Latest news with #VishalBhardwaj
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
ED Kolkata arrests two in connection with online betting, gambling racket
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Kolkata Zonal Office arrested two persons during their search operations across West Bengal, Delhi, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Assam, in connection to an alleged betting and gambling racket through online games. Two persons named Vishal Bhardwaj alias Badal Bharadwaj, and Sonu Kumar Thakur, were arrested under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 and remanded to 10 days custody by the Hon'ble Special Court (PMLA), Calcutta, according to a June 5 statement by the ED. The case is linked to a First Information Report lodged by West Bengal's Siliguri Police Commissionerate under various sections of Indian Penal Code, 1860 and West Bengal Gambling and Prize Competitions Act, 1957. In the chargesheet, the accused were shown to be absconders, the ED statement read. In connection to this alleged racket, the ED also froze 766 mule bank accounts and 17 debit and credit cards, and seized several incriminating documents and digital devices, according to a statement by the investigating agency. 'The modus operandi includes opening of mule bank accounts (saving, current and corporate accounts) by recruiting people to act as money mules in exchange of money paid either as a one-time basis or on a recurring monthly basis, depending on the nature and utility of the account,' the ED said in its statement. It added that the scamsters allegedly persuaded people to contact through WhatsApp numbers for betting and gambling in different games like IPL, ISL, T20 World Cup, Online Rummy, Online Casino, etc. The statement further mentioned that the mule bank accounts are allegedly intended for the specific purpose of the collection and subsequent layering of funds generated through illegal online betting and gambling through websites and Telegram channels. The account holders allegedly could not control or access the accounts. Further investigation is in progress, the investigating agency said.
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First Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Prabhas' horror-comedy 'The Raja Saab' to release on this date, all set to clash with Shahid Kapoor's 'Arjun Ustara'
The film will clash with Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj's Arjun Ustara. The cast includes the stunning trio of Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Ridhi Kumar. read more The wait is finally over! After months of mounting buzz and speculation, the makers of The Raja Saab have locked in the film's grand theatrical release: 5th December 2025. Adding fuel to the excitement, the teaser is set to drop on 16th June, giving fans their first thrilling taste of this genre-defying entertainer. Stepping into uncharted territory, Prabhas headlines The Raja Saab, marking his first full-fledged horror entertainer — a bold move that showcases his ever-evolving journey and fearless approach to storytelling. The first motion poster hinted at a deliciously twisted blend of supernatural elements and old-school charm, instantly grabbing attention across the board. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Directed by Maruthi, known for his unique blend of humour and emotion, The Raja Saab promises a horror film laced with surprising entertainment. Every asset so far — from vibrant posters to intriguing glimpses has left audiences in awe. The film will clash with Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj's Arjun Ustara. The cast includes the stunning trio of Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Ridhi Kumar. Set for a massive Pan-India release in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam, The Raja Saab isn't just a film — it's a full-blown theatrical event that dares to push the envelope.
Indian Express
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Paresh Rawal calls Hera Pheri role as ‘gale ka fanda', reveals he sought roles from Vishal Bhardwaj, R Balki to avoid typecasting: ‘Mujhe nahi fasna aise daldal mein'
While fans await with bated breath the release of Hera Pheri 3, Paresh Rawal, in a recent interaction, expressed his fatigue over acting in the sequels of the iconic film. The actor also shared that he even approached filmmakers Vishal Bhardwaj and R. Balki to give him a role that would help him break away from the image of Hera Pheri's iconic character, Babu Rao. Speaking to Lallantop, Paresh said, 'My Hera Pheri role is a gale ka fanda. I went to Vishal Bhardwaj in 2007 after in 2006 Phir Hera Pheri released. I told him, 'I want a release from the image that has been set by this film.' I asked him to give me a role in the same get-up but a completely different role. I'm an actor, mujhe fasna nahi hai aise daldal mein. But Vishal told me I don't do remake of characters. Then I went to R. Balki in 2022 with the same request. I asked him to give a different character in the same get-up. I told him, 'I feel suffocated. I feel happy, but it ties me down. I want liberation from this. This is very bad.'' Paresh Rawal compared Hera Pheri's sequel to the sequel Lage Raho Munna Bhai, which in his view is a better follow-up to an iconic film. He said, 'You cook up the same thing when you make sequels after sequels, not like Lage Raho Munna Bhai was to Munna Bhai MBBS where you take characters in a different direction. Everybody wants to encash on sequels but do something different with the character that has Rs 500 crore worth goodwill. Why not fly with it? But there's mental bankruptcy or mental lethargy. I'm doing the sequel because I don't want the film to get stuck but there is no happiness.' This isn't the first time Paresh Rawal has spoken about his dissatisfaction with the Hera Pheri sequels. Earlier, in an interaction with Siddharth Kannan, he admitted that Hera Pheri lost its 'innocence' in its sequel. He said, 'Sorry to say, but woh film nahi bani thi bara bar (the film wasn't that good). I would tell Neeraj Vohra (director), tu bhar raha hai ismein (you're overstuffing this film with sequences), it isn't required. I asked him to keep the simplicity that was there in the first film. It will get messy if you overfill the film. People will laugh at anything; they will laugh if somebody is running naked, but we don't have to run naked. The sense of proportion should be on you.' The original Hera Pheri film released in 2000 and was a major hit, catapulting into a cult classic. It was directed by Priyadarshan. Phir Hera Pheri, helmed by Neeraj Vora, released in 2006 and was a major commercial success. The third part of the franchise is also directed by Priyadarshan.
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First Post
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Not Saif Ali Khan, Aamir Khan was the first choice for 'Omkara', this writer reveals 'Vishal Bhardwaj replaced him because...'
He added, 'Saif's problem was the language required here. But then he started going for tuitions, he started training with another, chopped his hair.' read more In a recent interview, writer Robin Bhatt spoke to Friday Talkies and revealed how Aamir Khan was the first choice for Omkara and not Saif Ali Khan, and why Vishal Bhardwaj replaced him. Bhatt said, 'Aamir was ready to do the villain's role. The second choice we had was Saif Ali Khan. However, at one point, we decided that Aamir was not the right choice for the film.' He added, 'Saif's problem was the language required here. But then he started going for tuitions, he started training with another, chopped his hair.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Vishal Bhardwaj and Gulzar have given some classic collaborations to Hindi cinema. At the Mumbai Conclave 2023, he spoke about his admiration for the veteran poet and writer and how he thinks the 'Haider' director is a fraud. He said, ' Gulzar sahab is more than my soulmate. He's like a tree and we all are his branches. often tells me that I exploit Shakespeare's name to my advantage and that I am a fraud. He said, 'If you are calling it Hamlet, where is the tragedy of Hamlet?' Vishal Bhardwaj added, 'My first instinct was that maybe Gulzar sahab is outdated, and he is not able to see what I am trying to do with this film. Later, when my ego came down, I realised that he is actually right. The tragedy of Hamlet, which is so strong, affects us so severely, and that is when Haider happened.' About his film Khufiya Tabu and Vishal Bhardwaj have once again come together for the spy thriller, Khufiya . The actress is known for her powerful performances over the decades in films such as Chandini Bar, Virasat, The Namesake, Cheeni Kum, and Astitva. Talking to film critic Baradwaj Rangan, the director opened up about casting Tabu in his next. During his recent interview, Vishal Bhardwaj revealed that the diva was not the first choice for the role. The filmmaker stated that when he wrote the script for the edge-of-the-seat thriller, he had a male actor in mind. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Express Tribune
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
6 brilliant Indian films inspired by Shakespeare's timeless plays
In India, Shakespeare's influence isn't just confined to textbooks—it pulses vibrantly through our cinema screens. Filmmakers have time and again dipped into the Bard's treasure trove of human emotions—ambition, love, betrayal, revenge—and spun them into unforgettable stories that feel strikingly Indian. These seven films are perfect examples of how beautifully Shakespeare's timeless themes have been adapted to reflect India's own cultural, political, and emotional landscapes. 1. Maqbool (2003) — Based on Macbeth Vishal Bhardwaj's Maqbool reimagines Macbeth in the gritty underbelly of Mumbai's underworld. Irrfan Khan stars as Maqbool, a loyal henchman who falls prey to ambition and desire, much like the doomed Scottish general. The dark, atmospheric storytelling and powerhouse performances make this one of Bollywood's finest Shakespeare adaptations. 2. Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) — Based on Romeo and Juliet In this iconic tragic romance, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak brings Shakespeare's doomed lovers to the Indian heartland. Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla play star-crossed lovers torn apart by family feuds, echoing the timeless sorrow of Romeo and Juliet. With soulful music and tender performances, the film redefined Bollywood romance for a generation. 3. Haider (2014) — Based on Hamlet Haider is Vishal Bhardwaj's chilling and poignant retelling of Hamlet, set against the politically charged backdrop of Kashmir. Shahid Kapoor delivers a career-defining performance as Haider, grappling with betrayal, loss, and madness in a land torn by conflict. Richly layered and brutally honest, Haider is a haunting masterpiece. 4. Omkara (2006) — Based on Othello Another gem by Vishal Bhardwaj, Omkara adapts Othello into the dusty, dangerous politics of rural Uttar Pradesh. Ajay Devgn's Omkara, a political enforcer, is undone by jealousy and manipulation, mirroring Shakespeare's tragic Moor. The earthy dialects, stellar performances, and raw emotion make Omkara a cinematic tour de force. 5. Angoor (1982) — Based on The Comedy of Errors Directed by Gulzar, Angoor is a delightful comedy of mistaken identities. Based on The Comedy of Errors, it stars Sanjeev Kumar and Deven Verma in double roles, resulting in hilarious confusion and classic slapstick moments. It's a masterclass in situational comedy done the Bollywood way. 6. 10ml LOVE (2010) — Based on A Midsummer Night's Dream 10ml LOVE, directed by Sharat Katariya, is a quirky, modern take on A Midsummer Night's Dream. Set in the bustling chaos of contemporary Mumbai, the film follows three couples entangled in love, jealousy, and magical confusion—thanks to a love potion! It's light, breezy, and endearingly chaotic, much like the original play.
