Return of a classic
It's a dream come true for director Muzaffar Ali as his iconic Rekha-starrer Umrao Jaan readies for a second innings. The film, says Ali, 'has survived multiple generational and technological transitionsand each generation has found something deeply personal , valuable and enduring in its artistic and emotional tapestry.'
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Nagarjuna claims he is the 'main character' in 'Kuberaa.' Angry Dhanush fans react: 'Will he say the same for Rajinikanth's film?'
Tamil star Dhanush 's Telugu comeback, ' Kuberaa ,' opened to rave reviews and is touted to become one of the best movies to come out of Tollywood this year. While the cast's acting, especially Dhanush's soulful performance as Deva, an impoverished young man who is involved in a race against time to survive, has been unanimously praised, Telugu superstar Nagarjuna , who plays a co-lead in the movie, stirred the hornet's nest by claiming that he was the hero of 'Kuberaa.' At the success meet of the film held on Saturday, Nagarjuna stated that while Dhanush's character may have more screen time, the character arc of his role, Deepak, is the soul of the movie. 'Kuberaa is Deepak's film from start to end,' he told the press. 'Through this film, I am the main character in the film, and everything else revolves around me. The character arc for Deepak is what I liked a lot. Jim Sarbh has done a fantastic job, but his role has a straight arc. Similarly, for Dhanush's character, which doesn't have a guilt complex or an element of sacrifice. He is a very innocent character, with a single graph. My character has three shades,' he added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo — CinemaWithAB (@CinemaWithAB) Nagarjuna portrays Deepak Tej , a principled ex-CBI officer whose unwavering integrity is gradually eroded by the harsh realities of life. Worn down by repeated injustices and disillusioned by a system that punishes honesty, Deepak eventually aligns himself with a powerful businessman, choosing a path he once stood firmly against. Dhanush Fans Slam Nagarjuna The clip went viral on X and irked the ire of many Dhanush fans. 'Will he do the same for the Rajnikanth movie?' quipped one fan, referring to the fact that the superstar will make an appearance in the upcoming Rajinikanth-starrer 'Coolie'. Another stated, 'Both did their part well. No one should take all the credit. It's a multi-star film..' said another. One Nagarjuna fan came to his defense: 'Nagarjuna is giving credit to the director ... that his character was executed well ... that's it ... why do you guys blame him ... everyone knows Dhanush is the hero ...' 'Kuberaa' Box Office Report As per a Sacnilk. com report, 'Kuberaa' has earned Rs 32.36 crore within two days of its release. About 'Kuberaa' Directed by Sekhar Kammula , 'Kuberaa' revolves around Deva, a naive, impoverished man from Tirupati who inadvertently gets caught in a web of lies and fake get-rich-quick schemes and now must fight to stay alive. Aside from Dhanush and Nagarjuna, the movie also features Rashmika Mandanna and Jim Sarbh.
Economic Times
an hour ago
- Economic Times
Nagarjuna claims he is the 'main character' in 'Kuberaa.' Angry Dhanush fans react: 'Will he say the same for Rajinikanth's film?'
— CinemaWithAB (@CinemaWithAB) Dhanush Fans Slam Nagarjuna 'Kuberaa' Box Office Report About 'Kuberaa' Tamil star Dhanush 's Telugu comeback, ' Kuberaa ,' opened to rave reviews and is touted to become one of the best movies to come out of Tollywood this year. While the cast's acting, especially Dhanush's soulful performance as Deva, an impoverished young man who is involved in a race against time to survive, has been unanimously praised, Telugu superstar Nagarjuna , who plays a co-lead in the movie, stirred the hornet's nest by claiming that he was the hero of 'Kuberaa.'At the success meet of the film held on Saturday, Nagarjuna stated that while Dhanush's character may have more screen time, the character arc of his role, Deepak, is the soul of the movie. 'Kuberaa is Deepak's film from start to end,' he told the press.'Through this film, I am the main character in the film, and everything else revolves around me. The character arc for Deepak is what I liked a lot. Jim Sarbh has done a fantastic job, but his role has a straight arc. Similarly, for Dhanush's character, which doesn't have a guilt complex or an element of sacrifice. He is a very innocent character, with a single graph. My character has three shades,' he portrays Deepak Tej , a principled ex-CBI officer whose unwavering integrity is gradually eroded by the harsh realities of life. Worn down by repeated injustices and disillusioned by a system that punishes honesty, Deepak eventually aligns himself with a powerful businessman, choosing a path he once stood firmly clip went viral on X and irked the ire of many Dhanush fans. 'Will he do the same for the Rajnikanth movie?' quipped one fan, referring to the fact that the superstar will make an appearance in the upcoming Rajinikanth-starrer 'Coolie'.Another stated, 'Both did their part well. No one should take all the credit. It's a multi-star film..' said Nagarjuna fan came to his defense: 'Nagarjuna is giving credit to the director ... that his character was executed well ... that's it ... why do you guys blame him ... everyone knows Dhanush is the hero ...'As per a report, 'Kuberaa' has earned Rs 32.36 crore within two days of its by Sekhar Kammula , 'Kuberaa' revolves around Deva, a naive, impoverished man from Tirupati who inadvertently gets caught in a web of lies and fake get-rich-quick schemes and now must fight to stay alive. Aside from Dhanush and Nagarjuna, the movie also features Rashmika Mandanna and Jim Sarbh.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Umrao Jaan set for 4K revival as Rekha-starrer cult classic re-releases in theatres on June 27
The courtesan of Lucknow is poised for her grand return. On June 27, Muzaffar Ali 's celebrated 1981 masterpiece Umrao Jaan will be re-released in theatres in a digitally restored avatar, promising audiences a cinematic journey steeped in poetry, pain, and poignancy. Backed by the National Film Development Corporation and the National Film Archive of India , the film has been revived under the National Film Heritage Mission, marking a significant moment for Indian cinephiles. Rekha's Finest Hour At the heart of Umrao Jaan lies an iconic performance by Rekha, whose portrayal of the 19th-century tawaif earned her the National Award for Best Actress. Director Muzaffar Ali, speaking to SCREEN, reflected on her layered preparation: 'She had to prepare on many levels—language, singing, dancing. Yes, there were people to guide her, but she performed beyond expectations.' He added, 'Working with her was a gift because this film is woven from quiet emotions. And it takes an actor like her to absorb those feelings and translate them onto the screen.' For many, Rekha did more than just play Umrao—she became her. Her haunting eyes, graceful dance, and restrained agony turned the film into one of Indian cinema 's most soul-stirring experiences. View this post on Instagram A post shared by PVR Cinemas (@pvrcinemas_official) Guns, Grit, and Gharanas Ali also recounted a fascinating moment from the shoot, revealing how a group of fans in Malihabad—some armed—eagerly stormed the set to catch a glimpse of Rekha. 'It wasn't as scary as it sounds,' he said with a smile. 'They were thrilled. And later, I even cast them in the film. You see, I made them all decoys, using the very same guns they'd brought.' The anecdote captures the fevered fandom the actress commanded even in the early '80s. A Story Both Historic and Haunting Adapted from Mirza Hadi Ruswa's 1899 Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada, the film tells the tale of Amiran, abducted and sold into a Lucknow kotha, who later reinvents herself as the poetess and courtesan Umrao Jaan. Her entanglements with three men—portrayed by Farooque Shaikh, Raj Babbar, and Naseeruddin Shah—form the emotional skeleton of a film that meditates on longing, identity, and the impossible pursuit of love. You Might Also Like: Rekha's co-star reveals how she transformed into a 'white swan from ugly duckling', says she was an enigma Muzaffar Ali noted that the inspiration to adapt the novel came from its timeless resonance. 'The idea was always about this girl, set a hundred years ago, yet facing something timeless,' he said. Songs that Echo Through Time No tribute to Umrao Jaan is complete without its music. Composed by the maestro Khayyam with lyrics by Shahryar and soulfully rendered by Asha Bhosle , the soundtrack has attained immortal status. 'Dil Cheez Kya Hai,' 'In Ankhon Ki Masti Ke,' and 'Yeh Kya Jagah Hai Doston' remain cultural touchstones, instantly evoking the film's melancholic grandeur. — nfdcindia (@nfdcindia) In an era dominated by loud visuals and quick-paced edits, Umrao Jaan is a gentle reminder of cinema as an art of stillness and silence. Its return to theatres is not just nostalgia—it's a statement. It invites newer generations to witness a kind of storytelling where poetry meets performance, and silence often says more than words. You Might Also Like: When Rekha's new look made Jaya Bachchan cry at a famous Bollywood wedding, biographer reveals
