Dutta wins round one
TANUSHREE DUTTA
VS NANA PATEKAR
A MAJOR storm took centre stage in Bollywood last week, as sexual exploitation and abuse made for scathing headlines. Inspired by the Hollywood #MeToo movement, former beauty queen Tanushree Dutta made some startling revelations dating back to a decade ago.
The actress, who now resides in the US, claims that she was exploited and abused while working on a guest song appearance for the comedy Horn Ok Please. The allegations have been made against powerhouse performer Nana Patekar, whom the actress claims sexually harassed her on the sets of the movie in 2008.
Adding to the accusations, Dutta claims Patekar also arranged for an unruly mob to intimidate her while she tried to leave the sets. While video footage of the shocking incident has surfaced, Bollywood bigwigs including Priyanka Chopra, Sonam Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut and Farhan Akthar have come out to publicly support the actress.
The claim gained momentum after journalist Janice Sequira validated the accusation and claimed to be a witness. In retaliation to Dutta’s police complaint, Patekar has denied all the accusations with a legal notice asking Dutta to withdraw the allegations and apologise. The drama continues. Round 1 to Dutta.
BEWARE ‘THUGS’ THIS DIWALI:
There are set to be fireworks at the Indian box office this Diwali. While 2018 has already witnessed blockbuster success in Bollywood with hits like Padmaavat, Raazi, Gold, Satyameva Jayate, Stree and Sanju, there are predictions that records will be shattered on November 8 when the mighty Yash Raj Pictures takes control of the box office with their biggest release to date – Thugs of Hindostan.
Touted to be the most costly Bollywood release, with a budget of $40 million (R594.5m), the trailer was released on September 27, the birthday of the late head honcho of Yash Raj Pictures – the legendary film-maker Yash Chopra – with over 30 million views on YouTube.
Directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya of Dhoom 3 success, the cinematic extravaganza marks the historic collaboration between two of the greatest legends of Indian Cinema – Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan. Set against a revolution of the British rule in 1975, the grand epic adventure features Dangal actress Fatima Sana Shaikh and Katrina Kaif as the leading ladies. Bollywood superstars like Shahrukh Khan, Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgan have lavished praise on the trailer. The movie will release in Hindi, Tamil and Telegu.
AKSHAY KUMAR STRIKES GOLD:
The hit machine Akshay Kumar continues his blockbuster run at the box office. After Padman and the recently released Gold, Kumar will be seen playing the villain when he is pitted against Rajinikanth in the science fiction entertainer Robot 2.0 that releases at the end of November. The blockbuster actor also teams up for two Karan productions next year. While he will be seen in the intense period drama Kesari with Parineeti Chopra, he also teams up Kareena Kapoor Khan for the family drama Good News that also features Diljith Dosanjh and Kiara Advani.
Upfront, Sui Dhaaga is nothing short of outstanding. Produced by Yash Raj Pictures and directed by Sharad Katariya, Sui Dhaaga is the inspirational journey of a talented tailor named Mauji and his wife Mamta, played by Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma, respectively. When Mauji is left unemployed, he decides to make his passion his career. Supported only by Mamta, the couple undergo trials and tribulations and along the way discover love, deception and a challenge that could lead to success. Sui Dhaaga is a predictable, yet an uncomplicated feelgood family movie that leaves you inspired. What works like magic however are three lead stars: Varun Dhawan, Anushka Sharma and a beautifully woven script that keeps it all glued together.
● Bunseelall is the founder of Star Attraction and the official representative of Colors TV in South Africa. He is also a movie critic and presenter of the Breakfast Show on Eastwave Radio. Write to him at info@starattraction.co.za