The much-awaited spooky adventure is about to begin! Bhoot Police team left for the shoot today, the lead cast which includes Saif Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Yami Gautam along with producers Ramesh Taurani and Akshai Puri. The team was spotted at the private Mumbai airport as they headed to Dalhousie in a private charter to begin their shoot schedule. The team began the groundwork on the horror-comedy earlier, which will be largely shot across Dharamsala, Dalhousie, and Palampur.  "We are consulting experts to plan the safety measures for the team. We aim to wrap 80 percent of the film during the outdoor schedules. The remaining portions will be shot at a set in Mumbai,” said producer Ramesh Taurani. Tips Industries Ltd in association with 12th Street Entertainment presents Bhoot Police, A Tips film and 12th Street Entertainment Production, produced by Ramesh Taurani and Akshai Puri, directed by Pavan Kirpalani.

We all know former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa was an exceptional orator. Her public-address rallies were political phenomena that defied all analysis. It, therefore, comes as no surprise to know that the makers of Thalaivi, the multi-lingual Jayalalithaa bio-pic starring Kangana Ranaut were planning to shoot a number of massy meetings with hundreds of junior artistes. But now, with COVID-19 showing no sign of abatement, Jayalalithaa’s public rally scenes are likely to be simulated on screen through computer graphics. “Makes sense, don’t you think?” a source close to the project wonders. “It’s going to be months if nor years before any filmmaker can shoot large crowds and mobs. We might as well get used to making do with CGs.” Says Thailavi producer Shaailesh Singh, "Most of the public speeches of Jayalalithaaji we had already shot, only few such scenes are left, what we will shoot now, it will be according to COVID-19 guidelines and in those shots definitely if required we will use CG."

Carnival Motion Pictures (CMP) is gearing up for the release of Mere Desh Ki Dharti. Starring Divyenndu Sharma, Anant Vidhaat, Rakesh Krushna Joshi and Anupriya Goenka in lead roles, the film is a humorous yet inspirational take on the lives and journey of young engineers Ajay and his friend Sameer from being abject urban failures to icons of rural India. Before the film releases, and looking at the current scenario created due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Bollywood Hungama caught up with Vaishali Sarwankar, CEO & Director, Carnival Motion Pictures to understand what the film is about and also what the future holds for the film industry. You come to Carnival Motion Pictures (CMP) with a well-read background, what are the challenges you face on your road ahead at CMP?  This year has taught us lots of important things and being adaptive is one of those, which was delayed for the unforeseen circumstances but when it comes to challenges; I would choose to talk about the challenge that we've given ourselves. I'm sure every job and every opportunity comes with its own set of ups and downs. It's the difficult things that make it interesting, and we will, of course, get through it as a team but right now we are more focused on our goals. The idea is to make more audience centric movies which speak about issues relevant to the them. Things that actually happen in real life, the stories of an average Indian man and woman. We want to focus more on getting their stories to the big screens. Something from the heart, something more honest. That's our vision or you can call it a goal we have set for ourselves. That’s one challenge that I'm really looking forward to. Given the current scenario (Covid-19 Pandemic lockdown), the film industry is facing tough time in terms of production and exhibition, what do you think the future holds?  Things will surely get back to normal sooner rather than later, I am optimistic about that. Yes, there are quite a few hindrances on the way, in terms of production, exhibition, shooting, amongst other things. But I believe that we would prevail no matter what. People around the world have come together and are finding ways to get out of our current situation, things are going to bounce back. There are going to be some changes in the way we did things. The future has always been a mystery. We do like planning things so we've already started planning for 2021. I like having a positive outlook on things and I think the future is going to be brighter for all of us as we are more prepared for the worst. There will be many opportunities that will open up post everything gets back to normal. With OTT platforms acquiring new releases to premiere each passing week, will we see a decline in theatrical releases, and how will that affect overall industry revenue?  Honestly, the silver screen is magical, glamorous and eventful. Movies don't just play, they come alive on the theatre screen. While OTT has been a great source of entertainment, being stuck inside & all, they have engaged and entertained us all. However, I don't think that will impact people’s love for theatres. Movie dates, anniversary, birthdays or just a catching up with friends, theatres have been a part of so many occasions, it is a feeling for celebration. Coming to Mere Desh Ki Dharti., what about the film resonated with CMP, and what according to you are the film’s highlights and prospects?  MDKD is a very special movie for us. I would say it is one of those movies that I always wanted to see on the big screen. We do not have many movies that cover the particular subject that we have highlighted in our movie Mere Desh Ki Dharti. If I had to share the highlights of this film, it would be ''how different issues interconnect'.' One thing leads to another, and how you can make things work in your favour. Looking at the ever changing market and trends, what is your analysis and understanding of the future of film production?  "Content is a king", everyone knows that. So long as you make good movies, the future should be fine. A good story and apt cast, means good future for film production. Everyone is being cautious, no one wants to risk safety. So while things on the production front might be slower than the usual, it does not seem like a grim future.

Tahir Raj Bhasin is ready to start shooting for his next, Looop Lapeta, in which he is paired opposite Taapsee Pannu and the young actor is thrilled to be back on a film set. “I can’t wait to get started on the Looop Lapeta. It’s an incredible script and I’ve lived with the story as drafts have improved through the lockdown. I can see it being challenging and super fun to do. It is also very different from anything that I’ve explored before which only doubles the excitement!” says Tahir, who will also be seen playing the role of Sunil Gavaskar in the Ranveer Singh starrer ‘83. Tahir adds, “The producers - Atul Kasbekar and Tanuj Garg of Ellipsis and the Studio, Sony, are very aware of the new work environment we are venturing into. They are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the film set is a safe workspace that protects every crew member and the project.” Taapsee and Tahir are exciting new on-screen pairing and Tahir are confident that the audience will love their chemistry.  He says, “A lead pair in acting is a bit like a dance duet. The performance works if both dancers do. To have Taapsee is going to be brilliant and I hope the audience sees this chemistry. She has incredibly charming energy and she’s an outstanding, instinctive actor. I look forward to exploring the world of Looop Lapeta with her.” Tahir is excited about the industry restarting itself after over six months of total shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. “The lockdown was a time to pause and reassess for everyone. Projects have had time for rewrites and improvements. People appreciate being at work and around friends more. It has changed our attitudes toward health and safety. To be back in the ring and a part of one of the first few projects to kick start its engines is a great feeling. It is simultaneously invigorating and a responsibility to set a sustainable work template,” he adds.