Anurag Kashyap's Film "Kennedy" Receives 7-Minute Standing Ovation at Cannes Film Festival

Anurag Kashyap's film "Kennedy" received a remarkable 7-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival. Screened in the midnight screening category at The Grand Lumiere Theatre in France, the film captivated the audience, who rose to their feet in applause.

Official pictures of the event were shared on the Cannes Film Festival's Instagram page, featuring lead actors Sunny Leone and Rahul Bhat. Produced by Zee Studios and Good Bad Films, "Kennedy" is a noir film directed by Anurag Kashyap.

The film revolves around a police officer battling insomnia while searching for his true self across different countries. Anurag Kashyap expressed his gratitude and excitement, calling the screening at The Grand Lumiere Theater a lifetime achievement.

Anurag further emphasized the personal significance of "Kennedy," stating that he poured his heart and soul into its creation. He thanked the audience for the extended standing ovation, while actor Rahul Bhatt expressed gratitude for the love and hard work that went into the film.

"Kennedy" held the audience's attention throughout, ensuring an unforgettable viewing experience. The film's music was composed by Ashish Narula and Aamir Aziz.

Indian Actor Ashish Vidyarthi, Ties the Knot Again

 Indian actor Ashish Vidyarthi, aged 60, recently announced his second marriage to Rupali Barua. The wedding took place in an intimate ceremony at a Kolkata club and pictures have surfaced on social media. Ashish appeared as a groom in traditional Kerala attire called Mundu, while his bride chose a white and golden Mekhela Chador from Assam, adorned with gold jewelry. The wedding was attended by close family and friends.

Photograph:(Twitter)

Rupali Barua, an entrepreneur from Guwahati, owns an upscale fashion store in Kolkata. Ashish revealed that their meeting and relationship had a unique backstory, which he plans to share at a later time. Rupali expressed her admiration for Ashish, describing him as a beautiful human being and a great soul.

In addition to his acting career, Ashish is known for his food vlogs and his exploration of various eating establishments in Kolkata. The National Award-winning actor was previously married to Rajoshi Barua, the daughter of actor Shakuntala Barua, and they have a son named Arth Vidyarthi. Ashish's recent appearances include the films "Trial by Fire" and "Kuttey."

Upcoming Animated Film 'Pigsy' Launches Rights Sales at Cannes Film Festival

Miami-Paris based indie sales company Magic Fair, along with Hong Kong and Paris-based All Rights Entertainment, has commenced rights sales for the upcoming feature animation "Pigsy" during the Cannes Film Festival's Marché du Film.

Directed by Chiu Li-Wei, known for "Barkley," the film offers a fresh interpretation of the renowned Chinese tale "Journey to the West." It revolves around a self-absorbed and lazy pig's quest for lasting happiness. Set in a distant future, "Pigsy" takes viewers on a deceitful adventure as the titular character pursues a better life, only to discover that true happiness might be closer than anticipated.

The production has recently enlisted Taiwanese stars Greg Han, Liu Kuan-Ting, Harlem Yu, Tuo Tsung-Hua, Chung Hsin-Ling, Ivy Shao, Waa Wei, and K.R. Bros. The film is scheduled for completion in time for a Chinese New Year release in early 2024. The project is being produced by Netherlands-based studio Submarine, known for "Where is Anne Frank," TV series "Undone" Season 2, and "Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood," in collaboration with Taiwan's Greener Grass and Studio2, recognized for their work on "Barkley," "Get the Hell Out," and "The Tag-Along."

Producer Bruno Felix expressed excitement about "Pigsy," describing it as an entertaining and futuristic reimagining of a classic Chinese fable that will captivate modern audiences. The film has generated significant anticipation since its initial pitch at ATF, and the inclusion of talented Taiwanese actors adds to the excitement of bringing these characters to life.

Director Chiu commented on the film, stating that "Pigsy" deviates from the traditional hero's journey, transporting an ancient myth into a fantastical future to tell a comedic adventure about an ordinary individual learning the essence of maturity.

Blockbuster Film '2018' Directed by Jude Antony Joseph Gears up for Pan-Indian Release

 Jude Antony Joseph's directorial venture, "2018," continues to dominate the box office, garnering both critical acclaim and commercial success since its release on May 5. With overwhelming praise from audiences and critics alike, the film's creators are now preparing for a nationwide release.

Starring Tovino Thomas, Indrans, Kunchacko Boban, Aparna Balamurali, Vineeth Srinivasan, Asif Ali, Lal, Naren, Tanvi Ram, Sivada, Kalaiyarasan, Aju Varghese, Siddique, Joy Mathew, and Sudheesh, "2018" has become a massive hit. To celebrate this achievement, the filmmakers are planning a pan-Indian release, including Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages, scheduled for Friday, May 26.

The Hindi version of the film will be distributed by E4 Entertainment, according to the producers. Since its initial release, "2018" has already grossed 137.6 crores worldwide, with the Kerala audience alone contributing approximately Rs 65.25 crore. Responding to public demand, the Kerala government has even scheduled up to six shows of the film in cinema halls.

Director Jude Antony Joseph has confirmed the pan-Indian release and expressed his immense pride in the film. He is delighted with the positive response it has received from both critics and audiences. Considering the film's popularity and acceptance, the decision was made to bring "2018" to a wider audience across all states.

Tovino Thomas, the film's protagonist, also expressed his gratitude to the audience, stating, "As a team, we are thrilled with the love and positive response '2018' has received so far. That's why we are even more excited to showcase the film on a pan-Indian scale. More than just box office numbers, the words of appreciation from me and the entire team are truly gratifying."

Co-producer Venu Kunnappilly discussed the film's pan-India release, emphasizing the special journey it has been for everyone involved. Portraying the Kerala floods on screen was a challenging endeavor, and the team is elated that their efforts have paid off. The immense love and appreciation from critics and audiences serve as the greatest reward. Therefore, the producers have decided to introduce "2018" to the entire country, eagerly awaiting the response from viewers across India.

"2018" tells the story of the 2018 Kerala floods, showcasing how people from diverse backgrounds came together to survive the calamity. The film emphasizes the power of humanity to overcome crises. Produced by Venu Kunnappilly, CK Padmakumar, and Anto Joseph, "2018" is distributed by Kavya Film Company.

Lioness: First Official India-UK Co-Production Unveiled with Aditi Rao Hydari and Paige Sandhu in Historical Feature Film

The highly anticipated historical feature film, Lioness, is set to make waves as the first official India-UK co-production under a treaty signed in 2008. The film brings together the talents of Aditi Rao Hydari (known for her work in Jubilee) and British actress Paige Sandhu (recognized for her role in Emmerdale).

Directed by Kajri Babbar, Lioness weaves together the stories of two British Punjabi women who lived in the UK a century apart. One storyline revolves around Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, a historical figure who played a significant role in the British suffragette movement. As the Princess of Punjab and the goddaughter of Queen Victoria, Sophia's impact on society was profound. The second storyline follows the fictional character Mehak, an educated immigrant woman who resided in Southall, a London suburb, during the 1990s.

Paige Sandhu, a talented actress of Indian origin, will portray Princess Sophia, expressing her deep appreciation for the opportunity: "It's an honor and a dream come true to be playing Princess Sophia Duleep Singh. I am very humbled to be portraying someone with a legacy such as hers, the work that she did, the lives she helped and the family she came from."

Aditi Rao Hydari, known for her versatile roles in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu films, will take on the character of Mehak. Aditi shares her immediate connection to the story, saying, "I was instantly drawn to the story that brings to the screen the life and legacy of an extraordinary woman; a story lost in history. While Princess Sophia is a heroine in the true sense of the word, Mehak is an equally strong character whose journey parallels the Lioness's in the present."

The film is backed by a strong production team, including producers Vivek Rangachari, Vaishalli Paatil, Faraz Ahsan, and Clare Cahill. Ajit Pal Singh serves as the executive producer. Notably, Peter Bance, the historian whose research inspired the film, also takes on an executive producer role.

Certified as an official co-production by India's National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the British Film Institute (BFI), Lioness promises to be a remarkable cinematic experience that highlights the cultural exchange between India and the UK.

In conjunction with the film's release, English Heritage has planned a special tribute to Princess Sophia. A Blue Plaque will be unveiled at Hampton Court in London on May 26, honoring the memory of this remarkable woman. The London Blue Plaque program aims to commemorate noteworthy individuals and the places they inhabited. The unveiling will be followed by a celebration reception hosted by the Anglo Punjab Heritage Foundation and Babbar Cinema in the palace.

The anticipation surrounding Lioness is palpable, marking a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts of the Indian and British film industries. This groundbreaking film not only sheds light on historical figures but also gives voice to fictional characters whose stories resonate with the present. With a talented cast, dedicated crew, and an intriguing narrative, Lioness is poised to captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on cinema.