Latest news with #Tanhaji
News18
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Karan Johar Thinks Kajol's Performance In Maa ‘Has Super Hit Written All Over It'
Last Updated: Filmmaker Karan Johar showered praise on Kajol's upcoming mythological horror film Maa, calling the trailer 'incredible.' The trailer of the highly anticipated mythological horror-thriller Maa is finally out! And it had already won over Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar, who could not contain his excitement. He made a social media post praising his friend Kajol, who stars as the lead in the film. Johar, sharing the trailer on his Instagram story, wrote that watching it made him jump out of his chair. 'What an incredible Trailer!!!! Has SUPER HIT written all over it," the Ae Dil Hai Mushkil maker wrote. He further stated that Kajol owns it all with 'heartfelt brilliance" and that it is the 'best role" of the Tanhaji actor's life. 'My ticket is bought," he added. Kajol, while sharing the trailer on her social media handles, captioned, 'Rakshak. Bhakshak. MAA. The protector. The destroyer." According to the reports, the trailer sets a dark and emotional tone right from the beginning. It opens with Kajol driving with her daughter through a foggy road when a corpse crashes into their windshield. This sets the precedent for the ominous accounts to come further into the movie. Things spiral out of control when Kajol's daughter is pulled into the forest, near the eerie, old mansion they move into, by a mysterious dark force. What follows is an intriguing and emotional journey of a mother who moves heaven and earth to bring her daughter back. The Kuch Kuch Hota Hai actor, known for her emotional depth and screen presence, appears in a never-seen-before avatar. From grief to rage, the trailer shows her transforming into a determined mother who is ready to take on demonic forces. Much like Johar, many internet users believe Maa could mark one of her most impactful roles in recent years. Directed by Vishal Furia, who also helmed horror hit Chhori, Maa was written by Mary Kom fame Saiwyn Quadras. Presented by Jio Studios in association with Devgn Films, the film will be released on June 27, 2025. Ajay Devgn, Jyoti Deshpande and Kumar Mangat Pathak have produced the film. Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta and Jitin Gulati will appear in key roles alongside Kajol. Everyone's got high hopes for this movie, especially after Shaitaan did so well, which starred Kajol's husband, Ajay Devgn. Maa has the potential to be this year's big horror flick. First Published:
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
We've never seen Ajay Devgn smile more! Actor chats up Jackie Chan for a Bollywood movie together
Ahead of the release of Karate Kid: Legends, the film's producers have dropped a teaser from a fun conversation between Jackie Chan and Ajay Devgn in which the action legend has expressed his desire to work in a Bollywood film. Ajay, who is known for his serious demeanor, was all smiles while talking to Jackie, which, was refreshing to watch. (Also read: Ajay Devgn's son Yug debuts with dad in Karate Kid: Legends, but there's a catch) In a fun video clip, Jackie, who will return as Mr Han, is seen telling Ajay to invite him to come to India, to which Ajay said, "I would love to work with you". Jackie then suggested, "You fight, I dance," expressing his desire to work in a Bollywood film with Tanhaji actor, insisting he would want to dance instead of doing action. Jackie also showed some Bollywood inspired dance moves which he remembered from his 2017 India-China co-production film Kung Fu Yoga which also starred Indian actors Disha Patani, Sonu Sood, and Amyra Dastur. A post shared by Sony Pictures IN (@sonypicturesin) Ajay will voice the iconic character of Mr Han, portrayed by Jackie Chan, while his son Yug will make his debut as Li Fong, the film's lead character played by Ben Wang. This marks Ajay's first ever voice over for an international film and his collaboration with Yug. Set in New York City, Karate Kid: Legends follows kung fu prodigy Li Fong as he adjusts to life in a new school, forges unexpected bonds, and is drawn into an intense showdown with a local karate champion. Under the guidance of his teacher Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and the legendary Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), Li embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery, courage, and growth. Sony Pictures Entertainment India will release Karate Kid: Legends in theatres on May 30 in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
Hans India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Om Raut Announces Dhanush Starrer Biopic on Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Titled 'Kalam'
Om Raut, the director of Adipurush, has announced his next movie, which will be a biopic on Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the former President of India and Bharat Ratna. This announcement comes two years after making Adipurush, which starred Prabhas. The movie is titled Kalam, with the tagline "Missile Man of India." The first poster was released at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, showing actor Dhanush in the role of Dr. Kalam. The poster features a missile taking off in the background, which looks impressive. Dhanush shared how lucky and humble he feels to play the role of such an inspiring leader, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Om Raut, who directed Tanhaji and Adipurush, is now working on his third film. Many people online have said that he is doing something big by making a biopic about the famous Missile Man. The movie is being produced by Abhishek Agarwal, Anil Sunkara, Bhushan Kumar, and Krishnan Kumar.
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Is Cinema going back to roots?
Even as Hindi language films continue to struggle at the box office, unable to consistently draw large audiences, one thus notices that films which revolve sound regional pride, cultural identity, and folklore-driven storytelling are getting preferred . In an increasingly crowded and competitive entertainment landscape, stories rooted in regional history, myth, and legacy are not only holding their ground but, in many cases, thriving. Ajay Devgn's Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior perhaps set the template for this trend in recent years. Based on the life of Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare and his legendary capture of the Kondhana Fort, the film wasn't just another period drama — it was a celebration of Maratha pride. The film earned nearly Rs 280 crore in India. Experts noted how Tanhaji benefitted from its rootedness — it spoke directly to Maharashtrian audiences while also delivering cinematic scale and nationalism-driven themes palatable to audiences across India. It was proof that when regional pride is wrapped in commercial storytelling, it can find resonance nationwide. If Tanhaji laid the groundwork, Rishab Shetty 's Kantara turned it into a movement. Released in Kannada with dubbed versions in other languages, Kantara was a folklore-rooted drama about the relationship between man, nature, and faith in the coastal regions of Karnataka. What started as a local success turned into a pan-India blockbuster, with the film grossing over 300 crore just in India.. The film's visceral climax, rooted in the ancient tradition, struck a chord with audiences beyond Karnataka. It showcased how hyper-local stories, when told authentically, can cut across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Following the film's success, Rishab Shetty announced both a sequel and a prequel, and in a new move, Shetty himself is now set to play the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in an ambitious historical drama — an announcement that has already generated significant buzz. Interestingly, the fascination with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's legacy isn't limited to the Marathi film industry. Bollywood too is increasingly looking at the Maratha icon's life for cinematic inspiration. National Award-winning actor Vicky Kaushal is currently filming Chhaava, directed by Laxman Utekar , where he essays the role of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the valiant son of Shivaji. While Chhaava focuses on Sambhaji's turbulent reign and his fight against the Mughals, its backdrop and characters are inextricably linked to Shivaji's towering legacy. The film aims to blend emotional storytelling with large-scale war sequences and period authenticity — a formula proven to work post-Tanhaji. Adding to this growing list is Riteish Deshmukh , who, after his successful Marathi directorial debut Ved, is reportedly developing his own cinematic take on the life of Shivaji Maharaj. It isn't just Maratha history making its way to the big screen. South Indian cinema is actively embracing its mythological and devotional heritage. Actor-producer Vishnu Manchu is leading this effort with Kannappa, a film based on the legendary tale of a tribal hunter-turned-devotee of Lord Shiva. The story of Kannappa, who is said to have offered his own eyes to the deity as a mark of ultimate devotion, has long been part of Telugu and Tamil folklore. Manchu's film, with an ensemble cast featuring Prabhas, Mohanlal, and Nayanthara in pivotal roles, is one of the most anticipated mythological dramas in the region. Shot on lavish sets with extensive use of VFX, the film hopes to achieve the kind of pan-India appeal that Baahubali and Kantara managed to muster. Not every culturally rooted film, however, has found its audience. Punjabi actor-filmmaker Gippy Grewal 's Akaal, which delved into the turbulent period following the demise of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, struggled to make a mark despite its ambitious scale. While it was lauded for its intent and authenticity, trade experts believe it lacked the engaging narrative style and wide marketing push that a film of its scale required. This highlights a crucial aspect of the regional pride-driven wave: mere rootedness isn't enough. The story must be universally engaging while retaining its cultural specificity. Filmmakers like Rishab Shetty and Om Raut (Tanhaji) have shown how to strike this delicate balance, turning local lore into globally consumable cinema. The current success of culturally rooted cinema is a reflection of larger socio-political undercurrents in India. At a time when audiences are seeking narratives that affirm their identity and heritage, these films serve as both entertainment and cultural assertion. Moreover, the success of such films has also inspired a generation of filmmakers from regional industries to think big. With streaming platforms opening up new markets and dubbed versions becoming standard practice, a well-made, regionally rooted film can now reach audiences in Kerala, Assam, or Gujarat as easily as it does in Mumbai or Delhi.
News18
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Om Raut Reveals Adipurush Telugu Rights Were Sold Before Release For Rs 120 Crore
Last Updated: At WAVES 2025, Om Raut opened up about the growing demand for Hindi films in South markets, and how Adipurush's Telugu rights were pre-sold for ₹120 crore. Filmmaker Om Raut, best known for helming Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior and Adipurush, shared powerful insights into India's evolving cinematic landscape at the second day of the WAVES 2025 Summit in Mumbai. Speaking at the session titled The Changing Face of Indian Cinema, Raut opened up about the shifting demographics of film consumption, the South Indian market's growing appetite for Hindi-language films, and the role of technology and storytelling in building pan-India and global success. 'We're a nation of over 140 crore people," Raut began, contextualizing India's vast potential as the world's largest content consumer base. 'Whether it's car brands or chocolates, everyone wants to sell in India. And in that sense, we have a responsibility — we know our people, our consumption patterns, and our stories better than anyone else." Drawing comparisons to the global dominance of Hollywood's Marvel Cinematic Universe, Raut stressed the importance of thinking global, acting local. 'Marvel alone contributed to 23% of the global box office at one point. That means a child in Nebraska is watching the same movie as someone in Mumbai. The world is consuming shared content. Why can't our stories travel the same way?" The director then highlighted how his films have crossed regional boundaries, resonating with audiences far beyond their linguistic origins. He cited his Marathi debut Lokmanya: Ek Yugpurush, which earned ₹14 crore primarily in Maharashtra, but also gained traction in cities like Bengaluru and Indore. Raut's 2020 historical action drama Tanhaji proved to be a game-changer. 'The film earned ₹14 crore from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana alone — a huge number for a Hindi film. Typically, Hindi films collect ₹4–5 crore in those regions," he said, underlining how Tanhaji's emotional depth and storytelling appealed to southern audiences. The filmmaker then revealed that the Telugu-language distribution rights of his 2023 epic Adipurush were pre-sold for a staggering ₹120 crore. 'Even before release, the numbers showed us how much anticipation and belief there was in the film. That shows you the power of regional crossover," Raut stated, adding, 'The need for any artist is to reach a wider audience. If we tell our stories with honesty and emotional clarity, they will travel — not just across states but across the globe." Raut emphasized that this cultural expansion is not merely about numbers, but about emotional impact. 'It's deeply satisfying when a story made in your language connects with someone from a completely different region. It's proof that great storytelling knows no boundaries." Beyond numbers and narratives, the Adipurush director also highlighted how technology is revolutionizing Indian cinema, making global-quality visuals increasingly accessible. 'The integration of VFX, virtual production, and AI isn't the future — it's the present. But we must never lose sight of our cultural depth and emotional resonance," he noted. First Published:
