Producer Tutu Sharma’s Citara Entertainment to launch affordable multiplex chains targeting Tier-II & Tier-III cities: Report

Film producer Tutu Sharma is set to launch Citara, a new multiplex chain specifically designed to cater to the entertainment needs of audiences in tier-II and tier-III cities. Citara's focus on tier-II and tier-III cities reflects a strategic move to capitalize on the growing demand for entertainment options in these rapidly developing regions.

As per a report in Economic Times, Tutu Sharma, founder, Citara Entertainment, said, “There is a section of the audience who wants to watch films in theatres. This audience wants to watch films at a ticket price which is reasonably priced. We want to cater to this audience.”

A recent study by JLL India highlights a surge in retail space across these cities, with an estimated 25 million square feet of new developments planned in the next five years. This growth is attributed to rising disposable incomes and changing consumer aspirations in smaller towns. Notably, several prominent brands, including Daiso Japan and Charles Tyrwhitt, have already chosen tier-II and tier-III locations for their first Indian stores.

Citara's multiplexes will boast a screen capacity ranging from 90 to 110, offering a comfortable and immersive movie-watching experience. The true differentiator, however, lies in the ticket pricing strategy. Aiming to make moviegoing accessible to a wider audience, Citara promises ticket prices that are 30-40% lower than the average ticket price (ATP) typically seen in established multiplexes. This price range, estimated to be around Rs 150-175, makes catching a film on the big screen a more attractive proposition for families and budget-conscious movie enthusiasts.

Girish Johar, group content advisor, at Citara Entertainment, also told the publication, “There are huge opportunities in the tier-II and tier-III cities. Cinema is part of our DNA. We want to tap into the audience which prefers an affordable moviegoing experience.”

Citara's vision extends beyond just providing a platform for film screenings. The multiplexes will offer a holistic entertainment experience, encompassing a variety of additional attractions. Patrons can expect to find retail outlets featuring celebrity-inspired jewelry and fashion collections, catering to the growing desire for brand association and trendsetting styles. Additionally, on-site gyms and dedicated children's play areas will cater to families and provide a complete entertainment package.

By the end of November 2024, Citara plans to launch operations in six cities: Jaipur, Indore, Ujjain, Kota, Beed, and Nandgaon. The initial rollout will include approximately 15 screens, with an ambitious expansion plan aiming to reach a screen count of 150 by the end of FY26. ALSO READ: Ajay Devgn starrer Singham Again clocks Rs. 19.20 cr. across PVR Inox and Cinepolis multiplex chains on Day 1

Vicky Kaushal starrer Chhaava release pushed to avoid box office clash with Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2: The Rule: Report

A potential box office clash between two highly anticipated films, Chhaava and Pushpa 2: The Rule, has been averted. The makers of Chhaava, a historical drama starring Vicky Kaushal, have decided to postpone the film's release to avoid a confrontation with the sequel to the blockbuster Pushpa.

Chhaava, which chronicles the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's son, Sambhaji Maharaj, is an ambitious project that has been in the making for several years. The decision to delay the release was made to ensure that the film receives the attention it deserves and maximizes its box office potential.

According to the report in Mid-day, a source close to the production revealed, "Chhaava is an ambitious project for the stakeholders, production house, director Laxman Utekar, and its lead star, Vicky. It makes sense to release it when no other film is scheduled to air.”

Interestingly, Rashmika Mandanna, who plays a prominent role in Pushpa 2: The Rule, is also a part of the cast of Chhaava. While an official announcement regarding the new release date of Chhaava is yet to be made, the decision to avoid a clash with Pushpa 2: The Rule is a strategic move that could benefit both films. ALSO READ: Pooja Meri Jaan postponed to 2025 to make way for Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava: Report

Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash starrer Ramayana officially announced; Part: I to release in 2026 & Part: II in 2027

Namit Malhotra’s much-anticipated magnum opus, Ramayana, directed by filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari and starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash, is all set to redefine Indian cinema on an unprecedented scale! This epic adaptation brings to life one of India’s most cherished tales with unmatched scale and visionary storytelling.

As the visionary force behind Prime Focus Studios, Namit Malhotra has been involved in some of Hollywood’s biggest projects, including Dune and Inception, as well as recent hits like The Garfield Movie. He also announced Angry Birds 3. Namit Malhotra’s deep understanding of visual storytelling has made him one of the most important Indians in Hollywood!

Taking to social media, Namit Malhotra unveiled a poster and shared, “More than a decade ago, I embarked on a noble quest to bring this epic that has ruled billions of hearts for over 5000 years to the big screen. And today, I am thrilled to see it taking shape beautifully as our teams work tirelessly with only one purpose: to present the most authentic, sacred, and visually stunning adaptation of our history, our truth, and our culture – our “RAMAYANA”– for people across the world. Join us as we fulfill our dream of bringing our greatest epic to life with pride and reverence...Part 1 in Diwali 2026 and Part 2 in Diwali 2027 From our entire Ramayana Family.”

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Bollywood Hungama???? (@realbollywoodhungama)

Diwali 2026 and 2027 set for Ramayana part one and two India’s biggest film, sets out to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide. ALSO READ: Yash confirms portrayal of Ravana in Nitesh Tiwaris Ramayana; says, “I really like the shades and the nuances of particular character”

BREAKING: Veer-Zaara to re-release in more than 600 screens overseas on November 7; to be the BIGGEST Bollywood re-release ever; Shah Rukh Khan-starrer to release in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman for the FIRST time

Last week, Bollywood Hungama was one of the first ones to break the news that Veer-Zaara (2004), starring Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta, will be re-released in overseas territories on November 7. Moreover, the song ‘Yeh Hum Aa Gaye Hai Kahaan’ has been added to the print. The song was deleted during its original release and hence, it’s the first time it can be enjoyed in all its glory on the big screen. Bollywood Hungama now brings additional, exciting details on this re-release, which will happen just 5 days before its 20th anniversary.

Bollywood Hungama has learned that Veer-Zaara will be released for the first time in the countries of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman. The producers, Yash Raj Films (YRF), have even released a poster celebrating this feat.

And that’s not all. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “YRF has gone all out with Veer-Zaara’s re-release. It’ll be released in more than 600 screens in foreign territories. This probably makes it the biggest re-release ever for a Bollywood film Overseas.”

Apart from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman, Veer-Zaara will be released in the USA, Canada, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Austria, France, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa etc.

Interestingly, the re-release of Veer-Zaara has led to excitement among the fans of this film. The bookings for the film in Germany a few days back and the response has been encouraging. Hence, it won’t be a surprise if Veer-Zaara manages to draw house-full crowds across the world this weekend.

November 2024, it seems, will turn out to be a significant month for Shah Rukh Khan. On November 2, he celebrated his 59th birthday. This would be followed by Veer-Zaara’s re-release overseas and then his other memorable film, Karan Arjun (1995), will also re-release worldwide, that is, in India and foreign territories, on November 22.

Directed by Yash Chopra, Veer-Zaara is the story of a Squadron Leader in the Indian Air Force who falls in love with a young Pakistani girl when she visits India. Things take a turn when he goes to Pakistan to meet her and gets arrested on wrong charges. He spends 22 years in jail until he’s helped by a fiery Pakistani lawyer. The epic love story also starred Rani Mukerji, Divya Dutta, Kirron Kher and Manoj Bajpayee along with extended cameos by Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan’s 59th birthday celebration: SRK jokingly scolds a fan who says “Padhne mein neend aati hai”: “Aur Instagram dekh ke jaag jaata hai?”

Salman Khan receives fresh death threat from Lawrence Bishnoi gang; demands apology or payment of Rs 5 crores: Report

Salman Khan has reportedly received multiple death threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. In a recent development, he has received a fresh threat demanding that he either apologize at a Bishnoi community temple or pay Rs 5 crores for allegedly killing a black buck.

According to PTI, the Mumbai Police Traffic Control Room received a threat message believed to have been sent by Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother. Sources indicate that this message for Salman Khan was sent on the night of November 4, 2024, via WhatsApp.

The message reportedly stated, “This is Lawrence Bishnoi's brother speaking... If Salman Khan wants to stay alive, he should either apologize at our temple or pay Rs 5 crores. If he does not comply, we will kill him. Our gang is still active.”

The police are currently investigating the message and working to identify the individual behind it. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), ANI announced that a case is being registered, stating, “In the case of a threat to actor Salman Khan, the process of registering the case is underway at Worli Police Station. The number from which the message came is being traced: Mumbai Police.”

Earlier, politician Baba Siddique, a close friend of Salman Khan, was shot dead, prompting an increase in the actor’s security. Despite the heightened threat level, Salman resumed work on his film Sikandar as per original schedule, supported by high-level security.

India Today reported that “his entire team is being careful about the security arrangements, and Salman himself has been making sure that no one suffers a delay because of him.”

Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by A.R. Murugadoss, Sikandar is set to hit theatres on Eid 2025. The action entertainer features a cast that includes Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna, Sathyaraj, Prateik Babbar, Kajal Aggarwal, and Sharman Joshi in pivotal roles. Salman and Rashmika have been filming in Hyderabad, with plans for the team to wrap up production by the end of this year.

Also Read : 30 Years of Andaz Apna Apna EXCLUSIVE: Makers of Salman Khan-Aamir Khan starrer launch fun merchandise; Priti Sinha reveals “We’ll RE-RELEASE it next year; we have remastered the film in 4K”

Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal's Girls Will Be Girls nominated for Gotham Awards 2024

The Gotham Awards, recognized as the leading honours for independent films, has announced the nominations for this year’s ceremony, highlighting the extraordinary talents shaping the future of cinema. Among the nominees is Shuchi Talati, acclaimed for her innovative vision and directorial prowess in the highly anticipated film Girls Will Be Girls. This year, the Gotham Awards are led by notable contenders such as Anora and Zendaya’s Challengers, making Talati’s nomination a significant achievement for Indian cinema.

Produced by Bollywood powerhouses Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, Girls Will Be Girls has garnered international acclaim. It recently won two major awards at the Sundance Film Festival and swept the awards at MAMI, India’s largest film festival.

“I am incredibly honoured to be recognized by the Gotham Awards,” said Shuchi Talati. “This nomination is not just a personal milestone; it reflects the collective efforts, creativity, and passion of everyone involved in Girls Will Be Girls. Our film seeks to illuminate the complexities of female experiences in a fresh and engaging way, and I hope it resonates deeply with audiences. This recognition inspires us to continue pushing boundaries in storytelling.”

Chadha and Fazal jointly expressed their pride: “We are immensely proud of Shuchi and the entire team behind Girls Will Be Girls. This nomination is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and vision that went into creating this film. As producers, we have always aimed to tell authentic stories that challenge societal norms, and it’s thrilling to see our work gaining recognition on such a prestigious platform. We look forward to the film's release in India and are excited for audiences to experience what we believe is a significant addition to contemporary cinema.” ALSO READ: Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal’s debut production Girls Will Be Girls bags 4 awards at MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024

Helena Luke, Mithun Chakraborty's first wife and Mard actress, passes away in the USA

Actress Helena Luke, who was Mithun Chakraborty’s first wife, died on Sunday in the USA. Dancer and actress Kalpana Iyer announced her passing on social media. Helena was best known for her performance in Amitabh Bachchan's 1985 film Mard. She was married to Mithun for four months, but their marriage ended within four months.

Helena's final Facebook post was made at 9:20 am on Sunday, where she expressed, “Feeling weird. Mixed emotions and no clue why, discombobulated.”

In a past interview, Helena referred to her four-month marriage to Mithun as a "hazy dream." She told Stardust Magazine, “I only wish it hadn’t happened; he was the one who brainwashed me into believing he was the man for me, and unfortunately, he succeeded.” Despite rumors of a possible reconciliation with Mithun, Helena stated, “I’ll never go back to him, even if he is the richest guy around. I haven’t even asked for alimony; it was a nightmare, and it’s over.”

Mithun, who had assured Helena’s father that he would treat her like the "ninth wonder of the world,” ended up leaving her feeling abandoned. In the interview, she expressed, “I truly believed him when he said he loved me. But as I got to know him better, I realized he only loved himself. He was extremely immature, and although I was years younger, I felt much older. He was very possessive and accused me of secretly seeing my ex-boyfriend Javed. I would get frustrated trying to convince him that I wasn’t, but I couldn’t change his deeply rooted suspicions. Eventually, I understood that he had a guilt complex; he was cheating on me and assumed I was doing the same.”

According to reports, Helena's final social media post indicated that she was not in good health, and her failure to seek timely medical treatment contributed to her passing.

Also Read : 70th National Film Awards: Mithun Chakraborty honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award, recalls his journey: “I was told ‘film industry meing kaala rang nahin chalega’”