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PVR MOVIES FIRST VOL. 27 YOUR WINDOW INTO THE WORLD OF CINEMA JANUARY 2018

20 Little-Known Things About…. GUEST RVIEW Robert INTE

Downey Jr. RAJ NEE EY PAND

THE BEST NEW MOVIES PLAYING THIS MONTH: MUKKABAAZ, THE POST, 1921, 12 STRONG, 3 GREETINGS

ear Movie Lovers, We ​rewind to “​Scent of a Woman,​“ ​the ​​1992 film that earned his first Oscar for his portrayal ofa Here’s the ​January ​​edition of Movies First, your exclusive cantankerous colonel. window to the world of cinema. ​​T​race the fast-rising career graph of ​​American​​ writer- ​​​​​Th​e year kickstarts with “​ 2”, a fabulous follow director​ ​Alex Garland​, and join us in wishing​ superstar​​​​​ ​​ up to Paul King’s superhit animation comedy. Watch Nicholas Cage​ ​a Happy Birthday.​ out for ’s scene-stealing turn as an appalling villain, and the non-stop side-splitting gags. We really hope you enjoy the issue. Wish you a fabulous month of movie watching. ​​’s much awaited “Aiyaary” arrives on screen, and we have the man himself telling us what to Regards expect from this intense patriotic thriller. Akshay Kumar plays ​“​Pad Man​,” ​​which tackles ​​a bold and beautiful Gautam Dutta social subject. CEO, PVR Limited

USING THE MAGAZINE We hope youa’ll find this magazine easy to use, but here’s a handy guide to the icons used throughout anyway. You can tap the page once at any time to access full contents at the top of the page.

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PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 2 CONTENTS This January everyone’s favourite bear is back for seconds.

Tap for... Tap for... Movie of The Month Up Close & Personal

Tap for... Tap for... MUST WATCH FESTIVAL FLASH

Tap for... Tap for... guest interview Architects of Cinema

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PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 3 RELEASING THIS MONTH A sneak-peak into the big release of the month!

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Apte), rejects his efforts, Pad Man decides to try the napkins himself, earning the wrath of the entire society. The movie Pad Man traces his journey from travails to triumph. Super hero hai yeh pagla

The Plot: The film is based onT winkle Khanna’s book, “The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad,” which is inspired from the life of Arunachalam Muruganantham, a Tamil Nadu-based his is social activist who invented low-cost sanitary pads. not a preachy film.

The Incredible Inspiration: In 1998, when Arunachalam Muruganantham’s life Muruganantham saw his wife using old rags, he began itself is equal to ‘Sholay.’ working on a machine for producing low-cost sanitary pads. With the imported machines costing more than It is as entertaining $5,00,000, Muruganantham’s prototype came at just $950. Today, he is a Padma Shri awardee and one of ’s most as the biggest masala important social entrepreneurs. His machine has created entertainers… jobs for women in rural India and started a revolution. - R. Balki, Director In the film, Akshay Kumar portrays Muruganantham, aka Pad Man. When his own family, including his wife (Radhika

PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 4 The Collection DID YOU KNOW? Akshay Kumar has evolved from being an action superstar to an who delivers • this is the first time maverick socially relevant films. The past two director R. Balki and Akshay Kumar are working together. years in particular have seen some of his best work. Here’s a glance at his movies- • will be with-a-message: seen in a cameo. • the film’s Casting Director Shruti Mahajan reveals that R. Balki wanted an authentic Madhya Pradesh flavour in the movie, so they camped for days in Maheshwar, Ujjain and Indore to conduct open auditions.

According to Twinkle Khanna, a lot of care has been Airlift (2016) taken in the movie to treat menstruation as just any other thing. “It’s the first five minutes when you get a little bit of a shock which is necessary but after that…he could be making a plastic bottle,” she says.

Jolly LLB 2 (2017)

Pad Man RELEASE 25 JANUARY

Genre: Drama Language: Hindi (U/A) Director: R. Balki Cast: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Radhika Apte Studio: Kriarj Entertainment, Entertainment, Mrs Funnybones Movies Pic Courtesy: Sony Pictures Entertainment Toilet - Ek Prem Katha (2017)

PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 5 PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 6

PLAY TRAILER BOOK TICKETS SET REMINDER MOVIE OF THE MONTH

Release Date: 12 January With the bars set high, the character is set to make a return Tagline: Small Bear. Big Trouble in a sequel helmed by two-times BAFTA nominee and director of the original film PaulK ing. From the original cast, Genre: Animation, Comedy Director: Paul King Star Cast: Hugh Bonneville, , Hugh Grant Studio: Heyday Films, StudioCanal

‘ t was

Marmalade sandwiches, anyone? a very funny script and a tad therapeutic It seems like the New Year is set to start on a happy note as the much loved Peruvian bear Paddington is set as I have deep reservoirs to make another appearance on the big screen with its sequel “Paddington 2.” The furry creature made his big of actorly narcissism screen debut in 2014 in a movie that went on to become a big critical and commercial success. “Paddington 2” that I was able to tap! is based on a series of bestselling children’s books by – Hugh Grant, Actor British Author Michael Bond, which have sold more than 35 million copies worldwide, and been translated in over 40 languages.

PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 7 don’t think there’s been a time in human history when returns to voice Paddington along with Peter we couldn’t have Capaldi, Julie Walters, and Hugh Bonneville. Joining them are new cast members Hugh Grant, who plays used quite a lot more the film’s antagonist, and . Paddington-ness. THE PREQUEL: “Paddington” which came out in 2014 – Paul King, Director told the story of the titular character Paddington, an anthropomorphic bear who migrates from the darkest jungles of Peru to the streets of , where he is adopted by the Brown family. But his luck changes when he catches the eye of a museum taxidermist. The movie legend whose star has fallen in recent years and who’s opened to much critical and commercial acclaim and now reduced to doing dog food commercials to make a received two BAFTA nominations. The success pushed the living. However, Buchanan’s convinced he’s discovered producers to span a franchisee around the fuzzy bear. his path back to riches and glory, and he has one trick up his sleeve he hopes will get him there: his uncanny gift THE PLOT: Paddington is now happily settled with the for disguises. Brown family in Windsor Gardens, where he has become a popular member of the community, spreading joy Nuckles McGinty: Brendon Gleeson plays the role of and marmalade wherever he goes. While searching for Nuckles McGinty, a notorious safecracker and strongman the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s 100th who becomes Paddington’s unexpected ally. birthday, Paddington spots a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber’s antique shop, and embarks upon a series of odd Henry Brown: Hugh Bonneville reprises the role of Mr. jobs to buy it. Brown, the foster father of Paddington who was earlier reluctant to take care of him but gradually warmed up to But when the book is stolen, it’s up to Paddington and the his presence. Browns to unmask the thief. Mary Brown: Sally Hawkins plays Mrs. Brown, the foster REASON TO WATCH: With adorable visuals and a mother of Paddington and wife of Henry Brown. Just like heartwarming story, “Paddington 2” promises to honor the first film, she is very caring towards Paddington and its star’s rich legacy and looks like a purely enjoyable the rest of her family. family film. It’s a great treat for everyone who is a fan of the original books by Michael Bond.

THE CAST: Ben Whishaw as Paddington: Ben Whishaw returns to voice the titular character Paddington. Whishaw’s firm but gentle enunciation has become indivisible from the animated bear ever since he voiced him in the original film.

Hugh Grant Phoenix Buchanan: Hugh Grant plays film’s villain Phoenix Buchanan - a vain, charming

PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 8 Trivia

The character of 01 is based on a lone teddy bear, noticed by author Michael Bond on a shelf in a London store near Paddington Station on Christmas Eve 1956. Author Michael Bond began working on 02 the character “Paddington” in 1956 and published his first book in 1958. He was told about the announcement of the film on his 90th birthday. By the time the sequel was announced, 03 “Paddington” (2014) had become the highest grossing independent family film of all time. In June 2016, StudioCanal CEO Didier 04 Lupfer stated that the studio was committed to making a third Paddington film. This will mark the first sequel for both Sally 05 Hawkins and Hugh Bonneville. It’s also the first sequel for Julie Walters 06 outside the “” franchise, Ben Whishaw’s first outside of the “” series and Hugh Grant’s first since “: The Edge of Reason.”

THE DIRECTOR: Paul King returns as the director and co-writer of the sequel with a promising script to prove that the massive success of the first one was no fluke.

THE PRODUCER: Multi-award winning producer David Heyman, whose filmography includes the massively successful Harry Potter films, is co-producing “Paddington 2.”

PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 9 MUST WATCH BLOCKBUSTERS

JAN JAN MUKKABAAZ 12 KAALAKANDI 12 Meet UP’s Mike Tyson Genre: Drama, Sports Every Action Has A Reaction Genre: , Thriller Language(s): Hindi Language(s): Hindi Director: Anurag Kashyap Director: Akshat Verma Cast: Vineet Kumar Singh, Zoya Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Vijay Raaz, Hussain, Ravi Kishan, Jimmy Sobhita Dhulipala Shergill Studio: Cinestaan : Phantom Films, Colour Company Pvt. Ltd. Yellow Productions Pvt. Ltd. Pic Courtesy: © Cinestaan Film Pic Courtesy: © Phantom Films Company Pvt. Ltd.

PLAY TRAILER BOOK TICKETS SET REMINDER PLAY TRAILER BOOK TICKETS SET REMINDER Movie Plot: The film is based on the struggles of Shravan Singh, Movie Plot: After being diagnosed with stomach cancer, Saif Ali a low caste aspiring boxer who falls in love with the niece of his Khan’s character decides to live it up. Soon after come a slew of boss who is a local goon. bad decisions — so bad, they’re actually good.

Reason to watch: Inspired by the story of Narsingh Pancham Reason to watch: From the writer of “ Belly” comes this Yadav, the film is a gritty sports drama directed by Anurag Kashyap. thrilling dark comedy starring Said Ali Khan.

Did You Know: The film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival Did You Know: “Kaalakaandi” is a Marathi slang for when things and garnered rave reviews. go disastrously wrong.

JAN JAN 1921 12 VODKA DIARIES 19 Nothing Can Prepare You Genre: Horror Park Your Demons Genre: Thriller For This Chapter Language(s): Hindi In The Dark Language(s): Hindi Director: Bhatt Director: Kushal Srivastava Cast: Zarine Khan, Karan Cast: Kay Kay Menon, Kundra, Manjit Singh Raima Sen, Mandira Bedi Studio: Motion Picture Capital, Studio: K’Scope Entertainment Loneranger Productions Pvt Ltd, Vishalraj Films & Pic Courtesy: © Motion Picture Production Pvt.Ltd Capital Pic Courtesy: © K’Scope Entertainment Pvt Ltd

PLAY TRAILER BOOK TICKETS SET REMINDER PLAY TRAILER BOOK TICKETS SET REMINDER Movie Plot: Based in the year 1921 the film deals with Ayush Movie Plot: In the misty town of Manali, ACP Ashwini Dixit & Rose’s battle with extreme paranormal activities created by a is in quest to solve series of mysterious murders happening ruthless and cursed spirit that would lead them to their ultimate over a single night,which seem to be connected to a night club, redemption or downfall. Vodka Diaries. Reason to watch: This is the fourth film of the hit horror Reason to watch: Award-winning actor Kay Kay Menon turns a franchisee directed by Vikram Bhatt. police detective in this high octane thriller.

Did You Know: This is not Bhatt’s first tryst with the horror Did You Know: Kay Kay and Raima will share the screen after genre. He has worked on the “Raaz” series, “Haunted 3D” and nine years. They were last seen together in the 2007 film “1920” franchise, among others. “Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.”

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PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 10 PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 11 MUST WATCH BOLLYWOOD & BLOCKBUSTERS

JAN JAN AIYAARY 26 ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD 05 The Ultimate Trickery Genre: Drama J. Paul Getty had a fortune. Genre: True Story Language(s): Hindi Everyone else paid the price. Language(s): English Directors: Neeraj Pandey Director: Cast: , Sidharth Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Malhotra, Williams, Charlie Plummer Studio: Motion Picture Capital, Studio: , Pen, Plan C Imperative Entertainment, Scott Pic Courtesy: © Plan C Free Productions Pic Courtesy: © Columbia Pictures

PLAY TRAILER BOOK TICKETS SET REMINDER PLAY TRAILER BOOK TICKETS SET REMINDER Movie Plot: An honest and diligent officer finds out Movie Plot: The story of the kidnapping of 16-year-old John Paul Getty loopholes in the system and decides to quit his job to work III and the desperate attempt by his devoted mother to convince his against the ones serving the country. billionaire grandfather Jean Paul Getty to pay the ransom. Reason to watch: Helmed by ace director Ridley Scott, the film revolves Reason to watch: Helmed by Neeraj Pandey, ‘Aiyaary’ stars around real-life events depicting billionaire J. Paul Getty’s refusal to , Manoj Bajpayee, Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam cooperate with the extortion demands of a group of kidnappers. Kher in pivotal roles. Did You Know: Director Ridley Scott worked with actor Balthazar Getty, Did You Know: The name of the film is derived from the word who is the son of John Paul Getty III, on “White Squall” (1996). Scott is ‘aiyaar’, people who can disguise themselves. ‘Aiyaary’, or now telling the story of Balthazar Getty’s father, who was kidnapped in trickery, is at the core of the film too. Italy in 1973.

JAN 05

Last Call Pitches

Genre: Comedy Language(s): English Director: Trish Sie Cast: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow Studio: Gold Circle Films, Marc Platt Productions, Brownstone Productions Pic Courtesy: © Gold Circle Films

Movie Plot: Following their win at the world championship, the now separated Bellas reunite for one last singing competition at an overseas USO tour, but face a group who uses both instruments and voices.

Reason to watch: A sequel to “” (2015) and the third and final film in the Pitch Perfect trilogy

Did You Know: This producers held a competition called #PitchSmash to win walk in role in “Pitch Perfect 3.” It was won by Vanessa Silva from .

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PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 12 PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 13 MUST WATCH HOLLYWOOD BLOCKBUSTERS

JAN JAN INSIDIOUS: THE LAST KEY 05 THE POST 12 Childhood Fears Never End Genre: Horror, Thriller Who’ll break the news first? Genre: Drama Language(s): English Language(s): English Director: Adam Robitel Director: Cast: , , Cast: Kirk Acevedo, Spencer Sarah Paulson Locke, Josh Stewart Studio: DreamWorks Pictures, Studio: Blumhouse , Amblin Productions, Stage 6 Films Entertainment, 20th Century Pic Courtesy: © Blumhouse Fox, Media, Pascal Pictures, Star Thrower Productions Entertainment Pic Courtesy: © DreamWorks Pictures

PLAY TRAILER BOOK TICKETS SET REMINDER PLAY TRAILER BOOK TICKETS SET REMINDER Movie Plot: Elise Rainier goes on to investigate the recent Movie Plot: A cover-up that spanned four U.S. Presidents pushed supernatural disturbances occurring in a family’s home in New the country’s first female newspaper publisher and a hard-driving Mexico, a house in which she used to live in her youth, diving her editor to join an unprecedented battle between journalist and deeper into The Further. government. Reason to watch: The creative minds behind the hit “Insidious” Reason to watch: Based on Daniel Ellsberg and the release of the trilogy return for the fourth instalment with this supernatural thriller. secret ‘Pentagon Papers,’ the film marks the first time Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg have collaborated on a project. Did You Know: The movie is said to to lead directly into “Insidious” as the events of this film occurs just the iconic first film in the Did You Know: The movie received six nominations at the 75th franchise. Golden Globe Awards.

JAN DOWNSIZING 12

We Are Meant For Something Bigger

Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama Language(s): English Director: Alexander Payne Cast: , , Hong Chau Studio: Ad Hominem Enterprises Pic Courtesy: © Ad Hominem Enterprises

Movie Plot: When scientists discover how to shrink humans to five inches tall as a solution to over-population, Paul (Matt Damon) and his wife Audrey (Kristen Wiig) decide to move to the new downsized community.

Reason to watch: Helmed by Academy Award winning writer-director Alexander Payne, this social satire stars Matt Damon and Christopher Waltz.

Did You Know: This is the first film, since “Citizen Ruth,” that Alexander Payne has written that is not based on a book.

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PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 14

MUST WATCH HOLLYWOOD BLOCKBUSTERS

JAN JAN THE COMMUTER 19 12 STRONG 19 Lives Are On The Line Genre: Action, Thriller The Declassified True Story Genre: Drama, History Language(s): English of Horse Soldiers Language(s): English Director: Jaume Collet-Serra Director: Nicolai Fuglsig Cast: , Vera Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Michael Farmiga, Sam Neill Shannon, William Fichtner Studio: Ombra Films, Studio: , StudioCanal, The Picture Black Label Media, Jerry Company Bruckheimer Films Pic Courtesy: © Ombra Films Pic Courtesy: © Alcon Entertainment

PLAY TRAILER BOOK TICKETS SET REMINDER PLAY TRAILER BOOK TICKETS SET REMINDER Movie Plot: Michael McCauley (Liam Neeson) is on his daily Movie Plot: The story of the first Special Forces team deployed to commute home when someone offers him $100,000 to identify Afghanistan after 9/11 who under the leadership of a new captain, a hidden passenger on his train before the last stop. As he works must work with an Afghan warlord to take down the Taliban. against the clock to solve the puzzle, he realizes he is caught in the midst of a deadly criminal conspiracy. Reason to watch: The movie is based on Doug Stanton’s non- Reason to watch: A gritty action-thriller starring Academy fiction book “Horse Soldiers” and stars Chris Hemsworth and Award nominee Liam Neeson. “Narcos” fame Michael Peña. Did You Know: This is the fourth collaboration between Jaume Collet-Serra and Liam Neeson after “Unknown,” “Non-Stop,” and Did You Know: Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky play a couple in “Run All Night.” this movie. They are married in real life.

JAN DARKEST HOUR 19

A Man With The Heart Of A Nation

Genre: Drama, Biography Language(s): English Director: Cast: , Lily James, Studio: , Pic Courtesy: © Perfect World Pictures

Movie Plot: The fate of Western Europe hangs on the newly-appointed British Prime Minister , who must decide whether to negotiate with Hitler, or fight on against incredible odds.

Reason to watch: Watch Gary Oldman bring Winston Churchill to life in one of his most remarkable performance ever.

Did You Know: Gary Oldman is the fifth “Harry Potter” actor to portray Winston Churchill after , , Brendan Gleeson, and Robert Hardy.

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PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 16 PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 17 Up Close & Personal

Robert Downey Jr. was born April 4, 1965 in 1 Manhattan, New He is the son of writer and director Robert Downey Sr. and actress Elsie Downey.

He made his film debut at the age of five playing 2 a sick puppy in his father’s film, “Pound” (1970).

Robert lived with his father after his parents 3 divorced. He spent his childhood in New York, Connecticut, Paris, London, Vermont and California.

He attended the Perry House School in Chelsea, 4 London and studied classical ballet at the age of 10.

He quit school at the age of 16 and moved back 5 to New York to start his acting career. His first gigs were in off-Broadway plays.

His first jobs included moving tables at Central 6 Falls restaurant, working at a shoe-store, and performing as ‘living art’ at an underground club.

From 1985 to ‘86, he was a regular cast member 7 of “Saturday Night Live,” NBC’s popular sketch- comedy program.

Downey’s first leading role on the big screen 8 was a charming womanizer in The Pick-up Artist (1987), a co-starring Molly Ringwald 9 He earned his first Oscar nomination for Best 20 Little-Known Actor for starring as Charlie Chaplin in ‘Chaplin’ (1992), a role for which he learnt how to play the Things About…. violin and tennis left-handed. Robert Downey Jr. PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 18 10 He married his first wife, singer Deborah Falconer after dating for just 42 days. They have a son Indio, now 24.

11 The actor wrote and starred in his first documentary “The Last Party” in 1993.

12 Due to his drug problems, he faced arrests, imprisonments and rehab visits. Downey Jr. began to rebuild his career after emerging clean and HAPPY sober in 2003. BIRTHDAY

13 He credits for reviving his career as it was Gibson who gave him a small role in “The Nicholas Cage Singing Detective” in 2003. One of Hollywood’s top action stars, Nicholas He is a martial artist and he devotes much of his Cage shares his January 7 birthday with designer 14 Christian Louboutin and singer Kenny Loggins. free time to his practice of Wing Chun. Here are five fun facts about Cage, who turns 54 15 He released a music album titled “The Futurist” in this year. 2004. He has lent his voice to soundtracks in his 1. He was born Nicolas Coppola, but changed his films like “Chaplin,” “The Singing Detective” and last name because on the set of his first “.” movie resented him for being the nephew of director . He chose “Cage,” 16 Robert Downey Jr. met his now-wife Susan inspired by the African-American comic book Downey in 2003 on the set of movie “Gothika.” superhero Luke Cage. He and Susan have a son (Exton) and a daughter 2. A proponent of , Cage had two (Avri) together. of his teeth surgically removed for his role in “Birdy”(1984) and ate a live cockroach for his 17 Downey Jr. names Peter O’Toole as his favourite role in “Vampire’s Kiss”(1989). actor of all time. 3. A comic book buff, Cage once owned a copy of the first Superman comic Action Comics No. 1, 18 Some people collect stamps; Robert collects cars. which he called “the single best investment I He has a Corvette, Bentley, Volvo, a Mustang, have ever made.” He and his son Weston Cage, some Audis, a Porsche, a Mercedes and more! produced a comic book for Virgin Comics called ‘Voodoo Child.’ He named one of his sons Kal-el, 19 From 2012 to 2015, Downey topped the Forbes after Superman’s Kryptonian name. list of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors, making an 4. He’s got a nine-foot-tall stone pyramid in one of estimated $80 million in earnings between June New Orleans’ most famous cemeteries, where 2014 and June 2015. his body will be interred. 5. has developed his own acting In October 2011, Downey was honoured at the 20 methodology, a totally unique way of getting American Cinematheque Awards where his into character, which he calls “Nouveau Mel Gibson, Jennifer Aniston, and Shamantic.” Robert Downey Jr. paid tribute to the actor. At one point, he owned 50 cars and 30 motorcycles. PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 19 PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 20 RAJ NEE EY PANDGUEST INTERVIEW

PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 21

PVR MOVIE FIRST PAGE 18 NEERAJ PANDEY GUEST INTERVIEW

Known for his high-adrenaline thrillers, Neeraj life episodes to create “Aiyaari.” This is a mentor- Pandey presents “Aiyaari,”which has already won protégé drama, with military and espionage as the rave previews with its dramatic trailer. Over to theme. the director: You have quite an interesting cast line-up The title, “Aiyaari” is intriguing. What in “Aiyaari” does it mean? Yes, it is the largest ensemble cast I have worked I first came across this word in Devki Nandan with, so far. Apart from the two protagonists, Manoj Khatri’s epic work, “Chandrakanta.” It talked Bajpai and Siddharth Malhotra, there’s Naseeruddin about a group of shape-shifters called “aiyaars.” Shah, , Adil Husain, Mohammad I thought the word was a perfect metaphor for the Zeesahn Ayyub, , and each one of theme of my film. them plays a key role in the film.

Can we expect a signature Neeraj Location also plays a crucial role in Pandey thriller with a surprise ending? your films. Where’s “Aiyaari” been shot? Yes, there is a twist in the tale, and I certainly The film takes you from Kashmir to Cairo, with hope the audience finds it surprising enough! stopovers in Delhi, and London in between.

Is the story based on a real life Last Word incident? “Among all the films I have written, produced and It is, but not a single incident. I draw my story directed in the past 10 years, “Aiyaari” is closest to Alex Garland ideas from real life, and combined a couple of real “A Wednesday.”

PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 22 THE LIFE OF A LEGEND: Alex Garland

PVR MOVIES FIRST ARCHITECTS OF CINEMA PAGE 23 Alex Garland ARCHITECTS OF CINEMA

Academy Award-nominated author, screenwriter, His Films: Garland is a polished and experienced producer, and director Alex Garland is the future screenwriter who has written several well-reviewed films like of cinema in more ways than one. While his films 28 Days Later (2002), Sunshine (2007), Never Let Me Go tackle themes which transcend time and technology, (2010), and the now cult classic Dredd (2012). Nearly all of Garland’s raw talent for storytelling is what will these films contain Garland’s favourite themes of time, travel, eventually seal him as one of the all-time greats.

Early Life: Alex Garland was born on the 26th of May, 1970, in the heart of Europe’s film capital – London. Born into a family of academics and reporters, young Alex’s first leanings were towards the world of journalism. As he puts it himself “I didn’t ith each intend to be anything. I thought I’d be a journalist. I new movie, I tend to grew up around journalists; for whatever reasons, a react against the thing lot of my dad’s friends were foreign correspondents. I kind of thought that would be my job; hoped it would I just did. I don’t really be my job.” care about the budget. As long as you can do the While journalism wasn’t really panning out for him, things you’re trying to Alex was suddenly discovering his great love for do, the budget is almost backpacking around the world. His travels, and his DNA, influenced his decision to write a book and in irrelevant. It’s a purely 1996, when he was just 26 years old, he published The creative thing. Beach. The novel remains a seminal piece of modern – Alex Garland literature, and was even adapted into the infamous Leonardo DiCaprio film of the same name.

PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 24 the villain in Ex Machina, but you’ll recognize him for his craziness. In his novel, The Beach, you’ll identify with his DID YOU KNOW? protagonist’s hedonism and wanderlust, but you’ll also • he’s the son of famed cartoonist and grow tired of his emptiness and depression. Garland’s political satirist, Nicholas Garland. stories are designed to not only see the characters, but to • Alex Garland is famous for his love experience their stories along with them. of travel. His writings often reflect his love for one place in particular, his favourite city of Manila, Philippines. • garland often uses mythology and religion as plot devices in his work. While the Greek myths and biblical names are signature throughout his films, one particular dialogue in Ex Machina is straight from the Gita, “in sleep, in confusion, in the depths of shame, the good deeds a man has done before defend him.”

technology, and total annihilation, themes that set him apart from typical studio genre-fare.

But Alex really made a name for himself with his directorial QUICK FACTS debut, Oscar Isaac-starrer Ex Machina (2015). The film won him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original BIRTH NAME: Screenplay. Ex Machina – which means “convenient Alexander Medawar Garland solution” in Latin – is about a humanoid android’s quest for ______identity and self-preservation. OCCUPATION: His follow-up film, 2018’s Annihilation, stars Director, Screenwriter, Producer, Author in the lead. Garland describes the film – a man vs nature sci- ______fi horror - as a “holistic collision of lots of different things; physical, psychological, emotional, and so on.” BIRTH DATE: Garland’s Trademarks: Alex Garland’s films are all 26 May, 1970 scientific, but they don’t feel like fiction. Ex Machina, for ______example, constructs the future from modern day structures, so that every element feels organic. He doesn’t need a flying PLACE OF BIRTH: saucer to tell you we’re in the year 2050, his main character London, , UK will do it for you. He alludes to the timeframe of Ex Machina ______as “ten minutes from now.” Spouse: He doesn’t need to show you blood and guts to prove his Paloma Baeza character is a psychopath: witness the dance sequence, in ______which a humanoid android and a paranoid inventor dance to 70s disco music in “Ex Machina.” Subverting time and YEARS ACTIVE: space seems to be his pièce de résistance every time, and it 1995 - Present works beautifully.

Similarly, his characters are always complex, never on just one side of the moral order. You’ll sympathize with

PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 25 HISTO RY This Month 25 Years Ago

*Al Pacino, Chris O’Donnell, James Rebhorn, , Gabrielle Anwar Director: Martin Brest

PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 26 HISTO RY This Month 25 Years Ago

“Scent of a Woman” won Al Pacino his first Oscar for Best Actor, and Martin Brest the award for Best Picture. The film also lifted the Golden Globe Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. More than two decades later, it remains a fresh and riveting watch.

PLOT: Frank Slade (Pacino), a blind, retired army colonel hires Charlie Simms (Chris O’Donnell), a poor college student on the verge of expulsion, to take care of him over Thanksgiving weekend. To Charlie’s surprise, Frank takes him to New York, where he reveals that he intends to visit his family, have a few terrific meals, sleep with a beautiful woman and, finally, commit suicide. The film follows the mismatched pair over the course of the weekend, as they learn about life through their series of adventures. TRIVIA: An adaptation of Giovanni Arpino’s novel “Il buio e il miele”, the movie actually shares with the book The film combines two reliable genres. There’s the only the basic premise (young man accompanies on a coming of age formula, in which an older man teaches journey a blind ex-officer who is bitter, charismatic and a younger one the ropes. It’s crossed here with the prep strong-willed). school movie, featuring a misfit who learns to stand up for what he believes in. Al Pacino was helped by a school for the blind in his preparation for this role. He said that he made himself This incredible movie shows us that a life can be lived in appear blind by not allowing his eyes to focus on a minute. Bo Goldman’s superb screenplay is peppered anything. with delectable wisecracks, and Martin Brest’s direction allows room for the characters to be developed at great He would often remain in character off set, using his length. Its wonderful script, direction and cast makes it cane to walk with and never looking at anyone when they one of the most tender and unforgettable movies. talked to him.

WOW FACTOR: Al Pacino is seen in one of his best When the production was permitted to film at and riskiest performances - risky, because at first the Manhattan’s Plaza Hotel, they agreed to allow a cameo character is so abrasive, we can hardly stand him. by the hotel’s then owner Donald J. Trump with wife-to- Artfully, he compels us to like his cantankerous and be Marla Maples. Apparently when a limo drops Pacino somewhat sadistic character. The performance is a and O’Donnell off at the hotel entrance, right behind masterpiece of cinema. Chris O’Donnell also puts in the them Trump and Maples exit another limo. Trump’s best performance of his career. scene was ultimately cut.

PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 27 FILM FESTIVALS London Festival 2018 Plot: Six-year-old Frida has just lost her mother, and is Festival Date: Jan 12 – Jan 21, 2018 picked up at their Barcelona apartment by her uncle and Venue: London, UK aunt. A new life awaits her in the countryside. While trying to cope with her confused emotions, she sometimes has defiant Acclaimed Movie episodes with both her new parents and her 4-year-old cousin BLUEBIRD Anna. Although her new family is both loving and inclusive, Frida struggles to find her place in it.

MOVIE INFO Directed By: Carla Simón Written By: Carla Simon Pipó, Valentina Viso Cast: Laia Artigas, Paula Robles, Bruna Cusí Genre: Drama, Family

Sundance Film Festival, 2018 Festival Date: Jan 18 – Jan 28, 2018 Venue: Park City, Utah, USA Opening Film: Kailash Closing Film: The Catcher Was A Spy Plot: Jenny’s playfulness and eccentricity were an asset when her kids were young, but as her teenage daughter anxiously Acclaimed Movie prepares for a school piano recital, Jenny’s attempts to ease A KID LIKE JAKE her concerns only heighten tensions within the family home and her erratic behaviour threatens to spiral out of control.

MOVIE INFO Directed By: Meg Campbell Written By: Oliver Henderson, Meg Campbell Cast: Freya Allan, Elizabeth Conboy, Phoebe Lloyd Genre: Drama

Tromsø International Film Festival, 2018 Festival Date: Jan 15 – Jan 21, 2018 Venue: Tromsø, Norway Opening Film: Per Fugelli – Siste Resept Closing Film: The Florida Project

Acclaimed Movie Plot: Alex () and Greg (Jim Parsons) are faced SUMMER 1993 with the daunting task of applying to prestigious kindergartens in NYC for their 4-year-old, Jake. Competing in this cutthroat environment means focusing on what is most unique about a child, forcing Alex and Greg to consider Jake’s love of dresses, fairy tales, and princesses. These qualities never seemed unusual before, but when Jake begins to act out in preschool, Alex and Greg—suddenly at odds—must find a way to support Jake’s identity without losing each other in the process.

MOVIE INFO Directed By: Silas Howard Written By: Daniel Pearle Cast: Claire Danes, Jim Parsons, Octavia Spencer, Priyanka Chopra Genre: Drama

PVR MOVIES FIRST PAGE 28 Out This january

MOVIE NAME (LANGUAGE) GENRE FORMAT icons RELEASE DATE

ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD (ENGLISH) TRUE STORY 05 JAN ______

INSIDIOUS : THE LAST KEY (ENGLISH) HORROR / THRILLER 05 JAN ______

PITCH PERFECT 3 (ENGLISH) COMEDY 05 JAN ______

PADDINGTON 2 (ENGLISH) ANIMATION / COMEDY IMAX / 4DX 12 JAN ______

MUKKABAAZ (HINDI) DRAMA / SPORTS 12 JAN ______

THE POST (ENGLISH) DRAMA 12 JAN ______

KAALAKANDI (HINDI) SATIRE / THRILLER 12 JAN ______

1921 (HINDI) HORROR 12 JAN ______

DOWNSIZING (ENGLISH) SCI-FI / DRAMA 12 JAN ______

VODKA DIARIES (HINDI) THRILLER 19 JAN ______

THE COMMUTER (ENGLISH) ACTION / THRILLER IMAX / 4DX 19 JAN ______

12 STRONG (ENGLISH) DRAMA /HISTORY 19 JAN ______

DARKEST HOUR (ENGLISH) DRAMA /BIOGRAPHY 19 JAN ______

PADMAN (HINDI) DRAMA ATMOS 25 JAN ______

AIYAARY (HINDI) DRAMA ATMOS 26 JAN

PVR MOVIES FIRST Subject to release at PVR. Movie schedule is subject to last minute change. PAGE 29

IN THE NEXT ISSUE:

EDITOR HARSHVARDHAN CONSULTANT EDITOR SHUBHRA DESIGNER VIJAY FEATURES WRITERS SIDDHARTH Conceptualized by Ranjeet Ahluwalia

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