Entrepreneur and film producer Ronnie Screwvala, excited about his new film LOVE PER SQUARE FOOT releasing on Valentine's Day on a digital platform, says the growth of the platform is not an alternative option, but an addition to new age entertainment. He is confident that both can co-exist.

LOVE PER SQUARE FOOT is the first film of Screwvala's RSVP Productions. The Netflix Original film marks the directorial debut of Anand Tiwari and features Vicky Kaushal and Angira Dhar.

Having produced films like RANG DE BASANTI, THE NAMESAKE, JODHAA AKBAR, AAMIR, OYE LUCKY! LUCKY OYE!, UDAAN, 7 KHOON MAAF and CHENNAI EXPRESS in the past, what made him release his first home production on Netflix rather than going for a traditional release in theatres?

"Well, it was not a premeditated thought actually. But things happened, we met people and everything panned out in this way. Netflix watched the film and really liked it. They thought that the film should be released worldwide… We thought let's try," Screwvala told IANS in an interview.

Is there a possibility than in the future theatrical release will be taken over by digital release for films?

"I think the number of films watched in theatres has changed from earlier days. Now because of our busy lives, we tend to watch films on the move — when stuck in traffic, while sitting at the airport or while travelling. That is how earlier, if people used to go to 20 movies in a year to the theatre, now the number has changed to 10. How are they catching up with the rest of the films? On the digital platforms.

"Having said that, I think digital is not an alternative to a theatre. This platform is an addition, and both can co-exist," he added.

Emphasizing on the ordeal that several films face in making it to the theatres, Screwvala said: "Look at the number of films that are not being released in India… It is very high. There are films that do not get commissioned to release, at times due to the expenses. So, the new addition of digital platforms is all the more reason to celebrate."

Asked if that is one of the reasons Hindi cinegoers are experiencing a huge variety of subjects in cinema, the National Award winning producer said: "Yes, it is a blessing for creative people that a large number of people are subscribing to digital platforms like Netflix and others.

"If we know that theatrical release is the only way to share a story to the large audience, it would limit filmmakers. That is why I believe a lot of changes are happening, we are experimenting with subjects that have not been explored before, subjects that are interesting and quirky."

In 20 years of his career as a film producer, Screwvala not only attempted to bring change in Indian cinema by capturing the transition of the society in the 21st century, but also impacted many young minds.

He said: "I think overall storytelling and movie-making is a high impact industry. In films, we are actually telling stories that create an impact in people's mind and give lifelong memories. For example, when we recently visited army officers of special force and seven of them said that they joined Indian Army after watching LAKSHYA, they got the inspiration from there… a seed of thought. A film does that to our audience."

[By Arundhuti Banerjee]

Grammy Award winning Jamaican rapper Sean Paul says marriage and fatherhood have neither changed him as a person nor affected his work. He has praised his wife Jodi 'Jinx' Stewart Henriques for being supportive throughout.

Paul and Jodi walked down the aisle in 2012. They welcomed their first child Levi Blaze Henriques last year.

How much have marriage and fatherhood changed him and his work?

"Nothing's quite changed. It's just made me a more happier person and as I get time from my busy schedule, I run back to them. I have my wife who's very supportive and been there throughout. She has blessed me with a baby boy Levi," Paul, who was in India for a performance, told IANS.

Paul is popular for chartbusters like 'Get busy', 'Temperature' and 'Rockabye'.

Grammy Award winning Jamaican rapper Sean Paul says marriage and fatherhood have neither changed him as a person nor affected his work. He has praised his wife Jodi 'Jinx' Stewart Henriques for being supportive throughout.

Paul and Jodi walked down the aisle in 2012. They welcomed their first child Levi Blaze Henriques last year.

How much have marriage and fatherhood changed him and his work?

"Nothing's quite changed. It's just made me a more happier person and as I get time from my busy schedule, I run back to them. I have my wife who's very supportive and been there throughout. She has blessed me with a baby boy Levi," Paul, who was in India for a performance, told IANS.

Paul is popular for chartbusters like 'Get busy', 'Temperature' and 'Rockabye'.

Numerous soldiers smilingly sacrifice their lives to the keep sovereignty of the nation intact. Glorious tributes are paid to some, whereas others, who, while rendering their exceptional service to the nation, attained martyrdom get lost in anonymity. One brave soul who immortalized himself by fighting three major wars for our nation is Subedar Joginder Singh. He served the British Indian Army pre-independence and later in the Indian Army. He fought for the independence of the nation, he fought to keep that independence intact and before achieving martyrdom he fought for the honor of motherland India, in 1962 during the Sino-Indian war- which India never expected owing to the long friendly ties between the 2 nations.

But we seldom see films being made on such heroes. But now we will witness a biopic on this unsung hero and celebrated officer Subedar Joginder Singh, who was commanding a platoon of soldiers, who were instructed to take positions in the adversities of NEFA without any proper reinforcements. Soon after taking their positions, they faced lethal and unanticipated attacks by thousands of Chinese soldiers in three waves, who astonishingly attacked from Aksai Chin in Ladakh to Indo-Myanmar border in NEFA. It was due to the sheer mental strength that despite the exhausting ammunition and being hit by bullet on thigh, Subedar Joginder Singh kept motivating his soldiers against all odds, along with that he single handedly killed dozens of Chinese soldiers with Bayonets. For such exemplary and unprecedented display of valor, Indian Government honored him with the country’s highest wartime gallantry award – Param Vir Chakra posthumously.

The biopic of this brave war hero, which is a subject of national importance, happens to be the first ever film on a Param Vir Chakra recipient. Seven Colors Motion Pictures has taken the film under its wings as they have produced the film.

SUBEDAR JOGINDER SINGH has been shot in the extreme weather conditions of Kargil & Dras, Rajasthan and Assam. Major part of film has been shot at a height of 14000 feet; the terrain is so insurmountable that it took the cast and crew hours of car drive and strenuous vertical trek to reach actual shoot location.

Recently, the makers released the first look of a Punjabi singer named Rajvir Jawanda; who, after impressing the audiences with his stunning looks and melodious voice, is now set to leave behind his footprints in the field of acting as well. He is playing the role of a Sepoy named Bahadur Singh in the film, and we must admit that he seems to have got into the skin of a soldier to nail that perfect look which has been released.

The actor has expressed immense happiness and excitement about being a part of this film, which is a highly anticipated one. When asked about his experience, the actor said, “SUBEDAR JOGINDER SINGH is a very special film. I am extremely grateful to Sumeet Ji for giving me this wonderful opportunity. I always aspired to be an actor, and didn’t know that my very first break would be of this grand scale.”

Directed by Simerjit Singh, written by Rashid Rangrez, produced by Sumeet Singh, the film is all set to release on 6th April 2018 worldwide in four languages Punjabi, Hindi, Telugu and Tamil.

Numerous soldiers smilingly sacrifice their lives to the keep sovereignty of the nation intact. Glorious tributes are paid to some, whereas others, who, while rendering their exceptional service to the nation, attained martyrdom get lost in anonymity. One brave soul who immortalized himself by fighting three major wars for our nation is Subedar Joginder Singh. He served the British Indian Army pre-independence and later in the Indian Army. He fought for the independence of the nation, he fought to keep that independence intact and before achieving martyrdom he fought for the honor of motherland India, in 1962 during the Sino-Indian war- which India never expected owing to the long friendly ties between the 2 nations.

But we seldom see films being made on such heroes. But now we will witness a biopic on this unsung hero and celebrated officer Subedar Joginder Singh, who was commanding a platoon of soldiers, who were instructed to take positions in the adversities of NEFA without any proper reinforcements. Soon after taking their positions, they faced lethal and unanticipated attacks by thousands of Chinese soldiers in three waves, who astonishingly attacked from Aksai Chin in Ladakh to Indo-Myanmar border in NEFA. It was due to the sheer mental strength that despite the exhausting ammunition and being hit by bullet on thigh, Subedar Joginder Singh kept motivating his soldiers against all odds, along with that he single handedly killed dozens of Chinese soldiers with Bayonets. For such exemplary and unprecedented display of valor, Indian Government honored him with the country’s highest wartime gallantry award – Param Vir Chakra posthumously.

The biopic of this brave war hero, which is a subject of national importance, happens to be the first ever film on a Param Vir Chakra recipient. Seven Colors Motion Pictures has taken the film under its wings as they have produced the film.

SUBEDAR JOGINDER SINGH has been shot in the extreme weather conditions of Kargil & Dras, Rajasthan and Assam. Major part of film has been shot at a height of 14000 feet; the terrain is so insurmountable that it took the cast and crew hours of car drive and strenuous vertical trek to reach actual shoot location.

Recently, the makers released the first look of a Punjabi singer named Rajvir Jawanda; who, after impressing the audiences with his stunning looks and melodious voice, is now set to leave behind his footprints in the field of acting as well. He is playing the role of a Sepoy named Bahadur Singh in the film, and we must admit that he seems to have got into the skin of a soldier to nail that perfect look which has been released.

The actor has expressed immense happiness and excitement about being a part of this film, which is a highly anticipated one. When asked about his experience, the actor said, “SUBEDAR JOGINDER SINGH is a very special film. I am extremely grateful to Sumeet Ji for giving me this wonderful opportunity. I always aspired to be an actor, and didn’t know that my very first break would be of this grand scale.”

Directed by Simerjit Singh, written by Rashid Rangrez, produced by Sumeet Singh, the film is all set to release on 6th April 2018 worldwide in four languages Punjabi, Hindi, Telugu and Tamil.

Filmmaker Abhishek Kapoor apparently had fallout and this time it is with KriArj Entertainment & T-Series. Abhishek’s next KEDARNATH starring Sushant Singh Rajput and Sara Ali Khan is being produced by KriArj Entertainment & T-Series.

While there has been ample speculation surrounding the severing of this partnership, official sources confirm that KriArj Entertainment and T-Series faced major financial and creative differences with the filmmaker.

The filmmaker was earlier involved in spats with actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar , Excel Productions , veteran superstar Rekha and filmmaker Apoorva Lakhia among others .Sources reveal that owing to his history and lack of professionalism, the film had no takers until KriArj Entertainment came on board to produce the film.

The new age studio, who shares a great equation with T-Series later brought them on board as well to look after other aspects like the music, digital, satellite and cable rights. However, both the studios were wary with Abhishek's interference in their financial decisions and his constant delays in delivering the film .The film was going grossly over budget as Kapoor's planning was completely unprofessional and disorganized as the entire production was being handled by Kapoor's Guy In the Sky Pictures.

Says an inside source, "KriArj Entertainment and T-Series decided to come onboard since they believed in the film and in Abhishek Kapoor's vision. However, as KEDARNATH unfolded several issues pertaining the dates of the talent, prep time and delays in the film's delivery began cropping up. Abhishek replaced several of the crew members and technicians at the very last minute. Despite investing a huge some of funding into the project, KEDARNATH was going way over budget owing to Gattu's constant unreasonable demands. He not only delayed the shoot of the film by six months but also majorly interfered in the film's financial planning and overall business workings. Abhishek also demanded that a higher price be quoted for the music rights and this despite T-Series being music moguls and being the best in the music industry."

The source further added,“Deciding a film's release date should be the producers call since they are the one's investing huge sums into the project. However, Abhishek interfered in that as well and went on to announce a release date on Twitter without consulting KriArj Entertainment who were against releasing the film on the same date as ZERO. There were also rumors of Abhishek Kapoor not allowing KriArj to sign Sara Ali Khan for another film they were in talks for and pressurized the studio to drop the film. It came to a point where the makers refused to put up with Kapoor's arm twisting. For now KEDARNATH is on hold until everything is clear on papers".

We wonder what Abhishek has to say about all these allegations.

Filmmaker Abhishek Kapoor apparently had fallout and this time it is with KriArj Entertainment & T-Series. Abhishek’s next KEDARNATH starring Sushant Singh Rajput and Sara Ali Khan is being produced by KriArj Entertainment & T-Series.

While there has been ample speculation surrounding the severing of this partnership, official sources confirm that KriArj Entertainment and T-Series faced major financial and creative differences with the filmmaker.

The filmmaker was earlier involved in spats with actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar , Excel Productions , veteran superstar Rekha and filmmaker Apoorva Lakhia among others .Sources reveal that owing to his history and lack of professionalism, the film had no takers until KriArj Entertainment came on board to produce the film.

The new age studio, who shares a great equation with T-Series later brought them on board as well to look after other aspects like the music, digital, satellite and cable rights. However, both the studios were wary with Abhishek's interference in their financial decisions and his constant delays in delivering the film .The film was going grossly over budget as Kapoor's planning was completely unprofessional and disorganized as the entire production was being handled by Kapoor's Guy In the Sky Pictures.

Says an inside source, "KriArj Entertainment and T-Series decided to come onboard since they believed in the film and in Abhishek Kapoor's vision. However, as KEDARNATH unfolded several issues pertaining the dates of the talent, prep time and delays in the film's delivery began cropping up. Abhishek replaced several of the crew members and technicians at the very last minute. Despite investing a huge some of funding into the project, KEDARNATH was going way over budget owing to Gattu's constant unreasonable demands. He not only delayed the shoot of the film by six months but also majorly interfered in the film's financial planning and overall business workings. Abhishek also demanded that a higher price be quoted for the music rights and this despite T-Series being music moguls and being the best in the music industry."

The source further added,“Deciding a film's release date should be the producers call since they are the one's investing huge sums into the project. However, Abhishek interfered in that as well and went on to announce a release date on Twitter without consulting KriArj Entertainment who were against releasing the film on the same date as ZERO. There were also rumors of Abhishek Kapoor not allowing KriArj to sign Sara Ali Khan for another film they were in talks for and pressurized the studio to drop the film. It came to a point where the makers refused to put up with Kapoor's arm twisting. For now KEDARNATH is on hold until everything is clear on papers".

We wonder what Abhishek has to say about all these allegations.

Actress Pooja Chopra, who features in Neeraj Pandey's AIYAARY, says it was a huge compliment for her when the filmmaker got her on board for the movie without an audition.

Pooja was earlier a part of Pandey's short film OUCH.

"I think it is a huge compliment that he showed faith in me and trusted me to play such a strong character. When we were doing workshops, he praised me for my work. But the fact that he called me for his next immediate film without an audition, that's a huge compliment," she said.

Was there performance pressure when working with a filmmaker like Pandey?

"I was very happy because I felt the pressure during OUCH and he had seen my potential and talent at that time. I just didn't want to disappoint him and his fate in me. And I am glad to have had the chance to work with him again."

Pooja, who debuted in Bollywood with COMMANDO, was asked how were the characters of AIYAARY and COMMANDO different.

She said: "My character in COMMANDO was that of the girl next door. She was just a normal girl. There was no need to transform myself.

"But here, Maya Semwal exhibits no girly traits. She is a man among men. Both the characters are very diverse. In fact, the character I played in the short film OUCH, is also completely different.

"In OUCH, I am a lady who has an extramarital affair. I am glad I got to play three different roles and they were all challenging in their own way."

On what makes being a part of AIYAARY special, the former Miss India said: "AIYAARY is very special because it is with a director I always wanted to work with, which is a very rare chance, especially for a girl to get a chance to play such a strong performance-oriented character is not easy."

The movie features Sidharth Malhotra and Manoj Bajpayee as army officers in a storyline that brings corruption within the system to the forefront.

The film also features Rakul Preet Singh, Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher. It will release on Friday.

Actress Pooja Chopra, who features in Neeraj Pandey's AIYAARY, says it was a huge compliment for her when the filmmaker got her on board for the movie without an audition.

Pooja was earlier a part of Pandey's short film OUCH.

"I think it is a huge compliment that he showed faith in me and trusted me to play such a strong character. When we were doing workshops, he praised me for my work. But the fact that he called me for his next immediate film without an audition, that's a huge compliment," she said.

Was there performance pressure when working with a filmmaker like Pandey?

"I was very happy because I felt the pressure during OUCH and he had seen my potential and talent at that time. I just didn't want to disappoint him and his fate in me. And I am glad to have had the chance to work with him again."

Pooja, who debuted in Bollywood with COMMANDO, was asked how were the characters of AIYAARY and COMMANDO different.

She said: "My character in COMMANDO was that of the girl next door. She was just a normal girl. There was no need to transform myself.

"But here, Maya Semwal exhibits no girly traits. She is a man among men. Both the characters are very diverse. In fact, the character I played in the short film OUCH, is also completely different.

"In OUCH, I am a lady who has an extramarital affair. I am glad I got to play three different roles and they were all challenging in their own way."

On what makes being a part of AIYAARY special, the former Miss India said: "AIYAARY is very special because it is with a director I always wanted to work with, which is a very rare chance, especially for a girl to get a chance to play such a strong performance-oriented character is not easy."

The movie features Sidharth Malhotra and Manoj Bajpayee as army officers in a storyline that brings corruption within the system to the forefront.

The film also features Rakul Preet Singh, Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher. It will release on Friday.