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Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Yuddhakaanda Chapter 2 director Pavan Bhat: I realized the importance of writing with this film
Yuddhakaanda Chapter 2, the latest Kannada courtroom drama, is now out on OTT after a fairly successful theatrical run. Produced by leading man Krishna Ajai Rao, who was hitherto widely known for his romantic hero image, the film was only the second directorial of Pavan Bhat, who'd made Cutting Shop earlier. During the pre-release promotions, Pavan was conspicuously absent, letting Ajai take the lead. 'I'm not a very known face, so even though I am the writer and director of the film, it made better sense to speak after the film speaks for itself. Then there's more value to what I have to say,' says Pavan, now that the film is streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Stream Krishna Ajai Rao's films like Excuse Me, Krishnan Love Story, Krishna Leela and more with OTTplay Premium For the most part, Yuddhakaanda Chapter 2 is grounded in its depiction of legal procedures, but does have its share of cinematic drama and heroism, with the latter bit likely to divide audiences. Pavan's target audience, though, seems to have loved it, especially the melodrama in the climax. 'As a writer and filmmaker, my aim is not to cater to a 'target audience'; I want everyone to enjoy my work, irrespective of their socio-economic standing, city they live in, etc. But then, no film is perfect and there's always scope for improvement,' he says. The melodrama in the climax, is, presumably, for cinematic effect, but if Pavan had refrained from doing that and stuck to a more realistic approach, would the impact have been different? 'Honestly, that's a difficult question to answer. If I'd shot two versions and then chosen only one, I'd have clarity about why I stuck with this version. But now that I have shot and released only one version, in which Ajai's character has a dramatic monologue (and looks like he's holding a sudarshana chakra) that may not seem fit for a courtroom; going by the response to the film, there are people saying it gave them goosebumps,' says the filmmaker. Yuddhakaanda Chapter 2 being his maiden attempt at a courtroom drama, what have been Pavan's learning's from the feedback he's got? 'It was a great learning. I realized how important writing is. In this script, nothing was changed once we went on floors. On the set, we just executed what was on paper. The kind of writing and the result it gave because of the honesty that the team had towards the written word was very good,' says Pavan. The director, who worked with his brother on his debut film, adds that Yuddhakaanda was also about how to work with seasoned artistes. 'I had stalwarts like Prakash Belawadi and TS Nagabharana on set and seeing how they surrender to a director, especially, one as new as me, was unbelievable," he says.
Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Prince and Family director Binto Stephen explains why he is not worried about criticism after OTT release
A month after its theatrical release, Dileep's latest film, Prince and Family, has now dropped online. The Malayalam movie, which is directed by debutante Binto Stephen, is now streaming on ZEE5 and OTTplay Premium in Malayalam and Tamil. In an interview with OTTplay, Binto discussed his views regarding the film's successful run in theatres for more than 40 days and why he is not concerned about any criticism after its digital release. From Alappuzha Gymkhana to Prince and Family, Maranamass and more, stream Malayalam's latest movies on OTTplay Premium The young director expressed his joy at Prince and Family's more than 40-day successful run in theatres. "I am not as concerned about the response Prince and Family will receive now that it is making its digital debut. OTT has a distinct audience or a much bigger group of moviegoers,' he remarked. He stated that it will undoubtedly produce a variety of feedback, and I would prefer to handle them all in a constructive way. "I am completely content with the love that people had for the movie in theatres," he continued. Instead of worrying about generating a box office blockbuster, Binto stated that his main goal was to create an enjoyable family entertainer. "After the first day of release, I wanted to know how people were responding. I used to go to movie theatres and ask people what they thought about the movie," he said. He also mentioned how much he liked working on more family entertainers, which Malayalis love revisiting once in a while. Binto underlined that Dileep and the film's producer Listen Stephen's unwavering support was essential to all of this success. "Trusting a debutante filmmaker is kind of difficult. Their support made it possible for this movie to be a box office hit, and I am glad I was able to provide a positive outcome," he said. The director also expressed his happiness at the opportunity to have offered Dileep a role that Malayalis enjoy to see him portray. Also Read: Prince and Family review: Dileep is back with a hearty family entertainer that tackles a relevant subject He also expressed gratitude after receiving praise and feedback on the film from a large number of people. "I received compliments from directors like Lal Jose. Additionally, I was pleased to receive a call from A K Sajan, the director of Asuravithu, where I was a part of the director's team, my first job. He praised me for giving Dileep a deserving comeback," he continued. To his delight, Binto added, several of his old school friends with whom he had lost contact years ago reached out to him to share their opinions about the movie. Also Read: Prince and Family director Binto Stephen: 'Dileep as Prince was in our mind from the beginning' | Exclusive
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Divyenndu Sharma's first look as the menacing Ram Bujji in Ram Charan's Peddi is out now
Peddi is one of the most awaited films in Telugu cinema as it has Ram Charan playing the main lead. Buchi Babu Sana, of Uppena fame, is directing this film, which is being produced by Mythri Movie Makers on a massive scale. Mirzapur fame, Divyenndu Sharma, is playing the main villain in the film, while Kannada star Shivarajkumar has a pivotal role. A fan of Ram Charan? Stream his films, Nayak and Dhruva on OTTplay Premium On the occasion of Divyenndu's birthday on June 19, 2025, the makers of Peddi revealed his first look from the film. The young actor looks menacing in his role as Ram Bujji in the film. Divyenndu looks striking in the poster twirling a cricket ball in the air. One can clearly understand that the game of cricket is a crucial backdrop in the Ram Charan film. Divyenndu made heads turn with his portrayal in Amazon Prime's Mirzapur series, and this caught the attention of director Buchi Babu. He wanted Divyendu to play the main villain at any cost, and here he is, looking menacing as Ram Bujji in the action drama. Divyenndu will have terrific scenes in the film. One of the unit members says that his role is going to be one of the biggest highlights of Peddi. A teaser that was released a few weeks ago had Ram Charan playing a stylish cricket shot. A source close to the unit had revealed to us that the film is a period drama and is based on two rival gangs in a small village. Along with cricket, various other sports will be highlighted in the film. AR Rahman is the composer of the film, which also has Janhvi Kapoor as the female lead. She is yet to join the set, and this will be her first film with Ram Charan. A new schedule is on as of now, and very soon, the makers will be filming a massive action episode that will be shot against the backdrop of a moving train. A special set has also been put up in Hyderabad for the same.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Lenin: Akhil Akkineni's next with Sreeleela delves into the dark space of honour killings
Akhil Akkineni recently made headlines as he married his long-time girlfriend Zainab at a private ceremony in Hyderabad. He is currently on a break and will soon resume the shooting of his new film Lenin, which is being directed by Murali Kishore Abburu and also stars Sreeleela. A fan of Sreeleela? Stream her films, Pelli SandaD and Skanda on OTTplay Premium Post the debacle of Agent, Akhil Akkineni has chosen a rustic action drama. Two schedules of the film have been wrapped up, and we have come to know that Lenin is based on the subject of honour killings. The film is a period drama and is set in the Rayalaseema region. It is about a specific temple in a small town in the Rayalaseema region, and Akhil plays the role of a man from a backward community, according to sources. Though the story sounds a bit dated, the makers say that Murali Kishore has given a different spin to the screenplay. Akhil has undergone a makeover for the film and has taken classes to learn the Rayalaseema dialect. He will be seen in a mass avatar for the first time in his career and has pinned a lot of hopes on making a comeback. Akhil's dad and star hero Nagarjuna Akkineni and noted Tollywood producer of films like DJ Tillu and Jersey, Naga Vamsi, are co-producing the film on a moderate budget. SS Thaman is composing the music, and his background score for the teaser impressed one and all. Lenin is director Murali Kishore Abburu's debut film, and he is under a lot of pressure to deliver. But Nagarjuna and Naga Vamsi have shown faith in him and are fully backing him. This is the first time that Sreeleela is playing a village belle, and she too is excited about the film as it gives her a lot of scope to perform. The makers will soon announce the release date of the film at a special event.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Maargan actor Vijay Antony to collaborate with Yamakaathaghi maker for his next
The multi-hyphenated Tamil film personality Vijay Antony, who is not only an actor, but also edits, scores music, and sings, besides producing films, is gearing up for release of his next film Maargan. The Tamil film is scheduled to release in theatres on June 27, and will be a mystery thriller with a supernatural twist. While that is one of his upcoming projects, Vijay Antony, in a conversation with OTTplay, revealed that he will be teaming up with a yet another young director, Peppin George Jayaseelan, who made the 2025 Tamil film Yamakaathaghi. Stream Vijay Antony's Naan, Kolai and more on OTTplay Premium right now Vijay Antony, who is known for releasing multiple films in a year, has already announced two movies; Shakthi Thirumagan and Lawyer apart from Maargan. While the latter is releasing on June 27, Shakthi Thirumagan is also likely to be a 2025 theatrical release. While speaking to OTTplay on the sidelines of promoting Maargan, Vijay Antony revealed that his next, after Lawyer, will be with Peppin George Jayaseelan, who made the critically-acclaimed Tamil film Yamakaathaghi. The supernatural mystery thriller film released earlier this year and marked the director's debut. An official announcement on Peppin and Vijay Antony's is yet to be made. One can expect more details in the coming months. Meanwhile, Vijay Antony's Maargan is directed by Leo John Paul who has also worked as editor in many films. The film will be detective fiction with Vijay Antony playing a sleuth. The actor also has Lawyer, co-starring Raveena Tandon and directed by Joshua Sethuraman, and Shakthi Thirumagan, a film with Arun Prabhu Purushottaman. You can stream Yamakaathaghi on Aha Tamil and OTTplay Premium. The film features Roopa Koduvayur, Geetha Kailasam, and Narendra Prasath among others. It revolves around the untimely demise of a young woman, and how her body and spirit refuse to leave the house as the bereaving family prepare for the final rites. The film hit theatres earlier this year and opened to positive reception among critics
