<p>Rajinikanth celebrates his 72nd birth anniversary on 12th December 2022. To commemorate this jubilant occasion, PVR Pictures&nbsp;re-release a cult and much-loved movie from mass superstar Rajinikanth’s illustrious filmography, 'Baba'.</p>

<p>‘Baba’, a film that marked Rajinikanth’s coveted comeback after his three-year hiatus, was released in cinemas back in 2002. Two decades after its big debut, PVR Pictures officially re-released ‘Baba’ in cinemas across Tamil Nadu as well as Pondicherry on December 10, 2022.</p>

<p>The film tells the story of Baba, a young and carefree atheist who goes through a life changing experience where he is gifted magical powers that help him battle a bunch of crooked politicians. Typical to any Rajinikanth film, the movie is filled with thrilling action and entertaining songs along with a power packed cast that also features Manisha Koirala, Amrish Puri and Delhi Ganesh.</p>

<p>The most unique part about the re-release will be the film’s advanced digital enhancement. This involves a high-tech colour grading process that creates a grander big screen experience. Baba’s songs will also be presented in a remixed avatar for the new generation; the movie has been re-edited from a fresh perspective too.</p>


Rajinikanth celebrates his 72nd birth anniversary on 12th December 2022. To commemorate this jubilant occasion, PVR Pictures re-release a cult and much-loved movie from mass superstar Rajinikanth’s illustrious filmography, 'Baba'.

Rajinikanth celebrates his 72nd birth anniversary on 12th December 2022. To commemorate this jubilant occasion, PVR Pictures re-release a cult and much-loved movie from mass superstar Rajinikanth’s illustrious filmography, 'Baba'. ‘Baba’, a film that marked Rajinikanth’s coveted comeback after his three-year hiatus, was released in cinemas back in 2002. Two decades after its big debut, PVR Pictures officially re-released ‘Baba’ in cinemas across Tamil Nadu as well as Pondicherry on December 10, 2022. The film tells the story of Baba, a young and carefree atheist who goes through a life changing experience where he is gifted magical powers that help him battle a bunch of crooked politicians. Typical to any Rajinikanth film, the movie is filled with thrilling action and entertaining songs along with a power packed cast that also features Manisha Koirala, Amrish Puri and Delhi Ganesh. The most unique part about the re-release will be the film’s advanced digital enhancement. This involves a high-tech colour grading process that creates a grander big screen experience. Baba’s songs will also be presented in a remixed avatar for the new generation; the movie has been re-edited from a fresh perspective too.

Thalaiva is back! PVR Pictures re-releases ‘Baba’ to celebrate Rajinikanth’s birthday

5 Times Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan paved their way into our hearts with their performances

<p>Adding another feather to its cap, Zindagi’s original desi-noir anthology Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam bags Asia Pac’s most prestigious, Asian Academy Creative Awards 2022 for the Best Anthology at the grand awards ceremony in Singapore. Prior to this, the show emerged as a National winner among other Indian nominees in the category. &nbsp;The much-loved series was competing alongside 8 other countries at the grand awards ceremony held in Singapore.</p>

<p>Basking in the glory of this win at this reputed award ceremony were supremely talented Pakistani actors Sanam Saeed, Sarwat Gilani, cinematographer Mo Azmi, and Producer Shailja Kejriwal, from India. Celebrating this union and the art of storytelling, Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam is a testament to the fact that a thought-provoking story, impeccable talent and a great creative team from across the borders (India and Pakistan), churns out a winning combination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Expressing her gratitude and excitement, actor Sanam Saeed said, “I am elated to see the response towards Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam at this scale. Audiences have accepted the show, across the globe with open arms and I am overjoyed to witness the recognition the show has received today. Representing India and Pakistan at this prestigious international platform and winning the award, just encourages us as artists to perform better and walk the extra mile to deliver content that is unique and inspiring. Collaborating with Shailja Kejriwal and director Meenu Gaur was indeed a creatively enriching experience and I am glad that this union has given us a show we will cherish. I would like to congratulate our entire team, cast and both the nations for this phenomenal win.”</p>

<p>Talking about her experience and the winning moment, actor Sarwat Gilani said. “Firstly, I would like to congratulate our entire team for this big win. Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam is a story that has resonated with many women and we are thankful for the love and appreciation the series has received globally. I would like to thank Zindagi, Shailja Kejriwal and director Meenu Gaur for staying true to their vision and giving us the opportunity to deliver these powerful and layered characters. It is a matter of great pride for us to come under one roof to collect this award and celebrate this prestigious win together.”</p>

<p>Written by Farjad Nabi and Meenu Gaur, the show is set in a neighborhood rife with secrets and gives a glimpse into what happens when women decide to take charge of their destiny and not kneel before situations and society.</p>

<p>The series features an eclectic ensemble cast including Sanam Saeed, Sarwat Gilani, Samiya Mumtaz, Faiza Gillani, Mehar Bano, Beo Raana Zafar, Eman Suleman, Saleem Mairaj, Ahsan Khan, Osman Khalid Butt and Sheheryar Munawar.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
'Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam' is currently streaming on ZEE5.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Adding another feather to its cap, Zindagi’s original desi-noir anthology Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam bags Asia Pac’s most prestigious, Asian Academy Creative Awards 2022 for the Best Anthology at the grand awards ceremony in Singapore.

Adding another feather to its cap, Zindagi’s original desi-noir anthology Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam bags Asia Pac’s most prestigious, Asian Academy Creative Awards 2022 for the Best Anthology at the grand awards ceremony in Singapore. Prior to this, the show emerged as a National winner among other Indian nominees in the category. The much-loved series was competing alongside 8 other countries at the grand awards ceremony held in Singapore. Basking in the glory of this win at this reputed award ceremony were supremely talented Pakistani actors Sanam Saeed, Sarwat Gilani, cinematographer Mo Azmi, and Producer Shailja Kejriwal, from India. Celebrating this union and the art of storytelling, Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam is a testament to the fact that a thought-provoking story, impeccable talent and a great creative team from across the borders (India and Pakistan), churns out a winning combination. Expressing her gratitude and excitement, actor Sanam Saeed said, “I am elated to see the response towards Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam at this scale. Audiences have accepted the show, across the globe with open arms and I am overjoyed to witness the recognition the show has received today. Representing India and Pakistan at this prestigious international platform and winning the award, just encourages us as artists to perform better and walk the extra mile to deliver content that is unique and inspiring. Collaborating with Shailja Kejriwal and director Meenu Gaur was indeed a creatively enriching experience and I am glad that this union has given us a show we will cherish. I would like to congratulate our entire team, cast and both the nations for this phenomenal win.” Talking about her experience and the winning moment, actor Sarwat Gilani said. “Firstly, I would like to congratulate our entire team for this big win. Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam is a story that has resonated with many women and we are thankful for the love and appreciation the series has received globally. I would like to thank Zindagi, Shailja Kejriwal and director Meenu Gaur for staying true to their vision and giving us the opportunity to deliver these powerful and layered characters. It is a matter of great pride for us to come under one roof to collect this award and celebrate this prestigious win together.” Written by Farjad Nabi and Meenu Gaur, the show is set in a neighborhood rife with secrets and gives a glimpse into what happens when women decide to take charge of their destiny and not kneel before situations and society. The series features an eclectic ensemble cast including Sanam Saeed, Sarwat Gilani, Samiya Mumtaz, Faiza Gillani, Mehar Bano, Beo Raana Zafar, Eman Suleman, Saleem Mairaj, Ahsan Khan, Osman Khalid Butt and Sheheryar Munawar. 'Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam' is currently streaming on ZEE5.

Qatil team takes home ‘Best Anthology’ Award at Asian Academy Creative Awards

Golden Globes 2023 Nominations: Best Actor in Drama category

Golden Globes 2023 Nominations: Best Actress in Drama category

<p>MX Player’s content arm – MX Studios, in partnership with Bada Business, have come up with a new quiz show, ‘Business Baazi’. Testing the potential of Commerce and Business school students, this unconventional quiz show will be hosted by Aparshakti Khurana and features comedian Dr. Sanket Bhosale.</p>

<p>The reality quiz show will feature three teams of two students from different schools/ colleges in each episode, determining one winner at the end of it. In a total of 13 episodes, 9 episodes will be qualifying rounds. The show will stream on MX Player starting December 16.</p>

<p>Watch the Trailer here:&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="446" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iXScuXJuTso" title="Business Baazi |Official Trailer |Dr. Vivek Bindra |Aparshakti Khurana |Sanket Bhosale |MX Studios" width="793"></iframe></p>

<p>The trailer hints at how each contestant’s knowledge will be judged while Aparshakti Khurana and Sanket Bhosale, bring a fun side to this otherwise serious show. Business Baazi insinuates the importance of nurturing the potential that today’s youth carry with them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hosting this interesting quiz show, Aparshakti Khurana said, “To be honest, I have hosted many shows, but Business Baazi was hands down the most challenging and phenomenal experience of them all. These young minds hold a depth of knowledge and I believe it is so very important to recognize and nurture this talent, the future of India.”<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


MX Player’s content arm – MX Studios, in partnership with Bada Business, have come up with a new quiz show, ‘Business Baazi’. Testing the potential of Commerce and Business school students, this unconventional quiz show will be hosted by Aparshakti Khurana and features comedian Dr.

MX Player’s content arm – MX Studios, in partnership with Bada Business, have come up with a new quiz show, ‘Business Baazi’. Testing the potential of Commerce and Business school students, this unconventional quiz show will be hosted by Aparshakti Khurana and features comedian Dr. Sanket Bhosale. The reality quiz show will feature three teams of two students from different schools/ colleges in each episode, determining one winner at the end of it. In a total of 13 episodes, 9 episodes will be qualifying rounds. The show will stream on MX Player starting December 16. Watch the Trailer here: The trailer hints at how each contestant’s knowledge will be judged while Aparshakti Khurana and Sanket Bhosale, bring a fun side to this otherwise serious show. Business Baazi insinuates the importance of nurturing the potential that today’s youth carry with them. Hosting this interesting quiz show, Aparshakti Khurana said, “To be honest, I have hosted many shows, but Business Baazi was hands down the most challenging and phenomenal experience of them all. These young minds hold a depth of knowledge and I believe it is so very important to recognize and nurture this talent, the future of India.”

MX Player drops the trailer of business quiz show, 'Business Baazi'

<p>For all DC fans, the announcement that Henry Cavill is returning as Superman is possibly the best news that we heard in a long time. Soon after the announcement, Dwayne The Rock revealed that he had to literally fight to get Henry back in the franchise. Rumours then started surfacing that maybe the bosses were not keen on getting Henry back.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rubbishing all such claims, DC Studios co-head James Gunn replied to fans and said he was more than happy to welcome back Henry Cavill. He tweeted the poster of Superman celebrating the premiere “44 years ago” of the 1978 film that starred Christopher Reeve in the titular role.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the tweets that James Gunn replied to was from a Twitter user asking “if we are gonna see a Superman” in the new era as “we’ve been starved of the greatest comic book character on the big screen for ages.”</p>

<p>Jame Gunn replied, “Yes of course. Superman is a huge priority, if not the biggest priority.”</p>

<p>Another fan claimed that Gunn “does not like Henry Cavill”, to which the director replied, “Sure: false.”</p>


For all DC fans, the announcement that Henry Cavill is returning as Superman is possibly the best news that we heard in a long time. Soon after the announcement, Dwayne The Rock revealed that he had to literally fight to get Henry back in the franchise.

For all DC fans, the announcement that Henry Cavill is returning as Superman is possibly the best news that we heard in a long time. Soon after the announcement, Dwayne The Rock revealed that he had to literally fight to get Henry back in the franchise. Rumours then started surfacing that maybe the bosses were not keen on getting Henry back. Rubbishing all such claims, DC Studios co-head James Gunn replied to fans and said he was more than happy to welcome back Henry Cavill. He tweeted the poster of Superman celebrating the premiere “44 years ago” of the 1978 film that starred Christopher Reeve in the titular role. One of the tweets that James Gunn replied to was from a Twitter user asking “if we are gonna see a Superman” in the new era as “we’ve been starved of the greatest comic book character on the big screen for ages.” Jame Gunn replied, “Yes of course. Superman is a huge priority, if not the biggest priority.” Another fan claimed that Gunn “does not like Henry Cavill”, to which the director replied, “Sure: false.”

James Gunn rubbishes rumours he doesn't like Henry Cavill as Superman

<p>Netflix has greenlit a Korean webtoon adaptation ‘Doona!’ which will be helmed by ‘Crash Landing On You’ director Lee Jung-hyo. This comes as the Korean content consumption continues to increase exponentially around the world.</p>

<p>‘Doona!’ will star Suzy and Yang Se-jong. It is the coming-of-age story of a K-pop star and an ordinary student. Suzy is a former member of K-pop group, Miss A.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Based on a popular Naver webtoon, Doona! is produced by Studio Dragon, Showrunners and Studio N.</p>

<p>According to the latest numbers, 60% of global Netflix subscribers have watched Korean content in 2022. Also, it made to the Weekly Top 10 chart in more than 90 countries over the last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Other Netflix’s Korean shows in the pipeline include season two of dating reality show ‘Singles Inferno’, fashion-themed drama ‘The Fabulous’ and revenge thriller ‘The Glory’.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Netflix has greenlit a Korean webtoon adaptation ‘Doona!’ which will be helmed by ‘Crash Landing On You’ director Lee Jung-hyo. This comes as the Korean content consumption continues to increase exponentially around the world.

Netflix has greenlit a Korean webtoon adaptation ‘Doona!’ which will be helmed by ‘Crash Landing On You’ director Lee Jung-hyo. This comes as the Korean content consumption continues to increase exponentially around the world. ‘Doona!’ will star Suzy and Yang Se-jong. It is the coming-of-age story of a K-pop star and an ordinary student. Suzy is a former member of K-pop group, Miss A. Based on a popular Naver webtoon, Doona! is produced by Studio Dragon, Showrunners and Studio N. According to the latest numbers, 60% of global Netflix subscribers have watched Korean content in 2022. Also, it made to the Weekly Top 10 chart in more than 90 countries over the last year. Other Netflix’s Korean shows in the pipeline include season two of dating reality show ‘Singles Inferno’, fashion-themed drama ‘The Fabulous’ and revenge thriller ‘The Glory’.

Former K-pop star Suzy to feature in Netflix's Korean webtoon adaptation ‘Doona!’

<p>Kit Harington, best known for his role as Jon Snow in ‘Game of Thrones’ hinted at what fans could expect if there was a sequel series in the making on his character.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He made an appearance at the GoT convention in Los Angeles where he was asked about the Jon Snow sequel. Kit Harington said, “I think if you asked him, he would’ve felt he got off lightly. At the end of the show when we find him in that cell, he’s preparing to be beheaded and he wants to be. He’s done. The fact he goes to the Wall is the greatest gift and also the greatest curse.”</p>

<p>Kit Harington continued, “He’s gotta go back up to the place with all this history and live out his life thinking about how he killed Dany, and live out his life thinking about Ygritte dying in his arms, and live out his life thinking about how he hung Olly, and live out his life thinking about all of this trauma, and that, that’s interesting.”</p>

<p>“So I think where we leave him at the end of the show, there’s always this feeling of like… I think we wanted some kind of little smile that things are OK. He’s not OK,” he added.</p>

<p>Earlier this year, novelist George R.R. Martin revealed that it was Kit Harington that came up with the idea of continuing Jon Snow’s storyline in a new series. He said, “Yes, it was Kit Harrington (sic) who brought the idea to us. I cannot tell you the names of the writers/ showrunners, since that has not been cleared for release yet… but Kit brought them in too, his own team, and they are terrific.”</p>


Kit Harington, best known for his role as Jon Snow in ‘Game of Thrones’ hinted at what fans could expect if there was a sequel series in the making on his character.

Kit Harington, best known for his role as Jon Snow in ‘Game of Thrones’ hinted at what fans could expect if there was a sequel series in the making on his character. He made an appearance at the GoT convention in Los Angeles where he was asked about the Jon Snow sequel. Kit Harington said, “I think if you asked him, he would’ve felt he got off lightly. At the end of the show when we find him in that cell, he’s preparing to be beheaded and he wants to be. He’s done. The fact he goes to the Wall is the greatest gift and also the greatest curse.” Kit Harington continued, “He’s gotta go back up to the place with all this history and live out his life thinking about how he killed Dany, and live out his life thinking about Ygritte dying in his arms, and live out his life thinking about how he hung Olly, and live out his life thinking about all of this trauma, and that, that’s interesting.” “So I think where we leave him at the end of the show, there’s always this feeling of like… I think we wanted some kind of little smile that things are OK. He’s not OK,” he added. Earlier this year, novelist George R.R. Martin revealed that it was Kit Harington that came up with the idea of continuing Jon Snow’s storyline in a new series. He said, “Yes, it was Kit Harrington (sic) who brought the idea to us. I cannot tell you the names of the writers/ showrunners, since that has not been cleared for release yet… but Kit brought them in too, his own team, and they are terrific.”

Kit Harington teases Jon Snow spinoff series deets; read inside

<p>As Ranveer Singh, wife Deepika Padukone continue to enthrall the audiences with their chemistry at the promotions of their next film together 'Cirkus', director Rohit Shetty can't stop raving about the two especially his lead actor. At the launch event of the film's song 'Current Laga Re', Rohit praised Ranveer Singh and called him a "generator".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about his work style, Rohit Shetty said,&nbsp;"He is very hardworking. For this song he has rehearsed for ten days. If you see Simmba or if you see Cirkus now, what makes the difference in my film is his energy, from all other films that I have done till now. Simmba is very special for me, Cirkus will also be very special where comedy is concerned and the credit goes to Ranveer for that."</p>

<p>Power couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone have set the screens ablaze with their electrifying chemistry in the song 'Current Laga Re' from the upcoming mad comedy 'Cirkus'.</p>

<p>This massy dance number is already winning hearts.</p>

<p>Cirkus is Ranveer Singh's third film with Rohit Shetty.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


As Ranveer Singh, wife Deepika Padukone continue to enthrall the audiences with their chemistry at the promotions of their next film together 'Cirkus', director Rohit Shetty can't stop raving about the two especially his lead actor.

As Ranveer Singh, wife Deepika Padukone continue to enthrall the audiences with their chemistry at the promotions of their next film together 'Cirkus', director Rohit Shetty can't stop raving about the two especially his lead actor. At the launch event of the film's song 'Current Laga Re', Rohit praised Ranveer Singh and called him a "generator". Speaking about his work style, Rohit Shetty said, "He is very hardworking. For this song he has rehearsed for ten days. If you see Simmba or if you see Cirkus now, what makes the difference in my film is his energy, from all other films that I have done till now. Simmba is very special for me, Cirkus will also be very special where comedy is concerned and the credit goes to Ranveer for that." Power couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone have set the screens ablaze with their electrifying chemistry in the song 'Current Laga Re' from the upcoming mad comedy 'Cirkus'. This massy dance number is already winning hearts. Cirkus is Ranveer Singh's third film with Rohit Shetty.

'Cirkus will be very special to me, credit goes to Ranveer': Rohit Shetty

<p>Kourtney Kardashian feels her life has changed since she started with her IVF journey.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about the visible change in self, Kourtney Kardashian said, “Finally started getting my energy back 10 months after stopping IVF.”</p>

<p>Giving hope to others, she added, “For anyone else going through it, it gets better!”</p>

<p>Kourtney Kardashian and husband Travis Barker have had fertility struggles since they have been together. They have shared this ordeal with fans including their plans to expand their family, the many doctor appointments and the negative reports that have dampened their spirits to now this. Kourtney first brought this up in the family’s reality show, ‘The Kardashians’.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="kardashian" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8665f34-fc3a-4a6a-9494-73e2ab7a7319" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_186.jpg" /></p>

<p>In an interview last month with GQ, Travis Barker shared why he's "never been fazed" talking about the IVF journey and what they've been through. "I don't care if I'm c---ing in a cup, or whatever. It's real life," he explained, noting that publicly sharing their journey "can help people."</p>

<p>"Seeing Kourtney's journey through IVF [in-vitro fertilisation], which is super hard for a woman, you saw her struggle with it and talk about it. That's real. And there's however many millions of dudes that have to go give their semen for this same procedure. So it's, like, relatable, you know?" he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker, have five children with previous partners. Kardashian has three kids — Reign Aston, 7, Mason Dash, 12, and Penelope Scotland, 10 — while Barker is father to Alabama Luella, 16, and Landon Asher, 19.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Kourtney Kardashian feels her life has changed since she started with her IVF journey. Speaking about the visible change in self, Kourtney Kardashian said, “Finally started getting my energy back 10 months after stopping IVF.

Kourtney Kardashian feels her life has changed since she started with her IVF journey. Speaking about the visible change in self, Kourtney Kardashian said, “Finally started getting my energy back 10 months after stopping IVF.” Giving hope to others, she added, “For anyone else going through it, it gets better!” Kourtney Kardashian and husband Travis Barker have had fertility struggles since they have been together. They have shared this ordeal with fans including their plans to expand their family, the many doctor appointments and the negative reports that have dampened their spirits to now this. Kourtney first brought this up in the family’s reality show, ‘The Kardashians’. In an interview last month with GQ, Travis Barker shared why he's "never been fazed" talking about the IVF journey and what they've been through. "I don't care if I'm c---ing in a cup, or whatever. It's real life," he explained, noting that publicly sharing their journey "can help people." "Seeing Kourtney's journey through IVF [in-vitro fertilisation], which is super hard for a woman, you saw her struggle with it and talk about it. That's real. And there's however many millions of dudes that have to go give their semen for this same procedure. So it's, like, relatable, you know?" he said. Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker, have five children with previous partners. Kardashian has three kids — Reign Aston, 7, Mason Dash, 12, and Penelope Scotland, 10 — while Barker is father to Alabama Luella, 16, and Landon Asher, 19.

Kourtney Kardashian has a positive message for women undergoing IVF treatment

<p>No one does realism in Indian cinema like director Madhur Bhandarkar. After a successful spate of films that have done exceptionally well at the box office and have earned critical acclaim for him, Madhur's&nbsp;latest, ‘India Lockdown’ released on December 2 on ZEE5. Based on the backdrop of the first phase of lockdown in India as coronavirus spread all across the country and world, it tells four stories of human triumph in the wake of a pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Multiple National Film Award winner&nbsp;Madhur Bhandarkar spoke to WION about his film 'India Lockdown' and why the Hindi film industry needs to pull up its socks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Read the edited excerpts of the chat here:</strong></em></p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> India Lockdown relives a time that many of us want to forget about. Did you ever consider that people might not like you taking up this subject for a film?</p>

<p><strong>Madhur Bhandarkar: </strong>Pressure was always going to be there. Lot of people called me to say that we don't want to see what's already there but there are also those who want to see what happened. The film shows the human side of it, how humans fought this battle. No one has made a film with covid lockdown in the backdrop. It's a story of the undying human spirit, of human triumphant journey. I wanted to document the lockdown. 20 years from now, the new generation would like to see what happened. This movie will relate universally.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClDqq5Motxn/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar)</a></p>
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<p><strong>WION:</strong> The film has some good actors who play their parts convincingly but there are no big names from the industry attached to the project. Was that a conscious decision?&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Madhur Bhandarkar: </strong>This is a small budget film, the costume budget of a big film. I wanted to make this with good, talented actors. I make films with people I want. In Chandni Bar, I cast&nbsp;Atul Kulkarni opposite Tabu. I love to make films that are story-oriented. I make films.&nbsp;I don't make proposals. I’m not in that race at all. I never get into the race of casting actors. For ‘Page 3’, I tried getting some actors but after they didn't agree, we made the film with newcomer Konkana Sen. She had not done any Hindi film at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>I'm in my own zone. I'm not in any lobby. I don’t have friends in Bollywood at all. I make films that I want to make with the stories I like.&nbsp;</p>

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<h5>I don’t have friends in Bollywood at all. I make films that I want to make with the stories I like</h5>
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<p><strong>WION:</strong> You took India Lockdown directly to OTT for release, foregoing theatres. Why such a move?&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Madhur Bhandarkar:</strong> The film was stuck for a long time because of lockdown and then 'Babli Bouncer' happened. Then ZEE came into the picture. We recently took our film to IFFI, Goa for its premiere. As for OTT, I feel it gives India Lockdown a wide medium to reach out to people. I want everyone to connect with the film. Everybody can see themselves through the characters.</p>

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<h5>I want everyone to connect with the film</h5>
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<p><strong>WION:</strong> How was the lockdown for you personally?&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Madhur Bhandarkar: </strong>The first lockdown was a good time. I spent my time reading a lot of books, watching films, series and documentaries, and reading history. I was enjoying that phase. I connected with friends. The second lockdown was bad as we lost a near one. There was a time when I didn't want to watch TV also.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> Of late, hardly any Hindi film has worked in the theatres. Most A-listers have had a flop this year. Do you think the charm of cinema is over?&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Madhur Bhandarkar:</strong> Last 6-7 months, the industry has gone through a big turmoil. There is nothing to hide in that. People are not very receptive to Hindi cinema right now. Whatever profit has come, it has come from south cinema – be it RRR, Kantara, KGF. They have done fabulous business while the Mumbai industry has suffered.</p>

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<p>People in two years of the pandemic have started depending on OTT, they have seen far superior stuff, quality on OTT so now everyone is cinema literate. People also have a mindset that it will eventually come to OTT but I still feel personally that the magic of cinema will always be there, it won't ever fade. If that was the case, people wouldn't have gone to see Kantara. No one knew of Rishab Shetty before Kantara. So the connection with theatre is still there.&nbsp;</p>

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<h5>People have seen far superior stuff on OTT so now everyone is cinema literate but I still feel that the magic of cinema will always be there</h5>
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<p>We need to focus on quality, write potentially strong and not just remake. I'm looking forward to some great films and I'm sure they will do well.&nbsp;</p>


No one does realism in Indian cinema like director Madhur Bhandarkar. After a successful spate of films that have done exceptionally well at the box office and have earned critical acclaim for him, Madhur's latest, ‘India Lockdown’ released on December 2 on ZEE5.

No one does realism in Indian cinema like director Madhur Bhandarkar. After a successful spate of films that have done exceptionally well at the box office and have earned critical acclaim for him, Madhur's latest, ‘India Lockdown’ released on December 2 on ZEE5. Based on the backdrop of the first phase of lockdown in India as coronavirus spread all across the country and world, it tells four stories of human triumph in the wake of a pandemic. Multiple National Film Award winner Madhur Bhandarkar spoke to WION about his film 'India Lockdown' and why the Hindi film industry needs to pull up its socks. Read the edited excerpts of the chat here: WION: India Lockdown relives a time that many of us want to forget about. Did you ever consider that people might not like you taking up this subject for a film? Madhur Bhandarkar: Pressure was always going to be there. Lot of people called me to say that we don't want to see what's already there but there are also those who want to see what happened. The film shows the human side of it, how humans fought this battle. No one has made a film with covid lockdown in the backdrop. It's a story of the undying human spirit, of human triumphant journey. I wanted to document the lockdown. 20 years from now, the new generation would like to see what happened. This movie will relate universally. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) × WION: The film has some good actors who play their parts convincingly but there are no big names from the industry attached to the project. Was that a conscious decision? Madhur Bhandarkar: This is a small budget film, the costume budget of a big film. I wanted to make this with good, talented actors. I make films with people I want. In Chandni Bar, I cast Atul Kulkarni opposite Tabu. I love to make films that are story-oriented. I make films. I don't make proposals. I’m not in that race at all. I never get into the race of casting actors. For ‘Page 3’, I tried getting some actors but after they didn't agree, we made the film with newcomer Konkana Sen. She had not done any Hindi film at the time. I'm in my own zone. I'm not in any lobby. I don’t have friends in Bollywood at all. I make films that I want to make with the stories I like. I don’t have friends in Bollywood at all. I make films that I want to make with the stories I like × WION: You took India Lockdown directly to OTT for release, foregoing theatres. Why such a move? Madhur Bhandarkar: The film was stuck for a long time because of lockdown and then 'Babli Bouncer' happened. Then ZEE came into the picture. We recently took our film to IFFI, Goa for its premiere. As for OTT, I feel it gives India Lockdown a wide medium to reach out to people. I want everyone to connect with the film. Everybody can see themselves through the characters. I want everyone to connect with the film × WION: How was the lockdown for you personally? Madhur Bhandarkar: The first lockdown was a good time. I spent my time reading a lot of books, watching films, series and documentaries, and reading history. I was enjoying that phase. I connected with friends. The second lockdown was bad as we lost a near one. There was a time when I didn't want to watch TV also. WION: Of late, hardly any Hindi film has worked in the theatres. Most A-listers have had a flop this year. Do you think the charm of cinema is over? Madhur Bhandarkar: Last 6-7 months, the industry has gone through a big turmoil. There is nothing to hide in that. People are not very receptive to Hindi cinema right now. Whatever profit has come, it has come from south cinema – be it RRR, Kantara, KGF. They have done fabulous business while the Mumbai industry has suffered. People are not very receptive to Hindi cinema right now. Whatever profit has come, it has come from south cinema – be it RRR, Kantara, KGF × People in two years of the pandemic have started depending on OTT, they have seen far superior stuff, quality on OTT so now everyone is cinema literate. People also have a mindset that it will eventually come to OTT but I still feel personally that the magic of cinema will always be there, it won't ever fade. If that was the case, people wouldn't have gone to see Kantara. No one knew of Rishab Shetty before Kantara. So the connection with theatre is still there. People have seen far superior stuff on OTT so now everyone is cinema literate but I still feel that the magic of cinema will always be there × We need to focus on quality, write potentially strong and not just remake. I'm looking forward to some great films and I'm sure they will do well.

Madhur Bhandarkar interview: People have seen superior quality on OTT, everyone is cinema literate now

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Zeba Khan

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