
‘Marco 2' not off the table yet, say makers—Despite Unni Mukundan's exit
Despite actor
's recent revelation that 'Marco 2' was no longer in the works, the production house insists that the sequel is still very much on the cards.
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The update came in response to a fan's heartfelt comment on social media requesting the second part of the film. The user even suggested that if Cubes couldn't make it happen, they should sell the rights to another team. That's when the producers stepped in with clarity.
'The journey of Marco holds immense potential'
In their response, the production house thanked fans for their overwhelming love and support, and said, 'Discussions regarding the 'Marco' series are still not over yet.
Cubes Entertainments exclusively owns all rights to Marco, and we firmly believe the journey of Marco holds immense potential. We are not open to transferring or sharing the rights of this franchise.'
Unni Mukundan's 'Marco' to start rolling in February 2024
The firm stance hints that Marco 2 could still happen—maybe with a different lead or vision, but the story isn't over yet as it ended on a hooking cliffhanger.
Unni Mukundan had announced his exit from the franchise
Earlier, Unni Mukundan had left fans disheartened when he responded to a fan on Instagram saying, 'Apologies, but I have dropped plans to continue the Marco series.
Too much negativity around the project. I'll try my best to bring something bigger and better than 'Marco'.'
His exit had led many to assume the sequel was officially shelved. However, with the production houses' latest statement, it's clear that the studio still sees life in the character and its world.
A franchise worth fighting for
Directed by Haneef Adeni, Marco was one of the most talked-about Malayalam films in recent memory. With its intense storytelling and powerful performances, the film collected over Rs 100 crore and found love beyond Kerala and in other states too. The movie was termed as the most violent film ever made in India.
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News18
26 minutes ago
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Double-Meaning Lyrics, Daring Outfit: Mamta Kulkarni 'Item Number' That Raised A Storm In 1995
Last Updated: Mamta Kulkarni's bold 90s song 'Gup Chup Gup Chup' from 'Karan Arjun' stirred protests, dodged bans, and still tops retro playlists, proof that controversy can dance too Who would've thought that a song from nearly three decades ago would still be ruffling feathers? We're talking about the iconic and controversial number Gup Chup Gup Chup from the 1995 Bollywood blockbuster Karan Arjun. While Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan were busy reincarnating and fighting fate, it was Mamta Kulkarni, with her bold moves and bolder lyrics, who stole a fair share of the spotlight and the outrage. The Bollywood Song That Sparked A Storm Set to the raspy, powerful vocals of Ila Arun, the song Gup Chup Gup Chup turned heads not just for its infectious tune but for its eyebrow-raising lyrics. Phrases like Raat kiya ri tune kaisa ghotala (meaning: What wrong thing have you done in the night?) and Aadhe bistar pe woh soya tha, Aadhe pe main bhi so gayi (meaning: He was sleeping on one side of the bed, and I slept on the other side of the bed too) left some viewers stunned, others delighted, and conservative groups absolutely fuming. Back in 1995, critics accused the song of being 'indecent", 'suggestive", and 'a mockery of tradition". Many social groups protested. Women's organisations called for a ban arguing that it insulted Indian culture. TV channels got squeamish and shifted it out of primetime. All this while the audience? They hit repeat. Mamta Kulkarni's Look: Bold, Blingy, And Blamed Clad in an outfit that was daring even by 90s standards, Mamta Kulkarni delivered a performance that was instantly unforgettable and endlessly debated. Her 'item number' status was cemented, but so was the song's reputation as a lightning rod for controversy. The main grievance? That the ghunghat, a veil traditionally seen as a symbol of modesty and respect, was being used as a prop in what some saw as a sultry spectacle. And Yet, A Smashing Hit Ironically, the more people complained, the more people watched. Karan Arjun went on to become the second highest-grossing film of 1995, collecting Rs 25 crore in India and a staggering Rs 36.75 crore globally. And that 'obscene' song? It refused to die. Decades later, it still turns up at retro nights, DJ sets, and—admit it—your nostalgic 90s playlist. Say what you will about Gup Chup Gup Chup, it was bold, bizarre, and blazingly successful. In the ever-spinning world of Bollywood, where outrage often boosts popularity, this song is living proof that sometimes controversy is the best promotion. First Published:


Indian Express
31 minutes ago
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KBC turns 25: Writer who gave Amitabh Bachchan lines like ‘lock kiya jaye' says actor ‘very charged up' about Season 17
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I've not only grown as a writer, but observing Mr Bachchan, I've tried to embrace his work ethics; the discipline, professionalism and dedication they don't teach in any school. He is a big brand, so is KBC, and by default I have become a brand too,' admits this modest man, who has underplayed his contribution to the show for over two decades, pointing out that it's Big B who elevated common phrases like 'Lock kiya jaye', 'Afsos galat jawab' and 'Main yun gaya, yun aaya', giving them an iconic status with his style, swag and distinctive baritone, the way he did with filmi dialogue like 'Hum jahan pe khada hote hain, line wahi se shuru hoti hai.' KBC moved away from the usual introductory greeting of 'Hello, Hi' to a more Hindustani opening phrase 'aadar aadab abhinandan aabhar'. However, Tailang agrees that lines changed as technology entered our lives in a big way and the language of the new generation became peppered with more English words. 'Vilambhana which was acceptable in 2000 will have people wondering what it means today,' he chuckles, quick to add that Bachchan too has constantly updated and reinvented himself and remained contemporary. Here are those of the team of 2021 who were there in Team KBC of 2000/1 (Season 1) While marking a continuity over 21 years, remembering & thanking each & every member of the teams of all 13 seasons who helped reach this milestone of 1000 episodes of a flagship show — Siddhartha Basu (@babubasu) December 5, 2021 While acknowledging that the original franchise, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, is a hit in every country where it's played, Tailang insists that the official Hindi adaptation is the most popular because the changes they brought in has helped the show connect with the common people in a big way. 'Back in 2000, it would have taken the aam aadmi 50 years to earn a crore, so watching and knowing that they could make this kind of money in 50 minutes by answering some questions took it beyond being just a game show to becoming a life changing experience,' he reasons, recalling that when 24-year-old civil service aspirant Harshvardhan Nawathe became the first crorepati, it was like an utsav in the studio. Since then, there have been many winners. 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The Badshah's entry brought changes too. 'Mr Bachchan is like a father figure, the bade bhai who wants you to win and joins hands with the contestant to fight Computerji. Shah Rukh was projected as a dost so the approach was more bindaas and the lingo a more casual 'Tu kar lega yaar, chal na'. And this worked too,' he beams. A post shared by RD Tailang (@rdtailang) The show restarted in 2010, after a hiatus of three-and-a-half years, with Bachchan back in the saddle and has been ruling our living rooms since Season 4. Prod Tailang on what he learnt about him from their interactions and he chuckles, 'Mr Bachchan gives the impression of being very gambhir, but there is an impish little boy inside who will crack jokes and pull your leg with a straight face.' Of late, there has been talk that Bachchan might quit the show. Tailang dismisses this as a rumour fueled by his emotional farewell at the end of the last season. 'His 'yeh daur yehin khatam hua' was interpreted by some as the show was ending or that he wouldn't be back. But just a few days ago, he drove to the Sony office for rehearsals. He's still an integral part of KBC, very charged up about Season 17, and soon people will be asking, 'Nau baj gaya kya?'' he signs off.


Time of India
an hour ago
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‘Metro... In Dino' advance booking report: Anurag Basu's film sells 18,500 tickets for day 1, aims for Rs 3-3.50 crore opening
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