Producer accuses Govinda of threatening him

That Govinda always had the ‘issue’ of being a latecomer on the sets was well known. The latest ‘allegation’ against him is that, Praveen Khanna, a Mumbai based film producer has gone ahead and lodged a complaint against him for abusing and threatening to kill him.

Reports have it that, the reported abuses and threats were allegedly hurled by Govinda amidst a meeting of the Indian Motion Pictures’ Producers Association (IMPPA). The said matter is registered as a complaint with the Khar police station, who said that they had received a written complaint from Praveen Khanna that Govinda had abused and threatened to kill him after a heated exchange on Aug 24, and that the same has been registered as a non-cognizable offence.

Sonu Sood to be the brand ambassador of Vicks?

Sonu Sood, is one dude who can truly be called as the proverbial ‘lambi race ka ghoda’. Be it his impressive debut in Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh or his spine chilling villain in Dabangg or his cop’s role in the flavour of the season Bbuddah…Hoga Terra Baap, Sonu has indeed come a long way.

It took a smash hit like Dabangg for the producers and directors who don’t even mind coughing astronomical moolah to sign for their film. Talking of cough, according to News Trends’s ever reliable sources, Sonu Sood has been chosen to be the brand ambassador of Vicks.

The official announcement of the same is being awaited.

5 crores loss for Heroine?

With uncertainty looming large over the film’s fate and unconfirmed reports stating that Heroine could either be shelved completely or begin with another leading lady, trade is pegging the overall loss of 4-5 crores on a conservative scale.

“It could even be more. There was so much spent on the film’s pre-production. Who is going to account for the money spent on the shooting so far”, questions a trade source.

While it is being said that Ash is willing to continue with the film’s shoot with director Madhur Bhandarkar on a fast track mode so that no one’s interests are harmed, it is obvious that the makers aren’t willing to buy any justification. More so because apparently, neither the producers (UTV) nor the director were informed in advance about Ash going the family way.

“Aisa thodi hi hota hai”, is the question asked, “There was an overseas shoot planned. Then there are a couple of dances that Ash was supposed to do. For the dramatic portions of the film, Madhur could still go ahead and take close-up shots to hide her pregnancy. But how about the part where she has to look glamorous? Her entire profile can anyways not be shown on camera, now that she is all set to put on weight.”

A stickler for getting it all just right, especially when it comes to a film of his with a real and hard hitting setting, Madhur can’t be expected to allow Ash faking anything for camera. No wonder, with so much happening around his much cherished subject which is just failing to take off, Madhur has gone into a shell.

Confirms an industry source, “He has cut himself from the outside world and gone into hibernation. Perhaps once he comes out of the shock, he would decide further course of action.”

For everyone’s sake, we hope that happens rather soon.

Dum Maaro Dum lands up in controversy once again

For years, whenever one heard of ‘Dum Maaro Dum’, one would recollect the hippy looking Zeenat Aman singing the famous track from the super hit film Hare Rama Hare Krishna. Circa 2011… today when one hears Dum Maaro Dum, there are so many first that comes to the person’s mind. On one hand, there’s Deepika and her booty-licious body that gyrates to the groovy track, followed by controversies galore!

Just couple of days after controversies surrounding Dum Maaro Dum settled down, the producers seem to have step into another tricky situation. This time, it’s in the form of Frankfinn Institute, one of the high-flying institutes that groom youngsters for aerial jobs. Reportedly, Samir Valia, Frankfinn’s Vice President said that when Fox Star Studio had approached them for having an in film branding, they were game for the same, and they shared their logos, and trademarks and other required material. But when they realized that the overall portrayal of the airhostess shown in the film does not mirror the quality and standards that they impart to their students, they refused the offer for in film branding.

What then shocked Valia was the fact that the filmmakers apparently made a logo which was strikingly similar to theirs! Valia, when he filed the case, said that, his institute does not intend to stall the resale of the film or anything of that sort. But they do want to remove the tarnishing and damaging portions from the film.

Further details regarding the case are awaited.

Subhash Ghai and Ketan Mehta join hands to re-create Sholay in 3D

Subhash Ghai’s Mukta Arts and Ketan Mehta’s Maya Digital have joined hands to re-create one of the biggest hits of Hindi cinema Sholay in 3D.

Speaking to News Trends, Subhash Ghai said, “We have a partnership with Maya Digital and one the films which we plan to re-create in 3D is Sholay. Things are still being discussed but we did have a test show for the producers who were happy with what they saw.”

Besides re-creating Sholay in 3D, Mukta Arts is also working on its own 3D animation film. Says Mr. Ghai, “Yes, we are also working on our own 3D animation film and it will be a musical.”

News Break: ‘Ready’ first look

Here’s a news break and as always, it’s FIRST on trendpk.com.

Are you ready for the first look of the latest Salman Khan starrer READY? Post WANTED and DABANGG, Salman Khan has emerged one of the biggest crowd pullers of Hindi cinema and every film of his carries humungous expectations. While READY is confirmed to hit the screens globally on 3 June, the producers will reveal the first look poster of this keenly anticipated film on 5 April, while the first promo will be unleashed on 15 April. “We are trying to plug it during the IPL as well,” READY producer Bhushan Kumar informs me.

Meanwhile, the worldwide theatrical distribution rights of READY have been picked up for a fantastic price.

Film producers, writers solidify Oscar race

LOS ANGELES: Film producers and writers on Tuesday jumped into Hollywood”s Oscar race with their choices of 2010”s best movies, including “The Social Network,” “The Fighter” and “Black Swan,” among others.

The Producers Guild of America and the Writers Guild of America, which represent their respective groups in the film and television industries, annually issue lists of best movies, and their picks are closely watched in the race for Oscars.

Joining the three movies above on the Producers Guild list were seven other films that have received praise from critics and industry groups. Those titles include “The King”s Speech,” “127 Hours,” “Inception,” “The Kids Are All Right,” “The Town,” “Toy Story 3,” and “True Grit.”

The writers divide their top 10 into two groups, best original screenplay and best adapted screenplay.

Boxing film “The Fighter” made the list of five movies that will vie for original screenplay, along with ballerina story “Black Swan,” family comedy “The Kids Are All Right,” and dramas “Inception” and “Please Give.”

Facebook film “Social Network,” adventure “127 Hours,” crime drama “The Town,” western “True Grit” and independent movie “I Love You Phillip Morris” made the group of five competing for best adapted screenplay.

Absent from the writer”s list was “King”s Speech,” a drama about the stammering British King George VI that has made several best movie lists among critics.

Hollywood is counting the days until the February 27 Oscars, the industry”s biggest movie awards held in Los Angeles and given out by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Producers Guild and other industry honors can offer a guidepost for Oscar chances because many members of the PGA and WGA also belong to the Academy, whose members cast votes for the Oscars. Moreover, industry group and critics” lists also give a lift to movie theater ticket sales.

The PGA also nominates films for best documentary, and those choices include “Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer,” about the former New York governor”s hiring of prostitutes, Rwandan genocide tale “Earth Made of Glass,” as well as “Inside Job” that aims to explain the banking crisis.

“Smash His Camera” about celebrity-chasing photographer Ron Galella, “The Tillman Story,” that examines the death of U.S. football star-turned soldier Pat Tillman in Afghanistan and “Waiting for Superman,” that details the failures of the U.S. educational system, rounded out the documentary nominees.

The honor for best-produced animated movie puts “Despicable Me,” up against “How To Train Your Dragon,” and “Toy Story 3.”

The Writers Guild picked six films for best documentary but only one, “Inside Job,” is shared with the producers. The writers other documentary nominees were: “Who is Harry Nilsson (And Why is Everybody Talkin” About Him)?” “Freedom Riders,” “Enemies of the People,” “Gasland,” “The Two Escobars.”

The producers also unveiled TV nominees, and in the category for best TV drama, “Breaking Bad,” will compete against “Dexter,” “Lost,” “Mad Men,” and “True Blood.” Nominees for TV comedy went to the producers of “30 Rock,” Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Glee,” “Modern Family,” and “The Office.”

Back in December, the writers unveiled their TV picks.

The PGA hands out its honor at a gala ceremony in Los Angeles on January 22, and the WGA has its awards dinner on February 5. Oscar nominees will be named on January 25, and the top awards will be given out on February 27.

Cop movie ”Elite Squad 2” outguns ”Avatar” in Brazil

SAO PAULO: “Elite Squad 2,” a Brazilian movie mixing explosive action with political intrigue, has become Brazil”s top movie of all time, besting even the US blockbuster “Avatar” at the national box office, producers and industry specialists said.

The movie, a sequel to a 2007 original that also became a huge success, has taken 60.5 million dollars in Brazilian ticket sales since its premiere three months ago, topping the 60.4 million dollars “Avatar” pocketed over a similar period, the industry outlet Filme B said.

“The film has grabbed the title of the biggest box office hit in Brazilian cinema history, topping the blockbuster ”Avatar” by James Cameron,” the producers of the movie crowed on their website.

The launch of “Elite Squad 2″ in Brazil coincided with a spectacular real-life operation by the crack police squad of its title that swept brutal drug gangs out of a nest of slums in Rio de Janeiro.

It is to get its international showing next month at the Sundance Film Festival in the United States.

Kat hits Akshay in ‘Tees Mar Khan’ shooting

MUMBAI: Famous Director Farah Khan’s “Tees Maar Khan” shooting ended well and is ready to release with all the cast pleased with their performance and satisfied because of their team work and efforts.

Well, maybe it wasn’t really like this, not atleast for Akshay Kumar because the Akshay Kumar got injured quite badly, coz Katrina Kaif had hit him hard though it was not intentionally. The incident happened during the shootings for a song when Katrina hit Akki pretty bad with her elbow.

During the song “Bade Dilwala”, Katrina got very concentrated in dancing, to get the step arrangement in order, and she just did not realize Akshay Kumar was there. For two hours, the producers had to stop the shooting, as Akshay Kumar was in terrible pain and could not continue.

“Tees Maar Khan” is in all the big headlines these days, and the actors and producers together are working hard to promote it. This could be the biggest hit and the memorable movie for Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Akshay Khanna and Farah Khan.

Tees Maar Khan to take on pirates

Tees Maar Khan (TMK), 2010′s much awaited movie, is all set to take on movie pirates just before its release. Bollywood wants to end the year on a good note and all hopes are on Farah Khan’s next release Tees Maar Khan. This is also the reason why the producers are putting immense pressure on the pirates this week.

Alliance Against Copyright Theft (AACT) has rendered its full support to the producers of the film. Anybody seen in possession of a TMK pirated CD/DVD will be booked under the Indian Copyright Act, 1957. AACT’s enforcement consultants have planned raids at various locations across India to seize pirated goods like inlay cards, DVD writers and other equipment.

Siddharth Roy Kapur, CEO, UTV Motion Pictures who are also the producers of the movie says, “The entire team of TMK is working hard to curb piracy. We are working closely with the authorities to intercept attempts to copy or distribute pirated versions of the movie. It is important for our industry to collaborate with AACT against piracy. We will continue putting pressure on the pirates till the release and post release as well.”

Further Farah adds, “In the last three years the biggest hits have released on Christmas, and with TMK we are confident of continuing the trend. Over the last month we have been appealing to the audiences to refrain from buying pirated copies of the movie. Our enforcement team is keeping a close eye on pirates across India. We seek support from the public as well and request them to call on the toll free 1800-103-1919 to report on piracy.”

While AA Khan, the former ATS Chief & enforcement consultant, says, “Tees Maar Khan is a big budget film. We are estimating a strong, widespread network of pirates working towards this movie’s piracy. The first week for any new release is crucial for collections and hence, our team has strategically planned its counter attack during this period to curb piracy of the movie.”

AACT has seized pirated goods worth Rs. 2 crore over the past month and a half. Nearly 100 people have also been arrested in connection with video piracy. The seizures worth Rs. 2 crore included 1,66,114 CDs and DVDs, 3,700 inlay cards and 35 DVD writers.

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