Latest news with #Extraction


Time of India
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Priyanshu Painyuli opens up about lost opportunity to work with Irrfan Khan due to illness: 'Very unfortunate moment for me'
Priyanshu Painyuli shared how a Vishal Bhardwaj film with Irrfan Khan was shelved due to Irrfan's illness, marking a missed opportunity. He was also shortlisted for The White Tiger but was passed over for appearing 'too urban.' Priyanshu is known for roles in 'Bhavesh Joshi Superhero' and 'Mirzapur'. Priyanshu Painyuli recently spoke about a unique opportunity that might have altered his career path—a film co-starring the late iconic actor Irrfan Khan . Sadly, the project was shelved after Irrfan was diagnosed with cancer. The loss was especially painful for Priyanshu, who had already begun physical training for the role and was excited about the chance to act alongside a hero he greatly respected. A Heartbreaking Moment in His Career Talking to The Free Press Journal, Priyanshu revealed, "There was another film with Vishal Bhardwaj that he was making but he stopped because Irrfan sir fell sick. That is one very unfortunate moment for me". Painyuli said that that was a deeply disappointing moment for him, as he had a strong desire to work with Irrfan, even if it was for just one scene. In fact, his role involved several scenes with the late actor. To prepare, Priyanshu committed to gaining weight and looked to age himself for the part by eating heavily for two weeks and growing a beard and moustache. Despite his dedication, the film was ultimately shelved due to Irrfan's health issues, marking a significant missed opportunity in Priyanshu's career. Close to Landing Lead in 'The White Tiger' He shared that he was a strong contender for the lead role in 'The White Tiger', which was ultimately played by Adarsh Gourav . He recalled being shortlisted, meeting with the director, and undergoing a makeup test to embody the character. However, the part didn't go to him because he appeared 'a little too urban for the role.' Despite this, Priyanshu praised Adarsh's performance, saying, 'When I saw Adarsh in the movie, I felt he fit the bill perfectly. He is a great actor.' Priyanshu's Career Highlights On the work front, Priyanshu is known for his roles in films like 'Bhavesh Joshi Superhero', 'Extraction', and the Amazon series 'Mirzapur'. Starting as a model and assistant director, he gained acclaim across mainstream and independent cinema.


Time of India
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Randeep Hooda praises co-star John Cena's performance
Actor Randeep Hooda , who will soon be seen sharing screen space with John Cena in the upcoming action film Matchbox , took to social media to praise his co-star's performance in the recently released film Heads of State . The action-comedy, also starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Idris Elba , has been generating buzz for its high-octane entertainment and star-studded cast. Randeep, who watched the film recently, posted his admiration for the team on Instagram, calling the experience a 'blast.' He wrote, 'Just watched Heads of State — what a blast! Huge shoutout to my co-star and a gem 💎 @JohnCena, you were an absolute riot — loved every minute. @priyankachopra, you lit up the screen and were the real action star of the action comedy. @idriselba, sublime as ever… cheers to the whole team for a super fun film!' Hooda and Cena recently wrapped shooting Matchbox in Budapest, helmed by Extraction director Sam Hargrave . With Matchbox , audiences can look forward to an electrifying collaboration between Hooda and Cena in what promises to be a gripping action entertainer. The film is expected to blend slick action sequences with intense performances, showcasing the global reach of both actors in the international action genre. Ask ChatGPT


News18
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Mirzapur Star Priyanshu Painyuli Makes Directorial Debut With Jaagar, Set In Uttarakhand
Actor Priyanshu Painyuli makes his directorial debut with Jaagar, a spiritually rooted film set in Uttarakhand and supported by the state government. Mirzapur and Extraction actor Priyanshu Painyuli is stepping into a new role—this time, behind the camera. The actor is making his directorial debut with Jaagar, a deeply personal and culturally rooted film set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of Uttarakhand, his home state. Known for his nuanced performances in films like Bhavesh Joshi Superhero, Painyuli has long harbored a passion for storytelling, nurtured during his filmmaking studies in Bangalore. With Jaagar, he returns to the mountains that shaped him, not just as an artist, but as a person. The story follows Deepti, a woman on the cusp of marriage and personal transformation. She travels to Uttarakhand to document the ancient Jaagar ritual—a spiritual practice in which local deities are invoked to possess chosen individuals. What begins as a professional endeavor soon becomes an intimate journey into faith, trauma, and awakening. As Deepti delves deeper into the ritual, she encounters Geeta, a local woman who finds strength through her divine possession, allowing her to transcend an abusive marriage. Their intertwined paths become a meditation on identity, resilience, and the healing force of tradition. Calling Jaagar his 'passion project," Priyanshu describes the film as a 'shared dream" realized through love and relentless effort. 'It's even more special because it marks the first production from our own company, a dream Vandana and I built together," he says, referencing his wife and co-collaborator Vandana Joshi, who also stars in the film. 'This isn't just my film; it belongs to everyone who poured their heart into it." The film also features actors Saarika Singh, Rishi Solanki, and local talent from Uttarakhand, along with Priyanshu himself. Hemant Kumar handles the cinematography, capturing the raw, spiritual beauty of the Garhwal region and its lesser-seen landscapes. Lending credibility and cultural weight to the project, the Government of Uttarakhand has extended full support to Jaagar, recognizing its role in bringing the state's spiritual heritage to a wider audience. For Priyanshu, this support is more than logistical—it's deeply emotional. 'Uttarakhand is where I come from—its mountains, stories, and traditions live within me. Jaagar is a film I've carried in my heart for years," he shares. 'I knew that if I ever made the move to directing, it had to be with something this personal and rooted. I'm excited, nervous, but mostly grateful to be able to tell this story." First Published:


India.com
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Mirzapur Star Priyanshu Painyuli Set To Make Directorial Debut With Jaagar; Uttarakhand Government Extends Support
New Delhi: Actor Priyanshu Painyuli, well known for his standout performances in Mirzapur, Extraction, and Bhavesh Joshi Superhero, is stepping behind the camera for the first time with his directorial debut, Jaagar. Set in the mystical mountains of Uttarakhand, Priyanshu's home state, the film is a heartfelt and culturally rich narrative rooted in tradition, spirituality, and self-discovery. Having trained in filmmaking in Bangalore, Priyanshu has long nurtured a passion for storytelling. With Jaagar, he returns to the land that shaped him, crafting a story that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Plot of Jaagar The film follows Deepti, a woman standing at the crossroads of marriage and self-realization. She travels to Uttarakhand to document the ancient ritual of Jaagar Puja. What begins as a filmmaker's attempt to capture a sacred tradition soon turns into a journey of spiritual awakening. Through Deepti's lens, we meet Geeta, a local woman whose divine possessions during the ritual help her rise above the trauma of an abusive marriage. Over time, the energy of the land and its forgotten spiritual forces compel Deepti to confront her own identity and truth. "Jaagar is a passion project in the truest sense—born out of love, faith, and relentless commitment," says Priyanshu. "It's even more special because it marks the first production from our own company, a dream Vandana and I built together. This isn't just my film—it belongs to all of us who poured our hearts into it. From Vandana to our families, and every single team member who believed in the story and spirit of Jaagar. This film is a shared dream, a collective heartbeat, and a testament to what's possible when you create with honesty and heart." Support from the State Adding to the film's significance, the Uttarakhand government has extended its full support, recognizing Jaagar's potential to spotlight the spiritual richness and breathtaking beauty of the state. With evocative cinematography by Hemant Kumar, the film showcases the lesser-seen landscapes of the Garhwal region, capturing the essence of the holy city and its enduring traditions. The cast includes Vandana Joshi, Saarika Singh, Rishi Solanki, and Priyanshu Painyuli himself, along with several local actors from Uttarakhand. 'Uttarakhand is where I come from—its mountains, stories, and traditions live within me,' Priyanshu shares. "Jaagar is a film I've carried in my heart for years. I knew that if I ever directed a feature, it had to be something this personal and rooted. I'm excited, nervous, but mostly grateful to be able to tell this story.' Jaagar is more than just a film—it's a reflection of a land, a culture, and the timeless journey of rediscovering the self.


Time of India
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Priyanshu Painyuli turns director with Jaagar
Priyanshu Painyuli, recognized for his acting roles, is embarking on his directorial debut with 'Jaagar,' a film deeply embedded in Uttarakhand's spiritual and cultural essence. The film follows a filmmaker's journey to document a sacred ritual, leading to self-discovery and healing for both her and a local woman. Actor Priyanshu Painyuli , known for Mirzapur , Extraction and Bhavesh Joshi Superhero , is all set to make his directorial debut with Jaagar , a feature film rooted in the spiritual and cultural fabric of Uttarakhand. Set in the Garhwal region , Jaagar follows Deepti, a filmmaker who travels to document the sacred Jaagar Puja. What begins as a creative pursuit evolves into a personal journey of self-discovery. Through the ritual, she encounters Geeta, a local woman whose spiritual experiences help her break free from a traumatic past, ultimately inspiring Deepti to confront her own inner truth. Shot in Uttarakhand, the film is deeply personal for Priyanshu, who hails from the region and has trained in filmmaking in Bangalore. The cast includes Vandana Joshi, Saarika Singh, Rishi Solanki, and Priyanshu himself, along with local talent . Cinematography is by Hemant Kumar. Calling it a 'passion project,' Priyanshu says Jaagar reflects the soul of his homeland and marks a new chapter in his creative journey.