SCOOPS: Pulwama Attack after effects, Aditya Roy Kapur's many equations with Alia Bhatt and more...

Post the ghastly Pulwama attack on CRPF jawans on February 14, the team of Total Dhamaal contributed Rs 50 lakh to the martyrs’ families. Ajay Devgn, who stars in the comic caper and is also one of the producers, tweeted yesterday that the team has decided to not release the film in Pakistan in light of the current situation. Total Dhamaal is the third installment in the Dhamaal franchise and stars Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Riteish Deshmukh and Arshad Warsi alongside Ajay.

On Sunday, 24 film bodies including FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) and IFTDA (Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association) staged a protest against the attack on CRPF jawans in Pulwama. Following this, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) took the stand of banning all artistes from Pakistan.

The notice issued yesterday by AICWA stated, “All India Cine Workers Association strongly condemns the brutal terrorist attack on our soldiers in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. AICWA stands with the nation in confronting such terror and humanity. We’re officially announcing a total ban on Pakistani actors and artistes working in the film industry. Still, if any organisation insists on working with Pakistani artistes, they will be banned and strong action will be taken against them. Nation comes first, we stand with our nation.”

The protest march against Pulwama terror attack was called by 24 film bodies including FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) and IFTDA (Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association). Members from various departments like cinematography, editing and music were present at Film City on Sunday afternoon, but no actor participated in this protest. 

The day before the multiple cine bodies decided to strike work for two hours on Sunday between 2 pm and 4 pm, it was reported that all film associations, including the actors’ (CINTAA — Cine and Television Artistes Association) were notified about this. 

While several Bollywood celebs have taken to social media to express their shock and horror at February 14’s terror attack, we couldn’t really spot any superstars or big filmmakers at the protest on Sunday. Perhaps, they came and left before we could take notice!

Kangana Ranaut-starrer Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi is set to open the Itanagar International film festival to be held in Arunachal Pradesh this week from February 22 to 24. “The Arunachal government has also approached Kangana to be present at the festival, which is likely to be inaugurated by the state’s Chief Minister, Pema Khandu,” says a source, adding, “The historical action drama has been getting a good response from the critics and the audience. It is associated with the spirit of patriotism and we believe showing such films is important. We’re checking Kangana’s schedule if she can make it.”   

Incidentally, Union Minister Smriti Irani had arranged a special screening of Manikarnika for the people of Amethi on February 15 and 16. “But looking at the response, it has been extended for a month,” adds the source.

Buoyed by the good response  garnered by its trailer, the makers of Badla will release the film’s first song, Kyun Rabba, tomorrow. The track, which speaks about a broken heart, has been composed by Amaal Mallik. While Kumaar has written the lyrics, Armaan Malik has lent his voice to it. The montage number in this Sujoy Ghosh thriller features Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu. Badla releases worldwide on March 8.

Aditya Roy Kapur, who is sharing screen space with Alia Bhatt in Kalank, will start shooting with her again in a couple of months for Sadak 2. When we asked the actor how it’s been to work with one of the finest actresses of the current generation, he said, “It’s lovely and I’m really excited to go back and work with her again. What’s also exciting is that they are two very different films. When you are repeating your co-star, it’s good to bring something new to the equation on screen.”