'Bareilly Ki Barfi' does well at Box Office so far, collects over Rs 15 cr

Ayushmann Khurrana and Kriti Sanon-starrer 'Bareilly Ki Barfi' has collected a total of Rs 15.42 crore at the Box-Office.

After raking in more than 10 crores in its opening weekend, the film has already been declared a hit by the trade experts.

The film is witnessing good growth with each passing day and has been garnering much praise due to its praiseworthy content.

'Bareilly Ki Barfi' collected Rs 2.42 crore on Friday, Rs 3.95 crore on Saturday, Rs 5.15 crore on Sunday, Rs 1.90 crore on Monday, and Rs. 2 crores on Tuesday. The film's total collection stands out at Rs 15.42 crore.

'Bareilly Ki Barfi,' produced by Junglee Pictures and BR Studios, was released on August 18, 2017 and is running on a positive note at the Box Office.

Lost in Europe: Jab Harry Met Sejal is not even a visual delight

Harry and Sejal listlessly travel from one city to another, none of which is distinguishable from each other,

Even before Imtiaz Ali’s Jab Harry Met Sejal (JHMS) released last Friday, concerned voices had made themselves heard. “Why couldn’t they at least come up with an original title?” said a fellow Shah Rukh Khan fan to me. Indeed, the title was similar not only to the genre-defining 1989 romantic comedy classic When Harry Met Sally but also to Ali’s wildly successful Jab We Met (2007). In the run-up to the release, almost everything — the trailer, the songs — seemed to disappoint fans eagerly waiting for the old Ali or SRK-Anushka Sharma magic. Finally, on the big screen, all the fears seemed to have come true.

Also Read : With Internet Archive ban, Bollywood's fight against Piracy threatens online freedom

Within hours of the release, critics panned it almost unanimously. Rajiv Masand for News 18 wrote that SRK and Anushka deserved a better film, Anupama Chopra bemoaned the loss of the filmmaker Ali, who gave us Rockstar (2011) and Highway (2014) and could once combine stars and demands of mainstream cinema with raw narratives. Others were less kind: HuffPost said the film was everything wrong with Bollywood, and in a visceral review, The Wire described it as a 144-minute tribute to Shah Rukh Khan’s ego. In fact, the responses have been so devastating that the director and the leading man have been compelled to defend their project with such clichés as this film was not an intellectual exercise but aimed to appeal to masses.

But a look at the box office figures prove how this ambition, too, has been thwarted. In its first weekend, considered the most important in determining the success or failure of a film, JHMS managed to rake in only a dismal Rs 45.75 crore. This is a personal low for Khan in five years, and it prompted a Mint analysis piece: “flop show signals star power alone can’t guarantee success”. Read more

Woman battles open defecation in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha. Here's the reality

The woman's revolt leads to social change but women do not appear to be a position to rebel in India

Akshay Kumar’s movie Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (A love story), releasing on August 11, 2017 tells the story of a young bride who walks out of her marriage when discovers that her in-law’s home does not have a toilet. The satire deals with open defecation and Kumar calls it his “contribution” to the Swachh Bharat Mission spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The prime minister responded with words of appreciation for the film.

In the film, the young woman’s revolt leads to social change, but in real India, women do not appear to be a position to rebel–even if they are educated.

Women have limited decision-making powers in the construction of toilets in homes, according to a 2016 study conducted in Puri, a coastal Odisha district, by researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Women and girls are most vulnerable to problems associated with open defecation.

In 80% of households, decisions on the construction of sanitation facilities were made exclusively by men, the study found. In 11%, the decision was made by men in consultation with their wives, and in no more than 9% was the decision made by women.

These findings are relevant because only 37% of households in Puri district have improved sanitation, according to the National Family Health Survey 2015-16 (NFHS-4). However, this is higher than rural Odisha’s average of 23% and state average of 29.4% of households with toilets. Read more

बेटे अबराम के साथ दिखे शाहरुख, ट्रेलर लॉन्च पर पहुंचे अजय-इलियाना

बीते रोज शाहरुख खान बेटे अबराम के साथ वाइफ गौरी के न्यू स्टोर पर नजर आए।

मुंबई।बीते रोज शाहरुख खान बेटे अबराम के साथ वाइफ गौरी के न्यू स्टोर पर नजर आए। इस दौरान शाहरुख बेसिक व्हाइट शर्ट और ब्लैक शूज में अबराम को गोद में लिए दिखे। वहीं दूसरी ओर अजय देवगन, इलियाना डिक्रूज, इमरान हाशमी और ईशा गुप्ता फिल्म बादशाहो के ट्रेलर लॉन्च के मौके पर देखे गए। इनके अलावा भी कई बॉलीवुड सेलेब्स अलग-अलग जगहों पर स्पॉट हुए।

- कृति सेनन और आयुष्मान खुराना फिल्म 'बरेली की बर्फी' के प्रमोशन के लिए टीवी शो 'इशकबाज' के सेट पर पहुंचे। वहीं जैकलीन फर्नांडिज और सिद्धार्थ मल्होत्रा फिल्म 'जेंटलमैन' का प्रमोशन करते नजर आए। 

- इनके अलावा सोनाक्षी सिन्हा को महबूब स्टूडियो के बाहर देखा गया, जबकि वरुण धवन जुहू स्थित पीवीआर के बाहर नजर आए। 

Rajinikanth's jeep from 'Kaala' may be preserved in museum

Superstar Rajinikanth's jeep from his upcoming Tamil film "Kaala", being directed by Pa. Ranjith, will be given to businessman Anand Mahindra for a planned auto museum upon completion of the entire shoot, its producer Dhanush said.

Anand Mahindra, Executive Chairman of Mahindra group, expressed his desire to store the jeep as a collector's item in his auto museum.

"When the legend Rajinikanth uses a car as a throne, it becomes a legend. Whoever knows the whereabouts of the used car for this shoot, please let us know. I'd like to acquire it for our company auto museum," Mahindra wrote on his Twitter page.

He also shared one of the posters of the film in which Rajinikanth is seen seated on the jeep, against the backdrop of Dharavi slum.

In response to his tweet, Dhanush wrote: "Thank you so much sir! The vehicle is being used by superstar for shoot currently. Once completed will ensure it reaches you."

Then Mahindra responded: "Fanatastic. Or maybe I should say - Wunderbar! Appreciate the response Dhanush. Good luck to you and the team."

"Wunderbar" is a reference to Dhanush's production banner Wunderbar Films. Read more

'Lovely coincidence' - Priyanka Chopra meets Modi in Berlin

Actress Priyanka Chopra on Tuesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in between his packed schedule in Berlin, terming it "such a lovely coincidence".

"Thank you for taking the time to meet me this morning Narendra Modi sir. Such a lovely coincidence to be in Berlin at the same time," Priyanka, who has been making India proud in Hollywood, tweeted.


She even shared a glimpse from her meeting with Modi on Twitter as well as Instagram.

The actress, who is known for her acting skills as well as supporting social and humanitarian causes, is seen in a white dress with a floral print during the meeting.

Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Germany, is in a black bandhgala.

Modi arrived in Berlin on Monday on the first leg of his six-day, four-nation tour of Europe. From Germany, Modi will travel to Spain, Russia and France.

Meanwhile, Priyanka, whose Hollywood debut film "Baywatch" opened internationally to mixed reviews, is enjoying a break in Berlin. "Baywatch", also starring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron, is slated to release in India on June 2.

Sachin: A Billion Dreams: A glorified account of an over-glorified celeb

Like his book, Tendulkar's biopic is a nostalgic cruise through his career

As I walked out of the cinema hall after watching Sachin: A Billion Dreams, I wondered: Would I have thought differently of this biopic had I not known anything about the person it is based on? James Erskine’s documentary on one of the most celebrated cricketers in the world – one who has achieved a near-deific status in India – went along expected lines.

But was that because I, like many Indians and cricket followers around the world, already knew so much about Sachin Tendulkar? How would someone living under a rock for the last quarter of a century, and did not know who Tendulkar was, have liked it?

Sachin: A Billion Dreams starts off rather nicely, showing us a naughty curly-haired boy of seven or eight years living in Mumbai’s Bandra suburb, getting up to the usual seven-or-eight-year-old boy things like annoying his neighbours with pranks. The boy then receives a cricket bat as a gift from his elder sister, and this is where the story that most Indians and cricket followers already know begins.

This wasn’t the first time I was watching the celluloid adaptation of a story I already knew. I wasn’t, of course, expecting any suspense or plot twists, but I have been far more entertained by some of those other movies where I already knew what was going to happen, than I was by Sachin: A Billion Dreams. Maybe our man under the rock might think differently, but then a story still needs to be told properly, completely and honestly, and this is where Erskine’s attempt is found lacking. (more)

Smartron srt.phone: A fine deal if you are a die-hard Sachin Tendulkar fan

Powerful innards of Smartron's 'all-rounder' smartphone are failed by its many software glitches

Domestic information technology (IT) start-up Smartron, which counts Indian cricket legend Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar and former Motorola Mobility Chief Executive Sanjay Jha among its investors, recently launched the srt.phone smartphone, “inspired by the dependable traits of Tendulkar”.

At the launch of srt.phone, the company claimed that the smartphone used the best antennas and other security features that made it an all-rounder. Indeed, Smartron has pleased investors with its manoeuvres to deliver solutions ranging from internet of things (IoT) to smartphones built specifically for Indian consumers. But how does the srt.phone fare against the claims of dependability and the inspiration it apparently draws from one of the tallest role models for India in recent times?

To find out, Business Standard took the device for a spin and tested its real-life performance. Here is an in-depth review of the srt.phone:

Watch the hands-on review here
Design

The srt.phone offers a no-frills design, with rounded edges and curved sides. The smartphone might look appealing, but its polycarbonate built with metallic finish seems to somewhat spoil the experience. The plastic built is not loose or creaky – it fits perfectly on all sides and the matte touch adds to the aesthetics – but the pseudo metallic look was not necessary; it is way too prominent even at the first glance.

The front of the srt.phone is dominated by a 5.5-inch full-HD display protected with Gorilla Glass 3. There are three capacitive keys below the display, but these are without any sign or icon, just three flat dots. These dots acts are the home button and navigation keys. The earpiece along with sensors are placed neatly on the top, next to the front camera. (more)

Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya back on Twitter with new account

Twitter on May 23 suspended Abhijeet's account over sexist remarks targeted at some women users

Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya, whose verified account on Twitter was suspended over offensive and sexist remarks last week, on Monday returned to the micro-blogging site with a new handle. He says anti-nationals can't stop his voice.

Twitter on May 23 suspended Abhijeet's account over sexist and offensive remarks targeted at some women users, particularly JNU student-activist Shehla Rashid.

Also Read : BCCI not averse to having series with Pakistan: Amitabh Chaudhary

In a video posted on his new account, Abhijeet says: "People are trying to suppress my voice. I am against those who try to speak against the nation and the Indian Army. This is my new Twitter account.

"Till the time my verified account is not active, please follow me on this Twitter account. All other accounts by my name are fake and are trying to malign my reputation."

An accompanying post with the video read: "Vande Mataram. I am back. Anti-nationals can't stop my voice, salute to Indian Army. This is my new Twitter account, rest are fake."

Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya back on Twitter with new account

Powerful innards of Smartron's 'all-rounder' smartphone are failed by its many software glitches

Domestic information technology (IT) start-up Smartron, which counts Indian cricket legend Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar and former Motorola Mobility Chief Executive Sanjay Jha among its investors, recently launched the srt.phone smartphone, “inspired by the dependable traits of Tendulkar”.

At the launch of srt.phone, the company claimed that the smartphone used the best antennas and other security features that made it an all-rounder. Indeed, Smartron has pleased investors with its manoeuvres to deliver solutions ranging from internet of things (IoT) to smartphones built specifically for Indian consumers. But how does the srt.phone fare against the claims of dependability and the inspiration it apparently draws from one of the tallest role models for India in recent times?

To find out, Business Standard took the device for a spin and tested its real-life performance. Here is an in-depth review of the srt.phone:

Watch the hands-on review here
Design

The srt.phone offers a no-frills design, with rounded edges and curved sides. The smartphone might look appealing, but its polycarbonate built with metallic finish seems to somewhat spoil the experience. The plastic built is not loose or creaky – it fits perfectly on all sides and the matte touch adds to the aesthetics – but the pseudo metallic look was not necessary; it is way too prominent even at the first glance.

The front of the srt.phone is dominated by a 5.5-inch full-HD display protected with Gorilla Glass 3. There are three capacitive keys below the display, but these are without any sign or icon, just three flat dots. These dots acts are the home button and navigation keys. The earpiece along with sensors are placed neatly on the top, next to the front camera. (more)

Salman Khan not worried about Baahubali 2 box office record

Baahubali: The Conclusion has so far collected over Rs 1,500 crore across the world

SS Rajamouli's "Baahubali: The Conclusion" may be setting the box office on fire but superstar Salman Khan said he doesn't get worried about the business of a film as he thinks every movie has its own destiny.

"Baahubali: The Beginning" released on July 10, 2015, a week before Salman's "Bajrangi Bhaijaan".

"Baahubali: The Conclusion", which hit theatres on April 28, has so far collected over Rs 1,500 crore across the world.

"After 'Baahubali: The Beginning', we came up with "Bajrangi Bhaijaan". Now after 'Baahubali: The Conclusion', we are coming up with 'Tubelight'. There is a lot of pressure on the CEO of Salman Khan Films. I don't get worried so much. It is a phenomenal success and it is amazing.

Also Read :

• To do a 'pure' character is the most difficult thing: Salman Khan
• Here's why Salman Khan doesn't enjoy watching 'Tublight's teaser

"I have not seen the film but I will watch it. But it doesn't matter (box office records) as I think every film has its own destiny. Lets see what the destiny of 'Tubelight' is and how much it earns," Salman told reporters here at the trailer launch of "Tubelight".

The "Dabangg" star on a lighter note further said, "They (referring to Rajamouli doing one film in four years) do one film in four years, I do two films in a year and the average is that much."

Salman's brother, actor Sohail Khan, who also stars in "Tubelight", said it's good if a movie sets a record at the box office.

"It's lovely when a film does well commercially as it sets a yardstick (for other films). It's nice that 'Baahubali...' did well," Sohail said.

During the launch, Salman seemed emotional while talking about his other co-star, legendary actor Om Puri. (more)

'Sachin: A Billion Dreams': Informative, inspirational (IANS Review, Rating: ***)

Film: "Sachin: A Billion Dreams"; Director: James Erskine; Cast: Sachin Tendulkar, Anjali Tendulkar, Ajit Tendulkar, Sara Tendulkar, Mayuresh Pem, Mayur More; Rating: ***

"Sachin: A Billion Dreams" is a biopic that gives a holistic view of Sachin Tendulkar's life, who is revered as "the God" of cricket by his fans.

Structurally, the film is designed as a documentary. While the film encapsulates the life of the master blaster right from his birth till date, it also gives an insight into the socio-economic situation of the country, making it feel like heavy-duty stuff.

Also Read : Want my children to be judged as individuals: Sachin Tendulkar

This may not be the first documentary on Tendulkar, but probably it is the only one endorsed by him. So, you have him as the narrator sharing his personal moments along with his views and fears in a sincere and heartfelt manner.

While the film tells us of his growth as a cricketer which is common knowledge, it also reveals his personal life bringing to the fore his close-knit family and friends. How he got the name Sachin, how he met his wife, got married and how he spends his free moments, are a few of the interesting nuggets shared. So apart from Sachin you actually get to see his family and friends. Read more

Brad Pitt in Mumbai to attend War Machine screening, meets Shah Rukh Khan

The 53-year-old actor plays a US General posted in Afghanistan

Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt is in India to promote his latest film, the Netflix satire "War Machine".

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan will be moderating a special chat session here with Pitt, in which the two actors will discuss the project.

In the movie, the 53-year-old actor plays a US General posted in Afghanistan.

Directed by David Michod, of "Animal Kingdom" fame, the Netflix Original film is inspired by the book "The Operators: The Wild & Terrifying Inside Story of America's War in Afghanistan" by late journalist Michael Hastings.

An investment in the range of $60 million also makes it Netflix's biggest-budget feature to date.

Also Read :

There is a big fear of Hollywood taking over Bollywood: SRK

Surprise! Brad Pitt in India to promote 'War Machine'

Pitt's character is loosely based on General Stanley A McChrystal, a retired United States Army general best-known for his command of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).

His last assignment was as Commander, International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Commander, US Forces Afghanistan.

Hastings's blistering profile on McChrystal led to his firing by Obama.

Pitt's company Plan B is also one of the producers of the film.

The first big-budget Hollywood movie on Netflix will be released on May 26.

Quitting Twitter, says Sonu Nigam after Abhijeet's account suspended

Singer Sonu Nigam on Wednesday announced he will quit Twitter and has urged all "logical and sensible patriots" to do the same, following the suspension of singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya's micro-blogging account.

"I quit Twitter today in defiance of this one sided sham," Sonu Nigam tweeted.

He said: "One could disagree with Abhijeetda's language but isn't Shehla's accusation that BJP has a sex racket, provocation enough to supporters?"

"If his account is deleted, why not her? And the other morons who hurl... abuses to every achiever?" he asked.

• Sonu Nigam shows solidarity with Abhijeet Bhattacharya
• Never run out of things to learn from Sonu Nigam: Jonita Gandhi

Twitter on Tuesday suspended the account of Abhijeet over sexist and offensive remarks, which stirred up a storm online.

In a series of tweets, Abhijeet abused some women users, particularly JNU student-activist Shehla Rashid, following which Twitter took the action.

When Shehla openly discussed about sex scandals involving BJP leaders, she was "abused by Abhijeet and hundreds of Sanghi trolls".

In reply to her statement, Abhijeet had tweeted: "There is a rumour she took money in advance for two hours and didn't satisfy the client. Big racket."

Celina Jaitly pregnant with twins again

Actress Celina Jaitly is expecting twins with her hotelier husband Peter Haag, who are due in October this year.

The 35-year-old actress is already a mother to five- year-old twin sons, Winston and Viraaj.

Celina, who has entered her second trimester, says they were "initially shocked" when they got to know they were pregnant with twins again.

"Doctor was doing ultrasound and Peter asked the doctor if it is twins this time too. Doctor said yes and we both were initially shocked," Celina told PTI in an exclusive interview over phone from Dubai.

"We were exhilarated because the first thing that came in our mind was that we are the chosen one. We are God fearing and we feel God chooses special people to be parents of multiple children."

Both Celina and Peter love kids and are aware of the challenges as parents.

The "No Entry" actress says, "My mother always advised me that there is no perfect way to be a mother and father, but there are a million ways to be a good parent.

"I have always believed there are no rules to be parent. My husband is 100 per cent involved in the pregnancy and we both take our responsibilities seriously as parents." (more)

Manchester attack: 22 dead; kids missing from concert, here is what we know

The attacker was killed while detonating the device said the Manchester police

A massive attack shook Manchester on today that killed at least 22 people. Reportedly 50 others have been injured. The 'terrorist attack' took place at a concert of pop star Ariana Grande in the Manchester city in the UK.

As per AFP, Greater Manchester Police says that 22 people have died because of the attack already. The attacker died detonating the bomb, they said.

"This is currently being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise," the statement said.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud "bang" from inside the venue. Video footage from the scene showed bloodied victims being helped by emergency services.

Here is what we know so far:

—Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron have also expressed their sympathies for the victims.

—Prime Minister Theresa May said the incident was being treated as a terrorist attack. She is set to chair an emergency Cobra meeting in response to the atrocity, reports Daily Star.

—Police have set up a helpline for people who are worried about loved ones on 0161 856 9400.

—Large areas around the arena have been sealed off and Victoria Station has been closed and is expected to be closed throughout Tuesday.

—UK police responded to reports of an explosion shortly after 10:33 pm (2133 GMT) at the arena, which has the capacity to hold 21,000 people, where the Ariane Grande had been performing to an audience that included many children, according to Reuters. Read more

Deepika Padukone & Aishwarya rai makes Cannes red carpet debut

All eyes were on Deepika Padukone with bated breath to see how she would turn up on her first red carpet appearance as a brand ambassador for Loreal at Cannes

she finally put her fashionable foot forward, she made sure to look like a million bucks.

Dressed in a dainty wine coloured net ensemble, designed by Marchesa Notte. She looked bold and classy as she strutted down the coveted red carpet.

See more pics click Here

The Best Dressed Celebrities At Cannes Film Festival 2017

Bollywood's smiling mom Reema Lagoo passes away in Mumbai

Lagoo, who had played on screen mother to Salman and Shah Rukh, died of a cardiac arrest, she was 59

Actress Reema Lagoo, best known for playing the modern-day Bollywood mother in films such as "Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!" and "Kal Ho Na Ho", passed away at a hospital here today. She was 59.

Lagoo, who came to represent the antithesis of the mournful white sari-clad mother of Hindi cinema through her roles, died of a cardiac arrest in the early hours of the morning at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.

She was admitted to the hospital late last night after she complained of chest pain, the hospital's Executive Director Ram Narain told PTI.

She is survived by her daughter Mrunmayee, who is also a theatre and film actress as well as a theatre director.

From Amitabh to Aamir, Madhuri Dixit, Bollywood mourns Reema Lagoo's sudden demise

Lagoo's son-in-law Vinay Waikul told PTI, "She was complaining of chest pain so we took her to the hospital at around 1 AM. She passed away due to a heart attack around 3.15 AM.

"She was perfectly fine and had no health issues... So it is really shocking for all of us that she is no more with us."

Tributes poured in as the news of her sudden death spread.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Lagoo as a versatile actor who left a big impact in the film and TV world. "Her demise is saddening. My deepest condolences," he tweeted.

Born in Mumbai, Lagoo's acting career spanned almost four decades. She started her career with Marathi theatre.

She was just 30 when she came to the limelight as Juhi Chawla's mother in Mansoor Khan's hit film "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak". Read more

Cannes Film Festival: Deepika Padukone & sonam kapoor