In a major coup, Karan Johar's My Name is Khan has been selected in the Berlin International Film Festival. What's more, the film has been picked for the Official Selection of the festival, which takes place from February 11-21, 2010. Karan Johar is jubilant. "It will be my first time in Berlin, and I'm so excited," he says. "Of course, I'll be going with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol! There's nothing as prestigious as presenting my film at the Berlin film festival's official selection. Even more than awards, it's getting eyeballs at such a festival that is important."
Not many Indian films have made it to the official selection in Berlin the last decade except for Farah Khan's blockbuster Om Shanti Om was - it was part of the Berlinale Special. My Name is Khan will play in the 'Out of Competition' section. Johar said that Fox (which is distributing the film), is comfortable with the 'Out of Competition' slot, as it fits into their international release dates.
My Name is Khan raises the bar for a Karan Johar film, with a love story layered with two key non-romantic issues: Shah Rukh Khan plays Rizvan Khan, a Muslim living in the US post-9/11, and he suffers from Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism.
"Regardless of the issues, I hope the film will find wide acceptance on the humanitarian aspect," Johar says. "Rizvan Khan makes very large points in the garb of simplicity and innocence. Only emotions connect, and they are universal, and I hope Rizvan Khan touches hearts everywhere. I try to raise the bar for Indian cinema with every film I make. I am young, I've got the infrastructure. Weekend box office numbers are no longer enough, I want to be acknowledged. My first concern will always be my domestic base. But within the parameters, we should try to reach a global audience by using our content, keeping the storytelling plausible, and syntax sensible."
As Hollywood major Fox Searchlight is distributing the film in the US, and Fox Star Studios in India, Johar had told the press, "This is the first time such a deal has been inked, where the film will release beyond the mainstream diaspora, and that is exciting."
As for Berlin, he adds, "I can't wait to be in Berlin, walk the red carpet, watch the film with the audience and interact with it afterwards!"
The Berlin film festival has already selected two more Indian films, Umesh Kulkarni's Vihir (The Well), produced by Amitabh Bachchan's AB Corp, and Laxmikant Shetgaonkar's Paltadacho Munis (Man Beyond the Bridge). Their selection is not yet closed.
Showing posts with label Germany. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Germany. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 8, 2008
"Madagascar" ends Bond's foreign rule
A batch of Central Park zoo animals returning to their jungle habitat ended James Bond's five-week domination of the international box office.
"Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa," which began a record-busting rollout in late October in eastern Europe, roared to an estimated $52.2 million from 35 territories during the weekend. The film's foreign gross soared to $125 million.
And it's still early in the film's run, according to Paramount Pictures International, the distributor of the DreamWorks Animation sequel.
In the U.K., the zoo brigade charged in at No. 1 to $9.5 million. The animated entry also was No. 1 in Germany ($11 million), France ($9.8 million), Mexico ($4.2 million), Belgium ($1.6 million), Argentina ($1.2 million) and Austria ($1.1 million).
A solid $10.8 million from 72 markets greeted "Quantum of Solace" as it slipped to second place during its seventh week of international release. "Quantum's" international total stands at $357.8 million. Market grosses include $77.4 million in the U.K., $30.8 million in France and $37.1 million in Germany.
"Twilight" grabbed third place overseas with $9.8 million from 18 markets, raising its total to $33 million. The vampire romance opened at No. 1 in Spain with $4.2 million.
"Bolt," the TV dog superhero, took fourth place with $9.5 million from nine markets.
The long-running "WALL-E," thanks to a $5.5 million No. 1 debut in Japan, lifted its foreign gross to $271 million and took fifth place in the overseas weekend standings.
"Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa," which began a record-busting rollout in late October in eastern Europe, roared to an estimated $52.2 million from 35 territories during the weekend. The film's foreign gross soared to $125 million.
And it's still early in the film's run, according to Paramount Pictures International, the distributor of the DreamWorks Animation sequel.
In the U.K., the zoo brigade charged in at No. 1 to $9.5 million. The animated entry also was No. 1 in Germany ($11 million), France ($9.8 million), Mexico ($4.2 million), Belgium ($1.6 million), Argentina ($1.2 million) and Austria ($1.1 million).
A solid $10.8 million from 72 markets greeted "Quantum of Solace" as it slipped to second place during its seventh week of international release. "Quantum's" international total stands at $357.8 million. Market grosses include $77.4 million in the U.K., $30.8 million in France and $37.1 million in Germany.
"Twilight" grabbed third place overseas with $9.8 million from 18 markets, raising its total to $33 million. The vampire romance opened at No. 1 in Spain with $4.2 million.
"Bolt," the TV dog superhero, took fourth place with $9.5 million from nine markets.
The long-running "WALL-E," thanks to a $5.5 million No. 1 debut in Japan, lifted its foreign gross to $271 million and took fifth place in the overseas weekend standings.
Bollywood now eyeing Thailand locales
Bollywood's fascination with foreign locales is not new, but Indian filmmakers seem to have taken a fancy to shooting action movies in Thailand and say it works out cheaper as compared to Europe.
At least two dozen action-adventure films during the past two years have been shot in Thailand.
In fact, recently one couldn't take two steps in Bangkok without running into a Bollywood crew. Among them were the cast and crew of Nikhil Advani's "Chandni Chowk To China", Anthony D'Souza's directorial debut "Blue" and Suniel Shetty's "Loot".
Neil Nitin Mukesh, who has been shooting there for "Freeze", told IANS: "There was so much of Bollywood in Bangkok I was confused whether I was in Mumbai or Bangkok. We did a lot of heavy duty action scenes in Bangkok. I guess the atmosphere there is conducive to crackling and bone-cracking stunts."
A producer has to reportedly shell out about $1,000 per week to shoot in Bangkok, which is much cheaper than in Europe. In terms of airfare too, Thailand is nearer and therefore cheaper.
Is this an indication of geographical aptness or plain practical common sense?
Hansal Mehta thinks it's laziness and lack of imagination that propel all actioners to Bangkok.
Soham Shah, who shot his rugged adventure film "Luck" in South Africa, said: "I think thrillers are shot in places like Bangkok and Thailand because a crime action adventure film needs a dark dingy hectic atmosphere with shady bylanes and alleys.
"Bangkok gives a certain edge to a crime drama. Because it has a history of crime behind it whereas European countries like Switzerland with their green virgin locales lend themselves well to romance."
Director Kunal Kohli, who shot his romantic films "Hum Tum" and "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic" in Europe, thinks it's all about economics.
"Action films cost a lot of money. So they anyway need cheaper locations with good infrastructure. You get that in Southeast Asia."
Echoing the same, Sanjay Gadhvi, who shot his actioner "Kidnap" in Mumbai but went to Bangkok for one crucial action scene, said: "Why Bangkok? I'll tell you. It's more economical. Shooting shifts for action films are far more expensive. So costs are cut through cheaper locations."
Added producer Bunty Walia: "South Asian countries have the look, manpower and the expertise to execute complicated action scenes at a comparatively cheaper rate. As for love stories, filmmakers need virginal beauty spots, imposing architecture and super outdoors. Understandably they head for Europe and Australia."
Walia is currently busy with his film "Lamhaa", which is being directed by Rahul Dholakia and stars Bipasha Basu and Sanjay Dutt.
Milan Luthria of "Kachche Dhaage" fame attributes the exodus for action to Southeast Asia to these factors.
"There are so many props required in an action film. There are cars, bikes, chopper and boats to ply and wreck. Action crews are far cheaper in South Africa and Southeast Asia. And since an action film needs a much bigger crew to be transported, the airfare to these countries is relatively cheaper.
"Regarding romance, European and Australian locales are prettier for love and the quality of light in these countries is best for close-ups and other intimate moments," said Luthira.
Anurag Basu's "Murder" was said to be the first film to be shot entirely in Bangkok. Other Hindi movies shot there include "Ek Ajnabee", "Zinda", "Family".
At least two dozen action-adventure films during the past two years have been shot in Thailand.
In fact, recently one couldn't take two steps in Bangkok without running into a Bollywood crew. Among them were the cast and crew of Nikhil Advani's "Chandni Chowk To China", Anthony D'Souza's directorial debut "Blue" and Suniel Shetty's "Loot".
Neil Nitin Mukesh, who has been shooting there for "Freeze", told IANS: "There was so much of Bollywood in Bangkok I was confused whether I was in Mumbai or Bangkok. We did a lot of heavy duty action scenes in Bangkok. I guess the atmosphere there is conducive to crackling and bone-cracking stunts."
A producer has to reportedly shell out about $1,000 per week to shoot in Bangkok, which is much cheaper than in Europe. In terms of airfare too, Thailand is nearer and therefore cheaper.
Is this an indication of geographical aptness or plain practical common sense?
Hansal Mehta thinks it's laziness and lack of imagination that propel all actioners to Bangkok.
Soham Shah, who shot his rugged adventure film "Luck" in South Africa, said: "I think thrillers are shot in places like Bangkok and Thailand because a crime action adventure film needs a dark dingy hectic atmosphere with shady bylanes and alleys.
"Bangkok gives a certain edge to a crime drama. Because it has a history of crime behind it whereas European countries like Switzerland with their green virgin locales lend themselves well to romance."
Director Kunal Kohli, who shot his romantic films "Hum Tum" and "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic" in Europe, thinks it's all about economics.
"Action films cost a lot of money. So they anyway need cheaper locations with good infrastructure. You get that in Southeast Asia."
Echoing the same, Sanjay Gadhvi, who shot his actioner "Kidnap" in Mumbai but went to Bangkok for one crucial action scene, said: "Why Bangkok? I'll tell you. It's more economical. Shooting shifts for action films are far more expensive. So costs are cut through cheaper locations."
Added producer Bunty Walia: "South Asian countries have the look, manpower and the expertise to execute complicated action scenes at a comparatively cheaper rate. As for love stories, filmmakers need virginal beauty spots, imposing architecture and super outdoors. Understandably they head for Europe and Australia."
Walia is currently busy with his film "Lamhaa", which is being directed by Rahul Dholakia and stars Bipasha Basu and Sanjay Dutt.
Milan Luthria of "Kachche Dhaage" fame attributes the exodus for action to Southeast Asia to these factors.
"There are so many props required in an action film. There are cars, bikes, chopper and boats to ply and wreck. Action crews are far cheaper in South Africa and Southeast Asia. And since an action film needs a much bigger crew to be transported, the airfare to these countries is relatively cheaper.
"Regarding romance, European and Australian locales are prettier for love and the quality of light in these countries is best for close-ups and other intimate moments," said Luthira.
Anurag Basu's "Murder" was said to be the first film to be shot entirely in Bangkok. Other Hindi movies shot there include "Ek Ajnabee", "Zinda", "Family".
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Jacko soundalike sought for stage
Producers of a West End show based on pop singer Michael Jackson are to hold open auditions to find a young actor to play the musical legend on stage.
The wannabe star, aged between 11 and 15, will take the lead role in Thriller Live when it opens in January.
Producers want a black or mixed race boy with "an excellent unbroken pop/rock voice with a high range".
Singers will be required to perform Ben, I Want You Back, or I'll Be There at the auditions on 23 November.
Tribute
The casting session will take place the Lyric Theatre, which is where the production will be staged next year.
The show has already been seen in Germany, Holland and Scandinavia and travelled on three UK tours.
It is billed as a tribute to the hits and career of pop star Jackson and The Jackson 5.
The star himself is not involved in the musical, but Sony, which owns his back catalogue, is supporting the show.
There has been speculation that The Jackson 5, who last performed together in 2001, will be reuniting next year with the former King of Pop among them.
However, the 50-year-old star, best known for hits such as Bad and Smooth Criminal, has denied the rumours.
Last month he issued a statement, that said he "no plans to record or tour" with his siblings.
Thriller - Live opens on 2 January, and features hits such as Can You Feel It, Rock With You, Beat It, ABC and Billie Jean.
The wannabe star, aged between 11 and 15, will take the lead role in Thriller Live when it opens in January.
Producers want a black or mixed race boy with "an excellent unbroken pop/rock voice with a high range".
Singers will be required to perform Ben, I Want You Back, or I'll Be There at the auditions on 23 November.
Tribute
The casting session will take place the Lyric Theatre, which is where the production will be staged next year.
The show has already been seen in Germany, Holland and Scandinavia and travelled on three UK tours.
It is billed as a tribute to the hits and career of pop star Jackson and The Jackson 5.
The star himself is not involved in the musical, but Sony, which owns his back catalogue, is supporting the show.
There has been speculation that The Jackson 5, who last performed together in 2001, will be reuniting next year with the former King of Pop among them.
However, the 50-year-old star, best known for hits such as Bad and Smooth Criminal, has denied the rumours.
Last month he issued a statement, that said he "no plans to record or tour" with his siblings.
Thriller - Live opens on 2 January, and features hits such as Can You Feel It, Rock With You, Beat It, ABC and Billie Jean.
Dame Judi honoured at Europe gala
Dame Judi Dench was among the British successes at the European Film Awards in Copenhagen, winning an honour for her life's work.
Kristin Scott Thomas won best European actress for her role in the French language film I've Loved You So Long.
Director Steve McQueen won an award for Hunger, his biopic of IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands.
Italian movie Gomorrah was the biggest winner with five awards, including best European film.
An expose of Naples' criminal underworld, the film also won awards for its director Matteo Garrone and its lead actor Toni Servillo.
"I'm completely overwhelmed," said the nine-time BAFTA winner Dame Judi, before saying "thank you for your kindness" in Danish.
Danish blood
The biggest cheers of the evening were reserved for the British star, who accepted her prize from her Casino Royale co-star Mads Mikkelson.
"I do hope Mads doesn't expect some inside information about 007," she joked, referring to the actor's villainous role in the 2006 James Bond film.
The veteran actress went on to reveal she had some "Danish blood somewhere" in her family and had always wanted to come to Denmark.
"We arrived yesterday and we go tomorrow," she said. "But I can assure you it is just the first of, I hope, very many visits.
"It is an incredible thing to receive this award and I'm truly grateful."
Dame Judi may have more than a statuette to remind her of last night's event, having taken a blow to the head from a cameraman on the red carpet.
Spanish cinematographer Oscar Faura will also be nursing some wounds after mistakenly getting up to accept an award won by Gomorrah's Marco Onorato.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix received the People's Choice Award - the only prize decided by ordinary cinemagoers.
Its British director David Yates thanked the European Film Academy for their "beautiful" award, adding he would be delighted to "take it back to Hogwarts".
The founders of the Danish Dogme movement received a special achievement award, and a standing ovation, for their influential back-to-basics film techniques.
'Eternal gatecrasher'
Singer and actress Marianne Faithfull said Lars Von Trier, Thomas Vinterberg, Kristian Levring and Soren Kragh-Jacobsen had brought an "incredible energy" to world cinema.
British actress Sally Hawkins had been nominated for her role in Mike Leigh's Happy-Go-Lucky but went home empty-handed.
Despite this the 32-year-old remained as upbeat as Poppy, the eternally optimistic character she plays in the film.
"It's just an honour to be here," she said, adding it would be "lovely" were she to receive a Golden Globe nomination later this week.
"I'm an eternal gatecrasher," she joked of her current awards event ubiquity. "Whether I'm nominated or not, I'll be there."
Now in their 21st year, the European Film Awards are decided by the 1,800 members of the European Film Academy.
Next year's event will be held in the German city of Essen, the European Capital of Culture for 2010.
Kristin Scott Thomas won best European actress for her role in the French language film I've Loved You So Long.
Director Steve McQueen won an award for Hunger, his biopic of IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands.
Italian movie Gomorrah was the biggest winner with five awards, including best European film.
An expose of Naples' criminal underworld, the film also won awards for its director Matteo Garrone and its lead actor Toni Servillo.
"I'm completely overwhelmed," said the nine-time BAFTA winner Dame Judi, before saying "thank you for your kindness" in Danish.
Danish blood
The biggest cheers of the evening were reserved for the British star, who accepted her prize from her Casino Royale co-star Mads Mikkelson.
"I do hope Mads doesn't expect some inside information about 007," she joked, referring to the actor's villainous role in the 2006 James Bond film.
The veteran actress went on to reveal she had some "Danish blood somewhere" in her family and had always wanted to come to Denmark.
"We arrived yesterday and we go tomorrow," she said. "But I can assure you it is just the first of, I hope, very many visits.
"It is an incredible thing to receive this award and I'm truly grateful."
Dame Judi may have more than a statuette to remind her of last night's event, having taken a blow to the head from a cameraman on the red carpet.
Spanish cinematographer Oscar Faura will also be nursing some wounds after mistakenly getting up to accept an award won by Gomorrah's Marco Onorato.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix received the People's Choice Award - the only prize decided by ordinary cinemagoers.
Its British director David Yates thanked the European Film Academy for their "beautiful" award, adding he would be delighted to "take it back to Hogwarts".
The founders of the Danish Dogme movement received a special achievement award, and a standing ovation, for their influential back-to-basics film techniques.
'Eternal gatecrasher'
Singer and actress Marianne Faithfull said Lars Von Trier, Thomas Vinterberg, Kristian Levring and Soren Kragh-Jacobsen had brought an "incredible energy" to world cinema.
British actress Sally Hawkins had been nominated for her role in Mike Leigh's Happy-Go-Lucky but went home empty-handed.
Despite this the 32-year-old remained as upbeat as Poppy, the eternally optimistic character she plays in the film.
"It's just an honour to be here," she said, adding it would be "lovely" were she to receive a Golden Globe nomination later this week.
"I'm an eternal gatecrasher," she joked of her current awards event ubiquity. "Whether I'm nominated or not, I'll be there."
Now in their 21st year, the European Film Awards are decided by the 1,800 members of the European Film Academy.
Next year's event will be held in the German city of Essen, the European Capital of Culture for 2010.
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