In the picture, Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde can be seen cutting the cake along with the choreographer duo Bosco-Caesar…reports Asian Lite News
The upcoming Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde-starrer movie ‘Deva’ has wrapped up its filming. The makers of the film took to Instagram on Wednesday and shared a picture from the wrap-up of the film.
In the picture, Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde can be seen cutting the cake along with the choreographer duo Bosco-Caesar.
The makers wrote in the caption, “And it’s a wrap! Get ready to witness Deva’s electrifying action soon. #SongWrap #Deva in cinemas on 14th February 2025.”
The film is directed by acclaimed Malayalam filmmaker Rosshan Andrrews and produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur and promises an action-packed roller-coaster ride full of thrill and drama. The action spectacle wrapped up with a high-energy song sequence and was shot over the last four days in Mumbai.
The song is choreographed by Bosco Martis. With this, the excitement surrounding the film has reached a new level.
In the movie, Shahid will be seen playing a defiant police officer, while Pooja Hegde stars as the leading lady in the role of a journalist. The film also stars Pavail Gulati. For the film, he underwent a physical transformation and moved from a slender build to a muscular body. The actor, who plays the role of a cop in ‘Deva’, gained 3 kgs and has cut down on fat.
For him, the journey of physical transformation has been about more than just transforming his physique, it’s been about discipline, and trying new things.
He had earlier mentioned that he has been working to gain muscle weight to complement the role of a cop in the film. “I have so far gained around 3 kgs of muscle and cut down on fat! Extremely hard for me because I have a tendency to lose weight! I have been training with Amar Pendunkar to achieve the fitness that is required for the movie and my role,” he added.
Produced by Zee Studios and Roy Kapur Films, ‘Deva’ is set to be released on February 14, 2025.
Recently, writer-director Abbas Tyrewala appeared on a podcast with Cyrus Broacha, and spoke about the film….reports Asian Lite News
The second part of the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer ‘Pathaan’ seems to be moving at a brisk pace. The spy action film, which starred SRK in the titular role, turned out to be one of the biggest blockbusters of all times. And now with ‘Pathaan 2’, the recent update is that the script of the film is ready for dialogues.
Recently, writer-director Abbas Tyrewala appeared on a podcast with Cyrus Broacha, and spoke about the film. He said, “I believe the script is almost ready for dialogue”. While he was at it, he also expressed hope that he would be offered to write the script of the action film. He also said that currently the shoot of ‘War 2’ is underway.
‘Pathaan’ marked the return of SRK to the silver screen after more than 4 years, and exploded at the box-office owing to its massy appeal, and the ‘dialoguebaazi’.
Prior to ‘Pathaan’, SRK was seen in his ambitious project ‘Zero’ which turned out to be a disaster and was unanimously panned by the critics. SRK made a return with a bang considering he fought a battle on the personal front as well with the arrest of his elder son Aryan Khan in connection with the Mumbai cruise drugs case early in October 2021.
Later, it turned out that the CBI filed a corruption case against Sameer Wankhede, the former NCB officer. He and four others are accused of seeking Rs 25 crore bribe for not framing Aryan Khan in the drugs-on-cruise case.
Meanwhile, SRK followed up the success of ‘Pathaan’ with an even bigger hit in the form of ‘Jawan’ in which he essayed dual roles of a father and a son.
‘Jawan’ was the highest grossing Hindi film of all time until the Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao-starrer ‘Stree 2’ beat its record at the box-office.
Writer/director Luke Morgan’s THE BOAT is based on a true story of a father whose daughter displays some troubling medical symptoms forcing him to make a devastating decision. This heart-breaking short film has qualified to be considered for the 97th Academy® Awards after winning the qualifying awards at the Foyle Film Festival and Cork Film Festival. This heart-rending film has also qualified to be considered for the 2025 Oscars®. A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.
When Dhuckia’s father discovers that she is showing the early symptoms of leprosy, he must make a devastating choice. Based on a true story. Luke Morgan is an Irish writer and director. He was nominated for the Discovery Award at the Dublin International Film Festival in 2020, and was awarded the 2015 Screenplay Pitching Award at the Galway Film Fleadh. He is also an award- winning published poet.
Producing duo Jake and Luke Morgan are the founders of Morgan Brothers based in the West Coast of Ireland. They specialise in film production, theatre, storytelling and music. Their projects are ambitious in scope, yet love is at the centre of everything they do.
The Mission To End Leprosy (TMTEL) is a global network of organisations sharing a passion to end the oldest known and still existing communicable disease in human history. Ken Gibson is the CEO at The Mission To End Leprosy, Dhukia was the very first young girl he met with Leprosy and her story compelled him to commit to doing everything to ensure that no dad ever has to face such a choice again. In that very real sense, Dhukia’s story has already had a global impact: it is the inspiration and the heart of TMTEL’s Global Leprosy Eradication Programme. It’s a story with the potential to bring healing to 50 million people and to prevent generations to come from the suffering and stigma that leprosy causes.
The stunning cinematography was created by Lakshika Serasinhe. Along with its great success at Cork and Foyle Film Festival this thought-provoking film has won many more accolades along the way including Best Short Film and Best Composer at the Worcester amongst many more.
As THE BOAT embarks on its global journey, the Morgan brothers are committed to using their success to support organisations working towards eradicating leprosy. This Oscar qualifying is a catalyst for change, inspiring audiences to join the mission to end leprosy and break down the stigma associated with this age-old disease.
The Red One, a 2024 American action-adventure fantasy comedy, directed by Jake Kasdan and written by Chris Morgan, offers a thrilling twist on the classic Christmas story. The film follows an unlikely duo—a highly trained E.L.F. (Extremely Large and Formidable) operative and the world’s top tracker—as they embark on a daring mission to rescue Santa Claus after he is kidnapped, just days before Christmas Eve. When Santa, affectionately known as “The Red One” by his secretive North Pole team, is snatched away by a villain, chaos erupts at the North Pole. With the holiday season in jeopardy, the elves descend into panic, and Christmas itself hangs in the balance. As the fate of the world’s most beloved holiday teeters on the edge, the unlikely heroes must race against time to save Christmas and restore order to the North Pole. This action-packed Christmas adventure blends heartwarming holiday spirit with fast-paced thrills, promising to keep audiences on the edge of their seats as they root for the heroes to save the day in time for the most magical night of the year. A feature by columnist Riccha Grover for Asian Lite International.
The task of saving Christmas falls to the North Pole’s steadfast and formidable Head of Security, played by Dwayne Johnson. Known for his tough-as-nails demeanor, immense strength, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the magic of Christmas, Johnson’s character has long been the silent protector of Santa and the smooth running of the holiday season. But this year, the stakes are higher than ever. With Santa’s sudden disappearance, the very essence of Christmas is at risk, and the pressure is on for him to protect everything he holds dear.
The Head of Security soon realizes that rescuing Santa is a task too big for him to tackle alone. Reluctantly, he’s forced to team up with the world’s most infamous and unpredictable bounty hunter, portrayed by Chris Evans. Evans’ character is everything the North Pole’s stoic protector isn’t—brash, sarcastic, and driven by a ruthless code of his own. A rogue with a reputation for bending (or breaking) the rules, the bounty hunter is known for getting the job done, no matter the cost or method. Operating outside the law, he tracks down dangerous criminals worldwide for the right price, with little regard for the holiday spirit or traditions. However, as the stakes of the mission escalate, even he might find that saving Christmas is a cause worth fighting for.
Despite their starkly different personalities, the two unlikely allies form a tense partnership and set off on a high-stakes, globe-trotting adventure that takes them far beyond the familiar, snow-covered confines of the North Pole. Their mission is clear: rescue Santa Claus from the hands of his elusive kidnappers and save Christmas before the world wakes up on December 25th to find empty stockings and cold chimneys.
The pair’s journey spans a variety of exotic and dangerous locations, from snow-capped mountains to dense forests and even bustling cities. Along the way, they must confront not only external threats but also their own vastly different approaches to problem-solving. The Head of Security believes in order, rules, and honor, while the bounty hunter thrives on chaos, improvisation, and a good fight. Their constant clashing leads to plenty of comedic moments, especially as they try to outwit each other in sticky situations, but their growing respect for each other’s strengths gradually transforms their working relationship.
The challenges they face are as diverse as they are perilous. From tracking down the leads on Santa’s whereabouts to battling rival factions who want to seize control of Christmas for their own gain, every step of the mission is a race against time. But amid the car chases, daring escapes, and hand-to-hand combat, the magic of Christmas still finds a way to seep into their journey. They encounter people around the world who are clinging to the hope that Santa will deliver presents on Christmas morning, reminding them of what’s truly at stake. Slowly, even the bounty hunter begins to realize that this mission is about more than just saving one man-it’s about preserving the hope, joy, and wonder that Christmas represents to millions of people.
At the heart of The Red One is the unlikely bond that forms between Johnson and Evans’ characters. While the Head of Security starts the mission determined to maintain control and keep things strictly professional, he’s gradually forced to loosen up and trust his impulsive partner. Similarly, the bounty hunter, who begins the story as a lone wolf driven solely by personal gain, finds himself rediscovering a sense of purpose and camaraderie as he becomes invested in saving Christmas. Their evolving partnership adds a layer of heart to the action, as the two characters realize that even the toughest missions can’t be accomplished without trust, teamwork, and a little holiday magic.
Of course, no Christmas movie would be complete without a few lighthearted, festive moments, and The Red One delivers in spades. Whether it’s a high-speed chase through a city decorated with twinkling lights, a fight scene in a toy factory filled with malfunctioning gadgets, or a race against time in the middle of a blizzard, the movie masterfully blends action with humor, keeping the tone lighthearted even as the stakes remain high. The film’s holiday setting is ever-present, with nods to traditional Christmas imagery, from candy cane weapons to sleigh-inspired vehicles, ensuring that even in the most intense scenes, the spirit of the season shines through.
As the duo edges closer to their goal, the mystery surrounding Santa’s kidnapping deepens. Why would anyone want to steal the world’s most beloved figure? And who is truly behind the plot to sabotage Christmas? The answers unravel in a thrilling climax that pits Johnson and Evans’ characters against a powerful enemy determined to rewrite the rules of the holiday. With time running out and the weight of the world’s expectations on their shoulders, the pair must give everything they’ve got to bring Santa home and restore the holiday magic before it’s too late.
In the end, The Red One is more than just an action-packed Christmas movie. It’s a story about the power of belief, the importance of teamwork, and the lengths we go to in order to protect the things we cherish. With its blend of explosive action, hilarious banter, and heartwarming moments, the film is destined to become a holiday favorite for years to come. Whether you’re watching for the thrill of the chase, the festive cheer, or the dynamic chemistry between Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, The Red One offers something for everyone, proving that even in the face of overwhelming odds, the magic of Christmas is worth fighting for.
After Santa Claus (code name: Red One) is kidnapped, the North Pole’s Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with the world’s most infamous bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.
The film stars Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Nick Kroll, Kristofer Hivju, Wesley Kimmel, and J. K. Simmons. Johnson, Hiram Garcia, Dany Garcia, Morgan, Kasdan, and Melvin Mar are the film’s producers. The project is seen as the first of a Christmas franchise, produced by Amazon MGM Studios in association with Seven Bucks Productions, Chris Morgan Productions, and The Detective Agency. Red One was released internationally by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Starring Kani Kusruti and Preeti Panigrahi, ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ is tagged as a coming-of-age drama, focusing on a 16-year-old girl and her complex relationship with her mother…reports Asian Lite News
Actors Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal’s production ‘Girls Will Be Girls’, which is directed by Shuchi Talati, has won the Grand Jury honour at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA).
This marks the third accolade for the film, having recently won Grand Jury prizes at the Transylvania International Film Festival in Romania and the Biarritz Film Festival in France.
Richa said: “Winning the Grand Jury Prize at IFFLA is an incredible honour. It’s gratifying to see the hard work and dedication of our entire team being recognised on such a prestigious platform. ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ is a story close to our hearts, and we are thrilled that it continues to resonate with audiences globally.”
She further added, “This is the third win for the film this month, which is huge. The response has been overwhelming, and the love the film is receiving is truly exceptional. We couldn’t have asked for a better debut as producers.”
Starring Kani Kusruti and Preeti Panigrahi, ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ is tagged as a coming-of-age drama, focusing on a 16-year-old girl and her complex relationship with her mother.
Ali Fazal said: “This journey has been nothing short of magical. From Sunburn to Cannes and now IFFLA, each accolade reaffirms our belief in the power of authentic storytelling.”
“We are grateful for the support and love we’ve received, and we’re excited to see where ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ will go next.”
Set against the backdrop of a strict boarding school in the Himalayas, the film delves into Mira’s journey of teenage love through the lens of societal judgment of female desire.
For someone who has delivered major hits like ‘Rockstar’, ‘Jab We Met’, ‘Highway’, and ‘Tamasha’ it is now time to make cinema that refuses to be slotted. “What I am now constantly looking for are stories that do not try to belong to a certain genre. They must be pure without a hint of any per-conceived structure,” he smiled…writes Sukant Deepak
“They give you the freedom to be yourself and go the extra mile without the pressure of the box office and duration. Yes, OTT has definitely been a boom for filmmakers like me,” director Imtiaz Ali told.
Someone who pleasantly surprised everyone with ‘She’ that was aired on a popular OTT platform, he remembers that the story was his constant companion for several years. “The moment I got a chance to make it for a channel, there was no stopping me. I think the best part about these digital platforms is the fact that you can tell the story you want to, in a novel way. And this is something any writer/director dreams of,” he said.
Several young directors also criticise OTTs for following an algorithm where thrillers are encouraged and big stars are preferred. “There have been trends in movies, even now, but people break them, no? I feel the same for OTTs. There will always be those who will reverse trends and bring about fresher approaches,” said Ali at the ongoing Kasauli Literary Festival (KLF) in Himachal Pradesh.
Currently finalising a few scripts and developing a series for an OTT channel for which the production will start soon, Ali, who never went to a film school but immersed himself in theatre early on, stated: “Frankly, I do not miss learning filmmaking formally. Theatre has been awesome for me. It has really been the building block which has given birth to my ideas about performance and how to tell stories through people — which is my job as a director. At that time, I felt it was important for me to actually absorb on-the-ground training from theatre rather than sitting in a classroom. Also, during my time, film schools had a very theoretical approach. Of course, things have changed now.”
For someone who has delivered major hits like ‘Rockstar’, ‘Jab We Met’, ‘Highway’, and ‘Tamasha’ it is now time to make cinema that refuses to be slotted. “What I am now constantly looking for are stories that do not try to belong to a certain genre. They must be pure without a hint of any per-conceived structure,” he smiled.
All for smaller film festivals that have cropped up across the country, even in less-populated towns, this director feels that it is important that they are not restricted only to metro cities.
“I am in big favour of film festivals as they really encourage the culture of watching films. There are grounds that facilitate conversations around cinema. Even if some movies being screened there are criticised, it is extremely healthy. I still remember the time of single-screen theatres when people like us would spend hours talking about the movies we saw. Film festivals are bringing back those conversations. Such festivals become an excellent place for people to rally around and talk about films.
A fan of world cinema and admirer of directors like the Serbian Emir Kusturica, Wong Kar-wai, and David Lean, he added: “Among the new crop, I have a deep appreciation for directors like Anurag Basu, Zoya Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap, Raju Hirani and Ayan Mukherjee. All of them are extremely talented people. And yes, Bimal Roy from yesteryears,” he concluded.
The Mehta Boys won accolades at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival for its compelling storyline and stellar performances…reports Asian Lite News
Boman Irani’s debut directorial venture, The Mehta Boys, recently premiered at the Indian Film Festival Berlin, Germany. Starring Avinash Tiwary, Boman Irani, Shreya Chaudhary, and Puja Sarup, the film explores a heartfelt father-son relationship and their emotional journey.
Expressing excitement about the premiere, Avinash Tiwary called it a “matter of great honor” to showcase the film to a diverse audience. “It’s a film I look forward to bringing to Indian audiences, and this festival takes us one step closer to that release,” he shared.
“It’s a matter of great honor to showcase our film to a mix of Indian and international audiences,” said Avinash Tiwary.
Previously, The Mehta Boys won accolades at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival for its compelling storyline and stellar performances.
Produced by Boman Irani, Danesh Irani, Vikesh Bhutani, and Shujaat Saudagar, the film’s screenplay is penned by Academy Award winner Alex Dinelaris Jr., writer of Birdman and The Revenant. It is slated for release on Prime Video soon.
In other news, Avinash Tiwary recalled his first meeting with actress Tamannaah Bhatia during an acting workshop when she was in the 9th grade. “Even back then, she had a remarkable presence,” he said. Reflecting on working with her years later in Sikandar Ka Muqaddar, he added, “She was incredibly warm, which made working together so much easier.”
The jury at the 17th Jaipur International Film Festival recognized ‘Kaikkutai Rani’ for its exceptional portrayal of children’s emotions, awarding it the Best Short Film for Children. The film’s cast and crew led by Devayani received high praise for their remarkable contributions…reports Asian Lite News
Actress Devayani’s first short film as director titled ‘Kaikuttai Rani’ (Handkerchief Queen) has now won an award at the 17th Jaipur International Film Festival.
Devayani, who has acted in over 100 films across various languages over the last three decades, recently chose to make her directorial debut with the short film, which has now won the prestigious award for Best Short Film for Children at the festival.
‘Kaikkuttai Rani’, which has been produced, written, and directed by Devayani under the D Films banner, features music by maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with editing by renowned editor B Lenin. The film has cinematography by Rajan Miryala and sound design by Lakshmi Narayanan A.S.
With a runtime of 20 minutes, ‘Kaikuttai Rani’ explores the emotional journey of a young girl who faces various challenges after losing her mother, while her father works in a distant place. The short film beautifully portrays the emotions and struggles of children through a deeply touching narrative.
The jury at the 17th Jaipur International Film Festival recognized ‘Kaikkutai Rani’ for its exceptional portrayal of children’s emotions, awarding it the Best Short Film for Children. The film’s cast and crew led by Devayani received high praise for their remarkable contributions.
Expressing her joy over the recognition, Devayani shared, “While I have acted in many films, it is an immense source of pride and happiness that my first directorial project has received an international award. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the senior artistes who were part of this project. We are also working on taking ‘Kaikuttai Rani’ to other international film festivals.”
The lead roles in ‘Kaikuttai Rani’ have been played by Niharika V.K. and Naveen N. The sound effects were designed by C. Sethu, and DI Colorist is Antony Bebin A. The film is being represented at international film festivals by Ulaga Cinema Baskaran.
The film is being produced by Curiosa Films and Vixens alongside Goodfellas and Saint Laurent Productions, with Senegal’s Astou Production and backing from Arte France Cinema.
Actor Tom Blyth will be featured in Claire Denis’ “The Cry of the Guards.” The project also features Mia McKenna-Bruce, Matt Dillon and Isaach De Bankole, as per Variety.
The film, adapted from Bernard-Marie Koltes’ play “Black Battles With Dogs,” was written by Denis, Suzanne Lindon and Andrew Litvack. The story unfolds over the course of one night near a construction site in Senegal, where a group of workers are confronted by a man seeking justice for his brother’s death at the site.
The film is being produced by Curiosa Films and Vixens alongside Goodfellas and Saint Laurent Productions, with Senegal’s Astou Production and backing from Arte France Cinema.
Blyth recently finished filming as the male lead in Netflix, Sony 3000 and Temple Hill’s “People We Meet on Vacation,” based on the #1 New York Times bestselling novel written by Emily Henry, according to Variety.
Prior to that shoot, he filmed three back-to-back projects: the independent feature “Plainclothes,” written and directed by Carmen Emmi, opposite Russel Tovey, based on the true story of underground “plainclothes” officers entrapping gay men, which is set to debut at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival; the gritty prison drama “Wasteman” opposite David Jonsson, written and directed by Calum Macdiarmid for Agile Films, Lionsgate UK and Bankside; and the highly anticipated film adaptation of the popular UbiSoft video game “Watch Dogs” for New Regency opposite Sophie Wilde, directed by French genre director Mathieu Turi. (ANI)
Dreaming of an Earth free from thermal power stations, Kangujam underscored that environmental conservation should be a top priority for policymakers. Her strong advocacy resonates with growing global concerns about climate change and the need for sustainable development.
Young climate activist Licypriya Kangujam has called on the government to enact a comprehensive climate change law to combat environmental degradation and reverse the harmful effects of global warming. Speaking at the panel discussion Unified Pathways for a Greener Future on the third day of the Summit of Future, organized by JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), the 13-year-old founder of The Child Movement highlighted the urgent need for decisive action.
“We urgently need a climate change law,” Kangujam stated passionately. She emphasized the importance of environmental education and suggested that schools require students to plant at least ten trees as part of their curriculum. Additionally, she urged the government to ban all mining activities and impose hefty fines for environmental destruction.
Dreaming of an Earth free from thermal power stations, Kangujam underscored that environmental conservation should be a top priority for policymakers. Her strong advocacy resonates with growing global concerns about climate change and the need for sustainable development.
Lokanath Behera, Former Director General of Police and current Managing Director of Kochi Metro, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of sustainability. “Sustainable development is essential for survival,” Behera remarked. He highlighted the Water Metro project in Kochi as an example of a sustainable initiative that prioritizes environmental conservation. Dr. Krishnan N V H, an advisory panel member of JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), pointed out that many global companies are striving to achieve carbon neutrality. “For example, Apple has announced its goal to become carbon neutral by 2025,” he noted, underscoring the importance of corporate responsibility in addressing climate change. Sridharan Murthy, Advisor at JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), emphasized the role of technology in environmental conservation. “Technology, including Artificial Intelligence, should be harnessed for environmental studies,” he said, advocating for the democratization of knowledge to drive innovation and solutions for climate challenges.
The discussion highlighted a unified call for government, industry, and educational institutions to work together in combating climate change. Kangujam’s passionate plea for a dedicated climate change law stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need to safeguard the environment for future generations. Her message echoed throughout the event: decisive action today will secure a greener and more sustainable tomorrow.
