BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Actor Rajeev Khandelwal says his role in his debut play "Court Martial" is an ode to his father.## "Growing up in an army family, I've always seen my father and brother proudly don their uniforms and it's no news to people that I also had aspirations to join the army," Rajeev said.## "In my career, I've played characters in uniforms before and I decided to keep this one of Capt. Bikash Roy. My role in ‘Court Martial' I'd like to believe is an ode to my father," he added.## The Zee Theatre teleplay "Court Martial" follows the unusual trial of a junior-ranked army man convicted of murdering his senior officer. Rajeev plays the role of Bikash Roy, an extremely sharp defense lawyer who goes deep into the shocking truth behind the assault.## Written by Swadesh Deepak, the play also stars Govind Pandey, Bhagwan Tiwari, Saksham Dayma and Swapnil Kotiwar.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Actor Vatsal Sheth will be making his directorial debut with a short film "Kahaa Toh Tha", in which he stars with wife Ishita Dutta.## The short film will release on April 28. It's a love story about a middle-class couple and the changes that the COVID-19 pandemic brings in their lives.## "This film 'Kahaa Toh Tha' is very close to me for a lot of reasons. I have turned director and producer for a film for the first time and I have launched Vatsal Sheth Films," Vatsal said.## "Ishita is a part of the film and I got to direct her. It's a very sweet film made at home by the two of us and the story is also very sweet and nice. It's a short film. I tried my best to make this as professional as possible with whatever limitations there. For example, we got the best music director. The music director of tanhaji has done the music. We got the best editor, poster designers for the film. This film is very close to me," he added.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Bollywood actress Vidya Balan is donating 1000 PPE kits for doctors and other medical staff who are battling at the frontline to keep us safe from the deadly COVID 19.## Vidya has also collaborated with celebrity shout-out platform Tring to raise donations to provide additional 1000 PPE kits, along with Manish Mundra of Drishyam Films and photographer cum film producer Atul Kasbekar.## Vidya Balan took to Instagram urging all to donate to the cause. She wrote: "Namaste, it is critical that we provide PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) kits to our healthcare workers for their protection in this #WarAgainstCovid19. I am donating 1000 PPE kits for our medical staff and have partnered with Tring to raise a donation for another 1000 PPE kits which are in immediate need across India for our doctors and medical staff."## The actress also announced a reward to whoever is donating. She wrote: "For your contribution, I will send you a personal thank you video message recognizing your generosity."## The "Mission Mangal" star also shared a video message on Instagram where she talks about the shortage of PPE kits in India's hospitals and explains why is it necessary to donate for the same.## In the video, Vidya says: "In the war against COVID 19, our healthcare professionals are like soldiers at the border fighting for our health and freedom. Just like we equip our soldiers for a battle, we must do the same with our medical staff."## "There is a critical shortage of PPE that is personal protective equipment for our senior doctors, residents, nurses, and ward boys in their daily work. They come into constant contact with affected patients and if one medico is affected, the entire unit of 8-12 healthcare workers is quarantined for 2-3 weeks. As a result, a lot of our hospitals are not functioning at full capacity. Join me in changing this now," she added.## Akshay Saini, co-founder of Tring stated: "We are very grateful to Vidya who has been very generous and has donated 1000 PPE kits in her individual capacity, in addition to the several other donations she is doing."## Each PPE kit worth Rs 650 consists of one coverall laminated and waterproof, nitrile gloves, goggles, face shields, 3-ply surgical mask, and shoe covers, informed the actress.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Chennai, April 25 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Theatre And Multiplex Owners Association have threatened to ban films starring superstar Suriya, as well as the films produced by his production company 2D films. The decision comes after the news that the film "Pon Magal Vandhal", produced by Suriya and starring his wife Jyothika, will be released directly on a popular OTT platform, bypassing traditional theatrical release.## Suriya's decision to go direct digital with his new production was made public through a tweet by the social media page, Let's OTT Global: "Premier Alert Public address loudspeaker: First Tamil feature film to get a Direct OTT release, #PonMagalVandhal (Tamil) streaming rights bagged by @PrimeVideoIN. Streaming from 1st week of May."## Following this, the theatre owners association general secretary Panneerselvam released a video stating the decision not to release Suriya's films in theatres. He said that movies that are made for theatres should release in theatres first, and not on OTT platforms. He is further that if this decision is not revoked, there would be a ban on releasing films starring Suriya.## The decision, if brought to effect, could impact Suriya's upcoming film "Soorarai Pottru".## Although there has been no official announcement to the effect, a source in the film trade said, about Suriya's decision to release the modest-budgeted "Pon Magal Vandhal" on OTT: "Given the scenario, the chance of a small-budget film succeeding when theatres reopen is tricky. If producers are taking a decision that keeps them financially safe, then releasing the film on a streaming platform would work."## For Jyothika, this isn't the only controversy she has faced lately. A few days ago, a video of Jyothika's speech at an awards show received flak from religious groups.## In the video, Jyothika says while she was shooting for the film "Raatchasi", she visited a famous temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. She spoke highly about the temple, saying it looked like a palace. The next day, when she was shooting in a hospital in the same city, she noticed how badly maintained it was. She went on to request people to donate to hospitals the same way they donate to temples, as hospitals are more important for people to survive.## Ra Saravanan, who is directing her upcoming film that also stars Sasikumar, said that during her shoot in Thanjavur, Jyothika saw women in unhygienic maternity wards in the hospital, which affected her. The filmmaker added that the intention of Jyothika's comment wasn't to hurt anybody.## Suriya and Jyothika haven't released an official statement yet.## For more and latest news about Tollywood, stay tuned with us.

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Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Unconfirmed reports suggesting the upcoming Ranveer Singh-starrer "83" will be sold for release on an OTT platform before it opens in the theatres, have been denied by Reliance Entertainment, co-producers of the much-awaited film. The rumors started after the film's release was pushed from its scheduled date of April 10 owing to the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown.## Lately, the trade circuit was abuzz with speculations that a global OTT giant with substantial reach in India has offered a whopping Rs 143 crore to the producers of "83" for the purchase of the film's release rights.## However, Reliance Entertainment has denied all such reports, claiming they will "evaluate" if the situation did not become normal even after six months, reports bollywoodhungama.com.## "There is no truth to these reports. '83' has been made for the big-screen experience. Right now, there's no intention or interest on the part of the directors or us as producers, to take these films to the small screen. If the situation deteriorates rapidly or there is no visibility of normalcy even after six months, we will evaluate then. But right now, we are all quite positive and I foresee that between the next four to six months, cinema halls will start operating. So that's the hope and mindset which we currently have," Shibashish Sarkar, Reliance Entertainment Group CEO, told bollywoodhungama.com.## Directed by Kabir Khan, "83" narrates the story of India's first-ever cricket World Cup victory in 1983. In the movie, Ranveer Singh stars as the then skipper Kapil Dev while Deepika Padukone plays Kapil's wife Romi Dev. The film also stars Pankaj Tripathi, Saqib Saleem, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Harrdy Sandhu, Ammy Virk, Jiiva, Sahil Khattar, Chirag Patil and Adinath Kothare in key roles.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, April 25 (IANS) Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson confessed that she was "rejected constantly" in her professional life, adding that she has "made a career out of being the second choice".## In an interview with Parade, the "Avengers" actress looked back at her career, reports dailymail.co.uk.## "Since a very young age, I've been rejected constantly ... the best call you can receive is after you are rejected for something and then you get it. You appreciate it more. I've basically made a career out of being the second choice," she added.## Johansson became a household name with her role as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but she wasn't originally cast in the role. She got the part after Emily Blunt had to drop out due to scheduling reasons.## In the past, the Oscar nominee has expressed frustration at roles she had to turn down. She also stepped down from the project "Rub And Tug" after criticism that a transgender actor should have been cast as the trans character.## At that time, in an interview with As If magazine in 2019, she said: "You know, as an actor, I should be allowed to play any person, or any tree, or any animal because that is my job and the requirements of my job. There are a lot of social lines being drawn now, and a lot of political correctness is being reflected in art."## Johansson's next release will be "Black Widow", which is slated to release on November 6.## Stay tuned...

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Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Yo Yo Honey Singh, Ankit Tiwari, Amit Trivedi, Mika Singh, Aastha Gill, Jubin Nautiyal and Akriti Kakar along with other artists will perform in a live concert on TikTok all through Sunday, April 26, aimed at spreading joy in the time of COVID-19 lockdown stress.## "I have been thinking of my fans during this time and just posted a new song, 'Quarantine love', with them on TikTok. Going on TikTok LIVE for this concert is going to be amazing!" said Mika.## Honey Singh, who is scheduled to perform live at 7 pm, said: "What better way than going live with your fans while at home and what a great way to spread some love, hope, and positivity during this time. I'm always looking at ways to engage with my fans and TikTok LIVE is the perfect platform to do so."## Ankit Tiwari also sounds excited about the idea. "At a time when people are at home, I feel privileged to have the opportunity to entertain my fans. This is going to be my first digital live concert and I'm really excited," he said.## The concert begins at 11 am with Salman Ali's performance, while Rapper Maddy will be concluding the digital show at 9 pm. While Mika performs at 6 pm, Ankit Tiwari goes live at 12 noon.## For music lovers stuck at home, the TikTok live concert is sure to turn Sunday into a fun day!## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Varun Dhawan has donated money for five lakh daily wage workers of the film and television industry belonging to 32 different work profiles at a time when they are jobless due to the COVID 19 pandemic lockdown. The actor made the contribution on the occasion of his 33rd birthday, which happened on Friday.## Sharing a video message on Twitter, Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) chief advisor Ashoke Pandit thanked the actor for his gesture on his birthday yesterday.## In the video, Pandit says: "Federation of Western India Cine Employees would like to thank actor Varun Dhawan for donating towards the daily wage workers of the film and television industry. It's his birthday today and on behalf of five lakh daily wage workers of the film industry belonging to 32 crafts, I wish him a very happy birthday. God bless you Varun for coming forward and standing by the daily wage workers who really form a very important place in our industry."## The actor has also provided free meals for doctors and healthcare staff who are leading the nation's fight against the COVID 19 pandemic.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, April 25 (IANS) "Deadpool" star Ryan Reynolds reunites with director Shawn Levy for a time-travel adventure movie.## Reynolds has come on board to star in and produce the untitled time-travel movie at Skydance, with Shawn Levy tapped in to direct the feature, reports hollywoodreporter.com.## Reynolds and Levy worked together on the video game adventure movie "Free Guy", which will be released late this year.## Reynolds will produce the project along with Skydance's David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger. George Dewey is also backing it through Reynolds' Maximum Effort banner.## In the film, the star will be seen as a man who must travel back in time to get help from his 13-year-old self. Together, they encounter their late father, who is now the same age as Reynolds.## The project is being written by Jonathan Tropper, who wrote Levy's ensemble dramedy "This Is Where I Leave You". It is being reconfigured from a previous version of a project once titled "Our Name Is Adam".## On the work front, Reynolds recently set up video game adaptation "Dragon's Lair" at Netflix and has several movies in the pipeline, including "The Croods 2" and "The Hitman's Bodyguard 2". Levy is prepping for the upcoming release of the fourth season of "Stranger Things".## The duo is in post-production on "Free Guy" as well. The movie was due to open on July 4 but will now be released on December 11.## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

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Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Urvashi Rautela's Facebook account has been hacked, the actress informed on Twitter. She warned fans not to respond to posts originating from her Facebook account.## "My Facebook has been hacked please don't respond to any messages or post as it is not done by me or my team @Facebook @facebookapp," the actress tweeted.## Urvashi realized that her Facebook has been hacked when a few posts, comprising pornographic content, started originating from the account.## Mumbai Police have informed Urvashi that they have acted on the issue, A complaint has been registered with the cyber police cell.## "We have forwarded your complaint to Cyber police station," Mumbai Police informed Urvashi on Twitter.## Bollywood actress and former beauty queen Urvashi Rautela is a social media sensation. She enjoys a huge fan base on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter among others.## On the work front, "Beat pe thumka" a peppy wedding number featuring Urvashi Rautela has just been released. The song is from her upcoming comedy flick "Virgin Bhanupriya".## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Actress Aamna Shareef has turned poet during novel coronavirus lockdown.## On Saturday, the "Kahiin Toh Hoga" fame actress took to Instagram and shared a self-composed poem, depicting the ongoing health crisis.## "Phone rakhte hi sunaayi nahi deti... doston Ki awaaz hai, apno se hi door rehna, yeh kaisa andaaz hai, daulat ke peeche bhaag Raha Tha Isiliye Kya Dosti Naraaz Hai," Aamna's wrote.## She also posted a video in which she is seen reciting her poem, titled "Dua Karti Hoon", which is co-written by her husband Amit Kapoor.## Speaking of her acting stint, Aamna is currently reprising the iconic antagonist Komolika in the reboot show of "Kasautii Zindagii Kay".## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, April 25 (IANS) Marvel Cinematic Universes third "Spider-Man" film and the sequel to the hit "Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse" have been pushed, amid the shuffle in release dates owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.## Hollywood studios have been revamping release schedules due to the ongoing crisis. Now, Sony Pictures has pushed back its two untitled "Spider-Man" sequels for several months, reports variety.com.## The studio announced that Marvel-Sony's "Spider-Man Far From Home" sequel has moved from July 16, 2021, to November 5, 2021. Sony Pictures Animation's "Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse" sequel has been delayed by six months from April 8, 2022, to October 7, 2022.## Tom Holland's "Spider-Man: Far From Home" was one of the most successful films of 2019, grossing $1.13 billion at the worldwide box office. The rescheduled film is the third installment in the franchise, which launched in 2017 with "Spider-Man: Homecoming".## "Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse", which grossed $375 million worldwide, won last year's Academy Award for Best Animated Movie.## Holland's video-game adaptation "Uncharted" has moved forward from October 8, 2021, to July 16, 2021, a slot which was previously occupied by his "Spider-Man Far From Home" sequel.## The studio has also updated "The Nightingale", starring Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning, from its Christmas Day release. Based on Kristin Hannah's 2015 bestseller "The Nightingale" tells the story of two sisters coming of age in France on the eve of World War II, and their struggle to survive the Nazi occupation of France. The film has not been shot yet.## The studio has also moved back the Kevin Hart drama "Fatherhood" six months from October 23, 2020, to April 2, 2021. Paul Weitz is directing "Fatherhood" from a screenplay he wrote alongside Dana Stevens. It is based upon the memoir of "Two Kisses For Maddy: A Memoir Of Loss And Love" by Matthew Logelin.## Sony also pushed back its action-comedy "Man From Toronto" nearly a year to September 17, 2021, from November 20, 2020. The studio moved "Hotel Transylvania 4" forward by four months from December 22, 2021, to August 6, 2021.## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.