United Nations organises special screening of 'Gul Makai'

Youngest UN Peace Messenger and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai’s biopic, Gul Makai will have it's premiere screening at London, organized by the United Nations on January 25. UN Goodwill Ambassador Roy Fernandes says that it will be screened for 450 dignitaries from across the world. These include members of the United Nations and IIMSAM (Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition).

Members of the Indian, Pakistani and British High Commissions will also be present, along with Malala and her parents, Ziauddin Yousafzai and Toor Pekai.

Another show will be hosted mid-February at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Directed by Amjad Khan, the film enlightens the importance of women empowerment and the imperative need for education for all. Gul Makai features Reem Shaikh as Malala, with Atul Kulkarni and Divya Dutta as the parents.The late Om Puri and Mukesh Rishi also play significant roles.

Shakeela makers to launch a first of its kind 90s pulp movies inspired calendar featuring Richa Chadha in 12 avatars

Celebrity calendars are a great innovation especially when the biggest stars face the camera in the most interesting shots becoming iconic of sorts. But it would be the first time a movie will have a dedicated calendar starring it’s central character that would be featured for the people to see and view. But this won’t be a glitzy, glamorous calendar but instead will have Richa Chadha posing in posters inspired by genre of the cheesiest, quirkiest films of the decade of the 90s which would be equally hilarious and yet are induced with a great deal of thought as an homage to the funniest posters of the time.

Each of the month has Richa posing in a new avatar with a completely made up poster of a fictional movie name and elements thereafter. The calendar will be launched in the coming week. The calendar will also have a warning that each of these images and posters bear no resemblance to any real life inspired people or any other actual films, they’re simply to be taken in light humour and enjoy the kitschy world of Shakeela from the late 90s.

Speaking about it, Richa said, "Even though our film is currently in post-production, we wanted to do something special ahead of the film's release. , The team thought we should pay this homage to her and the films that she has been a part of. It’s quirky and tongue in cheek, so we are aware many people may not understand it. But there’s an underbelly to cinema and often is crazy and colourful. I hope people find the humour we did in this calendar and enjoy the world of these 90s pulp films!

Arshad Warsi and Saurabh Shukla- the duo to watch out for in Fraud Saiyaan

The upcoming comic caper Fraud Saiyaan will see the return of the dynamic duo -  Arshad Warsi and Saurabh Shukla yet again. We have seen both the actors deliver terrific performances whenever they have come  on the big screen. Be it their comic timing, undeniable chemistry and screen presence in movies like Lage Raho Munnabhai and Jolly LLB. Now, the duo is all set to take you on a laughter riot in their next, Fraud Saiyaan.

There is no doubt that they compliment each other with their humour as seen in the trailer. Arshad plays the role of a conman in the movie and Saurabh makes the perfect partner in crime. Saurabh Shukla joins Arshad in his journey to con women.

On working with Saurabh, Arshad says,”I am fortunate to get to play this character as I have not played anyone like Bhola Prasad Tripathi in any of my films. Working with Saurabh is a delight, he is a fantastic actor which helps me perform better. The script is hilarious, mainly because it has a uniquely funny sensibility and situations. I have a very strong feeling that the audience is going to love Fraud Saiyaan. Fingers crossed.”

Commenting on the same, Prakash Jha says, “They have this unimaginable chemistry which you can see on screen as well. Always complimenting each other and being impromptu with their lines at times. When you see the movie, you will see how the two of them have enhanced each scene with their impeccable sense of humour and charisma.”

Prakash Jha Productions present a Drama King Entertainment production, "Fraud Saiyaan". Produced by Disha Prakash Jha & Kanishk Gangwal, the film is directed by Sourabh Shrivastava, and starring Arshad Warsi, Saurabh Shukla and Sara Loren. It will hit the silver screen on 18th January 2019.

Fans of Vicky Kaushal get to meet their matinee idol through URI: The Surgical Strike’s association with Independent TV

       Blue Bang Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd clinches the deal in a multi agency pitch

Vicky Kaushal led, URI: The Surgical strike has forged a unique alliance with leading DTH service brand, Independent TV. While URI: the Surgical Strike has been touted as one of the most bankable films in tinsel town, Independent TV has a strong presence in its domain, which makes the association lucrative for both parties.

The salient features of the brand inherently align itself to the theme of the film and central characters of the film.   Major Vihan Shergill played by Vicky Kaushal Indian Army Commando leading his team to a mission which resonates well with Independent TV and hence the association fructified. Vicky Kaushal’s rising stardom and popularity together with studio support, the deal entails a massive co-branded campaign for their upcoming film ‘URI The Surgical Strike’ which is slated to release Worldwide on 11th January 2019

Kaushal will be seen in this role as a tough and patriotic Indian Army Commando who takes an oath to strike back and finish the enemies- believes in his fighting spirit, pride and honour of the country and Indian Army. Independent TV is India’s one of the leading DTH service provider, a respectable name in its category. The essence of the brand and that of the film’s central character alongside the plot line come alive in this co- branded campaign. In addition, an audience meet and greet between Independent TV and star cast of the film be organised as a part of the association.

Team Independent TV shares their opinion and views, “We are proud to associate with this film not just for its wide reach and rich content. Any film that holds up the country’s history and Indian Defence’s contribution becomes much more than a film. Such films are etched in public memory and have strong archival values even after its theatrical shelf life. We want to associate with relevant content that not just makes business sense but resonates with our brand communication of dishing out avant garde content to every Indian household.

Mr. Vinay Punjabi, MD and CEO, Blue Bang Media, the agency behind envisaging this association said,  “The concept  of the movie motivated us to create a seamless alliance between the film and the brand. A film based on patriotism and respect for Indian Army deserve to go to maximum homes in the country and the brand being a DTH service provider can realise the objective through this alliance . The digital and outdoor campaign is massive which guarantees the maximum exposure to the movie and the vice versa. Such associations are rare to be seen. “

Vicky Kaushal said, "This Republic Day spend an evening with our film URI: The Surgical Strike on Independent TV HD DTH. Wishing everyone a Happy Republic Day in advance. "URI: The Surgical Strike" is a blend of emotions and high class action produced by Ronnie Screwvala, starring Vicky Kaushal, Paresh Rawal, Yami Gautam in lead roles. It is an edge of the seat thriller inspired by true events of the terror attack in URI with an extremely talented cast that will keep audiences hooked till the end. The film promises a wide distribution over theatres pan India and a number  territories worldwide.

Leading film marketing and brand alliance agency, Blue Bang Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd clinched the plum deal, bridging brand Independent TV and versatile entertainer URI: The Surgical Strike. 

About Independent TV 

Independent TV is the rapidly growing Direct to Home Entertainment Company across Asia. Reliance BIG TV is renamed as Independent TV in 2018. Its involvement in news, entertainment, and sports channels with various innovative offerings helped in earning a prominent place by making it world’s third largest DTH service provider. The core aim of Independent TV is to boost its significant presence in the complete entertainment and communication services. The brand provides highly evolved video streaming technology, and unmatched picture quality experience across devices and thus Independent TV is very much in-demand. You can explore all the amazing entertainment, blockbuster movies, up-to-the-minute news, and any of your favourite programs on the same. Independent TV also gives an additional and impressive services of customizing your entertainment experience, or binge-watching your favourite shows. 

URI - Film Synopsis 

Following the roguish terrorist attacks at Uri Army Base camp in Kashmir where innocent Jawans were killed in sleep, India takes the fight to the enemy first time ever in history, in its most successful covert operation till date with one and only one objective of avenging their fallen heroes.

Zee Studios launches digital content studio Zee Studios Originals

An independent content studio to produce premium original content across languages and genres for all digital platforms

Zee Studios, a leading film studio in the Indian entertainment industry, today announced the launch of an independent digital content studio, Zee Studios Originals, that will produce a robust bouquet of premium, original content and create new IPs for all digital platforms globally. 

Zee Studios has appointed Ashima Avasthi, from BBC Studios, to head the digital content studio. With over 20 years of experience in the media and entertainment industry, Avasthi has worked across diverse genres and regions with some of the most respected brands like MTV and Turner International. Prior to joining Zee Studios, she was with BBC Studios as a Senior Creative Director and Head of branded content for 6 years where she developed and a vast repertoire of award-winning content.

Speaking on the launch of the new business unit, Shariq Patel, CEO, Zee Studios, commented, “Zee Studio Originals furthers our vision of becoming a holistic content studio with its offering across platforms and screens to meet the insatiable hunger of today’s consumers for premium content. We are working with leading directors and writers to develop and show run our digital slate and will announce the same very soon. I welcome Ashima on board and I’m sure with her varied experience, she and her team will make great content and set newer benchmarks”. 

Ashima Avasthi, VP & Head, Zee Studios Originals added, “The game has only just begun. Zee has been a pioneer in producing compelling content for decades in broadcast and films, and it is absolutely the correct time for Zee Studios to move into digital production. I am looking forward to creating content that is distinct, unexpected, relevant, cutting-edge and truly world class. Zee Studio Originals will ride on the legacy and experience of Zee but will strategically move ahead in the new age direction that the studio has been set up for, independently.” 

The studio will announce its digital slate shortly.