13, Feb 2024
Vivaan Shah, Veer Rajwant Singh , Sangeeta Dutta discuss Books to OTT, Cinema and Social Media on the Final Day of the 15th AKLF

Kolkata, February 13, 2024: In the final session of Day 3 at the 15th Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival, actors Vivaan Shah and Veer Rajwant Singh and writer Sangeeta Dutta discussed the art of adaptation, with a specific focus on how books can be translated across movies, social media, and the OTT. Speaking to moderator Ushoshi Sengupta, all three experts in their respective fields discussed how books have found a place across ages through different forms of dissemination. The session was titled, ‘When Words Take Wing.’

festival

The speakers acknowledged how we live in an era where content is king and how the present day is the best time to create new stories, whether through adaptation or original storytelling. Speaking on their experience of working in or with adaptations, Vivaan Shah said, “The most interesting aspect of working in adaptations is getting to translate my imagination and acting it out in real life.” On the other hand, Sangeeta Dutta said, “There are no hard and fast rules about adaptations. No matter how far apart they are in time, there’s always some space left for the scriptwriter’s vision.”

Continuing with the discussion on contemporizing older works through adaptations, Veer Rajwant Singh brought forth the example of Vishal Bharadwaj. He said, ‘’There can never be a better adaptation than that of Maqbool or Omkara as done by Vishal Bharadwaj Sir.” All panellists and moderators present agreed upon this comment. The central argument was how each adaptation brings a new flavour, a new sense of refreshment to an original story. Sangeeta Datta added, “In my opinion, The two best adaptations have been The Color Purple and The Talented Mr. Ripley.”

Agreeing to the concept of each adaptation bringing something new, Veer Rajwant Singh agreed that even while adapting for social media or OTT content, the director and the scriptwriter have the right to bring forth their visualizations. Speaking on social media and its impact on content creation, everyone agreed that while we seldom have control over what we consume, it is simultaneously a great place to put out new versions of better stories. Sangeeta Dutta said, “I would love to write a novel based on The Three of Us, an exceptional story on OTT.” When asked whether it was challenging to churn out content for social media, Veer Rajwant Singh added, “It’s a choice you have to make.” On adaptations, he further said, “Whatever is written is universal. Whatever is read is personal.” Meaning there’s always more space left for personal interpretations to continue.

29, Jan 2024
Pvr Inox Unveils Ajmer’s Largest 4-screen Cinema at Mittal Mall

National, January 29, 2024: PVR INOX, the largest and the most premium cinema exhibitor in India is set to elevate the cinematic experience in Ajmer with the grand opening of its second cinema in the city. Located at the heart of Ajmer, Mittal Mall, Prithviraj Marg, Hathi Bhata, this state-of-the-art 4-screen property is set to be Ajmer’s biggest and best cinema, introducing a host of premium features and design elements to create an unparalleled entertainment destination.

PVR INOX will strengthen its foothold in Rajasthan with 79 screens in 21 properties and continues its expansion in West India with 345 screens in 77 properties.

PVR INOX Mittal Mall Ajmer

The cinema is located in the largest mall in the city with prominent places such as the railway station and the bus stand situated within a radius of less than 2 kms. The cinema is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a 2K projection system, Dolby 7.1 sound, and next-gen 3D technology. It has a total seating capacity of 580 and patrons can indulge in a variety of culinary delights from the extensive food menu in the comfort of the celebrity recliners.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Ajay Bijli, Managing Director, PVR INOX Limited, said, “We are delighted to introduce our second cinema in Ajmer, bringing a world-class cinematic experience to the residents of this vibrant city. With the biggest 4-screen cinema in Ajmer, equipped with the latest technology and design elements, we aim to revolutionize the movie-watching experience for discerning audiences in Ajmer. Our focus remains on accelerating growth in underserved markets strategically expanding our footprint to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. ”

The visually stunning foyer has a modern design with Grey and Beige theme with multiple framed custom artworks with a “V” theme, celebrating legendary actors and actresses. Each of the four vibrant auditoriums is adorned with a unique color theme – Teal, Purple, Gold, and Red. Rose Gold accents through metal/ film inlays in Audi doors, concession counters, glazing areas, and wall surfaces create a sophisticated atmosphere.

“The opening of our new cinema in Ajmer marks a significant milestone in our journey to expand the access to entertainment for aspiring audiences while elevating the customer experience to newer heights. Ajmer, being a cultural and historical city, deserves nothing but the best and our Mittal Mall property is designed to offer a premium and immersive experience to moviegoers. From the diverse auditorium themes to the modern and visually stunning foyer, every aspect of this cinema has been crafted with precision and care. We invite the people of Ajmer to immerse themselves in the magic of cinema in this landmark entertainment destination.” said Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director, PVR INOX Limited.

9, Dec 2023
Vicky Kaushal Gets Candid About His Films, Characters, Life And A Lot More In Femina’s December 2023 Issue

National, 09th December 2023: Vicky Kaushal’s journey in the world of cinema has been nothing short of remarkable. From his memorable debut in Masaan to his acclaimed roles in films such as Manmarziyaan, Raazi, and Uri: The Surgical Strike, Vicky has always been a standout actor in the industry. Yet, he is one who credits his ability to deliver varied performances over the years to his directors. Putting his heart and faith in director Meghna Gulzar, he took on the role of the legendary Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw in Sam Bahadur, which was released earlier this month. In Femina’s December 2023 edition, we delve into the story of his evolution, highlighting his journey to becoming one of the finest actors we know. The Cover Story celebrates the compelling journey of an actor whose talent and commitment continue to have an enduring impact on the big screen.

Cover Story - Vicky Kaushal in Femina's December edition

 Speaking about his approach to acting and his life choices, Vicky says, “Our job is to fake emotions, but, strangely, it is also about finding the truth in that and being honest at that. I just want people to connect to that honesty and that realness in me… In life, peace of mind really matters more to me than being right or making the right decision. I just say that this is what I’m feeling in my heart and I go by it; I ask God to take care of everything else.”

 Talking about his latest release and the character of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Vicky adds, “I had to not walk or talk like myself; I had to create a different personality altogether. I made my instinct, my impulse, my physicality, and tonality all about his character. It has been a great opportunity, but you have to constantly remember that it is a big responsibility, you can’t take it lightly.”

 He also delves into his chosen philosophy for life, his regular self once the camera turns off, and his thoughts regarding karma, among other intriguing aspects.