Middle East-Taiwan Action-Comedy ‘Masala Boba' Reunites Kleos, Light House at Cannes Market (EXCLUSIVE)
India's Kleos Entertainment Group and Taiwan's Light House Productions are doubling down on their successful partnership, unveiling their sophomore collaboration 'Masala Boba' at the Cannes Film Market.
The project follows their upcoming Taiwan-India action-comedy 'Demon Hunters' (set for winter 2025 release). The action-adventure comedy will be helmed by Uzair Merchant.
More from Variety
Playtime Reunites With 'Marching Band' Filmmaker Emmanuel Courcol for 'Greenland' Starring Cesar-Winning Sandrine Kiberlain, Benoit Magimel (EXCLUSIVE)
Fatih Akin Readies 'Anatolian Dragon' and 'Ghosts' as 'Amrum' Premieres at Cannes
'Ferrari' Producer Niels Juul's No Fat Ego Ramps Up Operations as Mark Williams Boards Series on Adidas Founder (EXCLUSIVE)
'Masala Boba,' developed as an English-language project targeting global audiences, aims to fuse high-octane action with comedy while celebrating cultural diversity across its Middle Eastern and Taiwanese settings. Principal photography is scheduled to commence in early 2026.
'Cannes is the perfect platform to introduce a film like 'Masala Boba,' which is as global in its story as it is in its making,' said Cindy Shyu, producer at Light House Productions. 'It reflects our commitment to meaningful and entertaining international co-productions that spotlight the power of cultural collaboration.'
The project has gained institutional support, with Jennifer Jao, vice chair of the Taipei Film Commission, noting: ''Masala Boba' exemplifies the kind of bold, cross-cultural storytelling that aligns with our vision to be a global hub for creative innovation. We are proud to support a project that not only unites talent but also showcases the power of international co-productions to connect audiences through shared narratives and diverse voices.'
Gayathiri Guliani, co-producer at Kleos Entertainment Group, added: 'The Middle East is a crossroads of global cultures, and this story captures that spirit with originality and heart. We're thrilled by how the project has taken shape and remain deeply grateful for the support extended by Taipei Film Commission and Middle East Film authorities.'
Director Merchant characterized the film as 'a genre-defying ride — a cinematic cocktail of chaos, culture, and comedy,' adding that 'now is the time for fresh, cross-cultural narratives that connect with audiences worldwide.'
'Masala Boba' is now in pr-production. The Middle Eastern production entities are being finalized.
Best of Variety
New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week
Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz
Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
6 hours ago
- Associated Press
Mukesh Modi Opens Indie Film Festival Awards with Ribbon-Cutting by Mayor Eric Adams, Indian Dignitaries & Global Icons
Mukesh Modi Launches IFFA with Grand Ribbon-Cutting by NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Indian Consul General Binay Pradhan, Minister Ramdas Athawale & Mr. Navneet Sehgal NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, June 8, 2025 / / -- Star-Studded Launch: Mukesh Modi Opens Indie Film Festival Awards with Ribbon-Cutting by Mayor Eric Adams, Indian Dignitaries, and Global Media Leaders The Indie Film Festival Awards (IFFA) kicked off with a grand and star-studded opening ceremony in the heart of Manhattan, celebrating the power of storytelling, global cinema, and cultural unity. The event began with an auspicious prayer by Pandit Shri Jagdish Tripathi, setting a spiritually rich and vibrant tone for the festivities. The ceremonial ribbon-cutting was graced by some of the most distinguished dignitaries from both the United States and India: Hon. Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, Indian Consul General, Amb. Binay Pradhan, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment (Government of India), Shri Ramdas Athawale, and Chairman of Prasar Bharati, Mr. Navneet Kumar Sehgal. Their presence marked a historic moment in bridging cultures through the medium of independent cinema. A Vision Realized by Founder Mukesh Modi The emcee of the evening, Piya Jyoti Kachroo, warmly welcomed the audience and introduced IFFA Founder Mr. Mukesh Modi, who addressed the gathering with enthusiasm and gratitude. Speaking to the media, Mr. Modi shared that the festival received 116 film submissions from over 20 countries, with more than 50 entries officially nominated. These nominations, selected through public voting and a dedicated jury panel, represent the finest in Feature Films, Short Films, Student Films, Documentaries, and Animation. Mr. Modi emphasized that the nominated films would be screened at the iconic Quad Cinema in Manhattan, providing an exceptional platform for emerging and established filmmakers from around the globe. Dignitary Remarks and Recognition Mayor Eric Adams delivered a heartfelt remark commending Mukesh Modi for bringing such a meaningful international festival to New York City, reinforcing the city's status as a global hub for culture and the arts. Minister Ramdas Athawale lauded the initiative as a remarkable cultural exchange and praised Modi for championing Indian talent on an international stage. Consul General Amb. Binay Pradhan expressed pride that 8 films from India were among the selections and appreciated the festival's effort in showcasing the diversity of Indian cinema to a global audience. Mr. Navneet Sehgal, Chairman of Prasar Bharati, extended his appreciation to IFFA for giving him the platform to announce the launch of the Waves OTT platform. He encouraged filmmakers to submit their content to the platform, which operates on a revenue-sharing model, offering creators new opportunities for global distribution. Community Support and Opening Films Prominent figures in the Indian-American and media communities also lent their support and remarks, including Dr. Dipak Nandi, Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Mr. Sunil Hali, and Dr. Raj Bhayani. Their presence underscored the festival's strong cultural and philanthropic foundation. The opening night was attended by over 125 esteemed guests, including filmmakers, media professionals, diplomats, and community leaders. Guests enjoyed curated drinks and refreshments, creating a welcoming and celebratory ambiance. Premiere Screenings Begin The festival officially began with the opening film 'TORN', a powerful drama starring Morgan Freeman and Jordan Alexander, directed by Ryen Willam Thomas and produced by D Star Entertainment in association with Ashwin Films. The evening continued with the screening of 'Sapne Jinke Ho Gaye Apne' and a variety of other nominated films. Gratitude and Acknowledgements Mukesh Modi concluded the evening by expressing heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, media partners, volunteers, friends, and family members whose tireless support made the festival possible. ________________________________________ About IFFA The Indie Film Festival Awards (IFFA) is a global platform that celebrates the creative voices of independent filmmakers from around the world. With a focus on diversity, innovation, and storytelling, IFFA aims to connect cultures and promote cinematic excellence. ________________________________________ For media inquiries, interviews, or passes, please contact: Email: [email protected] Follow us: @indiefilmfestivalawards | #IFFA2025 | #IndieFilmFestivalAwards Mukesh Modi B & H Buzz Creators +1 917-215-1491 email us here Visit us on social media: Instagram Facebook YouTube X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Yahoo
How India's 'biggest art deal' buried MF Husain masterpieces in a bank vault
Nearly two dozen paintings by one of the world's most celebrated modern artists - once part of a record-breaking art deal - are set to hit the auction block for the first time next week. On 12 June, 25 rare MF Husain paintings will go under the hammer at an art gallery in Mumbai city, more than two decades after he painted them. This will be the first public glimpse of the paintings, locked away in bank vaults since 2008 after authorities seized them from a prominent businessman over an alleged loan default. "It's like the paintings have come full circle," says Dadiba Pundole, director of Pundole Art Gallery, where the auction is set to be held. Husain used the gallery as his studio for many of these works, part of an ambitious 100-painting series he never finished. Often called the "Picasso of India," he was one of the country's most celebrated - and controversial - artists. His works have fetched millions, but his bold themes often drew criticism. He died in 2011, aged 95. Titled MF Husain: An Artist's Vision of the XX Century, the 25 paintings at Pundole'a gallery offer a glimpse into his take on a transformative century shaped by leaps in technology, politics, and culture. Pundole has estimated that the auction could fetch up to $29m (£21m). This comes months after another Husain painting, Untitled (Gram Yatra), sold for an unprecedented $13.8m at a Christie's auction in New York, becoming the most expensive Indian artwork to be auctioned. The oil-on-canvas masterpiece had adorned the walls of a Norwegian hospital for almost five decades, forgotten by the art world, until the auction house was alerted about its presence in 2013. The latest paintings to be auctioned seem to follow a similar trajectory. Husain began working on them in the early 2000s, with great excitement and vigour, recalls Pundole. "When he was painting, nothing could disturb him. It didn't matter what was happening around him," he adds. In 2004, Husain sold 25 paintings to a Mumbai businessman as the first instalment of a billion-rupee deal. Kishore Singh, author of MF Husain: The Journey of a Legend, wrote about this agreement in the Indian Express newspaper. "He [Husain] wasn't jealous of fellow artists, but he was competitive," Singh writes, noting that Husain struck the deal soon after Tyeb Mehta's Kali [an Indian goddess] set a new record for India's most expensive painting in 2002, selling for 15 million rupees. Husain struck a billion rupees deal with businessman Guru Swarup Srivastava for this series of paintings. Media dubbed it "India's biggest art deal," catapulting the little-known Srivastava into overnight fame as a celebrity collector. But two years later, India's top crime agency, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), began investigating Srivastava's business, alleging he and associates had misused a loan from a government-backed agricultural body. The CBI alleged Srivastava diverted the funds into real estate, mutual funds, and Husain paintings. He and his company deny all charges; the case remains in court. In 2008, a tribunal allowed the government-backed agricultural body to seize one billion rupees in assets from Srivastava, including the 25 Husain paintings. In February this year, a court cleared the way for the paintings to be auctioned to recover part of the loan. And so, after years locked away in bank vaults, the 25 paintings are finally stepping into the spotlight. In a 2018 interview to author and journalist Tara Kaushal, Srivastava spoke about his stalled deal with the artist. "I had planned to pay Husain for the rest of the paintings by selling the first 25. But legal complications meant that, when Husain called me in 2008 saying the paintings were ready in London and Paris, and to pick them up at the agreed price, my funds were not ready. He understood," he said. Asked why Husain had chosen to sell his paintings to a person who almost nobody knew in India's elite art circles, Pundole says, "He didn't care. As long as his paintings were sold." There's no way to know how Husain felt about the failed deal or his unfinished 20th Century series - but the episode remains a striking footnote in his bold, eventful career. The 25 paintings in this series, vibrant acrylics on canvas, showcase Husain's bold style while reflecting key 20th-century events and social attitudes. One painting shows an unlikely group chatting on a bench, symbolising Husain's call for peaceful dialogue and coexistence among global powers. Another painting honours Charlie Chaplin while juxtaposing a rocket launch to highlight the contrast between social and economic disparities and massive state spending. Other paintings depict a world battling poverty, soldiers in trenches, and humanity confronting tragedies like World War Two, the Partition, and the Holocaust.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Yahoo
How India's 'biggest art deal' buried MF Husain masterpieces in a bank vault
Nearly two dozen paintings by one of the world's most celebrated modern artists - once part of a record-breaking art deal - are set to hit the auction block for the first time next week. On 12 June, 25 rare MF Husain paintings will go under the hammer at an art gallery in Mumbai city, more than two decades after he painted them. This will be the first public glimpse of the paintings, locked away in bank vaults since 2008 after authorities seized them from a prominent businessman over an alleged loan default. "It's like the paintings have come full circle," says Dadiba Pundole, director of Pundole Art Gallery, where the auction is set to be held. Husain used the gallery as his studio for many of these works, part of an ambitious 100-painting series he never finished. Often called the "Picasso of India," he was one of the country's most celebrated - and controversial - artists. His works have fetched millions, but his bold themes often drew criticism. He died in 2011, aged 95. Titled MF Husain: An Artist's Vision of the XX Century, the 25 paintings at Pundole'a gallery offer a glimpse into his take on a transformative century shaped by leaps in technology, politics, and culture. Pundole has estimated that the auction could fetch up to $29m (£21m). This comes months after another Husain painting, Untitled (Gram Yatra), sold for an unprecedented $13.8m at a Christie's auction in New York, becoming the most expensive Indian artwork to be auctioned. The oil-on-canvas masterpiece had adorned the walls of a Norwegian hospital for almost five decades, forgotten by the art world, until the auction house was alerted about its presence in 2013. The latest paintings to be auctioned seem to follow a similar trajectory. Husain began working on them in the early 2000s, with great excitement and vigour, recalls Pundole. "When he was painting, nothing could disturb him. It didn't matter what was happening around him," he adds. In 2004, Husain sold 25 paintings to a Mumbai businessman as the first instalment of a billion-rupee deal. Kishore Singh, author of MF Husain: The Journey of a Legend, wrote about this agreement in the Indian Express newspaper. "He [Husain] wasn't jealous of fellow artists, but he was competitive," Singh writes, noting that Husain struck the deal soon after Tyeb Mehta's Kali [an Indian goddess] set a new record for India's most expensive painting in 2002, selling for 15 million rupees. Husain struck a billion rupees deal with businessman Guru Swarup Srivastava for this series of paintings. Media dubbed it "India's biggest art deal," catapulting the little-known Srivastava into overnight fame as a celebrity collector. But two years later, India's top crime agency, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), began investigating Srivastava's business, alleging he and associates had misused a loan from a government-backed agricultural body. The CBI alleged Srivastava diverted the funds into real estate, mutual funds, and Husain paintings. He and his company deny all charges; the case remains in court. In 2008, a tribunal allowed the government-backed agricultural body to seize one billion rupees in assets from Srivastava, including the 25 Husain paintings. In February this year, a court cleared the way for the paintings to be auctioned to recover part of the loan. And so, after years locked away in bank vaults, the 25 paintings are finally stepping into the spotlight. In a 2018 interview to author and journalist Tara Kaushal, Srivastava spoke about his stalled deal with the artist. "I had planned to pay Husain for the rest of the paintings by selling the first 25. But legal complications meant that, when Husain called me in 2008 saying the paintings were ready in London and Paris, and to pick them up at the agreed price, my funds were not ready. He understood," he said. Asked why Husain had chosen to sell his paintings to a person who almost nobody knew in India's elite art circles, Pundole says, "He didn't care. As long as his paintings were sold." There's no way to know how Husain felt about the failed deal or his unfinished 20th Century series - but the episode remains a striking footnote in his bold, eventful career. The 25 paintings in this series, vibrant acrylics on canvas, showcase Husain's bold style while reflecting key 20th-century events and social attitudes. One painting shows an unlikely group chatting on a bench, symbolising Husain's call for peaceful dialogue and coexistence among global powers. Another painting honours Charlie Chaplin while juxtaposing a rocket launch to highlight the contrast between social and economic disparities and massive state spending. Other paintings depict a world battling poverty, soldiers in trenches, and humanity confronting tragedies like World War Two, the Partition, and the Holocaust.
