Filmmaker R. Balki says the biggest commercial element in his latest film PAD MAN is lead actor Akshay Kumar.

Balki attended a panel discussion 'Say No To Stigma And Taboos Period' on Thursday here.

Balki was asked if he wasn't tempted to make the movie in a commercial zone.

"The biggest commercial element in 'Pad Man' is Akshay Kumar and he knew what he is getting into because I make a certain kind of films with a certain language of making it," Balki said.

"I was very clear that this is not a film intended for people who know about it. This film is made to reach people who are not aware and who need to be sensitized. This includes both men and women. Therefore, the film has to be made in a certain language.

"If you see the emotion, setting and characters of the film, they are not in loud masala or slapstick zone but they are still commercial in the sense that they are expressing their emotions loudly as the language and message has to reach the people it is intended for," he added.

Based on the life of Arunachalam Muruganantham, PAD MAN is the story of how one man came up with a revolutionary method of producing cost effective sanitary napkins and empowered thousands of women across the country in the process.

Praising the actor, Balki explained the similarities he saw between Akshay and Muruganantham.

"We all know Akshay Kumar is a huge star and a good actor, but I think he is magnificent actor. Most people make lot of fuss about theories of acting, schools of acting and intellectualized cinema, he doesn't do anything that's why he is lot like Muruganatham.

"He just keeps on doing it and he doesn't talk about it. When an actor doing a biopic of a person, it is very tempting for an actor to study his body language and to see how he talks or walks but Akshay didn't look any of that. He just listened to what kind of character and human Murugantham is.

"He captured soul of the character and actually portrayed Muruganatham in Akshay Kumar style, capturing the essence of the character and that very few actors can do. Most actors are fantastic at capturing body languages of people but he didn't do that."

Bollywood celebrities like Deepika Padukone, Aamir Khan, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma among a host of others have accepted the PAD MAN challenge, in which they have clicked their photographs while holding up on sanitary pad in their hands.

On the industry support to menstruation hygiene from industry people, Balki said: "Actually, they are not trying to promote our film. I think they all got a chance to promote a cause. Our film happens to be about that cause. Nobody is saying 'Pad Man' is coming. People are talking about sanitary pads more openly now. How often Bollywood gets chance to promote a cause unless it's for a film?"

PAD MAN, which released on Friday, is being produced by Twinkle Khanna and KriArj Entertainment.

Jacqueline Fernandez got the nation dancing to her tunes as she recreated the iconic chartbusters 'Chalti Hai Kya 9 Se 12' and 'Oonchi Hai Building' for JUDWAA 2. After winning the audiences’ hearts with JUDWAA 2, who better than Jacqueline Fernandez to add her spark to the iconic Madhuri Dixit number 'Ek Do Teen'.

Grooving on Madhuri Dixit’s numbers is every actress’ dream and Jacqueline is one lucky lass to step in the shoes of Madhuri Dixit. While we are excited to watch her, but we even wonder if she will do complete justice to it, after all 'Ek Do Teen' was that one song which made Mads an overnight star. And who knows Jackky, who may be a known name, may also sway the hearts of millions and become a dancing star with it.

Jacqueline Fernandez has proved to rock the iconic tracks with her brilliant charisma. Recreating one of the most iconic numbers in Bollywood by none other than the dancing diva Madhuri Dixit, Jacqueline Fernandez is all set to spread her charm once again.

One of the most iconic songs, 'Ek Do Teen' was choreographed by veteran choreographer Saroj Khan. Interestingly the recreated version will bring back the original team as Ahmed Khan who directs Baaghi 2 was the assistant of Saroj Khan back then and Ganesh Acharya who will choreograph Jacqueline Fernandez for the remake was a background dancer in the original.

Seeking blessings from Saroj Khan, director Ahmed Khan is all set to give the chartbuster a modern twist with Jacqueline Fernandez. Ahmed Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez had earlier collaborated for chartbusters like 'Chittiyan Kalaiyan', 'Lat Lag Gayee' and 'Jumme Ki Raat'.

Disclosing details of the shoot, Ahmed Khan said, "There will be three choreographers on the set today, that’s a picture perfect moment in itself!". He further added, "It’s an all-time favourite and I have asked Ganesh to retain Sarojji’s famous hook steps and Manish Malhotra to keep Madhuri Dixit’s pink outfit in mind while designing Jacqueline’s costume. I want the same feel of the earlier song that still looms large on everyone’s mind and also the same vibe, with the crowds chanting ‘Mohini, Mohini’ as Madhuri takes the stage".

While expressing his thoughts on Jacqueline slipping into Madhuri Dixit's shoes, Ahmed Khan said, "She’s the perfect choice".

BAAGHI 2 is the sequel to the 2016 superhit film BAAGHI. After the success of HEROPANTI and BAAGHI, Tiger Shroff and Sajid Nadiadwala are all set to mark their third collaboration.

Starring the rumoured couple Tiger Shroff and Disha Patani in the lead, BAAGHI 2 is one of the most awaited films of the year.

Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under the banner name Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and presented by Fox Star Studios, BAAGHI 2 is directed by Ahmed Khan. The film is scheduled to release on 30th March 2018.

Jacqueline Fernandez got the nation dancing to her tunes as she recreated the iconic chartbusters 'Chalti Hai Kya 9 Se 12' and 'Oonchi Hai Building' for JUDWAA 2. After winning the audiences’ hearts with JUDWAA 2, who better than Jacqueline Fernandez to add her spark to the iconic Madhuri Dixit number 'Ek Do Teen'.

Grooving on Madhuri Dixit’s numbers is every actress’ dream and Jacqueline is one lucky lass to step in the shoes of Madhuri Dixit. While we are excited to watch her, but we even wonder if she will do complete justice to it, after all 'Ek Do Teen' was that one song which made Mads an overnight star. And who knows Jackky, who may be a known name, may also sway the hearts of millions and become a dancing star with it.

Jacqueline Fernandez has proved to rock the iconic tracks with her brilliant charisma. Recreating one of the most iconic numbers in Bollywood by none other than the dancing diva Madhuri Dixit, Jacqueline Fernandez is all set to spread her charm once again.

One of the most iconic songs, 'Ek Do Teen' was choreographed by veteran choreographer Saroj Khan. Interestingly the recreated version will bring back the original team as Ahmed Khan who directs Baaghi 2 was the assistant of Saroj Khan back then and Ganesh Acharya who will choreograph Jacqueline Fernandez for the remake was a background dancer in the original.

Seeking blessings from Saroj Khan, director Ahmed Khan is all set to give the chartbuster a modern twist with Jacqueline Fernandez. Ahmed Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez had earlier collaborated for chartbusters like 'Chittiyan Kalaiyan', 'Lat Lag Gayee' and 'Jumme Ki Raat'.

Disclosing details of the shoot, Ahmed Khan said, "There will be three choreographers on the set today, that’s a picture perfect moment in itself!". He further added, "It’s an all-time favourite and I have asked Ganesh to retain Sarojji’s famous hook steps and Manish Malhotra to keep Madhuri Dixit’s pink outfit in mind while designing Jacqueline’s costume. I want the same feel of the earlier song that still looms large on everyone’s mind and also the same vibe, with the crowds chanting ‘Mohini, Mohini’ as Madhuri takes the stage".

While expressing his thoughts on Jacqueline slipping into Madhuri Dixit's shoes, Ahmed Khan said, "She’s the perfect choice".

BAAGHI 2 is the sequel to the 2016 superhit film BAAGHI. After the success of HEROPANTI and BAAGHI, Tiger Shroff and Sajid Nadiadwala are all set to mark their third collaboration.

Starring the rumoured couple Tiger Shroff and Disha Patani in the lead, BAAGHI 2 is one of the most awaited films of the year.

Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under the banner name Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and presented by Fox Star Studios, BAAGHI 2 is directed by Ahmed Khan. The film is scheduled to release on 30th March 2018.

In the wake of campaigns like ‘Me Too’ and ‘Times Up’, one wonders for how long women are going to suffer in this male dominated world. Women, be it from a well-to-do educated family or from a humble background are suffering in their own ways. The mere act of survival has become a matter of concern for them.

But then the question arises that are they suffering only because of the atrocities of men? No certainly not. Many a times they suffer at the hands of their female counterparts as well! Highlighting this pertinent point, lyricist Prashant Ingole who has penned beautiful songs like ‘Malhari’ for BAJIRAO MASTANI and gave hit songs for films like MARY KOM, RACE 2 among others is coming up with short film titled BUDH. His short film talks about how women can’t be rescued from the clutches of male tyranny until and unless they decide to rescue themselves.

BUDH which means awakening revolves around the story of three women Laxmi, Zainab and Yvonne who hail from different starta of the society but are bound by a common thread i.e. being ill-treated by their family especially the men in their life.

Even though it’s a short film, its ensemble cast boasts of some commendable industry names. Written and directed by Prashant Ingole, the film’s sound is designed by Ganesh Gangadharan (He has previously worked in TIGER ZINDA HAI, DHOOM 3, SULTAN and FAN to name a few) and it stars Geetanjali Mishra, Richa Meena, Sabina Jat, Sudeep Sarangi, Vineet Sharma in pivotal roles.

Shot by cameraman Chandan Kowli, of the award winning Marathi movie LAPACHHAPI fame, BUDH is about how these 3 women rise up from the barren thoughts of tradition and inequality and doesn’t wait for a knight in shining armour to rescue them but instead become their own Hero and fight for themselves.

BUDH is primarily being made for International Film Festival circuits and is currently in post-productions. Director Prashant is keen on having his film premiered at the prestigious Cannes film Festival.

The suspense over the release of PADMAAVAT continued in Indore and Bhopal as the stance of the Shri Rajput Karni Sena is not clear to the cinema hall owners. However, many cinema halls were ready for the release.

The Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film, which was released worldwide on January 25, was slated to hit the screens in the two cities on Thursday. It was not released in the state earlier due to Karni Sena's protest against the film.

The cinema hall owners were ready to release the film on Thursday after an assurance from the police about security, but they were waiting for the approval from the Karni Sena.

On Wednesday night, the film was screened in Indore for the representatives of the Karni Sena. Raghu Parmar of the Karni Sena said they will decide about the film's release only after meeting all the 24 organisations of the Rajput community.

Five cinema halls were ready for the film's release in Bhopal and they are expecting an evening show on Thursday. The owners were waiting for a nod from the Karni Sena for the film's release in Indore.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Bhopal, Dharmendra Chaudhary told the media here that cinema hall owners should not be scared as the police will provide proper security.

Harinarayanachari Mishra, DIG (Indore), also said that they are providing ample security to the cinema hall owners.

The suspense over the release of PADMAAVAT continued in Indore and Bhopal as the stance of the Shri Rajput Karni Sena is not clear to the cinema hall owners. However, many cinema halls were ready for the release.

The Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film, which was released worldwide on January 25, was slated to hit the screens in the two cities on Thursday. It was not released in the state earlier due to Karni Sena's protest against the film.

The cinema hall owners were ready to release the film on Thursday after an assurance from the police about security, but they were waiting for the approval from the Karni Sena.

On Wednesday night, the film was screened in Indore for the representatives of the Karni Sena. Raghu Parmar of the Karni Sena said they will decide about the film's release only after meeting all the 24 organisations of the Rajput community.

Five cinema halls were ready for the film's release in Bhopal and they are expecting an evening show on Thursday. The owners were waiting for a nod from the Karni Sena for the film's release in Indore.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Bhopal, Dharmendra Chaudhary told the media here that cinema hall owners should not be scared as the police will provide proper security.

Harinarayanachari Mishra, DIG (Indore), also said that they are providing ample security to the cinema hall owners.

After having faced opposition from a religious group in Rajasthan claiming the misrepresentation of facts of Rani Laxmibai, the writer of MANIKARNIKA: THE QUEEN OF JHANSI, Mr. Vijayendra Prasad has come forward and clarified the same.

In context of the objections and concerns, KV Vijayendra Prasad said, “No need to worry about MANIKARNIKA as I have portrayed her in the most respectable way. She is a warrior who fought against the British. She is my favourite woman leader. I have grown up reading about her. So, I will always portray her in an inspirational way.”

Vijayendra assures that no scene in the film has been written to degrade Rani Laxmibai. He also stated that one would be proud of the iconic leader after watching the role of Rani Laxmibai in the film.

He further added, "The film’s title is MANIKARNIKA, because it is her name! Her parents named her that because she was born in Kasi and the Manikarnika Ghat there is very famous. Even I named my daughter Manikarnika, so you now know how much I respect Rani Lakshmibai."

The producers of the film, Kamal Jain and Zee Studios confirm that the film is showing Rani Laxmibai in the most respectful manner and showcases to the world the bravery, valour and heroism of Rani Laxmi.

Directed by Krish, MANIKARNIKA stars Kangana Ranaut in titular role.

After having faced opposition from a religious group in Rajasthan claiming the misrepresentation of facts of Rani Laxmibai, the writer of MANIKARNIKA: THE QUEEN OF JHANSI, Mr. Vijayendra Prasad has come forward and clarified the same.

In context of the objections and concerns, KV Vijayendra Prasad said, “No need to worry about MANIKARNIKA as I have portrayed her in the most respectable way. She is a warrior who fought against the British. She is my favourite woman leader. I have grown up reading about her. So, I will always portray her in an inspirational way.”

Vijayendra assures that no scene in the film has been written to degrade Rani Laxmibai. He also stated that one would be proud of the iconic leader after watching the role of Rani Laxmibai in the film.

He further added, "The film’s title is MANIKARNIKA, because it is her name! Her parents named her that because she was born in Kasi and the Manikarnika Ghat there is very famous. Even I named my daughter Manikarnika, so you now know how much I respect Rani Lakshmibai."

The producers of the film, Kamal Jain and Zee Studios confirm that the film is showing Rani Laxmibai in the most respectful manner and showcases to the world the bravery, valour and heroism of Rani Laxmi.

Directed by Krish, MANIKARNIKA stars Kangana Ranaut in titular role.

Venturing into the digital world is the current trend in Bollywood and joining the bandwagon of such filmmakers is none other than National Award winner Nagesh Kukunoor.

Sameer Nair’s Applause Entertainment has roped in celebrated director Nagesh Kukunoor for a powerful political drama web series set in the backdrop of modern day Mumbai. Titled, ‘City of Dreams’, the series is a gritty story of power, corruption and deceit.

‘City of Dreams’ will showcase how ‘a single stone thrown in a seemingly placid lake sets off a series of ripples that touch everyone, hurt many.’ The series will tell story of a feud within the Gaikwad family, which erupts after an assassination attempt on a polarizing political figure. Blurring the lines between moral and immoral in a struggle for power forms the core of this transfixing narrative.

“I’ve always been excited about tackling a genre that I haven’t before and with ‘City of Dreams’ I get a chance to explore Mumbai, the city known for its extremes – be it poverty, wealth, corruption, humanity. And a web series format, while really challenging, is a great format to truly explore many characters in depth. Even though I’ve known Sameer from the days of Hyderabad Blues, we are finally collaborating and it’s been fun” shares Nagesh Kukunoor.

Commenting on the show, Sameer Nair, CEO, Applause Entertainment said “I am a huge fan of big city crime-political dramas. The milieu, the people and the atmospherics lend themselves to gripping and intriguing stories, which in a serialized in multi-season format, are being widely consumed by audiences across the globe. This kind of storytelling is at the center of everything we want to build at Applause. Nagesh is known for creating stories that are avant-garde and it is a delight to have him helm this project.”

Marking the first collaboration between Sameer Nair and Nagesh Kukunoor, ‘City of Dreams’ will showcase the dark underbelly of the political world.

The shoot is scheduled to begin from tomorrow and will be shot extensively across various locations in Mumbai. The series is expected to release in the latter half of 2018.