Tag: director

  • Pakistani director thinks horror comedy is Bollywood’s winning formula

    Pakistani director thinks horror comedy is Bollywood’s winning formula

    Director and writer Abu Aleeha believes that the success of a film lies in picking the right genre. He points out that horror comedy, which is gaining huge popularity worldwide, especially in Bollywood, is a winning choice for capturing audiences and hitting box office targets. Abu Aleeha also made a horror comedy film ‘Kataksha’, earning 19.3 million rupees at the box office.

    The conversation started when the CEO of 422 Murad Kazmi asked him for advice in choosing a film genre.

    The Taxali Gate writer said, “I suggested horror comedy, which made him laugh. He teased me, saying I was one of the few who had attempted it, and asked about the outcome. I admitted that either we didn’t execute it well or audiences weren’t ready for cinema post-Covid. However, I emphasized that horror comedy is a globally popular genre that doesn’t require a large cast or elaborate production design.”

    Abu Aleeha continued, saying “With compelling characters, you can captivate audiences for two hours in a single location. The success of Stree 2, which will soon cross 300 crores, and Munjya, which earned over 100 crores two months ago, proves this point.”

    He concluded, “My advice is to create a film that audiences want to see, rather than what’s easily producible.”

    Here is a look at the box office results of some well-known horror-comedies:

    Indian Movies
    Stree – INR 180 crores
    Bhool Bhulaiya- INR 266.88 crore.

    Munjya – 132 crore at the box office.
    Pakistani Films
    Rangreza (2017) – PKR 2 crores.
    Koi Tujh Sa Kahan (2014) – PKR 1 crore.

  • Syed Noor, Jannat Mirza face-off on responsibility for flop debut film

    Syed Noor, Jannat Mirza face-off on responsibility for flop debut film

    Social media star and TikToker Jannat Mirza is a social media sensation with 25.1 million TikTok followers and 5.8 million Instagram fans and recently appeared in the movie, Tere Bajrey Di Rakhi, directed by veteran director, Syed Noor.

    Recently, Mirza appeared as a guest on ‘Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast, Excuse Me’.
    Host Ahmed Ali Butt asked her, “Syed Noor thought your followers would watch the film, but they didn’t. How do you feel about his statement, especially since you were part of his film?”

    Jannat replied, “Well, I think the movie’s script was a little weak. Let me tell you, that movie was good; I did it with my parents’ permission; I’m not sure why he said that, and a successful film needs a modern script and story. Syed Noor is my uncle, and I respect him a lot. Also, I did the movie because I thought that I should try acting in films.”

    “I thought they [the producers] were telling me a nice story, but it was actually something else. I didn’t do my homework because it was my first time, and the Canadian male lead also made his debut in this movie,” she explained, “I was let down after seeing it. I had no idea at the time that I should read the script before shooting a movie.”

    Talking about her debut, Jannat Mirza confessed,

    “I understand that people don’t always come for great stories, and that sometimes Shahrukh Khan’s films fall flat. I also realize that my fans didn’t show up. Many of our well-known actors perform badly; the script is everything.”

    The director of the film, Syed Noor also had a lot to say. He recently gave an interview to Ambreen Fatima on her Youtube channel. Talking about the experience of working with Jannat Mirza,
    Noor said, “Jannat is a very educated girl; she comes from a very learned and well-off family. She was an accomplished Tiktoker and didn’t feel affected by the film’s failure because she didn’t have the desire to be a movie star. I added her in the film because I like her and we get along well with her family. We didn’t force her to dress provocatively or imagine scary scenarios. We signed her because we wanted her fans to see the movie, but Humayun Saeed was correct, not many people showed up.”

    Noor added that he felt that Mirza’s fan didn’t show up because they had to pay to watch the movie. “It happened because Tiktok content is typically viewed for free. Jannat had previously experienced great success in her life, and her fans were receiving free content from her.”

  • ‘Princess Diana’s wedding inspired me to pursue fashion’: HSY

    ‘Princess Diana’s wedding inspired me to pursue fashion’: HSY

    Fashion maestro Hassan Sheheryar Yasin, popularly known as HSY, recently appeared as a guest on Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast, ‘Excuse Me,’ where he reminisced about his younger days and discussed his fashion inspirations.

    Hassan Shehryar Yasin recalled spending time in a women’s hostel with his mother, where he would enter and exit through the window because children were not allowed to stay with their mothers in the hostel.

    “I was so scared of being caught that I didn’t speak for two months,” he said.

    When Hassan started working abroad at the young age of 12, he realised that having money would lead to a better life.

    “I’ve had many different jobs. I worked at a petrol station, a burger shop, and even carried bricks at construction sites,” he remembered.

    Talking about his journey to becoming a fashion designer, HSY reveals that Princess Diana’s wedding played an important role in inspiring him.

    “I watched Princess Diana’s wedding with my mom and loved her dress. I thought, ‘That’s what makes someone famous.’ I wanted to make clothes like that too. I even made tissue paper dresses for my sister. That’s how my dream of becoming a fashion designer started,” he said.

    HSY deems his first fashion show as “a turning point” in his career.

    He auditioned in Lahore in 1994 and got selected. “It was a dream come true,” he says.

    “I rose to fame quickly, but I don’t attribute it to any special talent or skill. I believe it was pure luck and divine blessings that got me where I am today. I’m just grateful for the opportunity to do what I love,” HSY believes.

  • Indian director Anurag Kashyap will charge money for meeting people

    Indian director Anurag Kashyap will charge money for meeting people

    Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has criticized those in showbiz who waste his time.

    Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “Don’t waste my time.”

    The filmmaker expressed frustration in a lengthy statement. “I wasted a lot of time trying to help newcomers and mostly ended up with mediocre s*. So, now onwards, I don’t want to waste my time meeting random people who think they are creative geniuses.”
    To everyone’s shock, Anurag went on to state his rates for newbies in the field interested in meeting with him. He said, “So I will now have rates. If someone wants to meet me for 10-15 minutes, I will charge 1 lac, for half an hour, 2 lacs, and for 1 hour, 5 lacs. That’s the rate.”

    He also said, “I am tired of wasting time meeting people. If you really think you can afford it, call me or stay the f*** away. And all paid in advance,” he capped the note. In the post’s caption, the Bombay Talkies director wrote, “And I mean it: Don’t text or DM or call me. Pay and you will get time. I am not a charity, and I am tired of people looking for shortcuts.”

  • Who is AR Rahman’s favourite director to work with?

    Who is AR Rahman’s favourite director to work with?

    Bollywood maestro AR Rahman has composed music for nearly all of the major league directors in Bollywood. But which director is the composer’s favourite?

    Rahman recently talked about director Imtiaz Ali and his new movie, Amar Singh Chamkila. He told News18 that Amar Singh Chamkila is “a very naughty” film.

    “I love working with Imtiaz. He is very friendly. You know, with certain people, work is easy and there’s no pressure.
    With him, there’s never been pressure at all. I always wanted to do Punjabi music. I love the power in the language in music. So this was a great chance.”

    Speaking about the film, he said, “It is a very naughty picture, we had to find the place for music. If you look at it, Chamika is a composer, lyricist and singer.

    The question I asked was, ‘Why am I needed?’ [Then] I said, oh! We can do this part, we can make it like a musical where everybody sings about Chamkila blaming him for the good or the bad. That’s the director’s point of view and that was exciting.”

    The movie tells the real story of Amar Singh Chamkila, a famous singer in Punjab. He came from a poor background but became very popular in the ’80s, making a lot of people angry along the way. He was killed when he was only 27-years-old.

    ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ will be available for streaming on Netflix India starting April 12. The movie features Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra.
    “Chamkila was the biggest star in the 1980s, which was a really tough time for Punjab.
    Punjab has faced many difficult times, and this was one of the toughest.

    We’re talking about one artist who was killed… I’ve only shown his life, but it represents the lives of many other artists in Punjab and around the world, who face the challenge of being famous and targeted at the same time,” Imtiaz Ali told PTI.

  • ‘Men should learn to change’; Talha Chahour writes heartfelt note as ‘Mannat Murad’ ends

    ‘Men should learn to change’; Talha Chahour writes heartfelt note as ‘Mannat Murad’ ends

    Fan favourite drama serial ‘Mannat Murad’ ended on Tuesday. It told the story of Murad, played by Talha Chahour, an only son, facing a lot of pressure from his family. This made it hard for him to spend quality time with his wife, Mannat, played by Iqra Aziz, who felt ignored and wished for a more equal partnership.

    Murad’s mother and sisters wanted to protect him, so they gave him many responsibilities, which affected his relationship with Mannat.
    The show showed how some Pakistani men say they love their wives but struggle to handle responsibilities in their relationships. They often rely on their wives to manage everything for them.

    After the show ended, Talha Chahour shared a thoughtful message on Instagram in a detailed post.

    He wrote, “As Mannat Murad comes to an end, I want to take a moment to thank the audience/fans for giving it plenty of love. I had chosen this character to address an issue that does not let peace enter our homes. Men should learn to balance and alter their ways to maintain balance in their relationships despite their conditioning that tells them otherwise.”

    Talha acknowledged the challenges men may face in maintaining a balance in relationships post-marriage, attributing it to their “conditioning and the fears of single mothers.” He emphasised that open communication is crucial to keeping everything in place.

    “I know it gets hard for only sons to fight the influence of their immediate families on their married lives, but with clear communication, a willingness to observe/accept the realities, and giving due importance (not more, not less) to each of the relationships, a boy can navigate through life’s problems. I understand that it is also hard for single mothers to trust the companions of their sons, they might get insecure as well. But, may be by giving a lil space and focusing on our individual lives, we can all play our due part to make HAPPY HOMES,” Talha noted.

    The actor also expressed admiration for his co-actors and the entire team.He thanked his co-actors, director, and producer for their support.

  • Scream 7; After Melissa Berrera firing on Palestine issue, director Christopher Landon also quits

    Scream 7; After Melissa Berrera firing on Palestine issue, director Christopher Landon also quits

    Scream 7 has lost not only its leading ladies, but also its director.
    Christopher Landon shared a statement on social media saying that he left the latest installment of the franchise over a month and a half ago, describing the project as a “nightmare.”

    “I guess now is as good a time as any to announce I formally exited Scream 7 weeks ago,” Landon wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Saturday. “This will disappoint some and delight others. It was a dream job that turned into a nightmare. And my heart did break for everyone involved. Everyone.”

    “It’s time to move on,” the director said, adding that he has nothing more to add to the conversation. “I hope Wes’ legacy thrives and lifts above the din of a divided world,” he continued. “What he and Kevin [Williamson, who wrote the screenplay for Scream] created is something amazing and I was honored to have even the briefest moment basking in their glow.”
    Landon left Scream VII a month after Melissa Barrera, who was in the fifth and sixth films of the franchise, was fired after she shared messages on social media supporting the Palestinian cause and criticizing Israel’s airstrikes.

    The director of Happy Death Day and Freaky, in a now-deleted social media post, seemed to comment on Barrera’s firing, saying, “This is my statement. Everything sucks. Stop yelling. This was not my decision to make.”

    Wednesday star Jenna Ortega also departed from Scream 7 the day after Barrera’s exit became public. However, the exact reason for Ortega leaving wasn’t disclosed. The actress too had shared pro-Palestine posts on social media. Instead, it was widely believed and reported that she departed due to scheduling conflicts with Season 2 of the her super hit Netflix show Wednesday.

  • Greta Gerwig, director of ‘Barbie,’ to lead jury at 77th Cannes Film Festival

    The Cannes Film Festival announced Thursday that Greta Gerwig, director of summer blockbuster “Barbie”, will preside over the jury at its 77th edition in May.

    The 40-year-old Gerwig, also an actor and screenwriter, takes the baton from Sweden’s Ruben Ostlund, whose jury awarded the 2023 Palme d’Or to courtroom drama “Anatomy of a Fall”.

    She is the first American woman filmmaker to take on the role, the festival said in a statement.

    Gerwig’s presence will provide a youthful flair to Cannes, which has not had such a young president since 1966, when it was led by then-31-year-old Sophia Loren.

    She is also the first woman since actor Cate Blanchett in 2018 to assume the prestigious position, where men remain over-represented.

    “I love films — I love making them, I love going to them, I love talking about them,” Gerwig said in a statement.

    “As a cinephile, Cannes has always been the pinnacle of what the universal language of movies can be”.

    Aside from “Barbie”, a vivid feminist satire about the all-conquering line of plastic dolls, Gerwig has also directed “Lady Bird” (2017) and “Dr March’s Daughters” (2020).

    She is currently working on an adaptation of “The Chronicles of Narnia” for Netflix.

    The festival described Gerwig, who has starred in more than two dozen films, as a heroine for modern times who has rattled the status quo.

    “This is an obvious choice, since Greta Gerwig so audaciously embodies the renewal of world cinema,” said Cannes boss Iris Knobloch and festival delegate Thierry Fremaux

    “Beyond the seventh art, she is also the representative of an era that is breaking down barriers and mixing genres, and thereby elevating the values of intelligence and humanism,” they added.

    In announcing a high-profile woman director, the world’s largest film festival stole back the spotlight from its younger competitor, February’s Berlinale.

    The festival in the German capital on Monday announced its own jury president, 40-year-old Mexican-Kenyan actor Lupita Nyong’o, the first black person named to the role.

    In choosing Gerwig, Cannes is also highlighting its continued ties with the powerful American film industry.

    The Cannes Film Festival has yet to unveil the rest of the jury or the films in the official selection.

  • Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk to join Twitter board after investing $2.9 billion in the platform

    Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk to join Twitter board after investing $2.9 billion in the platform

    Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has been chosen for Twitter’s board of directors, just one day after it was confirmed that he is the social media platform’s largest shareholder, holding a 9.2 per cent stake.

    On April 5, Twitter’s CEO Parag Agrawal said he was excited to announce Musk’s membership to the company’s board of directors. 

    Tesla’s CEO, whose personal wealth is assessed to be $289 billion, about $100 billion greater than the second richest person on the planet, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has a history of publishing controversial tweets.

    Musk was a “passionate believer and intense critic” of the platform, according to Agrawal, and it was exactly what Twitter needed to render it stronger in the long run.

    Surprisingly, Musk has a Twitter following of more than 80 million, and he was already looking forward to collaborating with the company “to make big improvements” to the social media platform in the near future.

    Twitter on Tuesday stated that Musk had agreed to serve as a class two director with a term terminating at the company’s annual meeting of shareholders in 2024.

    Musk bought a nearly $3 billion (£2.3 billion) share in Twitter on Monday, which is more than four times the 2.25 per cent share held by the platform’s co-founder, Jack Dorsey.

    However, Musk would not be able to own more than 14.9 per cent of Twitter’s outstanding shares, either alone or as part of a group, for as long as he was a board member and for 90 days later, according to the firm.

    The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, who ranks among the Top 10 most popular users on Twitter with 80.4 million followers, paid $2.89 billion for the stake on Friday at Twitter’s closing share price.

    Twitter shares rose another 5 per cent Tuesday morning after soaring more than 27 per cent on Monday after reports of Musk’s stock purchase.

  • Aagha Ali, Yasir Hussain turn directors with forthcoming web projects

    Actors Aagha Ali and Yasir Hussain are all set to make their directorial debut’s with the upcoming web films. The Mere Meherbaan star will be directing a thriller, Raat starring Hina Ali whereas the Lahore Se Aagay actor will be directing Fahad Sheikh and Mansha Pasha in Koyal.

    “Super happy and proud to announce this one. This is not just my directorial debut but my first one as the Producer as well. I present to you the first official poster of “RAAT” our upcoming Web-Film,” wrote Agha while making the announcement on his Instagram handle.

    Yasir Hussain is directing a series based on sister rivalry Koyal. The script is written by Zanjabeel Asim and it also features Fareeha Jabeen, Muhammad Noor-ul-Hassan, Maham Aamir, Yasir Taj, Umer Aalam, Faysal Shahzad, and Sajeel Meer.

    Fahad Sheikh shared a BTS moment from the sets of Koyal.