Apoorva Lakhia reveals producers asked him to replace Vivek Oberoi from Shootout at Lokhandwala: “I am not hiring any person for his personality”

Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi’s infamous feud with Salman Khan is known to all. The actor was in a public spat with the superstar due to which it was believed that he was allegedly boycotted from the industry and no work opportunities came his way. In 2003, Vivek claimed that Salman had called him 41 times and even made threats to his life. However, this statement led to impact Oberoi negatively as he allegedly lost out on many projects. Filmmaker Apoorva Lakhia recently said that producers had called him to replace Oberoi when he cast him in Shootout at Lokhandwala. He said only Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty and Sanjay Gupta supported him at the time.

In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Apoorva said, “At that time when I casted Vivek, a lot of producers called me and said ‘Replace him or we won’t work with you.’ But I had given a commitment to Vivek, so how do you go back from a commitment? And Sanju sir supported me, Suniel Shetty supported me, Sanjay Gupta supported me. So if there are guys are supporting me, I thought why should I think about the future? If Shootout became a hit, whoever rejected me will come back.”

He added, “But Vivek was a good actor. Whatever he did was wrong, he shouldn’t have done it, but that does not mean he is not talented. I am hiring for his acting abilities. I am not hiring any person for his personality. He is a professional and he was really good when I was reading with him. I think he did a fantastic job.”

Shootout in Lokhandwala also starred Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty and Arbaaz Khan along with Tusshar Kapoor, Rohit Roy, Aditya Lakhia, Shabbir Ahluwalia, and Amitabh Bachchan.

ALSO READ: 20 Years Of Saathiya EXCLUSIVE: Vivek Oberoi reveals that the film was “supposed to maybe star Abhishek Bachchan and Preity Zinta”

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Kartik Aaryan’s introductory song in Satyaprem Ki Katha worth Rs. 7 crores depicts four weddings

Over a week ago, Kartik Aaryan wrapped Satyaprem Ki Katha which also stars Kiara Advani. The film wrapped with a massive song shoot which is an introductory song for Kartik’s character. Interestingly, the song depicts four weddings – Gujarati, South Indian, Muslim and Christian nuptials.

As per a report in Mid-day, a source revealed, “Sameer and producer Sajid Nadiadwala were in two minds about it as it’s an expensive affair, costing almost Rs. 7 crores. On Kartik’s insistence, they decided to go ahead with it. In the narrative, the lead character Satyaprem wants to get married, and is dreaming about his prospective wedding.”

Having said that, the lavish sets were erected in Mumbai for the shoot which concluded last week. As per the report, production designer Rajat Poddarr and cinematographer Manu Anand, along with the director Sameer Vidwans had built two sets at Madh Island for South Indian and Christian weddings whereas two sets up erected for the Muslim and Gujarati weddings at Vrundavan Studio in Malad. The source added, “The Christian ceremony’s backdrop is influenced by the vibe of Santorini, Greece. For the Gujarati shaadi, a mohalla was built, while huge replicas of famous temples from the south were created for the south Indian wedding. The Muslim nuptials take place in a banquet hall.”

Kartik Aaryan was reportedly involved in the discussion for the song since the first day and danced his heart out. The song has been choreographed by Bosco Martis.

Satyaprem Ki Katha also marks a massive collaboration between NGE and Namah Pictures. Interestingly, Sajid Nadiadwala and Shareen Mantri Kedia with Kishor Arora & director Sameer Vidwans won a National Award for their respective feature films. It marks the second outing for Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani after Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.

Satyaprem Ki Katha will be releasing in theatres on June 29, 2023.

ALSO READ: Kartik Aaryan’s love for his pet Katori shines in ‘Naseeb Se’ song from Satyaprem Ki Katha; watch video

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Photos: Celebs spotted at the premiere of NRI Wives: Grey Stories Of Love vs Desires

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John Wick 5 is in early development, confirms Lionsgate

The Boogeyman returned to the big screen and saw Keanu Reeves back in action in John Wick: Chapter 4. After the blockbuster success of the movie,  John Wick 5 is in early development. The news was confirmed during Lionsgate’s Q4 2023 earnings call when Motion Picture Group chairman Joe Drake confirmed that the fifth instalment is in the works.

Joe Drake said, “We’re now moving across that franchise, not just in the AAA video game space, but looking at what the regular cadence of spin-offs, television really growing that universe, so that there is a steady cadence of a franchise that there’s a clear appetite by the audience. What is official is that, as you know, Ballerina [starring Ana de Armas] is the first spinoff that comes out next year. We’re in development on three others, including John Wick 5 and including television series, The Continental, which will be airing soon. And so, we’re building out the world and when that five movie comes, will be organic – will be organically grown out of how we’re starting to tell those stories. But you can rely on a regular cadence of John Wick.”

During the CCXP event in São Paulo, Brazil last year, Keanu Reeves had hinted that the spin-off Ballerina is set in the time period between John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4. Reeves has a cameo whereas Ian McShane and the late Lance Reddick will reprise their roles.

Starring Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Laurence Fishburne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Lance Reddick, Rina Sawayama, Scott Adkins, and Ian McShane, John Wick: Chapter 4 released in theatres on March 24, 2023. It was a direct sequel to the 2019 film John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum.

ALSO READ: Keanu Reeves starrer John Wick: Chapter 4 to premiere on Lionsgate Play on June 23 following blockbuster success

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After Salman Khan opts out of Champions, Aamir Khan approaches Ranbir Kapoor

Earlier this year in February it was reported that Salman Khan and Aamir Khan were in talks for the remake of the Spanish film Campeones. As per reports, Aamir had approached Salman to feature as the lead in the Hindi adaptation titled Champions. In fact, it was also revealed that an official announcement on the same was to be made in March. However, since then there has been no development on the project. Now, we hear that Salman Khan has opted out of the remake, following which Aamir Khan has now approached Ranbir Kapoor for the film.

Divulging details to Bollywood Hungama a well-placed industry source says, “Salman Khan was pretty keen on doing the Campeones remake. However, there were certain date issues which arose, due to which the actor had to back out of the venture.” As per the source, everything was moving in the right direction and Salman had shown active interest in the subject, with one final narration to be done before work on project began in June. Unfortunately, following the narration, Salman realised that the film would clash with his other venture, because of which he decided to bow out of the RS Prasanna directed sports drama.

However, every dark cloud has its silver lining, and the same is the case with Aamir’s Champions. Post Salman opting out of the project, Aamir Khan has now approached Ranbir Kapoor. “Ranbir is doing some interesting films. He is consciously choosing varied scripts and genres, building an impressive repertoire. Given his acting prowess, and the fact that he has never really done a sports drama, it will be interesting to see Ranbir in a new avatar”, says the source. Interestingly, Ranbir too has shown keen interest in the venture, “Ranbir has heard the narration, and has expressed interest. If everything works out, he will be seen in the lead with Champions.”

As or the film, Champions which is an official remake of the Spanish film Campeones is directed by RS Prasanna with AKP bankrolling the venture. Expected to release in 2024 the final timelines will be decided only once the paperwork is done.

Also Read: SCOOP: Aamir Khan and Salman Khan in talks for Campeones Adaptation tentatively titled as Champions

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Citadel: Varun Dhawan says he will soon head to Serbia for the international schedule; promises never-seen-before action

As previously announced, Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas starred in the first-to-launch series within the Citadel universe, which came from the Russo Brothers’ AGBO along with David Weil and premiered in April 2023 and wrapped the first season on May 26. Additional local-language Citadel productions are also in the works, including an Italian Original series starring Matilda De Angelis called Citadel: Diana and Indian series starring Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The Bhediya actor promises never-seen-before action and he is already gearing up for the international schedule.

“It has been amazing working on it. We are going to be filming in Serbia. We have a month-long schedule over there with a lot of action. It is a very big series, nothing like people have seen in India yet,” Dhawan told PTI at IIFA 2023.

Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK are directing the Indian version. “The makers are pushing the envelope. Samantha and I can’t be doing something mediocre. She is one of the hardest-working actors,” Dhawan added.

He added, “There are some directors who are on your bucket list. For me, it was Shoojit Sircar (October), Sriram Raghavan (Badlapur) and Nitesh Tiwari (Bawaal). Some of my best performances come out when I work with these directors as they push me.”

For the unversed, Varun Dhawan had his international debut with a cameo in Priyanka and Richard’s Citadel. In the fifth episode, Priyanka Chopra’s Nadia Sinh has a secret child with Mason Kane, played by Richard Madden and she has kept the news under wraps. During the flashback from 8 years ago, she makes a call to the terrorist Rahi Gambhir in an attempt to relocate to Spain after she finds out about her pregnancy. When she is confronted by Mason and Osy Ikhile (Carter Spence) about contacting Gambhir, she reveals that the man is, in fact, her father. Played by Paul Bazely, he helps her escape Citadel in order to move to Spain. Interestingly, the call that happens on the episode is dubbed by none other than Varun Dhawan. His cameo gets confirmed when the end credits roll and thank Varun.

Created by Russo Brothers’ AGBO and showrunner David Weil, the 6-episode series features Richard Madden, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Stanley Tucci, and Lesley Manville in pivotal roles.

ALSO READ: BREAKING: Karan Johar to direct Tiger Shroff and Varun Dhawan in an action driven project

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Abhishek Bachchan says Ponniyin Selvan 2 is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s best work till date: “I’m very proud of her”

Actor Abhishek Bachchan hosted the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2023 along with Vicky Kaushal, this past weekend. Ahead of the show, the actor interacted with the media and answered a few questions. When asked to give one compliment to his wife for her performance in Ponniyin Selvan 2, the actor said that it is her best work to date.

 Speaking to Bollywood Bubble, Abhishek complimented his wife by saying, “Well, I told her it was her best work to date as an actor and unbelievable feat to accomplish with a role like that, very layered, very difficult and to ace it as the pro that she did it was fantastic. I’m so proud of her.”

Following the release of PS-2, Abhishek had taken to Twitter to praise Aishwarya and the entire team of the Mani Ratnam directorial. “#PS2 is simply FANTASTIC!!! At a loss for words right now. So overwhelmed. Well done to the entire team #ManiRatnam @chiyaan @trishtrashers @actor_jayamravi @Karthi_Offl and the rest of the cast and crew. And so, so proud of the Mrs. Her best by far #AishwaryaRaiBachchan,” he had written.

The grand finale of the IIFA Awards took place on May 27 and Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal hosted it. It had some electrifying performances by Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Nora Fatehi and Rakul Preet Singh.

ALSO READ: IIFA 2023: Abhishek Bachchan: “Our cinema is reaching different corners of the world”

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