English हिन्दी
Connect with us

Entertainment

76th Independence Day: Top 5 patriotic films to watch with friends and family

The film industry has been a pivotal force in keeping and reinstating the duties citizens owe to their country.

Published

on

76th Independence Day: Top 5 patriotic films to watch with friends and family

It is appropriate to remark that Indian cinema has played a major role in reminding citizens of the necessity of patriotic duties in their everyday lives. The film industry has done a commendable job of putting together sometimes-daunting yet inspiring reflections of the socio-political history of the country, which has generated awareness as well as groomed Indian citizens to do better. While some films narrated and made us aware of the historic political situation in some parts of India, others imparted the right idea of patriotism into our hearts.

The film industry has been a pivotal force in keeping and reinstating the duties citizens owe to their country. Hence, we bring to you some of the most gut-wrenching as well as inspiring films that imparted awareness as well as generated a spark of change in the minds and hearts of every Indian.

Article 15

Article 15 is a film produced and directed by renowned director, Anubhav Sinha, in 2019. The film’s plot revolves around a police detective, played by Ayushmann Khurrana, who investigates the disappearance of three girls from a small village, uncovering the long history of caste-based oppression along the way. The movie not only remarks on issues of caste-based oppression, but it also talks about the reservations given by one of the greatest scholars of India, B.R Ambedkar.

Rang De Basanti

Rang De Basanti was released in 2006, starring Aamir Khan, Siddharth, R. Madhavan, Atul Kulkarni, Soha Ali Khan, Sharman Joshi, Kunal Kapoor, and British actor Alice Patten. The film follows a British film student who is traveling to India to make a movie about five freedom fighters from India. She befriends and casts five young men in the film, which inspires them to fight against the corruption of their own government. The movie talks about issues of corruption in the country and how the five men, while drawing parallels from the role of freedom fighters in their own lives, set out to bring reform and change to their country as their forefathers did.

Lakshya


The movie follows the story of an aimless and lazy boy, Karan Shergil, played by Hritik Roshan, who joins the Indian Army and transforms himself into a soldier to make his girlfriend Romila Dutta proud of him. The movie is set around the Kargil war. Released in 2004, the film stars Amitabh Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta in lead roles with Boman Irani and Anjula Bedi in supporting roles. The film was directed by Farhan Akhtar and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani.

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

Helmed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, the film follows the real-life journey of the legendary Olympic champion, Milkha Singh. The film stars Farhan Akhtar in the lead role and talks about Milkha’s journey from pre-partitioned India to post-partitioned India and how he came to be the prolific athlete he was. The film, while being a document of Milkha Singh’s life, is also a document of the time around independence. The movie stars Farhan Akhtar, Sonam Kapoor, Divya Dutta, Meesha Shafi, Pavan Malhotra, Yograj Singh, Art Malik, and Prakash Raj.

Swades

The film, which is set in the backdrop of an underdeveloped portion of Uttar Pradesh, starts off with the protagonist, who works at NASA in America, Driven by nostalgia, he returns to his roots to find the nanny who raised him in his homeland, intending to bring her back to America. His journey leads him into the rural heart of India, to the village of Charanpur, and sets him on both an outward and an inner quest to find where he truly belongs. The film, released in 2004, stars Shah Rukh Khan, Gayatri Joshi, and Kishori Ballal.

Entertainment

Pushpa 2 sets new benchmark with Rs 700 crore Hindi collection, dominates Indian box office

Published

on

pushpa 2: the rule crosses ₹700 crore in hindi at the indian box office

The Hindi-dubbed version of Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun, has achieved an unprecedented milestone by crossing the Rs 700 crore mark at the Indian box office from its Hindi-language shows alone. Directed by Sukumar, the sequel to the 2021 blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise has so far amassed Rs 704.25 crore in Hindi, setting a new record for Indian cinema.

The makers celebrated the achievement on social media, writing:
“Pushpa Raj introduces the 700 CRORE CLUB to HINDI CINEMA 💥💥 The FIRST EVER FILM to collect 700 CRORES in HINDI ✨ #Pushpa2TheRule collects massive 704.25 CRORES NETT in Hindi ❤‍🔥❤‍🔥,” in a post shared on X.

This milestone places Pushpa 2 in elite company, surpassing the previous records set by Hindi-dubbed and original Hindi films. A.R. Murugadoss’ Ghajini (2008) introduced the Rs 100 crore club, while Aamir Khan’s 3 Idiots (2010) and PK (2014) raised the bar with Rs 200 crore and Rs 300 crore collections, respectively. S.S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali 2: The Conclusion broke further records, entering the Rs 400-crore and Rs 500-crore clubs. Earlier this year, Stree 2 became the first Hindi film to surpass Rs 600 crore domestically.

Box office performance

Pushpa 2 began its theatrical run with a staggering Rs 725.8 crore nett across all languages during its opening week. In its second week, it added Rs 264.8 crore, maintaining strong momentum. The third weekend saw collections of Rs 14.3 crore on Friday, Rs 24.75 crore on Saturday, and a massive Rs 33.25 crore on Sunday. With an additional Rs 13 crore on Monday, the domestic tally now stands at an astonishing Rs 1,075.6 crore nett.

The Hindi version alone contributed Rs 704.25 crore, while the Telugu version added Rs 309.7 crore. Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam versions brought in Rs 54.3 crore, Rs 7.4 crore, and Rs 14.05 crore, respectively.

The plot and cast

Picking up where Pushpa: The Rise left off, the sequel follows Pushpa Raj, played by Allu Arjun, as he expands his red sandalwood smuggling empire. The film also features Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagapathi Babu, and Rao Ramesh in pivotal roles.

With its extraordinary box office success, Pushpa 2: The Rule has not only cemented its place in Indian cinematic history but has also set new benchmarks for future films to aspire to.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Love and War: Orry to make debut in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film; Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal star cast

For now, fans can only speculate on how this film will marry historical narratives with Bhansali’s signature storytelling style, a journey that is sure to resonate with audiences around the globe.

Published

on

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-anticipated film, Love and War, is already making waves in the film industry, boasting a stellar cast and a captivating storyline. The latest addition to this ensemble is the social media phenomenon Orhan Awatramani, popularly known as Orry. Making his cinematic debut, Orry has amassed a substantial online following and is set to take on a pivotal role in Love and War.

The film unfolds against a backdrop of tumultuous historical events, featuring a talented cast led by Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal. With Bhansali’s renowned flair for visual opulence and emotional resonance, Love and War is poised to be a cinematic spectacle.

Notably, Deepika Padukone will return for a special cameo, though details about her character remain under wraps for now. She has previously collaborated with Bhansali in iconic films like Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani, and Padmaavat.

Sources close to the film reveal that Orry’s character represents a significant shift from his known social media persona; he will portray a homosexual character who serves as the best friend of Alia Bhatt’s character. Alia will embody a cabaret dancer, infusing her role with depth and emotional complexity during this chaotic historical period.

Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal are set to portray officers in the Indian Armed Forces, further enriching the film’s war-torn narrative. Bhansali’s works are celebrated for their nuanced characters and intricate relationships, and Love and War seems ready to embrace that tradition. The film will explore themes of love, sacrifice, and identity within the context of historical strife, hinting at a storyline that intertwines personal tales with broader events.

While the specifics about Deepika Padukone’s character remain a mystery, her collaboration with Bhansali has already heightened expectations. Their past partnerships have yielded some of Bollywood’s iconic performances, and fans are eager to see what role she will take on in this ambitious project. Although the plot details remain mostly undisclosed, the film promises to weave together historical drama and intimate narratives, touching on romance, friendship, and national duty while providing a fresh perspective on familiar themes.

With excitement building, fans of both the cast and Bhansali’s prior films are eagerly awaiting the film’s release. If Love and War fulfills its potential, it may become one of 2026’s most talked-about films. As production continues, further insights into the plot, character dynamics, and additional cast members are expected to emerge.

For now, fans can only speculate on how this film will marry historical narratives with Bhansali’s signature storytelling style, a journey that is sure to resonate with audiences around the globe.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Shyam Benegal’s Cannes debut: How Nishant & a bold saree stunt put Indian cinema on the global map

Published

on

Shyam Benegal

Shyam Benegal, the legendary filmmaker who revolutionized Indian cinema, has died at the age of 90. Known for his trailblazing contributions to parallel cinema, Benegal’s death marks the end of an era that redefined Indian filmmaking. His legacy, built on realism, social commentary, and a break from conventional narratives, continues to inspire filmmakers today. As the nation mourns the loss of a visionary, his remarkable body of work remains an integral part of India’s cinematic history.

In 1976, Indian cinema witnessed a turning point when Shyam Benegal, a trailblazing director, made his debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. At a time when Cannes was still firmly grounded in the world of cinema, not yet a fashion-driven spectacle, Benegal’s film Nishant was featured in competition. It was a groundbreaking moment for both the director and Indian cinema as a whole, marking India’s arrival on the global film stage.

Benegal, at the age of 42, had already made a lasting impact with his previous film Ankur, which subtly introduced the nation to a new wave of filmmaking. Nishant, like Ankur, showcased a unique narrative style that was rooted in realism, tackling socio-political issues with a raw sensitivity that resonated with audiences. But it was the film’s Cannes screening that truly marked a turning point for Indian cinema.

The 1976 Cannes Festival was different from the glitzy, fashion-focused events we see today. It was a celebration of cinema in its purest form. However, Benegal’s presence was far from typical. Along with Nishant, the director brought along his two lead actresses, Smita Patil and Shabana Azmi, to the French Riviera. Although the film was accompanied by posters from the National Film Development Corporation (NDFC), a mix-up meant that the posters never made it to the festival, but the trio of Indians did.

Shabana Azmi later shared how they made an unforgettable impression at Cannes. “In a place where we had no money and everybody was throwing lavish parties, Shyam came up with this unique idea. He said, ‘I want both of you [Azmi and Patil] to wear your finest South Indian saris and walk the promenade from eight in the morning,'” Azmi recalled. While everyone else was dressed in beachwear, the two actresses, in their traditional silk saris, paraded the streets of Cannes. They became living advertisements for their film, greeting passersby and inviting them to the screening. This unconventional tactic helped them attract an audience in the absence of a big promotional budget.

The story of Nishant at Cannes is as much about the film as it is about the personalities behind it. Benegal, known for his modest approach, had a keen understanding of how to present Indian cinema on the world stage. In an era when films were promoted with lavish budgets and star power, Benegal’s approach was simple yet effective. The director was also a seasoned adman who had spent years in the advertising world before venturing into filmmaking. His commercial acumen translated well into his filmmaking, as evidenced by his strategy to promote Nishant at Cannes.

Benegal’s cinematic journey started with Ankur in 1973, a film that introduced a new era in Indian cinema. Following Nishant, he directed other masterpieces such as Manthan (1976) and Bhumika (1977). Together, these films laid the foundation for what became known as “New Cinema” in India, a movement that sought to tell more socially conscious, realistic stories, often drawing attention to issues of class, caste, and gender. Through his films, Benegal introduced a new generation of actors, including Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Om Puri, and Neena Gupta, many of whom became icons of Indian cinema.

Benegal’s approach to filmmaking was notably collaborative. He ran a tight-knit ship where everyone, from the actors to the crew, contributed in whatever capacity they could. The actors, many of whom were at the beginning of their careers, often worked for little to no money, driven by their desire to be part of a revolution in Indian cinema.

In Nishant, Benegal pitted Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil against each other, creating a compelling dynamic that made the film stand out. While Azmi’s character received more screen time, Patil, who was making her feature film debut, played an equally significant role. The film, which was set against the backdrop of rural India, focused on social issues and gender dynamics, and it became known for its powerful female leads.

Nishant was nominated for the Palme d’Or at Cannes and won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. Benegal’s participation in the Cannes Film Festival in 1976 proved to be a turning point for Indian cinema, and his legacy continues to inspire filmmakers today.

With films that were ahead of their time and an unwavering commitment to realism, Shyam Benegal ushered in a new era for Indian cinema. He not only changed the way stories were told but also made sure that India’s voice was heard loud and clear on the world stage. Nishant at Cannes marked the dawn of a new era — an era where Indian films, for the first time, garnered the international attention they truly deserved.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com