21012021-LSTL-01.qxd 1/20/2021 11:51 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE Watch out After Laxmii on Disney+ Hotstar, now we hear that Akshay Kumar’s upcoming film Bellbottom might take a direct-todigital route. LUDHIANA | THURSDAY | 21 JANUARY 2021 ‘Outrages like love jihad make no difference’ KANGANA RANAUT Mona ‘I will make your life miserable’ Actress Kangana Ranaut on Wednesday tweeted that her Twitter account has been restricted temporarily. This comes after she made controversial remarks about Tandav creators through a post. In the now-deleted tweet, Kangana had said that it was “time to take their heads off ”, for allegedly insulting Hindu gods in the web series. Now, the actress has slammed the “liberal community” who reported her account to Twitter, going on to call Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey “chacha”. “Librus cried to their chacha @jack and got my account temporarily restricted,” she wrote. She continued: “They are threatening me mera account/virtual identity kabhi bhi desh keliye shaheed ho sakti hai, magar my reloaded desh bhakt version will reappear through my movies. Tumhara jeena dushwar karke rahungi (They are threatening me that my account and my virtual identity might get martyred for the country anytime. But my reloaded patriotic spirit will reappear through my movies. I will make your life miserable.)” Tandav has come under fire with several people alleging that it provokes communal disharmony and hurts the sentiments of the Hindus. According to the complaints, a scene featuring Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub performing a college play insults the Hindu deity Shiv. Show creator Ali Abbas Zafar has apologised on behalf of the entire cast and crew, saying they did not intend to offend anyone or insult any religion and political party. They have even said that they will make changes in the content “to address concerns”. —IANS R Kangana Ranaut’s Twitter account restricted temporarily; the actress reacts ICHA CHADDA looks for meaningful roles and in Madam Chief Minister, she feels she’s got one. A film on a woman Dalit leader, working with Subhash Kapoor whom she admires and a challenging role – all ticks in place, Richa delved into political biographies to step in the shoes of Tara Roop Ram, the Madam Chief Minister. While many would assume that it’s a story inspired from Mayawati – short hair, Dalit, set in northern India – Richa clarifies that it’s not just one story that the film is inspired from. “By now I hope that the trailer has made it clear – it’s story of a Dalit woman politician but not of Mayawati. The story does take elements from real life, but from many women – Benazir Bhutto for one, Sheila Dikshit for another.” Richa says this is a story worth telling. “I am glad today we can tell stories that mean something – something like Sairat that’s on honour killing.” That the film gets a theatrical release on January 22 in the current scenario doesn’t worry Richa. “I am not anxious about some- ❝ en as Richa Chadda, who will be se target of n the Madam Chief Minister, is ofte about it online trolling, but she is cool Clear picture thing which I can’t control. My job is to play the part with honesty and integrity.” As she had watched Tenet in a theatre, she hopes that the audience would venture out to watch Madam Chief Minster too. “I went with full precautions. I think the audience should consider Intriguing first looks of Divya Dutta and Arjun Rampal in Dhaakad Cool & deadly Ayushmann Khurrana puts ‘No OTT’ clause for his next Ayushmann Khurrana has reportedly put a ‘No OTT’ clause for his film Chandigarh Kare Aashsiqui. According to a source, “In today’s uncertain environment, many films are taking the direct-to-digital route and Ayushmann wants to be sure of what he is signing up for. Hence, he along with his team has devised going back to cinemas with people have noticed that I full safety measures.” never fail to raise my voice Richa has her list of against injustice. While favourite women politi- doing this film, I read a lot cians. “I am quite fond of about Ambedkar. To get an Mayawati, Behenji as she is award after your role modcalled. When she joined els means a lot.” politics, it was Richa turned vegan unheard of for a about two years Dalit woman to back, and was Chandigarh is one do so. I recently given of my favourite cities. I admire the Vegan would love for my parents to Sonia Fashion move there after their retirement. Gandhi Icon My masi stays there and I love for her award. “I the food there. I would willingness to was always a love to jog around forgive the murvegetarian, so Sukhna derers of her husthe jump to veganLake. band. I also quite like ism wasn’t all that difSheila Dikshit for when ficult. Though I wouldI was studying in Delhi, she n’t say I don’t miss dahi or was the Chief Minister and butter with my paranthas the green cover in Delhi but I find veganism very actually increased during healthy and rewarding.” her tenure. From the curAbout online trolls Richa rent ones, I quite admire maintains a cool air. “I am Mahua Moitra – she stands entertained by the trolls. I her ground, she is unafraid, know they are stupid but I has a sense of humour and am amazed at the length never loses hope.” they go to prove that they are As for her Punjabi con- stupid. As for the manufacnect, the Masaan actor tured outrage like love jihad says, “I really want to makes no difference to me.” play a cool Punjabi Richa’s learning from the character. I want to pandemic was that we can bring revolution there do with far less stuff than too, where people have we have. “I also became new role models.” more independent.” In Richa has recently got the 2021 she hopes to write and Bharat Ratna Ambedkar produce a comedy film. award and the Vegan Fash- “One can say a lot through ion Icon award. “Bharat humour. I would love to do a Ratna Ambedkar is really slice of life comedy.” mona@tribunemail.com special because it means a plan to clearly bifurcate between OTT and theatrical content before coming on board. His contract for Chadigarh Kare Aashiqui assures a theatrical release.” The source adds, “Although Gulabo Sitabo was the first film to arrive on OTT, Ayushmann is now clear on bifurcating between the two content. While he is open to be a digital star too, he wants to know the platform of showcasing before joining the gang.” DIVYA DUTTA Kangana Ranaut had recently revealed the release date along with a new poster of her upcoming venture Dhaakad. While fans loved her raw and rustic avatar in the poster, the makers have now dropped character posters of Arjun Rampal and Divya Dutta. Arjun will play the lead antagonist in the film. His character is called Rudraveer. Sharing his look on Twitter, Arjun wrote, “Evil has a new nameRudraveer… an antagonist who is dangerous, deadly and cool at the same time!” On the other hand, in her poster, Divya Dutta is seen in a rustic look, wearing a handloom sari teamed with a shirt blouse. Her unflinching stance suggests that she essays a character that is ruthless. Sharing the poster, Divya wrote, “She looks menacing, but that doesn’t even describe how evil she can be. Presenting my look as Rohini for Dhaakad…” Tribhanga is a thoughtful flick on women that neither underplays emotions nor exaggerates adversities Gurnaaz Kaur Heart-rending, soul-stirring and profound. Tribhanga is a story of mothers and daughters, the choices they make and how those choices shape their own lives and impact the lives of their loved ones. In this layered narrative, we also witness the many challenges a woman still faces in this patriarchal society when she takes an unconventional route. Nayantara Apte (Tanvi Azmi) is a writer, who is unwilling to let a weak husband, a bickering mother-inlaw or the responsibility of two children take precedence over her talent. Her wrong choices in men lead to two divorces but she isn’t ready to play the victim card or let that take away her will to live life on her own terms. Anuradha Apte (Kajol), Nayan’s daughter, is a Bollywood actress and Odissi dancer, has a scarred A nuanced narrative NET, FLICKS & MORE childhood and blames her mother for it. She faces molestation as a kid and hates her mother. When Anu has a daughter, she decides to not make the same mistakes as her mother and is over-caring and protective towards her child Masha (Mithila Palkar). Yes, Masha is born out of wedlock and Anuradha thinks marriage is a ‘societal terrorism’. Masha is unlike her aayi (mom) or ajji (grandmother). She chooses to marry in a conservative or rather regressive family just so she can provide a normal and stable upbringing to her children.When a brain stroke puts Nayan in comatose, the three generations of women Film: Tribhanga Director: Renuka Shahane Cast: Tanvi Azmi, Kajol, Mithali Palkar, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Vaibhav Tatwawaadi, Manav Gohil, Kanwaljeet Singh Streaming on: Netflix Rating:  come together. As they reflect at their past, we learn about their story in flashbacks or through camera recordings, which are a part of the exercise that a shudh-Hindi spouting Milan (Kunaal Roy Kapur) has taken upon himself. He is helping Nayan, his muse, to write her autobiography and films her life journey on his camera. The struggles and aspirations of these unapologetic women, the reality of their broken family and how they handle their differences and reunite makes Tribhanga: Tedhi Medhi Crazy, streaming on Netflix, interesting. The film marks Kajol’s OTT debut and is Renuka Shahane’s directorial debut. What makes this flick so special is the non-judgmental approach towards the lives of its protagonists. They make mistakes and they suffer but none of these women play the victim card. What your take home is entirely your perception… there are no rights or wrongs, just perceptions. In this well-told tale, Tanvi Azmi gives an amazing performance, so calm and mature, comfortable in her own skin. In the initial scenes, it may seem odd to see Kajol in a foul-mouthed, temperamental avatar but as her story reveals, you know from where the anger is coming. Mithali doesn’t have much screen time but she matches the stars to live up to the story. While most men in the film are in supporting roles, they contour the film just right. Kunaal is the only one who has a prominent role and in parts his pure Hindi usage seems laboured but you can let it pass. Vaibhav Tatwawaadi as Robindoro (Anuradha’s brother), even in his brief appearances is convincing. Manav Gohil (Anuradha’s boyfriend) fits well in the dynamics. Kanwaljeet Singh is a delight to watch. Kudos to Renuka Shahane for bringing out such a nuanced, thoughtful flick on women that neither underplays emotions nor exaggerates adversities. She knows how to narrate a story without giving it the hackneyed Bollywood treatment. A refreshing change indeed. SASHA RAMCHANDANI & HARMAN BAWEJA Wedding season is here! While Varun Dhawan and Natasha Dalal are getting hitched this Sunday, Ranbir Kapoor is also set to tie the knot with Alia Bhatt soon. Adding to the list are two more celebs. The first one is Mouni Roy, who will be tying the knot with Dubai-based banker Suraj Nambiar. The second celeb who will get hitched is Harman Baweja. Harman and his fiancée Sasha Ramchandani will walk down the aisle on March 21. MOUNI ROY c m y b Gold actress Mouni Roy will tie the knot with Dubai-based banker Suraj Nambiar