SPECTRE 007 – Movie review

Rating: ***

By Paresh B. Mehta

Genre: Thriller   Recommended: General Audience   Released: 20 November 2015 
Starring: Daniel Craig, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw, Rory Kinnear, Christoph Waltz, Léa Seydoux
Directed by: Sam Mendes - 

Daniel Craig’s fourth appearance as the fictional British Secret Agent 007 James Bond in Spectre was worth the wait. His earlier appearances as the British spy were that in Casino Royale (his debut as James Bond), followed by Quantum of Solace and then in Skyfall.

The 007 franchise is the longest running in film history with twenty-four films produced since 1962. This is the largest Bond film release across India exclusively in high-quality 2K digital format in 1250 screens in four languages – English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu – and in 2D and IMAX formats.

Spectre comes across as a ‘mature’ Bond flick with an intriguing story with enthralling moments and more so with the life-like realistic situations, a special mention of the situation when the helpless 007 notices that the car which he runs off from the Agency wasn’t equipped with ammunition but he has to get rid of the baddies.

Read the full review and see more pics at: http://www.filmytown.com/movies/spectre-movie-review/

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo – Movie review

Rating: ***

Set on a lavish canvas about Royals residing in palaces and forts, this film directed by Sooraj R. Barjatya is strewed with goody characters preaching ethical ways of living a goody life.

The family drama is about a dreamy world set in the era of Kingdoms and consisting of obedient sons, ‘agyakari’ women where Yuvraj Vijay Singh (Salman Khan) a prince of Pritampur, who is soon to be crowned as king and is engaged to princess Maithili (Sonam Kapoor). Does this awaken memories of Shammi Kapoor’s ‘Prince’ or the much later Anil Kapoor’s ‘Rajkumar’ and dozens of ficticious Raj Gharana Bollywood films.

It seems doubtful if this concept would work in the present times of fast paced lives of people who manage to be in touch with their own families with difficulties.

- See more at: http://www.filmytown.com/movies/prem-ratan-dhan-payo-movie-review/#sthash.AMFvwDcI.dpuf

RANBANKA - Movie Review

The Warrior

Rating: ***

Ranbanka is a Rajasthani word which means a Warrior. Manish Paul plays the warrior who stands up against the tyranny and treachery of Ravi Kishen who plays the local MLA’s brother. It is an action thriller is about a common man who is triggered to turn into a rebel.

The story is set in Mathura in North India, where till recently it was the rich and the powerful who would almost control the streets and the city with their might.

Rahul Sharma (Manish Paul) is an engineer who is just posted to Mathura. Rahul settles down in the Northern State with his beautiful wife Priya (Pooja Thakur) and their son Ayush (Avya Agarwal).

They are a happy family until one day the local MLA’s brother Raghav (Ravi Kishen) comes in their life. Raghav has terrorized the locals of Mathura, and he runs a parallel administration in the city, with most of the tenders awarded to his group....

- Read the full review and see more at:

http://www.filmytown.com/movies/ranbanka-movie-review/

Thithi wins Jury Grand Prize at the Mumbai Film Fest 2015

Raam Reddy’s Kannada language film debut feature, Thithi wins the Jury Grand Prize in the International Competition at Mumbai Film Festival, 2015

The Kannada language film, which made its Asian premiere at MAMI, was the only Indian feature to be selected in the International Category

Mumbai, November 6, 2015: Raam Reddy’s directorial debut, Thithi wins the Jury Grand Prize at Mumbai Film Festival, 2015. The Kannada-language film, which made its Asian Premiere at Mumbai Film Festival, 2015, was the only Indian feature to be selected in the International Competition.

The film had its international première at Locarno International Film Festival in August this year and won two top awards – Pardo d’oro Cineasti Del Presente Premio Nescens”  (Golden Leopard, Filmmakers of the Present Competition) and “Swatch First Feature Award” for the best debut feature in the festival.

Excited about the winning one of the top awards at this year’s MAMI, Raam says, “Thithi’s journey so far has been nothing short of magical, and premiere at MAMI has continued this dream-come-true. It was already such an immense honour to be included in the wonderfully curated selection of the International Competition including films like Land and Shade that won the Camera d’Or at Cannes and Ixcanul Volcano than won in Berlin. It was truly a selection of some of the strongest films from around the world this year, so winning an award in this category is really overwhelming. In addition to the award, it was also so encouraging to see how Thithi seemed to be universally enjoyed as theatrical experience by the audiences in MAMI, with so much more laughter in the theatre that my team and I ever expected.” 

- Read the complete news at: http://www.filmytown.com/thithi-wins-jury-grand-prize-mumbai-film-fest/#sthash.8Mjpd2jW.dpuf

Yami is on a run with her brands this year!

Yami Gautam will soon be tagged as one of the busiest brand endorsers in the bollywood circuit. The actress has yet again bagged a watch brand and has also been in news for the same reason.

In fact Yami is also in talks for a couple of other brands and the announcement is expected to come out soon!

Infact the actress has had several appearances for the number of brands she is endorsing in last month and was occupied doing the same in the midst of shooting her forthcoming films.

The actress who endorses cars to creams to footwear seems to an ice-cream brand  be becoming a favorite on the brand circuit. In fact the brand endorsers want to capitalize on the ever growing demand of the actress in the circuit.

- See more at: http://www.filmytown.com/yami-run-brands/#sthash.3YmrdryY.dpuf

Official poster of Bajirao from Bajirao Mastani

Eros International and Bhansali Productions today unveiled the first official poster of Bajirao Mastani that is a 60 feet long drop down from a building at Film City. 

Ranveer Singhunveiled the mind-blowing poster of Bajirao in a larger-than-life fashion! 

At the launch event, Ranveer Singh mesmerised his fans who came from across Mumbai city by taking selfies with each one of them. The crowd cheered and hooted for him till the end.

Keeping in line with the grandeur and scale of the film, it was indeed the grandest poster launch of the biggest film of the year, the magnum opus that comes once in every 50 years—Eros International and Bhansali Productions’ BAJIRAO MASTANI.

Bajirao Mastani produced by Eros International and Bhansali Productions, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali to be released worldwide on December 18.

All for Tamasha!

Ranbir Kapoor takes extra time out for the promotions of Tamasha.

Ranbir Kapoor, who has been in a long schedule of his film with Karan Johar in London, leaves a couple of days earlier from there to join the team in Mumbai for the promotions of his upcoming release, Tamasha.

Tamasha, which will be his return on the silver screen with Deepika Padukone after Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and his reunion with Imtiaz Ali after Rockstar is very close to his heart.

He was supposed to join the Tamasha team here a couple of days later, but he requested the makers of ADHM and preponed his arrival for Tamasha.

Ranbir was supposed to return on 10th of November, but now will be arriving late night on 5th of November to join Team Tamasha and kick start promotions immediately.

Even while he was in London shooting, he made sure to be there for promotional activities through video conferencing. 

Ranbir and Deepika are very gung ho about the promotions of Tamasha and are prepped to go all out. 

Producer Sajid Nadiadwala confirms the news and adds, "There is a lot of anticipation and excitement among audiences to watch the golden pair, Ranbir-Deepika, on the silver screen. Their chemistry in the released content has become the talk of the town. Even the music of the film has generated a lot of buzz, adding to the magic of the popular jodi," 

There is a lot of Buzz among audiences to watch the golden pair , Ranbir - Deepika on the silver screen. Their chemistry in the released content has become the talk of the town and it has become one of the most written about films of recent times.

Even the music of the film has caught the attention of music lovers and it has added to the magic of the couple. In fact, the buzz around the film is so high that its has become the most talked about films in the recent past.

Presented by UTV Motion Pictures and Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, directed by Imtiaz Ali, Tamasha is slated to release on 27th November 2015.

The Prêt Pop-Up by IndusDiva at You

The Prêt Pop-Up by IndusDiva at You, Kemps Corner

Featuring a fresh, exclusive prêt line – IndusDiva by Neeta Lulla, Priyadarshani Rao & Nikhil Thampi

IndusDiva.com is synonymous with highly curated merchandise from all over the country and this festive season they are spearheading a movement, making exclusive designer wear accessible.

IndusDiva has taken a leap forward in fashion by launching exhilarating ranges from designers- Neeta Lulla, Priyadarshini Rao and Nikhil Thampi at You Store, Kemps Corner on 4th November 2015. They have created a fresh new Prêt line exclusively for IndusDiva.com. It just gets better, as this line is going to be easy on the pockets too and will be showcased at a pop up at You from 5^th– 8^th November. The collection will also be available on Amazon.in, snapdeal.com 10th November onward.

The event was attended by renowned personalities like Cyrus Broacha, Sonali Kulkarni, Neeta Lulla, Suguna Sundaram (Joint Editor at Magna Publishing and Editor at Stardust), and Anish Jhaveri (Partner at Oliphans Capital). The event was abuzz with cocktails, canopies and conversations, hosted by IndusDiva.com founders Vineet Saxena & Jyoti Amba.

IndusDiva and You’s collaboration is just the right choice as You comes with a fine history of hosting Prêt collections, since its inception. Located at Kemps Corner, Mumbai, You Boutique is a clothing and accessories store. Known for its uber trendy and convivial style, You’s collection is synonymous with youthful and happy tones.

IndusDiva’s idea behind housing this premium, designer labels was to be able to provide, otherwise exclusive clothing, to a larger audience, with a mission to democratize fashion. With this novel intent, IndusDiva brings to you this fabulous new collection. The collection is young, vibrant, and buoyant with colors as it celebrates the spirit of the woman it strives to dress, reflecting the beauty that shines from within.

Neeta Lulla 

Neeta Lulla, popularly known as the ‘Czarina of Bollywood’ has crafted this collection to extend to the wearers; simplicity, comfort and flexibility of utility. This line for IndusDiva seamlessly blends two seemingly different sensibilities to create a line that offers a distinctive option in one’s closet. The collection comes with uncomplicated cuts employed to create easy silhouettes including paired separates that proposes unique choices. The obvious plainness of the garments belies the sensual undertone upon which the collection has been built. With a tropical colour palette and muted Mokaish embellishments, this collection showcases an array of elegant monochromatic ensembles with the occasional Aztec accent. The collection is the perfect balance to make a style statement, this festive and party season.

- See more at: http://www.filmytown.com/the-pret-pop-up-indusdiva-you/#sthash.2J7zqxRg.dpuf

Ranveer’s look in Bajirao Mastani

Playing a character in a period drama requires an actor to live and breathe in a different era altogether. It’s because of this that Ranveer Singh is trying unusual ways to ensure that he delivers better than his best as Peshwa Bajirao. One such method is to call him ‘Rao’ instead of Ranveer Singh on set. 

In playing Peshwa Bajirao, Ranveer Singh has taken on a once in a lifetime role; that of a fearsome Maratha warrior and a just king who is still remembered in folktales. Lots have been said about his physical & mental preparation for this part. 

In order to ensure that he stays focused while shooting, Ranveer has surprised his assistant directors with an odd request. He has asked everyone to call him ‘Rao’ and address him with the name of his character.

- See more at: http://www.filmytown.com/ranveers-look-bajirao-mastani/#sthash.tVss2rx8.dpuf

Tamasha has a happy ending – Imtiaz Ali

While there is a lot of excitement and anticipation among audiences to watch Ranbir and Deepika together on the silver screen, there is also a high level of curiosity.

Tamasha being one of the most talked about films of recent times. Audiences who are awaiting the release of the film are very curious to know what the end of the film is like.

Ranbir and Deepika have a history attached to them and people are very keen to know if the two will end up together in the film.

Tamasha is one of the most written about films of recent times.The content that we have seen has elements of both, togetherness and separation. There is a lot of buzz around the film. 

While the actors have been tight lipped about the end of the film and letting the people play the guess game, Imtiaz Ali laughs and reveals that his film has a happy ending.

Imtiaz Ali shares, 

“A lot of my relatives and friends asked me whether Tamasha has an ending likeRockstar or like Love Aaj Kal, Jab We Met and Socha Na Tha. I want to assure everyone thatTamasha has a happy ending and people will feel elated. I guess all of us like happy endings. The film is filled with different kinds of emotions but when you leave the theatre, you will be smiling,” says the director.

Sajid Nadiadwala Shares,

“The combination of Ranbir, Deepika and Imtiaz is certainly one of the most exciting talent pool of present times. Ranbir and Deepika as a pair have a very happy vibe and the film is clearly reflecting that.”

The music of the film has added to the magic of the couple.

Presented by UTV Motion Pictures and Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, directed by Imtiaz Ali, Tamasha is slated to release on 27th November 2015.

- See more at: http://www.filmytown.com/tamasha-happy-ending-imtiaz-ali/#sthash.Y1Xr2VFN.dpuf

TIPS acquires Shab music rights

Kumar Taurani of TIPS with Onir and Sanjay Suri

Kumar Taurani’s TIPS has acquired the music rights of Anticlock Films’ Shab directed by National award winning filmmaker Onir.

Set in Delhi, the romance-drama featuring Raveena Tandon and introducing two talented actors - Ashish Bisht and Arpita Chatterjee, is an edgy, intense relationship story revolving around three central characters. Shab is a story of the search of happiness and love of multiple characters caught in the web of circumstances of an unforgiving and cold city.

Considering the movie subject, Onir has brought on board his favourite composer Mithoon to compose the songs. The lyrics have been penned by Mithoon and Amitabh Varma.

It took merely 5 minutes for Kumar Taurani (TIPS) to come on board once he was given the presentation of the music by Onir and Sanjay Suri. The music giant was more than happy to associate with Onir and Sanjay Suri once again after their successful association in Bas Ek Pal (2006).

“The album has a fresh appeal to it catering to various moods of life including romance, agony, sorrow, happiness and is composed by my favourite composer Mithoon, who started his musical journey with Bas Ek Pal,” says Onir.

Shab is slated to release early next year.

‘Women In Films’ panel discussion at Mumbail Film Fest

Jio MAMI 17th Mumbai Film Festival hosts the ‘Women In Film’ panel discussion with eminent women from the world of cinema

MUMBAI, NOVEMBER 3, 2015:

On Tuesday, November 3rd, Jio MAMI 17th Mumbai Film Festival with Star India brought together distinguished women from Indian and international cinema. Shabana Azmi, Vidya Balan, Kangana Ranaut, Kiran Rao, Anupama Chopra and American filmmaker Ava DuVernay took part in a conversation on Women in Film that was powered by Lifebuoy and their initiative ‘Help a Child Reach 5′ that examined the position of women in film today.

The session commenced with the screening of a moving film about Lifebuoy’s ‘Help a Child Reach 5’ initiative. Made by acclaimed director Anand Gandhi, the film which deals with the issue of infant mortality left the audience visibly touched. The discussion was then kicked off by Anuvab Pal who moderated the conversation and touched upon important topics ranging from the relation between gender and characters to the wage disparity that still remains prevalent across many industries.

In response to a question, Kangana Ranaut expressed, “I feel it’s not about female or male centric characters, it is about a character that has lived and been loved.”

Vidya Balan shares her views stating that, “I have seen growth and I am happy with it. You have to look at the journey and not the destination.”

Talking about the portrayal of women in films, actor Shabana Azmi said, “It has been left to parallel cinema to portray women with any kind of complexity”.

Ava DuVernay spoke about the issues women face in Hollywood and said, “There is a definite kind of film a woman is allowed to make”. She then added, “because of economics women are not given the budget or trust to make films apart from romantic comedy.”

Kiran Rao also expressed that “women must stand up and know their worth and their value”

The panel was preceded by a brunch that celebrated women in film. Attended by women at the top of their game in media and film, the occasion was made even more special by Sula Vineyards which did a tasting of their new sparkling wine- Brut Tropicale.

- Read the full news and see more at: http://www.filmytown.com/women-in-film-panel-discussion-mumbail-film-fest/#sthash.oYlYffSl.dpuf

Aishwarya follows Karwa Chauth ritual religiously

Aishwarya follows Karwa Chauth ritual religiously

It was the traditional festival of Karva Chauth on Friday and just like the other Indian women, the Bachchan Bahu, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan also followed this ritual religiously.

Insipite of being away from home and being busy in the shoot of her upcoming movie Ae Dil Hai Muskhil in London, this rooted actress followed this auspicious festival.

An insider informs that the diva was quite determined to follow every single detail attached to the festival. The actress had observed a fast and broke it only after the arrival of the loving husband, who had specially flew down to acknowledge his wife’s efforts and be the caring one.

- Read the full write-up at: http://www.filmytown.com/aishwarya-follows-karwa-chauth-r…/…