Latest news with #Aamer
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Appetite for global cinema growing in India, want to bring every genre: PVR Inox's Aamer Bijli
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads From horror lovers to rom-com and anime enthusiasts, India's filmgoers have diverse tastes and PVR Inox Ltd wants to be the go-to destination for global cinema across formats and genres, says Aamer Bijli , the company's lead strategist for marketing and company is making a major strategic push in bringing international cinema to Indian audiences, starting with the premiere of the upcoming action thriller "Ballerina", headlined by Hollywood star Ana de the next one year, PVR Inox will be distributing some of the major Hollywood titles, both big-budget and indie, from top studios like Lionsgate, A24, Neon, Black Bear and FilmNation."What we see as the future is to ensure that the growing appetite in India is quenched. Essentially every appetite has a particular genre, and we want to be at the forefront of bringing that genre to the Indian market. And this is a combination of international films as well as local films."Our business fires on three engines, which are Hollywood films , the Hindi local segment and live events. So we want to really become a prolific player in all three categories," Aamer, son of PVR Inox managing director Ajay Bijli, told PTI in an a premiere event for "Ballerina", held at PVR Juhu in Mumbai, the company gave a glimpse into the next four titles that it will be distributing in India -- "Smashing Machine", starring Dwayne Johnson; "Now You See Me: Now You Don't", the third part in Lionsgate heist franchise; Aziz Ansari-directed comedy "Good Fortune", featuring Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen; and anime film "Shinchan: Kasukabe Dancers".Besides, PVR Inox has a robust slate for the year 2025-26, spanning genres like horror, musicals, drama, romance, and includes five films from critically-acclaimed studio A24. The movies are -- "The Riders" with Brad Pitt; "The Drama" with Robert Pattinson and Zendaya; "Marty Supreme" with Timothee Chalamet; "Onslaught" with Adria Arjona and Dan Stevens; and "Sorry Baby" from actor-director Eva Lionsgate, it will be bringing out "The Strangers: Chapter 2" and "SAW 11". It will also distribute Neon's "The Housewife", starring Naomi Watts, in the Black Bear Pictures, PVR Inox will distribute filmmaker Guy Ritchie's "The Wife undefined "Afterburn", starring Samuel L Jackson; "Fred undefined Zac Efron's "Famous"; and "I Want Your Sex", starring Olivia Wilde."We've always tried to maintain a very fruitful and amicable relationship with these studios. It's always been a to-and-fro to understand what films they're producing, what films the international audience is liking, and what films resonate with India."We have exponentially grown in terms of size because now independent cinema is also really demanding big budgets. A lot of big actors are being associated with independent films and it's really going to grow," Aamer about the content acquisition strategy of PVR Inox, he said genre plays a pivotal role."There are certain genres that cut across the language barrier more than others. And the major genre that does this is action films. Some films that even we don't dub tend to see its day in the sun."But action firms are notorious for their dubbable ability. You can dub it into all the languages and that's something we specialise, in regional and Hindi language to dub these films in. So that's a big part of the strategy."Another aspect of the strategy is to identify studios as well as independent banners that are credible to partner, Aamer added."We have a very long standing relationship with Lionsgate. We have an output deal with them, and we represent the India office. They have very big budget films such as the 'John Wick' universe, which they want to bring and which suits India," he final piece in the puzzle is the star cast attached to a project, Aamer stressed."There are certain actors and actresses that people resonate with more than others. Sometimes the story, the prowess, the writing, is enough to carry a film forward, but sometimes it needs the extra power, which is the star cast. And it makes these potential content acquisitions possible and gives relevance for the Indian market," he forward, Aamer is optimistic about India's rising stature as a key market for international films, especially when it comes to hosting premieres and other promotional events of major Hollywood titles."It would really boost the momentum for the film. Films like 'Avatar: The Way of Water', which released two years ago, and 'Oppenheimer', they all did so well that they were comparable with global box office numbers as well."Even in the independent film space. Like 'John Wick' for example. 'John Wick 4' did exceedingly well for us. I think it clocked about USD 4.5 million, which is a very respectable number compared to the grand scheme."India can truly emerge as a global cinema destination if more international films receive commercial success in the country, he added."I don't see why studios won't start looking at India as a destination to host premiers, festivals, and all these marque events. I think it is just a matter of time," Aamer said.
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
The Firm: controversial fly-on-wall legal doc is back
Episode two finds the solicitor and campaigner set his sights on abolishing Crown immunity laws which prevent institutions such as the Scottish Prison Service being held criminally responsible for deaths in custody. The final episode focuses on several asylum cases being handled by The Firm's immigration team, including that of a Namibian woman who came to Scotland to claim asylum based on her sexuality and the domestic violence she faced in Namibia. The press release for The Firm says it promises 'a unique and unfiltered insight into all the tactical manoeuvres, setbacks, controversies and battles involved in lengthy legal proceedings, as well as highlighting Aamer and his team's personal motivations for taking on such challenging and unrelenting work'. The new series, narrated by Gail Porter and produced by STV Studios Factual, is a follow-up to The Firm, which aired on BBC Scotland in 2023 and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. The first series attracted criticism for its blend of serious legal matters and light-hearted office politics. Review: Whose terrible idea was this? Aamer Anwar said: 'This series will show you the families we are honoured to work with, who inspire us, who symbolise what justice should be about, not a gentleman's club, not the vanity of wigs and gowns, but ordinary people who demand justice as a right and not a privilege. No lawyer should ever be afraid to raise their voice for the truth and I hope The Firm shows that is exactly what we fight to do.' The Firm launches on BBC Scotland at 9pm on Tuesday 17 June, with all episodes on BBC iPlayer the same day.
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Glasgow Times
BBC TV series with Glasgow lawyer Aamer Anwar returns
The Firm, featuring lawyer and campaigner Aamer Anwar, will be back for a new series on BBC Scotland from Tuesday, June 17 at 9pm, with all episodes made available on BBC iPlayer on the same day. Aamer will take viewers behind the scenes to show how he and his team tackle some of the country's most pressing social issues. Read more: Judge appointed to lead inquiry into investigation of Emma Caldwell's murder The three-part series will focus on individuals whose cases raise significant societal concerns, with the aim of not just helping these victims, but also driving systemic change. The detailed access provided by the show promises to shed light on the challenges of taking on the law, scrutinising institutions, and striving for change within Scotland's legal industry. Its first episode will see Aamer working with Margaret Caldwell, the mother of murdered Glasgow woman Emma Caldwell, as they seek a public inquiry into the police's handling of her daughter's murder. Emma was killed in 2005, and in 2024, Iain Packer was sentenced to life in prison for the murder. During the trial, it emerged that Packer had been accused of rape and violent attacks against dozens of women since 1990, but the police had failed to act. The second episode will focus on Aamer's campaign to abolish crown immunity laws that prevent institutions like the Scottish Prison Service from being held criminally responsible for deaths in custody. Working with the families of Katie Allan and William Lindsay, who both died by suicide at a young offenders' institution, Aamer seeks to drive a legal change that could deliver a measure of justice and potentially save lives in the future. The final episode will shed light on the work of The Firm's immigration team, focusing on several asylum cases, including that of a Namibian woman who came to Scotland seeking refuge due to her sexuality and the domestic violence she faced in her home country. Read more: Emma Caldwell's family to meet John Swinney after public inquiry announcement Throughout the series, viewers will get an unfiltered view of the tactical manoeuvres, setbacks, controversies, and battles involved in long legal proceedings, while also gaining insight into the personal motivations of Aamer and his team. The series, narrated by Gail Porter and produced by STV Studios Factual, is a sequel to The Firm, which aired on BBC Scotland in 2023 and is available on BBC iPlayer. Aamer said: "This series will show you the families we are honoured to work with, who inspire us, who symbolise what justice should be about. "Not a gentleman's club, not the vanity of wigs and gowns, but ordinary people who demand justice as a right and not a privilege. "No lawyer should ever be afraid to raise their voice for the truth and I hope The Firm shows that is exactly what we fight to do."
Express Tribune
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
'We were 10-15 runs short,' says Babar
Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam shared his thoughts after his side suffered their third defeat in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, falling to 2020 champions Karachi Kings here at the National Bank Stadium on Monday. Babar, while reflecting on his team's narrow two-wicket defeat in the post-match presentation, termed his dismissal the turning point of the match. The star batter, who had registered three consecutive single-digit scores this season, was looking in good touch as he had mustered 46 runs off 40 deliveries with the help of seven boundaries until getting trapped lbw by Khushdil Shah. "I got out at the wrong time and the momentum shifted after that," said Babar. Babar's untimely dismissal in the 10th over was followed by a fall of wickets at regular intervals, which halted the flow of runs and eventually resulted in Zalmi getting curtailed to 147/8. "Think we were 10-15 runs short. It's a bit difficult for new batters to get going. Our plan was also for one batter to bat deep just like Warner did for them but then their new batters found it difficult," Babar said. Babar Azam then went on to claim that his team's bowling unit has started to settle before vowing to rectify their mistakes and make a strong comeback in the coming matches. "Our bowling combination is getting settled now. We will try to work on our mistakes and come back stronger," Babar concluded. 2017 champions Zalmi, who are fourth in the PSL 10 standings with two points in four matches, next face two-time champions Lahore Qalandars on Thursday. Jamal fined Karachi Kings' fast bowler Aamer Jamal has been fined five percent of his match fee for a Level 1 breach of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) Code of Conduct during their match against Peshawar Zalmi at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Monday night. Aamer was found guilty of violating Article 2.5 of the HBL PSL Code of Conduct. The clause relates to "using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during a match." The incident took place in the 15th over of the first innings when Aamer, after dismissing Hussain Talat, walked up to the batter and made a provocative remark. Following the incident, Aamer pleaded guilty to the charge and accepted the penalty proposed by the match referee, Iftikhar Ahmed. As a result, a formal hearing was not required. The charges were laid by on-field umpires Faisal Khan Afridi and Paul Reiffel. Such behavior falls under Level 1 offences, which are considered minor breaches of the code, but players are still expected to uphold the spirit of the game.
Telegraph
21-02-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Lord Hermer represented Guantanamo prisoner against MI5
The Attorney General represented a Guantanamo Bay prisoner who was an alleged associate of Osama bin Laden in a claim against MI5. Lord Hermer tried to win compensation for accused terrorist Shaker Aamer, claiming British Secret Service officials were present during his torture by Americans at the high-security prison. Representing him in 2009, Lord Hermer won a High Court ruling which allowed access to documents he said showed confessions made were obtained through torture. The now 58-year-old, whose prison file claimed he was a 'close associate' of the al-Qaeda leader, is believed to have eventually received £1 million compensation from the British taxpayer in a scheme agreed by the Government in 2010 alongside other British detainees of Guantanamo Mr Aamer was the last British detainee to be released from the Guantanamo detention camp in 2015, having served nearly 14 years without trial. He has never been convicted of any crime. American intelligence accused Mr Aamer of heading up a unit of bin Laden's fighters in Afghanistan and acting as a translator for the terrorists. It is the latest in a string of disclosures about clients represented by Lord Hermer before he was appointed Attorney General by the Prime Minister. Critics have suggested that his former clients raise conflicts of interest in his new role. In 2009, Lord Hermer defended Abid Naseer, an Islamist terrorist who was convicted in the US of plotting to bomb a Manchester shopping centre and a New York subway station. The former barrister described MI5's case against the terrorist as 'pitiful' and 'far-fetched'. Naseer was never charged with terror offences in the UK – despite later being convicted in America. Other former clients of Lord Hermer for whom he has sought compensation from the Government include Rangzieb Ahmed, an al-Qaeda chief linked to London's July 7 terror attacks, and Gerry Adams, the former leader of Sinn Fein, over compensation claims brought by IRA victims. Following The Telegraph's reporting, Labour figures began to turn on Lord Hermer last weekend amid concerns over conflicts of interest. It came after Labour peer Lord Glasman described the Attorney General as an 'arrogant, progressive fool' and called for him to quit, in signs of a deepening split within the party. Sir Laurie Magnus, the Prime Minister's ethics tsar, has been urged to intervene. Saudi-born Mr Aamer was allowed to remain in Britain after moving to London in 1996 and marrying a British woman. Before Mr Aamer's release from Guantanamo, Lord Hermer won a 2009 High Court ruling which allowed the release of 'relevant documents' which 'may or may not' have contained evidence that confessions he made were obtained through torture. Lord Hermer told a judge the UK Government had 'not done all it could' to secure Mr Aamer's release and alleged MI5 operatives were not just complicit, but present throughout his CIA torture. He argued it was 'incorrect' for the British Government to claim it had done 'everything they possibly could' to secure Mr Aamer's release. Mr Aamer – who was never charged with an offence or put on trial during his 13 years at Guantanamo Bay – has always maintained his innocence. He claimed he was captured by Afghan villagers in 2001 while doing charity work there and was initially held at the Bagram air base. He only confessed to being a jihadist to end his torture at the site, before he was transferred to the US base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba in 2002, he alleged. It was here, he said, that his head was repeatedly 'banged so hard against a wall that it bounced' while an MI5 officer was present. Mr Aamer also alleged he was threatened with death during another interrogation at which a British officer was present. Speaking outside the High Court after the ruling, Gareth Peirce, of solicitors Birnberg Peirce & Partners, which represented Mr Aamer in the UK, said the Government was 'complicit in appalling crimes, abuses and tortures'. A spokesman for the Attorney General said: 'Law officers such as the Attorney General will naturally have an extensive legal background and may have previously been involved in a wide number of past cases. Barristers do not associate themselves with their clients' opinions.'
