Digital medium no threat to films released in halls: industry

Agencies
April 8, 2018

Mumbai, Apr 8: More and more filmmakers are looking at the digital medium as their new go-to platform, but the Hindi film industry is not worried.

The digital world may present new challenges but it is not a threat to films released in cinema halls, industry people say, stressing that the two mediums can coexist.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, one of the first stars from Bollywood to warm up to the digital medium, believes that though the times have changed and the younger generation prefers catching films or shows on their personal devices, a big screen has its own draw.

"Now youngsters do not watch stuff on TV; they see it on phone. But I would like to see 'Batman' or 'Baahubali' on the big screen," Khan states.

The 52-year-old actor's Red Chillies Entertainment and streaming service Netflix are working on an original series based on the book "Bard of Blood".

In India, the digital revolution began in 2012 when IIT Kharagpur graduate Arunabh Kumar started producing original and entertaining content on his online digital entertainment channel -- The Viral Fever, popularly known as TVF.

By 2015, TVF had come up with a five-episode web series "Pitchers" that reportedly garnered a rating of 9.4 out of 10 on IMDb, the global Internet movie database. "Pitchers" was placed in IMDb's top 250 TV series list alongside popular English shows "Breaking Bad" and "Game of Thrones".

Soon, Yash Raj Films, India's premier filmmaking unit, had entered the market through their YouTube channel YFilms with series such as "Man's World" and "Band Baaja Baraat" in 2015 getting an overwhelming response.

But the success of the digital films has not dented the enthusiasm for cinema released in halls, film industry insiders point out. Lakhs of people still like to watch their films in theatres, they stress.

"The digital medium can never replace a date at the movies," says Swara Bhaskar, who has been a part of "It's Not That Simple", available exclusively on Voot.

Small budget films such as "Kapoor & Sons", "Dear Zindagi", "Secret Superstar" and "Neerja" sold some 60-70 lakh tickets. Mid-budget films such as "Airlift", "Judwaa 2" and "Jolly LLB" did business worth Rs 120-130 crore and got footfalls of around 1.10-1.20 crore.

Recent big-budget movies starring Salman Khan or Aamir Khan have had over 3 crore footfalls -- "Tiger Zinda Hai" sold around 3.15 crore tickets and "Dangal" about 3.74 crores.

The most watched film since 2000 is "Baahubali 2: The Conclusion" of 2017, which sold around 5.25 crore tickets.

But for many producers, the digital medium is the platform of the future. After the phenomenal success of its two series, YFilms came up with more web series -- "Love Shots", "Ladies Room" and "Sex Chat with Pappu and Papa" all had several million views.

The year 2017 saw three big names in the sector. Farhan Akhtar's production house Excel Entertainment partnered with Amazon Prime Video for webseries "Inside Edge". Ekta Kapoor went a step ahead and launched an OTT platform called ALTBalaji and Vikram Bhatt has his YouTube channel called VB on the Web.

With a digital release, movie makers have the ability to reach 100 million people as most of the Indian population is online, says Manav Sethi, CMO, ALTBalaji.

"Today bandwidth provided by players like Jio and micropayments enabled by players like PayTM have made it possible for monetisation models to stack up for digital releases," he told PTI.

Pointing to the spread of smartphones in India, Sethi stresses that filmmakers are addressing millennials and binge viewers.

"They (young people) like pacey shows like 'Narcos', 'Bose: Dead/Alive', 'The Test Case'. India has started to pay for content that is good quality and exclusive," he says.

While he calls it a structural shift in platforms and content, Sethi also believes that both formats will coexist and continue to grow.

"Those who consider digital a threat are myopic in their vision. India is not a homogeneous market," he adds.

In recent times, more international OTT platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have entered the Indian market.

But the digital players make it clear that they are not aiming for a conflict with the theatrical release.

Vijay Subramaniam, Director, Content, Amazon Prime Video India, believe a film's theatrical release is critical and they are not here to "replace" any medium.

"...We support theatrical premieres and work closely with filmmakers as our partners. We are here to support and not replace. Movies that do well at the box office are also some of the most highly watched titles on Prime Video," he says.

The online platforms have opened up new revenue streams for Bollywood's production houses as well.

As Subramaniam points out, many new Bollywood and regional blockbusters premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Video within a few weeks after their theatrical release.

Yet, it cannot be denied that with the digital revolution in India, many more people watch content online and footfalls at the cinema houses have reduced.

To top it, directors and producers face problems over a film's release in a theatre because they do not get an adequate number of screens and because of the risk factor that distributors and exhibitors face.

Radhika Apte, the star of Netflix's "Sacred Games", however, does not see the digital space as a threat to the cinema because she says, theatres have their own charm.

"Many projects do not get green-lit as a lot of risks is involved these days with cinema. Content is getting split but I don't think that is bad. However, at the same time, certain films will be seen in theatres only," she told PTI.

Kubbra Sait, who also has a role in "Sacred Games", agrees.

"A theatrical release always has an upper hand over a TV release or the digital medium," she says.

If anything is under threat, it is poor cinema, holds R Madhavan, who just had a major success on Amazon Prime Video with "Breathe".

"Cinema that doesn't justify being seen on a large screen is definitely under threat," he adds.

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Agencies
July 31,2020

New Delhi, Jul 31: After an FIR was registered against her in various sections including abetment of suicide in the Sushant Singh Rajput death case, actor Rhea Chakraborty on Friday said that she has faith in the judiciary and she will get justice.

In a video statement issued by her lawyers, the actor refrained from commenting on "horrible things" being said against her saying that the matter is sub judice. 

“I have immense faith in God and the judiciary. I believe that I will get justice. Even though horrible things are being said about me in the electronic media. I refrain from commenting on the advice of my lawyers as the matter is sub judice. Satyamev Jayate. The truth shall prevail," Chakraborty said in the video statement. 

An FIR was filed by Rajput's father KK Singh against Chakraborty in Bihar under several sections including abetment of suicide.

Days after Rajput's death, Chakraborty said she was the "girlfriend" of the 'Dil Bechara' actor while requesting a CBI inquiry in the case.

Rajput was found dead in his Mumbai residence on June 14.

Chakraborty has also approached the Supreme Court for transfer of investigation to Mumbai in the FIR registered against her in Patna. 

Earlier in the day, targeting Chakraborty over Rajput's death, Bihar Minister and JD-U leader Maheshwar Hazari said she played the role of "vishkanya" and alleged that there is a "big gang" behind the "killing" of the actor.

"There is a big gang behind the killing of Sushant Singh Rajput. Earlier also talented people who went to Mumbai for work were killed. This gang used Rhea Chakraborty. She trapped Sushant Singh Rajput in a love affair, got his money transferred. Later, she started drama of 'bhoot pret' (ghosts) and played the role of a 'vishkanya'. She sabotaged his talent and defamed love," Hazari said.

According to the Maharashtra police, statements of 41 people, including filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, film critic Rajeev Masand, director-producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and filmmaker Aditya Chopra have been recorded in the investigation so far.

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh had said that Mumbai Police are investigating the case and it will not be transferred to the CBI. 

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Agencies
January 26,2020

Mumbai, Jan 26: Filmmakers Karan Johar, Ekta Kapoor and actor Kangana Ranaut are among the six cinema personalities to be awarded the Padma Shri, officials said on Saturday.

Singers Suresh Wadkar and Adnan Sami as well as veteran TV actor Sarita Joshi have also been conferred with the fourth highest civilian honour of the country.

Karan and Ekta said they were humbled to receive the honour.

"Overwhelmed by so many emotions right now. Humbled, elated and also thankful for the opportunity to live my dream everyday, to create and to entertain. I know my father would be proud and I wish he was here to share this moment with me," he said in a statement posted on Twitter.

Son of veteran Bollywood producer late Yash Johar, Karan Johar started his career as a director in Hindi cinema with the 1998 hit Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

The 47-year-old, who runs Dharma Productions, went on to direct several commercial blockbusters in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), My Name Is Khan (2010), Student of the Year (2012) and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil among others.

Karan has also produced several critically-acclaimed films -- Wake Up Sid, Agneepath, Hasee Toh Phasee, Kapoors & Sons and Raazi.

Ekta, who started her showbiz journey with soap operas, most notably Kyunki Saas Bhi Bahu Thi, is the daughter of veteran actor Jeetendra.

She launched her banner Balaji Telefilms in 1994 and backed many popular TV shows, eventually branching out into movie production.

Ekta, 44, has produced films such as Love Sex Aur Dhoka, Once Upon a Time in Mumbai, The Dirty Picture, Udta Punjab and Veere Di Wedding.

"My foray into the industry started when I was just 17. I constantly heard I was 'too young', 'too raw' and it was 'too soon' to make things happen. Through the years I've realised it's never 'too soon' to live out your dreams and being 'too young' is probably the best thing," she said.

"Today, as l'm conferred with the 4th highest civilian honour- Padma Shri', I'm humbled. I hope to continue breaking boundaries, to continue giving young talent a chance and to strive to give back to the country for all the love that's come my way.

The timing couldn't have been more perfect, as this news arrives 2 days before my son's first birthday. Grateful & Thankful!" she added.

Kangana, a three-time National Award Winner, is the only Bollywood actor to receive the Padma Shri this year.

The 32-year-old, who made her debut in movies in 2006 with Gangster, is regarded as one of the most successful female artistes of this generation.

After a series of films with Mahesh Bhatt's banner, she found success with Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion, for which she won her first National Film Award in 2009.

She went on to win two back-to-back National Film Awards for her performances in Queen (2014) and Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015). Kangana's latest release is Panga.

Wadkar, 64, a veteran in the music industry, started his career as a playback singer in 1978 with song Seene mein jalan for Gaman. He has lent his voice to memorable tracks like Aye zindagi gale lagaa le, Aur is dil mein, Pardesi pardesi, Sapne mein, Raat ke dhai baje and Jag Ja.

In his over four-decade-long career, Wadkar has collaborated with celebrated composers RD Burman, Shiv-Hari, Ilayaraja, Khayyam, AR Rahman, Bappi Lahiri, Vishal Bhardwaj and Hridayanath Mangeshkar.

Sami, 48, now an Indian-citizen, made a mark for himself in country's indie-pop scene with single Kabhi toh nazar milao, for which he collaborated with veteran playback singer Asha Bhosle.

"The greatest moment for any Artiste is to be appreciated & recognised by his/her government. I am overwhelmed with infinite gratitude for being honoured with the 'Padma Shri' by the Government of India. It has been a 34 years musical journey.. 'Bohot Shukriya'!!" Sami tweeted.

He released various albums in the early 2000s and also served as music composer for films Lucky: No Time for Love (2005), Dhamaal (2007) and Shaurya (2008).

Sami, born in London to a Pakistani Air force veteran, applied for Indian citizenship in 2015 and became a citizen of the country in January 2016.

Joshi, a household name and a popular theatre personality, started her acting career as a child artiste and made her TV debut in 1980s with Titliyan.

Some of her most iconic shows are Hasratein , Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka , Baa Bahoo Aur Baby and Bh Se Bhade.

Joshi, 78, has also featured in movies such as Nazar , Darna Zaroori Hai , Dasvidaniya , Singham Returns and Simmba.

She was bestowed with the Sangeet Natak Akademi award for acting in Gujarati in 1988.

"I am very happy and humbled with this honour. I am working from an early age, I have never worked for awards, for me work is worship. I have always worked from heart and given my best in whatever I have done. I will be known as Padma Shri Sarita Joshi, this is such a big honour. I am happy as my children are happy," Joshi told PTI.

The Padma Shri for this year has been awarded to a total of 118 eminent personalities across fields of art, literature and education, medicine, trade and industry, sports, public affairs, social work and science and engineering.

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News Network
July 14,2020

Los Angeles, Jul 14: US officials on Monday found the body of "Glee" actress Naya Rivera in the Californian lake where she drowned last week during a boat trip with her four-year-old son.

Rivera's body was retrieved and an initial examination found no evidence of foul play or suicide, Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub told a press conference.

"We are confident the body we found is that of Naya Rivera," said Ayub, pointing to the location, appearance, clothing and condition of the body.

Her body was being taken to a medical examiner's office for a full autopsy and confirmation of her identity from dental records, though no other missing persons have been reported at Lake Piru, he added.

Rivera, 33, is believed to have accidentally drowned after renting the boat with her young son at the camping and recreational hotspot around an hour's drive northwest of Los Angeles.

She vanished on Wednesday afternoon, and a massive search involving divers, patrol boats and helicopters was launched after her sleeping son was spotted drifting alone in a boat on the lake.

The son later told investigators that Rivera had helped him into the boat before "he looked back and saw her disappear under the surface of the water," said the sheriff.

Ayub pointed to the lake's strong currents as a possible cause of a fatal accident.

"The idea perhaps being that the boat started drifting -- it was unanchored -- and that she mustered enough energy to get her son back onto the boat, but not enough to save herself," he said.

The lake has been closed to the public since Wednesday, with around 100 personnel, including the US Coast Guard and rescuers from neighboring counties, joining the search.

Search teams used footage from video messaging calls Rivera made from the boat before her disappearance, as well as interviews with her son, to scour portions of the lake bed for her remains over six days, with no success.

"We believe she was concealed within some of the shrubbery on the floor bed of the lake" before eventually floating to the surface due to natural decomposition, said Ayyub.

With less than one foot (30 centimeters) of visibility underwater in daylight, the recovery operation was a "complex search effort" even with use of sonar equipment, he said.

Rivera was best known for her role as high school cheerleader Santana Lopez in "Glee."

She starred for six seasons in the wildly popular musical television series set in a US high school that ended in 2015.

The "Glee" cast has been struck by tragedy before.

Actor Mark Salling took his own life in 2018, weeks before being sentenced for possession of child pornography.

Canadian castmate Cory Monteith died in July 2013 of an overdose of drugs and alcohol.

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