Latest news with #THRIndia
Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Lokesh Kanagaraj says he deserves Rs 50 cr salary for Coolie, responds to question about Rajinikanth's pay cheque: ‘It's a Rs 400 crore film'
One of the most anticipated projects of the year, Coolie, is going to be released on August 14. Starring Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Aamir Khan and Upendra Rao, the film has generated immense buzz in the audience, and director Lokesh Kanagaraj is looking forward to the release. Although it seems like Lokesh handles big releases in a rather unique way, as he revealed in a recent interview that numbers don't really interest him and he prefers to distance himself from the outside world once a movie comes out. While talking to THR India, Lokesh shared how he has never given box office numbers and reviews much importance, and even though he has given his heart and soul to the film, he chooses to detach himself from it and what the rest of the world thinks. 'After the release day, I think I am going to Bali. I am not going to sit here and listen to the numbers. I will watch the three shows of the film on the day of the release; we'll all have a party that night, and the next day I will disappear somewhere with my school friends without telling my team. I will be gone for a minimum of three to four days, and once everything is over and the critics have said their piece, I'll come back then.' ALSO READ: Lokesh Kanagaraj reveals how Aamir Khan's secret role in Coolie was leaked; teases their upcoming superhero film: 'It'll be the biggest actioner ever' He revealed how, despite his unique routine after the release of the film, he always feels responsible for how the project does in the market and how certain people can never sleep peacefully until their film is a success. He said, 'Only three people have to be worried about the film. The hero, if it's a market film, the director and the producer. A technician working on the film doesn't care about the number, but those three people are always under the gun. You are only as good as your last film; if someone asks about my salary of Rs 50 crore, it is because of the success of the previous film, Leo.' Talking more about his fees for the film, Lokesh stated that he feels that the amount is completely justified, and although he didn't reveal how much stars like Rajinikanth or Aamir Khan are charging, he did talk about the total expanse of the budget and how taking that responsibility should come with the proper compensation. 'While I don't want to talk about Rajini sir's salary, I think I deserve the Rs 50 crore; I am going to pay tax on it, and two years of my life have gone to this project alone. It's a Rs 400 crore film, and there is a lot of responsibility riding on my shoulders. I am very excited about it, and if the film does well and we earn a lot, all that money is going to help my family and friends, with whom I lost touch during the time I was working on Coolie.' Seeing the stellar cast, and Lokesh's previous track record, Coolie seems to be pegged for a massive opening come release day. The makers of the film and all the stars associated with it will hope to create more than just a dent in the box office.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Lokesh Kanagaraj reacts to Sanjay Dutt being ‘angry' at him over ‘wasted' role in Leo: I'm not the greatest filmmaker…
Recently, Sanjay Dutt made news when he candidly admitted that he was 'angry' at Lokesh Kanagaraj for 'wasting' him in the Vijay-starrer Leo. In an interview with THR India, the director responded to the statement, admitting that he must've made a 'mistake' while writing Sanjay's role. (Also Read: Sanjay Dutt says he is 'angry' with Lokesh Kanagaraj for small role in Leo: 'He wasted me') Sanjay Dutt worked with Lokesh Kanagaraj in the Vijay-starrer Leo. Lokesh Kanagaraj responds to Sanjay Dutt's statement Lokesh was asked about what Sanjay said and if he believes his writing 'failed' when it came to the Bollywood star's character. He said, 'No, he called me after that immediately, and he said, 'I made a comment very funnily, but people just cut it and put it. It looks so awkward, and I didn't mean it, Loki'. I said, 'No problem, sir'.' Lokesh then admitted that he might've made a mistake while writing Sanjay's role, stating, 'Probably, I would've done. I am not a genius or some greatest filmmaker in the world to not do something which may dip other characters. I've done so many mistakes in my films. It's all learning, no? So, yeah, I'll probably do one of the best roles with Sanjay Dutt, sir.' What did Sanjay Dutt say? Last week, while promoting the Kannada film KD – The Devil with Shilpa Shetty and Dhruva Sarja, Sanjay spoke about playing Vijay's character Leo's father, Antony Das, in the 2023 film. He said, 'I loved working with Thalapathy Vijay. I am angry at Lokesh because he did not give me a big role. He wasted me.' In the same interaction, Sanjay stated that he respects Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. 'I look up to them and learn from them. I have worked with Rajinikanth in multiple movies. He is the most humble person,' he said. He also called Ajith a 'close friend', claiming that he 'loves' him. Lokesh's Coolie starring Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, Reba Monica John, Junior MGR, Monisha Blessy and Kaali Venkat will be released in theatres on August 14. It will clash with Ayan Mukerji's Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR-starrer War 2.
Indian Express
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Farah Khan asks her cook Dilip, ‘Kya hogaya hai tereko' as he kisses Saqib Saleem after dancing with Huma Qureshi
Filmmaker Farah Khan's vlogs on social media have definitely propelled her to a new level of fame, along with her now-popular cook, Dilip. The duo get in all sorts of troubles and altercations involving the celebrity guests on the cooking show, and it seems that the upcoming episode with Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem is going to be no different. In a video posted on social media, Huma, Farah and Dilip can be seen dancing to the former's latest song 'Dil Thaam Ke', and what follows is utter chaos. The video starts with Huma, who mimics her steps from the song to perfection. It quickly pans to Farah and then Dilip, who, in his excitement, dances over to Saqib, who does not seem to be participating in the charade, and kisses him on the back of his head. Saqib breaks into a smile at the sudden display of affection, while Huma screams and Farah looks visibly confused. The filmmaker shakes her head and says to Dilip, 'Kya hogaya hai tereko? (What has happened to you?)' While there has been no official announcement, it's likely that the two will feature in Farah's next cooking vlog. A post shared by Huma Qureshi (@iamhumaq) ALSO READ: Farah Khan says she wanted to marry at 23 but 'dushman' mom was against it: 'Grateful I married at 40' Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem, who also have a production company of their own, might give some insights about their planned neo-noir film Baby Do Die Do, which has been in the pipeline for quite some time. In a previous interview with THR India, Saqib said, 'We didn't know anything about the industry, but we thought, 'Why not take it to the next level and produce films?'' Huma and I like the same films, and we thought that we could create an ecosystem where we could give space to unique voices and interesting films.' The actor added that both the siblings are not interested in 'couch producing' and wish to be involved with all steps of the process. Farah Khan's cooking show became an overnight sensation and attracts millions of views every single episode. Her former choreography assistant and Dance India Dance judge Geeta Kapur praised the efforts put in by Farah into this new venture and even appreciated the platform she has given to her cook Dilip. She told Hindu Rush, 'Khaane ke upar aapne ek show bana diya. Woh ladka, Dilip, uski life bann gayi hai. (She has made Dilip's career in a way). He is doing collaborations these days. She is amazing. She is, in fact, okay to let him be in the frame for longer. She has always been like that.'
Mint
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Hansal Mehta urges to call out ‘predators' at creative workplaces amid allegations against Pratik Shah: 'We owe it'
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta penned a strong note on X, formerly Twitter, account, urging people to call out abusers and predators at workplaces, especially those working in creative fields. His words arrive amid allegations of abuse and misconduct against cinematographer Pratik Shah. Pratik recently worked on Neeraj Ghaywan's film Homebound. Hansal talked at length about men and women in power who can equally inflict harm. He said, 'Abuse thrives in silence. It festers in fear. Predatory behaviour by men in positions of power must be investigated thoroughly, and if found true, must be called out — unequivocally, and without delay. For too long, predators have weaponised influence, privilege, and fear to silence survivors. That silence must be broken.' 'But let's be clear — abuse of power is not confined to one gender. Women in positions of authority, too, have inflicted harm. Abuse has many forms. It is not always sexual. Mental, emotional and psychological abuse can be just as scarring. Just as violating. Workspaces — especially creative ones — often cloak toxicity in the name of 'passion' or 'genius.' That must stop. No art, no film, no script is worth the cost of someone's safety or sanity.' Hansal also talked about victims in these situations. 'Victims need voice. They need redress. They need a system that listens — and acts. Accountability is not cancel culture. It is culture correction. We owe it to ourselves, and to those who come after us, to make our spaces safer. Cleaner. Kinder. Call out the predators. Call out the habitual abuser. Hold them accountable. Let no power be above decency.' While Hansal did not mention any name, his statement arrives amid serious allegations against Pratik Shah who worked as the cinematographer of films like Jubilee, CTRL and Homebound. Independent filmmaker Abhinav Singh accused Pratik of abuse. He claimed that many women reached out to him regarding Pratik and called him a 'predator' in a long note on Instagram. Filmmaker-writer Srishti Riya Jain also amplified several accusations against Pratik on Reddit. 'To everyone pretending to act shocked, scandalised, and suddenly awoken from their slumber… THIS man worked on one of the 'most empathetic' films of the year — or so the interviews at Cannes claimed,' she shared. Reportedly, Pratik has either deactivated or deleted his Instagram account. He did not address the allegations against him so far. As per THR India, four years ago Pratik Shah faced a similar allegation against him. However, he was let go after a warning.
Mint
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Homebound cinematographer Pratik Shah deletes Insta after accused of abuse by Abhinav Singh; multiple women speak out
Cinematographer Pratik Shah has been accused of abuse and misconduct by multiple people. Recently, independent filmmaker Abhinav Singh took to Instagram and accused Pratik. He also indirectly called him 'highly manipulative' and "emotionally abusive". Pratik Shah is best known for his work in films Jubilee, CTRL and Homebound. Abhinav initially shared a warning message on his Instagram, urging his female followers to be careful around a cinematographer, without mentioning any name. He shared, 'To my female friends: Please be cautious around a certain cinematographer I've encountered-he's highly manipulative and emotionally abusive based on my personal experience. If you want details, feel free to DM me.' After some time, he added, 'The number of women who've reached out to me is honestly frightening. I feel like I'm having a Margot Robbie moment from Bombshell. I will not be silenced. And to those who are still employing him – f**k you. His name is Pratik Shah. He's a cinematographer.' Abhinav Singh posts against Pratik Shah. Abhinav claimed that several women reached out to him about the cinematographer after sharing the post. 'I've spoken out, and now I'm hearing from others — people who've felt silenced or sidelined. It's heartbreaking. The patterns are undeniable. Many have called him a predator.' Filmmaker-writer Srishti Riya Jain posted a series of screenshots on her Instagram stories to amplify several accusations against Pratik on Reddit. She said that Pratik has 'been on the prowl since 4 years'. She also accused the film industry has 'selective attention span and gaze' when it comes to acclaimed people. 'To everyone pretending to act shocked, scandalised, and suddenly awoken from their slumber… THIS man worked on one of the 'most empathetic' films of the year — or so the interviews at Cannes claimed,' she shared. In a screenshot of the alleged Reddit post, someone called Pratik 'a total sleazeball.' 'He slides into every girl's DMs and talks crap,' the user added. Another claimed, 'He sent me a follow request last year while I was liking a mutual friend's pictures. I accepted it, and he said it was a mistake. I unfollowed him immediately — it felt off." Reddit post against Pratik Shah resurfaces. Amid this, Hindustan Times reported that Pratik has deactivated or deleted his Instagram account. He is yet to address the allegations against him. However, this is not the first time that Pratik has faced such bold allegations against himself. As per THR India, about four years ago, the cinematographer faced a similar situation. A young cinematographer filed a complaint against him with the Indian Women Cinematographers' Collective (IWCC), alleging that he had inappropriately solicited a nude photograph from her. Reportedly, he had apologised to the woman and was left with a warning. Pratik's latest film Homebound was recently screened at Cannes Film Festival 2025. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, it stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor.
