In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema, the much-anticipated film featuring illustrious actresses Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tabu, and Kriti Sanon, titled Crew, is reported to undergo some linguistic modifications ahead of its theatrical debut on March 29. The creative team behind director Rajesh Krishnan’s film has crafted dual versions of its promotional materials – one catering to digital platforms and another, more refined cut for the big screen. As unveiled in a recent joint venture by producers Ektaa R Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor, a subtlety of language was deemed necessary when a phrase uttered by Tabu’s character in the trailer necessitated a swap from ‘ch*****’ to ‘bhootiye’ to secure the stamp of approval from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The need to fine-tune content for censor boards is not new in the industry. An earlier promotion for the film witnessed the replacement of the terms ‘haraamzaade’ and ‘haraamiyon’ with relatively milder expressions ‘ameerzaade’ and ‘kamino’, respectively. As the filmmakers await further scrutiny from the CBFC, buzz suggests that the narrative thread of Crew, revolving around the travail of air-hostesses employed at the defunct Kohinoor Airlines, generously borrows inspiration from the real-life account of Kingfisher Airlines. Echoing the echoes of reality, Saswata Chatterjee’s depiction of their on-screen employer as Vijay Walia cavalierly alludes to the controversial figure Vijay Mallya.
Shifting gears from the realm of cinema to the music arena, actor Kunal Kemmu is poised to don the hat of a director, singer, lyricist, and co-composer with his venture Madgaon Express. Kemmu’s foray into music composition, with the song ‘Hum yahin’, burgeoned out of a collaborative jam session with artist Ankur Tiwari when previous plans to onboard another singer fell through.
Adding to the symphony of familial collaboration, Kamal Haasan’s production announced a partnership with actor-singer Shruti Haasan on a fresh tune titled Inimel, which translates to ‘from now on’. The song, elucidating the myriad contours of contemporary love, is being showcased to mark director Lokesh Kanagaraj’s acting inception. Penned by Kamal and brought to sonic life by Shruti, the project stands testament to her creative vision, following her previously self-composed singles such as Edge, She’s a hero, and Monster machine.
The indomitable Bobby Deol, fresh off the acclaim for his stellar performance in Animal (2023), is galvanized to appear in Aryan Khan’s directorial initiation, Stardom. Affectionately dubbed Lord Bobby, Deol is whispered to embody the essence of a film industry superstar in this awaited web series. Details are closely guarded, but insiders promise a portrayal befitting his larger-than-life persona, complete with a significant moniker reflecting his illuminated status. Anticipation is high for a preliminary glimpse slated to be part of the grand showcase at Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming event.
The enterprising Ahaan Panday is on the brink of cinematic inception with a signature from none other than the celebrated Ed Sheeran on his guitar. Panday’s encounter with the music icon amplifies his journey of artistic illumination and is, in his words, a pivotal confirmation of his musical aspirations. With a heart brimming, he faces his impending YRF project piloted by director Mohit Suri, carrying a treasured insignia into his budding career.
In the documentary space, Priyanka Chopra Jonas lends her narrative prowess to Disneynature’s Tiger, a Mark Linfield directorial. Chopra Jonas expressed her reverence for participating in a venture that portrays the majestic predator native to her homeland. The actor’s narration extends beyond mere voice work; it is a tribute to the empowering story of Ambar, a tigress nurturing her cubs in wild India. For Chopra Jonas, the tale resonates with a universal maternal instinct, an embodiment of the fierce yet tender spirit of tigresses.
