Adam Sandler heading to “Candy Land”

By Sean O’Connell
TrendPK.com: Multiple studios have flirted with board-game adaptations over the years. Some have succeeded, from “Clue” to this summer’s “Battleship.” But many have stalled.

One project we thought was dead, however, appears to have found new legs. Hasbro has moved its “Candy Land” project to Columbia Pictures, and with that announcement, they’ve revealed that “Grown Ups” star Adam Sandler is attached to star.

EW.com reports that “enchanted” director Kevin Lima is on board to helm the big-screen adaptation, while Sandler has expressed interest in collaborating on the screenplay with frequent writer Robert Smigel.

“The news comes a day after Hasbro announced it was moving its adaptation of Stretch Armstrong from Universal to Relativity Media,” the magazine writes. “That film does not have a star or filmmakers attached as of yet — Taylor Lautner, who had been attached to play the impossibly bendy action figure, has dropped out — but it is eyeing an April 11, 2014, release.”

So if “Candy Land” moves forward, would you like to see Sandler in the lead? And will it be anything like his “Bedtime Stories,” which went after the family dollar?

Hollywood News on Twitter for up-to-date news information.

Hollywood News, Hollywood Awards, Awards, Movies, News, Award News, Breaking News, Entertainment News, Movie News, Music News

Kuestendorf film festival begins in snowy Serb village

DRVENGRAD: Serbia’s quirky Kuestendorf film festival is a long way from Cannes — instead of a red carpet, there is a carpet of snow, and boots and winter sweaters replace tuxedos.

Yet the event, held in a rustic mountain village that was once a filmset, has attracted a strong international following for its offbeat charm and its bold stance in defence of independent film-making.

As the film and music festival’s founder, Serb director Emir Kusturica, puts it, the week-long event is dedicated to “defending the dignity of author films that are facing the terror of the market”.

“It is getting more and more difficult to have a project survive in this new world of the liberal market,” Kusturica’s daughter Dunja, in charge of film selection for the festival, told AFP.

This year, in its fifth edition, Kuestendorf drew French screen star Isabelle Huppert and US director Abel Ferrara among its guests.

As they arrived by helicopter or by car at Drvengrad, the movie-set wooden village hidden in rough mountains in southwestern Serbia, there was no red carpet and no hailstorm of camera flashes.

At the heart of the festival is a wooden structure that houses a screening hall, restaurant and the cafe “Prokleta avlija” (The Cursed Yard), named after a book by Ivo Andric, the only former Yugoslav Nobel Prize winner.

It is a place with a relaxed air where big-name stars mingle with film students, journalists and other guests.

“I am delighted… to be able to mix with people whose works I admire,” says 22-year-old director Lee Filipovski from Canada. “Emir has set up something that allows the breaking of rather rigid rules.”

The festival’s creator, Sarajevo-born Kusturica — a two-time Golden Palm winner at the Cannes film festival — relishes mixing with the guests at Drvengrad, which has been his home since 2006.

With his famed unruly hair, he greets guests at mealtime, chats with movie-industry hopefuls and informs people of upcoming screenings and concerts.

He is also happy to accompany guests who want to try their skills on the nearby ski slopes.

For Huppert, a first-time guest at Kuestendorf, the “plethora of directors, great directors” is on par with the Cannes guestlist.

This year, Kuestendorf brought together winners from better-known festivals — four Golden Palms winners from Cannes, one Golden Bear from the Berlinale and one Golden Globe for the best foreign film.

Thierry Fremaux, the artistic director at Cannes, described Kuestendorf as a “unique festival in times when it is difficult to invent a new form”.

“I hope that young author-directors discovered by the Kuestendorf festival will one day appear in Cannes — first simply to come and see the films and eventually, one day, maybe, with a short or long film in competition,” Fremaux said.

Huppert, smiling and relaxed, talked to the press before joining a workshop with young authors to discuss at length with them her 1991 film “Madame Bovary”, directed by Claude Chabrol.

Kusturica also welcomed directors from South Korea and Turkey, Kim ki-Duk and Nuri Bilge Ceylan, together with French rising star Tahar Rahim.

Belgian’s directors-brothers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne were also there, along with Iranian director Marjane Satrapi and her compatriot, actress Leila Hatami, star of the 2011 film “A Separation”.

Hatami chaired this year’s Kuesterndorf jury, which also included French producer Pierre Edelman and Serbian actor-producer Zoran Cvijanovic.

It will award Kuestendorf’s Gold, Silver and Bronze Egg awards to the best among some 20 movies in competition from Belgium, Britain, Estonia, Italy, Canada, France and the United States. AGENCIES

Ajay Devgn-Anushka to star in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola

Fox Star Studios, Vishal Bhardwaj Pictures, Ajay Devgn Films & Wide Frame Pictures have come together to make a hilarious new film uniquely titled Matru

Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola. The film has a hugely talented star cast with Ajay Devgn and Anushka Sharma being paired together for the first time ever. Vishal

Bhardwaj will don multiple roles of producer, director, writer and music composer for this ambitious project.

“Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola is a very special film for us at Fox Star Studios – it brings together the extremely talented director Vishal Bhardwaj,

Bollywood’s most successful and consistent actor across genres Ajay Devgn and the industry veteran Kumar Mangat of Wide Frame. We believe the nationwide

appeal of this hilariously rustic comedy, the coming together of great talent and a title which raises eyebrows will make this an eventful film for audiences

in 2012,” said Vijay Singh, CEO of Fox Star Studios.

“I have had the idea for this comedy in my head for a long time, almost 8 years. It’s a totally new genre and completely different from what I have done in

my previous 7 films. I was also missing working with Ajay for some time. He is such great actor and an even greater human being. I am so much in sync him

that the wait to be on set is killing. As for Anushka, I would say that she is a ball of energy and I am looking forward to shooting with her,” said producer

and director Vishal Bhardwaj

“Vishal Bhardwaj is an incredible director who has the ability to bring out the best in any actor. When Vishal told me that he was looking at creating a

comedy & he narrated the script I was immediately excited and became a part of this project in more ways than one – as an actor as well as a producer,” says

actor-producer Ajay Devgn.

Meanwhile Kumar Mangat of Wide Frame Pictures adds, “I have known Ajay for a long time and working with him has always been a pleasure. I am really happy

that we have managed to get great partners together on this exciting project. With the combination of fantastic talent, the strength and skills of Fox Star

Studios & with Vishalji directing, I feel we have a great film on our hands already.”

Gulzar will be writing the lyrics for this film. The music will definitely connect with audiences in its unique rustic/folklore ways, which will add hugely

to the wonderful combination of the skills and talent involved in this project.

From the looks of it, this is certainly one film to watch out for in the second half of 2012.

‘Sher Khan’ on hold

Here’s a news-break and as always, it’s first on News Trends.

The much-talked-about project of Sohail Khan, SHER KHAN, has been put on hold for the time being. Starring Salman Khan in the lead, the film, to be filmed in 3D, was expected to release in Eid 2012. But the project has been put on hold for the time being. Instead, Salman and Sohail are expected to start another film, a horror-comedy, which has the brothers all charged up.

This new film, which is not titled yet, will now release in Eid 2012. Await official announcement!

Priyanka Chopra to speak at MTV’s Youth Marketing Forum

Youth Icon and one of India’s leading actors, Priyanka Chopra, will be speaking at the MTV Youth Marketing Forum on ‘The Age of Sinnocence and Cinema’ scheduled on the April 29, 2011 in Mumbai at ‘The Comedy Store’ – Palladium.

Priyanka Chopra, a prodigious performer who has entertained millions with her histrionics over the years, is truly a perfect blend of beauty and intellect. At the Youth Marketing Forum, Priyanka Chopra will share her views on the evolution of Indian Cinema and its depiction of youth culture in films over the years. Her own journey, being a case in point…from being a beauty pageant winner to carving a niche for herself in Bollywood with fan following worldwide.

Titled ”MTV Age of Sinnocence’ the day-long event will engage a colossal convergence of thoughts, experience and ideas.

Abhi-Ash to star together in Rajkumar Santoshi’s rom-com Ladies & Gentleman

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will be playing the steady woman in ‘Casanova’ Abhishek’s life for Raj Kumar Santoshi’s Ladies & Gentleman. After having done everything from a family drama (Dhai Akshar Prem Ke) to a bio-pic (Guru) to a modern-day drama (Raavan) together, this is Aishwarya’s opportunity to have fun with Abhishek his expense.

In Santoshi’s film which he starts shooting in July, Abhishek plays a guy with an insatiable roving eye. Aishwarya has sportingly agreed to let her husband play the field on screen. 3 years ago, she refused Dostana with Abhishek because her character was shown walking away with another man. “I don’t think that would go down well with our fans,” she had argued.

“That’s Ash for you… beautiful and dutiful to the core. She won’t do any role that compromises her personal dignity or image as the Bachchan bahu. But if Abhishek is playing a devious unfaithful character she doesn’t mind bending the gender rules,” says a close friend of the couple.

This would be their first rom-com together.

For the first time in his career, Abhishek plays a full-blown womanizer in Ladies & Gentleman. And Aishwarya has no objections to him romancing several girls in her presence, albeit on screen.

Laughs Santoshi, “I had actually offered this film to Aishwarya five years ago. And look at destiny. It’s come back to her. Every role is earmarked for a particular actor. I feel Aishwarya is perfect for this film. Though Aishwarya has done comedy before, this is a new genre for Abhishek and for them as a pair.”

Santoshi starts a new banner, named after his mother, with Ladies & Gentleman.

Says the director, “This comedy takes me into the same genre as Andaz Apna Apna and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. But the humour here is not slapstick.”

With Ladies & Gentleman, Santoshi is starting a new banner named after his mother. Says Santoshi, “I’m starting my new production house named after my mother Rajam Santoshi. She passed away last year. I learnt the art of narration from her. If people say I am a good narrator it’s because of my mother and father (filmmaker) P L Santoshi.”

Bollywood small films became big in 2010

NEW DELHI: While 2010 saw some major releases such as “Dabangg and Rajneet reap rich rewards, the overall box office was weighed down by mostly lackluster performers (“Kites,” “Raavan”).

Independent box office figures for the year”s total box office gross are not available here but industry estimates reckon that with about 180 films releasing in 2010, the overall business registered a loss of about 30 billion rupees ($66 million).

Action romantic drama “Dabangg,” starring top actor Salman Khan, hauled in about 1.45 billion rupees that is considered the year”s biggest hit among a handful of hits. But what is interesting is that some success stories came via small films without major star power such as India”s 2010 Oscar entry “Peepli Live.”

The trend of smaller films has been growing over recent years and it now seems that the industry has expanded to include both formulaic blockbusters and edgy fare.

“What is essential is the strength of content more than just star power that audiences will respond to positively,” said Balaji Motion Pictures CEO Tanuj Garg.

The Mumbai-based production house released the year”s edgiest film, “Dibakar Banerjee”s Love, Sex Aur Dhokha” (via Balaji”s “alternative” banner Alt Films), which pushed the envelope with its digitally shot look and feel exploring urban sexuality. It grossed an estimated 80 million rupees, easily recovering its 10 million rupees budget.

“The fact that observers were not sure if a film like “LSD” could work in cinemas showed the resistance to such fare, but the film”s success proved everyone wrong,” added Garg.

Balaji also tasted success with gangland drama “Once Upon A Time In Mumbai,” a more mainstream release starring top actor Ajay Devgn, whose star power also contributed to the success of political thriller Rajneeti from major banner UTV Motion Pictures.

Devgn, along with top actress Katrina Kaif (also seen in “Rajneeti” and latest release “Tees Maar Khan”), are considered the year”s most bankable stars.

But it was smaller films that found favor, such as comedies “Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge” and “Phas Gaye Re Obama” (both released by Warner Bros. Pictures India), while Walt Disney Studios India also experimented with another comedy, “Do Dooni Chaar” starring veteran actor Rishi Kapoor.

Hollywood studios in India largely played safe when it came to blockbuster releases. Fox Star Studios” “My Name Is Khan” starring superstar Shah Rukh Khan was the only major star vehicle from a Hollywood studio here.

But industry estimates reckon that despite the film”s strong haul of about 800 million rupees, “FSS” probably didn”t turn a profit with Khan given the film”s high acquisition and marketing costs, rumored to be about 1 billion rupees.

“The trend of previous years where budgets and acquisition costs spiraled out of control are now being corrected,” said UTV Motion Pictures CEO Siddharth Roy Kapur. “Films that were greenlit this year were probably priced at more realistic levels than in the past, which means that the industry has gone through a correction that was required.”

But what makes 2010 a bit of a damp squib is the resounding thud of major flops such as the much anticipated “Kites” starring top actor Hrithik Roshan and Mexican TV actress Barbara Mori.

Released worldwide by Reliance Big Pictures, romantic drama “Kites” was also seen as an experiment in making an international Indian film targeting a crossover audience, when Hollywood director Brett Ratner (“Rush Hour”) recut and “presented” the film for its U.S. release.

Similarly, another Reliance film, acclaimed director Mani Ratnam”s “Raavan” also performed below expectations despite an extensive marketing campaign and screenings at the Venice and Pusan festivals.

Again, it was a small film like UTVMP”s “Udaan” that got international attention as India”s only official Cannes entry this year (in the Un Certain Regard category), putting the spotlight on emerging talent like the film”s debutant director Vikramaditya Motwane.

The new year will begin with an offbeat release “No One Killed Jessica,” based on a real incident, the murder of a Delhi-based fashion model Jessica Lal.

As Motwane said, “I think it is safe to say that India is on the verge of a breakthrough in terms of a new kind of Indian cinema that can appeal to a larger audience. We are getting there in terms of competing with other countries.”

Guess who’ll play Lindsay Lohan in upcoming big-screen spoof?

Lindsay Lohan’s movie career likely is over (a sad admission about an actress who once had such potential), so the closest thing we’ll get to seeing LiLo on the big screen is a high-profile spoof.

Heiress-turned-actress Lydia Hearst will play a version of Lohan in the upcoming comedy “Dogs in Pocketbooks,” according to the New York Post. The film’s screenwriter, Charles Casillo, admitted to the newspaper, “Lydia will play a bratty movie goddess in and out of rehab, in trouble with the law, and hounded by greedy agents, predatory paparazzi, off-the-wall stalkers and crazed media — a role obviously based on Lindsay Lohan.”

It will be the 26-year-old heiress’s first role. But Casillo said that even though Hearst lacked acting experience, she was the right candidate for the job.

“She’s one of the few supermodels who can actually act,” Casillo said. “She’s smart, well-read, charming and very beautiful. We looked at a lot of actresses for this role, and I was really knocked out.”

Hearst will be joined by another icon: Joan Collins (“Dynasty”) has agreed to play a high-powered agent in the comedy.

“The script is a hoot — a satire on the crazed hysteria surrounding show-biz celebrities. I’m playing an aggressive, sexy, powerful woman. For a change,” Collins joked.

Bollywood looks for Diwali success

MUMBAI: Bollywood is gearing up for a slew of new releases over the Hindu festival of Diwali, with expectations high that they will provide some cheer after a lacklustre year at the box office.

At least 10 big films are due to hit the screens in the coming weeks, with hopes of success pinned on the comedy “Golmaal 3″ and the time-travel romance “Action Replayy” that will be released on Diwali itself on November 5.

Like the Christmas period for Hollywood, Diwali has traditionally been seen as a money-spinner for India’s Hindi-language film industry, as studios look to attract the holiday crowd with well-trailed movies featuring big name stars.

Industry watchers estimate that Bollywood could make four billion rupees (90 million dollars) by the end of the year.

“The year has not been so good,” said leading analyst Amod Mehra. “The success ratio has been

Dev Benegal in short film judges panel at Mumbai film fest

Dev Benegal of English August fame has been roped in to judge the entries in the short film section of the 12th Mumbai Film Festival (MFF), starting Oct 21.

Aimed at the youth (of Mumbai) under 25, the new section called Dimensions Mumbai includes films on the maximum city by aspiring directors. Besides Benegal, it will also be judged by Bishaka Dutta, Brahmanand S. Singh, Ashim Ahluwalia and Manish Acharya.

Organised by the Mumbai-based writer-editor-director; Datta is a journalist; Singh is
known for making a National Award-winning documentary on legendary composer R.D. Burman called Pancham Unmixed: Muje Chalte Jana Hai; Ahluwalia is a screenwriter-filmmaker with credits like John & Jane and upcoming Hindi film Miss Lovely; and Acharya is known for his comedy Loins of Punjab Presents.

The five experts will select top 20 films from the received entries that will be screened at the gala. Apart from short fiction, the competition is also open to documentary and animation films.

The winner and the runner-up in the Dimensions Mumbai section will receive Silver Gateway trophies and cash prizes of Rs. 100,000 and Rs. 50,000, respectively.

Next Page »