It's good to be Drake. The 32-year-old rapper posted on his Instagram page on Friday a video of a massive private, custom-made plane that he recently acquired. "No rental, no timeshare, no co-owners," Drake says in the clip. The exterior of the plane is painted pale blue and bears the rapper's Ovo owl logo and prayer hands logo, as well as the words "Air Drake." Inside, plush couches and chairs, tables, a giant flat-screen TV and custom striped carpeting are shown. Also seen in the clip, Ajay Virmani, president & CEO of Cargojet Airways, who Drake credits with making the deal happen. According to The Blast, the plane is linked to a new partnership between the...
- 5/10/2019
- E! Online
According to agent Melissa Lee of Toronto's Ml Talent Agency, the deadline for new actors/actresses, inexperienced/experienced, to register online with the agency as a background performer (extra) for Toronto-based feature films, TV series and commercials, has been extended to Friday June 23, 2017:
Lee, the owner of Ml Talent Agency is a founding member, and Co-Chair of the Toronto Talent Agent Association (Ttaa).
online agency registration here
Recent Toronto film productions include "Suicide Squad", "Dark Matter", "The Strain", "RoboCop", "Carrie", "Resident Evil: Afterlife", "Designated Survivor", "The Handmaid's Tale", "Pixels", "12 Monkeys", "Suits", "11:22.63", "Downsizing", plus the new "Star Trek" TV series, "Star Trek: Discovery".
Here is the Toronto Film Production Update for June 2017:
12 Monkeys - Season 4
TV Series
Universal Television Enterprises LLC
Prod.: Michael Wray
Exec. Producer: Terry Matalas
Dir.: Various
Apr 3 – Jul 7/17
Condor Season 1
TV Series
T5 Condor Productions Inc.
Exec. Prods.: Jason Smilovic, Todd Katzberg, Lawrence Trilling
Dir.: Lawrence Trilling, + tba
Apr 24 - Aug 15/17
Crawford Season 1
TV Series
Crawford Season One, Inc.
Exec. Prod.: Laura Michalchyshyn, Mike Clattenburg
Dir.: Mike Clattenburg
Apr 17 - Jun 28/17
Green Harvest
TV Series
Streak Productions Inc. / CBS
Prod.: Kevin Lafferty, Loretta Ramos, Aaron Baiers
Exec. Prod.: Bryan Fuller,
Heather Kadin, Gretchen Berg, Aaron Harberts
Dir.: various
Jan 24 – Oct 6/17
People Of Earth Season 2
TV Series
Slanted Films
Prod.: Paula Devonshire
Exec. Prods.: David Jenkins, Norm Hiscock, Aaron Shure
Dir.: Various
May 1 - Jul 17/17
Salvation Season 1
TV Series
CBS
Producer: Robert Ortiz
Exec. Prods.: Liz Kruger, Craig Shapiro, Heather Kadin, Aaron Beiers, Stuart Gillard
Dir.: Various
March 1 - Aug 3/17
Secrets From The Russian Tea Room
Feature
Rtr 2016 Ontario Inc.
Prod.: Malene Blenkov, Sandra Cunningham, Robin Cass
LP: Kristina Kornum (Denmark), Lisa Kussner (Canada)
Dir.: Lone Scherfig
May 8 – Jun 2/17
Star Falls
TV Series
Breakthrough Ent
Prod.: Jim Corson
Exec. Prod.:George Doty, Joan Lambur, Ira Levy,Peter Williamson,Michael McGuigan,
Nat Abraham,
Dir.: Various
May 8 - Aug 4/17
The Lead
TV Series
CTV / eOne
Prod.: Brian Gibson
Exec. Prod.: Ilana Frank, Adam Pettle, Ley Lukins, Linda Pope
Dir.: various
Apr 17 - Jul 25/17
Cardinal: Blackfly Season
Mini Series
Sienna Films/eOne
Prod.: Jessica Daniel
Dir.: Jeff Renfroe
May 29 – Aug 4/17
Code 8
Feature
Code 8 Films Inc.
Producer: Jeff Chan
Director: Jeff Chan
May 29 - Jul 14/17
Fahrenheit 451
TV Movie
HBO Films/Morning Star Prods. Ltd.
Prod.: David Coatsworth, Sarah Green
Dir.: Ramin Bahrani
Jul 10 – Sep 8/17
Frankie Drake
TV Series
Shaftesbury Frankie I Inc.
Prod.: Julie Lacey, Jonathan Hackett
Dir.: Various
Jun 19 - Oct 26/17
Girl Underground
(working title)
TV Movie
Cineflix (Captive) Inc.
Prod.: Thomas Vencelides
Dir.: Stephen Kemp
May 16 – Jun 1/17
Little Italy
Feature
Pizza Lovers Productions Ltd.
Prod.: Vinay Virmani, Ajay Virmani, Pauline Dhillon
Dir.: Donald Petrie
May 17 - Jun 26/17
Suits Season 7
TV Series
NBC Universal
Prod.: Mark Winemaker
Dir.: Various
Apr 4 - Nov 15/17
The Detail
TV Series
CTV / eOne
Prod.: Brian Gibson
Dir.: various
Apr 17 - Jul 25/17
The Expanse Season 3
TV Series
SyFy
Prod.: Manny Danelon
Dir.: Various
Jul 12 - Dec 8/17...
Lee, the owner of Ml Talent Agency is a founding member, and Co-Chair of the Toronto Talent Agent Association (Ttaa).
online agency registration here
Recent Toronto film productions include "Suicide Squad", "Dark Matter", "The Strain", "RoboCop", "Carrie", "Resident Evil: Afterlife", "Designated Survivor", "The Handmaid's Tale", "Pixels", "12 Monkeys", "Suits", "11:22.63", "Downsizing", plus the new "Star Trek" TV series, "Star Trek: Discovery".
Here is the Toronto Film Production Update for June 2017:
12 Monkeys - Season 4
TV Series
Universal Television Enterprises LLC
Prod.: Michael Wray
Exec. Producer: Terry Matalas
Dir.: Various
Apr 3 – Jul 7/17
Condor Season 1
TV Series
T5 Condor Productions Inc.
Exec. Prods.: Jason Smilovic, Todd Katzberg, Lawrence Trilling
Dir.: Lawrence Trilling, + tba
Apr 24 - Aug 15/17
Crawford Season 1
TV Series
Crawford Season One, Inc.
Exec. Prod.: Laura Michalchyshyn, Mike Clattenburg
Dir.: Mike Clattenburg
Apr 17 - Jun 28/17
Green Harvest
TV Series
Streak Productions Inc. / CBS
Prod.: Kevin Lafferty, Loretta Ramos, Aaron Baiers
Exec. Prod.: Bryan Fuller,
Heather Kadin, Gretchen Berg, Aaron Harberts
Dir.: various
Jan 24 – Oct 6/17
People Of Earth Season 2
TV Series
Slanted Films
Prod.: Paula Devonshire
Exec. Prods.: David Jenkins, Norm Hiscock, Aaron Shure
Dir.: Various
May 1 - Jul 17/17
Salvation Season 1
TV Series
CBS
Producer: Robert Ortiz
Exec. Prods.: Liz Kruger, Craig Shapiro, Heather Kadin, Aaron Beiers, Stuart Gillard
Dir.: Various
March 1 - Aug 3/17
Secrets From The Russian Tea Room
Feature
Rtr 2016 Ontario Inc.
Prod.: Malene Blenkov, Sandra Cunningham, Robin Cass
LP: Kristina Kornum (Denmark), Lisa Kussner (Canada)
Dir.: Lone Scherfig
May 8 – Jun 2/17
Star Falls
TV Series
Breakthrough Ent
Prod.: Jim Corson
Exec. Prod.:George Doty, Joan Lambur, Ira Levy,Peter Williamson,Michael McGuigan,
Nat Abraham,
Dir.: Various
May 8 - Aug 4/17
The Lead
TV Series
CTV / eOne
Prod.: Brian Gibson
Exec. Prod.: Ilana Frank, Adam Pettle, Ley Lukins, Linda Pope
Dir.: various
Apr 17 - Jul 25/17
Cardinal: Blackfly Season
Mini Series
Sienna Films/eOne
Prod.: Jessica Daniel
Dir.: Jeff Renfroe
May 29 – Aug 4/17
Code 8
Feature
Code 8 Films Inc.
Producer: Jeff Chan
Director: Jeff Chan
May 29 - Jul 14/17
Fahrenheit 451
TV Movie
HBO Films/Morning Star Prods. Ltd.
Prod.: David Coatsworth, Sarah Green
Dir.: Ramin Bahrani
Jul 10 – Sep 8/17
Frankie Drake
TV Series
Shaftesbury Frankie I Inc.
Prod.: Julie Lacey, Jonathan Hackett
Dir.: Various
Jun 19 - Oct 26/17
Girl Underground
(working title)
TV Movie
Cineflix (Captive) Inc.
Prod.: Thomas Vencelides
Dir.: Stephen Kemp
May 16 – Jun 1/17
Little Italy
Feature
Pizza Lovers Productions Ltd.
Prod.: Vinay Virmani, Ajay Virmani, Pauline Dhillon
Dir.: Donald Petrie
May 17 - Jun 26/17
Suits Season 7
TV Series
NBC Universal
Prod.: Mark Winemaker
Dir.: Various
Apr 4 - Nov 15/17
The Detail
TV Series
CTV / eOne
Prod.: Brian Gibson
Dir.: various
Apr 17 - Jul 25/17
The Expanse Season 3
TV Series
SyFy
Prod.: Manny Danelon
Dir.: Various
Jul 12 - Dec 8/17...
- 6/23/2017
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Thanks to TorontoFilm.Net here is the Toronto Film Production Update for June 2017 including "12 Monkeys", "Fahrenheit 451", "Code 8" and a whole lot more:
"Extras" Needed For Toronto Movies/TV
12 Monkeys - Season 4
TV Series
Universal Television Enterprises LLC
Prod.: Michael Wray
Exec. Producer: Terry Matalas
Dir.: Various
Apr 3 – Jul 7/17
Condor Season 1
TV Series
T5 Condor Productions Inc.
Exec. Prods.: Jason Smilovic, Todd Katzberg, Lawrence Trilling
Dir.: Lawrence Trilling, + tba
Apr 24 - Aug 15/17
Crawford Season 1
TV Series
Crawford Season One, Inc.
Exec. Prod.: Laura Michalchyshyn, Mike Clattenburg
Dir.: Mike Clattenburg
Apr 17 - Jun 28/17
Green Harvest
TV Series
Streak Productions Inc. / CBS
Prod.: Kevin Lafferty, Loretta Ramos, Aaron Baiers
Exec. Prod.: Bryan Fuller,
Heather Kadin, Gretchen Berg, Aaron Harberts
Dir.: various
Jan 24 – Oct 6/17
People Of Earth Season 2
TV Series
Slanted Films
Prod.: Paula Devonshire
Exec. Prods.: David Jenkins, Norm Hiscock,...
"Extras" Needed For Toronto Movies/TV
12 Monkeys - Season 4
TV Series
Universal Television Enterprises LLC
Prod.: Michael Wray
Exec. Producer: Terry Matalas
Dir.: Various
Apr 3 – Jul 7/17
Condor Season 1
TV Series
T5 Condor Productions Inc.
Exec. Prods.: Jason Smilovic, Todd Katzberg, Lawrence Trilling
Dir.: Lawrence Trilling, + tba
Apr 24 - Aug 15/17
Crawford Season 1
TV Series
Crawford Season One, Inc.
Exec. Prod.: Laura Michalchyshyn, Mike Clattenburg
Dir.: Mike Clattenburg
Apr 17 - Jun 28/17
Green Harvest
TV Series
Streak Productions Inc. / CBS
Prod.: Kevin Lafferty, Loretta Ramos, Aaron Baiers
Exec. Prod.: Bryan Fuller,
Heather Kadin, Gretchen Berg, Aaron Harberts
Dir.: various
Jan 24 – Oct 6/17
People Of Earth Season 2
TV Series
Slanted Films
Prod.: Paula Devonshire
Exec. Prods.: David Jenkins, Norm Hiscock,...
- 6/2/2017
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
It’s a formidable place to be in. But Irrfan Khan, whose rise has been steady and rapid, is all set to step into a role earmarked for Amitabh Bachchan. In a new Indo-Canadian project The Lions Of The Sea, Irrfan will play the legendary immigrant Sikh Gurdit Singh who in 1914 campaigned for the entryRead More
The post Irrfan Khan steps into Amitabh Bachchan’s shoes in Ajay Virmani-Salman Khan’s co-production appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
The post Irrfan Khan steps into Amitabh Bachchan’s shoes in Ajay Virmani-Salman Khan’s co-production appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
- 11/21/2016
- by Subhash K. Jha
- BollywoodHungama
Salman Khan Films (Skf) and First Take Entertainment Ltd. (Fte) have announced that they will be jointly producing “Lions of the Sea”, a film based on a true story surrounding the voyage from India to Canada aboard the Komagata Maru. The incidents which surrounded the events of this journey have forever changed the immigration policies of Canada.
The film is set in 1914 and is a tragic and heart wrenching story of 376 Indian passengers who dared to embark on this journey seeking a life of opportunity and privilege. “Lions of the Sea” is a voyage that challenged the spying, duplicity, racism and hypocrisy of the largest Empire in the world.
“Skf is delighted to join hands with First Take and participate in telling the story of the Komagata Maru incident. “Lions of the Sea” is a film based on a true incident which depicts heroism of all those who were on...
The film is set in 1914 and is a tragic and heart wrenching story of 376 Indian passengers who dared to embark on this journey seeking a life of opportunity and privilege. “Lions of the Sea” is a voyage that challenged the spying, duplicity, racism and hypocrisy of the largest Empire in the world.
“Skf is delighted to join hands with First Take and participate in telling the story of the Komagata Maru incident. “Lions of the Sea” is a film based on a true incident which depicts heroism of all those who were on...
- 11/17/2016
- by BollySpice Editors
- Bollyspice
The president and CEO of Canadian cargo airline Cargojet has been appointed to the Academy Of Canadian Cinema & Television’s board.
Virmani recently produced Dr. Cabbie and Breakaway via his First Take Entertainment Ltd, while his executive producer credits include Deepa Mehta’s Water as well as Bollywood/Hollywood.
“Ajay Virmani’s wildly successful entrepreneurial expertise, as well as his passion for Canadian cinema and his philanthropic initiatives, make him an ideal fit for the Academy board,” said Academy chair and Prospero Pictures president Martin Katz.
The 17 Academy board members as of August are: Katz; Robin Mirsky; Anita McOuat; Julie Bristow; Paul Bronfman; Don Carmody; Jennifer Dettman; Jonas Diamond; Anne Fitzgerald; Harris Fricker; Scott Henderson; Robert Lantos; Christine Shipton; Gary Slaight; Mark Slone; Virmani; and John Young.
Special advisor is Richard Speer, chair of the Academy in Québec, and ex-officio member is Barry Avrich.
Virmani recently produced Dr. Cabbie and Breakaway via his First Take Entertainment Ltd, while his executive producer credits include Deepa Mehta’s Water as well as Bollywood/Hollywood.
“Ajay Virmani’s wildly successful entrepreneurial expertise, as well as his passion for Canadian cinema and his philanthropic initiatives, make him an ideal fit for the Academy board,” said Academy chair and Prospero Pictures president Martin Katz.
The 17 Academy board members as of August are: Katz; Robin Mirsky; Anita McOuat; Julie Bristow; Paul Bronfman; Don Carmody; Jennifer Dettman; Jonas Diamond; Anne Fitzgerald; Harris Fricker; Scott Henderson; Robert Lantos; Christine Shipton; Gary Slaight; Mark Slone; Virmani; and John Young.
Special advisor is Richard Speer, chair of the Academy in Québec, and ex-officio member is Barry Avrich.
- 8/12/2015
- ScreenDaily
Kick superstar Salman Khan will take off for a 3-day tour of Toronto from August 28 to promote Vinay Virmani's big-ticket film Dr. Cabbie. The flash decision to fly in Salman to Toronto post Kick was taken in a move to upstage the Toronto Film Festival which starts on September 4. Dr. Cabbie, directed by Jean-Francois Pouliet was to premier at the Toronto Film festival. But, with a clutter of Hindi films being screened at the Festival this year, the Toronto-based actor Vinay Virmani and his entrepreneur-dad Ajay Virmani have decided against screening Dr. Cabbie at the Festival. Instead, they have decided to steal the Indian thunder at the Toronto Film Festival by inviting Salman Khan, the official producer of Dr. Cabbie to Toronto just days before the film. While the details of Salman Khan's activities in Toronto during his 3-day visit are being kept a secret, it is reliably...
- 8/2/2014
- by Subhash K. Jha
- BollywoodHungama
Deepa Mehta, who has in the past worked with actors as diverse as Aamir Khan and John Abraham, is now getting ready to direct Randeep Hooda.
Randeep is being paired Canadian hottie Sarah Allen in Deepa's untitled film. Sarah is best known for her vampire's role in Being Human. She has acted in over two dozen films and television serials.
Explaining the Canadian leading lady for Randeep, Deepa says, "The Indian diaspora is doing well in Canada. They are young, passionate and very talented. Broad and light- hearted filmmakers are thriving here. Entrepreneur Ajay Virmani's son Vinay Virmani has become quite a star among the desi community. It's pretty heartening."
Speaking about the project for the first time Deepa Mehta says, "I am doing a film with Randeep Hooda later this summer. Sarah Allen, a fab, beautiful actor with huge acting chops is playing the lead opposite Randeep, where his character leads the charge.
Randeep is being paired Canadian hottie Sarah Allen in Deepa's untitled film. Sarah is best known for her vampire's role in Being Human. She has acted in over two dozen films and television serials.
Explaining the Canadian leading lady for Randeep, Deepa says, "The Indian diaspora is doing well in Canada. They are young, passionate and very talented. Broad and light- hearted filmmakers are thriving here. Entrepreneur Ajay Virmani's son Vinay Virmani has become quite a star among the desi community. It's pretty heartening."
Speaking about the project for the first time Deepa Mehta says, "I am doing a film with Randeep Hooda later this summer. Sarah Allen, a fab, beautiful actor with huge acting chops is playing the lead opposite Randeep, where his character leads the charge.
- 6/6/2014
- by Subhash K. Jha
- BollywoodHungama
<div>As in the opening scene of the film, Vinay Virmani.s debut on celluloid ice - Breakaway has been a sure shot goal and pure gold at the Canadian box-office setting cash registers ringing big time!</div><div></div><div>In a short span of time, Vinay has gone from mere oblivion to becoming a household name amongst the South Asian community in North America. Vinay.s debut film has resonated hugely with audiences in Canada, scoring the Brampton native a permanent place in the hearts of his newfound predominately female fan following - he shoots and he scores.</div><div></div><div>Roaring to unprecedented and unparalleled success on Canadian soil, the Akshay Kumar - Ajay Virmani production is the highest grossing film of 2011, outpacing Bollywood biggies like Shahrukh Khan.s Ra One, Salman Khan.s Bodyguard and even Akshay Kumar.s own Desi Boyz.</div><div></div><div>Speaking on Breakaway.s rip roaring record breaking success, Mark Sloane -...
- 12/28/2011
- Filmicafe
Last week, Akshay Kumar visited Khalsa School in Malton, Canada, for a ribbon cutting ceremony. He surprised the kids there with a high tech computer lab. Akshay, who is also a Canadian citizen, has a home in Toronto and the school is in one of the neighboring localities. Akshay and his friend Ajay Virmani, who is a Toronto-businessman, generously donated state of the art equipment to this computer lab including the latest computers and visual display devices. The technology supplied to this learning institution will make it one of the most advanced in the province and will allow them to continue expansion and modernizing technology in their curriculum. This donation allows the children in the school to obtain a distinct advantage with these advanced learning tools. Akshay through his philanthropic contribution continues to demonstrate his love and support for children around the globe. The superstar feels that he has been...
- 10/25/2011
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
Last week, Akshay Kumar visited Khalsa School in Malton, Canada, for a ribbon cutting ceremony. He surprised the kids there with a high tech computer lab. Akshay, who is also a Canadian citizen, has a home in Toronto and the school is in one of the neighboring localities. Akshay and his friend Ajay Virmani, who is a Toronto-businessman, generously donated state of the art equipment to this computer lab including the latest computers and visual display devices. The technology supplied to this learning institution will make it one of the most advanced in the province and will allow them to continue expansion and modernizing technology in their curriculum. This donation allows the children in the school to obtain a distinct advantage with these advanced learning tools. Akshay through his philanthropic contribution continues to demonstrate his love and support for children around the globe. The superstar feels that he has been...
- 10/25/2011
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
The evening of Sunday, October 16 was like the setting of a Bollywood film set. Guests were treated as stars as they arrived at the University Hospital Networks. . A Night To Shine Diwali Gala.. The Honourable Jason Kenny, Minister of Immigration, His Worship Mayor Rob Ford, and the two Co-chairs. of the evening, Dr. Anil Chopra and Vikram Khurrana, lighted the traditional Diwali Diya to commence the evening. Guests dined on delicious foods with specialty spices designed specifically for the evening by the Hotel.s master chef. The evening.s entertainment was exemplatory. The evening.s Entertainment Chair, Ajay Virmani, launched Hero.s4Humanity, a foundation that has been created by him and Akshay Kumar. This year.s hero that was selected by them was the Uhn. Models and dancers flown in from India, all choreographed and executed like the finest fashion shows held in Paris, London, New York. The designer was on hand,...
- 10/24/2011
- Filmicafe
Akshay Kumar earlier this week visited the Khalsa School in Malton for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of a new computer lab. Akshay Kumar generously donated state of the art equipment to this computer lab including the latest computers and visual display devices. The technology supplied to this learning institution will make it one of the most advanced in the province and will allow them to continue expansion and modernizing technology in their curriculum. .Our entire congregation and community are extremely thankful to Mr. Akshay Kumar for his generous contribution to the Khalsa School (Malton). This donation allows for the children in the school to obtain a distinct advantage with these advanced learning tools. Mr. Kumar through his philanthropic contribution continues to demonstrate his love and support for children around the globe,. said Daljit Singh Sekhon, President Sri Guru Singh Sahba Gurdwara. .It was a wonderful experience to...
- 10/19/2011
- Filmicafe
The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, as well as MPs, senators and other parliamentary dignitaries, attended a special screening of the feature film Breakaway in Ottawa yesterday evening, October 3, 2011. The film received an extended and enthusiastic ovation from the 800 or so guests, including the High Commissioner of India to Canada, MPs and senators. Last night’s presentation of Breakaway followed on the heels of its successful opening weekend in Canadian theatres, where it took in more than $550,000 at the box office.
“This bodes well for the film’s career,” says Carolle Brabant, Executive Director of Telefilm Canada. “This double triumph shows that Breakaway has all it takes to delight audiences, including a fantastic storyline that revolves around hockey—a passion of Canadians—as well as outstanding actors, among them the excellent Vinay Virmani, who co-wrote the movie and stars in the lead role.
“Telefilm congratulates the entire team behind Breakaway,...
“This bodes well for the film’s career,” says Carolle Brabant, Executive Director of Telefilm Canada. “This double triumph shows that Breakaway has all it takes to delight audiences, including a fantastic storyline that revolves around hockey—a passion of Canadians—as well as outstanding actors, among them the excellent Vinay Virmani, who co-wrote the movie and stars in the lead role.
“Telefilm congratulates the entire team behind Breakaway,...
- 10/5/2011
- by BollySpice Editors
- Bollyspice
The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, as well as MPs, senators and other parliamentary dignitaries, attended a special screening of the feature film Breakaway in Ottawa yesterday evening, October 3, 2011. The film received an extended and enthusiastic ovation from the 800 or so guests, including the High Commissioner of India to Canada, MPs and senators. Last night.s presentation of Breakaway followed on the heels of its successful opening weekend in Canadian theatres, where it took in more than $550,000 at the box office. .This bodes well for the film.s career,. says Carolle Brabant, Executive Director of Telefilm Canada. .This double triumph shows that Breakaway has all it takes to delight audiences, including a fantastic storyline that revolves around hockey.a passion of Canadians.as well as outstanding actors, among them the excellent Vinay Virmani, who co-wrote the movie and stars in the lead role. .Telefilm congratulates the entire team behind Breakaway,...
- 10/4/2011
- Filmicafe
Stars of American, Canadian and Indian cinema come together in new crossover film Speedy Singhs - and several of them gathered on stage in London for a press launch ahead of its UK release tomorrow (September 30).
Comedian Russell Peters and screen debutant Vinay Virmani joined fellow cast and crew members including comic/actor Gurpreet 'Ghuggi' Singh and co-producer Ajay Virmani as they addressed the audience and conducted a Q&A session.
Russell Peters and Vinay Virmani are pictured above at the event in London and (below) with Gurpreet Singh. A number of other photographs from the event are included below.
Peters said: "I always worry about what people will think of my films but I Lol'd when I saw this and I also got teary-eyed when I saw the film at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it premiered. The film is shot, directed and cut extremely well."
Singh added:...
Comedian Russell Peters and screen debutant Vinay Virmani joined fellow cast and crew members including comic/actor Gurpreet 'Ghuggi' Singh and co-producer Ajay Virmani as they addressed the audience and conducted a Q&A session.
Russell Peters and Vinay Virmani are pictured above at the event in London and (below) with Gurpreet Singh. A number of other photographs from the event are included below.
Peters said: "I always worry about what people will think of my films but I Lol'd when I saw this and I also got teary-eyed when I saw the film at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it premiered. The film is shot, directed and cut extremely well."
Singh added:...
- 9/29/2011
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
Last Friday, the 23rd Septmeber 2011 saw some of the most lauded and iconic stars from American, Canadian and Indian cinema and entertainment take to the stage in London to promote one of the most exciting Hollywood crossover films to emerge in recent times, Speedy Singhs, releasing in the UK on Friday 30th September 2011. International comedy sensation, Russell Peters, and rising star of cinema, Vinay Virmani, joined fellow cast and crew members including much adored comedian/actor Gurpreet “Ghuggi” Singh and co-producer Ajay Virmani as they addressed the audience and conducted a Q&A session with media in attendance at the posh Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel, Knightsbridge.
Mr Ajay Virmani spoke about their promotional trip, introduced the actors and briefly spoke about the film: “We were just India and stopped in London because I understand that London loves Russell. He sold out the O2 for two nights in a row. We...
Mr Ajay Virmani spoke about their promotional trip, introduced the actors and briefly spoke about the film: “We were just India and stopped in London because I understand that London loves Russell. He sold out the O2 for two nights in a row. We...
- 9/28/2011
- by Sunny Malik
- Bollyspice
With the completion of his first Indo-Canadian production Breakaway, starring Vinay Virmani, Rob Lowe, Russell Peters, Camilla Belle, Noureen DeWulf and Anupam Kher, Akshay Kumar has become the first B-Town producer to truly aspire for Hollywood.
The movie features music videos with hip-hop stars Ludacris, Drake and Akshay himself, with music being scored by collaborators Rdb (Rhythm Dhol Bass) and Sandeep Chowta. He has made huge efforts for the movie to be liked by the masses.
Breakaway is ready for a global release on the 30th of September. One of the world’s largest distributors, Alliance Atlantis will take up this film for distribution, which is their first venture with an Indian producer. Treating it like a Hollywood release, with more than 3,500 prints, it will also be the curtain raiser at the Toronto Film Festival on September 10 this year.
The international release of the film is titled as Breakaway and...
The movie features music videos with hip-hop stars Ludacris, Drake and Akshay himself, with music being scored by collaborators Rdb (Rhythm Dhol Bass) and Sandeep Chowta. He has made huge efforts for the movie to be liked by the masses.
Breakaway is ready for a global release on the 30th of September. One of the world’s largest distributors, Alliance Atlantis will take up this film for distribution, which is their first venture with an Indian producer. Treating it like a Hollywood release, with more than 3,500 prints, it will also be the curtain raiser at the Toronto Film Festival on September 10 this year.
The international release of the film is titled as Breakaway and...
- 7/20/2011
- by BollySpice Editors
- Bollyspice
Rdb team up with Akshay Kumar, Ludacris for another smash hit soundtrack! Forthcoming movie Breakaway. The movie is all set to release soon with a huge star cast of Russell Peters, Camilla bell, Rob Lowe and a cameo from Drake.
This indo – Canadian movie is an inspiring movie based on a hockey player in Canada. Rdb have given music to the movie alongside the background score. As Always Rdb have paired up with the best in the industry, Akshay Kumar and Ludacris for Shera Di Khom. Rdb, Akshay Kumar and Ludacris will be seen in the music video. Breakaway is upcoming Hollywood Movie of Director Robert Lieberman and written by Writer of Breakaway are Jeff Schechter and Ajay Virmani. Also look out for the track Sansar feat rapper, Jai Hind, Nav, and Kat Eyez which is also used in the theatrical promo.
The film is an underdog story that has it all,...
This indo – Canadian movie is an inspiring movie based on a hockey player in Canada. Rdb have given music to the movie alongside the background score. As Always Rdb have paired up with the best in the industry, Akshay Kumar and Ludacris for Shera Di Khom. Rdb, Akshay Kumar and Ludacris will be seen in the music video. Breakaway is upcoming Hollywood Movie of Director Robert Lieberman and written by Writer of Breakaway are Jeff Schechter and Ajay Virmani. Also look out for the track Sansar feat rapper, Jai Hind, Nav, and Kat Eyez which is also used in the theatrical promo.
The film is an underdog story that has it all,...
- 7/8/2011
- by Trupti Kantilal
- Bollyspice
October 28, 2010: In Breakaway, the Indo-Canadian film that Akshay Kumar is co-producing with his best-friend Canada-based entrepreneur Ajay Virmani to launch Virmani’s son Vinay, the star will for the first time appear as himself.
Akshay will play Akshay in Breakaway and that too because the debutant Vinay Virmani, who has co-scripted Breakaway, hero-worships Akshay and wrote the role specially for the star.
Says a source close to the project, “Akshay and Aj (that’s how Ajay Virmani likes to be known ) go back a long way. In fact Aj has a permanent room in his home for Akshay for whenever the star visits Toronto. Earlier Aj ghost-produced some of Akshay’s films. Now they’re openly.
Akshay will play Akshay in Breakaway and that too because the debutant Vinay Virmani, who has co-scripted Breakaway, hero-worships Akshay and wrote the role specially for the star.
Says a source close to the project, “Akshay and Aj (that’s how Ajay Virmani likes to be known ) go back a long way. In fact Aj has a permanent room in his home for Akshay for whenever the star visits Toronto. Earlier Aj ghost-produced some of Akshay’s films. Now they’re openly.
- 10/28/2010
- by realbollywood
- RealBollywood.com
Mumbai, Oct 24 – Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar will for the first time play himself in the Indo-Canadian film ‘Breakaway’ — the launchpad of his best friend Ajay Virmani’s son Vinay.
Vinay, who co-scripted the film, hero-worships Akshay and wrote the role specially for him.
‘Akshay and Aj (that’s how Ajay Virmani likes to be known) go back a long way. In fact, Aj has a permanent room in his Toronto home for Akshay. Akshay has virtually seen Vinay grow up in front of him. The boy completely idolises Akshay to the extent that he imitates his mannerisms and watches all his films repeatedly,’ says a source close.
Vinay, who co-scripted the film, hero-worships Akshay and wrote the role specially for him.
‘Akshay and Aj (that’s how Ajay Virmani likes to be known) go back a long way. In fact, Aj has a permanent room in his Toronto home for Akshay. Akshay has virtually seen Vinay grow up in front of him. The boy completely idolises Akshay to the extent that he imitates his mannerisms and watches all his films repeatedly,’ says a source close.
- 10/24/2010
- by realbollywood
- RealBollywood.com
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar will for the first time play himself in the Indo-Canadian film .Breakaway. . the launchpad of his best friend Ajay Virmani.s son Vinay.Vinay, who co-scripted the film, hero-worships Akshay and wrote the role specially for him..Akshay and Aj (that.s how Ajay Virmani likes to be known) go back a long way. In fact, Aj has a permanent room in his Toronto home for Akshay. Akshay has virtually seen Vinay grow up in front of him. The boy completely idolises Akshay to the extent that he imitates his mannerisms and watches all his films repeatedly,. says a source close to the project.Akshay is co-producing .Breakaway. with Canada-based Ajay Virmani.When Vinay wrote the father-son story, he not only borrowed scenes from his own life, the boy insisted on creating a cameo for his idol.Confirming the news, Anupam Kher, who plays Vinay.s...
- 10/24/2010
- Filmicafe
In Breakaway, the Indo-Canadian film that Akshay Kumar is co-producing with his best-friend Canada-based entrepreneur Ajay Virmani to launch Virmani's son Vinay, the star will for the first time appear as himself. Akshay will play Akshay in Breakaway and that too because the debutant Vinay Virmani, who has co-scripted Breakaway, hero-worships Akshay and wrote the role especially for the star. Says a source close to the project, "Akshay and Aj (that's how Ajay Virmani likes to be known) go back a long way. In fact, Aj has a permanent room in his home for Akshay for whenever the star visits Toronto. Earlier, Aj ghost-produced some of Akshay's films. Now they're openly into joint ventures. Akshay has virtually seen Vinay grow up in front of him. The boy completely idolizes Akshay to the extent of imitating his mannerisms and watching all his films repeatedly." When Vinay wrote the father-son story in Breakaway,...
- 10/23/2010
- by Subhash K. Jha
- BollywoodHungama
Akshay Kumar is planning a big charity event to raise funds to build an old age home in Toronto in 2010 with the help of his friend Ajay Virmani who's a businessman.Akshay has been associated with various charity events in Toronto. He told his best friend, businessman Ajay Virmani -- who owns Cargojet Airways, the largest Canadian cargo airlines -- that he wanted to host a fundraiser to build a home for senior citizens. "Talks are on and the charity event will be held some time early next year. Akshay wants it to be a place for the elderly to feel at home."A source close to the actor says, "On his various trips to his home in Toronto, Akki saw the plight of old men and women, especially those who had been brought by Indians and been abandoned there, and was deeply disturbed and wanted to do something for them.
- 12/27/2009
- Filmicafe
Screened at the Toronto International Film Festival
TORONTO -- Like "Bandit Queen" and "Maya", "Water" bravely delves into outmoded social traditions of India, thus roiling the waters of religious fundamentalism, which might mean that Deepa Mehta's film will never get past the censors in that country. "Bandit Queen" and "Maya" certainly didn't. But the film, whose sheer beauty and compelling storytelling is equal to its social protest, really is made with one eye on the international market.
"Water" is another in the new wave of Indian movies that seek to bring Indian culture and cinema to audiences beyond the Indian diaspora. The story does require a bit more understanding of Indian history and culture than, say, "Monsoon Wedding". So Fox Searchlight, which recently acquired the film, needs to target sophisticated urban audiences and the college crowd. Certainly the issues of sexual inequality explored here transcend all cultural references, so "Water" should find appreciative audiences worldwide.
The third film in Mehta's "Elemental Trilogy" -- "Fire" and "Earth" precede it -- "Water" is set in 1938 Colonial India during Gandhi's rise to power. The practice of child brides was then prevalent. When the much older men these Hindu girls married for economic reasons died, the widows were considered financial burdens by their families, who sent them to a house where they were forced to live lives of austere penitence.
The film initially focuses a bright, 8-year-old widow, Chuyia (Sarala), whose father drops her at an ashram for widows. The place is run by Madhumati (Manorma), a hugely fat and domineering woman in her mid-70s. The child's tongue and rebellious instincts upset the household for several days as she meets the widows who reside in this dilapidated two-story dwelling built around a courtyard.
The one who first befriends the child is Shakuntala (Seema Biswas). She struggles to calm the girl down even as she herself struggles with issues of faith and self-worth. She closely questions an affable priest, who recites scripture at the ghats or stone steps down to the river, presumably the Ganges.
Gradually, the focus shifts to a young widow, who could be Chuyia in another decade. This is Kalyani (Lisa Ray), who is very beautiful. To earn money for the ashram, Madhumati uses the services of the pimp Gulabi (Raghuvir Yadav) to prostitute Kalyani to the Brahmin gentry across the water.
When Kalyani's puppy escapes and Chuyia gives chase, the dog is corralled by a handsome law student and Gandhi nationalist, Narayan (John Abraham). He and Kalyani swiftly fall in love, but widows cannot marry. Actually they can, according to a new law, but as the priest admits, men ignore laws that inconvenience them.
Thus, Mehta neatly marshals the forces of Gandhi's rebellion against the British -- which is mentioned only in passing -- and all forces of liberalism in India against the oppressive traditions of child brides and widows' sufferings.
The film itself was shut down by Hindu fanatics, who in 2000 rioted and destroyed sets in Benares. Production resumed several years later in Sri Lanka. Re-creating her story in that lush setting, Mehta and cinematographer Giles Nuttgens light and create images of startling beauty. Indeed the calm magnificence and spirituality of the landscape make a violent contrast to the oppression these widows in white saris suffer and the complacency of a society soon to be torn apart first by Gandhi and then by Partition.
The actors from young to old are most accomplished, but the one who crystallizes the essence of the story is Biswas (who also starred in "Bandit Queen"). She is a woman whose faith sustains yet also imprisons her. These contradictions are never fully resolved, but we see in her face, especially her eyes, that her life has been forever changed and challenged by this child and then the unwilling prostitute. This leads to an act of courage and of hope for the future, which brings the film to an end.
WATER
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Mongrel Media presents a Telefilm Canada production with participation of The Movie Network, Super Ecran, Astral Media the Harold Greenberg Fund and Canadian Television Fund
Credits:
Screenwriter-director: Deepa Mehta
Producer: David Hamilton
Executive producers: Mark Burton, Ajay Virmani, Doug Mankoff
Director of photography: Giles Nuttgens
Production designer: Dilip Mehta
Costumes: Dolly Ahluwallia
Music: Mycheal Danna
Editor: Colin Monie
Cast:
Shakuntula: Seema Biswas
Kalyani: Lisa Ray
Narayan: John Abraham
Chuyia: Sarala
Madhumati: Manorma
Gulabi: Raghuvir Yadav
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 118 minutes...
TORONTO -- Like "Bandit Queen" and "Maya", "Water" bravely delves into outmoded social traditions of India, thus roiling the waters of religious fundamentalism, which might mean that Deepa Mehta's film will never get past the censors in that country. "Bandit Queen" and "Maya" certainly didn't. But the film, whose sheer beauty and compelling storytelling is equal to its social protest, really is made with one eye on the international market.
"Water" is another in the new wave of Indian movies that seek to bring Indian culture and cinema to audiences beyond the Indian diaspora. The story does require a bit more understanding of Indian history and culture than, say, "Monsoon Wedding". So Fox Searchlight, which recently acquired the film, needs to target sophisticated urban audiences and the college crowd. Certainly the issues of sexual inequality explored here transcend all cultural references, so "Water" should find appreciative audiences worldwide.
The third film in Mehta's "Elemental Trilogy" -- "Fire" and "Earth" precede it -- "Water" is set in 1938 Colonial India during Gandhi's rise to power. The practice of child brides was then prevalent. When the much older men these Hindu girls married for economic reasons died, the widows were considered financial burdens by their families, who sent them to a house where they were forced to live lives of austere penitence.
The film initially focuses a bright, 8-year-old widow, Chuyia (Sarala), whose father drops her at an ashram for widows. The place is run by Madhumati (Manorma), a hugely fat and domineering woman in her mid-70s. The child's tongue and rebellious instincts upset the household for several days as she meets the widows who reside in this dilapidated two-story dwelling built around a courtyard.
The one who first befriends the child is Shakuntala (Seema Biswas). She struggles to calm the girl down even as she herself struggles with issues of faith and self-worth. She closely questions an affable priest, who recites scripture at the ghats or stone steps down to the river, presumably the Ganges.
Gradually, the focus shifts to a young widow, who could be Chuyia in another decade. This is Kalyani (Lisa Ray), who is very beautiful. To earn money for the ashram, Madhumati uses the services of the pimp Gulabi (Raghuvir Yadav) to prostitute Kalyani to the Brahmin gentry across the water.
When Kalyani's puppy escapes and Chuyia gives chase, the dog is corralled by a handsome law student and Gandhi nationalist, Narayan (John Abraham). He and Kalyani swiftly fall in love, but widows cannot marry. Actually they can, according to a new law, but as the priest admits, men ignore laws that inconvenience them.
Thus, Mehta neatly marshals the forces of Gandhi's rebellion against the British -- which is mentioned only in passing -- and all forces of liberalism in India against the oppressive traditions of child brides and widows' sufferings.
The film itself was shut down by Hindu fanatics, who in 2000 rioted and destroyed sets in Benares. Production resumed several years later in Sri Lanka. Re-creating her story in that lush setting, Mehta and cinematographer Giles Nuttgens light and create images of startling beauty. Indeed the calm magnificence and spirituality of the landscape make a violent contrast to the oppression these widows in white saris suffer and the complacency of a society soon to be torn apart first by Gandhi and then by Partition.
The actors from young to old are most accomplished, but the one who crystallizes the essence of the story is Biswas (who also starred in "Bandit Queen"). She is a woman whose faith sustains yet also imprisons her. These contradictions are never fully resolved, but we see in her face, especially her eyes, that her life has been forever changed and challenged by this child and then the unwilling prostitute. This leads to an act of courage and of hope for the future, which brings the film to an end.
WATER
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Mongrel Media presents a Telefilm Canada production with participation of The Movie Network, Super Ecran, Astral Media the Harold Greenberg Fund and Canadian Television Fund
Credits:
Screenwriter-director: Deepa Mehta
Producer: David Hamilton
Executive producers: Mark Burton, Ajay Virmani, Doug Mankoff
Director of photography: Giles Nuttgens
Production designer: Dilip Mehta
Costumes: Dolly Ahluwallia
Music: Mycheal Danna
Editor: Colin Monie
Cast:
Shakuntula: Seema Biswas
Kalyani: Lisa Ray
Narayan: John Abraham
Chuyia: Sarala
Madhumati: Manorma
Gulabi: Raghuvir Yadav
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 118 minutes...
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