• Naseeruddin Shah calls a spade a spade exclusively on NewsX

    Submitted by ITV Production on Aug 26, 2009

    MUMBAI: Veteran actor, director and producer Naseeruddin Shah, speaks exclusively to NewsX on the farce that Mumbai film industry is. On the sidelines of a theatre workshop at Srinagar, in a candid conversation with the channel, the actor spoke about the films, film industry and his colleagues.

    Speaking about why he was not doing many films he said he was ?Terribly fatigued at the thought of acting in movies.?

    For him ?Movie acting is the most boring job in the world. No one would do it if it weren?t for the money.?

    He also talked about it because he was not getting exciting scripts. ?We do not exactly produce greatest scripts in the world, we are still content to churn out what the hacks who pass off as writers in the film industry on the last Hollywood film they have seen.?

    On being asked about doing comedy films he said, ?The man who made `Jaane bhi do Yaaron` doesn?t show any signs of waking out of his stupor. But there are a number of youngsters who are producing promising scripts.?

    He also lashed out at the critics of his film ‘A Wednesday‘ and his friend director Govind Nihlani.

    According to him Govind Nihalani made a ?wretched film? called Dev for which ?he should be punished ?It was a rabid RSS philosophy in that film?

    He then goes on to add that Om Puri ?Who (Om Puri) is far superior actor to the other gentleman (Amitabh Bachchan) who is acting in the film.?

    He also talked about how ?There are no friends in Bollywood.? (repeats thrice).

    And that he is fortunate ?that nature has saved me for major stardom and condemned me to play the same role film after film.?

    In the valley for a theatre workshop he also spoke about how the ?Youth of this area has been exposed to hardly anything except brutality and Hindi movies. The worst possible combination.?

  • Fox Star Studios partners with KyaZoonga as the Official Ticketing Partner for the release of their funniest action comedy Quick Gun Murugun !

    Submitted by ITV Production on Aug 26, 2009

    MUMBAI: Fox Star Studios has announced its alliance with KyaZoonga.com, India?s first and largest movie, cricket, entertainment and sports ticketing company, as the ?Official Ticketing Partner? for the upcoming original Indian cowboy tale, Quick Gun Murugun. The partnership would enable KyaZoonga.com to distribute authentic copyrighted content of this much-awaited film to its customers and other users. The online ticket bookings for Quick Gun Murugun are scheduled to start on KyaZoonga.com from August 26 onwards. Quick Gun Murugun, a western spoof, based on the cult TV character by the same name, has veteran Telegu actor, Dr. Rajendra Prasad in the lead role. The film, which is about the misadventures of a South Indian cowboy and his battle with arch adversary Rice Plate Reddy, is slated for release on August 28.

    Neetu Bhatia, Co-founder, Chairman and CEO, KyaZoonga.com, said, ?We are pleased that Fox Star Studios, part of one of the largest entertainment companies globally, has chosen to work with us as their Official Ticketing Partner for their maiden venture in India. While our service offering as the pioneer of ticketing in India will bring tremendous value to the gross receipts of the film, our own value proposition to end consumers will be enhanced with unique, customized and co-branded content. We are extremely optimistic about the large number of footfalls that the movie is likely to bring to theatres and multiplexes and we look forward to working with Fox Star Studios on many more projects in the future.?

    Alongside ticket sales, KyaZoonga is offering its consumers trailers, previews, contests with exciting prizes, wallpapers and Quick Gun Murugun branded merchandise. These offers are available only until stock lasts. In addition to this, the association also has plans to launch some integrated KyaZoonga-Quick Gun Murugun ad-campaigns which include television, outdoor, print, online and mobile, in order to reach out to a larger audience.

    Vivek Krishnani, Head of Distribution, Marketing and Syndication, Fox Star Studios India, said, ?Quick Gun Murugun is funny action comedy which has pan Indian appeal, it is a hugely anticipated film amongst movie lovers all over the country and the online medium will be an added advantage for us to exponentially increase this number. Our alliance with KyaZoonga will bring us a lot of value and will help us by reaching out to the millennial generation. We believe that this partnership will deliver mutual benefit and set the stage for future partnerships?

    Directed by Shashank Ghosh and written by Rajesh Devraj, Quick Gun Murugun is an unlikely Superhero with Guntastic powers. He is a sincere South Indian Cowboy who considers it his duty to serve and protect. The movie revolves around mis-adventures of Quick Gun Murugun and his fight with his arch villain Rice Plate Reddy!

    Quick Gun Murugun enters into an epic battle that spans time and space, from a small South Indian village to Swarglok and then finally to a cosmopolitan Mumbai. He is torn between Mango Dolly who loves him secretly and his first love Locket Lover and his loyalty is put to the test.

    Quick Gun Murugun also sees the comeback of south Indian actress Rambha. The movie is based on a character called Quick Gun Murugun, initially created for television promos at the time of the launch of the music network Channel [V] in 1994. The character had a cult following, and made catch phrases like ‘Mind it‘. Quick Gun Murugun has been exhibited at the London Film Festival, the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles and at the New York Asian Film Festival and received rave reviews.

  • Maxus and TME make it BIG at the EMVIES 2009

    Submitted by ITV Production on Aug 26, 2009

    MUMBAI: BIG 92.7 FM partnered with agencies Maxus and TME to create winning solutions for their clients Nokia and Parle G respectively at the recently concluded EMVIES 2009. Both agencies engaged audiences through BIG FM‘s holistic offerings, tapping relevant consumers through extremely innovative and novel offerings. Maxus won a Silver for its entry Nokia 5800 Xpress Music - Nokia Recreates the famous ‘Midas Touch‘ and TME won a Bronze for the RJ Marathon - Genuis V/s Guinness!!!

    When Maxus was putting together their comprehensive plans for the launch of their extremely successful, NOKIA 5800 EXPRESS MUSIC, they were approached by the extremely adept and creative Integrated Sales team at BIG 92.7 FM which proposed solutions providing an experimental platform using the synergy of radio and activation thereby eventually creating thousands of virtual RJs sharing their choice of music with BIG 92.7 FM listeners. The Team recommended an on ground activation spread across 6 cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennai involving high levels of interactivity and opportunities for product sampling, while communicating the propositions of Touch-Play and Share. A 7 feet tall replica of the phone was created, whose touch screen allowed customers to witness the same features of the phone, first hand. Customers could touch the phone replica and engage with functions that were similar to that of the actual phone and offering a similar interface. Shows were hosted live from the outdoor broadcasting where listeners could select a song from the phone and give a dedication live on air. The entire activity was a huge hit and the award that the innovation won, only goes to prove the same.

    With the crystal clear brief to promote Parle G for mental ability and physical stamina, the team brainstormed on options and recommended the very interesting RJ Marathon in the cities of Mumbai and Chennai. The award, aptly titled Genuis V/s Guinness and winning the Bronze, saw the RJ‘s host marathons with non stop RJ‘ing. RJ Dheena entered the Guinness Book of World Records by RJing for 168 hours non-stop, a feat, never attempted successfully before. The entire city came together to support the jocks and showcasing in all interactions with press, listeners and families were the Parle G biscuits, energizing the RJ at the turn of every hour.

    In addition to the above 2 awards, BIG 92.7 FM also partnered with Maxus for their bronze winning campaign for Vodafone - six held captive on one frequency and with Madison Media Infinity for the Silver won for Saffola Life - Listen to your Heart. Both these campaigns with multiple radio stations.

    Speaking on the occasion Praveen Malhotra, Sales Head - BIG 92.7 FM, said "BIG FM offers great solutions to brands to innovate through our integrated solutions offerings. In fact, we have a dedicated Solutions Team that offers Clients innovative and out of the box ideas for brands to partner with. We are very happy that the media agencies have been recognized for the good work and this only validates the fact that BIG 92.7 FM offers clients the best solution options for their requirements. We look forward to servicing Client requirements and treating them to BIG service only on our network."

  • Fever 104 FM celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai and Bengaluru

    Submitted by ITV Production on Aug 26, 2009

    MUMBAI: India‘s leading FM channel, Fever 104 FM celebrates the spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi with its valued listeners in Mumbai and Bengaluru.

    In Bengaluru, Fever 104 FM partners for Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava. The Bengaluru Ganesha Utsava is the biggest musical and cultural festival of its times. Listeners can now tune into Fever 104 FM and can catch all the live action from 23rd August to 3rd September. The extravaganza will be celebrated with live performance from artists like Kavita Krishnamurthy, Jagjit Singh, Kunal Ganjawala, Raghu Dixit, Rajesh Krishnan, Gurukiran and Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia.

    In Mumbai, Fever 104 FM has planned a number of interesting contests, one of them being Fever 104 FM and Star Majha association bringing about an exciting on air segment on ‘festive delicacies & sweets‘ adding up to the festive mood and excitement for the listeners. RJ Medha from Fever 104 FM can be caught on Star Majha, judging the Mahapandal contest. This is further accompanied by a special on air contest called ‘Mumbai ka Asli Raja‘ hosted by RJ Rishii in the evening drive whereby listeners will be tested on their knowledge for 108 different names of Ganesh ji. The lucky winner will get Bajaj Platina.

    As a part of the activity, Fever 104 FM has also undertaken an initiative for spreading awareness about Swine Flu. Face masks are distributed at major pandals protecting people from Swine Flu. People can now enjoy the festive season without any fear and apprehension.

    Announcing Fever 104 FM‘s Ganesh Chaturthi celebration plans, says Neeraj Chaturvedi, National Marketing and Promotions head, Fever 104 FM, "Ganesh Chaturthi is the biggest celebration in Mumbai and Bengaluru. At Fever 104 FM, our endeavor is to be a part of all important occasions relevant for our listeners. In Bengaluru, we have partnered for the biggest ever Ganesh Chaturthi Music festival and in Mumbai we are doing interesting contests for our listeners to help them make the most of this festive season. I hope that our listeners will take active part in these celebrations. Fever
    104 FM wishes everyone a very happy and prosperous Ganesh Chaturthi!"

  • Catch the Movie of the month Amelie on UTV World Movies

    Submitted by ITV Production on Aug 26, 2009

    MUMBAI: UTV World Movies has been on an absolute roll. In a bid to provide the best of world cinema to its viewers, UTV World Movies presents "AMELIE" as the movie of the month on August 29, 2009 at 8.30 pm. Oscar nominated French comedy directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet has 51 wins and 46 nominations to its credit. Amilie is one of those films that has garnered immense popularity in India and has a huge loyal following in India.

    Amelie is a simple girl with simple pleasures in life. Be it skipping stones in a canal or guessing how many people all over Paris are having orgasm at the same time!! Amelie‘s uncomplicated life takes a turn when she successfully resolves to the mission of making others happy. The entire movie from then on is a deliciously funny spiral as Amilie‘s matchmaking and mending schemes multiply in twists, turns and complications.

    The movie features Audrey Tautou, one of the most well-known and celebrated French celebs. Her portrayal of Amelie, which won her countless awards and fan following, is one of the most unusual female performances in cinema. Her recent performance in The Da Vinci Code also won her numerous accolades. Audrey is now the face of the renowned perfume brand Channel No 5.

    This French Blockbuster won four Cesar Awards (including Best Film and Best Director), best film at the European Film Awards, two BAFTA Awards (including Best Original Screenplay) and was nominated for five Academy Awards.

    Speaking about the film, Manasi Sapre, Programming Head, UTV World Movies said " Droll humour, whimsical situations, an absolutely charming protagonist , Paris as never seen before and an array of typically French characters: Amelie is an absolute winner. UTV World Movies is proud to present this hilarious and adorable romantic comedy which has gone on to become one of the biggest worldwide hits".

    TUNE INTO UTV WORLD MOVIES ON AUGUST 29, 2009 at 8 30 pm, TO WATCH THIS FUN YET EMOTIONAL MOVIE

  • Tata Elxsi creates advertising ?buzz? for Kellogg?s latest offering- ?Honey Loops?

    Submitted by ITV Production on Aug 25, 2009

    MUMBAI: Visual Computing Labs (VCL), a division of Tata Elxsi Ltd and a leader in the animation and visual communications industry today announced that it has successfully delivered special effects in the television commercial (TVC) for Kellogg?s? latest offering in the market- Honey Loops .

    Directed by ace ad film director, Mintoo Singh of Classic Films, the TVC shows a cute little honeybee as the central animated character along with a little girl who takes the viewers through the process of manufacturing ?Honey Loops?. The entire commercial is set inside a beehive and is a take off on the hugely popular song from the movie Billu Barber, ?Hit Hit Soniye?, with a swarm of bees grooving to it in the background.

    VCL designed one huge set with various levels, each to depict the separate stages of the manufacturing process. Once the set was designed and built, the choreography was shot by Mintoo and then reproduced in animation.

    Speaking about the creation of the commercial, Mr Suhael Merchant, Animation Director Visual Computing Labs, Tata Elxsi Ltd said, ?The use of animation in children?s advertising is not uncommon. However, with it comes the challenge of creating something unique and interesting in order to build that connect and get them captivated to the ad and thereby the product. Our FX team worked out some super yummy looking honey which would be flowing from various levels. This was a crucial element of the film and one that we had to get right. Lighting wise everything was needed to look warm and honey like, as well as cute and clean.

    ?All in all our team really pulled off all the requirements beautifully- be it the set creation or the various textures and even the lighting and SFX of the honey. The choreography of the complicated dance steps was challenging. Mintoo Singh?s input on every detail at every step of the commercial was crucial to achieving what we have in this beautiful commercial. He worked closely with us to make sure that we achieved exactly what the brief was and I am very happy to say that the end result outdid our expectations!?

    Since its inception VCL has successfully delivered fully animated TVCs (2D and 3D) for both Indian as well as global customers, the latest being the Himani TVC for the production house, Equinox. VCL won the FICCI BAF award this year for executing outstanding visual effects in Himani Fast relief TVC in the category of ?Best VFX in a commercial?. The division, in order to strengthen its foothold in the TVC arena has set up a dedicated team to work in tandem with TVC production houses, advertising agencies and end advertisers globally.

    Last year, in addition to the Himani Fast relief TVC, VCL also executed a major project for ZEE TV. ZEE wanted to change the ID of their flagship channel for which VCL conceptualized, designed and produced the entire ID.

    VCL has worked for well-known ad agencies and independent ad filmmakers in the past. Its portfolio includes advertisements for Cheetos, Pillsbury, Huggies, Fanta, and MSN Messenger, besides two Coke commercials for overseas audiences. The division has also worked on projects for Sony Pictures Imageworks, Lions Gate, MGM and Digimation.

Subscribe to