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Koimoi Audience Poll 2023: From Anil Kapoor In The Night Manager To Vijay Varma In Dahaad – Who Is Your Favorite Villain (Web Series)? (Picture Credit: Instagram & IMDb)

Koimoi Audience Poll 2023: As we move forward with our audience poll, today we will look at the Best Villain (Web Series) nominees for the year 2023, from Anil Kapoor in The Night Manager to Vijay Varma in Dahaad and two others who impressed us with their villainous portrayal.

Any movie or web series is incomplete with an antagonist. They create conflicts in heroes’ lives and keep things interesting. A strong villain is more important in the case of shows because they have more duration than any movie and run for several episodes. Keep scrolling for more.

Anil Kapoor made his Ott debut with The Night Manager, starring Aditya Roy Kapur in the lead. Vijay Varma is also a talented actor of the present...

If India ever had a star, it was Dev Anand. He was the mould in which subsequent generations of stars were cast. Dev Anand was born Dharamdev on September 26, 1923, in the Shakargarh tehsil of Gurdaspur district of Punjab. His father Pishori Lal Anand was a successful advocate and a follower of Mahatma Gandhi. Dev, the third of four brothers, graduated with English Honours from Government College, Lahore. He moved over to Bombay to join his older brother Chetan, who was trying to get a break in films.

Both brothers got involved in the progressive Indian People’s Theatre Association (Ipta). Chetan made ‘Neecha Nagar’ in 1946 and went on to win the Grand Prix at the inaugural Cannes film festival.

Dev told me that when he heard that Babu Rao Pai of Prabhat Film Studios was casting for a new film, he literally gatecrashed into his office and got the lead...

If India ever had a star, it was Dev Anand. He was the mould in which subsequent generations of stars were cast. Dev Anand was born Dharamdev on September 26, 1923, in the Shakargarh tehsil of Gurdaspur district of Punjab. His father Pishori Lal Anand was a successful advocate and a follower of Mahatma Gandhi. Dev, the third of four brothers, graduated with English Honours from Government College, Lahore. He moved over to Bombay to join his older brother Chetan, who was trying to get a break in films.

Both brothers got involved in the progressive Indian People’s Theatre Association (Ipta). Chetan made ‘Neecha Nagar’ in 1946 and went on to win the Grand Prix at the inaugural Cannes film festival.

Dev told me that when he heard that Babu Rao Pai of Prabhat Film Studios was casting for a new film, he literally gatecrashed into his office and got the lead...

Chennai, Aug 23 (Ians) They were all men in the Chandrayaan-3 mission and they were confident of soft landing the country’s moon lander on the lunar soil, a ‘Mission Possible’ after the failure of Chandrayaan-2.

Incidentally, unlike the Chandrayaan-2 mission, where a couple of women were in a lead role — with Project Director M. Vanitha and Mission Director Ritu Karidhal Srivastava — this time around it was an all male club.

In Chandrayaan-3, the Mission Director was Mohan Kumar and the Vehicle/Rocket Director was Biju C. Thomas.

“There are about 54 female engineers/scientists who worked directly in the Chandrayaan-3 mission. They are associate and deputy project directors and project managers of various systems working at different centres,” a senior official of Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) had told Ians preferring anonymity.

Well, the Men in Chandrayaan-3 are as follows:

Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman, Isro

Most of the Hindu names signify a God.

Chennai, Aug 23 (Ians) They are the Indian Men in Chandrayaan–3 or the country’s Moon Mission-3. They are confident of soft landing the country’s moon lander on the lunar soil, a Mission Possible after the failure of Chandrayaan-2.

Incidentally, unlike the Chandrayaan-2 mission where a couple of women were in a lead role — with Project Director M. Vanitha and Mission Director Ritu Karidhal Srivastava — this time around it was an all male club.

In Chandrayaan-3, the Mission Director is Mohan Kumar and the Vehicle/Rocket Director is Biju C. Thomas.

“There are about 54 female engineers/scientists who worked directly in the Chandrayaan-3 mission. They are associate and deputy project directors and project managers of various systems working at different centres,” a senior official of Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) had told Ians preferring anonymity.

Well, the Men in Chandrayaan-3 are as follows:

Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman, Isro

Most...

Chennai, July 14 (Ians) Even though the Chandrayaan-3 mission is helmed by men, unlike the Chandrayaan-2 mission, a sizable number of women are behind the former, said a senior official of the Indian space agency.

“There are about 54 female engineers/scientists who worked directly in the Chandrayaan-3 mission. They are associate and deputy project directors and project managers of various systems working at different centres,” a senior official of Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) told Ians preferring anonymity.

The common thread that runs between Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 missions is the soft landing of the lander on the lunar soil and the rover doing some chemical experiments.

However, there are differences in the lander specifications, payload experiments and others between the two missions.

The most glaring difference between Chandrayaan 2 and 3 missions is the gender of the people helming the two moon missions.

In Chandrayaan-2 mission two women played a key role viz.

Chennai, July 13 (Ians) The countdown for the July 14 afternoon launch of India’s third mission to moon-Chandrayaan-3- is progressing smoothly and the weather forecast is good for the rocket to fly as scheduled, said a senior official of the Indian space agency.

“The countdown is progressing smoothly. The 48 hour weather forecast is also good. The rocket systems are being checked. The rocket is expected to fly away as scheduled on Friday at 2.35 p.m.” a senior Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) official, who did not want to be named, told Ians.

The countdown began at 1.05 p.m. on Thursday during which the last minute checks are carried out, liquid and cryogenic stages will be fuelled up.

The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft will be carried by India’s heavy lift rocket, the 642 ton LVM3.

While the first rocket’s first stage is powered by solid fuel, the second stage is by liquid fuel,...

CrimeVijay Varma’s character in Dahaad seems to be loosely based on a mild-mannered teacher turned serial killer from Karnataka, though there has been no official confirmation from the show’s creators.Anand Swarnakar, the dreaded serial killer in Amazon Prime’s latest web series Dahaad, can send chills down the viewers’ spines. He does not employ violent methods to kill his victims, nor does he leave behind gruesome murder scenes. On the contrary, he is a mild-mannered Hindi professor in a local girls’ college in Rajasthan’s Mandawa, who analyses love poetry in his classes. It is precisely this polite demeanour that makes Anand, played by Vijay Varma, all the more terrifying. Though there has been no official confirmation from the creators of the show, Anand’s character seems to be loosely based on a mild-mannered teacher turned serial killer from Dakshina Kannada in Karnataka — Mohan Kumar aka Cyanide Mohan.

Sonipat, Feb 10 (Ians) Two leading education, research and capacity building institutions in India and the United Arab Emirates have decided to strengthen academic cooperation and establish a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (Mou). The MoU was signed between Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (Agda) in Abu Dhabi, UAE and O.P. Jindal Global University (Jgu) in Sonipat, India.

The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy was represented by Nickolay Mladenov, Director General and the O.P. Jindal Global University was represented by Professor (Dr) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor.

To support the mission of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC), Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (Agda) was launched in 2014 and has become the driving force in the Ministry’s efforts to educate, inform and qualify the UAE’s current and future diplomats and government leaders to represent the country on the global stage.

The...

Sonipat (Haryana), Jan 17 (Ians) O.P. Jindal Global (Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University), Jgu, has announced the establishment of the Jindal Global Centre for G20 Studies. This will be the first research centre established by any Indian university that will exclusively focus on research, thought leadership and capacity building initiatives relating to G20.

O.P. Jindal Global University (Jgu) has taken efforts to build this Centre in the light of India assuming the G20 presidency from December 1, 2022. It is a fantastic opportunity for India to play a leadership role in promoting transformative ideas for making this institution more relevant and impactful.

G20 is an inter-governmental forum that has 20 countries and the European Union as its members. Its main objective is to address issues relating to the global economy, especially on matters relating to international financial stability, climate mitigation and sustainable development.

What needs to be recognised is that...

Bengaluru, Aug 11 (Ians) Bandipur Tuskers, who have a mix of talent and experience in their team, begin as favourites when they take on Mandya Bulls in the opening tie of the Grand Prix Badminton League (Gpbl) which kicks off at the Karnataka Badminton Association, here from Friday.

Bandipur have Abhishek Yeligar, who is in hot form with the State championship title he garnered last week and former India No 1 Daniel Farid, who is also a winner of six National ranking tournaments.

While the Tuskers will rely on their singles prowess, Bulls will depend on their doubles players with Sai Pratheek, winner in the doubles and mixed doubles of the State championship last week being in superb form and Ashith Surya who has shown good promise.

The other match of the day is evenly poised with Kodagu Tigers locking horns with Mangalore Sharks.

Kodagu are backed by the in-form the young...

MollywoodThe comedy-drama revolves around the life of an actor’s failed attempts at success at every turn. Tnm StaffThe makers of Malayalam actor Kunchako Boban-starrer Mohan Kumar Fans released the first teaser of the movie on Monday. Sharing the teaser of the movie on Instagram, Kunchacko Boban wrote, “As promised… here is the teaser of Mohan Kumar Fans. And if you had a smile or a laugh, do spread it. The world needs a bit more of fun and frolic!!!! In theatres only from March 19th onwards (sic).” The teaser shows veteran actor Sreenivasan saying a Christian prayer for an actor played by Siddique, throwing in snarky phrases. Siddique opens his eyes shocked and looks at Kunchacko Boban. As the prayer ends, a woman remarks: "It is the first time that I am hearing such phrases in a prayer!" The teaser suggests a comedy entertainer. The plot revolves around the life of an actor,...

MOLLYWOODWith theatres opening up after more than 10 months, 2021 will be an eventful year for audiences. Saradha UThe outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic came as a major setback for the film industry, with many filmmakers releasing their films directly on Ott platforms. However, with theatres opening up across the country, audiences can expect to see their favourite stars like Mammooty, Parvathy and Fahadh Faasil on the big screen again. Here is a list of eight Malayalam films that are all set for a theatrical release, starting from the second week of February. Varthamanam After a brief scuffle with the Central Board of Film Certification (Cbfc), Parvathy Thiruvothu and Roshan Mathew starrer Varthamanam is ready for a theatrical release on February 19. With National Award-winning filmmaker Sidharta Siva spearheading the project, Varthamanam tracks the journey of its female lead in a politically-charged university campus and tackles topical issues. The film is slated for...

Actress sisters Shruti Haasan & Akshara Haasan on Tuesday shared an update about their father Kamal Haasan's health, post his leg surgery.

Shruti shared the health update on Instagram. 

The statement read, "We would like to begin by thanking you for you overwhelming support, prayers and genuine concern regarding our father's recent medical procedure. We are happy to inform all of you that the surgery was a success! 

"The surgery was performed on his leg this morning at Sri Ramachandra Hospital performed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mohan Kumar along with Dr. J.S.N Murthy. The doctors, attendees and the hospital management are taking wonderful care of our father and he is doing well, is in good spirits and working towards a speedy recovery." 

Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre Health Bulletin of Sri Kamal Haasan

The statement mentions that Kamal shall be back home in a few days. 

"He will return...

MollywoodKunchacko Boban plays the lead in the film which has several senior actors like Siddique, Mukesh and Sreenivasan.Digital NativeFrom the two-minute trailer released online three days ago, Mohan Kumar Fans appears to be a film about talented actors who did not quite make it, fading away as others in the industry rose to be stars. Several senior actors like Siddique and Mukesh play important roles in the film which has Kunchacko Boban in the lead. Vinay Forrt is also part of the movie, directed by Jis Joy. Mohan Kumar Fans is scripted by renowned writer duo Bobby and Sanjay. Incidentally, this is the fourth time the scriptwriters are associating with Kunchacko Boban. Siddique plays a film personality and Kunchacko Boban plays a singer in this film. The cast also includes Sreenivasan, Saiju Kurup, Ramesh Pisharody, and Basil Joseph in supporting roles. Prince Joy is composing music, while Bahul Ramesh...

MollywoodKunchacko Boban will reprise the role of consultant criminologist Anwar Hussain.Digital NativeAfter the success of Anjaam Pathiraa, starring Kunchacko Boban, the makers of the film have decided to do a sequel. Titled Aaraam Pathiraa, the film will have Kunchacko Boban reprising his role as a consultant criminologist Anwar Hussain. "He is getting into a new mystery. A new case, a new mystery is unfolding! Aaram Pathiraa. Super excited to watch this thriller taking shape," director Midhun Manuel Thomas wrote on Facebook on Sunday. A day before that he had posted that it was the first anniversary of the second ‘block buster’ of his career – Anjaam Pathiraa. “Personally, a game changer indeed. Thank you all,” Midhun wrote. Watch: Trailer of Anjaam Pathiraa Kunchacko Boban also shared his joy in reprising his role of Anwar Hussain on Facebook. “With great expectations comes great responsibilities. And preparing a sequel for Anjaam Pathiraa is a damn greater responsibility!

MollywoodChemban Vinod has scripted the film, while ‘Thamasha’ fame Ashraf Hamza is directing it.Digital NativeThe Malayalam film with Kunchacko Boban in the lead, scripted by actor Chemban Vinod, has been titled Bheemante Vazhi. The film is directed by Ashraf Hamza, who made the critically acclaimed film Thamasha. Chemban Vinod also plays an important role in the film and is co-producing it as well. Besides Kunchacko Boban and Chemban Vinod, the film also has Aashiq Abu and Rima Kallingal roped in for crucial roles. While Girish Gangadharan has been roped in as the cinematographer, Vishnu Vijayan is the music director. The project started rolling recently in Kuttipuram. Chinnu Chandni has been roped in to play the female lead in this entertainer. She was also the female lead in Thamasha, acting opposite Vinay Forrt. Chemban Vinod has earlier written the script of Angamaly Diaries, directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, which turned out to be hugely popular.

MOLLYWOODThe film is scripted by Chemban Vinod, who is also playing the lead role and co-producing the venture. Digital NativeDigital NativeReports have recently emerged that Mollywood actor Kunchacko Boban is teaming up with director Ashraf Hamza of Thamasha fame for a new film. Interestingly, this film is scripted by Chemban Vinod, who is also playing the lead role and co-producing it. Besides Kunchacko Boban and Chemban Vinod, the film also has Aashiq Abu and Rima Kallingal in crucial roles. Girish Gangadharan has been roped in as the cinematographer. The project started rolling recently in Kuttipuram amidst high expectations. While Kunchacko Boban has joined the sets of this new film, he has several other films lined up in different stages of production. Nayattu, starring Kunchacko Boban and directed by Martin Prakkat, has a strong technical crew with Shahi Kabir penning the script, Shyju Khalid working the camera and Mahesh Narayanan doing the edits.

MollywoodMartin Prakkat is directing a film after five years, his last being the award winning ‘Charlie’.Digital NativeMartin Prakkat, one of the well-known filmmakers in the Malayalam film industry, is directing a film after five years. Titled Nayattu, the film has Kunchako Boban playing the lead role. The actor shared the title poster of the film and wrote on Facebook, “Sharing the official title poster of Martin Prakkat directorial, penned by Shahi Kabir, captured by Shyju Khalid ,Edited by Mahesh Narayanan, produced by Ranjiyettan & Sasiettan. Along with Joju and Nimisha, myself plays Praveen Michael in.............Nayattu.......” Nayattu is bankrolled by director Ranjith’s Gold Coin Pictures in association with Martin Prakkat Films. Martin Prakkat, known for directing and producing some of the best hits in Malayalam, is also bankrolling a film with Aishwarya Lekshmi in the lead. The film, touted to be heroine-centric, will mark the debut of Akhil Anil Kumar.

Even though each south Asian country has its own richly textured film production at times, especially within the realms of independent filmmaking collaboration between the film industries can prove quite fruitful, resulting in works of great art and entertainment. The Arthouse Produire au Sud of Kolkata workshop is one of those events supporting such collaborations. According to its founders it “aims to familiarize young producers with a variety of important tools and international co-production techniques by coaching individual projects in development.” Within the range of productions it features and supports we find projects from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan and Maledives.

Here is a list of the features of its selection in 2020:

A Hidden Tale Behind The Mist (Kuhiro Pariko Sahar) – Nepal

by Pasang Dawa Sherpa and produced by Prem Prasad Adhikary

A New Sweetness (Notun Gur) – India

by Deyali Mukherjee and produced by Sriram Raja

Heli...

Setting the trend for entertainment conversations in India, Twitter has launched the first-ever emoji dedicated to a Bollywood film for Yash Raj Film’s (@yrf) Befikre starring Vaani Kapoor (@VaaniOfficial) and Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial), slated for release on December 9.

Launched yesterday, fans can now join the conversation around the film with a tweet by simply using #UdeDilBefikre, #Befikre, #BefikreOn9th,#BefikreOn9thDec and #BeBefikre to use the specially designed emoji curated by the social media platform, Twitter. The emoji appears next to the hash tag in the Tweet and is designed like the Eiffel Tower of pink hearts, bringing alive the Parisian essence of the film.

Tremendous buzz has been created about the film on Twitter and the emoji will further elevate the engagement with fans on the platform in a delightful and innovative way.

Set for a worldwide release on December 9, 2016, Befikre is a story that celebrates being carefree in love.

Though Prabhu Dheva's Ajay Devgn starrer will be titled Action Jackson after all, he won't use any foreign names in his titles ever again. The matter of the title being a copyright infringement of the 1988 Hollywood film of the same title has been sorted out by the producers. But Prabhu Dheva is very upset by the way the title's validity was questioned by the international producers. Says Prabhu Dheva, "I don't understand how or why every film title we use in India has to be cleared abroad as well. In that case the law should work both ways. We also should be allowed to question them as to why their films have titled that sound like ours. Why was James Cameron's film called Avatar? Years before that some Bollywood director Mohan Kumar had made a film called Avatar. Please explain how the same title found its way for Cameron's film.

Hyderabad, Aug 6: A molestation case has been filed against Telugu music composer Chakri and producer Paruchuri Prasad on the grounds of allegedly misbehaving with a woman during a party, a police official said Tuesday.

"Following the complaint by a 36-year-old woman, who alleged that Chakri and Paruchuri Prasad misbehaved with her on Sunday night, we have registered a molestation case. We are investigating the case," sub-inspector Mohan Kumar of Banjara Hills police station told Ians.

The two have been booked under penal provisions for assault on a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty.

"The victim is a friend of.

The first National Students’ Film Festival and awards concluded yesterday in Pune. Here is the complete list of winners:-

1 Best Art &Production Design

Amour V

Rishi Kumar, Devika Gharge & Taseer Shaikh, Nid Ahendabad

2 Best Editing(Non- Fiction)

Panchaboot

Charitra Guptraj, Srfti Kolkata

3 Best Editing( Fiction)

Between the Rains

Rashmima Datta, Srfti Kolkata

4 Best Sound design & Audiography (Non- Fiction)

Panchaboot

Iman Chakraborty, Srfti Kolkata

5 Best Sound design & Audiography ( Fiction)

Doyam

Atanu Mukherjee, Srfti Kolkata

6 Best Cinematography (Non- Fiction)

The Donkey Fair

Amit Kumar, Ftii Pune

7 Best Cinematography (Fiction)

Skylab is Falling

Karthik Muthukumar, Lv Prasad Film & Television Academy Chennai

8 Best Script (Non- Fiction)

Bharatmata Ki Jai

Amol Ranjan, Anurag Mazumdar, Arpita Chakravarty, Avadoot Khanolkar, Shewta Radhakrishnan, Tisc Mumbai

9 Best Script (Fiction)

Pola

Kinshuk Surjan, Shristi School of Technology & Art design, Bangalore

10 Best Script (Fiction)

Daak Nouka

Rohitaswa Mukherjee, Srfti Kolkata

11 Special Mention (Non- Fiction)

Autum of Life

Prantik Vivek Deshmukh, St.

Bombay Snow directed by Chinmay Nagesh Dalvi was declared the Best Short Fiction while The Rat Race by Miriam Chandy Meenacherry was named the Best Long Documentary at the 5th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala.

In the short fiction category, Jury Special Mention went to Rizwan by Deepthi Kurana and Sattu´s Goggles by Shaheen Muhammed.

In the Long Documentary category, Jury Special Mention went to Earth Witness: Reflections on the Times and Timeless by Akansha Joshi.

Karim Barber by Tushar B.More was declared the Best Animation Film. Inspiration by Viveka Chauhan won the award for Best Music Video.

The prize for Best Campus Film went to One Rupee by Rojin Thomas.

I am Micro directed by Shumona Goel and Shai Heredia won the Best Short Documentary. Jury Special Mention went to The Five Elements by Mohan Kumar Valsala and Girl with the Kite by Walter D´Cruz.

Just four months down, 2012 is already proving itself to be a great year for Indian cinema internationally. With a record Indian presence at Cannes this year and a few other awards to boast about, Indian filmmakers are soaring high! DearCinema rounds up the achievements of Indian films in the international arena in 2012 so far. Click through the links to read interviews of the filmmakers.

Indian thriller Peddlers directed by Vasan Bala has been selected in 51st edition of Cannes Critics Week. Cannes Critics Week, a parallel section of the Cannes Film Festival showcases first and second feature films by directors from all over the world.

I started off wanting to just make a film…any film: Vasan Bala, director of Peddlers

Gangs of Wasseypur

Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur will screen at Directors’ Fortnight, a non-competitive section at the 65th Cannes Film Festival. Since its inception, it has showcased...

Bollywood actor Fardeen Khan's half sister, Sonia Sethia, wife of businessman Rajendra Sethia, was returning home in New Friends Colony from dinner at a friend's home in Gulmohar Park, when a Swift Dzire coming at very high speed, rammed into their Honda City car on August Kranti Marg.

The Dzire's driver, Mohan Kumar, a technical officer at All India Institute of Medical Sciences(Aiims), and was going back to his home at Ayurvigyan Nagar from a relative's wedding with his son Anjay. He was 50.

"The accident was reported at 1:30 a.m.," said a police official.

All the ...

Fardeen Khan's sister Sonia Sethia died in a car crash in South Delhi early Monday. Sonia, 48, wife of businessman Rajendra Sethia, was returning from Gulmohar Park from her friend's residence after having dinner when a speeding Swift Dzire car rammed into Sonia's Honda City at August Kranti Veer Marg.Mohan Kumar, 50, who was driving Dzire, a technical officer at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (Aiims) and Sonia were rushed to Aiims after the accident. Both of them wer...

Panchabhuta, a documentary by Mohan Kumar Valasala will compete at the Tampere Film Festival in Finland. The festival will take place from March 7-11,2012.

The film will have its World Premiere at the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival that begins on February 9. It captures the existence of the five elements on a dumping ground in Kolkata.

Mohan Kumar is a student of Satyajit Ray Film and TV Institute in Kolkata. Read his interview here.

Mohan Kumar’s documentary Panchabhuta has made it to Berlinale Shorts 2012. It will compete with shorts from 21 other countries at the prestigious 62nd Berlin International Film Festival. Mohan tells us more about his film:

What is Panchabhuta about?

The location of the documentary is the ‘Dhapa dumping ground’ near science city in Kolkata. It is a solid waste management system for the entire city. The disposal site has served the City of Kolkata as an uncontrolled dumping ground since 1981. The site currently accepts waste from both Kmc’s public waste haulers and private haulers resulting into a man-made mountain. Both animals which feed on the waste, and rag pickers who collect different materials to sell them for recycling, co-exist in the dump yard apart from the lorry drivers and helpers who dump waste throughout the day.

The focus of this documentary is on the existence of the elements and life in this space.

Panchabhuta by Mohan Kumar Valasala has been selected for competition in Berlinale Shorts 2012.

This Indian short film will compete with 26 other short films from 21 countries for the Golden Bear and Silver Bear Jury Prize, the Daad Short Film Award and a short film nomination for the European Film Prize.

The short film Jury comprises German actress Sandra Hüller, Palestinian artist Emily Jacir and Irish-born filmmaker David OReilly.

Berlinale Shorts 2012:

Ad balloon, Lee Woo-jung, Republic of Korea

An das Morgengrauen, Mariola Brillowska, Germany

Ein Mädchen Namens Yssabeau, Rosana Cuellar, Germany / Mexico

Enakkum Oru Per, Suba Sivakumaran, USA / Sri Lanka

Erotic Fragments No. 1, 2, 3, Anucha Boonyawatana, Thailand

Gurehto Rabitto, Atsushi Wada, France

Impossible exchange, Mahmoud Hojeij, Lebanon

Karrabing! Low Tide Turning, Liza Johnson, Elizabeth A. Povinelli

La Santa, Mauricio López Fernández, Chile

Li.Li.Ta.Al., Akihito Izuhara, Japan

Licuri Surf, Guile Martins, Brazil

Loxoro, Claudia Llosa, Spanien / Peru / Argentine / USA

Mah-Chui,...

"27 films from 22 countries will be competing for the Golden Bear and Silver Bear Jury Prize, the Daad Short Film Award and a short film nomination for the European Film Prize," the Berlinale's announced today. The International Jury will be comprised of German actress Sandra Hüller, Palestinian artist Emily Jacir and Irish-American filmmaker David O'Reilly. We'll get to the lineup in a moment, but first, this:

"Due to the political events in Hungary, the Berlinale Shorts is presenting a special screening on February 18, 2012 at the Haus der Berliner Festspiele: Magyarország 2011 (Hungary 2011) – an omnibus film, which reflects also in its aesthetics, the radical political and social developments in this crisis-ridden country. The directors of the work are Ágnes Kocsis, Márta Mészáros, Bence Fliegauf, Miklós Jancsó, and others [András Jeles, Ferenc Török, Simon Szabó, Péter Forgács, László Siroki, György Pálfi and András Salamon]. Following the screening, Béla Tarr will conduct a discussion on the current situation in Hungary."

On to the main program, with a few descriptions from the festival:

Ad balloon,...

Bollywood actor Gulshan Grover, whose last release .I Am Kalam. fetched him worldwide recognition and honours, thanked veteran actor Shabana Azmi for helping him in finding roles in his initial days..Shabanaji has helped me a lot in the beginning of my career. She recommended me to Mohan Kumar for a role in .Avtaar. and told him that I am very hard working,. the 51-year-old actor said at the DVD launch of .I Am Kalam.. .She sought roles for me in .Hum Paanch., .Aaj Ka Mla. and many more. She guided me on the sets of the film. She has always been my well-wisher and mentor,. said Gulshan who debuted with .Hum Paanch. and later established himself as .Bad Man. in Bollywood.Gulshan took villainy to a different level with his roles in .Ram Lakhan., .Raja Babu., .Sadma., .Mohra., .Hera Pheri. and .Gangster.. He will next be seen in Saif Ali Khan...

Mumbai, Jan 12: Bollywood actor Gulshan Grover, whose last release "I Am Kalam" fetched him worldwide recognition and honours, thanked veteran actor Shabana Azmi for helping him in finding roles in his initial days.

"Shabanaji has helped me a lot in the beginning of my career. She recommended me to Mohan Kumar for a role in 'Avtaar' and told him that I am very hard working," the 51-year-old actor said at the DVD launch of "I Am Kalam".

"She sought roles for me in 'Hum Paanch', 'Aaj Ka Mla' and many more. She guided me on the sets of the film. She has always been my well-wisher and mentor," said Gulshan who debuted with.