India’s live video entertainment app, #fame, will beam the 16th edition of the three-day International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend and Awards next month live.

“As India’s first live video entertainment app, #fame is the perfect destination to deliver IIFA, the most iconic award in entertainment today, to fans globally. For the first time ever, millions of viewers can catch all the action on their phone live, uncut and interact with top stars real time,” #fame CEO Saket Saurabh said in a statement.

This year, the IIFA gala will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from June 5 to 7.

On the awards night on June 7, stars like Hrithik Roshan, Anushka Sharma, Priyanka Chopra, Farhan Akhtar, Parineeti Chopra, Shraddha Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha and Shahid Kapoor will perform.

“It will be larger than life, big and spectacular,” Sabbas Joseph, director, Wizcraft International Entertainment, the organisers of IIFA, told IANS.

Available in beta on iOS and Android, the app is mobile video platforms where performers can beam live to fans and audiences through their smartphones.

Fashion designer Masaba Gupta, popular for creating quirky designs, will showcase a line inspired by the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend and Awards at this year’s edition of the gala in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in June.

With actors Vivek Oberoi and Neha Dhupia hosting the Fashion Extravaganza, an event dedicated to fashion, at the 16th edition of IIFA Weekend and Awards on June 6, Masaba will present a collection inspired by IIFA.

“We’ve got Fashion Extravaganza featuring Rocky S, Masaba and Gaurang Shah. There will be different kinds of collections from each of them. Masaba is doing a special collection for IIFA. It is inspired by the trophy... the gold and black.

"It has the sun graphics also because the IIFA trophy is inspired by the sun,” Sabbas Joseph, director, Wizcraft International Entertainment, the organisers of IIFA, told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

The International Indian Film Academy, established in 2000, was initiated with the aim of celebrating Indian cinema across the world.

Actor Ronit Roy had hired a diction teacher to learn Haryanvi for six months to get the accent right for his role in the forthcoming film "Guddu Rangeela".

"Ronit plays the menacing antagonist Biloo Pehalwan based in Haryana. Such is his dedication that he spent six months working on the lingo and mannerisms of the character.

"His attire, tone and accent are authentic and he worked very hard on it," the film's director Subhash Kapoor said in a statement.

"Guddu Rangeela" is a comedy that narrates the story of two colourful friends Guddu and Rangeela. In a bid to earn quick money, they get messed up with a villain who they never thought would be as powerful as Biloo.

The entertainer, featuring Arshad Warsi and Amit Sadh, is slated to release on July 3.

Emily Blunt starrer "Sicario", which premiered at the Cannes International Film Festival earlier this month, will come to Indian screens in September, courtesy PVR Pictures.

The movie, directed by Denis Villeneuve, features Blunt as an FBI agent, and stars Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro playing roles never seen in before.

The story revolves around the lawless area between US and Mexico, where an idealistic FBI agent is enlisted by a government task force to help in the war against drugs.

Shot in Albuquerque, New Mexico this film was an official selection at the Festival De Cannes of 2015.

Kamal Gianchandani, CEO, PVR Pictures, said in a statement: "We are thrilled to be the release partner of Denis Villeneuve's 'Sicario' in India, this would be our second outing with Denis Villeneuve after an immensely successful release of 'Prisoners'.

"'Sicario' is one of those rare gems which gets worldwide critical acclaim and at the same time carries a massive box office potential. Sicario would surely be one of our top three releases this year."

As a tribute to the melodies by Pakistan's legendary singing sensation Noor Jehan, singer Sona Mohapatra has recreated the magic of one of her songs “Sanu nehar wale pul tey bula ke”.

She has lent her voice to a new, modified version composed by Sumit Sethi and Paras Sunda.

The musical duo, known for their energetic live gigs and who are regulars in the party circuit across north India, have revisited the song from the 1973 classic Pakistani film “Dukh Sajna De”, read a statement.

Asked about how he zeroed in on the song from the extensive library of songs that Noor Jehan made eternal, Sumit said: “I simply loved the groove, but the bigger question was not why."

Paras, who has rewritten some portions of the song to give it a contemporary tweak, mentions that the duo “agreed on a voice instantly that had the potential to go beyond the ordinary”.

The “Ambarsariya” hitmaker Mohapatra has hit the right notes, leaving her unique signature on the song.

The new version is like a time machine as it takes one back to the bygone era.

Talking about the song, Mohapatra said: “There is a bit of all three of us in the song."

Noor Jehan was accorded the 'Malika-e-Tarannum' title because of her musical prowess and vocal articulation. Songs like "Kuch log rooth kar bhi", "Chandni raatein" and "Kala shah kala" still retain a special place in the hearts of music lovers across the globe.

The team will start work on the production of the video soon.

A Bengali film modelled on controversial Asian Games gold medallist Pinki Pramanik, with references to homosexuality, is set to release in West Bengal next month.

Debutant filmmaker Raja Banerjee hopes it will spread the message that perseverance and hard work can overcome hurdles.

Christened "She?", the biopic delves into the obstacles faced by Pramanik, against whom the police drew up a charge sheet in 2012, following a complaint from her former live-in partner that she was "actually a male" who had raped her repeatedly.

However, the Calcutta High Court acquitted the athlete of all charges last year.

"There is no direct reference to Pramanik. Our character modelled on the athlete is called Rinki (played by actor Kamalika Chanda). We have charted her journey right from Purulia to her days in Kolkata and the incidents that gave rise to the controversies," Banerjee told IANS.

According to Banerjee, the athlete didn't approve of certain portions such as the part that shows hints of a lesbian relationship.

"There is a just a hint of such a relationship. Its ends on a positive note with her successful career. So, the message is a positive one and Pinki is the hero of the film," Banerjee said, adding the idea took shape in 2012 and the media reports were studied for research.

Spanning two hours, the film will be released in 32 to 35 theatres across Bengal with English subtitles on June 5.

Filmmaker Sai Paranjpye and actress Celina Jaitly have demanded equal rights for everyone, including the LGBT community.

At the inauguration of the sixth edition of Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival -- India’s only mainstream Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transsexual (LGBT) film fest -- Celina and Paranjpye spoke their mind about the need for equality.

“What Kashish stands for is something close to my heart, and that is freedom to express. At a time when freedom of speech and expression is largely stifled, it is important that a festival like Kashish stands up and makes a point of being out, open and driving home a message of equality and dignity, for everyone,” Paranjpye said in a statement.

“It doesn’t matter what one’s sexuality is, what one’s religion, caste, ethnicity, age is, it is important that all of us have the right to being free citizens of this country and have the same rights as everyone, not just in India but in every country. We may all not be born equal, but everyone has a right to be treated equally,” the filmmaker added.

Celina, who is an LGBT activist, hailed how "Kashish has grown over the last six years firmly establishing itself as festival that champions the cause of equal rights".

The five-day gala, which kickstarted on Wednesday, is being held at three venues -- the iconic art deco Liberty Cinema, Alliance Francaise de Bombay and the Max Muller Bhavan here. The festival’s theme this year is “Reaching Out, Touching hearts”, and it is screening 180 films from 44 countries.

Film: "Welcome 2 Karachi"; Cast: Arshad Warsi, Jackky Bhagnani, Lauren Gottlieb, Dalip Tahil and Ayub Khosa; Director: Ashish R. Mohan; Rating: **

"Welcome 2 Karachi" aka welcome to mediocrity, lacklustre humour and uninspiring performances. Director Ashish R. Mohan's film isn't welcoming.

Two idiots, (thank god they were not three!), Shammi Thakur (Arshad Warsi) and Kedar Patel (Jackky Bhagnani) who are inseparable buddies, are always dreaming of something bigger and better in life. While Shammi is a naval officer, who has been court-martialled, but considers himself a genius and street smart; Kedar the super genius, is a simple Gujarati boy whose only aim in life is to go to the US and make money.

Since Kedar's visa is twice rejected and he knows going to the US is a distant dream, Shammi devises a plan where they can go to the US in a boat, hence dispensing with the need of a visa.

Misinterpreting Kedar's father Mithesh Patel's instructions of picking up the marriage party who has booked the boat, the duo zip off themselves with the women dancers in tow. Mid-sea amidst a thunderous storm, the boat capsizes.

Unconscious, the two wash-up onshore the next morning. A bomb blast on the beach lands the duo in hospital, where they find each other, after the initial shock of discovering where they are. No prizes for guessing this is Karachi, as that is what the title of the film suggests. This marks the beginning of 'welcome to confusion'.

In a case of mistaken identity, they are kidnapped. What follows are a series of trials and tribulations, for both; the duo and the audience, albeit, swathed in humour. They find themselves caught in a quagmire. One troublesome situation leads to another as they encounter terrorists, Taliban, US government officials, et al. They finally cross the border or so they think. But safety still eludes them.

The film is supposed to be replete with humour as it is pitched as an action comedy. Action, there is plenty, but the humour quotient is weak. Some good punches, witty one-liners, but mostly cliched mannerisms of a Gujju boy who hams his way through, is all what the film offers.

Arshad Warsi walks through the film, yet, effortlessly performs some scenes with his characteristic humour and panache. He is endearing. There are sparks of his inimitable style and comic timing, but those are few and far between.

Jackky Bhagnani, makes a sincere effort, but disappoints yet again. Only his energy on screen is laudable. Lauren Gottlieb, hardly has any screen time, but has a strong enough screen presence and looks the character Shazia Ansari, the ISI agent, she is portraying.

Veteran actor Dalip Tahil is the quintessential shrewd Gujju businessman from Jamnagar, always trying to strike profitable business deals, but fails to make a mark. He seems more Sindhi than Gujju.

Ayub Khosa as the Taliban leader is convincing and deserves a mention.

The music is loud and obtrusive, but the number "Chal bhaag nahin toh" is sufficiently racy and situational.

Overall, the production values of the film are of good quality. The setting and locales can safely pass off as Pakistan. Kudos to the art director.

Director Ashish R. Mohan seems to have a flair for action, but could have concentrated on quality humour as well. The dialogues, though witty at times seem like a feeble effort to make the audience laugh.

"Welcome 2 Karachi" is a poor desi version of the "Dumb and the Dumber".

Singer Tochi Raina, with his Band of Bandagi, is geared up to hold a musical concert to raise funds for victims of the devastating earthquake in Nepal.

The concert is tiled 'Rooh Kambdi', which means stirring of the soul, a metaphorical reference to the trembling of the earth during the earthquake.

The concert is an initiative by Thinkerz -- a production house founded by Rahul Kaikini and Shruti Shah Doshi with an aim to promote Indian music and dance.

Raina told IANS: "Band of Bandagi will be performing for the first time on June 11 in St. Andrew's Auditorium, Bandra... We are pleased to begin our journey for such a noble cause."

It will be a musical evening where Raina along with his band will enthral the audience with their own Sufi compositions.

Raina is a popular playback singer, who has crooned numbers like "Kabira" and "Saibo".

Actor Jackky Bagnani, son of film producer Vashu Bhagnani, says the perception about him has been that his entry into Bollywood has been easy. But he asserts that it has not been an easy ride.

Jackky, who was appreciated for his performance in "Youngistaan", told IANS: "The perception is that I had it easy, but it has not been an easy ride for me. So, finally to reach a point where I am being praised in whatever small way for my performance in 'Youngistaan' obviously feels good."

"Honestly, 'Youngistaan' opened a lot of doors for me and I am in talks with lot of people."

The actor, who has mostly worked under his father's banner Pooja Entertainment so far, says "fortunately or unfortunately, we are one of the top 15-20 film productions houses (in India), so even if I leave this house it should be for something big."

Jackky's latest film is "Welcome 2 Karachi", in which he stars with Arshad Warsi, is directed by Ashish R Mohan and released on Friday.

Writer-director Saurabh Varma has denied reports he is working on a prequel to "Mickey Virus".

"It's not true," Varma told IANS when asked about the rumours.

"I keep getting offers to direct films based on Delhi, but nothing interesting has come across as yet. I don't want to just make a film for the sake of making it. Recently, a prominent producer approached me to direct a film based on hackers in Delhi. But if I make something on the subject, the idea has to be 10 times slicker, sexier and younger than whatever I have made in the past," he added.

"Mickey Virus", released in 2013, features Manish Paul.

Varma says "the plan obviously will be to build a thriller with franchise potential keeping the audience at the edge of their seat throughout".

"I'm still toying with the idea as technology has evolved manifolds and you cannot make anything which is less than extra-ordinary in this space," he added.

In the meantime, he has finished shooting two of films -- "Solid Patels" and "7 Hours To Go". Both projects are now under post-production.

Filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj has obtained an interim injunction on the Hindi remake of his critically acclaimed Tamil film “Jigarthanda”, alleging the producer of cheating him by selling the remake rights without his knowledge.

Reportedly, “Jigarthanda” producer Kathiresan sold the Hindi remake rights of the movie to Sajid Nadiadwala.

“As per the contract I signed for the movie, it was assured that I will be given 40 percent of the revenue generated through selling the Hindi language remake rights. It recently came to my attention that Kathiresan had tried to seal the deal without my knowledge,” Subbaraj said in a statement.

He added that despite taking the matter to Tamil Nadu Film Directors’ Association and Tamil Film Producers Council, producer Kathiresan couldn’t be brought to the negotiating table.

Subbaraj has acquired interim stay on the remake from Madras High Court until June 15.

Yami Gautam, who ventured into Bollywood with Shoojit Sircar's "Vicky Donor", loved watching the filmmaker's latest entertainer "Piku".

Since Yami was busy shooting her upcoming film, produced by T-Series, she couldn't watch the Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan-starrer when it released on May 8.

So even if it was later, she made sure that she watched "Piku" with her friends.

"I recently watched 'Piku' with my friends and just loved the film. I immediately called Shoojit after watching the film and congratulated him on the success. He is a terrific director and will always remain special to me," she said of her first director.

Yami, who received immense praises in her last outing "Badlapur" where she was seen opposite Varun Dhawan, will next be seen with Pulkit Samrat in the yet unnamed T-Series project.

Everyone has been praising Anil Kapoor for his suave and age-defying look in "Dil Dhadakne Do", but a special compliment has come his way from his "Mr. India" co-actor Satish Kaushik.

Satish was getting nostalgic when he tweeted: "28 yrs of Mr. India... 25th may 1987... I was the associate director but this was first day of shoot as Calendar."

To that, Anil posted: "Time has flown kaushik saab!"

Satish responded: "Yes Kapoorsaheb, but u look the same in 'Dil Dhadakne Do' as u looked in 'Mr. India'... hats off to u."

"Dil Dhadakne Do", featuring the 58-year-old Anil as the head of a dysfunctional family, is directed by Zoya Akhtar and will release on June 5.

The seventh edition of BMW India Bridal fashion week promises to be a grand affair as the event will travel to seven cities in India for the first time, Starting from the capital in July, six other cities including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Chennai will witness bridal opulence.

The Delhi edition will see five days of fashion and fun starting from July 15, while Mumbai edition will begin on August 13; Hyderabad from September 2; Chandigarh from September 23; Ahmedabad from October 7; Bangalore from October 28; and Chennai from November 18.

An initiative of Fashion One, the dates of the India Bridal Fashion Week were announced here On Friday along with unveiling of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, a new car model of the title sponsor.

The gathering also saw the presence of Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha, who has been announced as the brand ambassador of this edition of the fashion extravaganza. There were also the participating designers, who showcased a glimpse of their designs for the main event.

Sharing her association with the platform, the "Dabangg" actress told IANS: “I think they have got wonderful creations, designed by renowned faces, and I am looking forward to be a part of this event.”

Asked if her costume designing degree will make her contribute to the creative side during the fashion week, she said: “These designers are so experienced already. They are on the top of the game, so I won't give inputs. But yes, I used to see most of these designers when I was helping them out during fashion weeks and that was the time when I used to think that 'One day, I wish I get to wear their creation'. And look what happened!"

The list of the designers who will celebrate yet another season of creative excellence in bridal couture this year at the fashion gala includes names like Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, Anita Dongre, Ashima Leena, Falguni Shane Peacock, Gauri Nainika, JJ Valaya, Jyotsna Tiwari, Rina Dhaka, Shantanu Nikhil, Suneet Varma and Tarun Tahiliani.

Sharing the excitement of bringing another edition of bridal extravaganza, Vijay Singh, founder and managing director, Fashion One said: "This year the fashion week is bigger and better with the confluence of talented and well accomplished designers, trend setting patterns and fashion shows scheduled in various cities."

Apart from BMW, Swarovski is also the fashion partner of the event.

"In India, the art of couture comes alive most vividly in weddings," said Vivek Ramabhadran, managing director, Swarovski Professional India, adding that they are delighted to collaborate with the BMW India Fashion Week.

One of the pioneers of the Indian fashion Industry, Tahiliani says his line will represent light clothes.

"My collection this year will be lighter as I can't look at things that are heavy. I feel that heavy, ceremonial and too disconnected from the reality world, is not cool. The youth today want much more of light and fine clothes," he told IANS.

Duo Shantanu-Nikhil will introduce the 'Anarkali Gown'.

"We have gone a little bit ahead of traditional clothes and looked at the whole aspect of wedding. There are many more functions attached to a wedding, and the concept of cocktail bride has suddenly emerged... so this time we have also given our interpretation of anarkali gown," Shantanu told IANS.

Singer Sonu Nigam has joined hands with music composer Sandesh Shandilya for a romantic song which will feature in upcoming movie “Chalk n Duster”.

Nigam, who has enthralled audiences with songs like “Kal ho naa ho” and “Abhi mujh mein kahin”, will lend his voice to a song penned by writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar, read a statement.

According to a source, it will be a heartwarming number.

The movie highlights the apathy of teachers in India and focuses on commercialisation of the education system in India.

"Chalk n Duster" is Bollywood's well known makeup artist Subhash Singh's maiden production venture, which stars actresses Shabana Azmi, Juhi Chawla, Zarina Wahab, Divya Dutta in major roles along with Anupam Kher, Jackie Shroff, Sameer Soni and Aarya Babbar in pivotal roles.

Written by Ranjeev Varma, the film is directed by Jayant Gilatar.

It seems "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" will be like a double treat for Neil Nitin Mukesh.

"Big Hanuman bhakt and big Salman khan fan. Needless to say the combination is deadly for me. Looking forward @kabirkhankk @BeingSalmanKhan," the actor tweeted on Friday.

The first teaser of the movie, directed by Kabir Khan, was launched on Thursday, and if the feedback of the Hindi film fraternity members is anything to go by, it will be a blockbuster.

The much-delayed sequel to Telugu blockbuster "Gabbar Singh" finally went on floors on Friday at Malshej Ghats in Maharashtra. Actor Pawan Kalyan, who plays the lead, is expected to join the shoot soon.

"The regular shooting started on Friday. Some important sequences of the first schedule were shot in a special village set. Pawan Kalyan is expected to join the sets from the first week of June," a source from the film's unit told IANS.

The source added that "Gabbar Singh 2" will be twice as good as the prequel.

"Double everything that the audiences saw in the first part and you get 'Gabbar Singh 2'. There's more action, more guns and there'll be more of Pawan Kalyan in a completely new avatar," the source said.

Pawan will sport a bearded look and long hair for some important portions of the film.

Directed by Bobby, the film features Anisha Ambrose in the lead. The makers are contemplating on the idea of choosing a second heroine as well.

The makers of actor Karthi-starrer Tamil romantic-drama "Kashmora" claim theirs is the first Indian film to use a 360-degree omni-directional camera rig for shooting a particular sequence.

"First time we are using 360-degree omnidirectional camera rig for a particular sequence. Initially, plans were made to make use of computer generated work for this sequence, but we later came across this wonderful technology that we thought we could make use of for a perfect output," the film's director Gokul said in a statement.

"It is a multiple camera rig with a 360-degree field of view in the horizontal plane, or with a visual field that covers (approximately) the entire sphere. Omnidirectional cameras are important in areas where large visual field coverage is needed, such as in panoramic photography," he said.

According to a source from the film's unit, this camera is being used to shoot the introductory song in the movie along with some action scenes.

The film also features Nayantara and Sri Divya in important roles.

Tamil horror-thriller "Demonte Colony", which features actor Arulnithi in the lead, has raked in approximately Rs.6 crore in its first week in Tamil Nadu.

"The film has opened to phenomenal numbers. In its first week, it has approximately grossed Rs.6 crore. It is already a hit and continues to run to packed houses," trade analyst Trinath told IANS.

Directed by debutant Ajay Gnanamuthu, the film is about how a group of friends get locked up inside their room with a ghost on their trail.

Producers from Telugu and Kannada industries have already imitated talks to remake the film.

"Demonte Colony" has joined bandwagon of recent successful Tamil horror films such as "Kanchana 2", "Pisasu" and "Yaamirukka Bayamey".