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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

Aadesh Srivastava's Son Avitesh To Make His Debut With 'Sirf Ek Friday'
1615 days ago
Bollywood

Aadesh Srivastava's Son Avitesh To Make His Debut With 'Sirf Ek Friday'

Mumbai, Jan 7 (IANS) Actor Avitesh Srivastava, son of late music composer Aadesh Srivastava, is all set to star in 'Sirf Ek Friday' directed by Lloyd Baptista.## The film tells the story of a young guy played by Avitesh, who comes from an affluent background with a life that boasts of money, cars, parties, and friends but decides to follow his deceased mother's unfulfilled dream of becoming a successful actor.## Talking about his break, Avitesh says: "It's such a huge honor and privilege for me to be a part of this film. I was deeply moved by the story. It hit home the very instant I read it. It's the kind of film that takes an actor through a personal journey of self-exploration and that's so exciting for me. I can't wait to start shooting".## Revealing the reason behind Avitesh's casting in the film, the film's producer, Deepak Mukut says: "We wanted an unusual cast for a film of this nature. It's a poignant story and Avitesh's raw energy moved us. He has an easy screen presence.## "The film explores the behind the scenes of an artista¿s craft and what it takes to be a fine actor. It is a deep exploration of an actor's psyche and we know Lloyd will bring out the best to the screen".## Producer Mansi Bagla adds: "It is a heartwarming script and we wanted a new face for the film. Someone who comes with no screen baggage at all. Avitesh brought the innocence of the character beautifully in the screen test. The film talks about materialistic desire vis-a-vis human emotions in today's times".## 'Sirf Ek Friday' is produced by Deepak Mukut, Mansi Bagla, and Varun Bagla under their banners of Soham Rockstar Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.,& Mini Films, and co-produced by Hunar Mukut.## Stay tuned...

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Kaun Banegi Shikharwati Review: Perfect Casting Saves This Series
1615 days ago
Digital Media

Kaun Banegi Shikharwati Review: Perfect Casting Saves This Series

Series: 'Kaun Banegi Shikharwati' (Streaming on Zee5); Duration: Averaging 40 minutes per episode## Directors: Gauravv K. Chawla, Ananya Banerjee; Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Raghubir Yadav, Soha Ali Khan, Lara Dutta, Anya Singh, Kritika Kamra, Cyrus Sahukar, Varun Thakur## IANS Rating: **1/2## Set in the royal land of Rajasthan, 'Kaun Banegi Shikharwati' is a hackneyed ten-episode dramedy where a father attempts to reunite his four estranged daughters to save the legacy they hold.## Naseeruddin Shah plays Raja Mrityunjay, the erstwhile King of Shikharwati, who is bogged down with empty coffers and a huge debt to the Indian Government - in terms of property tax in arrears. To save himself from the situation he is in, with the help of his close confidant Mishraji, he feigns a strange illness and calls his four estranged daughters; Devyani, Gayatri, Kamini, and Uma to his palace with the assurance that he would decide an heir after the four of them compete in a competition.## The rules of the competition are simple. There would be nine rounds in the competition, and each round would be a task which the princesses would have to perform. In the end, the winner of the competition would be appointed the next "King". That is how the plot kicks in and thus begins the predictable misadventures of the quirky princesses who do their darndest to win.## Each episode is astutely crafted with art that seems insubstantial and meandering on the surface and thus may repulse some. But by the tenth episode, after you have had the patience of sitting through the earlier nine, you'd get hooked to find the series end on a meaningful and heart-warming note.## As for the characters; Naseeruddin Shah as the idiosyncratic Raja with his fuzzy tuft looking as cozily rumpled as an unmade bed, making it clear that Raja Mritunjay is not a heartless, mean man and that he has the welfare of his daughters and his estate at heart, Lara Dutta as Devyani his oldest daughter with marital issues, Soha Ali Khan as his considerate second daughter Gayatri who is a single mom to her two children, Kritika Kamra as his third unmarried daughter Kamini who is obsessed over her social media follower count and Anya Singh as Uma his allergy-prone, gamer daughter, Cyrus Sahukar as Devyani's husband Harsh Neotia, Raghubir Yadav as Mishraji, and the rest of the ilk, all appear stereotypical and oft-seen.## Similarly, spare for a handful of inspired scenes, the rest of the series appear cliched and unoriginal.## In the lesser hand, 'Kaun Banegi Shikharwati' could have been indigestible pablum, but its pitch-perfect cast won't let you soon forget the poignant bonding of the series. There is a natural performative quality to the actors' embodiment of their characters. They all seem to be living their parts effortlessly and are impressive in their marked roles, with them going big at all times with smirks, sighs, smiles, and tears.## Overall, mounted with ace production values, the series appears staged with damaged individuals in search of - connection and unity, who wind up tidy to a cheesy fault.## Stay tuned...

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Lyrics Of 'Acharya' Item Song Irk Rural Medical Practitioners
1615 days ago
Tollywood

Lyrics Of 'Acharya' Item Song Irk Rural Medical Practitioners

Hyderabad, Jan 6 (IANS) The third song from Chiranjeevi's 'Acharya', which was released a couple of days ago, has stirred controversy as it has irked a section of rural medical practitioners in Telangana.## Titled 'Saana Kashtam', the song became an instant chartbuster, but the lyrics of the song have irked the rural medical practitioners (RMPs).## The song has a line that goes like this - 'Ededo Nimurochani Kurrollu RMPlu avuthunnaru'. It means, "Teenage boys have started medical practice as RMP doctors just to grab the chance to touch me", which has evoked a negative reaction from the RMPs.## It is reported that the section of RMPs has decided to approach the courts to address this issue, while they have also requested the cops to take strict action against the lyricist and director.## They have demanded the removal of the objectionable lyrics from the song in 'Acharya'. The makers of the upcoming commercial drama 'Acharya' are yet to respond to the issue though.## 'Saana Kashtam' lyrics are penned by lyricist Bhaskarabhatla, which is crooned by Revanth and Geetha Madhuri. Mani Sharma composed the music.## Directed by Koratala Siva, 'Acharya' features Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi as the hero, while Ram Charan plays a key role.## Stay tuned...

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Kannada Film Industry's Lockdown Woes: Release Of Big-Ticket Movies Postponed
1615 days ago
Sandalwood

Kannada Film Industry's Lockdown Woes: Release Of Big-Ticket Movies Postponed

Bengaluru, Jan 6 (IANS) The Kannada film industry has been badly hit after the state government's announcement of imposing a 50 percent restriction on seating capacity in cinema theatres and multiplexes. The release of big-budget movies including pan-India projects scheduled to be released in January and February has been stalled.## One among the most anticipated movies in the Kannada film industry 'Ek Love Ya' directed by star director Prem was scheduled to be released on January 21. Kichcha Sudeep's pan-India project 'Vikranth Rona' was all set to release on February 24.## Darling Krishna and Milana-starrer 'Love Mocktail 2', sequel of super hit 'Love Mocktail', young actor-director Srini's 'Old Monk' and actor Sharan's 'Avatarapurusha' were all set to see a grand release in the coming days.## With the government's decision of imposing semi-lockdown along with night curfew and weekend curfews, the film industry has again gone back into the deep water situation.## Director Prem has already announced the postponement of the release of his movie 'Ek Love Ya'. Others are also likely to make an announcement regarding postponing their movie release dates soon.## The producers of the Kannada film industry, which has a smaller market compared to Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam industries, have taken a huge risk by investing in pan-India projects.# Sudhakar Bhandari, one of the producers of 'Vikranth Rona' which is being made in six languages says, "We are on shaky ground to determine the release date. Next week there is a meeting and a decision will be taken. The team had planned an event on Jan 3 in Mumbai. Then suddenly there were curbs on the organization of events there", he explained.## As far as lockdown is concerned, there are two issues. There is fear of a pandemic. Because of the fear, the government takes the decision of imposing a lockdown. There should be an attempt to prevent theatres from being soft targets and action should be taken to make theatres infection-free with available technology, he opines.## "We are deprived of our right to work in the backdrop of lockdown. Including the film industry, all industry people should come together to devise action plans. The private hospital mafia should not control things, the things have to be dealt with with a scientific approach. The aftereffects of lockdown are also near-fatal", he says.## During the lockdown, people reconnected with entertainment. OTT is a positive point but OTT platforms alone cannot be relied upon. The films have been ready to be released for one year. There is no stability and a solution should be found for this impasse, he explains.## Producer Anil Bidhahas explained that the producers would have spent a lot of money during the release of the film and all that would go to waste now. "Politicians can do anything. There are no curbs for political rallies. If a producer steps out of the industry, it is a loss for one generation of artists and technicians", he says.## Big stars' movies will rake in moolah just after four days, later they will earn more with OTT and television rights. The newcomers won't get theatres, if the movie fails to make a mark, there won't be takers for OTT and television, he explains.## Before the imposition of lockdown, the movies which got a wonderful beginning amid the fears of the Covid third wave-like 'Badava Rascal' and 'Rider', will now have to incur huge losses. The team of 'Badava Rascal' has already started touring across the state to mark the success and promote the movie is also now saddened.## The Kannada film industry had received a big jolt after the death of superstar Puneeth Rajkumar but it managed to stay afloat as big movies 'Salaga' and 'Kotigobba 3' were released later drew huge crowds to theatres. At a time when things seemed to settle down, the imposition of lockdown has once again dampened the spirits.## Stay tuned...

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Ranveer Singh Says He's Duty-Bound To Entertain People
1615 days ago
Bollywood

Ranveer Singh Says He's Duty-Bound To Entertain People

Mumbai, Jan 6 (IANS) Ranveer Singh, who was most recently seen in sports drama '83', considers it his duty to use his craft for entertaining people and telling stories in the most engaging way.## The actor is glad that the profession of acting allows him to explore the human being in him as well.## Ranveer says, "I am really just in the process of exploring myself as a person. To do different characters and present different films that we as people can be proud of, I feel duty-bound to entertain people".## Reflecting upon his journey, he says, "It's been an amazing 10 years. I have worked with the finest filmmakers who have shaped me, taught me what it means to be an artist. I have learnt so much but I feel hungry. My hunger is insatiable, I want to do more films like '83' that receive this kind of unanimous love".## The actor wishes to traverse the path of experimentation in his next decade in cinema, "I intend to continue on this path and continue to explore. I am living the dream. I wake up in disbelief everyday till date that I am an actor. I still can't get over it and I am grateful for the opportunities. I say a prayer of gratitude every day, I recognize and value my opportunities and got to play Kapil Dev in the definitive movie like '83'. It blows my mind".## Recollecting the memories of the '83' screening, the superstar adds, "I cannot tell you how fulfilling it was to be in the screening of '83'. You see people laughing, crying, standing up to applaud and they are feeling this emotion together in a community viewing. They have shared an experience together and that is life. Life is a shared experience and that's what I want to continue to do".## Stay tuned...

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Suresh Productions Acquires Remake Rights Of Simbu's 'Maanaadu' For All Languages
1615 days ago
Tollywood

Suresh Productions Acquires Remake Rights Of Simbu's 'Maanaadu' For All Languages

Hyderabad, Jan 6 (IANS) Telugu production house Suresh Productions have announced they have acquired the remake rights of Tamil blockbuster 'Maanaadu'.## The production house has bought the official remake rights of Simbu's movie for all Indian languages.## The production house took to Twitter to announce the same. Suresh Productions' tweet reads, "Suresh Productions has acquired the official remake rights of the Tamil blockbuster 'Maanaadu' in all Indian languages, along with the theatrical dubbing rights in Telugu".## While the makers have not revealed anything about the remake of 'Maanaadu', speculations are rife with the same. It is rumored that Allu Sirish might grab an opportunity to act in the Telugu remake of the movie.## Tamil actor Simbu recently scored a big hit with 'Maanaadu', which is helmed by Venkat Prabhu. 'Maanaadu' is currently streaming on SonyLIV.## Stay tuned...

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'Valimai' Release Postponed Till Covid Situation Normalises: Boney Kapoor
1615 days ago
Kollywood

'Valimai' Release Postponed Till Covid Situation Normalises: Boney Kapoor

Chennai, Jan 6 (IANS) The makers of director H. Vinoth's eagerly awaited action thriller 'Valimai', featuring actor Ajith Kumar in the lead, on Thursday announced that they were postponing the release of the film, which was originally scheduled to hit screens on January 13 for the Pongal festival.## Producer Boney Kapoor, in a post on social media, said, "Audiences and fans have always been the source of our felicity. Their unconditional support and love during the hard times, instilled vital hopes in us to face hardships, and successfully complete our dream project.## "All that we desired during every single moment was to see them cheerful and happy in the cinema halls. At the same time, the safety and well-being of our audiences have always been at the forefront of all our decisions.## "Given the steep rise in Covid infections across the globe, and abiding by the regulations of the authorities, we have decided to postpone the release of our film, 'Valimai' till the situation normalizes.## "Get vaccinated, wear a mask, and stay safe. See you in the theatres very soon!"## The producer also said, "We thank our distributors in India and across the globe for standing with us at this time".## Stay tuned...

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RGV To Meet AP Cinematography Minister To Discuss Ticket Price Issue
1615 days ago
Tollywood

RGV To Meet AP Cinematography Minister To Discuss Ticket Price Issue

Hyderabad, Jan 6 (IANS) Famed director Ram Gopal Varma, who recently engaged in a war of words with Andhra Pradesh Cinematography Minister Perni Nani on social media, will now meet him in person so that they get a chance to discuss the issues faced by the Telugu film industry.## After arguing for a couple of days on Twitter, YouTube, and other sources, Ram Gopal Varma requested the minister to arrange a meeting so that they could discuss in detail.## In a series of back-to-back tweets, Varma had criticized the AP government on G.O. 35, on movie ticket prices in the state.## He had confronted Perni Nani which led to their virtual argument that continued for a couple of days on their Twitter timelines.## While the government and the minister cite the reason for bringing in the Government Order as to stop the exploitation of poor people in the name of entertainment, Varma opposed their logic.## Varma, who brought in a number of marketing theories and analyses, stated that Perni Nani was just trying to cover up the unnecessary act of the state government.## Stay tuned...

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2022 Sundance Film Festival Will Be A Virtual Event Because Of Omicron
1615 days ago
Hollywood

2022 Sundance Film Festival Will Be A Virtual Event Because Of Omicron

Los Angeles, Jan 6 (IANS) The Sundance Film Festival, scheduled to take place at Park City, Utah, from January 20 to 30, has scrapped its plans for an in-person gathering for 2022. It will now be presented as an exclusively virtual event because of the Omicron surge.## "Despite the most ambitious protocols, the Omicron variant with its unexpectedly high transmissibility rates is pushing the limits of health safety, travel and other infrastructures across the country," 'Variety' quoted from a statement issued by the organizers.## The statement noted: "The festival's in-person Utah elements will be moving online this year. While we're disappointed to not provide the full hybrid experience and gather in-person as intended, audiences this year will still experience the magic and energy of our festival".## Sundance had held a virtual edition in 2021 and offered select physical screenings in markets across the US.## This year, according to 'Variety', Sundance organizers were hopeful that the festival could proceed in person, given that movie theatres across the United States have not yet closed because of the Omicron variant -- and 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' continues to drive the public to the cineplex in record pandemic numbers.## Stay tuned...

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Omicron Shadow Over Grammys: Show Postponed
1615 days ago
Hollywood

Omicron Shadow Over Grammys: Show Postponed

Los Angeles, Jan 6 (IANS) The Grammy Awards have been postponed due to coronavirus-related concerns, an Academy spokesperson has confirmed to 'Variety'. No new date has been confirmed as of yet.## The 2022 show, scheduled for January 31, had been moving full speed ahead before a full audience at its traditional venue, the Crypto.com Arena (formerly known as the Staples Center) in downtown Los Angeles, but the recent Covid-19 surge has caused the postponement or cancellation of multiple events across the country.## Sources have told 'Variety' that even though the Crypto.com Arena has a basketball or hockey game or a concert booked nearly every night until mid-April, a number of artistes and executives are said to have reservations about appearing in person. This is what has led to the postponement of the music world's most important show.## The Recording Academy and its television partner, CBS, said in a joint statement: "Given the uncertainty surrounding the Omicron variant, holding the show on January 31 simply contains too many risks. We look forward to celebrating Music's Biggest Night on a future date, which will be announced soon".## The Grammys generate millions of dollars in revenue, but they drew only a fraction of a normal year's earnings in 2021 when the event was first postponed and then pared down considerably.## The 2022 Grammy nominees list is led by Jon Batiste with 11 nods, followed by Justin Bieber, Doja Cat, and H.E.R. with eight each. Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo follow with seven nominations apiece. The show will be hosted for a second consecutive year by 'Daily Show' host Trevor Noah.## Incidentally, Indian-origin entertainment executive Raj Kapoor is the showrunner for this year's Grammys.## Stay tuned...

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Rajkummar Rao To Play Differently Abled Industrialist In Biopic
1615 days ago
Bollywood

Rajkummar Rao To Play Differently Abled Industrialist In Biopic

Mumbai, Jan 6 (IANS) Acclaimed actor Rajkummar Rao is all set to star in a biopic on Srikanth Bolla, the 29-year-old visually impaired industrialist who did not let his adversity come in the way of making it to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and then starting Bollant Industries with funding from Ratan Tata.## Born into a family of farmers in Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Bolla took the state government to court when, citing his disability, he was not allowed to pursue the Science stream after he cleared his Class X exams.## He not only won the case but also topped his school in Class XII. And though he was not admitted into IIT coaching classes, he got into MIT, becoming the first international visually impaired student to be able to do so.## On his return from MIT, Bolla got involved with the Lead India 2020 campaign launched by the late President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, set up organizations for the rehabilitation of disabled people and to pursue Sustainable Development Goals, and established Bollant Industries, which makes reusable products from waste material.## The film, tentatively titled 'Srikanth Bolla', has been written by Sumit Purohit and Jagdeep Sidhu, and will be helmed by Tushar Hiranandani, who earlier directed 'Saand Ki Aankh'.## Talking about his character, Rajkummar Rao said, "Srikanth Bolla is an inspiration! It's indeed a privilege to play such an inspiring person who has been through a lot of hardships and despite that has risen like a phoenix! I am really looking forward to playing Srikant. I'm happy to collaborate with Bhushan sir yet again on this compelling project".## The film will be jointly produced under T-Series Films & Chalk N Cheese Films Production LLP by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, and Nidhi Parmar Hiranandani.## Commenting on the inspiring story, Bhushan Kumar, Managing Director and Chairman of T-Series said, "Srikanth Bolla's story testifies the very proverb of acing against the odds. Having faced so many challenges since birth, yet not letting anything hamper his dreams - his journey is truly inspirational. And it's indeed a privilege to be associated with a person like him".## He adds, "The personality of this character is such that only an actor of a calibre like Rajkummar Rao can justify it and we are happy to have such a fine actor on board. Tushar Hiranandani's vision to showcase this captivating story is very peculiar. As we are thrilled to make this film, we are equally excited for the audiences to witness this compelling story of Srikanth".## The film, presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series and produced by T-Series Films & Chalk N Cheese Films Production LLP, will go on floors in July 2022.## Stay tuned...

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Nagarjuna Plays Safe, Avoids Comment On AP Ticket Price Issue
1615 days ago
Tollywood

Nagarjuna Plays Safe, Avoids Comment On AP Ticket Price Issue

Hyderabad, Jan 6 (IANS) Telugu superstar Nagarjuna has refused to react to the theatre ticket price issue in Andhra Pradesh. Nagarjuna had spoken during the pre-release event of his movie 'Bangarraju' on Wednesday.## A journalist had questioned Nagarjuna on the minimal ticket pricing for the movies in Andhra Pradesh. Nagarjuna refused to react on the matter, stating that he doesn't want to address political issues during a movie event.## "I refuse to comment on political issues, as this is a movie-related event. I can only talk about 'Bangarraju' movie and related things here", the 'Manmadhudu' actor said.## Nagarjuna had earlier said, "I have no problem even if the prices are low. My movie is fine with these prices. Maybe it will collect a little lesser money at the box office. But there is no problem".## In the wake of a slash in movie ticket prices and theatre seizures, the Telugu film industry has been facing a lot of hurdles in Andhra Pradesh. A few celebrities like Nani, Ram Gopal Varma, Raghavendra Rao have opposed the state government's move.## Stay tuned...

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