WON’T BOW DOWN: KANGANA

We all know what Kangana Ranaut is known and loved for: saying it like it is. She’s not known to back down either. Latest case in point, her tussle against the Shri Rajput Karni Sena, which is threatening protests if her film Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi is not screened for the outfit before theatrical release.

The actress says if they don't stop harassing her, she will "destroy them".

It seems that the group has alleged that the period drama alludes to Rani Laxmibai's relationship with a British officer. The incident brings back memories from another tug of war between the outfit and Padmaavat which landed in hot water after showing the queen dancing to a special number. They asked the makers of the film to show them the movie before its release.

"Four historians have certified Manikarnika. We have got a censor certificate as well. Karni Sena has been told this but they are continuing to harass me," Kangana said. "If they don't stop then they should know I am also a Rajput and I will destroy each one of them."

Ouch.

Guess who’s talking about films these days? Our dear Prime Minister, that’s who. Narendra Modi recently said that a film is a "silent power" that can quietly influence people to bring about major social changes and boost development in the country.

Well, a little late with the declaration, Mr. Modi, but that’s fine.

"How's the josh?" the PM asked the audience Uri style as he inaugurated India's first National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC) in Mumbai.

Calling movies and society "reflections" of each other, the PM said that “films help integrate our people who speak hundreds of different languages and thousands of dialects, the vastly diverse cultures, boost tourism in a big way and help generate employment opportunities, thus contributing immensely to the nation-building process".

He even named television shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Ramayan among many others that are “becoming popular abroad where people have a desire for a glimpse of the common Indian's life”. Like Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham?

Modi praised the new genre of films cropping up, like Toilet: Ek Prem Katha starring Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar that are making a conscious effort to bring about social change, and promised the government's full support to strengthen the film industry.

Well, films have been taking a deep interest in politics these days. It’s nice to see politicos returning the favour!

BEGIN AGAIN… IN BOLLYWOOD

Remember the charming Hollywood flick Begin Again? Seems that it’s now getting a Bollywood remake. The original starring Mark Ruffalo, Keira Knightley and Adam Levine will be helmed by Veere Di Wedding director Shashanka Ghosh. Turns out it’s the unusual storyline that did it for Ghosh. The Hollywood film revolved around a chance encounter between a struggling record-label executive (Ruffalo) and a young singersongwriter (Knightley), new to Manhattan, which turns into a promising collaboration between the two talents.

"We want to tell a story about the world of music and fresh voices in sound on the Indian scene. And through that, a take on urban relationships that don't necessarily mean love and marriage and happily ever after," Ghosh said.

Given that music is the foundation for the original, it would follow that the music for the new film has to be just as impressive? Producer Bhushan Kumar said, "Begin Again will give us an opportunity to create music that is the most important element of the film. The film is still in the writing process but I hope to get together the best of the sound tracks from our musicians to make a unique music album."

Interestingly, since the film is just in its scripting stage, Ghosh hasn’t finalised the cast yet. "We would like to finish the script, and ideally the music, before we cast."

Any ideas on who could make for a good cast? Our votes go to Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh and perhaps… Shahid?

Star Hosts A Star

Guess who Priyanka Chopra is inviting to be the first guest on her new show on YouTube, If I Could Tell You Just One Thing? The actor has announced that US Olympic gold medallist gymnast Simone Biles will be the first guest on her upcoming YouTube Originals Special.

The idea behind the show, we are told, is that Priyanka will talk to the incredible people she admires. She will ask them to tell her one thing that made them what they are today. Hm. Sounds… interesting?

Apparently, the inspiration for Priyanka was, well, herself. "I realised that it's my curiosity in others that has led me to grow into who I am today. So I decided to feed my curiosity by starting a journey where I will meet some extraordinary people,” says Priyanka. Why Biles, though? "Biles is an amazing guest. I really admire the young girl. She is not only World Champion athlete but also the multiple times Olympic medal winner. What I admire the most about her is resilience and ability to bounce back from anything," added Priyanka.

Well, can’t wait to see what you’ve got for us, Priyanka.

TOO LONG A SILENCE: DIA

The discussion around #MeToo may have watered down over the last few months, but it hasn’t entirely stopped. Take Dia Mirza, for instance, who recently brought up the topic saying that there’s one reason why sexual predators have not stopped: women’s silence.

At a panel discussion on Harvey Weinstein - The Inside Story, in which she participated with yet another firebrand Swara Bhasker, Dia said, "I feel every woman should watch this film to understand how society functions, especially people in positions of power. More than anything else, it will encourage more women to come forward with their stories because we have long endured a culture of silence.”

She added, "I think because of silence of women, sexual predators have got encouragement."

To make the #MeToo movement a success, the actor said it is important that victims should file an official compliant. "I think for the movement to be successful, it is essential for women to also consider the importance of filing official complaints."

Right you are, Dia. Right you are. But what do you say when one of your fraternity – and someone who’s a “close friend” – comes under the spotlight? Yes, we’re talking about filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani.

It’s the latest name to be called out for sexual harassment with a woman "assistant” while working on Sanju

WHO WORE IT BETTER?

ALIA BHATT OR TIFFANY HADDISH IN PRABAL GURUNG?

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Dia said, "He has been a close friend of mine, so to comment on his case will be unfair on my part because I don't know the details. I just want to say that before making an allegation, it's very important to file a complaint with the ICC (Internal Complaints Committee)."

Smart answer?

DON’T RUIN APU, MADHUR!

We all know and love The Apu Trilogy: Pather Panchali, Aparajito and Apur Sansar, Satyajit Ray’s famed works based on the literary works of Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhay that describe the childhood, education and early maturity of a young Bengali named Apu (Apurba Kumar Roy) in the early part of the 20th century.

Well, how would you feel if we were to tell you that Fashion director Madhu Bhandarkar is attempting to make a fourth film to carry on the series? The announcement has ruffled quite a few feathers, even causing an online petition on change.org that reads, “Frequently rated as one of the greatest film series of all time, this series is perfect in every way. Madhur Bhandarkar is trying to make a fourth Apu movie, and I think the government of West Bengal can save us from getting a treasure trove ruined.”

Brutal, what?

On Twitter This Week

Match the tweets to these actors: Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan.

Honoured to be kissing the most stylish man on the planet.. may the style Gods always shine down upon u, my love

My biggest film till date and the 4th one with @aliaa08 . We have worked really hard to not let our fans down. I’m crazy excited for people to see

Was soo looking forward to mom's film @ nofathers_movie. Really hope the CBFC would #lifttheban.

Jaadoo ki Jhappi! Joy to meet the Honourable Prime Minister of our great nation

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