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Building audience for a film pre-release important: Screwvala
Mumbai, Oct 31 (IANS) With Vasan Bala’s “Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota” garnering praise at the 20th Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, producer Ronnie Screwvala says building an audience before a film’s release is very important for its business.
Screwvala told IANS: “If we would have released the film directly after its world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival, it would have not created the buzz it has here at the MAMI fest. I think that building an audience for a film before its release is very important.
“When a film like ‘Mard Ko…’ gets a release after a few festival rounds, the film will not only get judged by the box office but also gain popularity and good words from the festival audience.”
Screwvala has of late produced films like “Love Per Square Foot” and “Lust Stories” on OTT platform Netflix. His “Uri” is in the pipeline for its theatrical release.
“We are not obsessed about platforms whether it is digital, festival circuit or theatrical release. I think every film, every content has its own platform and we have to place it accordingly.”
So, is it difficult these days to release a film in the theatre?
“I would say ‘yes’… If you as a producer, over-set yourself for the theatrical release. And no, it is not difficult if you know that it is a 200 prints release and through the theatre, you are reaching to the target audience, it is all good. But releasing 2000 prints with a high expectation might just affect its business if the audience response is not good enough.”
The story of “Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota” is quite entertaining. Director Vasan Bala has treated it very differently with action, music and skilful editing, lending the film a unique fabric of its own.
Wasn’t it risky for him to trust a new film director like Bala?
“Well, it was a calculated risk that we were taking, I was quite clear about it. I think sometimes one shouldn’t be over thinking. When I started talking to Vasan, I realised that if he wants to make more films, this story that he has been living for the longest, should go from his mind. And if anybody can give the story a different treatment, it should be him. So we had a conviction while taking the risk.”
Asked about his expectation from the upcoming “Uri”, which is set to release on January 11 next year, Screwvala said: “It is a very patriotic film that revolves around war and its strategy. The Indian audience is yet to watch such experience in cinema.
“We either have films like ‘Border’ or another war film. In this film, we have war, action, and strategy based on a true story. I think this combination will make the film stand out.”
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.