News/ Tussle over Raaz 4

The Dino Morea-Bipasha Basu starrer Raaz was co-produced by the Bhatts under their banner Vishesh Films, along with Ramesh Taurani of Tips Films Ltd. Later, Vishesh Films made Raaz into a franchise with Raaz and Raaz 3. Now, when Vishesh Films has announced Raaz 4, there comes a twist in the tale.
Producer Ramesh Taurani says that the title Raaz 4 has been registered with him. “We shall be making a film with the title. We will announce the cast for Raaz 4, and shortly, as the title has been registered with me. They can’t keep the title,” he says.
When contacted, Mukesh Bhatt says, “Basically, the Raaz franchise belongs to us, because Raaz 2 and 3, were made by Vishesh Films. Now Ramesh Taurani wants to join the bandwagon, which I think, is ethically wrong. We don’t generally register the title of a franchise. We’ve invested our time and money in Raaz 2 and 3, and made it into a successful franchise, so it does belong to us. If Race 1 and 2 were made by Taurani, I will not say I want to make Race 3 or maybe even Dhoom 4. We shall anyway go ahead and make Raaz 4. Let the court take a call on this matter.”
Meanwhile, Raaz 4, produced by the Bhatts, will now be directed by Vikram Bhatt, who has also penned the script. Bhatt also clarified the reports that Raaz 4 will be the remake of The Omen. “We’ve written a fresh script and shall go on floors from May onwards.” The film will star newcomers.

Siddharth Shukla signs a three-film deal with Karan Johar’s Dharma 

The actor will continue working in the popular television serial Balika Vadhu

Siddharth Shukla, best known for his role as Shiv in Balika Vadhu, has signed a three-film deal with Karan Johar’s production house. Shukla was a participant in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and both Johar and Shashank Khaitan, the director of Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya, were impressed with him. Siddharth will make his Bollywood debut with Humpty Sharma… which stars Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt. He will play an important role in the crazy love story. Johar confirmed the news, “Yes. Siddharth has been signed for the film. He is a talented actor and Dharma Production plans to continue its professional equation with him.”
Although, Shukla is busy shooting for the film, he shall continue to act in his popular TV show Balika Vadhu for the next few months. “It is because of Jhalak … that I have gotten into the habit of working on two things at the same time. So, I guess I will be able to simultaneously work on the film and the serial. Although, I am not a big star, both Karan Johar and the makers of the serial have been kind enough to let me adjust my work schedule. I feel blessed to be working with a banner like Dharma Productions. Humpty Sharma … is a love story, and all I can say is, I play an important character in the film.” Ask the actor to talk about the three-film deal with Dharma and he says, “I don’t know about the other films, but as of now, I’m just concentrating on Humpty Sharma...”

Soumik Sen to make a biopic on PC Sorcar Jr 

Director Soumik Sen’s debut film, Gulaab Gang, is yet to hit the screens, and the director already has another project to work on. He shall helm the biopic on the Indian magician PC Sorcar. Confirming, he said, “Yes, I’m going to direct a film on PC Sorcar, but as of now, the only thing that has been locked is the script, and the fact that I’m directing it. I can share the details about the production company later.” The director, however, remains tight-lipped and refrains from sharing details about the film. “I want to give it a little time. As of now, I’m too busy with the post-production of Gulaab Gang, and that’s the only thing on my mind. So, I’ll start thinking about this film only once I have finished with Gulaab Gang,” says Sen. The director is, in the meantime, finalising the star cast of the film that is slated to go on the floors next year as a lot of pre-production work needs to be done.