Current Final

Tag: Saif Ali Khan

  • Family-friendly movies to watch this Eid on Netflix

    Family-friendly movies to watch this Eid on Netflix

    We rounded up a list of family-friendly movies you should NOT watch with the family, so here’s a list of films you can and should watch with the fam this Eid.

    Cake

    One of the best films to come out of the Pakistani entertainment industry, Cake perfectly highlights complex dynamics in family relationships. Featuring Sanam Saeed, Aamina Sheikh, Adnan Malik, Mohammad Ahmed, Beo Zafar Rana and Mikaal Zulfiqar in the lead, Cake follows a family who comes together when the family patriarch suffers from a heart attack, bringing to the front secrets that were best left in the past.

    Teefa in Trouble

    This comic caper has all the ingredients of a masala action comedy with some stunning cinematography, great songs and witty one-liners. Highly recommended.

    Chupan Chupai

    Another action-comedy, Chupan Chupai features Ahsan Khan, Neelam Muneer and Faizan Khwaja in the lead and follows three friends, Feddy (Zayed Sheikh), Koki (Ali Rizvi), and Teli who cross paths with Babu (Ahsan Khan) and his girlfriend, Pari (Neelam Muneer). A series of misadventures follow when they kidnap a minister’s son for a huge ransom. Though senseless at places, the film is a wild ride and will have you in fits.

    Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

    The third installment in the Jumanji franchise, the film focuses on a group of teenagers who come across Jumanji—now transformed into a video game—twenty-one years after the events of the 1995 film. They find themselves trapped in the game as a set of adult avatars, seeking to complete a quest alongside another player who has been trapped since 1996.

    Dil Chahta Hai

    A classic, Dil Chahta Hai is the coming of age story of three college friends who embark on different journeys yet remained bonded through their friendship. Featuring Aamir Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia and Preity Zinta, the film has been directed by Farhan Akhtar. Those going through transitional phases in their lives will have a lot to take away from the film.

    3 Idiots

    One of the best films to come out of Bollywood, 3 Idiots is about three friends and their antics in college life. While being highly entertaining, the film featuring Aamir Khan, R Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor and Boman Irani, is also very thought-provoking. Don’t forget to keep a box of tissues nearby.

  • Amazon Prime offers rare apology ‘to anyone who felt hurt’ over ‘Tandav’

    In a rare move, Amazon Prime has issued an apology to its Indian viewers over the scenes in its political drama Tandav which sparked outrage and hurt religious sentiments, Reuters has reported.

    In a statement, the streaming said that it deeply regrets that viewers found certain scenes to be objectionable.

    Amazon apologises “unconditionally to anyone who felt hurt,” read the statement, adding that it will continue to “develop content while respecting the diversity of audiences’ culture and beliefs”.

    While Tandav controversy began in January, soon after the series released, it escalated last week when police in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) questioned one of Amazon’s top executives for hours in one case filed against the show.

    When asked about the company apology, a senior state police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said authorities would continue to investigate the matter.

    Read more – ‘Tandav’: A weak script saved by brilliant performances

    Featuring Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia, Sunil Grover, Gauahar Khan and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub in key roles, Tandav has been accused of disrespecting Hindu deities, with several political leaders including Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya demanding legal action against the team. Karni Sena also announced a Rs 1 crore award to the person who will chop of the tongue of Tandav’s makers.

    Earlier, following the backlash and outrage, Tandav creator Ali Abbas Zafar issued an “unconditional apology” on behalf of the team and, clarified that “Tandav is a work of fiction and any resemblance to acts and persons and events is purely coincidental” and that’s how one should also take it. While the series does appear to have been inspired by real-life incidents, it is also imperative to keep in mind that creative liberty has been taken.”

    Later, Ali issued another statement, in which he said that the makers decided to “implement changes” to the web series after concerns were raised. At least two scenes were removed from the show.

  • Gauhar Khan responds to Indian SC’s refusal to grant ‘Tandav’ makers protection from arrest

    Gauhar Khan responds to Indian SC’s refusal to grant ‘Tandav’ makers protection from arrest

    Gauhar Khan has responded to the Indian Supreme Court’s refusal to grant the makers and actors of the controversial Amazon Prime Video series Tandav protection from arrest. According to reports, the top court has denied relief to director Ali Abbas Zafar and others seeking quashing of FIRs against them for allegedly hurting religious sentiments of Hindus. The top court has also issued notices to Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and other states on their pleas.

    As per details, the bench hearing the case said that the “right to freedom of speech is not absolute”.

    “Your right to freedom of speech is not absolute. You cannot play the role of character that hurts the sentiments of a community,” said the bench.

    When Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub’s lawyer argued that he was just an actor under contract and that the views expressed by his character could not be attributed to him, Justice MR Shah said, “You accepted the contract after reading the script. You cannot hurt religious sentiments.”

    Responding to the bench’s comment, a Twitter user said: “Excellent. Next people playing murderers on screen might be tried for the same. After all, they read the script.”

    Gauahar retweeted the tweet along with three ‘face with monocle’ emojis.

    Tandav has been accused of disrespecting Hindu deities, with several political leaders including Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya demanding legal action against the team.

    Read more – India’s Karni Sena announces INR 1 crore award to whoever cuts tongue of ‘Tandav’ makers

    Following the backlash and outrage, Tandav creator Ali Abbas Zafar issued an “unconditional apology” on behalf of the team. Calling any resemblance to real-life persons and incidents coincidental, he wrote in a statement, “The cast and crew did not have any intention to offend the sentiments of any individual, caste, community, race, religion or religious beliefs or insult or outrage any institution, political party or person, living or dead. The cast and crew of Tandav take cognizance of the concerns expressed by the people and unconditionally apologize if it has unintentionally hurt anybody’s sentiments.”

    Later, Ali issued another statement, in which he said that the makers decided to ‘implement changes’ to the web series after concerns were raised. At least two scenes were removed from the show.

    Tandav is a nine-episode series that takes viewers inside the corridors of power and politics. It was released on Amazon Prime Video on January 15.

  • India’s Karni Sena announces INR 1 crore award to whoever cuts tongue of ‘Tandav’ makers

    India’s Karni Sena announces INR 1 crore award to whoever cuts tongue of ‘Tandav’ makers

    Amazon Prime’s Tandav continues to be mired in controversy despite an apology by the makers. In the latest development, India’s Karni Sena has announced a Rs 1 crore award to the person who will chop of the tongue of Tandav’s makers.

    Read more – ‘Tandav’: A weak script saved by brilliant performances

    According to reports, Maharashtra Karni Sena chief Ajay Sengar has said: “We will give Rs 1 crore reward to anyone who slits tongue of those who insults Hindu gods and goddesses in the web-series.”

    Sengar added that even though Tandav makers have apologised for hurting religious sentiments, it is not enough and it will not be accepted.

    The political drama has been facing massive controversy ever since it released on Amazon Prime on January 15. An FIR was also lodged against the makers, for hurting religious sentiments.

    Read more – After ‘Tandav’, case filed against ‘Mirzapur’ for ‘damaging social harmony’

    Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, Tandav stars Saif Ali Khan, Sunil Grover, Dimple Kapadia, Sarah-Jane Dias, Gauahar Khan, Kritika Kamra, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, and Dino Morea in lead roles.

    Earlier, the team of Tandav had issued an unconditional apology, saying: “Tandav is a work of fiction, and any resemblance to acts and persons and events is purely coincidental. The cast and crew did not have any intention to offend the sentiments of any individual, caste, community, race, religion, or religious beliefs or insult or outrage any institution, political party or person, living or dead.”

    “The cast and crew of Tandav take cognizance of the concerns expressed by the people and unconditionally apologize if it has unintentionally hurt anybody’s sentiments,” added the statement.

    The creators also agreed to implement changes in the series in order to pacify viewers who have been hurt because of the content.

    Moreso, Saif Ali Khan, who plays the ruthless Samar Pratap in the show, has been given police security in wake of the threats.

  • ‘Tandav’: A weak script saved by brilliant performances

    ‘Tandav’: A weak script saved by brilliant performances

    Amazon Prime’s latest Indian web series Tandav has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. After the show opened to poor reviews by critics, it sparked outrage among the Hindu right-wing for depicting Lord Shiva in poor light. Protests were arranged and threats were issued against the cast and makers of the series (police had to be stationed outside Saif Ali Khan’s house), forcing them to issue an apology. They later also agreed to remove the objectionable parts in view of rising unrest.

    However, despite the poor reviews and immense backlash, the show continues to trend and with good reason – the foremost being that the show is extremely binge-able. The episodes are short, crisp, and fast-paced. Though the plot is weak and predictable with the makers trying to fit in too many issues in just nine episodes – dynastic politics, the race for the seat, farmers’ protests, and the student protests’ – the mindblowing performances will make you forgive the producers.

    Anuradha

    Saif Ali Khan was amazing as the manipulative and ruthless Samar Pratap as was Dimple Kapadia as the power-hungry Anuradha Kishore. Let me just add that Kapadia owned every scene she was in, her screen presence was that good. Sunil Grover’s performance as Gurupal, Samar’s henchman was enough to send a chill down your spine.

    Gurupal

    Zeeshan Ayub did complete justice to his role of a morally upright and ambitious student Shiva and won audiences with his flawless performance. Playing a role like this in India’s current political climate requires guts and Ayub shone in it.

    As far as the show’s plot is concerned, there are two parallel stories running – on the one hand, we have India’s ruling party and their internal politics and quest for the Pradhānamantrī‘s ‘kursi’ and on the other, we have young students rallying for their rights and those of the farmers, who have been evicted from their land. Trouble brews when the two worlds collide and that’s what the gist of the series is.

    Director Ali Abbas Zafar, in an official statement, clarified that “Tandav is a work of fiction and any resemblance to acts and persons and events is purely coincidental” and that’s how one should also take it. While the series does appear to have been inspired by real-life incidents, it is also imperative to keep in mind that creative liberty has been taken.

    It would be pertinent to mention that some scenes of the series have been shot at Saif’s ancestral home, Pataudi Palace. This is also the first time shooting took place inside the historical palace.

    In an interview, Saif had shared that though he doesn’t mind renting the grounds of the property, he was a “little bit nervous when the crew moved inside”.

    I would also like to add here that several viewers had expressed that they found the background score to be overpowering, I felt it complimented the mood and overall setting of the show.

    Tandav is no Rajneeti but it isn’t all that terrible either. Watch it for the performances, drama and masala.

  • After ‘Tandav’, case filed against ‘Mirzapur’ for ‘damaging social harmony’

    After ‘Tandav’, case filed against ‘Mirzapur’ for ‘damaging social harmony’

    A case has been filed against the producers of Mirzapur, as well as Amazon Prime Video, for allegedly hurting “religious, social and regional sentiments” and “damaging social harmony”.

    As per the reports, the complainant, Arvind Chaturvedi, has alleged that the Amazon Prime Video show hurts religious, social, and regional sentiments and damages social harmony. Chaturvedi also claimed that the series has hurt religious beliefs and feelings by focusing on abusive and illicit relationships. It is pertinent to add here that Chaturvedi is a local journalist, who has also written a book on the life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    The makers of the superhit web series have also been accused of spoiling the image of Uttar Pradesh (UP).

    An FIR has also been reportedly filed against Mirzapur producers Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, and Bhaumik Gondaliya. They have been charged under IPC sections 295 A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or reli­gious beliefs), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) of the IPC along with sections of the Information Technology (IT) Act.

    This is not the first time that the show has found itself embroiled in a controversy. Last year, a day after its release, Mirzapur’s MP Anupriya Patel had also demanded action against the show.

    In a tweet on October 24, 2020, MP Anupriya Patel had written that under the leadership of PM Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the city of Mirzapur has shown development and is “a centre of harmony”.

    The complaint against Mirzapur comes days after an FIR was lodged against the makers of Tandav. The recently-released show is facing backlash for its portrayal of Hindu Gods and it has been alleged that the show depicts them in a poor light. Several BJP leaders have called for a complete ban on the show.

    Tandav creator Ali Abbas Zafar on Tuesday announced that the cast and crew of the show has decided to implement changes in the series in order to pacify viewers who have been hurt because of the content.

    Zafar shared an official statement from the cast and crew of Tandav on Twitter and asserted that the team had no intentions to hurt or offend the sentiments of any caste, race, community, or religion.

    “We have the utmost respect for the sentiments of the people of our country. We did not intend to hurt or offend the sentiments of any individual, caste, community, race, religion or religious beliefs or insult or outrage any institution, political party or person, living or dead,” read the statement.

    The team also thanked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for guiding and supporting them in the matter.

    “We thank the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for guidance and support in the matter. We once again apologise if the series has unintentionally hurt anybody’s sentiments,” it added.

    Earlier on Monday, the cast and crew of the political-drama had extended their apologies to the viewers for “unintentionally” hurting their sentiments.

  • ‘Tandav’ makers issue ‘unconditional apology’ after series sparks outrage

    ‘Tandav’ makers issue ‘unconditional apology’ after series sparks outrage

    The cast and crew of Amazon Prime show Tandav have offered an “unconditional apology” after the political drama was accused of hurting Hindu sentiments. The official apology was tweeted by the creator of the show Ali Abbas Zafar.

    “Our sincere apologies,” read the statement. “We have been closely monitoring viewer reactions to the web series Tandav and today during a discussion, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has informed us regarding a large number of grievances and petitions received on various facets of the web series with serious concerns and apprehensions regarding its content hurting the sentiments of the people.”

    “Tandav is a work of fiction and any resemblance to acts and persons and events is purely coincidental. The cast and crew did not have any intention to offend the sentiments of any individual, caste, community, race, religion, or religious beliefs or insult or outrage any institution, political party, or person, living or dead.”

    “The cast and crew of Tandav take cognizance of the concerns expressed by the people and unconditionally apologise if it has unintentionally hurt anybody’s sentiments,” it added.

    In a follow-up tweet, Zafar said: “We just want to share a quick update with everybody. We are in further engagement with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to resolve concerns that have been raised.”

    He added that they “should have a solution shortly”.

    Directed by Zafar, the political drama stars Saif Ali Khan, Sunil Grover, Dimple Kapadia, Sarah-Jane Dias, Gauahar Khan, Kritika Kamra, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, and Dino Morea in lead roles.

    Khan and the makers of Tandav have been at the receiving end of backlash and outrage after a local official from India’s ruling Hindu nationalist party registered a police complaint against Amazon Prime’s latest web series alleging it insults Hindu gods and goddesses.

    Following the outrage and backlash, Saif was given police security. A set of policemen were seen guarding his building to ensure all the safety required to the star and his family.

    Meanwhile, Kangana Ranaut has been having a field day on Twitter, lashing out at the actors and web series and demanding strict action against them.

    In a now-deleted tweet, Ranaut even said: “Because even Lord Krishna forgave 99 mistakes of Sheshupala…. pehle Shanti phir Kranti (First calm, then revolution)…. time to take their heads off.”

  • Saif Ali Khan provided police security after ‘Tandav’ sparks outrage

    Saif Ali Khan provided police security after ‘Tandav’ sparks outrage

    Saif Ali Khan and the makers of Tandav are at the receiving end of backlash and outrage after a local official from India’s ruling Hindu nationalist party registered a police complaint against Amazon Prime’s latest web series alleging it insults Hindu gods and goddesses.

    Protests against Amazon were also organised and party supporters marched to Amazon’s office in Mumbai on Monday, but the police only allowed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ram Kadam and few other supporters to enter the office. After the BJP leader met the officials of Amazon Prime Video, he tweeted that the company’s officials were adamant about their views and urged people to boycott Amazon altogether.

    “We went to Amazon’s office in BKC to ask them to stop Tandav’s streaming and apologise for the same. But they still aren’t letting go of their pride. I ask the whole nation to boycott Amazon’s products and show the power of this nation,” said Kadam in a tweet.

    According to details, the political drama drew the ire of lawmakers from the BJP causing fresh controversy for the e-commerce giant which last year had to withdraw dozens of rugs and doormats depicting Hindu gods from its international Amazon.com platform after a backlash in India.

    BJP Member of Parliament Manoj Kotak, in a letter to India’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar dated Saturday, said that the makers of Tandav “have deliberately mocked Hindu gods and disrespected Hindu religious sentiments”.

    He called on the ministry to immediately form an authority to regulate streaming platforms, and in the meantime called for a ban on the series till the required scenes are not removed.

    Amazon did not respond to requests for comment.

    Meanwhile, Saif Ali Khan, who plays the ruthless Samar Pratap in the show, has been given police security. A set of policemen were seen guarding his building to ensure all the safety required to the star and his family.

    BJP leaders have also demanded Saif to clarify his position related to the controversy.

    “Whenever an actor signs a film or a web series, he’s narrated the script,” said MLA Ram Kadam. “A seasoned actor like Saif would have clearly known what was the content of the series and yet he agreed to do it.”

    “We have a question for Saif. Why didn’t he say no to such a project where the religious sentiments of Hindus are being hurt? Why didn’t he say such content is inappropriate? We want to know what is the position of the talented actor in this regard,” he continued.

    “The whole country and supporters of Hindu Gods and Goddesses will delete the app and boycott all Amazon products from here on. This has been going on for far too long. The Bollywood industry, web series makers, and actors like Saif need to understand that Hindus will not tolerate this anymore,” he added.

    Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, the political drama also stars Sunil Grover, Dimple Kapadia, Sarah-Jane Dias, Gauahar Khan, Kritika Kamra, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, and Dino Morea in lead roles.

    India late last year brought streaming platforms under the oversight of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and said it plans to regulate their content.

    Read more – Netflix in trouble for kissing scenes in temple in ‘A Suitable Boy’

    Streaming services have gained traction in India because of the availability of affordable smartphones and cheap mobile data, making the South Asian nation a battleground for Amazon, Netflix, and Disney as they seek to expand outside their home markets.

  • IN PICTURES: Rishi Kapoor’s funeral

    IN PICTURES: Rishi Kapoor’s funeral

    Veteran Bollywood star Rishi Kapoor breathed his last Thursday morning after a prolonged battle with cancer. Kapoor’s death comes just a day after Bollywood lost another legend: Irrfan Khan who passed away yesterday in Mumbai.

    Read more – Veteran Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor passes away

    Kapoor’s funeral rites were held in Mumbai in the presence of his immediate family members and close friends. Due to the coronavirus restrictions, Kapoor’s final farewell was devoid of fanfare. His mortal remains were taken straight from the hospital to the crematorium.

    Among those present included wife Neetu Singh, son Ranbir Kapoor, his girlfriend Alia Bhatt, Abhishek Bachchan, Ayan Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan. Rishi and Neetu’s daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, was unable to be part of the funeral because she is based in Delhi and with the nation under lockdown, there are no flights operating. However, Hindustan Times reported that the Delhi Police on issued her and four other people movement passes so they can travel to Mumbai by road.

    “Along with Ridhima – Bharat Sahni, Samara Sahni, Akshay Sahni and Drigalakshmi Rai – got permission to travel to Mumbai,” the Deputy Commissioner of Police (southeast) RP Meena told the publication.

    However, Alia made sure that Riddhima was part of the final rites through Facetime.

    Check out pictures from Rishi’s final rites below:

    Alia Bhatt, Neetu Singh. Alia was Facetiming Rishi’s daughter who was unable to make it to the funeral
    Ranbir Kapoor
    Neetu Singh
    Alia Bhatt
    Kareena Kapoor Khan
    Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan
    Abhishek Bachchan outside the crematorium

    Bollywood photographer Viral Bhayani also shared some details of the funeral.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_mqi1Pnt1-/

    Kapoor was taken to hospital on Wednesday morning after he complained of breathing difficulties, his brother Randhir Kapoor told the Press Trust of India.

    The next morning, the actor’s family in a statement confirmed his death and said that he remained his jovial and entertaining self till the end and that he would “like to be remembered with a smile and not with tears.”

    The Kapoors also appealed to the actor’s fans to respect lockdown rules.