Have you heard? Recreating history  

A still from Emergency

Kangana Ranaut is gearing up for the most ambitious project of her career so far, Emergency. The actor, who portrays the late Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, also doubles up as the producer and director of the period drama. While the film revolves around the 1975 Emergency, as the title suggests, we hear that the narrative incorporates several highlights of Mrs Gandhi's leadership. Interestingly, the July 2, 1972, Shimla Agreement between the former Indian PM and the then President of Pakistan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (played by Parvez Malik in the film) marks one of the highlights of the June 14 release. It is known that the agreement formally marked the end of the 1971 Indo-Pak War, in which Indian soldiers captured 93,000 enemy soldiers. The prisoners of war were later released to the Pak establishment, as per the peace terms. Besides, the Shimla Agreement was aimed at addressing the Kashmir issue and fostering improved relations between the two countries. As per the terms, India also gave back over 13,000 km of land to Pakistan, but the Shimla Agreement continues to linger in India's political history. A source reveals, "Kangana's film promises insights into the historical event, shedding light on the complexities of the agreement that also saw Bangladesh become an independent country."

Baby John, anyone?

Even though they began filming last August, the makers of Varun Dhawan's next took their own sweet time to announce the film last week. Now, we hear that they will unveil the title with a teaser in the coming days. Apparently, the Atlee production, which is an adaptation of his 2016 Tamil hit, Theri, is titled Baby John. Helmed by Kalees, the movie features Varun in a double role, with Keerthi Suresh and Wamiqa Gabbi as his leading ladies, and Jackie Shroff as the antagonist. Reportedly, the makers recently got a go-ahead for the teaser from the Central Board of Film Certification. However, it remains to be seen if they will also announce the release date with it.

Pari is now a singer too

Parineeti Chopra, who first went behind the mic for the song, Maana ke hum yaar nahin, in Meri Pyaari Bindu (2017), is finally turning professional singer. Sharing the news on social media, Parineeti wrote, "I feel so lucky, blessed and stressed about starting off a whole new chapter in my life. I can't describe how excited I am to embark on this musical journey." Stating that the new journey gives her an opportunity to have two careers at once, she added, "Here's to embracing the unknown and facing all my fears and kicking off my singing debut."

That VFX story

Earlier this month, Junior NTR and director Koratala Siva unveiled the teaser of their upcoming collaboration, Devara. The first of the two-part film, which also marks the Telugu debut of Janhvi Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan, was slated to arrive on April 5. We now hear that the action drama is unlikely to release as planned. Sources claim that as work on the extensive VFX is taking time, Jr NTR and the makers are looking at an alternative date. "The high stakes notwithstanding, the team is clear that they won't compromise on the visual aesthetics, storytelling or any aspect of Devara. And since it is Tarak's first release after the mammoth success of SS Rajamouli's RRR (2022), he is equally keen on delivering a big screen experience to audiences. So, they are looking to finalise a suitable date in the second half of 2024."

From Chennai to Cardiff

Shruti Haasan is teaming up with BAFTA-winning director Philip John for a film titled Chennai Story. "I'm thrilled to team up with the incredibly talented Shruti, on an emotional roller coaster of a story set in Chennai and Cardiff," said John. The actor added, "Collaborating with Phil is something I'm excited to experience, telling global and rooted stories through international collaboration is what making cinema is all about."

Maa ke naam

Sonu Sood, who became a real-life hero for helping people during the pandemic, continues with his philanthropy. He recently launched a new initiative - ­an old-age home, named after his mother, Saroj Sood. A source close to the actor says, "Sonu was very attached to his mother. The old-age living home, named Saroj Serenity, is his tribute to mothers and the bond between parents and children. It is planned to ensure a comfortable environment for senior citizens to live with dignity."

People's choice

Yami Gautam Dhar's social media post after the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya seems to have resonated with netizens. A fan created an AI-version of the actor as Sita from the Ramayan, saying, "This AI version image of Yami Gautam proves why she is the perfect fit for Sita maa character." Several netizens commented, "Only and only she should play the role of Mata Sita whenever a film on Ramayan is made. Every time." Wonder what Nitesh Tiwari, who has cast south actor Sai Pallavi for the role in his Ramayan trilogy has to say to that.