English हिन्दी
Connect with us

Bollywood news

On the day of its theatrical release, Newton picked as India’s entry for the Oscars

Published

8 years ago

on

Newton

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Rajkummar Rao-starrer, set in the backdrop of Indian elections, was chosen over 26 entries including blockbusters Dangal, Baahubali 2

Mumbai: “Newton”, a Hindi film set against the backdrop of elections in the world’s largest democracy, was on Friday announced as India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars 2018. The film’s team says it’s an encouragement for filmmakers who are willing to take risks.

“Newton”, directed by Amit V Masurkar and starring the stellar Rajkummar Rao, was chosen from among 26 titles from different languages by a 14-member jury appointed by the Film Federation of India (FFI).[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]“It was a unanimous decision. Titles like ‘Dangal’, Baahubali 2 and ‘Mukti Bhavan’ were part of the list,” Supran Sen, secretary general of FFI, said.

“Newton”, which released on Friday, revolves around a young government clerk who is sent on election duty to a Maoist-controlled town and how the ideological struggle puts him in an awkward situation. It was shot in the interiors of Chhattisgarh.

Masurkar feels honoured that a story rooted in the country’s political system was chosen.

So far, “Mother India”, “Salaam Bombay!” and “Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India” are the only Indian films that made it to the top five in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Academy Awards, but none have won the honour.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]How is team “Newton” planning its Oscar journey considering Indian films never make it beyond the entry gate?

“For now, the fact that ‘Newton’ has been selected as India’s official entry is in itself a big deal for me. I’m still trying to process that information. It’s still to sink in. Whether we make it to the shortlist or win or not are thoughts that are far away from my head right now,” Masurkar said.

He hopes the movie “will bring attention to the need to strengthen democracy in our country”.

The excitement and contentment in National Award winning actor Rajkummar’s voice was palpable as he shared his excitement.

“It feels amazing and brilliant that a film like ‘Newton’, which is unique and special for all of us, and which we have made with so much honesty and purity, without keeping any of those commercial thing in mind about what works and what sells, gets this. We just had to tell a simple, honest story and I am glad that it’s resonating with everyone.

“The kind of response that we are getting from the critics, and now the fact that it makes it as India’s official entry to the Oscars, it’s huge.”

The film fraternity, including names like Paresh Rawal, Anil Kapoor, Karan Johar, Manoj Bajpayee, Bhumi Pednekar, Ayushmann Khurrana and Dia Mirza, also praised the FFI’s decision[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]Acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi, who features in “Newton”, believes this choice would encourage the entire film fraternity to support good content cinema and filmmakers.

“It’s something to be proud of as we have a thousand number of films coming out each year and out of that number, our film gets an entry. The entry is making us feel proud, so the win (if it happens) will have an amazing impact on the entire film fraternity.

“‘Newton’ is a film which will reflect real India and it is not at all a biased project,” he said.

Meanwhile, actress Anjali Patil said: “The hard work of our entire team has borne fruit.”

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta, who has worked closely with Rajkummar in films like “Shahid” and “Aligarh”, also hailed “Newton” as the best choice.

“‘Newton’ is India’s entry to the Oscars. The best choice in years by the federation,” Mehta tweeted, adding: “If films like ‘A Separation’ and ‘Children of Heaven’ made it to the Oscar nominations, so can ‘Newton’. It is our best shot. Manish Mundra go for it!”

The film is produced by Manish Mundra of Drishyam Films, the company best known for backing critically-acclaimed projects such as “Masaan” and “Umrika”.

Mundra said that “for the news to be announced on the day of the theatrical release of ‘Newton’ across India — the stars are truly aligning for us”.

The 90th Academy Awards are scheduled for March 4, 2018 in Los Angeles.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Bollywood news

The Family Man 3 first glimpse: Jaideep Ahlawat, Nimrat Kaur join action thriller series

Published

5 months ago

on

June 29, 2025

By

Streaming platform Prime Video unveiled the first look of the much-anticipated third season of The Family Man on Friday, introducing actors Jaideep Ahlawat and Nimrat Kaur as formidable new adversaries to Manoj Bajpayee’s iconic spy, Srikant Tiwari.

The action-packed thriller, created and directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, will see Bajpayee reprise his role as Tiwari, a middle-class man navigating the high-stakes world of espionage. The new season, penned by Suman Kumar in collaboration with Raj & DK, will also feature returning cast members Priyamani, Sharib Hashmi, Ashlesha Thakur, and Vedant Sinha.

In a joint statement, Raj & DK expressed their excitement about elevating the series. “Each season, we strive to raise the bar with a more gripping story, grander scale, and sharper performances. We’re thankful for our fans’ patience. Season 3 will push Srikant and his team to their limits, immersing them in a world of intense danger and personal turmoil that tests their bonds. While juggling a new family dynamic, Srikant will face off against powerful new antagonists, brought to life by the incredibly talented Jaideep Ahlawat and Nimrat Kaur. Our collaboration with Prime Video has been instrumental in shaping this season,” they said.

The upcoming season will follow Srikant as he tackles a looming threat to national security while grappling with the challenges of family life, striving to repair his strained relationship with his wife, Suchitra, played by Priyamani. Details about the roles of Ahlawat, known for Paatal Lok, and Kaur, celebrated for The Lunchbox and Airlift, remain undisclosed, adding to the anticipation.

The Family Man debuted to widespread acclaim in 2019, with its second season, featuring Samantha Ruth Prabhu, earning similar praise in 2021. As excitement builds for the third installment, the addition of Ahlawat and Kaur promises to intensify the stakes for Srikant Tiwari’s latest mission.

Continue Reading

Bollywood news

Aamir Khan starrer Sitaare Zameen Par crosses Rs 90-crore mark

Published

5 months ago

on

June 27, 2025

By

Aamir Khan’s latest cinematic offering, Sitaare Zameen Par, has amassed a nett collection of ₹90 crore domestically within its debut week. Directed by R S Prasanna, the film hit cinemas on 20 June 2025, serving as a spiritual successor to the widely acclaimed 2007 release Taare Zameen Par, and has struck a chord with audiences.

According to Sacnilk, the film opened strongly with ₹10.7 crore nett at the domestic box office, setting the stage for a solid run. Touted as a heartfelt exploration of neurodivergence, Sitaare Zameen Par features Aamir as a basketball coach guiding ten differently-abled individuals towards triumph.

The cast includes Genelia D’Souza alongside fresh talents Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar, with the screenplay penned by Divy Nidhi Sharma. The project is a collaborative production by Aamir Khan, Aparna Purohit, and Ravi Bhagchandka under Aamir Khan Productions.

Critics have noted its connection to the 2018 Spanish drama Campeones (remade in English in 2023 with Woody Harrelson), echoing Taare Zameen Par’s mission to raise awareness about neurodiversity. However, some reviews suggest a didactic approach, with one stating, “Every scene is crafted to deliver a lesson, often tipping the balance from entertaining to preachy, which can frustrate viewers despite Aamir’s knack for edifying cinema.”

The film’s narrative, centred on mentorship and inclusion, has resonated emotionally, contributing to its box office success. Its opening figures and positive word of mouth hint at a potential surge over the weekend.

Earlier today, Aamir participated in a virtual fan meet to celebrate the milestone, sharing anecdotes from the set and praising the young cast’s dedication. “Their energy inspired every frame,” he remarked, boosting fan excitement online. The session, joined by enthusiastic supporters, highlighted the film’s impact, with many lauding its uplifting message.

As Sitaare Zameen Par progresses into its second week, its ₹90 crore haul underscores Aamir Khan’s enduring appeal. Whether it maintains this momentum amidst mixed critical reception remains to be seen, but its strong start has certainly reignited interest in his storytelling legacy.

Continue Reading

Bollywood news

Rajkumar Hirani, Shoojit Sircar, Anjali Menon and Onir collaborate to direct second part of My Melbourne

Published

5 months ago

on

June 26, 2025

By

Acclaimed Indian filmmakers Rajkumar Hirani, Shoojit Sircar, Anjali Menon, and Onir are teaming up for the second edition of My Melbourne, an Indo-Australian anthology film project that celebrates cultural diversity and strengthens cinematic ties between India and Australia, according to a press release.

Produced by Mind Blowing Films and presented by the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), the anthology builds on the success of its inaugural edition, released in March 2025. The first film featured short stories by directors Rima Das, Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan, and Onir, exploring themes of identity, gender, race, sexuality, and disability.

Mitu Bhowmick Lange, CEO of Mind Blowing Films and the project’s creative producer, described the response to the first My Melbourne as “immensely gratifying.” She said, “The film showed that authentic, heartfelt stories can resonate across borders. We’re privileged to have some of India’s most celebrated filmmakers contribute their vision to this second chapter. This initiative continues to champion inclusivity and collaboration, offering a platform for emerging talents from underrepresented communities.”

Rajkumar Hirani, renowned for blockbusters like Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, PK, Sanju, and Dunki, expressed enthusiasm for the project. “My Melbourne is a unique canvas for crafting stories that are personal yet universal, bridging cultures through cinema,” he said.

Anjali Menon, known for her nuanced storytelling, highlighted the project’s alignment with her creative vision. “The themes of My Melbourne resonate deeply with my approach to storytelling—narratives that foster empathy and connect people across divides. I’m excited to be part of this cross-continental collaboration,” she said.

Shoojit Sircar, whose diverse filmography includes Vicky Donor, Madras Cafe, Piku, October, and Sardar Udham, emphasized the universal appeal of the anthology. “Stories transcend borders. My Melbourne is a powerful reminder that locally rooted narratives can carry global impact,” he said.

Onir, returning for the second edition, described the project as “an evolving journey.” He added, “Working with fresh themes and voices while continuing this meaningful initiative is profoundly fulfilling.”

The second instalment of My Melbourne promises to further the anthology’s mission of weaving diverse narratives, fostering cross-cultural dialogue, and spotlighting new voices in cinema.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com