An Abu Dhabi version of the Pharrell Williams music video for his smash-hit song Happy has racked up an astonishing 2.2 million views on YouTube, making it one of the world's most popular Happy tribute videos. Taking its cue from the original official promo, which showed ordinary people dancing through the streets of Los Angeles, the Abu Dhabi video, made by Omar Hassib and uploaded to the video-sharing site on March 16 this year, shows Emiratis and UAE residents dancing in the capital alongside many of the city's biggest landmarks and attractions. Pharrell – who will perform at the Formula One after-show concert at the du Arena on Yas Island on November 22 – was so impressed by it, he included it in his 24 Hours of Happy day-long video compilation. – The National staff
Stan Lee’s superhero sights are on Bolly
Stan Lee, the creator of many of Marvel Comics' biggest heroes – including Spider-Man, The Hulk, The Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Thor and The X-Men – has set his sights on Bollywood. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lee is developing a movie version of Chakra the Invincible, his first Indian superhero character, which he created in 2011. Lee has already met Bollywood directors, producers and writers to adapt his stories as live-action film. An animated television series already broadcasts on Cartoon Network India. "We've set up some great meetings already with some of the most amazingly talented actors and directors in Indian cinema and I have no doubt that these individuals will help make the Chakra film a massive hit in India and around the globe," said Lee. The comics follow the adventures of a Mumbai teenager, Raju Rai, who invents a technically advanced superhero costume that can activate the body's mystical chakras, giving him special powers and abilities. The film would reportedly feature an adult version of the character facing off against his biggest enemy, Boss Yama. – The National staff
Indian film to screen at children’s film festival in Sharjah
The Indian film Under the Sky has been chosen to screen at the Sharjah International Children's Film Festival. Written and directed by Ahsan Bakhsh, the film tells the story of a 12-year-old boy who lives in a village near the border with Nepal and the battle he faces in his life between superstition and science and reason, before he ultimately brings about change in his society. The festival opens on Sunday and runs until October 23. Under the Sky is showing at the Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre on October 21 at 6.15pm. Visit www.sicff.ae for more details and the full schedule. – The National staff
A double helping of the Dark Knight on the big screen
It turns out that Ben Affleck's version of Batman – part of the eagerly awaited Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice movie that is due for release in March 2016 – isn't the only big-screen version of the Dark Knight heading our way. The Lego version of the character, voiced by the Arrested Development star Will Arnett and one of the best things about this year's Lego Movie, is getting a spin-off film all of his own, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The producers Warner Brothers are said to be aiming for a 2017 release date, which could push back the already-announced sequel to The Lego Movie that was due to open in May 2017. Another spin-off, Ninjago, about Lego ninjas, is due out in September 2016. – The National staff