Latest news with #NarendraNathDubey
News18
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Top 5 Movies To Watch In The Theatres This Weekend
Last Updated: Emraan Hashmi-starrer Ground Zero is centred around the real-life story of BSF officer Narendra Nath Dubey, who led the operation where terrorist Ghazi Baba was killed in 2003. There's nothing like the magic of watching a great film on the big screen. This weekend the theaters are packed with an exciting lineup of movies. From action-packed blockbusters and chilling horror movies to historical dramas and laugh-out-loud comedies – this weekend's lineup offers something for everyone. Here's a list of the top 5 movies to watch in theatres this weekend: Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh – The Akshay Kumar -starrer historical drama Kesari Chapter 2 follows the story of an Indian barrister who is adamant to reveal the hidden truths of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and fight against British rule. The film also stars R. Madhavan and Ananya Pandey in other prominent roles. Andaz Apna Apna – Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Paresh Rawal starrer 1994 comedy film has recently been re-released in the theatres. The movie saw a decent opening of Rs 25 lakh on its opening day, as per Pinkvilla reports. The movie has managed to secure the sixth spot among top re-releases opening. If you're in the mood to watch pure, heartfelt comedy, Andaz Apna Apna is the way to go. Until Dawn – This American horror movie is named after a video game released in 2015. The story follows a group of friends desperate to escape a time loop, where mysterious foes are killing them. The group is forced to relive the nightmare again and again and the only way to escape is to survive till dawn. Thudarum – This Malayalam thriller film captures the story of a humble taxi driver whose black Ambassador is extremely dear to him. Due to mysterious circumstances, his ambassador goes missing and he goes to extreme lengths to get his car back. Mohanlal and Shobana starred in this revenge thriller, which has been receiving highly positive reviews from audiences and critics. Ground Zero – Emraan Hashmi-starrer Ground Zero is centred around the real-life story of BSF officer Narendra Nath Dubey, who led the operation to kill terrorist Ghazi Baba in 2003. The film also features Sai Tamhankar and Zoya Hussain in other lead roles. First Published:
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
EXCLUSIVE! 'Ground Zero' star Emraan Hashmi before the Pahalgam massacre: 'It was a smooth-sailing shoot in Kashmir; more films should follow soon'
Talking about his expectations from the film, the actor said, 'You expect the stars and the moon for every film. You make every film with the best of intentions with a lot of hard work, passion, and honesty.' read more This interview was conducted before the Pahalgam massacre in Kashmir. Emraan Hashmi shot the film in the state and talked about his experiences just days before the attacks. Edited excerpts from the interview It's a real character and you are playing a soldier. What kind of a responsibility was it? It's the first film we are making about the BSF. We are telling the story of Mr. Narendra Nath Dubey and the encounter that he planned along with his officers. It's been two years of the meticulous planning of the operation. It is definitely a responsibility because you are putting true events on the screen. It is one of the defining moments in the history of our national security. It's the most important event the BSF led in their 50 years. It weighs heavy which means it was a huge task on our shoulders. We had to make sure he's thoroughly researched. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How much of cinematic libery was taken since you were also a part of the process? At the end of the day, we are making a film so we have to pick the right points so that the audience enjoys it. There's a certain sense of tonality in the drama and entertainment. But the series of events that unfolded in the period of two years have been well documented. It's a tricky and tightrope walk but it has been done well by the writers and the director so that we do not force down the entire jingoism. They say that sometimes, true events are more bizarre than fiction, it's one of those films. Since you play a soldier, what was your fitness regime? Did you have to change something about your body? Of course you have to look commanding on screen so I had to put on a muscle diet and undergo a lot of training. There was the BSF training as well with certain protocols. We went to the firing range for the first five days and used the weapons that were used back then. The salutes, the decorum, the uniform, the way they kind of approach certain protocols with their seniors. These kinds of visuals externals are extremely important. And the whole disciplinary stance soldiers have. Cinema is changing and even the audiences have evolved because of the exposure to the digital medium and movies too. What do you have to say about that? Things have evolved quite a bit due to the advent of OTT. There are fresh filmmakers, and fresh ideas, so that's there. The taste of the audience has completely changed. The kind of content that they have, thanks to the iPads and phone screens with them. You really have to up the ante when you bring any stuff on the big screen. What we are missing in our cinema today and especially theatrical is that it's not much rooted and ingrained in our culture. There's a westernized sensibility that doesn't connect with the audience. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What are your expectations from this film? You expect the stars and the moon for every film. You make every film with the best of intentions with a lot of hard work, passion, and honesty. Once your film releases on a Friday, it's not yours anymore. It's up to them to either put it on the pedestal or rip it off. I always believe in the idea of giving hundred percent till the Friday. And then it is not my baby anymore. What was your preparation for this role other than the physical training? When you are playing a soldier or any other character, it is the emotional and psychological understanding of that character as well. It's a really tough life out there for the BSF Jawans. They are posted in isolated areas. They are not able to speak to their friends and families for months. A high risk profession where anything could go wrong. In this film, we have gone back to 2001 when these soldiers were killed at point blank range when they were doing their duty by the terrorists. Thankfully, I had access to Mr. Dubey and could ask as many questions to get into his state of mind. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since it was shot in Kashmir, what's the situation now? Well, it's great. We didn't have any hiccups shooting there. It was a smooth-sailing shoot. We had a great team there, the locals who were very supportive. We had a landmark event that happened few days ago in Srinagar where we did a red carpet event for the first time in 38 years. It went really well. More films and filmmakers should follow soon. More cinema halls are should come up over there. I think there's only one cinema there right now. We went to inox where we did our red carpet. You're also a father. Adolescence recently made a lot of noise. What's your take on how cinema can influence children? It just mirrors what the state of our society is. Our children are growing over social media and as parents, we have no control over it. There is no censorship on the kind of content you see on Instagram. It's a no man's land. Everything is up there on their finger tip. And it's a dark web so it's pretty dangerous and a serious situation. What's the solution for this? You ask anyone and nobody knows. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Khaleej Times
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Emraan Hashmi on portraying real-life hero in 'Ground Zero'
Ahead of the release of Ground Zero, actor Emraan Hashmi opened up about the significance of the film, his role, and the emotional weight of portraying a real-life Border Security Force (BSF) Officer. Set in the early 2000s in Kashmir, the film brings to the screen a critical mission led by BSF officer Narendra Nath Dubey, who played a pivotal role in eliminating terrorist mastermind "Ghazi Baba". In a conversation with ANI, the actor opened up about the making of this film, which is billed as the first cinematic tribute solely dedicated to the BSF. "This is the first time a film has been made solely to honour the BSF," Hashmi said, adding, "We have seen stories based on the Indian Army and police before, but Ground Zero is a tribute to BSF officers, their courage, and the sacrifices they have made for the country. That, in itself, is a significant milestone." Describing the mission depicted in the film as a "defining operation" in India's national security history, Hashmi emphasised its importance not just as entertainment but as a source of awareness. "It's a mission that played a crucial role in safeguarding the nation. The story deserves to be told, and more importantly, it deserves to be seen," he said. Hashmi takes on the role of BSF officer Narendra Nath Dubey in the film. Reflecting on portraying a real-life officer on screen, the actor admitted to feeling an immense sense of responsibility. "It was a huge responsibility. When you wear the uniform on screen, you represent not just one person but the entire force. Cinema has the power to preserve stories for generations, and with that comes a duty to present the truth with sincerity," he said. He also spoke about the crew's dedication to authentically portraying the lives and service of the officers. "These are men who risked everything in the line of duty. We had to be sensitive and deeply respectful while bringing their stories to life," Hashmi said. The actor also fondly recalled his first meeting with the man he plays on screen. "Dubey ji struck me with his humility. Despite all he has done, he considers it simply his duty," he shared. While shooting in Rajasthan, the actor witnessed firsthand the harsh realities that the BSF personnel face. "These officers spend months at a stretch away from their families, stationed in extreme conditions. That kind of sacrifice must be acknowledged," he said. Hashmi noted that it was Dubey's patriotism and simplicity that guided his performance, saying, "He told me, 'This was just another day at work for us because we love our country.' That emotion was vital to the character." Set in the early 2000s, Ground Zero captures a tense period in Kashmir's history. For Hashmi, the experience of shooting in the valley was eye-opening. "Before visiting Srinagar, I had certain assumptions due to the region's past," he admitted, adding, "But once I landed, I was struck by its beauty--the Dal Lake, the fresh air, the majestic mountains--it's all etched in my memory now." Hashmi also spoke about the support and warmth the crew received from the locals. "The perception of Kashmir needs to evolve. We had no security concerns while shooting there. The people were welcoming, and we were showered with love." Ground Zero will also be the first film in 38 years to have its premiere screening in Srinagar on April 18. Hashmi believes this event will play a role in normalising the region's image. "These cultural moments matter. They bring a sense of return to normalcy and show that Bollywood is engaging with the valley again." The Jannat actor also shared a glimpse into the genres he hopes to explore in the future. "I've always wanted to do a science fiction film," he said, noting the relative scarcity of such stories in Indian cinema. "With the rise of OTT platforms and changing audience tastes, the time is ripe for experimenting with genres. I hope our theatrical films also start embracing these newer narratives," he said. Sai Tamhankar also plays a pivotal role in the film. The recently unveiled trailer has already stirred emotions. It offers a glimpse into the high-stakes operation and the personal and professional trials of those involved. At the trailer launch, Hashmi summed it up best, "You know there's an old phrase that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. This phrase is appropriate for this film and story. I remember when I met Mr Dubey for the first time, I told him that your story is more "filmy" than our films. And it really is. It's nothing short of extraordinary and unbelievable the way our BSF officers carried out this operation." Ground Zero is set for a theatrical release on April 25.
