Latest news with #IndianCinema
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Kamal Haasan pens heartfelt birthday message to 'Thug Life' director Mani Ratnam
Veteran Indian actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan marked director Mani Ratnam's birthday with an emotional message that celebrated their decades-long cinematic partnership. The note, shared publicly, struck a deeply personal tone, reflecting on their journey from the iconic Nayakan to their much-anticipated upcoming film Thug Life. "Happy Birthday, Mani Ratnam," Haasan wrote, adding, "From Nayakan to Thug Life, we've journeyed through time together -- as colleagues, family, co-dreamers, and above all, as lifelong students of cinema," he wrote on X. He went on to praise Ratnam not only for his creative brilliance but for being a guiding presence throughout the years. "Through every chapter, your presence has been a source of strength -- a mind I turn to in moments of doubt, and a soul deeply attuned to the language of film like few others. May your stories keep unfolding, for with every frame, your vision brings depth, beauty, and meaning to cinema," he wrote, signing off with, "Forever your friend, Kamal Haasan." Happy Birthday, Mani Ratnam. From Nayakan to Thug Life, weâ��ve journeyed through time together â�� as colleagues, family, co-dreamers, and above all, as lifelong students of cinema. Through every chapter, your presence has been a source of strength â�� a mind I turn to in moments ofâ�¦ — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) June 2, 2025 Haasan and Ratnam share one of the most revered collaborations in Indian cinema. Their first and most celebrated partnership came in 1987 with Nayakan, a Tamil crime drama loosely inspired by the life of underworld don Varadarajan Mudaliar. The film not only became a critical and commercial success but was also India's official entry to the Academy Awards that year. It remains a landmark in Indian filmmaking. Now, 37 years later, the duo is reuniting for Thug Life, a high-profile gangster drama expected to hit screens on June 5. The film features Haasan in a central role alongside actor Silambarasan TR.
Pink Villa
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
EXCLUSIVE: Sajid Nadiadwala and Akshay Kumar's Housefull 5 is India's most expensive comedy; Budget details revealed
After collaborating on films like Waqt Hamara Hai, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Jaan-E-Mann, Heyy Babyy, Kambakkht Ishq, Housefull, Housefull 2, Housefull 3, Housefull 4 and Bachchan Panday, the duo of Akshay Kumar and Sajid Nadiadwala are all gearing up for the release of Housefull 5 on coming Friday, June 6, 2025. The film has been extensively shot over 90-day period inside a cruise in the international waters and also on set in Mumbai. Sources confirm that Housefull 5 is the most expensive comedy of Indian Cinema, surpassing films like Housefull 4 (Rs 165 crore) and Golmaal Again (Rs 142 crore) among others. According to sources close to the development, Housefull 5 has been made on a budget of Rs 225 crore (Excluding PnA), making it the most expensive comedy of Indian Cinema. 'From a star-cast of 19 acclaimed actors to the logistical challenges of shooting at real locations with a massive ensemble – Housefull 5 was among the most difficult film to set up for Sajid Nadiadwala. He has made a lavish 'Killer Comedy' for the audience, without compromising on the costs,' revealed a source. The source further informs that Housefull 5 also happens to be among the top 3 expensive films of Akshay Kumar's career. 'While Sooryavanshi was made on a budget of Rs 250 crore, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan had a production cost of almost Rs 300 crore. Housefull 5 is certainly the second most expensive of his career,' the source added. Various figures are floating around for the film, but the actual costs are known only once the casting is done, and the makers actually shoot for the film at locations. At times, the bloated figures are circulated also for subsidy purposes. All said and done, Housefull 5 is still an expensive film, and a rather brave call from NGE to mount a comedy on this scale, at these costs. The advances opened on Saturday evening, and there is hope on them to pick up momentum from Tuesday evening. The overseas sales are encouraging, as a career best opening seems to be on cards for Akshay Kumar in the international markets. Being a franchise film in the comedy genre, HF 5 has fetched good values from satellite, digital and music players, but it is just half the work done and the film has to show strong theatrical results as well. The teaser, trailer, and music promises entertainment, and that's a genre which is thriving in the post-pandemic world. All eyes on June 6 now. Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more updates.
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Why upcoming 'Thug Life' will be bigger than Nayakan: Kamal Haasan gives insight into his most ambitious film yet
KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 — Indian movie icon Kamal Haasan has set the bar high for his upcoming film Thug Life, declaring it an evolution of his craft that will surpass his iconic 1987 masterpiece Nayakan. The actor, who came to Malaysia on Saturday to promote the film, which is slated for theatrical release on June 5 by DMY Creation, shared his insights during an exclusive interview with Malay Mail. Reflecting on the challenge of living up to his past success of Nayakan directed by the genius Mani Ratnam who is a close friend, Kamal said their shared goal was always to push boundaries. 'The demography has expanded, and we, as technicians, I as an actor, and he (Mani) as a director, have evolved over time. 'Our first challenge is to surpass Nayakan many times over. To prove our evolution, the starting point must be that it has to be better than Nayakan,' he said. Kamal and Mani's collaboration on Thug Life marks their first project together in 38 years, raising hopes among fans for yet another cinematic milestone from the legendary duo. When asked about moments of synergy with his team, especially with Mani, Kamal said: 'Every day, when something to be proud of on set happens, we don't show it. We keep a cold face,' he said with a laugh. 'You can't keep applauding your work because you'll lose focus. Instead, you have to review it again, even if it's bitter criticism. You accept it and try to make it better.' For Kamal, collaboration is the lifeblood of filmmaking. 'Without co-efficient traction, there wouldn't be any kinetic movement forward; that's why collaboration is essential. I can't become a fan of my ideas. 'There has to be critique. Whether it's costumes, the way a character's hair is parted, or camera angles, everyone contributes to the process—from the director to the editor and the technicians,' he said. Kamal Haasan's unwavering passion for cinema shines through, especially when discussing what's next on his journey with Malay Mail. — Picture by Raymond Manuel A potential reunion with Rajinikanth Discussing Mani's approach to filmmaking and how he selects his cast, Kamal praised the director's unwavering dedication to storytelling. 'If Mani Ratnam finds a compelling story and feels either of us or both of us—is the right fit, he will consider it,' 'He doesn't craft stories for stars; he crafts them for the characters. That's what I admire most about him.' When asked about the possibility of a reunion with Rajinikanth under Mani's direction, Kamal reflected on the director's ethos. 'A good director should never be compelled to do anything beyond his passion,' he said. 'Mani Ratnam should continue to create the kind of cinema he believes in, not what others expect of him.' RKFI's legacy of innovation As the founder of Raj Kamal Films International (RKFI), Kamal takes immense pride in the production house's groundbreaking contributions to Indian cinema. 'Tell me, how many production companies run by a star have introduced first-time heroes?' he asked. 'Sathyaraj broke into the industry as a hero through us. RKFI takes pride in introducing talents like him, who started in villain roles.' Kamal also cited the 1994 film Magalir Mattum, where women were the protagonists. 'We take pride in that,' he said. 'I played a small role in it, more like a sticker you put on your product in that film. As the visionary behind Raj Kamal Films International, Kamal Haasan takes pride in the studio's transformative impact on Indian cinema. — Picture courtesy of DMY Creation A love for cinema Kamal's passion for cinema remains his driving force — this was evident when he was asked about his immediate next. 'First, let me enjoy the fruit or applause you're going to give me. That's the 'protein' that drives me to move forward,' he said. When it comes to unwinding, Kamal prefers watching great films. 'When I want to unwind, watching a great film—one without me in it—is my intoxicant. 'Seeing someone else excel, even surpass me, challenges and motivates me.' 'When I'm not shooting, I'm watching films—sometimes four films a day, continuously for a week. I still find time to meet my friends and write,' he said. On unrealised dream projects On the potential revival of his unrealised projects, such as Marmayogi and Maruthanayagam, which remain etched in the collective memory of Indian cinema enthusiasts, Kamal said he wouldn't mind if the younger generation takes over on such ambitious ventures. 'There should be [a chance for them],' he said, acknowledging the industry's collaborative nature. 'Our industry is like a family, and when my peers advise me that it's not the right time for a project, I listen to them because they are investing their resources alongside me.' The veteran actor-director expressed hope that, under the right circumstances, these projects could eventually materialise. 'If the circumstances align, with your blessings, I hope these movies will see the light of day,' he added, his words carrying both optimism and gratitude. Both Marmayogi and Maruthanayagam were announced with much fanfare, promising to push the boundaries of storytelling and cinematic scale. However, despite early progress, these films faced insurmountable hurdles, leaving fans and the industry yearning for their completion. Exploring survival and identity Reflecting on the themes of survival and identity in Thug Life—which echo the powerful motifs from Nayakan, Kamal also opened up about playing a man pushed to the edge, both on screen and in real life. When asked about being pushed to the edge outside of his roles, Kamal acknowledged the challenges and controversies he's faced over the years. 'I don't have to play it. I'm a man who has been pushed to the edge many times. I don't need to say when or how, but if you look closely, you can see—I've seen it all.' For him, fighting back is rooted in steadfastness. 'In this job, there has been honesty, dedication, and truth. No one can mess with that. They can't punish me for that,' he said, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to his principles. It was a packed press conference when Kamal Haasan came to Malaysia on May 31 to promote his latest film Thug Life, which is slated for theatrical release on June 5 by DMY Creation. — Picture by Raymond Manuel The call for film appreciation As a parting thought, Kamal urged greater recognition for cinema as an art form. 'I urge organisations like yours to promote film appreciation. Many films haven't received the recognition they deserve,' he said. 'Good cinema is the protein in our diet; we can't survive on starch alone.' With Thug Life poised to redefine his legacy, Kamal's commitment to innovation and collaboration ensures that audiences are in for a cinematic treat—one that could indeed surpass even the timeless masterpiece that is Nayakan. DMY Creation is a major film distribution company in Malaysia, particularly known for distributing Hindi and Tamil films. The company, founded by Datuk Mohamed Yusoff, is also involved in bridging cultures through entertainment, fostering connections between Malaysian and Indian film industries.
Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Women claim spotlight in India's macho movie industry
India's giant movie industry is known for its macho, men-centric storylines, but a wave of women filmmakers is helping to break the mould. "More and more women are writing their stories, turning them into films," said writer-director Reema Kagti, who believes the trend brings a more "real and healthy perspective" to movies, with complex, outspoken women characters who are masters of their own story. The world's most populous nation churns out 1,800 to 2,000 films in more than 20 languages annually—and Hindi-language Bollywood is one of the largest segments, with more than 300 productions. Yet the films have often failed to portray women authentically, choosing instead to box them into being passive housewives or mothers who bow to societal pressure. A 2023 study by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences found that female characters in most chart-topping Indian films play the role of a romantic interest—and are "fair skinned with a thin body type and a small screen time". But industry insiders point to a slate of women-directed movies earning international acclaim that have also scored well at the tough domestic box office. Malayalam-language film All We Imagine as Light, a poetic tale about two nurses forging an intergenerational friendship, was the first Indian production to win the Grand Prix at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Director Payal Kapadia shunned the one-dimensional portrayal of women on Indian screens which tends to mimic "unrealistic standards set by society", she said, in favour of one that allows women to "just be ourselves, authentic and true to how we are in everyday life". India's official entry for the 2025 Oscars was Kiran Rao's Lost Ladies — Laapataa Ladies in Hindi—a comedy which challenges convictions surrounding marriage and womanhood, a sign of a shift, even if it missed the final shortlist. 'More inclusive narratives' It's not only arthouse films that are winning hearts. Mainstream movies with strong women co-leads are filling up theatres as well. Stree 2, a horror comedy featuring Bollywood star Shraddha Kapoor, smashed box office records last year, beating earnings by superstar Shah Rukh Khan's action flick Jawan. And Crew, a heist comedy about flight attendants, was widely seen as a win for women-centric movies. "Women still face challenges in telling stories from their perspective", said actor-producer Dia Mirza. "However, the increasing presence of female directors, producers and writers is paving the way for more inclusive narratives." Movies can also tackle the way regressive traditions manifest in the daily lives of Indian families. Mrs., a Hindi-language film released in February, dives into the unseen labour of a newlywed housewife, her silenced aspirations and the societal conditioning she struggles with. "Across social media, you can see people posting -- that the majority of women in India go through this turmoil," said Lakshmi Lingam, a Mumbai-based sociologist. She points out that there was no backlash to the film. "The voices of women saying, 'Yes, this is true and I can see myself there' is very high," she said. "So, there is that kind of ecosystem of women resonating with many of the ideas these women filmmakers are making." 'Still misogynistic' Industry figures suggest progress is being made, albeit slowly. Last year, 15 per cent of Indian movies surveyed hired women for key production positions, up from 10 per cent in 2022, according to a report by Ormax Media and Film Companion Studios. Konkona Sen Sharma, an actor-director who is a champion of women-oriented cinema, is cautiously optimistic about the role women will play in the future. Women are increasingly present in the film industry, but "we still don't have enough women in positions of power," she said. Filmmaker Shonali Bose points out that women directors need the independence and financial backing to tell new stories. "Our problem is not to do with gender, it is getting to make what we want to make," Bose said. "When we want to make world cinema, we are facing market forces which are getting increasingly conservative." Lingam, the sociologist, said that while moviegoers are being "exposed to the changing discourse", mainstream films are "still very male-orientated" and plotlines "still misogynistic". "Some of the women scriptwriters have great ideas, but producers don't want to back those stories," she said. "They intervene and make so many changes by converting the female protagonist into a male to make a 'larger-than-life character'. At the end of the day, the buck actually dictates what can be made and what cannot."
Pink Villa
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
SPIRIT EXCLUSIVE: Sandeep Reddy Vanga gears up for an ‘A Rated' film with Prabhas and Tripti Dimri
Sandeep Reddy Vanga is a filmmaker, who is often surrounded by controversies leading to all sorts of conversation around himself and his feature film. The filmmaker was recently hitting the headlines for a fallout with Deepika Padukone, who was confirmed to come on board his next directorial, Spirit with Prabhas as the male lead. The duo had creative differences, leading to a disagreement, and soon after, Vanga announced Tripti Dimri as the female lead of the cop-based action thriller. And now, we have exclusively learnt that Spirit is all set to be an 'A-Rated' cop thriller with Prabhas and Tripti Dimri in the lead. 'While the story-telling of Spirit is that of a quintessential Telugu entertainer, that has all the hero moments, the filmmaker is bringing a twist to the genre by spinning in an 'A-Rated' twist. Apart from the use of ample blood in the action scenes, Spirit will also boost of a lot of bold sequences featuring the two leads,' revealed a source close to the development. The requirement to shoot for bold scenes has already been conveyed to both Prabhas and Tripti Dimri, and the duo has agreed to the same. 'Sandeep Reddy Vanga wanted to cast an actress, who would be comfortable with the sequences written on paper. He has promised a comfortable and professional atmosphere on the sets amidst the shoot to Tripti,' the source added. The said sequences were there on paper when narrated to Deepika Padukone as well, but the duo had amicably agreed cut down on moments, which are pushing things too far. Spirit is slated to go on floors in October 2025, and is positioned as a 'Pan World' film, releasing in 9 different languages. The makers are in talks with advanced talks with Ma Dong Seok to play a key role, and the formalities are being figured at the moment. Spirit is the most awaited films of Indian Cinema alongside SS Rajamouli's next with Mahesh Babu. Spirit is scheduled to release in 2027. Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more updates.
