries. The dystopian show is also the platform's first-ever Korean series to reach the No. 1 spot in the US. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk For More Updates.

'Seththumaan' to be part of Chennai International Film Festival
1623 days ago
Digital Media

'Seththumaan' to be part of Chennai International Film Festival

Chennai, Dec 29 (IANS) Director Tamizh's 'Seththumaan', which has been produced by Pa Ranjith's Neelam Productions, is to be a part of the Chennai International Film Festival that begins on Thursday. ## Making the announcement on social media, director Ranjith, who is known for the hard-hitting, social cause-espousing films that he produces, said, "Happy to share that 'Seththumaan' from Neelam Productions is going to be a part of the Chennai International Film Festival. Do book your tickets. Sathyam Cinemas on 01-01-2022 at 3 PM." ## 'Seththumaan' hasn't been the most eagerly awaited films for its story has been written by Perumal Murugan, the author of 'Madhorubhagan' better known as 'One Part Woman', which triggered a major controversy with some religious groups taking strong exception to the manner in which traditions had been portrayed in the book. ## Ranjith's production house, Neelam Productions, too put out a tweet to confirm the news. It said, "Feeling great and happy to announce that 'Seththumaan' has been officially selected into the Chennai International Film Festival! Hearty congratulations to the team!" ## The film has sound by Anthony Ruban, who was the sound designer for the critically acclaimed 'Sarpetta Parambarai' and cinematography by Pratheep Kaliraja, who was also the cameraman for the recently-released critically-acclaimed hit 'Writer'. ##

Manoj Bajpayee tops list of most popular OTT actors of 2021
1623 days ago
Digital Media

Manoj Bajpayee tops list of most popular OTT actors of 2021

Hyderabad, Dec 29 (IANS) Actor Manoj Bajpayee is the most popular OTT actor in India in 2021, according to an Ormax Media survey. ## In the survey, actor Manoj Bajpayee topped the list of the most popular OTT actors, followed by Pankaj Tripathi. ## Nawazuddin Siddiqui grabbed third place in the list, while Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who captivated audiences as 'Raji' in 'The Family Man 2', was fourth. ## Radhika Apte, Kay Kay Menon, Saif Ali Khan, Sushmita Sen, Jithendra Kumar, and Tamannah Bhatia bagged spots in the top ten OTT actors. ## Ormax Media took to Twitter to publish the results of the survey, "Most popular OTT actors in India (Sep-Nov 2021): @BajpayeeManoj stays at no. 1, @kaykaymenon02 (no. 6), @thesushmitasen (no. 8), and @tamannaahspeaks (no. 10) make an entry in the Top 10 #OTT #Streaming." ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk For More Updates.

The Write Stuff: 'Decoupled' writer Manu Joseph sympathises with other professions
1624 days ago
Digital Media

The Write Stuff: 'Decoupled' writer Manu Joseph sympathises with other professions

Mumbai, Dec 29 (IANS) Senior journalist and screenwriter Manu Joseph, who's the writer and creator of the recently-released comedy series 'Decoupled', harbours sympathy for vocations other than writing because in writing everything is documented as opposed to other professions. ## Talking about what separates writers from other working professionals, Manu says, "One fortune for writers is that all your miseries become material. If a software guy or an engineer goes through pain or crisis, there's really nothing that they could do about their suffering. In that regard, I have sympathy for other professionals because in my profession, ultimately everything is documented." ## He adds how having worked in different verticals of journalism and screenwriting help him craft his stories, "If I have a thought, it would be either in a column, a short story or a novel, nothing is wasted by just remaining in the head. One big contribution of journalism to my fiction writing is that I can never be naive in any situation." ## Talking about his process, he says, "Some writers are very good at collaboration and some writers prefer to work alone, I'm someone who has always worked alone. I don't understand collaborative writing." ## He concludes with what excites him after the completion of the writing process, "To me, after writing, the process of negotiation and defending your work is very interesting. If you're defending your work in front of an intelligent person, it becomes richer, you get more confident of what you have done." ## Stay tuned.

'Human' trailer shines a light on the dark underbelly of medical drug trials
1625 days ago
Digital Media

'Human' trailer shines a light on the dark underbelly of medical drug trials

Mumbai, Dec 28 (IANS) The trailer of medical drama-thriller 'Human', which stars Shefali Shah and Kirti Kulhari, was released recently. The film explores the story of fast-tracked drug trials and their ramifications on public health and human lives. ## Directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and Mozez Singh, the series, will be released on OTT on January 14. ## Shefali Shah, who plays the character of Dr Gauri Nath, gives an insight into the series, "'Human' as a series is extremely relevant and relatable in today's time. When I read the script, I couldn't help but imagine our current scenario, a world of hospitals and vaccine trials. It makes one question humanity and everything that transpires to keep it intact." ## She added: "Gauri Nath is someone you rarely come across. It's one of the most complicated characters I've ever played, and completely out of my comfort zone. She is unpredictable and indecipherable. 'Human' is a Pandora's box of emotions, actions and consequences. And you'd never know what hit you from the dark depths of its complexities (sic)." ## Kirti Kulkarni, who plays Dr Saira Sabarwal in the series, said: "It has been an absolute pleasure and thrill to play the role of Dr Saira Sabharwal. It's the first time that I am playing a doctor on screen, a world that I am not completely unfamiliar with as my sister and brother-in-law are doctors. I did get a lot of insight by speaking to both of them and other doctors. During that phase, I would get into a conversation with whichever doctor I met which could help me with my character." ## She continued: "Apart from that, 'Human' is such a layered and complex story, it immediately pulled me towards it. Also the fact that Shefali Shah would be a part of the same show with me, really excited me. She is someone I really look up to and I have truly enjoyed her work as an actor and I was thrilled to share screen space with her. The show also has other wonderful actors and I also met a psychologist to discuss some aspects of my character." ## She further added: "I basically got into the mindsets and world of the doctors, speaking to various people and understanding various aspects of how they function in the workspace and outside of it. It's the first time I am playing a doctor and it's a thrilling experience, my fans too are going to really enjoy my role of Dr Saira Sabharwal. Super excited for 'Human'". ## Producer and director Vipul Amrutlal Shah said: "'Human' delves into the complexities of human nature with a backdrop of the medical world. It explores the dark and twisted world of unethical human trials in a provocative yet real and gritty manner. It showcases aspects of the unknown medical world laden with suspense at every turn. Mozez Singh and Ishani Banerjee have done a wonderful job with the script and the incredibly talented ensemble star cast makes 'Human' an exciting watch." ## Sharing his experience of working as the scriptwriter and director, Mozez Singh said: "'Human' is a series that deals with a very unique take on life and death. It questions the value of human life and the extent human beings will go to run away from their grief, guilt and shame. The repercussions of this can have extreme effects on the lives of the people involved, creating escalating drama and conflict between all of them and allowing the narrative to be truly explosive, especially when you throw in the barriers of class into the mix." ## "Getting to explore all of the above with my co-writer Ishani Banerjee and the rest of the writers room was a true honour and I'm extremely grateful to Sunshine Pictures for giving me the opportunity. This was an intense project for me as it has several elements that resonated with me on a personal level and therefore I was constantly inspired and determined to give my best. I'm proud of what we have delivered," Mozez concluded. ## In addition, the series also stars Vishal Jethwa, Ram Kapoor, Seema Biswas, Aditya Srivastava and Mohan Agashe. 'Human', a Disney+ Hotstar Special, will be available to stream from January 14. ##

'Don't Look Up' behind-the-scenes podcast series announced by Netflix
1625 days ago
Digital Media

'Don't Look Up' behind-the-scenes podcast series announced by Netflix

Los Angeles, Dec 28 (IANS) Streaming giant Netflix has announced 'The Last Movie Ever Made', an upcoming podcast series that will offer a behind-the-scenes look at writer-director Adam McKay's comedic disaster film 'Don't Look Up'. ## The podcast series will be composed of six episodes and will debut its first installment on January 7, 2022, reports variety.com. ## Along with a glimpse into the film's production process and an argument regarding the story's parallels to how ruling institutions have mishandled the Covid pandemic, the podcast will also feature appearances by various members of its sizable ensemble cast, including Jennifer Lawrence, Leonardo DiCaprio, Meryl Streep, Tyler Perry, Ariana Grande, Timothee Chalamet, Rob Morgan and Himesh Patel. ## "In early 2020, Adam McKay set out to make a comedy," reads the podcast's tagline. ## "It was meant to make fun of, and point to, the forces stopping us from saving ourselves from climate change. 2020, of course, had other plans. This is what happened when a cast and crew came together to make a disaster comedy, while living through a series of very uncomedic disasters." ## After a limited theatrical release that began on December 10, 'Don't Look Up' became available to stream on Netflix on December 24. ## The film has been met by a mixed response, though it still seems poised as a formidable contender in this year's awards race, with some calling it "too funny to lose." ## In his review of 'Don't Look Up', Variety chief film critic Peter Debruge called the film's tone "grating, even if you don't have to look far to see some version of what he's ranting about in the real world." McKay recently spoke with Variety about the film's multiple endings. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk For More Updates.

'420 IPC' director Manish Gupta unties the film's intricate knots
1625 days ago
Digital Media

'420 IPC' director Manish Gupta unties the film's intricate knots

Mumbai, Dec 27 (IANS) Manish Gupta's crime film '420 IPC' starring Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey, and Gul Panag which was released recently has been garnering a positive response for its narrative style-driven through the intricacies of the Indian Penal Code. ## Manish, whose credits include films like 'The Stoneman Murders' (writer and director), 'Sarkar' (writer) and 'Section 375' (writer), recently spoke with IANS and unraveled what went into the making of a film that explores the layers of courtroom proceedings in a financial fraud case. ## Explaining the germ of '420 IPC', he says, "I'd got the idea for '420 IPC' during the three years of extensive research that I'd carried out for my previous courtroom drama 'Section 375' during which I came across court procedures involved in economic offence cases - which I found to be an unexplored premise for a film." ## He adds, "Carrying out further research, I discovered that people with upper economic status and a high pedigree of intelligence and education are involved in economic crimes. So the court proceedings involve more brain work, thus lending a more cerebral premise for a film." ## Manish himself took the onus of the film's research as he says, "There was no research team. I carried out the research personally and singlehandedly by attending numerous court hearings and interviewing lawyers, court staff members, policemen, etc. I'd already done a heavy amount of research for 'Section 375', so I had a lot of basic research material already with me." ## Commenting on the value that his lead actors Vinay and Ranvir add to the film, he mentions, "Vinay and Ranvir infuse a lot of believability into the narrative. Both are brilliant actors which goes without saying but at the same time, both have the ability to absorb their characters so well that the viewer sees a real person, rather than an actor." ## Probe him if there were a lot of improvisations on the sets, he quips, "Not really, because my scripts are usually written with great clarity. In '420 IPC', as in all my films, since I was the director as well as the screenplay and dialogue writer, so while writing, I'd already directed the film on paper." ## Looking at his filmography, one can easily say that the filmmaker-writer has a knack for grey stories and characters. Explaining his fascination with grey shades, he furnishes the closing answer, "In reality, no person is completely good or bad. All human beings possess good and bad qualities, although to varying degrees. That's exactly what I depict in my films." ##

Roshni Kapoor recalls shooting experience during pandemic for 'The Rage - Over Injustice'
1626 days ago
Digital Media

Roshni Kapoor recalls shooting experience during pandemic for 'The Rage - Over Injustice'

Mumbai, Dec 27 (IANS) Roshni Kapoor's debut film 'The Rage - Over Injustice' that went to the Cannes Film Festival, is now all set to release on OTT. ## Roshni who plays an NRI girl in the film is happy with the development. ## The story revolves around how she is determined to fight against the unjust circumstances that befall her friends and herself through the pursuit of uplifting and empowering the LGBT community. ## "The film was shot in Goa, Pune, and Dubai. The experience of shooting the film was wonderful. Since we shot during April when the Covid situation was not favorable, we went to an island in Goa. We used to carry food and we used to get only about six hours for the shoot as the island was surrounded by goons and bootleggers. ## "So after 8 p.m., we weren't allowed to stay there. There was no network coverage there. We faced several challenges including my major knee injury, insect and mosquito bites, heat strokes, skin burns, etc. but we completed the film the way we wanted," she shares. ## Sharing her prep for the character, she adds: "I didn't get much time to prepare. When I met producer Mohammad Nagman Lateef, he told me about this role, I loved the concept. We were worried about the rise in Covid cases so we decided to finish the film soon. Even when we started, some of the cast members tested positive and we had to replace them. But our director knew how to get the best out of us." ## Roshni, who is also a brand endorser, does not have formal training in acting and she learnt on the job. ## "I realised when I'm facing the camera, I've to leave my real personality behind. When you are shooting, you're only an actor and have to do your job. I've given my best and there are many times where in one take, the shot was finalised. I remember while shooting a scene when I had mud smeared on my face, a fan asked for a photo after the shot and I felt embarrassed, given my condition," she adds. ## So, who inspired her to take up acting? "I would give credit to Mohammad. We met at one of his award functions and he suggested if I would do a movie for Cannes for a good cause. I told him that I'm not into acting, though I'd got many offers. He told me to make a movie that works as a message for people. I'm glad I listened to him and took up this opportunity," concludes the actor. ## 'The Rage - Over Injustice' is directed by Anuj Sharma while Anik R. Verma of 'Gully Boy' and 'Special 26' fame is the cinematographer and the production house is Iconic Productions Pvt Ltd. ## The film says a lot about the LGBT community. It also stars actors Adnan Khan and Aditya Khurana. ##