Amit Sadh’s Diwali digital movie released
The short digital film The Journey, starring Amit Sadh and Zarina Wahab, has been released on YouTube. "Shooting this film has been a fantastic experience," says Sadh of the four-minute movie. "What sets this apart from a lot of other films out there is its simplicity. It is a film with a big heart and I believe audiences will be able to connect to the emotions that run high in Indian households, especially during festivals." The film is set against the backdrop of the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, on October 30. — IANS
Harshvardhan Kapoor mulls Mirzya’s bad ratings
Actor Harshvardhan Kapoor has been reflecting on the disappointing debut of his latest movie. "Well, obviously Mirzya didn't do well at the box-office, which is fine," the 25-year-old says. "It's not a film for everybody. Every film has its own destiny. I feel Mirzya is a work of art. It is a beautiful film and it will find its place in course of time." Kapoor believes the film's deviation from traditional Hindi film formats may have proved its undoing. "I didn't do any of the conventional things," he says. "In terms of look or the character, I kept a huge beard and played a rustic character. Moreover, the love story is explained through its music so there is a lot of new things for viewers to take." – IANS
Phil Collins shuns retirement with comeback tour
British musician Phil Collins is returning to the stage with his first set of live shows in nearly 10 years, saying that his children helped him cut his retirement short. Collins, who announced he was bowing out of music in 2011, will perform for five nights at London's Royal Albert Hall next June before heading to Cologne and Paris, where he will play two concerts in each city as part of his Not Dead Yet: Live shows. The 65-year-old, who last toured in 2007, rose to fame as a drummer for progressive rock band Genesis. He and later became the lead vocalist. Collins is also known for solo hit singles such as Another Day in Paradise and In the Air Tonight. "They thought my retirement was a little premature," says Collins. "But I also really did want to stop to be with the kids and be a dad. Now I am a dad, I can leave." - Reuters
Suniel Shetty turns down reprise role in Sarkar 3
Actor Suniel Shetty has confirmed that he will not be involved in the upcoming third instalment of filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma's movie Sarkar. The 55-year-old says his proposed role in the political drama thriller didn't meet expectations. Shetty took to Twitter to break the news to fans, writing: "My character did not turn out the way we expected. We have mutually agreed to work another time. Love Ram Gopal Varma's work". Amitabh Bachchan will reprise his role in Sakar 3 as Subhash Nagre. The film also stars actress Rohini Hattangadi and actors Jackie Shroff, Manoj Bajpayee and Ronit Roy. The first two instalments, Sarkar and Sarkar Raj, which were centred around Marathi politics, were also written and directed by Varma. — IANS
Allison Janney receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Star of The West Wing, actress Allison Janney was joined by former co-star Richard Schiff as she received the 2,592nd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The seven-time Emmy Award-winning star, who played White House press secretary CJ Cregg in the political drama, received the star located next to American film and stage actor Montgomery Clift on Hollywood Boulevard. Janney was also joined in celebration by Chuck Lorre, one of the creators of her latest series, Mom, which premières its fourth season on October 27. — Reuters
Tom Cruise lifts lid on Jack Reacher sequel
Tom Cruise, who will star as the aggrieved former US military officer in the sequel Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, is promising the film will contain both laughs and thrills. The movie, based on Lee Childs' books, shows Reacher uncovering the conspiracy that led to his former colleague, Major Susan Turner, being accused of spying. The movie sees Cruise, as Reacher, endeavouring to clear her name. "It has a great humour and it also has a level of unique brutality that this character brings," Cruise said at the film's premiere in New Orleans, where it was filmed. "It is part of who he is." The movie was directed by Edward Zwick, who previously worked with Cruise on the 2003 film The Last Samurai. Co-star Cobie Smulders, of How I Met Your Mother fame, plays opposite Cruise as the character Turner. — Reuters
Hollywood, Broadway stars turn out to support Hillary Clinton
Stars of Hollywood and Broadway, including Julia Roberts, Jake Gyllenhaal, Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, Hugh Jackman and Helen Mirren — took part in a fund-raiser for Hillary Clinton on Monday, October 17. The event, hosted by Billy Crystal, alternated performances with readings or short speeches. The Democratic candidate addressed the group via a video message while daughter Chelsea and husband, Bill, were present at the sold-out event in the 1,300 seat St. James Theatre. “What is at stake in this election is the future that we want our children to grow up in and whether or not we are going to have a country that we all can be proud of because all of us can be ourselves,” said Chelsea Clinton. — AP
Celebrities announced for PopCon event
The list of celebrities attending the three-day PopCon extravaganza, taking place at Dubai Outlet Mall from October 27 to 29, has lengthened. New additions to the line-up include Brianna Hildebrand, best known for her breakthrough role as Negasonic Teenage Warhead in the global blockbuster Deadpool. She'll be joined by Hollywood stuntman and five-time world champion UFC fighter Randy Couture. The duo will be available for meet-and-greet sessions with fans. For budding comic artists, Stephen Wacker, Marvel's vice president of animation, development and current series, will be scouting for new talent. Aspiring artists are encouraged to take their portfolio to PopCon for a free review from Wacker. Previously announced names who will participate in the event include the British pop group All Saints, the American electronic band Major Lazer and rock band DNCE, also from the United States. Entrance is free to the event, which will be hosted by television presenter Giuliana Rancic. Visit www.popcon.com for more details — The National staff
The LIghts of Rome to debut at doc NYC
The world premiere of Image Nation Abu Dhabi's football documentary The Lights of Rome will be held at the DOC NYC film festival next month. The film captures an important moment in Emirati history, when the underdog UAE national football team pulled off a near-miracle by qualifying for the 1990 World Cup in Italy. "The Lights of Rome is one of our films that is so close to my heart as it tells the story of my childhood," says Mohammed Al Mubarak, chairman of Image Nation Abu Dhabi. "This film is not only another entertaining and informative documentary to add to our slate, it will serve as a historical document that finally details the legacy of what those players achieved for UAE and Middle East football." The film features interviews with UAE football stars Ali Thani, Abdulrahman Al-Haddad and Khalid Ismaïl — who scored a now legendary goal against West Germany. It will debut in New York on November 17, with theatrical release and UAE premiere dates to be announced soon. — The National staff