14112023-LSTL-01.qxd 11/13/2023 11:19 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE Special effort Mrunal Thakur learnt cryptic language to bring authenticity to her role in the film Pippa, where she portrays a medical student who gets recruited to specialise in cryptography. LUDHIANA | TUESDAY | 14 NOVEMBER 2023 It’s all about action TIGER 3 Sophie back on social media Game Of Thrones actress Sophie Turner has returned to social media for the first time since her split from Joe Jonas. The 27-year-old actress, who has more than 14 million Instagram followers, has taken to the photo-sharing platform to help raise awareness about environmental issues. She told her followers: “Hi everyone! I have been asked to spread the word about positive power. And on doing the research and noticing the very clear effects of global warming, it’s something that I really wanted to raise awareness about.” The actress subsequently encouraged fans to ‘switch over, move over to renewable energy and let nature provide us with power’. Turner later added: “We need to let our leaders know that this is the future that we want for ourselves and for those we love — our children and our grandchildren.” The actress captioned the Instagram post as: “#PositivePowerPartner. It’s time we all spread the word and push for a positive power plan. The time to transition to clean energy is now. When we speak out together, we can accelerate positive power. Check out the link in my bio to learn more. @wearepositivepower (sic).” Sophie and Joe announced their split in September. The celebrities, who tied the knot in 2019, said in a joint statement, “After four wonderful years of marriage we have mutually decided to amicably end our marriage. There are many speculative narratives as to why, but truly this is a united decision and we sincerely hope that everyone can respect our wish for privacy for us and our children.” — IANS Cast: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Emraan Hashmi, Revathi, Simran, Riddhi Dogra, Vishal Jethwa, Kumud Mishra, Ranvir Shorey, Aamir Bashir and Gavie Chahal Director: Maneesh Sharma Rating: ★★★ Nonika Singh M ISSION TIME PASS… no, that’s not our two word summary of the film. But, this is what one of Sallu Bhai aka Tiger’s mission is named! Is that a dig or filmmaker’s veiled intent to shell out time pass entertainment? Whatever the case, YRF’s spy-verse offers little room for complexities as action takes precedence over most of the runtime. In case you have not paid attention to the previous franchises, Zoya is an ISI agent. Here she even gets a suitable backstory, rather the film begins with a prologue. But the idea is not to reiterate merely her Pakistani roots, but to introduce another character in the Tiger franchise — Aatish Rehman (Emraan Hashmi). Hashmi as her mentor makes an impressive entry and moves on to create an impactful presence in the film. No prizes for guessing, he is the vile Pakistani ISI man who would do anything to scuttle the peace process between the two neighbouring Although slick in action and grand in scale, Salman Khan’s Tiger 3 does not measure up to its previous two outings MOVIE REVIEW nations. Before you suppress that yawn …ah yet another jingoistic film that bashes Pakistan, hold your horses. Don’t you dare forget Pakistan is Tiger’s sasural and he must turn a saviour across the Radcliffe Line for he tells his compatriot Pathaan, ‘ sasural khatre mein hai’. Pathaan? Oh yes, if Tiger Character calling Pratik Gandhi in Scam 1992 Manoj Bajpayee in The Family Man When it comes to crafting a compelling character, the primary challenge for creators is identifying an actor who can do justice to the role. Here are some recent characters that have made a mark. Sushmita Sen in Taali Ranveer Singh in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani Here’s how Karan Johar, Arjun and Kartk, Raj and DK, and Hansal Mehta created characters that clicked instantly with the audience available on Prime Video. Bubbly figure Ranveer Singh Earlier this year, Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani clicked with the audiences. In a recent talk show, Deepika Padukone stated that of all the roles he has played, Rocky was closest to Ranveer Singh’s personality. Johar revealed that he drew inspiration from not only some social media influencers but also another character he had created previously — Poo from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. The producer-director explained that Rocky was essentially the male version of Pooja ‘ Poo’ Sharma. The film is streaming on JioCinema. Into the act Sushmita Sen He’s the man Manoj Bajpayee When creators Arjun and Kartk decided to bring to life the story of transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant, the only actor that came to their mind was Sushmita Sen. As they pointed out, both are doting single mothers, have created paths where none existed, lived on their terms and exude a charisma that is rooted in lived experience. Sushmita took over six months to internalise the script, attended diction lessons, and underwent physical and mental preparation for the character. The series is The director duo Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK (Raj & DK) has emphasised in multiple interviews why Manoj Bajpayee was the perfect choice for their super-hit spycomedy series The Family Man. Srikant Tiwari appears to be an ordinary middle-class father and husband, but he is addicted to playing with danger as he intercepts terror threats on the sly. The makers said they were pleasantly surprised by Bajpayee’s swift acceptance of the role and compared him to a diligent student, who quietly pre- pared without much fuss and then excelled in the toughest of exams. The series is streaming on Prime Video. Simple choice Pratik Gandhi Hansal Mehta’s directorial hit Scam 1992 has completed three years and what fans remember most about the series is the riveting portrayal of controversial figure Harshad Mehta by actor Pratik Gandhi. In an interview, Mehta stated that he had always believed in unconventional casting choices and that this was a series made by underdogs that went on to make history. Gandhi was a wellknown Gujarati actor who did not have a pan-Indian following and did not look like Harshad Mehta, but the director trusted his gut. The series can be watched on Sony LIV. c m y b had a magnetic part in Pathaan how can King Khan not return the favour? In fact, the chemistry between the two is crackling, easily the most fun part of the film. As they run, jump across cliffs, shoot, take on enemies, their gravity and logicdefying stunts are spectacular. Actually, both the scale and the action are stellar. Of course, by the time the two hour 36 minutes movie ends action does become relentless and repetitive too. What is refreshing, as was the case with the first outing directed by Kabir Khan, Zoya (Katrina Kaif) gets as much action time. Together, Tiger and she is quite a team. Clearly, Sallu’s swag is not diminishing anytime soon, even if the franchise’s is. And Katrina may not be the young beautiful belle of the first part that came in 2012, but she packs quite a punch. As for the rest of their team….there is talented actor Kumud Mishra trying to mark his presence amidst the melee that ensues. Veteran Revathy as Maithili Menon, Chief of RAW, is stoic but once again gets to do precious little in the film except pass express instructions over the phone and reprimand a few others of her team in person. Other actors, some carried forward from the second outing, Tiger Zinda Hai, like Gavie Chahal, are adjuncts and hence easily expendable. A good franchise is always about continuity and surprises, both of which it has in equal measure yet does not measure up to the previous instalments. While it avoids the hate Pakistan pitfall, it invents an equally incongruous premise of Tiger trying to prevent a coup in his wife’s mayaka. However, trite as it may sound, the only heartfelt moment in the film is playing of the National Anthem in Pakistan. As for the rest, well, its action time and action directors, including Hollywood biggie Mark Scizak, do deserve a nod. So does cinematographer Anay Goswamy for capturing the majestic visual signature of the YRF film. Director Maneesh Sharma delivers, but on and off. For want of more suitable word to describe Tiger 3, indeed it most certainly is time-pass entertainment. For Sallu fans, let it be said Tiger is alive and kicking. And if you are a diehard aficionado of his, you will certainly get a kick. Warning 2 on way The makers of upcoming Punjabi actioner Warning 2 dropped the motion poster of the film on Monday. Actor, producer and writer of the film, Gippy Grewal said, “I loved working with Amar Hundal and Prince Kanwaljit Singh in the first instalment and I am thrilled to once again join them for Warning 2. The poster has in a way helped us relive the excitement of the first film and I am sure that this thrilling poster is going to get the fans excited.” The motion poster ignites excitement with guns, fiery visuals and hints at a deadly duel of wills. Directed by Amar Hundal, the film also stars Prince Kanwaljit Singh, Jasmin Bhasin, Rahul Dev and Raghveer Boli. Director Amar Hundal said, “The motion poster is a special treat for our audi- ence, offering them a glimpse into the intense world of Warning 2. The film and its characters will remain with the audience for a long time and we are eagerly looking forward to its release on the big screen.” Warning 2 is slated to release on February 2, 2024. — IANS Guneet Monga, celebrity chef Vikas Khanna board American Sikh as executive producers Teaming up Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga and Michelin-starred chef as well as filmmaker Vikas Khanna have boarded Oscar-qualified animated short American Sikh as executive producers. American Sikh tells the true tale of an Americanborn, turban-wearing Sikh illustrator, writer, and creator of Sikhtoons.com, Vishavjit Singh, who after a lifetime of facing prejudice, selfdoubt and violence, finally finds acceptance in a superhero costume. The film has won best short animation at Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham, Alabama, best animation at San Diego International Film Festival, the audience choice award at the Tasveer Film Festival in Seattle, a special mention at Chicago International Film Festival and an honourable mention at Tallgrass Film Festival. — IANS