Have you heard? New OTT plans for Akshay and Rakul starrer?

Now, we hear that his next film with director Ranjit Tiwari and co-starring Rakul Preet Singh will drop directly on OTT

Blame it on the pandemic that Akshay Kumar has films nearing completion, and yet awaiting a date with cinemas. The actor, who is known to wrap up his movies in 45-odd days, had released his Laxmii (2020) directly on a streaming platform. Now, we hear that his next film with director Ranjit Tiwari and co-starring Rakul Preet Singh will drop directly on OTT. What is surprising is that it may be streamed in episodic form, like a series. Insiders state that the narrative is such that it can be treated like a web series with a different style of editing. Moreover, the makers are also ready to reshoot some sequences to add to the thrills at the end of each episode. Of course, the final call will be taken after producers Vashu and Jackky Bhagnani decide on the format they deem best suited for the storyline.

Speaking her mind

If there is one person who speaks her mind without worrying about consequences, it is Sona Mohapatra. The singer took off on Jacqueline Fernandez, for her association with Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who is under arrest for his alleged involvement in a Rs. 200 crore money-laundering case. Sharing a picture of an ad featuring Jackie, Sona wrote, “And also apparently free, expensive, un-earned luxury gifts... my personal decision is to avoid any brand with a brand ambassador of this kind. Person of substance, have a worthy skill set, something to admire? No? If not, please don’t sell me anything with your vacuous self. #India.” 

There’s a difference!  

Okay, so Kiara Advani’s spokesperson is going around town saying that the actor hasn’t yet been approached for director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s next, Spirit, starring Prabhas. Whoever said she has been approached or any conversations are happening on that front? Kiara, or any other actor for that matter, can be considered or shortlisted by Sandeep or any other filmmaker. Never heard that any filmmaker needs any actor’s consent to consider him/her for their film. Have you? 

Sonal’s long b’day weekend 

Sonal Chauhan, who turned a year wiser yesterday, brought in her special day in Goa. She had taken off to the beach state along with her friends, including Sussanne Khan, for the weekend celebrations. They brought in her birthday on Sunday night and the party continued till the wee hours. The actor, who has Adipurush with Prabhas and The Ghost with Nagarjuna in her kitty, apparently cut a dozen cakes during her birthday weekend. The gang returned to the bay last afternoon to “get back to work”, say sources. With some interesting films lined up, there’s enough reason for Sonal to celebrate some more.  

Big B’s savage and savvy replies

You have to hand it to Amitabh Bachchan for his sharp responses to trolls for their nasty comments. The icon was barraged with mean comments when he wished his followers ‘Good Morning’ on social media past 11 am. Replying to a user’s comment on wishing rather early, the actor wrote, “I am grateful for the taunt. But I was working till late night, shooting wrapped up this morning. I got late in waking up, so sent wishes as soon as I did. If it hurt you, then I apologise.” When another follower call him ‘buddhe’, Big B retorted, “I hope you have a long life and I pray to God that nobody insults you when you grow old.” While we wish Bachchan had borrowed from one of his movie’s titles to say ‘Buddha hoga tera baap’, we have to admit his calm replies were savage and savvy, nonetheless. 

A script for Salman? 

Over 12 years ago, south director Harish Shankar adapted Salman Khan’s Dabangg (2010) in Telugu as Gabbar Singh with Pawan Kalyan. Now, we hear that the filmmaker, who was in Mumbai recently, is scripting a film for the Bollywood superstar. Harish’s meeting with Salman was facilitated by Naveen Yerneni, who is a producer of Mahesh Babu’s recent release, Sarkaru Vaari Paata. An informer reveals that the director will pitch his script with Salman at the right time, only after he is completely satisfied with the draft. 

Another award for Jitendra

Jitendra Joshi, who shot to fame for his portrayal of constable Ashok Katekar in Sacred Games, recently won the Best Actor Award at the New York International Film Festival for his performance in Godavari. Previously, he won the Silver Peacock in the International Competition at IFFI. Nikhil Mahajan’s directorial venture is part of the six Indian movies selected by the I&B Ministry to be screened at the 75th Cannes Film Festival. Joshi plays Nishikant, who, having strayed away from his family for long, returns home to discover corners he didn’t know existed and to mend relationships that had never really broken.

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