Diwali weekend spreads sunshine at box office

Agencies
October 25, 2017

New Delhi, Oct 25: The Indian box office witnessed a "tremendous" response during the special Diwali weekend with the release of Bollywood films "Golmaal Again" and "Secret Superstar", and Tamil film "Mersal". All the three movies started on a positive note, say trade gurus.

Made on a budget of Rs 15 crore including the cost of production and prints and publicity, Aamir Khan and Zaira Wasim-starrer "Secret Superstar", which released on Diwali on October 19, has minted Rs 31.31 crore in four days, read a statement on behalf of its makers.

For Advait Chandan, who made his directorial debut with "Secret Superstar", it's a "dream response".

Rohit Shetty's "Golmaal Again" -- the fourth film in the "Golmaal" franchise starring Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Parineeti Chopra and Arshad Warsi among others -- collected Rs 87.60 crore in three days since its release on October 20.

"Wow! What an incredible weekend it has been

The combined business of 'Golmaal Again' and 'Secret Superstar' is approximately Rs 121 crore," trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted on Monday.

"Diwali weekend has brought abundant cheer and spread sunshine... But real test for 'Golmaal Again' and 'Secret Superstar' begins today (Monday)," he added.

According to Adarsh, "Secret Superstar" released in 1,750 screens across India and in 1,090 screens overseas while "Golmaal Again" released in over 3500 screens in India and 732 screens abroad.

"Both the films have received good response. 'Golmaal Again' has done well all over whereas 'Secret Superstar' did good business in multiplexes mainly. But Aamir's film will certainly rise with time considering its word of mouth," Delhi-based distributor Joginder Mahajan said.

Film and trade business expert Girish Johar said: "As per early trends, 'Golmaal Again' might cross Rs 100 crore mark on Monday, which is very good."

He pointed out that Monday evening could contribute well to "Secret Superstar", which features "Dangal" girl Zaira Wasim in the lead role, with a cameo by Aamir.

As for "Mersal", Tamil actor Vijay's Diwali release, it is also receiving a positive response in India and across the world.

The film was already much-awaited given the triple role that Vijay essays in the project, and it grabbed more headlines after the Tamil Nadu unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded the removal of specific dialogues from the movie which take a dig at the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and digital India.

"Tamil film 'Mersal' is chasing a massive total in international markets, despite stiff opposition posed by the two Hindi releases ('Golmaal Again' and 'Secret Superstar')," Adarsh tweeted.

"It won't be erroneous to state that Tamil film 'Mersal' is collecting more than the two Hindi releases in some key international markets," he added.

Johar said: "'Mersal' is a southern film. It is doing good there. But the film has not released in that many screens in north. The film has minted around Rs 147 crore worldwide."

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Agencies
January 6,2020

Kochi, Jan 6: A trial court on Monday framed charges against Malayalam film actor Dileep and other accused in the case of alleged abduction and molestation of a south Indian actress in 2017.

The actor and nine other accused were present in the additional special sessions court in Ernakulamwhen the charges were framed against them.

All of them have denied the charges.

On Saturday, the Court had dismissed a plea filed by Dileep, seeking to exclude him from the list of accused.

The Court had admitted the prosecution argument that there is prima facie evidence against him in the crime and dismissed the plea of the actor, who is eighth accused in the case.

The court had also not allowed a plea by the actor to grant him 10 days time to file the appeal in a higher court in the light of the Supreme Court order in November 2019 that the trial should be completed in six months.

The court is hearing the case in-camera.

On December 19, Dileep, along with his lawyers and a technical expert, had examined the contents of the electronic records at the closed room of the court.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had directed that the actor be allowed to inspect the records to enable him to present an effective defence during the trial.

In February 2017, the actress was allegedly abducted and molested by the accused.

Seven people, including the key accused 'Pulsar' Suni were arrested in connection with the actress' abduction case.

There are 10 accused in the case.

The entire act had allegedly taken place in a moving vehicle, which was filmed by the accused to blackmail her.

Dileep was subsequently arrested and arrayed as an accused in connection with offences under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and IT Act.

The top court had directed that the trial in case be concluded expeditiously, preferably within six months from the date of the judgement.

A woman judge is hearing the case.

In February 2019, the High Court, while considering a plea seeking to transfer the case to a Sessions Court headed by a woman judge to conduct the trial, had ordered the CBI special court Judge-III Ernakulam Honey M Varghese to complete the trial expeditiously.

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News Network
March 5,2020

Bihar, Mar 5: A complaint has been filed before a court in Bihar against lyricist Javed Akhtar over his remarks on the FIRs being registered against expelled AAP councillor Tahir Hussain in the wake of Delhi riots.

The complaint was lodged on Wednesday by Amit Kumar, a local advocate, before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Thakur Aman Kumar.

On the basis of a newspaper report, the complainant has alleged that Akhtar's remarks were seditious and promoted religious hatred.

The media report was based on Akhtar's tweet of February 27 that "So many killed, so many injured, so many houses burned, so many shops looted so many people turned destitute but police has sealed only one house and looking for his owner. Incidentally, his name is Tahir. Hats off to the consistency of the Delhi police."

The violence in northeast Delhi claimed at least 42 lives and left over 200 injured. The former Rajya Sabha member was heavily trolled for the tweet.

In a subsequent tweet, Akhtar who asserted that he is a non-believer and a rationalist, had clarified that he was not asking "why Tahir but why ONLY Tahir and not even an FIR against those who have openly threatened violence in the presence of the police".

The matter is likely to come up for hearing on March 25.

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News Network
June 10,2020

Mumbai, Jun 10: Bollywood actors Sushant Singh Rajput and Varun Sharma's former manager Disha Salian reportedly committed suicide by jumping off the 14th floor of her apartment in Malad on June 8 night.

Varun Sharma mourned the demise on Instagram, sharing a photo with his former manager and friend.

"Am at a loss of words. Speechless. Numb. It all looks unreal. So many memories. Such a lovely person and a dear friend. You always wore that smile everyday, and with such kindness you dealt with everything that came your way. You will be deeply missed. Prayers and Strength to the Family. I still can't believe Disha you're gone. Gone too Soon," wrote Varun.

The young celebrity manager was reportedly with her fiance when she took the drastic step on June 8 night. She was declared dead on being rushed to a hospital in Borivali.

The police have started an investigation. As per reports, they have recorded the statement of the deceased's parents. Her fiance might also be asked for a statement.

Apart from Sushant Singh Rajput and Varun Sharma, Disha has managed comedian Bharti Singh in the past.

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