SAM SMITH TO SING TITLE SONG TO “SPECTRE”

Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment today confirmed that Sam Smith has recorded “Writing’s On The Wall,” the theme song to SPECTRE, the 24th James Bond adventure.  SPECTRE will be released in the UK on October 26 and in the US on November 6.  The song, released by Capitol Records, will debut and be available to purchase and stream on September 25.

Multi-platinum selling artist Sam Smith has co-written the title song, “Writing’s On The Wall,” with fellow GRAMMY® Award winner Jimmy Napes.  It is the first James Bond theme song recorded by a British male solo artist since 1965.  Smith’s debut album In The Lonely Hour launched at No. 1 in the UK and bowed in at No. 2 in the US, and has since earned five No.1 UK singles, four GRAMMY® Awards, three Brit Awards, six MOBO Awards, Q and AMA Awards.

Commenting on the announcement, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, the producers of SPECTRE, said, “Sam and Jimmy have written the most inspirational song for Spectre and with Sam’s extraordinary vocal performance, ‘Writing’s On The Wall’ will surely be considered one of the greatest Bond songs of all time.”

Smith said: “This is one of the highlights of my career. I am honoured to finally announce that I will be singing the next Bond theme song. I am so excited to be a part of this iconic British legacy and join an incredible line up of some of my biggest musical inspirations.  I hope you all enjoy the song as much as I enjoyed making it.”

The 23 previous James Bond theme songs make up some of the most memorable movie music of all time.  The previous Bond theme song, “Skyfall,” was performed by Adele, and was honored with the Academy Award® and Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, the Brit Award for British Single of the Year, and the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media. 

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. 

SPECTRE is set for release in the UK on October 26, 2015, and in the US on November 6, 2015. 

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-three 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 and SKYFALL. The 24th film, SPECTRE, is currently in post-production. 

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.

Producer Sandeep Singh pleased with the response garnered by ‘Aligarh’

As the co-producer of the National Award winning film ‘Mary Kom’, 'Ramleela' and 'Rowdy Rathore', Sandeep Singh is all set to step into the producer’s shoe with the internationally acclaimed film ‘Aligarh’.

The Manoj Bajpayee and Rajkumar Rao starrer ‘Aligarh’ has been taking rounds on the news, as it is being Selected at the 20th Busan International Film Festival and screened at the 59th BFI London Film Festival. The film is based on the real life incident of Dr Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras, who was terminated from his job because of his sexual-orientation.

“I will be marking my debut as a Producer with ‘Aligarh’, hence we all have given in a 100% and we hope the film is appreciated. Manoj Bajpayee has done more than justice to the Character of Dr. Siras. I am very grateful to the international film festivals for recognizing and understanding what we aim to depict through the film and encouraging us by providing us with such a huge platform to reach across various vivid minds.” says Sandeep.

Apart from Aligarh, Sandeep has some interesting line up of films as a producer, ‘Sarbjit’ and ‘Saheb’ being the much-talked ones due to the strong subject of both the films. The other is titled ‘Bombay Bombay’, all of which are slated to release in 2016-2017. Seems like it’s an open highway for Sandeep Singh to be the next hot-shot Bollywood producer!

Kunal Kapoor lost 9-10 Kg for his up coming movie Kaun Kitne Paani Mein

While Bollywood might appear all glitzy and glamorous, being a part of the industry is no child's play. Actors not only have to learn their lines and rehearse for hours, they even have to stay fit and look good onscreen for every role they take up. The muscular actor Kunal Kapoor who is known for his macho looks, recently had to shed a whopping 9kgs for his movie ‘Kaun Kitne Pani Mein’

The director of the film, national award winner, Nila Madhab wanted someone who looked very regular and simple in contrast to the true persona of Kunal. It is known that the director asked Kunal to get skinnier in order weave well into the character’s look on the whole.

Kunal being a true and powerful actor agreed to do what his character seemed to demand from him and here he is, looking lean as never before! Way to go Kunal! We all look forward to see you in your new avatar! Kunal Quote :

“My metabolism is faster than Usain bolt, so loosing weight is always easier than gaining weight for me. Bulking up is something that is actually challenging for me. For kaun kitnay paani mein, Madhab wanted the character to look leaner and more like the boy next door. So I stopped weight training, increased my cardio workout and lowered the carbs in my diet.I ended up loosing about 9 kgs in three months" The actor adds “Now that the film is over, I have been hitting the weights again. My workouts are a combination of weight training and martial arts. I have been training really hard and I am in the best shape I have ever been" 

Double Whammy for 'Aligarh'

After Busan, Eros International & Hansal Mehta’s 'Aligarh'

selected for screening at the prestigious BFI London

 Hansal Mehta’s ‘Aligarh’ is fast becoming a toast of international film festivals! Close on the heels of the announcement of its World Premiere at the forthcoming Busan International Film Festival comes the news of its selection at the prestigious 59th BFI London Film Festival (7-18 October). 

The film will play as part of the Festival's Debate strand: Riveting films that amplify, scrutinise and surprise.

National award winning filmmaker Hansal Mehta brings a sensitive, humane story from small town India with ‘Aligarh’. Co-starring Manoj Bajpayee & Rajkummar Rao, the film draws from a real incident that took place in Uttar Pradesh. A Professor (Manoj Bajpayee) is suspended by his University for being gay after he is caught on camera in a sting operation. A young journalist (Rajkummar Rao) investigates his first breaking story. Set in the myriad dark lanes of a volatile, decadent society, the two strike an unlikely friendship that will change them forever.

The invite from Clare Stewart, BFI London Film Festival Director states, " Our programme team found the film to be daring and strong, telling an incredibly important story that London audiences will definitely respond to."

The BFI is often a precursor for winners & celebrated gems from cinema across the world. Says Mehta, “I am touched & very grateful that BFI has positioned ‘Aligarh’ in such a relevant discussion. I think the recognition that international film festivals are giving us validates our reasons for making this film.”

Producer Sunil Lulla, Managing Director, Eros International Media Ltd, said, “ At Eros, we take pride in producing films like ‘Aligarh’, that tell a story with a difference. Hansal Mehta has made a relevant & beautiful film and it’s screenings at BFI & Busan prove that such films will always find an audience.”

Eros International presents Aligarh directed by Hansal Mehta and written by Apurva Asrani, produced by Eros International and Karma Pictures. 

Toonz Retail launches its 2nd store in Chennai

The new spacious multi branded store with many more product categories is up and operational in the East Coast Road at Sholinganallur area making it their 6^th one in Tamil Nadu

With the spirit of celebrating the joy of parenting, Toonz Retail, the fastest growing homegrown retail chain for all the needs and occasions of kids, from 0-12 years, launched their second store in Sholinganallur on August 15. Spread over an area of around 2000 Sq. feet, this new store is spacious and offers a complete range of exciting kids’ products. ECR being one of the very popular tourist spots of Chennai, the company is anticipating maximum footfalls to the new store.

“We have been receiving a great response from our Anna Nagar store and we have discovered that there is a huge potential of kids retail in Chennai. So to cater thousands of families in and around area of East Coast Road, we planned to open up a store in Sholinganallur to provide a one stop solution for the child’s needs”, said Mr. Sharad Venkta, Managing Director & CEO - Toonz Retail India Pvt. Ltd. “This is our 6^th store in the state of Tamil Nadu and it is a very important market for us. We are planning to come up with few more stores in coming months”, he further added.

Toonz store at East Coast Road comprises of exhaustive kid’s apparel collection, toys, strollers, walkers, car seats, baby care products, feeding accessories, nursery furniture, baby linen, premium party wear, ethnic wear, casual wear, footwear and accessories. Toonz has an association with world's best brands across categories giving Indian mothers and their kids an exclusive, international and innovative choice.

In terms of kids’ apparel collection, Toonz is in line with the latest fashion, through their own apparel brands WOWMOM and SUPERYOUNG.  Right from colour and texture to comfort, feel and styling, Toonz’s apparel range has the best of all. The store staff has been trained to deliver a comfortable, informed and enjoyable shopping experience to the customers.

Toonz boasts of more than 70 stores across 14 states in 46 cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai among other cities. It is one of the first players in the kids’ retail market, which offers a wide range of qualitative offerings for kids at affordable price range under one roof.

The complete address of the Chennai, ECR Toonz store is appended below:

Shop No.  12 ( F2 ), Plot  No. 1 to 6, VGP Golden Beach South Part 1, VGP  Main Road, Sea  Cliff  Avenue, East  Coast  Road, Sholinganallur, Chennai – 600 113

About Toonz Retail India Pvt. Ltd. 

Toonz Retail India Pvt. Ltd. is a one-stop shop for all the needs and occasions of kids, from 0-12 years, promoted by Mr. Ankur Aggarwal and managed by a team of highly experienced professionals, who are pioneers in the fields of retail who expertise in marketing, sales and operations, merchandising, e-Commerce and finance. 

Conceptualized in 2010, Toonz opened its 1st store in Total Mall Bengaluru, with a steady growth and market acceptance, today it is successfully operating with 70 stores across India and growing, which span across 46 cities in states like Delhi, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab.