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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

Covid-19 Surge Has Spoilt The Party For The Resurgent Box-Office
1617 days ago
Bollywood

Covid-19 Surge Has Spoilt The Party For The Resurgent Box-Office

New Delhi, Jan 4 (IANS) With the shadow of a third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic lengthening, the Indian film fraternity is taking measured steps to deal with the looming threat of disruption of business.## Production houses have already started pushing back the releases of upcoming films.## The first to feel the heat was the Shahid Kapoor-led cricket drama 'Jersey'. It was followed by the postponement of the period epic, S.S. Rajamouli's 'RRR', and then came to the news on Tuesday that the Akshay Kumar-starrer 'Prithviraj', which stoked a political controversy even before its release, has also been put on the backburner.## In a conversation with IANS, trade analyst Karan Taurani of Elara Capital said: "Producers of big-budget films will be averse to taking risks in the present situation".## With Delhi shutting down cinema theatres and multiplexes, Haryana following suit in five districts up till January 12, and Tamil Nadu and West Bengal imposing a 50 percent occupancy limit (like Maharashtra before them), the box-office, which was in a state of euphoria after the successes of 'Pushpa: The Rise', 'Sooryavanshi' and 'Spider-Man: No Way Home', has slipped back into a state of semi-paralysis.## Taurani says he doesn't see a major film release happening anytime soon. "They are all postponing," he said. "For the next three months, I see no releases being announced. I believe normality will return only after April".## The postponement of films will have a domino effect on the theatrical calendar of 2022, independent film trade analyst Sumit Kadel said. "For instance, the postponement of 'Prithviraj' will impact other releases of Yash Raj Films, such as 'Shamshera' and 'Jayeshbhai Jordaar'".## The third wave, according to Kadel, will last till February-March, which in turn will result in the postponement of more films. "The entire calendar will have to be reshuffled for sure," Kadel added.## Taurani expects the big-budget films to suffer because their interest cost goes up with each delayed-release. "They might have to come again to the exhibitors to ask for a higher distributor's share or make some other arrangements," Taurani pointed out.## But he ended on a note of hope. "It won't be as bad as it was during the second wave," he said. It's a hope that is being nurtured by everyone associated with the cinema business across the country.## Stay tuned...

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Sanjay Mishra, Vijay Raaz Speak About Reasons For Doing 'Waah Zindagi'
1617 days ago
Digital Media

Sanjay Mishra, Vijay Raaz Speak About Reasons For Doing 'Waah Zindagi'

Mumbai, Jan 4 (IANS) Sanjay Mishra, and Vijay Raaz feel that their film 'Waah Zindagi' allowed them to touch a broad set of audience all the while telling an important story in the most engaging way through their performances.## Talking about the film, Sanjay Mishra says, "I choose stories that hold some meaning in a larger sense".## He takes into account another film of his 'Turtle', as he says, "While I take on characters that resonate better with the masses but at the same time taking on films such as 'Waah Zindagi' and 'Turtle', makes me complete as an artist. Working with Dinesh, Vijay Raaz, Manoj Joshi, and Naveen was a fulfilling experience, we all shared a time bond owned by adventurous encounters on the sets".## Both the films will have an HD first premiere on &pictures. While 'Waah Zindagi' will be aired on January 6, 'Turtle' will be showcased on January 20.## Commenting on the same, Sanjay says, "I am elated to know that these two films, which are very close to my heart, are going to reach huge audiences through the medium of TV".## Adding to his co-actor, Vijay Raaz says, "If 'Make in India' vision had come sooner, the scenario would have been different today. One should watch 'Waah Zindagi' with an open mind and it'll absolutely change their perspective. Ashok and Dinesh had a clear view on things they wanted to convey through the story of 'Waah Zindagi'".## "I did the movie because I wanted to make this story reach as many people as possible. It was a good experience overall to work with such an amazing team that brought forth the story in all authenticity", he concluded.## Stay tuned...

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15-City US Promo Tour of Vivek Agnihotri's 'The Kashmir Files' Concludes
1617 days ago
Bollywood

15-City US Promo Tour of Vivek Agnihotri's 'The Kashmir Files' Concludes

New Delhi, Jan 4 (IANS) A 15-city promotional tour across the United States for Vivek Agnihotri's upcoming movie 'The Kashmir Files' has concluded. The film shows the systematic violence unleashed against Kashmiri Hindus and their subsequent displacement in 1990.## The Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD) has been at the forefront of making the world aware of the trauma faced by the Kashmiri Hindu community and the intergenerational effects of the genocide.## The broad outline of the movie was conceptualized by GKPD in association with the I Am Buddha Foundation in early 2018. This culminated in a two-year 'research tour' undertaken by Vivek Agnihotri, director, and Pallavi Joshi, producer, whereby they traveled widely across India, the US, the UK, and Singapore to hear first-hand accounts of the brutalities faced by the community from the survivors. These stories form the backdrop of this well-researched movie.## The movie also aims to increase awareness among the international communities about the scourge of terrorism and the need for it to be uprooted globally so that peace and humanity can flourish. It depicts the humanitarian angle of the challenges that global terrorism brings to communities and the suffering it causes.## To kick-start, the worldwide release of the movie, a US-wide promotional tour -- 'The Right to Justice Tour' -- was organized by GKPD in collaboration with its various partners in the US representing several sections of the Indian community from November 26 to December 30, 2021.## During this period, screenings were held in 15 US cities -- Long Island NY, Edison NJ, Washington DC, Tampa, Atlanta, Boston, Raleigh, Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Austin, and Houston.## All the exclusive screenings were held at premier theatres across the US and were sold out within hours of the events being made public. An invited audience of American politicians, lawmakers, media personalities, noted members of the Indo-American, Jewish, and other communities attended in wide numbers.## Hundreds of audience members took to social media and local press after the viewing to express their gratitude to Agnihotri and his team for finally bringing out the honest trust about the genocide, which has hitherto remained hidden from the masses.## Acclaimed actor Mithun Chakraborty, who has a lead role in the movie, attended the Long Island screening and spoke very poignantly about his experience during the filming. Other noted actors, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Puneet Issar, and Darshan Kumaar, are part of the star-studded cast.## On the sidelines of the screenings, various impact events were held at prestigious venues across the US, notably the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC, Capitol Hill, Harvard Club Boston, University of Massachusetts, University of Denver, Georgia Tech, and the Meca Center Houston.## GKPD in partnership with US-India Security Council convened a congressional reception at Capitol Hill on December 2 where Congressman Andy Barr emphasized the contribution of Indo-Americans.## Noted Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnammorthi said that "the Kashmiri pandit community is one of the most successful Indian-American communities and the challenges they had faced and overcome in the past make all challenges pale in comparison".## In his keynote speech, Agnihotri said, "The first principle of humanity and oneness comes from Kashmir".## During the tour, Governor of the state of Rhode Island, Daniel J McKee, presented a certificate of special recognition to Agnihotri and Pallavi Joshi. The state Senate of Massachusetts also formally congratulated Agnihotri for his contribution to the Indian film industry.## The grand finale of the roadshow was held in Houston on December 30. A massive car rally was organized and the visiting guests were driven in a motor cavalcade to the screening theatre. More than 400 people, including lawmakers, community leaders, and members of think tanks, attended the screening.## At the screening, Surinder Kaul, chief organizer of the tour and GKPD co-founder, thanked the visiting guests for making this very impactful movie and their extraordinary commitment to bringing the truth out.## 'The Kashmir Files' is due for worldwide release soon.## Stay tuned...

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Raghubir Yadav Explains Why 'Kaun Banegi Shikharwati' Is A Unique Series
1619 days ago
Digital Media

Raghubir Yadav Explains Why 'Kaun Banegi Shikharwati' Is A Unique Series

Mumbai, Jan 3 (IANS) Actor Raghubir Yadav says what he felt unique about the series 'Kaun Banegi Shikharwati' is that it showcases the life of kings and queens of that era and how they live in the current times.## "What I felt unique about this series is that it showcases the life of kings and queens of that era and how they live in the current times. It narrates an engaging story of two different generations and their completely different thought process and how they put in efforts in understanding each other," Raghubir said.## He added: "This is what I liked about the series and characters".## 'Kaun Banegi Shikharwati' is a dramedy based on the life of a royal king played by Naseeruddin Shah and his dysfunctional family. The show also stars Lara Dutta and Soha Ali Khan among many others.## He said: "Lara, Soha, Anya, and Kritika were new for me and I was new for them, however when we began shooting for this series, we in no time felt like a family living in a Raj Mahal".## Raghubir added: "We were all thoroughly focused on our work and there weren't any challenges in the shooting process. In fact, working with them was fun and I really enjoyed it".## The series premiere on January 7, 2022, on ZEE5.## Stay tuned...

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Fun Episode Of 'Unstoppable With NBK' As Rana Daggubati And Balakrishna Share Great Time
1619 days ago
Digital Media

Fun Episode Of 'Unstoppable With NBK' As Rana Daggubati And Balakrishna Share Great Time

Hyderabad, Jan 3 (IANS) Hosted by Nandamuri Balakrishna, celebrity talk show 'Unstoppable with NBK' will have 'Baahubali' actor Rana Daggubati in the upcoming episode.## Balakrishna, who entered into hosting, has so far been successful in creating his own mark by having Tollywood's biggies present on his show.## Now that Rana Daggubati is all set to appear on the show 'Unstoppable', the makers unveiled a fun-filled promo. The promo of the upcoming episode features Rana Daggubati having a witty conversation with Balakrishna.## Rana, who is the guest on the talk show, is seen quizzing Balakrishna, the host, in return.## When being quizzed about Balakrishna's bond with his wife, Balakrishna answers that he is the one who apologizes when the two have an argument.## "Lord Krishna himself held Satyabhama's feet when she was upset. Who am I?" Balakrishna said.## A few more questions and Rana dares Balakrishna to propose to his wife on the phone. As Balakrishna says "I Love You", his wife replies, "I know that you always love me", which is accompanied by claps from the audience.## The episode is to be aired on Aha on January 7.## Stay tuned...

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Mohan Babu's Letter Aims To Unite Telugu Film Industry
1619 days ago
Tollywood

Mohan Babu's Letter Aims To Unite Telugu Film Industry

Hyderabad, Jan 3 (IANS) Actor Mohan Babu, who released a letter to convey his views on issues facing the Telugu film industry, has mentioned that the industry lacks 'unity'.## In the letter, the 'Pedarayudu' actor had indicated that Tollywood must come together to resolve the issues faced by the film fraternity.## "A small-budget movie cannot survive with Rs 300 ticket price. In the same way, a huge budget movie cannot survive with a Rs 30 price. We must come together to get these issues resolved," Mohan Babu stated.## Mohan Babu also reminded of the times when late Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy had resolved the piracy issue, which was then a huge problem in Tollywood.## Mohan Babu, who had not spoken a word regarding these issues to date, had released this letter on Sunday, intending to bring the film fraternity together.## "We must seek the government to get the issues resolved. We must not let our industry die".## Actor Pawan Kalyan had openly challenged Mohan Babu to speak out against the unprecedented decisions made by the AP government.## Megastar Chiranjeevi, the producer's council, and many directors had tried multiple ways to reach out to the government to resolve the issues, but in vain.## Stay tuned...

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Crucial Changes For Bellamkonda Srinivas's Hindi Remake of 'Chatrapathi'
1619 days ago
Bollywood

Crucial Changes For Bellamkonda Srinivas's Hindi Remake of 'Chatrapathi'

Hyderabad, Jan 3 (IANS) Actor Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas of 'Alludu Adhurs' fame is all set for his Bollywood entry with the Hindi remake of Telugu hit 'Chatrapathi'.## It is reported that the makers have decided to alter the story of the original movie, so as to make it appealing to the target audience.## 'Bhajrangi Bhaijaan' writer K.V. Vijayendra Prasad - S.S. Rajamouli's father - has made crucial changes to the script, so as to fill in the gaps in the original movie had.## Also, Vijayendra Prasad has altered the script, which would be more racy and appealing, with intense action sequences.## The talkie part for the Hindi remake of 'Chatrapathi' has been wrapped up. The remake gets the same title in Hindi. V.V. Vinayak is directing this huge project in Hindi.## As the changes are being applied, actor Bellamkonda and director Vinayak seem to be confident that it would be a perfect launchpad for them in Bollywood.## Bollywood's Pen Studios is bankrolling the big-budget movie.## 'Chatrapathi' which was released in 2005, was directed by S.S. Rajamouli and starred Prabhas, Shriya Saran, and Bhanu Priya in the lead roles.## Stay tuned...

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Samantha-Starrer 'Shaakunthalam' Enters Post-Production Phase
1619 days ago
Tollywood

Samantha-Starrer 'Shaakunthalam' Enters Post-Production Phase

Hyderabad, Jan 3 (IANS) Samantha Ruth Prabhu's upcoming mythological epic 'Shaakunthalam' has entered its post-production phase as the makers released a video to hint at the progression of the movie.## "#Shaakuntalam Post-production work in progress", Gunaa Team Works wrote on their social media. The makers also came up with the hashtag #Mythology for Millenials, which indicates the grandeur that the team is to present 'Shaakunthalam'.## The video gives a glimpse into the work-life of the makers, as they are busily plotting the upcoming events related to 'Shaakunthalam'.## The pan-India mythological movie, which is being directed by maverick filmmaker Gunasekhar, has Samantha play a significant role, while Allu Arjun's daughter Allu Arha is to appear as Prince Bharata.## Produced by Neelima Guna, the mythological movie has advanced VFX technology. The makers are keen on wrapping up the post-production formalities soon.## Malayalam actor Dev Mohan is playing Dushyant in this movie, while veteran Telugu actor Mohan Babu will be seen as Durvasa.## 'Shaakunthalam' marks Samantha's first mythological flick. The movie also marks Allu Arha's entry into movies. It will be released soon in theatres.## Stay tuned...

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Ravi Dubey Credits 'Matsya Kaand' For Changing His Career Trajectory
1619 days ago
Digital Media

Ravi Dubey Credits 'Matsya Kaand' For Changing His Career Trajectory

Mumbai, Jan 3 (IANS) Ravii Dubey, whose web show 'Matsya Kaand' has garnered a positive response, holds his character of Matsya very close to his heart for it has opened up new avenues for him thereby changing the course of his career as an actor.## The actor said, "'Matsya Kaand' has truly changed the trajectory of my career. It challenged me as an actor and made me align physically mentally and spiritually with this craft like never before. Matsya came with a lot of makeovers, physical transformation and an emotional quotient like no other character I have played so far".## Defining the journey of the show, he said, "It required a lot of hard work and throughout the process, my director Ajay Bhuyan, producer Deepak Dhar (Banijay Asia) and Team MX asserted that we were on the brink of cracking something big".## The show produced by Banijay Asia for MX Player, recently clocked 100 million views on streaming platform MX Player, elated with the response to the show, Ravi shared, "Receiving positive reviews of the show affirmed that all the hard work we've put in as a team has paid off. However, when the show crossed 100 million views on MX Player, I was speechless. To be honest, I couldn't have asked for a better end to this year".## Talking about the success of the show, Deepak Dhar, CEO & Founder, Banijay Asia said, "We are amidst a content revolution where we are witnessing refreshing, experimental content taking the front seat with the audience all over the world".## He added, "A show like 'Matsya Kaand', which centers on an atypical conman, charming his way through the heists created such a hype among the metro cities as well as the rural corner of the nation that crossed 100 million views really fuels our belief in investing in such unconventional stories".## "At Banijay Asia, we thrive on presenting narratives that resonate with the cultural milieu and we look forward to following the same route with accelerated zeal and efforts in our forthcoming presentations", he concluded.## Stay tuned...

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Ayushmann Reveals What Makes Him Say 'No' To A Project
1619 days ago
Bollywood

Ayushmann Reveals What Makes Him Say 'No' To A Project

New Delhi, Jan 3 (IANS) Ayushmann Khurrana has delivered back-to-back hits in his journey in Hindi cinema. The actor has revealed how he picks up his projects and what makes him say 'no' to a script.## Talking to IANS about what makes him decline a project, Ayushmann, who is called the poster boy of content-driven cinema, said: "Anything that is mundane, generic or done-to-death or anything which is regressive is a complete no".## Ayushmann made his acting debut in 2012 with 'Vicky Donor'. Since then, he has been a part of a string of hits such as 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha', 'Shubh Mangal Saavdhan', 'Bareilly Ki Barfi', 'Andhadhun', 'Badhai Ho', 'Article 15', 'Bala', 'Dream Girl' and 'Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui'.## He says while picking up a film, it's the story he looks at and not the character.## "More than the character I look for the story. The story has to have a novel idea, a concept that is unexplored in Hindi cinema and it should hold the audience for two hours and it should have something to say. It should have some value in the end and story", he concluded.## Looking forward, Ayushmann has a motley of films lined up such as 'Anek', 'Doctor G' and 'Action Hero'.## Stay tuned...

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Bigg Boss 15: Surbhi Chandna Calls Umar Riaz Strong Contestant; Shamita A Dignified Player
1619 days ago
TV

Bigg Boss 15: Surbhi Chandna Calls Umar Riaz Strong Contestant; Shamita A Dignified Player

New Delhi, Jan 3 (IANS) Surbhi Chandna says she entered the 'Bigg Boss 15' house to make it more interesting and there is no one as such whom she supports. She calls Umar Riaz a strong contestant and Shamita Shetty a dignified player.## Surbhi Chandna, Vishal Singh, Akanksha Puri, and Munmun Dutta have entered 'Bigg Boss 15' house as challengers.## She says: "I have not entered the house to support anyone but just to wake up the contestants and make them realize that now the finale is near so it's time to be in action. But, at the same place, it is sad that we are approaching the finale and I can't comment on who will be the winner. Of course, Shamita Shetty, Umar Riaz, and Tejasswi Prakash are playing well. Shamita has no connection inside the house but still, she is playing so well and with dignity".## As a challenger, Surbhi has performed several tasks and then gave them to the contestants as a challenge to win Ticket To Finale. One such task that according to her was most tough and memorable for her was eating green chilies.## "I have eaten green chilies. Just to give them a challenge I had to do that. But that moment will always be with me forever".## The actress who has done shows like 'Ishqbaaaz', 'Sanjivani' and 'Naagin 5' has been often asked by her fans if she wants to be part of 'Bigg Boss' as a contestant and she says she will love to be on 'Bigg Boss' whenever she is willing to show her real self.## "Right now I am happy to be on the show as a challenger but as a contestant will definitely come sometime when I am open to showing my real self and mentally prepared for that", she concludes.## Stay tuned...

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Omarion: I'm An Artiste, Not A Covid Variant
1619 days ago
Hollywood

Omarion: I'm An Artiste, Not A Covid Variant

Los Angeles, Jan 3 (IANS) R&B singer Omarion has responded to the Covid jokes that have been circulating online, the B2K member playfully reminded his fans that he's "an artiste, not a variant".## Making use of TikTok, he shared a video of him wishing his followers a Happy New Year, reports aceshowbiz.com. "Hi everybody, this is Omarion. I am an artiste, not a variant," he first quipped, referring to the new Covid variant Omicron.## "So please be aware that if you just so happen to run into me on the street, you don't have to isolate for five days, nor do you have to have a negative test result in order to dance to my music," the 37-year-old continued. "So please, be safe, be healthy, Happy New Year".## Many have since reacted to the comical video. "He is sick and tired of being sick and tired of us," one person wrote alongside a series of crying laughing emojis.## Another individual then suggested: "He better use this pandemic to his advantage all 2022." Someone else, on the other hand, chimed in, "Somebody said the virus has spoken".## Omarion's post came a few days after LaKeith Stanfield (Keith Stanfield) poked fun at him in an Instagram DM. "You ruining Christmas for everybody smh," the 'Get Out' actor told the 'Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood' alum.## 'The Harder They Fall' star then shared a screenshot of the DM on his Instagram feed. In the accompaniment of the post, he wrote, "I'm weak I wonder if he's gunna respond." In addition to LaKeith, Lil Nas X previously name-dropped the 'Ice Box' hitmaker to lighten up the mood as he opened up about his health scare.## Assuring fans he was doing fine, he quipped: "I'm not sure whether I've had the Omarion or Alicia Keys variant of Covid but this hasn't been a fun journey".## Stay tuned...

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