Category: Press Release

Sharmila Tagore & Amol Palekar launched the website of BIG Pictures film ‘SAMAANTAR’ in PVR Delhi

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New Delhi, 24th August 2009: Yesteryears’ icons of Indian cinema Amol Palekar and Sharmila Tagore fascinated Delhi film buffs as they promoted their upcoming Marathi film ‘Samaantar’. This film has many highlights ¿ Palekar is acting after his last film Khamosh directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Thirty years after his Ankahee, Palekar has directed and acted in his own film. For the first time, Sharmila Tagore is acting in a Marathi film. The two prolific actors have come together after their Bengali super hit film MOTHER in late 70s.

SAMAANTAR recently competed for the Audience Award at the prestigious Beyond Bollywood Film Festival at Stuttgart, Germany; is going to be BIG Pictures maiden Marathi release set to release on Sept 4, 2009. Committed to showcase regional cinema throughout the nation in order to enhance the artistic exchange among various States, BIG PICTURES is releasing SAMAANTAR not only in Maharashtra but also in major metro cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai etc. The non-Marathi viewers can enjoy this film with English subtitles. In Delhi the subtitled version would release at PVR Select City walk and PVR Anupam.

The star duo showcased the first look of the film in the capital city and launched the micro-site of the film www.samaantar.bigflix.com on Monday, 24th August at PVR Select City walk. The Samaantar website is designed by BIGFlix.com.

”Considering that the global audience can be enticed through webmail, we are proud to launch this website for SAMAANTAR. Like all my films, this film also raises issues that need to be discussed at a larger scale. The blog designed in this website will channelize some meaningful discourse.’ said the nationally and internationally acclaimed Director Mr. Palekar. Sharing her happiness for the transcendence of the regional cinema, eternally elegant Sharmila Tagore said, ”The interaction among the eclectic audience will be enhanced due to such modern day tools. Due to this website, the tech savvy youth will be informed of the new trends in Indian cinema.”

Mahesh Ramnathan COO, BIG Pictures expressed, “At Big Pictures, we are constantly trying to innovatively exploit regional films in the domestic & International markets. Our Delhi release is aimed at providing an opportunity for the many fans of Mr. Palekar and Ms. Sharmila Tagore to enjoy another virtuoso performance from the masters”.

Samaanatar, (Parallel folds) presents an intense story through alluring characters of Keshav and Shama. It’s a tale about two parallel lives crossing each other in the twilight of life. Keshav’s melancholy amidst his busy surroundings is well carved by Palekar whereas Shama’s silent poise is depicted through marvelous performance by legendary Sharmila Tagore.

The film has excellent cast in the supporting roles such as Samir Dharmadhikari, Aishwarya Narkar, Radhika Apte, Sandip Mehta, Rishi Deshpande, Makarand Deshpande, Vandana Gupte who all are very accomplished actors. The story, screenplay & dialogue writer Sandhya Gokhale, the lyricist Kishore Kadam aka Saumitra, the music director Anand Modak are other few adornments of the film.

BIG Pictures hosts’ photo exhibition of scenic Kashmir taken during the shoot of the film ‘Sikandar’

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Vidhu Vinod Chopra inaugurated the photo exhibition today in Mumbai

Releasing on 21st Aug ‘Sikandar’ will release across 265 screens worldwide in addition to film rights sold in Israel, Malaysia, Sri Lanka

Mumbai, August 17, 2009: What makes Kashmir the ultimate paradise on Earth? What does this paradise look like? Curious minds wanting an answer to these questions found a cue through a visual delight at PVR Juhu today, when ace filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra inaugurated a photo exhibition of scenic Kashmir taken during the filming of Sikandar , a film written and directed by Piyush Jha produced by BIG Pictures . The film is scheduled to release on August 21, 2009 in India, US, UAE with the film rights been sold in Israel, Malaysia, Sri Lanka.

The entire cast of Sikandar was present at the inauguration of the photo exhibition – R Madhavan, Sanjay Suri, Parzaan Dastur, Ayesha Kapur, debutant Arunuday Singh. Also present were the film’s director Piyush Jha and producer Sudhir Mishra, who were ecstatic to bring their Kashmir memories in Mumbai, and relive them with fellow Mumbaikars. The exhibition will be on till August 23rd, 2009.

Sikandarshot in location in Kashmir, with a running time of 110 minutes, is about a 14-year-old Kashmiri boy’s desire to play football, but his life track changes when he stumbles upon a gun one day. The film is scheduled to release across 265 screens in India, US, UAE on August 21, 2009. The rights of the film have been sold in countries like Israel, Sri Lanka, Malaysia. Sikandarwas recently screened at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles and at the Stuttgart Film Festival.

It was befitting that filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra inaugurate the exhibition – being a Kashmiri himself, he has two of his hit films in the Valley. “I made Khamosh more than two decades ago and I again revisited the Valley for Mission Kashmir in 2000. So much has changed between this period, and yet much is still the same. I am glad that along with Sikandar this photo exhibition will bring to the fore the idea that Kashmir is indeed paradise on Earth, and this paradise in our own country,” said Chopra.

Says Mahesh Ramanathan, COO-BIG Pictures “Sikandar photo exhibition, will remind cinephiles and filmmakers that the beauty of Kashmir is unsullied by the ravages of inimical forces. Sikandar also will remind film makers of the evergreen film hits of the past that were shot extensively in Kashmir. After the release of Sikandar, hopefully more producers will return to patronise this film maker’s paradise”

Piyush Jha, “After I set the story in Kashmir, the visual metaphor I strived for, was to contrast the beauty of ‘Mother Nature’, against the cruelty of human nature. Actually, Sikandar is a film which could be set anywhere – as it deals with the universal manipulation of adolescence by the nasty games played by adults. Having said that, I’d like to add that, Sikandar is not at all a preachy film. It is an exciting suspense thriller with its heart in the right place,” said Jha.

Jha added that his actors – Parzaan and Ayesha – have proved that a typical adult hero and heroine are not necessarily the only ingredients for a film to sell. “Both Parzaan and Ayesha have done a stupendous job and this proves that a film can surely be successful with 14-year-old as protagonists, without it being termed as a ‘children’s film ‘,” Jha elaborated.

The photo exhibition is a wide-arrayed display of picturesque photographs taken during the 40-day shoot of Sikandar. While snow-capped mountains, tall chinar trees, pristine waters of the Chenab, soldiers at frequent check posts on every road, wooden houses and bridges form the fabric of the daily life of any Kashmiri, this exhibition is an eye opener to the rest of the country which has distanced itself from Kashmir. (These photos have been shot by Location Still Photographer- Pramod Gawade, Production Designer- Shruti Gupte, Writer/Director- Piyush Jha and Ayesha Kapur’s mother Jacqueline Kapur)

Sikandar casts Parzaan Dastur, the adorable little Sardar from film ‘Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai’, now in his teens, Ayesha Kapur of ‘Black’ fame as she makes her come-back as a lead actress and introduces Arunoday Singh in a key role. Also, lending their strength and verve are R. Madhavan and Sanjay Suri. The happening trio of Shankar Ehsaan- Loy, Sandesh Shandilya and Justin-Uday with lyrics by Prasoon Joshi, Neelesh Misra and Kumaar.

To know more about the film log on to www.sikandar.bigflix.com /
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=48610492499

BIG Pictures gives Kolkata’s poetry lovers a glimpse of verses from Rituparo Ghosh’s forthcoming film ‘Shob Charitro Kalponik’

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Poet Joy Goswami, Rituparo Ghosh, Prosenjit, Jisshu and Pauli grace the occasion at Crossword

Kolkata, August 14, 2009: Poetry is catharsis for the soul and there is no one truth to it. Elucidating more about the hidden truths in poetry was noted poet of Kolkata, Joy Goswami. BIG Pictures, along with the entire cast of Rituparno Ghosh’s upcoming film Shob Charitro Kalponik, also articulated themselves with Goswami and the audience, at a poetry reading session at Crossword, on Friday, August 14, 2009.

Goswami, a prominent name among Kolkata’s literary circles, has penned the poems for Shob Charitro Kalponik, which is scheduled to release on August 28. Directed by the maverick Rituparo Ghosh, the film is replete with poems by Goswami, which interweave between the script, the dialogues, the characters and the situations. Rituparno Ghosh along with the stars from the film- Prosenjit Chatterjee, Jisshu Sengupta and Pauli Dam attended the gripping poetry session.

The poetry is an important element in the film, close to the heels of the three primary characters. With the male protagonist being a prolific poet who eventually bags an award, it was befitting that film had poems to suit the changing rhythm in the film.

Talking about how he came about to compose the poems for Shob Charitro Kalponik, Goswami said that the poems were written as early as 1997-1998. “Rituparno had approached me sometime in 1997-1998 and showed me the script of the film. He told me that he wanted me to compose poems based on the characters and the situations. I wrote about three to four poems then and finally, when the film took shape, the poems were included in the film,” Goswami said.

According Mahesh Ramanathan, Chief Operating Officer, BIG Pictures, the film is a refreshing break as the poems take the narrative forward. “Joy’s poetry shines through and is a crown jewel in Sob Charitro Kalponik.We want to reach out to the poetry connoisseurs in Kolkata through this promotion to burnish the film further prior to release” he said.

Shob Charitro Kalponik, follows the journey of a woman’s recollection of her marriage and her radical steps outside it. Radhika is asked by the publishers to complete the works of her late husband Indraneel. This compels her to study his work and therein begins her journey into the past. She realizes how much he romanticized their mundane everyday life. Yet in reality, he was at times insensitive to her, negligent towards his marital duties and apathetic towards their elderly maid. She then wonders how a poet could be unaware of his day-to-day life but highlight the moments from it in his art.

The narrative of Shob Charitro Kalponik, flows through four poems, two of them being love poems. However, Goswami’s favourite poetry is that which is seen in the film to be inspired by the character of Nandurmaa or the ageing maid. “Nandurmaa was a migrant from East Bengal who had begun to sustain a living by working as a maid in people’s homes. I had watched the maid in my home and in that of my friends to be able to write the poem on Nandurmaa,” Goswami explained.

Soulful music of Amol Palekar’s ‘Samaantar’ launched by BIG Music

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Shankar Mahadevan and Shreya Ghoshal sing for ‘Samaantar’

Mumbai, August 12, 2009: In today’s world of remix culture, the pure essence of soulful music, non-synthetic sound has been lost in oblivion. BIG Music is bringing back the eternal melodies, magical compositions seamlessly weaved in filmmaker Amol Palekar’s latest creation ‘SAMAANTAR’, a BIG Pictures production that is all set to release on September 4, 2009. The music for this Marathi magnum opus starring AMOL PALEKAR and SHARMILA TAGORE was released amid much fanfare at Cinemax Versova on Wednesday, August 12, 2009.

Present at the music launch of Samaantar was the film’s entire star cast & crew – Amol Palekar, Samir Dharmadhikari, Aishwarya Narkar, Radhika Apte, Sandip Mehta, Rishi Deshpande, Makarand Deshpande, Vandana Gupte, story, screenplay & dialogue writer Sandhya Gokhale, lyricist Kishore Kada aka Saumitra, music director Anand Modak. The film is about two parallel lives crossing each other in the twilight of life.

The music of Samaantar has been composed by Anand Modak, while the soulful lyrics for the songs have been penned by Kishore Kadam ¿ both of whom were present at the music launch. Shankar Mahadevan and Shreya Ghoshal, who have lent their mesmerising voices to the songs of the film, performed at the music launch of Samaantar.

According to Kulmeet Makkar, CEO, BIG Music & Home Entertainment, “The music of ‘Samaantar’ is very original and melodious. I’m sure the discerning Marathi listener will find this album to be a classic in the making. BIG Music is proud to have content like ‘Samaantar as part of our catalogue, especially since it’s from a team of stalwarts like Amol Palekar and Anand Modak.”

Samaanatar presents an intense story through alluring characters of Keshav and Shama. Keshav’s melancholy amidst his busy surroundings is well carved by Palekar who is acting after his last film Khamosh directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Thirty years after his Ankahee, Palekar has directed and acted in his own film. Shama’s silent poise is depicted through marvelous performance by legendary Sharmila Tagore who is acting in a Marathi film for the first time. The two prolific actors have come together after their Bengali super hit film ‘Mother’ in late 70s.

For Amol Palekar, the music done by Anand Modak is completely in sync with the texture of the film. “Anand has capably conveyed the various emotions and changing rhythms of the script through his compositions. Anand’s strength is in his melodies rooted in classical as well as folk music.” he said.

Kishore Kadam who is immensely popular as “Saumitra” among the younger generations has penned the lyrics for all the songs in ‘Samaantar’. “These songs are based on the diverse modes of relationships. Amolda and Snadhyaji briefed me very clearly about the demands of the situations and emotions. That made my task easier as a lyricist. ” Kadam explained.

Sandhya Gokhale who brilliantly inscribed music in the earlier screenplays written by her for films like Paheli, Thaang, or conceived Dhrupad music in Anaahat is very excited with the winning score of Samaantar. “This music which synthesizes sensitive poetry and unforgettable tunes will be etched in our mind forever.” added the writer who is also trained in Hindustani classical music.

“Nuste Nuste”, a song sung by Shankar Mahadevan and Shreya Ghoshal in Samaantar, exudes hope while traversing through loneliness. This melodious song shot stunningly on scenic locations will surely hypnotize the audience for years to come. “Kay Jahale, tula manaa re” is yet another song that will move the audience touching their heart. The two talented singers brightened the music launch evening by singing these soulful songs.

Anand Modak, who has composed the music for Samaantar, said that “Many non-Marathi singers like Hemant Kumar, Manna De, Mahendra Kapoor had lent their voices to Marathi film music. I am grateful to Amolji who offered me brilliant singers like Shankar and Shreya. Their accent is as Marathi as it could be!”

“Navika Re hati tujhya” brings out the authentic fragrance of a majhi (boatman’s) song that was immortalized by the late S.D. Burman. “I have experimented with the majhi rhythm and tune which suited the situation taking place on the banks of river Ganges. Sudesh Bhosale has superbly brought out the pathos of the boatman’s yearning.” added Modak.

While hoping that the audience will patronize this fresh music richly, Mahesh Ramanathan, COO of BIG Pictures said, “We are proud to unveil a stupendous gift in the form of audio CD of Samaantar to eclectic music lovers.”

BIG Music’s film album ‘Daddy Cool’ to swirl the nation with feet-tapping music

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Album includes desi version of Boney M’s cult song “Daddy Cool” amongst other tracks.

Mumbai, August 10, 2009: A funeral gone horribly wrong can only be a laugher riot for those who are not part of it.that’s ‘Daddy Cool’ for you, set to release world wide on August 28, 2009. BIG Music released the music of the film today at Cinemax Versova, amid much fanfare and a mesmerising rendition of Boney M’s 1976 hit number ‘Daddy Cool’ by the film’s music composer Raghav Sachar. From the makers of Masti & Dhamaal, Indra Kumar & Ashok Thakeria ‘Daddy Cool’, is a co-production between BIG Pictures and Maruti Pictures.

The director of the film K Murali Mohan Rao, producer duo Indra Kumar & Ashok Thakeria along with the entire star cast of the film were present at the music launch¿ Suniel Shetty, Aftab Shivdasani, Prem Chopra, Javed Jaffrey, Aarti Chhabria, Ashish Chowdhry, Tulip Joshi, Kim Sharma, Sophie Choudry, Rajpal Yadav & Chunky Pandey.

The multi-starrer Daddy Cool is a comedy of errors, and adding zing to the music album from the stable of BIG Music is Raghav’s groovy and feet-tapping compositions. The producers have acquired the rights to tune of Boney M’s “Daddy Cool”. Raghav has developed a psychedelic version of Boney M’s “Daddy Cool” which begins with an Indianised version of the music in the 60s in India, with a hip-hop feel throughout the track, live percussions and Raghav’s signature flute piece. The beauty of the new feel to “Daddy Cool” is not just this. he has also added a Punjabi and a Qawwali feel at some places in the track.

According to Kulmeet Makkar, CEO BIG Music, the music album of Daddy Cool will surely be a hit with the youngsters. “The numbers in the song are peppy; something that is loved by all generations. It is interesting to see how Raghav has managed to give a desi flavour to Boney M’s “Daddy Cool” and this composition will surely be one of the hits of the year,” he said.

Along with the title track of “Daddy Cool”, there is groovy number, “Nasha Nasha”. Sung by Neha Bhasin in her sultry voice, the song is an ode to the ladies featured in the film and has a hip-hop feel to it. The song has some breathtaking mouth percussions for the slow-paced groovy number. There is also a remix version of the same track, which is twice the pace of the original number, which is sure to be on demand in nightclubs in the coming days.

Ashok Thakeria, co-producer of Daddy Cool, said that unlike other films, which are interjected by many song sequences, there are no songs in the film. “The beauty of the film is that the music complements the script, and hence there was no need to have any songs during the film. The songs stand on their own merit, and will feature in the beginning and end titles. The script demands a continuous flow and yet, I am sure the audience will be able to connect the music with such an entertaining film.”

Mahesh Ramanathan, COO, BIG Pictures, the film is a complete package of comedy and drama, well intertwined. “The title track of Daddy Cool is sure to considerably broaden the appeal of the film especially a new generation of younger audiences who have not experienced the power of the original number. Daddy Cool is cool for dads, moms & GenX”

The music album contains seven tracks in all, including remix versions of two songs. True to his style and music repertoire, Raghav has made use of a plethora of instruments for each of the tracks. Raghav said, “My first impression when I was signed on to compose the music for the film Daddy Cool was to create a fresh rhythm to the cult Boney M’s hit number. I am glad to have given a different flavour to the song with desi jibes. Hope the audience like it. But I think “Nasha Nasha” is by far my most superlative composition till date.”

With its hilarious plot, cheeky characters, and of course, groovy music, Daddy Cool is sure to make waves among the audience. The film is about the funeral of a Goan named Douglas Lazarus, and the proceedings is not at all demure the coffin makers deliver the wrong body; the dead man’s elder son Steven (Suniel Shetty) attempts at an eulogy which includes the description of the rivers in Goa; the younger son Brian (Ashish Chowdhry) who isn’t willing to take care of his widowed mother for the sake if his pet dogs; an insecure Nancy (Aarti Chhabria) who is Steven’s wife; a proud Mrs Lazarus (Suhasini Mulay) who doesn’t consider herself widowed yet. Then there is a doped and nervous Michael (Aftab Shivdasani); expressing his love for Maria (Tulip Joshi); her junkie brother (Chunky Pandey); a knife-wielding suspicious Jenny (Kim Sharma) who finds her husband Carlos (Jaaved Jaaffrey) pleading forgiveness from hot model Ayesha (Sophie Choudry). Confusions and misunderstanding galore, Daddy Cool is sure to tickle your ribs. Log onto www.daddycoolthefilm.com for more information

Music & Home Entertainment has taken significant strides towards its objective of emerging as a dominant player in the Indian Music and Home Entertainment industries.Apart from releasing chart-busting music of Hindi films like Luck By Chance, Rock On!!, the company has also released blockbusters such as Welcome, Jodhaa Akbar, Singh is Kinng and Rock On!! on home video. The company is the exclusive licensee to the best of Hollywood’s prestigious studios – Universal Pictures International BV, Warner Home Video, Paramount Home Entertainment Global & DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. With its robust pan-India distribution network, the company will ensure reach for these Hollywood products, not only in urban market but also mass marketVisit us at http://bigmusic.co.in and http://bigvideo.co.in

BIG Pictures and Puja Films’ Do Knot Disturb to release on 25th September. First look theatrical trailer in cinemas with Love Aaj Kal

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~ First Look Theatrical Trailer in Cinemas with Love Aaj Kal~

~Be ready to laugh your head off as the Makers of “No. 1” and “Kings of Comedy” come together this September for ‘Do Knot Disturb’

Mumbai, 29 July, 2009: BIG Pictures, the motion pictures brand from Reliance Big Entertainment and Vashu Bhagnani’s Puja Films will release ‘Do Knot Disturb’…Fun Lies Behind Closed Doors!,! a laugh riot from David Dhawan, one of India’s most successful film-makers on 25th September worldwide.

The first look theatrical trailer of ‘Do Knot Disturb’ starring the finest comic talent from Bollywood- Govinda, Riteish Deshmukh, Sushmita Sen, Lara Dutta, Sohail Khan, Ranvir Shorey and Rajpal Yadav will be unveiled in cinemas with Love Aaj Kal on July 31, 2009. ‘Do Knot Disturb’ also marks the coming together of the Super Hit Comedy Jodi No. 1 of David Dhawan and Govinda after a gap of two years. Their last film together was the blockbuster PARTNER.

‘Do Knot Disturb’ is a zany comedy of errors about a rich businessman who tries to hide his extramarital affair with a supermodel. To save his skin, he bribes a waiter into pretending to be the supermodel’s boyfriend. What follows is a series of mistaken identities and misunderstandings, culminating in one mammoth laugh riot.

The film has music by Nadeem Shravan, lyrics by Sameer and screenplay by Yunus Sejawal.

Kashmiri boy Mehrajuddin Rathar from BIG Pictures’ ‘Sikandar’ visits Mumbai

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Film starring Madhavan, Sanjay Suri Parzaan Dastur, Ayesha Kapur will release on Aug 21st

Film starring Madhavan, Sanjay Suri Parzaan Dastur, Ayesha Kapur will release on Aug 21stMumbai July 28, 2009: Mehrajuddin Rath, a 14 year old boy from Kashmir studying in the Government Higher Secondary School Pehelgam, thought it was just another day when he was singing for his morning school assembly in May 2008. Little did he know, that director Piyush Jha, who was doing location recce for his film ‘Sikandar’ in villages close to Srinagar, would hear his voice and give him an opportunity that most others like him only desire for. Mehraj is in Mumbai to promote the film this week.
Written and directed by Piyush Jha, shot in location in Kashmir set to release in August 21st, BIG Pictures ‘Sikandar’ is about this 15 year old boy Sikandar who lives with his uncle and aunt in a small Kashmiri town. Now his life revolves round his foster parents, football, Nasreen, the new girl in town and dealing with some bullies. But life takes an unexpected (or was it expected?) turn when he picks up a gun from the ground. And thus, he gets drawn into the web of militants, power and violence.

“I heard Mehrajuddin’s voice for the first time when he was singing a naat (hymn) called ‘Arzoo’ for his school assembly and I recorded it on my handy cam. When I went back to my room and watched the tape, this boy’s voice remained with me for a long- long time and that’s when I decided to incorporate it in ‘Sikandar’,” says director Piyush Jha.

Piyush immediately decided to make room for this naat and Mehrajuddin in his film. A special sequence is written featuring the boy singing the song in the backdrop fitting perfectly in the film. The song ‘Arzoo’ has been recorded live on location by Mehrajuddin at the same as it was being picturized on him.

“I was very happy to know that I got a chance to sing for a Hindi film. I never thought I would get an opportunity to be a part of films, which otherwise I only watch on my TV set. I want to thank Piyush Jha for this wonderful opportunity and now I want to pursue my hobby of singing and take it forward in the best possible way.,” says Mehrajuddin.

Mehrajuddin’s father Ghulam Hasan Rath adds, “Mehrajuddin singing talent is God’s gift. This boy has never taken any formal training. I am really proud of his talent and I will encourage him to pursue it.”

Mehrajuddin belongs from a very traditional Kashmiri family, where he helps his father run his pony riding business and studying in the local school; completely disconnected from the film world. The boy never had singing aspirations until Piyush Jha perused him and his family to let him sing the song.

Sikandar casts Parzaan Dastur, the adorable little Sardar from film ‘Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai’, now in his teens, Ayesha Kapur of ‘Black’ fame as she makes her come-back as a lead actress and introduces Arunoday Singh in a key role. Also, lending their strength and verve are R. Madhavan and Sanjay Suri. The happening trio of Shankar Ehsaan- Loy, Sandesh Shandilya and Justin-Uday with lyrics by Prasoon Joshi, Neelesh Misra and Kumaar.

To know more about the film log on to www.sikandar.bigflix.com /
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=48610492499

ANIL AMBANI, STEVEN SPIELBERG AND STACEY SNIDER MEET IN NEW YORK

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ANIL AMBANI, STEVEN SPIELBERG AND STACEY SNIDER MEET IN NEW YORK
$825 MILLION INITIAL FUNDING FOR DREAMWORKS STUDIOS
DREAMWORKS TO MAKE 5-6 FILMS EVERY YEAR FOR GLOBAL AUDIENCES
FIRST PRODUCTIONS TO COMMENCE THIS YEAR FOR RELEASE IN 2010
DISNEY TO HANDLE GLOBAL MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION
RELIANCE TO RETAIN DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS FOR INDIA

New York, NY – July 15, Anil Dhirubhai Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, met with DreamWorks Studios partners Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider while in New York today.

The new motion picture company formed between Reliance BIG Entertainment and DreamWorks has been functioning since November 2008 from DreamWorks’ long time offices in Los Angeles, California.

Upon the first closing expected shortly, there will be an initial $825 million available for film production. This initial phase of funding will include an equity investment from Reliance ADA Group, debt financing from a syndication of banks, as well as funding from Disney.

With this financing, DreamWorks will eventually make 5-6 films per year. Earlier this year DreamWorks signed a distribution deal with The Walt Disney Company, who will handle marketing and distribution of the studio’s films around the world, except for India where Reliance BIG Entertainment will retain distribution rights.

DreamWorks anticipates starting its first film for the new studio later this year. They have been actively acquiring properties and developing projects for release in 2010.

In addition, DreamWorks acquired numerous attractive projects from Paramount on the separation from that studio earlier this year. An announcement of the initial films to go before the cameras will be made at a later date.

“This venture with Reliance opens a new door to our future,” said Steven Spielberg. “Their visionary step has given us a new set of dreams to work toward. Stacey and I thank them for their faith in us and their faith in the movie business.”

“All of us at DreamWorks Studios join with our Reliance partners in anticipating the financial closing,” said Stacey Snider. “We also welcome the opportunity and freedom they have given us to make the films we want to make. We always want to aim for appeal and quality whether it be for a highly commercial concept or an artistic achievement.”

Anil Ambani responded, “We are delighted to partner with such uniquely talented individuals as Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider. Ever since we looked at their business plan, I have never doubted that we would succeed in providing them with the financial muscle required to realize their dreams.”

About Reliance ADA Group

The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group currently has a market capitalization of over Rs.1,80,000 crore (US$ 38 billion) , net worth in excess of Rs. 64,000 crore (US$ 13 billion), cash flows of Rs. 13,000 crore (US$ 3 billion) and net profit of Rs. 8,300 crore (US$ 2 billion).

Reliance-ADA Group has interests in varied sectors ranging from communications (Reliance Communications), financial services (Reliance Capital Ltd), power generation, transmission and distribution (Reliance Energy), natural resources (Reliance Natural Resources), infrastructure, media & entertainment and health care.

Across different companies, the group has a customer base of over 100 million, the largest in India, and a shareholder base of over 12 million, the largest in the world.

The Reliance ADA Group has a business presence that extends to over 20,000 towns and 450,000 villages in India, and 5 continents across the world.

Reliance BIG Entertainment

Reliance BIG Entertainment Ltd. (RBEL) (www.rbe.co.in ) is the flagship media and entertainment arm of Indian conglomerate, Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (R-ADAG), (www.relianceada.com) with significant presence in film entertainment (film production, distribution, and exhibition), broadcasting and new media ventures.

With investments over USD 1 billion already (prior to the DreamWorks deal) in its Filmed Entertainment business RBEL’s motion picture brand BIG Pictures has built a formidable film production slate in Hindi, English & other Indian languages, which it markets & distributes worldwide.

In Hollywood, BIG Pictures has development silos with Nicolas Cage’s Saturn Productions, Jim Carrey’s JC 23 Entertainment, George Clooney’s Smokehouse Productions, Chris Columbus’ 1492 Pictures, Tom Hank’s Playtone Productions, Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment, Jay Roach’s Everyman Pictures Brett Ratner’s Rat Entertainment and Julia Roberts’ Red Om Films.

About DreamWorks Studios

DreamWorks Studios is a new motion picture company led by Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider in partnership with The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group. The new company is a continuation of DreamWorks Studios which was formed in 1994 by Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Geffen. The company won three consecutive Best Picture Academy Awards with “American Beauty,” “Gladiator,” and “A Beautiful Mind” (both co-produced with Universal). Among the company’s other successes have been such films as “Saving Private Ryan” (co-produced with Paramount), “The Ring,” “Minority Report” (co-produced with 20th Century Fox), “War of the Worlds,” “Dreamgirls,” and “Transformers” (all co-produced with Paramount).

BIG Pictures’ Bengali film ‘Shob Charitro Kalponik’ selected for Durban Film Festival, to be screened on July 30, 2009.

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Rituparno Ghosh to attend the film festival for the screening on July 30th.

Mumbai Jul xx: BIG Pictures, motion picture brand of Reliance Big Entertainment’s Bengali film directed by the maverick Rituparno Ghosh’s ‘Shob Charitro Kalponik’ (Afterword) has been selected for the 30th Durban Film Festival ’09 to be held from 22 July to 2 August 2009. Rituparo Ghosh will be traveling to Durban, South Africa for the screening of the film scheduled for July 30th.

Written and Directed by Ritupano Ghosh‘Shob Charitro Kalponik’ a story of death and loss with many emotional and romantic moments, stars Bipasha Basu, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Jisshu Sengupta, Pauli Dam and Sohag Sen. It is produced by BIG Pictures. The film has music by Sanjoy Das and Raja Narayan Deb with a lot of folk, modern sounds and also a song by Lalan. Samik Halder is behind the camera and Arghyakamal Mitra will do the editing. Joy Goswami has written all the poems for Prosenjit’s character, who plays a poet in the film. Some of these are excerpts of old poems and some have been written exclusively for the film.
Commenting on this Rituparno Ghosh says, “………………….
Mahesh Ramanathan, Chief Operating Officer, BIG Pictures adds, “Our efforts to broaden international horizons for Bengali films are beginning to be successful. Rituparno’s work has been widely acclaimed globally. Shob Charitro Kalponik’s selection in the Panorama Section of Durban film festival is a first ever premier for a Bengali film in the African continent. With this success, BIG Pictures have now secured selection for 10 of its world cinema titles in over 12 prestigious international festivals in the last 6 months. It’s a historical first for any production house in India”

‘Shob Charitro Kalponik’ will be screened in the Panorama Section of the festival, alongside films by directors such as Woody Allen, the Dardenne Brothers, Lars von Trier, Laurent Cantet, Steven Soderbergh, Takeshi Kitano and Michael Winterbottom.

‘Shob Charitro Kalponik’ is the story of Radhika’s journey into the life of her late poet-husband, Indraneel and the revelations and contradictions she learns about Indraneel as a poet and husband. She realizes how much he romanticized their mundane, everyday life. Yet in reality, he was often insensitive, negligent and apathetic towards her. She wonders about his dual identity. How can a poet be unaware of his day-to-day realities, yet highlight moments from it in his art? Is art essentially an artifice?

A contemporary director whose playground is the complexity of raw human emotions that are often caught in the web of relationship drawn out by the society, Rituparno Ghosh has emerged as one of the finest filmmakers in India. . His 1999 film ‘Bariwali’ (Lady of the House) won him a Netpac Award and was screened at the Berlin International Film Festival. ‘Titli’ (The First Monsoon Day) and ‘Choker Bali’ (Passion Play) were the respective official entries in the competition section at the Locarno Film Festival in 2002 and 2003. In December 2008, Ghosh was awarded the prestigious Premio Arca D’Oro by the Italian government for his outstanding work. He is also the proud recipient of the National Award for his film ‘Shubho Mahurat’.

BIG Pictures’ Suspense Thriller ‘Sikandar’ To Release On 21st August 2009

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Mumbai, 30th June, 2009: BIG Pictures, motion pictures brand from Reliance Big Entertainment in association with Sudhir Mishra will release its suspense thriller movie ‘Sikandar’ on 21st August, 2009.

Written and directed by Piyush Jha, shot in location in Kashmir, the film is about Sikandar who lives with his uncle and aunt in a small Kashmiri town. Now his life revolves round his foster parents, football, Nasreen, the new girl in town and dealing with some bullies. But life takes an unexpected (or was it expected?) turn when he picks up a gun from the ground. And thus, he gets drawn into the web of militants, power and violence.

‘Sikandar’ casts Parzaan Dastur, the adorable little Sardar from film ‘Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai’, now in his teens, Ayesha Kapur of ‘Black’ fame as she makes her come-back as a lead actress and introduces Arunoday Singh in a key role. Also, lending their strength and verve are R. Madhavan and Sanjay Suri. The happening trio of Shankar Ehsaan- Loy, Sandesh Shandilya and Justin-Uday with lyrics by Prasoon Joshi, Neelesh Misra and Kumaar.

Sikandar is a novel new generation film that is steadily gaining popularity with international audience. The strong storyline is sure to resonate well in India with the film’s release on 21st August. It’s a film strong on content & emotive appeal,¿ says Mahesh Ramanathan, COO BIG Pictures.

To know more about the film log on to www.sikandar.bigflix.com /
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=48610492499

About Reliance Big Entertainment:

Reliance Big Entertainment Ltd. (RBEL, www.rbe.in) is the flagship media and entertainment arm of the Indian conglomerate Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (www.relianceada.com). It has a significant presence in filmed entertainment (film production, distribution, exhibition and TV content), broadcasting, studio infrastructure, processing, digital services, music, home video, animation, events, out of home, gaming and new media.

BIG Pictures, RBEL’s motion picture brand, has built a formidable Indian film production slate in English, Hindi and several other Indian languages, which it markets and distributes worldwide.The slate has projects with leading production houses and marquee Indian directors, both mainstream and arthouse, including Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rakesh Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, David Dhawan,Anurag Basu, Kunal Kohli, Priyadarshan, Madhur Bhandarkar, Sudhir Mishra, Shaji N. Karun, Shyam Benegal, Rituparno Ghosh, Buddhadeb Dasgupta, M.S. Sathyu and Amol Palekar.

In Hollywood, RBEL has signed development deals with Julia Roberts’ Red Om Films, Nicolas Cage’s Saturn Productions,Jim Carrey’s JC 23 Entertainment, George Clooney’s Smokehouse Productions, Chris Columbus’ 1492 Pictures,Tom Hanks’ PlayTone Productions, Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment, Jay Roach’s Everyman Pictures and Brett Ratner’s Rat Entertainment.

RBEL’s associate company ADLABS is India’s largest film processing, exhibition and services company.

Reliance ADA Group (www.relianceada.com) is among India’s largest private sector, business houses and has interests in communications, financial services, health, energy, infrastructure and media & entertainment.

Further press release related queries please contact:

Preeti Puri Sharma
Vice President, PR
BIG Pictures
Email: .purisharma@relianceada.com

Rohini Bhandari
Manager, PR
BIG Pictures
Email: rohini.r.bhandari@relianceada.com