BY SACNILK

India is in the process of shedding every irrelevant law, especially the ones enforced by the British Raj. Since the Government is in the process of abolishing these outdated and unnecessary laws, why not do away with film censorship? ## The British introduced censorship of films to keep a check in case a filmmaker included anti-Raj content or messages to provoke Indians. They did not really care if a film depicted romance, implied sex or violence. Yet, the filmmakers got away by including song with a national fervour in the Raj era. ## Even in the UK, the country which introduced censorship of films in India, the censoring of films is now only concerned with age-wise rating. The board there was renamed Board for Classification and the word ‘censor' has been removed. We renamed the censor board, but halfheartedly named it Board of Certification in place of Censors, which changed nothing! ## Censorship of films has often been used to blackmail filmmakers. Films show action, not violence, murders or lynching, which seem to be the norm in the country, which just about every TV news channel telecasts. It is seen by old and young alike in every household but that can't be censored. Action in films is meant to be entertaining and depicts good versus evil, which is what we are taught from birth. ## Our mythological epics, ‘Ramayana' and ‘Mahabharata', both narrate violence in detail, and yet they are revered, quoted and cited on a regular basis. Whenever these epics were made into films or televised, were they censored? That would have angered the people. ## Does a couple in love or married shown kissing on screen amount to sex? That was allowed even in the very early days of censorship in India by the British! Then, why did the Government of India consider it vulgar and ban it for years till it was allowed again from the 1970s onwards? All this in a country that boasts of the temples of Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where sex orgies are on exhibition in various details and we market it as a tourist attraction! In a country where we boast of the Kama Sutra by Vatsyayana, an explicit ancient text as our ultimate sex guide (and this is not-mythologica)! How vain and hypocritical can we get? ## The present dispensation claims to run a corruption-free regime. How can any process be corruption-free when a number of controls are placed on it? There will not only be corruption, but also hindrances created in filmmaking here. The Censor Board has no teeth when it comes to compliance with its certification. Any goon or politician can get up and raise an issue, arouse public sentiments to start throwing stones at cinema theatres, and stop the screening of a duly certified film. ## According to the law, CBFC certification is supposed to be the last word. Once a film is approved by the body, no one can object to it, let alone stop it (except a District Magistrate on certain grounds). But here, any stray complaint and trouble starts for the film. A film faces a break in its run or forced to discontinue, and there are numerous examples to show that once there is a break, a film loses its momentum at the box office. ## It is not only the CBFC that a filmmaker has to contend with. Even before the display publicity starts, the original designs have to be cleared and stamped by a producers' association. If you show a cat sitting on your lap, you need clearance from the Animal Welfare Board and, just to make it tougher, this body has been located at Ballabhgarh in Haryana, far, far away from the film industries in India. Again, depending on your theme, the Army or the National Commission for Women comes into the picture. ## As per the CBFC rule book, using the word ‘saala' is not permitted. Is this really a foul word? It is a tease word and the first that a child learns. It is a tease in that, when you call another lad a ‘saala', you imply his sister to be your wife. You see it on TV shows such as Kapil Sharma's. But, according to the Censors, it is not allowed. So what is allowed instead? The filthiest cuss words involving the mother and sister of another person, such as MC-BC, are okay as one may have observed in films lately. ## When it comes to OTT programming, words such as MC-BC are used as if they are a part of the grammar, randomly, causelessly. Not only that, sex, rape, sodomy, etc. have been seen in many OTT features. All this happens under the very Censor authorities that deny clearance to films on the smallest of reasons. And guess what? The Government has recently granted OTT products autonomy. They need not go to the Censors, They are told to adopt self-regulation! ## Imagine, the same producer makes a film as well as OTT streaming content. He can just go ahead and handover the content to his OTT platform for mass viewing and get his dues. But for his film, he will need to go through the CBFC rigmarole! ## Why this different treatment in the same entertainment industry? One gets a smooth ride, while the other gets stuck in the rigmarole of Censors, facing hurdles such as title and publicity clearances, the Animal Welfare Board, and what have you! Is this the ease of doing business that the Government so proudly proclaims? ## It looks like no Indian government treats filmmaking as a business, nor film production as an industry. Industry status was granted some years back, but it remains just in name. Are filmmakers some kind of sinners that can't even be granted self-regulation vis-a-vis the content of their films? ## Is this the single-window clearance that the Government has been promising to just about every industry? For films, there is a maze of windows within windows. ## Giving a free run to OTT platforms was not the only development. The UAE, among the most traditional group of countries, announced recently that it has decided to do away with the censorship of films. Indian movies that release in the UAE on a regular basis won't need a censor clearance anymore. They trust our filmmakers. So why are they not trusted by our own Government to be responsible to the very society they belong to? ## The film industry has been asking for self-regulation for years now and the Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association (IMPPA) has recently raised the issue again with the Government, asking for self-regulation instead of censorship of films. ## The very act of censoring films is the biggest contradiction to what the country stands for – the country of Khajuraho, the Kama Sutra, and Mahabharata, of which we boast. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, Dec 26 (IANS) 'Bade Achhe Lagte Hain 2' actor Aman Maheshwari, who is playing the role of protagonist Priya's (played by Disha Parmar) ex-boyfriend, shares about his character which is outright negative. ## He also opens up about his interest in the film industry and struggles to establish himself in showbiz. ## In 'Bade Achhe Laagte Hain 2', Aman is playing the role of a guy who eventually rejects and dumps Priya in the past and gets married to her younger sister, who is Maitri. Anjum Fakih is playing the role of his wife and Priya's younger sister in the show. ## Aman shares: "My character Neeraj is very egoistic, very selfish, and self-centered. He doesn't care and give respect to his wife. He is not happy with the fact that Priya got married to someone who is way richer than him and a well-settled guy. Neeraj always thought Priya would never move on but now he is jealous and an insecure person." ## Aman always loved to play negative characters. He also enjoyed being a video jockey and hosting reality shows besides his acting career. ## He says: "I used to enact and rehearse dialogues looking at how I would sound if I was playing that particular character. Especially when it comes to the grey shade characters, I always loved them so I always got one. Be it 'Gandi Baat' or 'Bade Acche Lagte Hain season 2'. I have always been a people's person so the whole idea to get into acting is to become a video jockey and to host reality shows like 'Jhalak Dikhla Ja', 'India's Got Talent. But yes, a lot of people don't know about the humorous side of mine." ## Speaking further about his tonal quality, Aman adds: "I have always been appreciated for my voice. Being a radio jockey, in the beginning, that was one thing that pushed me from audio to the industry of being visible, which is video." ## Speaking about the family support in his career he says: "My family has been a very strong support system, especially my father. My mother also has always been supportive. My father told me to complete my CA, and 'I will support you financially as Mumbai is a tough place to survive and you need a lot of money to maintain your lifestyle, your body, your acting skills, to join workshops and what not'. My father has been my support system emotionally as well because there are so many rejections I have seen and trust me it's been a very tough journey. My family has been my spine." ## It's been 6 years since the actor has been in Mumbai and he shares all his tales of struggles he has noted in his diary. ## He says: "I used to write the number of auditions I had given including my ads and web series. There were very few days when I left to rest and pamper myself. I always used to go for auditions from morning to evening wherever it was. I had no relative or friend in Mumbai to guide me so it's a long journey. I have never given up hope. I am also a professionally trained make-up artist and hairstylist and I have done a lot of good work in that. The good part is I never sat idle at home. Eventually, with acting, I want to get into the beauty business, have my own establishment. Mumbai is a city of dreams especially for people who aspire to become models, actors, or born to make their name in the Bollywood industry." ## For more and the latest news about TV, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, Dec 26 (IANS) Rajit Dev, who has choreographed music videos of songs like 'Coco', 'Bijlee Bijlee' and 'Baarish Ki Jaaye', feels grateful for all the opportunities he got in the last few months. ## "I'm really grateful for all the opportunities I got in 2021. I started out with a hit track 'Chor Denge' with Nora Fatehi and ended the year with 3 hit songs -- 'Bijlee Bijlee', 'Slow Slow' and 'Coco'. I'm overwhelmed, super proud of myself and my team. I choreographed for songs of different genres this year and that's my ability to be versatile. I am looking forward to 2022," he said. ## He only takes the positive aspects from everything that happens to him or around him. "Lows are a part of the learning process. It happens to everyone and it's a must because that keeps your passion and drive for your dream alive," said the 'Pachtaoge' choreographer. ## He also made his debut opposite Divya Agrawal in a music video. "That was the best thing that happened to me. I'm definitely going to be in front of the camera as much as behind it. There are a lot of surprises awaiting in 2022," he shared. ## As a creative person, he doesn't create art thinking it's going to be a trend. "I give my best every time. It's the people who make it a trend. My idea is to give it my all from the heart and soul and do justice to my work which I love the most," he said. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Chennai, Dec 26 (IANS) Days after actor Vadivelu tested positive for Covid-19, his film's director Suraj, too, has been admitted to a private hospital here for the same reason. ## Suraj had accompanied Vadivelu to London along with a few other core members of the 'Naai Sekar Returns' film unit. The others included music director Santhosh Narayanan. ## The team was in London to score the music for the much-awaited film, which will mark the return of Vadivelu to the big screen. ## On the team's return from London, Vadivelu was screened at Chennai airport, where he tested positive for the virus. Doctors treating the actor said he was stable and recovering well. ## Following news of both the director and the film's lead actor testing positive for Covid-19, all those in the team that had accompanied the two to London have now isolated themselves. ## For more and the latest news about Kollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, Dec 25 (IANS) The Kapoor family attended the customary Christmas lunch at the residence of Kunal Kapoor in Mumbai's Juhu on Saturday. ## Kunal, the son of the late Shashi Kapoor and Jennifer Kendal, continues to keep the spirit of the tradition alive, which was started by his mother over 30 years back. ## Kareena Kapoor, who tested negative after contracting Covid and isolating herself for more than 10 days, attended the event with her husband Saif Ali Khan and their kids, Taimur and Jeh. ## While Kareena donned a black T-shirt paired with leather pants, Saif too kept it casual with a blue T-shirt and a pair of denims. Matching Saif's colour palette was the couple's young son Jeh who was also seen wearing a blue shirt and denims. Taimur wore a light pink-coloured Kurta. ## Apart from Kareena, Aadar Jain (son of Rishi Kapoor's sister Rima Jain) showed up with his plus one Tara Sutaria, who donned a white gown. Aadar's brother Armaan Jain came along with his wife Anissa. ## In addition, the children of Shweta Bachchan Nanda - Navya Naveli Nanda and her brother Agastya Nanda were also a part of the family gathering. ## Shweta Bachchan Nanda is married to Nikhil Nanda, who is the chairman and managing director of Escorts Limited. Nikhil is the son of Raj Kapoor's daughter Ritu Nanda and Rajan Nanda. ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, Dec 25 (IANS) Actor Ritwik Bhoumik has appeared in a completely different avatar in his latest project 'The Whistleblower' following the success of his web show 'Bandish Bandits'. ## Gaining visibility with 'Bandish Bandits', Ritwik gained popularity for playing an adorable character of a classical singer. The actor says playing such poles-apart roles in the very beginning of the career gives him a chance to show his versatility to the fullest. ## Ritwik told IANS: "I think playing a character like Dr Sanket Bhadoria, who is so different as a personality from who I am in real life itself was challenging for me. But then I was not a professional classical singer when I played Radhe Rathod in my previous show 'Bandish Bandits'. So I had to learn a lot of nuanced body language as part of the preparation for that role. ## "Here, what was challenging and exciting for me as an actor was this character is not someone you fall in love with, Dr Sanket is not an adorable guy like Radhe was. He was a singer, and that was a happy, emotional, musical show where you had a lot of happy vibes too. ## "Here, the world of 'The Whistleblower' is set in reality, gripping and dark. I had to talk to my mind before performing as Dr Sanket that why he is the way he is. So I think playing such poles-apart character at the beginning of my career is challenging and exciting at the same time." ## The story of the show revolves around a scam of pre-medical test exams and how a whole system works behind proxy and exam paper leaks that put the future of many students in the dark. As the story is based on the real-life PMT scam of 2013 and poses questions on the future of the youth of our country, Ritwik believes the show will create an impact in the minds of the youngsters. ## "I think after watching the show if the youth of the nation stand up for their own rights and question the system, we as the team of 'The Whistleblower' would feel happy, our job is done then. It is important to create awareness about everything among the youth because at the end of the day, we, and I also am a youngster, are the future of the nation," shared Ritwik. ## The show also features veteran actors like Ravi Kishan, Sachin Khedekar, Sonali Kulkarni, among others. ## According to Ritwik, each show is like an acting class and he is learning some of the life lessons and how. ## In his earlier show also he acted alongside veterans like Naseeruddin Shah, Atul Kulkarni, Rajesh Tailang, among others. ## "I think just by working with these experienced actors I am learning so much. You know it made me wonder and fascinating at the same time that how, even after so many years of working, every time these actors approach characters like newcomers! Like how? They are successful and that surely gives a sense of validation and confidence to every artiste. ## "But then how do they still keep their enthusiasm intact every day? I think that is the biggest lesson I am learning from these veterans because the day I wake up and go on a film set without that enthusiasm, I think I should stop acting, and no, it will never happen...because I am greedy actor!" Ritwik signed off. ## 'The Whistleblower' is streaming on SonyLIV. For more and the latest news about Digital Media, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, Dec 25 (IANS) Hollywood star Michael B. Jordan is preparing to make his directorial debut with 'Creed III', the latest chapter in Adonis Creed's saga, which is set to hit theatres on Thanksgiving 2022. ## When news broke that Jordan would take the helm of the franchise, in addition to starring as the boxing champ, the first-time feature filmmaker released a statement explaining why he wanted to take on the challenge. ## "Directing has always been an aspiration, but the timing had to be right," Jordan stated. ## "'Creed III' is that moment, a time in my life where I've grown more sure of who I am, holding agency in my own story, maturing personally, growing professionally and learning from the Greats like Ryan Coogler, most recently Denzel Washington, and other top tier directors I respect. All of which sets the table for this moment." ## Jordan worked with Washington on the true-life romantic drama 'A Journal for Jordan', which is now in theatres, where he picked up a few tips from the two-time Oscar winner and four-time director, reports variety.com. ## Washington recounted his conversations about directing with Jordan, saying that his first piece of honest advice was to "prepare, prepare, prepare". ## "It's much harder than you think because he's acting and directing,a Washington told Variety. ## "But (Michael's) motivated and he's very, very bright, so I'm sure he will do well." ## "He's full of quotes and advice and a lot of gems," Jordan added about learning from the storied entertainer. ## In particular, Jordan keyed into the filmmaker's preparation process, describing Washington's rehearsals as "spot-on and intense". ## "I think we did three weeks before we started filming, which I think is incredible," Jordan shared. "I've always done rehearsals before, but I think on ('Creed'), I'm going to make sure I get enough rehearsals to really massage the scenes that I feel like are the biggest days for my cast, once we actually start production." ## The cast for 'Creed III' is slowly coming together, as Jordan is expected to be reunited with Adonis Creed's on-screen love, Bianca (Tessa Thompson) and mother (Phylicia Rashad), with 'Lovecraft Country' and 'The Harder They Fall' star Jonathan Majors joining the crew as the story's mysterious antagonist. ## "Jonathan's just an incredible actor, an incredible person," Jordan said, explaining why he felt Majors would make the perfect sparring partner. ## "Me and him, we just connected the first time we spoke. And then when I pitched him the film, he hit me right back and it was all go from there, you know? So, he was bought in." ## Jordan added: "He has so many different talents, and things that he brings to the table. He was just perfect for the role, so it was a match made in heaven. I'm extremely lucky. We're very blessed to have him and I can't wait for everybody to see what we do." ## Majors recently opened up to Variety about squaring off against Jordan and playing the antagonist, versus the leading man roles he's landed lately. ## Majors also shared how his training regimen has affected him personally. "This is something my coach said: 'People live the way they fight'. So you learn a lot about yourself when you're training, and you can surprise yourself." ## And through the intense boxing workouts, Majors tapped into something profound about his acting. "It's just you and your fatigue, and when the body gives out, you can explore the spirit," he said. ## For more and the latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) Deepika Padukone, who has co-produced the cricket drama "83" and will be seen in the film essaying the role of Romi Dev, wife of the 1983 World Cup-winning team's skipper Kapil Dev, has shared on social media what the film means to her. ## More than anything, Deepika said in an Instagram story, "83" is an emotion, an emotion that words will fall short to describe. ## The actress said: "It's incredible and this is how I define '83'. For me, '83' is not a film, it's an emotion. It's an experience. I don't think you can define what you feel when you come out of the cinema halls watching this film." ## She added: "They (the audience) are laughing with joy, they are crying, they are speechless. I don't think anyone's really being able to articulate what they feel or what this movie makes you feel when you come out of the theatres." ## In addition to "83", Deepika has several projects in the pipeline, including "Mahabharata", where she'll be seen playing Draupadi; Telugu star Nag Ashwin's next "Project K"; the Hindi remake of the Anne Hathaway, Robert De Niro-starrer "The Intern"; "Pathan" with Shah Rukh Khan; "Fighter" with Hrithik Roshan; and Shakun Batra's "Gehraiyaan". ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

There has been an aura of obsession and nostalgia with the Matrix franchise ever since the first film in 1999. Thence we have had two other Matrix films in quick succession, which were released in 2003. ## 'The Matrix Resurrections' is the fourth film of its franchise and is the sequel to its last release, 'The Matrix Revolutions,' which hit theatres nearly 18 years ago. ## This film caters to its fan base, and thus, those who are not initiated into the Matrix universe would find themselves in an alien world, not knowing what is happening on screen. ## With events taking place nearly two decades after 'Revolutions', and unlike its trilogy where the future of humanity was being threatened, this film feels more of a love story within its action drama. ## At the core of the narrative are the resurrected Neo (Keanu Reeves) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), who are hidden within the code and kept on a short leash. This is done to prevent them from getting together and causing another system collapse. ## But when a group of humans from the outside world led by a blue-haired gunslinger named Bugs (Jessica Henwick), discovers that Thomas Anderson, a world-famous video designer working at Deux Machina, is actually the legendary Neo and that he is still alive, they try to break him out of the matrix and seek his help to once again save humanity. ## But Neo, after meeting Trinity by happenstance insists that the group's priority must be to rescue Trinity who, is oblivious of her past and now lives with her three children and a husband. Since she can get out of the Matrix through her own free will, Neo has to remind her of who she once was and the love that they shared. ## The plot is complex, convoluted, and at times amateurish, with an over-explanation of events from the past. Despite its brisk pacing, subtlety is not a strong point in the film. There is footage from the trilogy that appears often also, at one stage, there is a group of creative directors discussing what the Matrix is all about. ## As for the action sequences, the film boasts of chaotic car chases, gunfights, and gravity-defying stunts, but all of them offer nothing extraordinary in terms of experiences. There is an over-abundance and overuse of special effects that, at some point, get irritating. ## The fights are poorly mounted, and with the ridiculous number of cuts, the scenes appear absurdly choppy even if you ignore that, the choreography itself seems languid and sluggish. ## As for the performances, the chemistry between Reeves and Moss is palpable, but not in the same way that one had witnessed in the previous Matrix films. Here their engagement is soft and endearing. ## Priyanka Chopra is confidence personified and striking in a small part, essaying Sati, a role earlier portrayed by Tanveer K. Atwal. ## All others in the supporting cast have loads of fun with their characters and have their moments of on-screen glory. ## Overall, the film despite being astutely and impressively staged seems to be a bit chaotic and peculiar. ## Film: 'The Matrix Resurrections' (Showing in theatres); Duration: 148 minutes ## Director: Lana Wachowski ## Cast: Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jonathan Groff, Jessica Henwick, Neil Patrick Harris, Jada Pinkett Smith, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Christina Ricci, Lambert Wilson ## IANS Rating: *** ## Review By: Troy Ribeiro ## For more and the latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) For actor Stephanie Beatriz, who has lent her voice to Mirabel Madrigal - the lead character of 'Encanto' - the portrayal came naturally as she could relate to Mirabel having lived the experiences similar to the character. ## This allowed her to revisit old places in her subconscious and sketch up a voice performance that blends seamlessly with the visuals. ## Commenting on the same, Stephanie said, "Mirabel reminds me of myself at her age -headstrong yet unsure, full of wonder and imagination but sometimes held back by self-doubt. She's funny, awkward and brave. She's also very much a classic Disney heroine, and yet she's a new iteration of that classic. Plus the glasses!" ## In addition to Stephanie, other artistes too have voiced the characters, the names include Tony Award-winning actor John Leguizamo co-starring as Bruno Madrigal, Diane Guerrero voicing the character of Jane and Maria Cecilia Botero as Abuela Alma Madrigal. ## The animated musical fantasy comedy will start streaming on Disney+ Hotstar from December 24. ## For more and the latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) The makers of 'The Kashmir Files' have released a motion poster of actor Darshan Kumaar, who essays the role of Krishna Pandit, a third-generation Kashmiri Pandit refugee with 'Stockholm Syndrome'. ## The character has 'Stockholm Syndrome' because of his college mentor Professor Radhika Menon, portrayed by Pallavi Joshi. ## His character harbours the philosophy that the Pandit community has a very convoluted stand on Kashmiriyat. His take is very simple - 'Say sorry to each other and move on'. However, the reality of Kashmir starts dawning on him after he meets the four aging, long lost friends of his grandfather. ## The film, written and directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, also stars Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher and Chinmay Mandlekar. Produced by Zee Studios and Tej Narayan Agarwal, Abhishek Agarwal, Pallavi Joshi and Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, 'The Kashmir Files' will hit theatres on January 26. ## Introducing President, Student Union, Krishna Pandit.“There is no justice”#TheKashmirFiles on 26th January 2022. #RepublicDay #RightToJustice #हम_देखेंगे। pic.twitter.com/4r6Ax0sLoj— Darshan Kumaar (@DarshanKumaar) December 23, 2021 ## For more and the latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) 'Iss Mod Se Jaate Hain' actor Hitesh Bharadwaj shares about his bonding with his pet dog named 'Infinity' as he calls him his lucky charm. ## Hitesh adopted his pet from a dog adoption centre. ## The actor says: "The year 2021 has given me a set of experiences which I'll probably never forget. The initial start of the year wasn't that great because my dad got Covid and I was just going through a tough phase. I was taking impulsive decisions, and that's when I got to know about this dog adoption centre in Andheri." ## He continued sharing on adopting his pet and how he proved lucky for him. ## "The kind of love I received from the dogs there, I was overwhelmed, and I immediately adopted a puppy and named him 'Infinity'. I believe, his arrival in my life has got a lot to do with the kind of positivity I have in my life right now. I remember I met him on a Tuesday and by next Tuesday I bagged Sanjay's role in 'Iss Mod Se Jaate Hain'. He turned out to be this lucky charm who has not only helped me deal with this phase but also encouraged me to do better each day," he concludes. ## For more and the latest news about TV, stay tuned to us.