Jon Favreau’s “Chef” to get an Indian adaptation starring Saif Ali Khan

Iron Man and Jungle Book director’s hit indie film to be remade in Hindi by Abundantia,                                     Eros International & Alumbra Entertainment

In a major move that is set to put the Indian movie business on the world content map, Abundantia Entertainment, Eros International and Alumbra Entertainment today announced that they would produce the Hindi remake of the high-profile Hollywood hit, ‘Chef’. The producers also confirmed getting leading man, Saif Ali Khan, to star in the iconic role.

‘Chef’, is a 2014 breakthrough hit film that was written, produced and directed by Jon Favreau who also featured in the titular role essaying Chef Casper. The multi-talented Favreau shot to fame with the 1996-film,Swingers and since then has had a long and distinguished career in Hollywood. Amongst his vast of range of films, Jon has directed Iron Man, Iron Man 2 and Elf among others and has been the executive producer onIron Man 3 and Marvel’s Avengers franchise.  

The critically appreciated and commercially successful ‘Chef’, which boasts of a famous supporting cast with the likes of Robert Downey Jr., Sofía Vergara, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson and Dustin Hoffmanand amongst others, is the story of professional Chef, Carl Casper, (played by Favreau himself). Carl, quits his job at a popular Los Angeles restaurant after refusing to compromise his creative integrity to its controlling owner. As he tries to figure out his next move, he finds himself in his hometown, Miami, where he teams up with his ex-wife, friend and son to launch a food truck. Taking to the road, Chef Carl goes back to his roots to reignite his passion for the kitchen and his zest for life and love. What follows is an endearing journey of relationships, self-discovery and success.

Earlier this year, Abundantia Entertainment, founded by Vikram Malhotra (formerly COO - Viacom18 Motion Pictures) acquired the remake rights from Favreau’s company, Fairview Entertainment and went on to partner with Eros International, India’s leading film studio and Alumbra Entertainment.. The Hindi version will be distributed and released by Eros worldwide.

Speaking on his passion project going global, Jon Favreau said, “I’m delighted to see ‘Chef’ get an Indian remake. I'm excited to see how this personal film translates to the Indian culture. The themes of food, music and family should resonate well.”

Terming ‘Chef’ as one of the most endearing and inspiring films of recent times, Vikram Malhotra, Founder & CEO of Abundantia, said, “Ever since I first saw ‘Chef’ I knew that this film had to be made in India. Charming relationships, a feel-good story and a unique journey of self-discovery make ‘Chef’ the ideal film to bring alive in an Indian context. Add to that the blazing spirit of entrepreneurship and the rapidly evolving food scene in India and the context for a Hindi remake is brilliantly set. We are proud and honored that an icon of Hollywood like Jon Favreau has chosen us to take forward his passion-project in another part of the world. I am also delighted that one of the finest actors in our country, Saif Ali Khan, will helm the title role in the Hindi version”.

Partnering on the project, Sunil Lulla, Managing Director, Eros International Media Ltd added, “Eros has been at the forefront of breaking content barriers and taking Indian movies worldwide. Be it our global blockbusters like English Vinglish, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Bajrangi Bhaijaan or our upcoming line-up like Bajirao Mastani, we are keenly focused in making content speak a universal language. We are delighted to bring a special film like ‘Chef’ to the Indian audience in their own language and look forward to working closely to make ‘Chef’ connect to millions of movie-goers in the Hindi language.

The work on the Hindi remake has begun and a script that will adapt ‘Chef’s’ story to the Indian palate, keeping the flavor of the film intact, is already underway.

Vikram Malhotra and Ridhima Lulla of Eros International made the formal announcement with Jon Favreau in Los Angeles on October 26th.

About Abundantia Entertainment

Named after the Roman goddess of abundance, good fortune and success, Abundantia Entertainment was founded in 2013 by Vikram Malhotra, the erstwhile COO of Viacom18 Motion Pictures – one of the country’s leading movie studios. Abundantia is modeled to be India’s premier content development and Production Company and together with some of the top talent in the business, is underway to become the incubator of ideas and innovation in the entertainment industry. Buoyed by the success of its 2015 superhit ‘Baby’, Abundantia boasts of an enviable line-up of films for 2016 & 2017, namely the film adaptation of the popular book, ‘Karachi, You’re Killing Me!’, director Nishikant Kamat’s period love story, ‘Missing’ and a film on Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, uniquely titled ‘Toilet – Ek Prem Katha’. Abundantia’s latest film Airlift, starring Akshay Kumar and Nimrat Kaur, is all set to release on 22^nd January, 2016.

Vikram Malhotra, (formerly COO - Viacom18 Motion Pictures) built a formidable reputation by delivering new-age, clutter-breaking cinema and is the name behind some of the most memorable and successful films of recent years like Tanu Weds Manu, Kahaani, Gangs of Wasseypur, Special 26, OMG - Oh My God, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Madras Café and Queen. Along with Vikram, Abundantia boasts of a highly talented team with skills from both within and outside the media & entertainment industry. 

About Eros International Media Ltd

Eros International Media Ltd. (BSE Script Code: 533261; NSE Script Code: EROSMEDIA) is a leading global company in the Indian film entertainment industry that acquires, co-produces and distributes Indian films across all available formats such as cinema, television and digital new media. Eros International is part of Eros International Plc, which became the first Indian media Company to raise capital and be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Eros International has experience of over three decades in establishing a global platform for Indian cinema. The company has a competitive advantage through its extensive and growing movie library comprising of over 2,000 films, which include Hindi, Tamil, and other regional language films for home entertainment distribution. Eros International has built a dynamic business model by combining the release of new films every year with the exploitation of its film library. For further information please visit:www.erosintl.com

BOND IS BACK IN FRANCHISE’S BIGGEST HIT: SPECTRE TAKES SPECTACULAR OPENING WEEKEND OF 31.9 CRORE

Eon Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Spectrecontinued its sweep of the global box office with its India release. The hugely anticipated 24^th Bond film posted a gross of INR 31.9 cr (USD 4.8m) approximately in its opening weekend making it the biggest James Bond film of all time in the country.

Sony Pictures India released the film exclusively in high-quality 2K digital format in 1250 screens (the largest 2D Hollywood release ever) in four languages - English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu - and in 2D and IMAX formats. It is the first film to release in India in five IMAX screens.

“The action leaves you breathless” said the Times of India while Mumbai Mirror said it “makes it impossible to allow your eyes to stray away from the screen” adding that it is a “must-watch”. Alluding to the opening scene, Hindustantimes.com said “You get your money’s worth in the first 15 minutes” and declared it “A joyous ride.” The Economic Times called it “entirely entertaining” and wire service IANS adjudged it “a dazzling film.” Rajeev Masand said the movie is “pretty good blockbuster entertainment” and “like a satisfying masala Bollywood film.” Of course, the action scenes could not go unnoticed with Subhash K Jha judging that “The action sequences in Spectre are absolutely the best I’ve seen in Bond.” 

Vivek Krishnani, Managing Director, Sony Pictures India commented on the record opening saying, “We are very happy thatSpectre's opening in India is mirroring its global success. The film was hugely anticipated and the ‘masala’ action film has connected with audiences across India. The weekend box office numbers are proof of that and we are sure that James Bond will continue entertaining audiences in weeks to come." 

ABOUT “SPECTRE”

A cryptic message from the past sends James Bond (Daniel Craig) on a rogue mission to Mexico City and eventually Rome, where he meets Lucia Sciarra (Monica Bellucci), the beautiful and forbidden widow of an infamous criminal.  Bond infiltrates a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of the sinister organisation known as SPECTRE.  

Meanwhile back in London, Max Denbigh (Andrew Scott), the new head of the Centre for National Security, questions Bond’s actions and challenges the relevance of MI6, led by M (Ralph Fiennes). Bond covertly enlists Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) and Q (Ben Whishaw) to help him seek out Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux), the daughter of his old nemesis Mr White (Jesper Christensen), who may hold the clue to untangling the web of SPECTRE. As the daughter of an assassin, she understands Bond in a way most others cannot. 

As Bond ventures towards the heart of SPECTRE, he learns of a chilling connection between himself and the enemy he seeks, played by Christoph Waltz. 

Sam Mendes returns to direct SPECTRE, with Daniel Craig reprising his role as 007 for the fourth time. SPECTRE is produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.  The screenplay is by John Logan and Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and Jez Butterworth, with a story by John Logan and Neal Purvis & Robert Wade.

About Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions

EON Productions Limited and Danjaq LLC are wholly owned and controlled by the Broccoli/Wilson family. Danjaq is the US based company that co-owns, with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, the copyright in the existing James Bond films and controls the right to produce future James Bond films as well as all worldwide merchandising. EON Productions, an affiliate of Danjaq, is the UK based production company which makes the James Bond films. The 007 franchise is the longest running in film history with twenty-four films produced since 1962.  Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli succeeded Albert R ‘Cubby’ Broccoli and have produced some of the most successful Bond films ever including CASINO ROYALE, QUANTUM OF SOLACE, SKYFALL and SPECTRE. 

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer 

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and global distribution of film and television content. The company owns one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television content.  In addition, MGM has investments in domestic and international television channels and is the majority owner of and distributor for United Artists Media Group (UAMG). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.

Kamla Bhasin and Eve Ensler's One Billion Rising launch Madhureeta Anand's film trailer - Kajarya!

Kajarya  a feature film written and directed by Madhureeta Anand deals with the pertinent topic of sex selection in India launched its trailer at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi today which received a fantastic response from all. 

The makers organized a candle lighting for the 50 million girls who have gone missing as per the Indian demographics.  Present at the ceremony were the makers of the film along with Kamla Bhasin who is the South EastAsia Representative of One Billion Rising and a one of the most prominent activists in India representing women issues in India. One Billion Rising is endorsing the film globally, an initiative so strong it has been regarded as the largest organised campaign to fight violence agoanst women and has globally found support from the likes of Aamir Khan, Jennifer Lawrence and Jessica Alba. Present at the launch were dignitaries from several other NGOs including ActionAid, Oxfam and several others.  

Says Madhureeta, "Most film trailers are launched within the confines of rooms in Mumbai.  But Kajarya is a film with a mission and a strong message. And so the decision is to release the film’s trailer where all social movements have been launched – at Jantar Mantar.  The film’s triumph lies in the fact that it is a story that was born from the raw realistic environs of Haryana and Delhi and so it’s only befitting that it’s trailer too should be launched in that way. I made this film for wide audiences and the trailer launch reflects this sentiment perfectly. I want this film to reach as many people as possible because it is saying something that everyone needs to hear.  I’m thrilled that One Billion Rising and several other social organisations are supporting us. In particular I’m so happy to have Kamla Bhasin and Eve Ensler supporting us - these are women I admire and love and it’s so it’s a complete honour to have their endorsement for the film “ 

Says Kamla Bhasin, "As an Indian I feel most ashamed by that fact that over 40 million girls are missing in India, because they were either not allowed to be born or they were killed. Forty million!! This is more than the entire populations of most countries. There is a law against this crime, and yet sex selective abortions continue in Mother India. KAJARYA is a powerful film directed by a passionate woman, Madhureeta Anand, trying to jolt us and make us RISE against this violence. One Billion Rising South Asia is happy to partner with the film makers to RISE against violence against women and girls and our patriarchal mind set." 

Kajarya premièred at the Dubai International Film Festival and earned rave reviews . It also caught the attention of Eve Ensler (one of the biggest women rights activists in the world and the writer of The Vagina Monologues) who came on board to support and endorse the film.  Eve Ensler has been high on praise for the film and feels it is an eye opener dealing with sensitive issue of standing of women in Indian society. The film is now part of Eve Ensler's campaign aswell.

KAJARYA  is a thriller about two women - The first is Kajarya played by Meena Hooda, a woman who lives in the village and has the job of killing baby  and the other is an opportunistic journalist from New Delhi played by Ridhima Sud . The film shot in Haryana, follows the life of two women from different backgrounds who's lives intertwine as the story explores the condition of women both in rural and urban India through a unique perspective.  The film is set to release on 4^thDecember 2015.

Monica Bellucci has an immense respect for Shahrukh Khan she has revealed!!

At the world premiere of ‘Spectre’ in London, the newest trendsetter for ‘Bond girls’, Monica Bellucci hinted her love for Bollywood.

When asked about working in Bollywood, She says,” Ah, Bollywood I can’t say anything. I can’t sing. I can’t dance. But, I met Shahrukh Khan once in Morocco and he is a really kind hearted man. I am glad that I met him and I have an immense respect for him.”

She also thinks Bollywood films are entertaining and she continues,” Bollywood has many talented and good directors and in today’s time and Indian Cinema is doing really good. There’s something different happening out there.

SPECTRE, the 24^th James Bond adventure, from Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, is set for release in India on November 20, 2015 in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu.