Latest news with #SouthIndia
The Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
2013 Bollywood film to be re-released with AI-modified happy ending as director slams move
A 2013 Bollywood hit is being re-released with an AI-generated happy ending without informing either its stars or director. The Hindi romantic drama Raanjhanaa is set to return to theatres in the South Indian state Tamil Nadu on 1 August under its dubbed Tamil title Ambikapathy, with an altered climax generated using artificial intelligence, according to the Press Trust of India. Directed by Aanand L Rai and produced by Eros International, the film starred Tamil actor Dhanush in his Hindi debut alongside Sonam Kapoor, and follows the story of Kundan (Dhanush), a spirited Hindu boy from Varanasi who harbours a lifelong love for Zoya (Kapoor), a Muslim girl from his neighbourhood. The original version ended tragically with the death of Kundan, a finale that, according to Rai, was integral to the film's emotional core. The new version replaces that with an ending in which Kundan survives. According to Eros chief executive Pradeep Dwivedi, the new climax is meant to offer a 'fresh emotional perspective' on the film for a new regional audience. He said Eros owned the 'sole and exclusive copyright' to the film and that creatives like Rai, Dhanush and Kapoor had signed contracts waiving any 'moral rights' to be involved in future adaptations or releases. He told The Independent that the AI re-release was consistent with 'industry-wide trends where celebrated films are re-released in alternate cuts, director's editions, or digitally remastered formats – not as replacements but as commemorative or creative variations'. 'The potential of generative AI as a powerful new tool that, when used with care and clarity, can extend the cultural relevance of a story without erasing its original impact,' he said. Rai, who co-produced Raanjhanaa through his company Colour Yellow Productions, described the move as a 'reckless and dystopian experiment'. 'I got to know through a social media announcement a couple of days ago. People have already been messaging me asking me why that ending is being changed. I just can't wrap my head around this,' he told Screen. The director said neither he nor the lead actors were consulted or informed about the AI-generated change. ' Raanjhanaa didn't need a new climax. It had heart, and honesty. It became a cult film because people connected to it with its flaws and imperfections. To see its ending altered without a word of discussion is a gross violation not just of the film, but of the trust of the fans who've carried the film in their hearts for 12 years,' he told NDTV. 'Eros's actions open a dangerous door. They raise urgent legal and ethical questions about the impact of decisions like this on the moral rights of creators. Even worse is their apparent decision to alter the actors' contributions without their consent! How can they digitally manipulate an actor's input almost a decade after a film's release?' Dwivedi said Eros had responded to Rai's concerns 'with courtesy and transparency' while also noting that they came amid ongoing legal proceedings it has initiated against him and his production house, alleging mismanagement and financial irregularities. The Independent has approached representatives for Rai, Dhanush and Kapoor for comment. Raanjhanaa was a major critical and commercial success in India upon its release in 2013, but generated a conversation around its controversial gender dynamics and the obsessive nature of the protagonist's love. The film, made on a budget of Rs 360m (approximately £3.1m), grossed Rs 1.05bn (approximately £9.04m) at the box office worldwide.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Bollywood romantic drama to be re-released in theatres with AI-modified happy ending
A 2013 Bollywood hit is being re-released with an AI-generated happy ending without informing either its stars or director. The Hindi romantic drama Raanjhanaa is set to return to theatres in the South Indian state Tamil Nadu on 1 August under its dubbed Tamil title Ambikapathy, with an altered climax generated using artificial intelligence, according to the Press Trust of India. Directed by Aanand L Rai and produced by Eros International, the film starred Tamil actor Dhanush in his Hindi debut alongside Sonam Kapoor, and follows the story of Kundan (Dhanush), a spirited Hindu boy from Varanasi who harbours a lifelong love for Zoya (Kapoor), a Muslim girl from his neighbourhood. The original version ended tragically with the death of Kundan, a finale that, according to Rai, was integral to the film's emotional core. The new version replaces that with an ending in which Kundan survives. According to Eros chief executive Pradeep Dwivedi, the new climax is meant to offer a 'fresh emotional perspective' on the film for a new regional audience. He said Eros owned the 'sole and exclusive copyright' to the film and that creatives like Rai, Dhanush and Kapoor had signed contracts waiving any 'moral rights' to be involved in future adaptations or releases. He told The Independent that the AI re-release was consistent with 'industry-wide trends where celebrated films are re-released in alternate cuts, director's editions, or digitally remastered formats – not as replacements but as commemorative or creative variations'. 'The potential of generative AI as a powerful new tool that, when used with care and clarity, can extend the cultural relevance of a story without erasing its original impact,' he said. Rai, who co-produced Raanjhanaa through his company Colour Yellow Productions, described the move as a 'reckless and dystopian experiment'. 'I got to know through a social media announcement a couple of days ago. People have already been messaging me asking me why that ending is being changed. I just can't wrap my head around this,' he told Screen. The director said neither he nor the lead actors were consulted or informed about the AI-generated change. ' Raanjhanaa didn't need a new climax. It had heart, and honesty. It became a cult film because people connected to it with its flaws and imperfections. To see its ending altered without a word of discussion is a gross violation not just of the film, but of the trust of the fans who've carried the film in their hearts for 12 years,' he told NDTV. 'Eros's actions open a dangerous door. They raise urgent legal and ethical questions about the impact of decisions like this on the moral rights of creators. Even worse is their apparent decision to alter the actors' contributions without their consent! How can they digitally manipulate an actor's input almost a decade after a film's release?' Dwivedi said Eros had responded to Rai's concerns 'with courtesy and transparency' while also noting that they came amid ongoing legal proceedings it has initiated against him and his production house, alleging mismanagement and financial irregularities. The Independent has approached representatives for Rai, Dhanush and Kapoor for comment. Raanjhanaa was a major critical and commercial success in India upon its release in 2013, but generated a conversation around its controversial gender dynamics and the obsessive nature of the protagonist's love. The film, made on a budget of Rs 360m (approximately £3.1m), grossed Rs 1.05bn (approximately £9.04m) at the box office worldwide.
Reuters
2 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Higher cement prices help India's UltraTech beat earnings estimates
July 21 (Reuters) - UltraTech Cement ( opens new tab, India's largest cement maker by capacity, posted first-quarter earnings above market expectations on Monday, boosted by higher prices of the construction material. Consolidated net profit, including gains from its India Cements ( opens new tab deal in 2024, was 22.26 billion rupees ($258.11 million) - above the 21.56 billion rupees estimated by analysts, on average, according to data compiled by LSEG. Standalone net profit for the three months ended June 30 was up 48% on-year. Cement prices rose about 2% on-year on average in the quarter, according to brokerage Ambit Capital, extending the steady recovery so far this year after last year's slump. Finance chief Atul Daga said in a post-earnings call that cement prices have continued to improve in July, especially in the South Indian markets, which emerged out of a long pricing lull in April. "Prices have (been) favorably poised in spite of heavy monsoons," Daga said. The company reported a revenue of 212.75 billion rupees, surpassing analysts' estimates of 200.12 billion rupees. However, its consolidated sales volume growth of 9.7% was near the lower side of the 9.6%-17.5% growth range projected by four brokerages. Heavy rains dampened demand in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Odisha, while geopolitical tensions stalled construction activity in India's northern border states, the company said. India and Pakistan saw their worst clashes in decades in the quarter, following a deadly attack in Indian Kashmir in April. The April-June period is also a seasonally soft quarter for cement companies, as monsoon showers slow construction. The company's dealmaking, such as the acquisition of India Cements and Kesoram's cement business, helped in capacity expansion and shielded its volumes from weather-led volatility, analysts have said. UltraTech shares closed 0.5% higher. ($1 = 86.2425 Indian rupees)
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
India's ‘Kantara: Chapter 1' Producer Calls Prequel ‘Our Most Ambitious Project to Date,' Unveils Behind-the-Scenes Video (EXCLUSIVE)
2022 Indian sleeper hit 'Kantara' may have started as a regional Kannada-language film, but its massive success transformed Hombale Films' trajectory overnight. Now, producer Vijay Kiragandur is doubling down with 'Kantara: Chapter 1,' a prequel that he says pushes every boundary the company has previously set. Kiragandur has also shared a behind-the-scenes video with Variety. More from Variety Hrithik Roshan Teams With 'K.G.F.,' 'Kantara' Producer Hombale Films for Major Pan-India Project (EXCLUSIVE) Yash's 'Toxic' Sets 2026 Release Date (EXCLUSIVE) Yash Unveils First-Look Video of 'Toxic' (EXCLUSIVE) Made on a modest budget of $1.96 million, 'Kantara,' written, directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, went on to amass some $50 million with dubbed versions in several Indian languages. The decision to construct an entire studio for the prequel speaks to the scale of ambition driving this project. 'The studio was born out of both creative necessity and practical limitations,' Kiragandur explains. 'We scoured Karnataka for a facility that could house an elaborate palace set with intricate interiors, but none met our requirements in terms of scale or infrastructure. What began as one studio floor quickly expanded into a full-fledged facility.' The investment proved strategic beyond mere logistics. 'Building our own studio allowed us complete creative control, streamlined production timelines, reduced travel costs — and most importantly — gave our director, Rishab Shetty the peace of mind to realize his vision uncompromised. It became a catalyst for the film's authenticity.' That authenticity extends to the film's core themes, which dig deeper into the spiritual and mythological elements that resonated so powerfully in the original. 'The spiritual resonance of the first film was a guiding force as we shaped 'Chapter 1,'' Kiragandur notes. 'The audience's response to 'Kantara' gave us clarity — we knew we had to honor that legacy with focused storytelling.' 'Instead of pursuing multiple projects simultaneously, we chose to channel all our energy into this one,' Kiragandur adds. 'Though we're in advanced stages with other pan-India films, our commitment to 'Kantara: Chapter 1' took precedence.' The upcoming pan-India projects include 'Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryaanga Parvam,' the sequel to Prashanth Neel's 2023 blockbuster 'Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire,' starring Prabhas, which was one of the biggest Indian hits of 2023. Hombale is no stranger to blockbusters, being the studio behind Neel's Yash starrers 'K.G.F: Chapter 1' (2018) and 'K.G.F: Chapter 2' (2022), with the latter being the fifth highest-grossing Indian film of all time. Kiragandur produces for Hombale alongside Chaluve Gowda. Kiragandur acknowledges the inherent challenge of balancing cultural authenticity with commercial ambitions, but frames it as an opportunity rather than a constraint. 'Cultural legacy isn't a pressure point for us — it's a compass,' he says. 'By staying true to our narrative, the talent behind it, and the emotions it carries, we're confident that authenticity will shine through on screen.' Central to that confidence is writer-director-star Rishab Shetty, whose multifaceted involvement mirrors his approach to the original film. 'We had full faith in Rishab Shetty, the driving force behind 'Kantara: Chapter 1.' Whether it was his acting, writing, or direction, his talent played a pivotal role in shaping everything we created.' The project's scope extends beyond entertainment into cultural preservation, addressing themes that Kiragandur considers essential to contemporary discourse. 'One of the most important aspects of 'Kantara' is its focus on preserving nature and raising the conversation around land ownership — a subject deeply meaningful to us.' This commitment to cultural storytelling positions the film within Hombale's broader mission to elevate Indian narratives on a global stage. 'More than regional, 'Kantara: Chapter 1' is about Indian storytelling,' Kiragandur emphasizes. 'Our research frequently led us to marvel at the vast cultural and narrative tapestry this country holds. We could create years of content purely from its untold stories.' The producer sees untapped potential in India's rich heritage, noting that 'very few filmmakers have dared to explore this territory — perhaps because there's no Western blueprint to follow. But we don't see that as a limitation. We see it as a calling.' While remaining modest about specific production moments that crystallized the film's exceptional scope, Kiragandur expresses confidence that audiences will recognize the achievement. 'There have been several moments, but we'll let the film speak for itself. We genuinely believe it will leave audiences stunned — not just by the scale, but by the soul.' When pressed about what distinguishes this production from Hombale's previous efforts, Kiragandur's response captures the full weight of the undertaking: ''Kantara: Chapter 1' is undoubtedly our most ambitious project to date — and there are several reasons why. The scale of effort, from the number of shoot days to the sheer volume of manpower, far surpasses anything we've undertaken before. But beyond logistics, this film holds a deeply personal place in our hearts. It's the kind of cinema we've always dreamed of creating. At Hombale, our vision has always been to bring Indian cultural roots to life through storytelling. We've long aspired to create something for this generation — and for generations to come — that makes them proud of India's rich heritage.' 'Kantara: Chapter 1' releases Oct. 2 in the Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali and English languages. Watch the behind-the-scenes video here: Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? Final Emmy Predictions: Talk Series and Scripted Variety - New Blood Looks to Tackle Late Night Staples
The Sun
5 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Outbreak of ‘brain-swelling' Nipah reaches five after victim's son tests positive for the virus dubbed ‘next pandemic'
THE son of a man who died from a brain-swelling Nipah virus that inspired the Hollywood blockbuster Contagion has allegedly tested positive. The 32-year-old, who had taken his dad to hospital before he passed away, was already under close watch when he began showing symptoms, according to Onmanorama News. 4 4 The virus belongs to the same family as measles and, like measles, spreads easily between people, making it highly contagious. It is also extremely lethal, killing more than two-thirds of those infected. This suggests that at least five people are believed to have tested positive in South India this July, mainly in Kerala's Malappuram and Palakkad districts, following the death of an 18-year-old girl in Kerala. Since then, two more women aged 38 and 42, from Malappuram district, have tested positive. The 58-year-old father from Palakkad district has died, Kerala's health minister, Veena George, confirmed on Facebook earlier this week. This raises the death toll to two. Local health authorities have now enforced a 3km lockdown around the young man's home, with all identified contacts asked to stay indoors. A total of 723 people across several districts have been identified as contacts of the five cases. Among them, 17 are undergoing treatment, while results for many are still awaited. The Sun has approached Ms George for confirmation and further details about the most recent case. The infections have raised alarm bells as the World Health Organisation (WHO) considers the virus a priority pathogen with 'serious potential' to drive mass outbreaks. What is Nipah Virus? Earlier this year, the UK Health Security Agency also included Nipah in its list of 24 diseases considered a major threat to public health. Last week, Veena George said there is not yet evidence of human-to-human transmission in the current outbreak. "No human-to-human transmission has been confirmed,' Ms George said Wednesday. 'It could definitely be two separate spillover events.' Nipah is carried by bats, and Kerala is home to more than 40 species. As rapid development and urban sprawl eat into their natural habitats, the animals are coming into closer contact with people, increasing the risk of the virus spilling over. The state first saw an outbreak in 2018, when 21 of the 23 people infected died. Since then, smaller clusters of cases have been reported, most recently in 2024. 4 'There could be multiple reasons for regular spillover reports from Kerala. But first and foremost, I think, is the strength of our surveillance system,' Ms George told The Telegraph. 'It should be noted that the presence of the virus has been demonstrated in many parts of the country, but Kerala can identify the human cases.' The 18-year-old victim lived in a house 'near to a very big bat colony', which may explain how she contracted the disease, said Ms George. 'We interviewed the family members extensively, and we are conducting studies to identify the presence of viral RNA and antibodies in bats from the roost,' she added Personality changes and seizures Niaph, which inspired the film Contagion starring Gwyneth Paltrow, is a zoonotic virus. Much like the virus in the film, which centered around a global pandemic, it attacks the brain, and has a fatality rate as high as 75 per cent. Of those who survive it, around 20 per cent are left with long-term neurological conditions, including personality changes or seizure disorders. For comparison, estimates from John Hopkins University dashboard suggest the fatality rate of Covid is just over one per cent. Scientists previously told The Sun that Nipah could 'absolutely be the cause of a new pandemic'. Dr Rebecca Dutch, chair of the University of Kentucky, and a world a leader in the study of viruses, said Nipah virus outbreaks occur periodically and it is 'extremely likely' we will see more. She told us: 'Nipah is one of the viruses that could absolutely be the cause of a new pandemic. Several things about Nipah are very concerning." Outbreaks have previously been reported in Bangladesh, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. An expert weighs in.. By Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious diseases expert Nipah virus is spread to humans usually from fruit bats or livestock that has been infected by fruit bats. At present human to human transmission is very inefficient but can be spread by close contact. So there would need to be a major change in the virus for it to become pandemic. However, the thing that worries me is foodborne transmission. If infected carcasses are exported internationally that could cause a pandemic, though a short lived one. Sometimes symptomless Nipah is typically transmitted to humans from animals such as bats and pigs, through direct contact with bodily fluids like blood or saliva. Humans can also pick up the disease up by eating foods contaminated with urine or saliva from infected animals. They can also pick it up through close contact with people who already have it - but these forms of transmission are much rarer. People infected with the Nipah virus may not display any symptoms at all. But many go on to develop acute respiratory infections, seizures and fatal brain swelling, called encephalitis. Encephalitis and seizures only occur in severe cases and can progress to coma within 24 to 48 hours. It typically takes between four days and two weeks for people to develop symptoms after being infected. However, in some cases it has taken up to 45, WHO noted. Extremely likely to see outbreaks There's currently no approved vaccine to stop Nipah virus infections and no treatment to cure it. However, Oxford scientists have developed the first Nipah vaccine to enter human trials, with early tests now underway. Dr Dutch said: 'Many other viruses in that family (like measles) transmit well between people, so there is concern that a Nipah variant with increased transmission could arise. 'The mortality rate for this virus is between 45 per cent and 75 per cent depending on the outbreak – so this is much higher than Covid-19. "Nipah has been shown to be transmitted through food, as well as via contact with human or animal excretions. 'The incubation period for Nipah can be quite long, and it can be unclear if transmission can occur during this time.' Dr Jonathan Epstein, vice president for science and outreach at the EcoHealth Alliance, explained how they are tracking the Nipah virus and are worried about its potential. He told The Sun: 'We know very little about the genetic variety of Nipah-related viruses in bats, and what we don't want to happen is for a strain to emerge that is more transmissible among people." THE 24 'PRIORITY PATHOGENS' THE UK Health Security Agency has issued a list of the 24 viruses and bacteria that its experts believe pose the biggest threat to people in the UK. Each one is a scientific family, meaning it is an umbrella term that includes and number of more specific - and usually better known - infections. VIRUSES Adenoviruses (mostly cause the common cold) Arenaviruses (e.g. Lassa fever) Calciviruses (e.g. norovirus) Coronaviruses (e.g. Covid-19) Filoviruses (e.g. Ebola, Marburg, Sudan virus) Flaviviruses (e.g. dengue, zika, hepatitis C) Hantaviruses (can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome) Nairoviruses (e.g. Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever) Orthomyxoviruses (e.g. flu) Paramyxoviruses (e.g. Nipah virus) Peribunyaviruses (e.g. oropouche fever) Phenuviruses (e.g. Rift Valley fever) Picornaviruses (e.g. polio) Pneumoviruses (e.g. human metapneumovirus/hMPV) Poxviruses (e.g. mpox) Togaviruses (e.g. Chikungunya) BACTERIA Bacillaceae (e.g. anthrax) Coxiellaceae (e.g. Q fever) Enterobacteria (e.g. plague) Francisellacae (e.g. tularaemia) Moraxellaceae (can cause pneumonia and UTIs) Neisseriaceae (e.g. gonorrhoea) Staphylococcaceae (cause cellulitis, pneumonia) Streptococcaceae (cause meningitis, scarlet fever, septicaemia)
