BY SACNILK

Thiruvananthapuram, April 23 (IANS) With the entire Malayalam film industry affected adversely by the Covid-19 lockdown, the producer's association has requested its actors and technicians to reduce their fees by 50 percent when the lockdown is lifted and the working in the industry gets back to normal.## Around seven Malayalam films which were all set to hit the screens, during Easter and the Ramzan period and about 26 films are stuck in various stages of production.## "We have no clue when this will get back to normal times. As and when the lockdown is lifted, if the industry has to go forward, the actors and technicians have to cut down their professional fees. A mere reduction of fees, won't be of any help, it should be reduced by 50 percent," said leading producer Sureshkumar.## The producer's association is soon expected to initiate discussions with the other segments of the industry, for this and to chalk out future plans, once the lockdown ends.## In the Kerala film industry, the leading superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal are the ones who charge the highest, followed by stars like Prithviraj, Dileep, and others.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, April 23 (IANS) Actor Sebastian Stan isn't clear about his future as Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).## "You know, I know nothing about that. I'm just a man. We got to figure out a couple of other missions first before we even get there," variety.com quoted Stan as saying when asked about his involvement in future "Avengers" movies.## For now, Stan teams up with Anthony Mackie, who plays Sam Wilson / Falcon in MCU, in the upcoming "Falcon And Winter Soldier" series, and says they just got to "figure out some adventures" on which they can work together. The shoot of the series is currently stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.## "I've got to deal with this other person. It's been nice to have a break from him, Anthony Mackie. It's nice to have a little quiet in this quarantine without him. But we got to figure out some adventures together first before we get there," he added.## Stan's career took off after he played Steve Rogers' best friend Barnes in "Captain America". There has been no looking back since then.## The actor says starring in "The Avengers" franchise changed your career and life.## "It was 10 years ago, in 2010, when I came in. Looking back, I feel like I had half the amount of experience and knowledge that I do now. In a way, I felt like I grew up with the franchise as a person myself and I feel like that character grew up with me as well. But I don't think any of these movies that you referenced would have been possible without it. I wouldn't be here without it," he said.## Talking about "Avengers: Endgame" becoming the most successful movie of all time, he said: "That's just wild. You don't even think about that."## "It's crazy to think it's bigger than ‘Titanic'. I went to see ‘Titanic' way too many times in the theater. It's exciting because 10 years' worth of filmmaking went into making (‘Avengers: Endgame'). The fact that people went out to see it and support it so much only shows how much they love the characters, how much they've invested in the past 10 years. And they feel like in a way they grew up with the movie," he added.## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 23 (IANS) Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan's son Ibrahim is using the COVID-19 lockdown period to strengthen his bond with mother Amrita Singh and sister Sara Ali Khan.## "I'm spending quarantine, strengthening my bond with my mother and sister as we take charge of the household chores," Ibrahim wrote on Instagram.## "I came across a video which is a simple reminder to support our extended families of our neighborhood, especially the elderly who are the most in need amid the COVID-19 crisis. It's time we strengthen bonds and #ShowWeCare by helping them with essentials and ensure their well-being," he added.## Recently, Ibrahim also joined celebrities including Virat Kolhi and Siddhant Chaturvedi to voice concern for senior citizens amid the ongoing health crisis.## Kolhi used social media to request his fans to step up during the difficult time and check if senior citizens living in their vicinity are in need of any essentials or any other support. Siddhant, famous for his role as 'MC Sher' in "Gully Boy", called senior citizens living in his building and checked on their well-being. He told his fans on social media how simple acts of care towards the most in need while practicing social distancing can go a long way in emerging out stronger as a nation.## Kohli, Siddhant and Ibrahim were urging people to extend care for the elderly in an initiative by P&G Vicks.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 23 (IANS) The Ajay Devgn-starrer "Raid", which released in 2018, is set to get a sequel. The follow-up film is already in the scripting stage, and the makers are considering the creation of "huge multi-film franchise based on the lines of 'Raid'".## The 2018 film, directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, was based on a remarkable real-life income-tax raid conducted at the residence of a powerful local politician, by the Income Tax Department under the leadership of the upright IRS officer Amay Patnaik. The raid is widely believed to be the longest ever in history, and it went on for over 18 hours.## "The success of 'Raid' in 2018 proved to us that the audience is hungry for such smart content. We, Ajay Devgn and I along with Kumar Mangatji (producer)are in talks to create a huge multi-film franchise based on the lines of 'Raid'. The second part of the film is already in the scripting stage," said T-Series head honcho, producer Bhushan Kumar.## "We always want to give the audience films that are content-oriented. We have a responsibility to stay true to the expectations of the audience from this collaboration, especially after the success of our last venture, 'Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior'. We assure the audience that we will work tirelessly to make sure that we take the sequel to 'Raid' forward in the right direction," he added.## The sequel is expected to go on floors, not before next year.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 23 (IANS) Actor Vikas Sethi has been away from showbiz for a while now. He says he wants to get back to work soon.## It's been about two years since the audience last saw him on screen.## "I want to get back to acting really soon. Gone are the days when you were considered too old to play a lead. There is room for actors to play a part of any age. Personally, I would like to get meaty roles and have no qualms about asking for work," said the "Sasural Simar Ka" actor.## He is also establishing his own production house.## "It is at the concept level. Given a choice between a positive or a negative role, I would love to take up a role with shades of grey. I'm of the opinion that a negative role offers an actor much more room to improvise whereas a good guy's role is in a defined framework," said the "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..." actor.## Talking about the changes he finds in the industry, Vikas said: "I see some really good chances in the television industry today. It has become more streamlined in its approach and more professional. Nowadays, they have shifted from 9 am to 9 pm, whereas earlier we used to work for 18 hours at a stretch.## "Another thing that has been added to the bouquet of channels is the OTT platform, which offers TV actors another medium to showcase their acting prowess."## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 23 (IANS) Actor Rajeev Khandelwal will make his theatre debut in the play "Court Martial". He says essaying a character on stage is supremely challenging and it provides the ultimate validation for any actor.## "I think essaying a character on stage for the theatre is supremely challenging and provides the ultimate validation for any actor. I have always envied actors who can entertain the audience on stage. It was as good as one of the things in my 'to-do list'," Rajeev said.## Zee Theatre's 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.## Talking about the play, the actor said: "'Court Martial' demanded an intensity that required me to work on myself and prep for the role. It is an intense and gripping play with a fabulously taut storytelling technique. This play is regarded as a classic in the world of theatre."## Written by Swadesh Deepak, the play also stars Govind Pandey, Bhagwan Tiwari, Saksham Dayma, and Swapnil Kotiwar.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) Randeep Hooda is glad to be the first Indian male actor doing a Hollywood action film, and the Bollywood star says it feels great to be able to break stereotypical references of Indian characters in the West.## Randeep will be entering Hollywood as Saju in Netflix's "Extraction", starring Chris Hemsworth and David Harbour. Randeep has stepped out of his comfort zone to make an action-packed entry in the West.## "I was glad to get the movie on two to three levels. I got to feature as the first Indian male actor doing the action in a Hollywood film. Breaking the stereotypes of IT professionals, millionaires or comic relief in a film. It was great that I was able to break that barrier," Randeep told IANS.## He continued: "I haven't done hand to hand action much. I have an action image but haven't done much action (on-screen). So, this was a new thing. It was new territory for me as an actor, to be able to use other factors as an actor and not just drama, and to be able to use my body and to be able to learn new things. I really enjoyed it... And feeling safe while doing it because they were so well prepared. I was elated and grateful that I got to do this part."## In the film, Saju is the one who brings Hemsworth's Tyler Rake on board to the extraction of his boss' child. The character is layered, with an emotional vein adding a touch of sensitivity in the action-packed story.## "The layers in the part are a result of discussions, and Sam Hargrave's vision from discussions, ranging from mutually favorite movies and writers. And then (it was a result of) adding a universal emotional angle, which is the family. It deals a lot with that and wanting to create a difference from the point you first see this guy to the last time you see this guy. His journey was a very gratifying experience," Randeep said while explaining his role.## Originally titled "Dhaka", the film revolves around Tyler Rake (essayed by Hemsworth), a fearless, black market mercenary, who embarks on the most deadly extraction of his career when he is enlisted to rescue the kidnapped son of an imprisoned international crime lord. It has been shot extensively in India, along with other places around the world.## It also stars Indian actors Pankaj Tripathi, Priyanshu Painyulli, and Rudraksh Jaiswal. The screenplay of the film is done by Joe Russo. The film is produced by Russo Brothers (Joe and Anthony Russo), Mike Larocca, Chris Hemsworth, Eric Gitter, and Peter Schwerin. "Extraction" will release on Netflix on April 24.## Talking about bonding with Hemsworth, Randeep said: "I grew up in Australia, where Chris is from. So, there was a lot of Australian way of talking and humor. Chris has a lot of energy. He is a sweet guy. I enjoyed working with him. I think this is one of his best and finest performances, which I'm sure people will be bowled over by."## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 22 (IANS) Young actor Aditya Rawal, son of the veteran Paresh Rawal, says although "Bamfaad" was a perfect debut film for him to prove his acting skill as a debutant, it wasn't easy for him to bag the project and that he had his share of struggle too.## "I am fortunate to have everything that I have dreamt of, but (I have it) after three years of struggle. Not that I have got everything on a platter, and perhaps that is why I value everything. I studied at NYU, auditioned, did theatre, and wrote stories. I have done everything that a struggler does in his initial days. So when finally my debut happened with ‘Bamfaad' I take it for what it is -- an opportunity to explore. I did not take it as pressure that comes along with a film, but as the chance to prove my skill as an actor," claimed Aditya, while speaking to IANS.## "Bamfaad" also features Vijay Varma, Jatin Sarna among others, and is streaming on ZEE5.## His co-actor Vijay mentioned: "Aditya is surely a talent to watch out. Being a Juhu brat, the way he played the character, Nasir Jamal, in the film, it looked convincing. He did not have the air of being the son of a veteran actor like Paresh Ji. We chatted for long films, and obviously the world cinema is our common interest area."## Aditya has studied creative writing abroad, so does it make him a better judge of a script? "Most definitely yes. I think studying scriptwriting and doing theatres in London and NYC has given me a better understanding of the craft. It will help me in the future to choose the right script. I understand the intention of a writer in the process of creating a character better," he replied.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 22 (IANS) Oscar and Grammy-winning Indian composer AR Rahman has collaborated with "We are the world" creator Ken Kragen and global artistes like Natasha Bedingfield and Cody Simpson for "Hands Around The World". The project is aimed at raising awareness about the irreversible perils of climate change.## The fundraising and technology initiative has been officially launched on April 22, which marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.## The year-long project includes a new anthemic song featuring Bedingfield, Simpson, MAJOR, Jonathan Cilia Faro, Erica Atkins-Campbell of Mary Mary, and many more.## Alan Parsons and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra along with NASA and astronauts from the International Space Station have also lent their support with their One Note Symphony composition. An album of powerful songs representing music from different genres is also in the making.## "I am hopeful that our combination of using music and technology on this project will have this message resonate with the masses. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with so many incredible musicians from around the world," said Rahman.## As part of this Earth Day 2020 initiative, Rahman officially introduced the project via Instagram on April 22.## Rahman's music team for "Hands Around the World" includes producer Kevin Doucette, Polish composer Julia Zuzanna Sokolowska, and K-pop songwriter Daniel Caesar.## The song lyrics have been written by Stephen Schwartz and the Hands team and had its first recording session at film and television composer Nathan Barr's Bandrika Studios in Los Angeles in February.## The campaign is championed by Kragen who created the historic 1985 global collaboration "We Are the World" and "Hands Across America".## He has joined hands with Neil Morgan, an entertainment entrepreneur who is the brains behind an app that will use hologram and augmented reality technology to link one billion people holding hands around the world in a virtual reality selfie-chain for the benefit of climate change.## Kragen said: "Just as ‘We are the World' and ‘Hands Across America' called attention and raised funds to fight hunger and homelessness, this new project will be a game-changer for the environmental issues that threaten every living thing on this planet."## "Hands Around the World" is officially endorsed by the legendary record producer Quincy Jones and the primatologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall, with support from climate change scientists, NASA's Thorsten Markus and climate specialist Professor Todd Crowley.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 22 (IANS) Taapsee Pannu has been regaling fans with interesting anecdotes from her shoots lately, to beat the lockdown blues. She has now recalled of the time she was shooting for the 2018 sports biopic "Soorma", which narrates the remarkable real-life story of Indian hockey star Sandeep Singh.## While Diljit Dosanjh essayed Sandeep in the film, the hockey star himself used to be on the set too, to guide the actors of the finer aspects of the sport since both Taapsee and Diljit were cast as hockey players.## Taapsee took to Instagram, to share a behind-the-scenes video where she can be seen doing somersaults. Sharing an anecdote with the video, she revealed it was punishment meted out to her by 'coach' Sandeep Singh is she missed her preparatory classes!## "This one is from #Soorma. the hockey world they call it ‘baajiyaan' but when I was a kid we used to call this gulaatiyaan back home in Delhi. This is usually a punishment in the hockey world but back home it used to be a fun activity. N me being the hyperactive kid, had a lot of this ‘fun' while growing up," she wrote.## She shared that her childhood activity helped her on the film's set.## "It sure helped me to do this easily on set. Also, my coach @sandeep_rebirth was always ready with this punishment for me if I missed the class! Talk about method prep! #Throwback #Archive #QuarantinePost."## Directed by Shaad Ali, the film also stars Angad Bedi. Earlier, Taapsee shared some anecdotes from the sets of the film "Manmarziyaan".## Taapsee's latest role in Anubhav Sinha's "Thappad" has been widely acclaimed. The actress will be seen in "Haseen Dillruba", "Rashmi Rocket" and "Shabaash Mithu" in the coming months.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 22 (IANS) First Sara Alia Khan, and now Alia Bhatt. It seems like Earth Day has brought alive the inner poets in our actresses!## To mark Earth Day on Wednesday, Alia took to social media and posted a poem titled "Today And Everyday", expressing gratitude to Mother Nature, as well as the corona warriors. She also pledges to perform her duty towards the planet in her verse.## The actress took to Instagram to recite her poem that goes: "Today and everyday I am grateful to the sunrise and the sunset, for the forest full of trees, the animals and birds, rivers, lakes and seas; I'm grateful for all we have built, our bridges and our streets, I am grateful for the love that binds us and the wind that sometimes knocks us off our feet; in these uncertain times I feel grateful for those who put themselves in danger for us, our saviours, the world's warriors; today and everyday I promise to care for our planet and all it has to offer, I promise to value our home by doing a little better; I choose to celebrate earth day today and every single day."## "Today and Everyday. My attempt at writing a little something to celebrate earth day. #Earthdayeveryday," captioned the actress.## Earlier, Sare Ali Khan posted beautiful pictures of holiday spots she has been to the world over, with a short self-composed poem as a tribute to Earth Day. Incidentally, Sara posted her poem and pictures on Monday -- a day before Earth Day -- and actor Ishaan Khatter wittily resorted to some poetry of his own to point out the mistake.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 22 (IANS) Over two decades ago, Suniel Shetty mouthed this dialogue in "Border", and the line has become synonymous with on-screen patriotism: "Yeh dharti meri maa hai, aur koi meri maa ke samne nazar uthake deke aisa main hone nahi dunga." On Wednesday, the actor used the ine to commemmorate the 50th Earth Day.## Sharing a still from the movie, Suniel wrote: "ye dharti meri maa hai. #earthday."## Reacting to the post, a user commented: "This dialogue gives us goosebumps."## Directed by JP Dutta, the 1997 patriotic blockbuster is set during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971. The multistarrer is toplined by Sunny Deol, Akshaye Khanna, and Jackie Shroff among others.## Suniel will be next seen in the crime drama "Mumbai Saga", which is directed by Sanja Gupta.## Stay tuned...