Usually, when we think of holiday movies, we picture feel-good family comedies filled with light-hearted shenanigans and bittersweet life lessons. Okay, and the occasional violent slasher. While we love plenty of those movies, they’re often missing crucial elements of the holidays we experience in real life: sordid disagreements, petty bickering, and, in the words of the great Frank Costanza, the airing of grievances. Well, there’s at least one-holiday dramedy that accurately depicts how the most wonderful time of the year can bring out the worst in us: Ted Demme’s 1994 film The Ref, which tells the story of a cynical cat burglar who makes the biggest mistake of his life when he takes the wrong couple as hostages. Because these two would wear down even the most composed of criminals. It’s a snarky, acid-tongued little gem of a movie, although not necessarily one you’d want to watch with grandma and grandpa.
- 12/20/2023
- by Eric Walkuski
- JoBlo.com
In a world full of talented actors and comedians, Denis Leary has managed to stand out. No doubt, it’s all thanks to his unique blend of wit, sarcasm, and biting humor. From his early days as a stand-up comedian to his remarkable success in television and film, Leary’s journey has been remarkable. Known for his quick-fire delivery and no-holds-barred style, Leary’s brand of comedy has resonated with audiences globally. It’s safe to say that he has carved a niche for himself in the entertainment industry unlike any other. From his breakout hit song “Asshole” to his acclaimed role in the...
- 9/7/2023
- by Ima Whyte
- TVovermind.com
Finally, a central minister has woken up to the vulgar and abusive content on the various Ott platforms. All in the name of freedom of expression – much more than what the century-old Indian film industry gets to enjoy.
It is rather strange that not only the country’s ruling elite, but even the courts think that the Ott platforms were entitled to freedom, while the feature films were not! After reports and comments on the overdose of vulgar content in the news and social media, Information & Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur has warned the Ott platforms that obscenity and abusive language cannot be tolerated.
But then, ministers are known to make grand statements, but the implementation of the warnings/laws remains ineffective.
Why make a statement and why not take concrete steps to settle the issue once and for all? After all, this trend of dishing out vulgar, violent, gory depictions...
It is rather strange that not only the country’s ruling elite, but even the courts think that the Ott platforms were entitled to freedom, while the feature films were not! After reports and comments on the overdose of vulgar content in the news and social media, Information & Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur has warned the Ott platforms that obscenity and abusive language cannot be tolerated.
But then, ministers are known to make grand statements, but the implementation of the warnings/laws remains ineffective.
Why make a statement and why not take concrete steps to settle the issue once and for all? After all, this trend of dishing out vulgar, violent, gory depictions...
- 3/26/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
Messages from close friends and industry folks alike flooded Oliver Tree’s phone after the Kid Laroi released the cinematically eccentric video for “Thousand Miles” in late April. Friends and colleagues wanted to know if Tree had helped direct the video, as snippets from it seemed to mirror his own work.
The 28-year-old Canadian surf punk, who scored a hit in 2019 with “Matzoh Ball Hop,” took a closer look and realized that some scenes were nearly identical to visuals he came up with for his own music. So, on April...
The 28-year-old Canadian surf punk, who scored a hit in 2019 with “Matzoh Ball Hop,” took a closer look and realized that some scenes were nearly identical to visuals he came up with for his own music. So, on April...
- 5/2/2022
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
A filmmaker who goes we back with Sundance when his short film (Asshole) premiered there at 2009, filmmaker Chadd Harbold flirted with the fest when his sophomore film How to Be a Man (2013) was invited to the festival’s run-off fest in Los Angeles (Sundance Next Weekend). For his fourth feature film, Harbold reteamed with Shiloh Fernandez (Long Nights Short Mornings), and landed Ashley Benson, Logan Miller, Frank Whaley and Jay Pharoah for the set in Los Angeles remake of the 1960 noir film of the same title (read our review).
Gist: Kathryn (Ashley Benson) is a struggling actress and unfulfilled housewife who becomes involved with her new gardener Ben (Shiloh Fernandez).…...
Gist: Kathryn (Ashley Benson) is a struggling actress and unfulfilled housewife who becomes involved with her new gardener Ben (Shiloh Fernandez).…...
- 11/24/2021
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
Lil Yachty and Kodak Black have joined forces for new song “Hit Bout It.” In the song’s accompanying video, the rappers cruise around in convertible Ferraris and hit the club. The frenetic pacing of the fast-cut-edited video mirrors the rapper’s fiery cadences.
“I’m paranoid I can’t hang out for long bitch Ima nomad/Christmas I had bought all steppers brand new door mats,” Lil Yachty raps. “Inside the whip bright orange like the Lorax/I’m built tough was made to be outside just like Gortex.
“I’m paranoid I can’t hang out for long bitch Ima nomad/Christmas I had bought all steppers brand new door mats,” Lil Yachty raps. “Inside the whip bright orange like the Lorax/I’m built tough was made to be outside just like Gortex.
- 2/19/2021
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
Lil Yachty continues to release new music videos at a torrid pace with the arrival of the Vince Staples-featuring “In My Stussy’s,” the latest visual off the rapper’s Lil Boat 3.5.
In just the past two weeks, Yachty has already dropped videos for Lil Boat 3.5’s “Asshole” and “Royal Rumble,” a non-lp single that features six MCs from Michigan’s rap scene. Earlier this month, it was also announced that Lil Yachty would develop an action movie based on the classic card game Uno.
“I played Uno as...
In just the past two weeks, Yachty has already dropped videos for Lil Boat 3.5’s “Asshole” and “Royal Rumble,” a non-lp single that features six MCs from Michigan’s rap scene. Earlier this month, it was also announced that Lil Yachty would develop an action movie based on the classic card game Uno.
“I played Uno as...
- 2/13/2021
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Lil Yachty ensnares a burglar in the new video for “Asshole.” The song appears on the rapper’s deluxe version of Lil Boat 3, entitled Lil Boat 3.5.
Oliver Tree portrays the burglar, leads the hook, and directed the playful visual. It opens on him breaking into Lil Yachty’s mansion to try and abscond with the rapper’s chains. However, Lil Yachty, with assistance from two gun-wielding female sidekicks, thwarts the sneaky thief’s plans.
Though the apparent asshole in the wacky video is the thief, the melodic song’s lyrics address a relationship gone awry.
Oliver Tree portrays the burglar, leads the hook, and directed the playful visual. It opens on him breaking into Lil Yachty’s mansion to try and abscond with the rapper’s chains. However, Lil Yachty, with assistance from two gun-wielding female sidekicks, thwarts the sneaky thief’s plans.
Though the apparent asshole in the wacky video is the thief, the melodic song’s lyrics address a relationship gone awry.
- 2/11/2021
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
Rilo Kiley will reissue their rare self-titled 1999 debut album on vinyl and digital for the first time this October.
The long-out-of-print album — which contained the song “Frug,” featured on the soundtrack of the 1998 film Desert Blue — was previously only available on CDs that Jenny Lewis and company sold at their early shows, prior to the release of their “official” debut LP, 2001’s Take Offs and Landings.
Rilo Kiley, out October 2nd via Little Record Company, replicates the album’s nine-song second-pressing as a digital download and limited edition vinyl.
Comedian Dave Foley,...
The long-out-of-print album — which contained the song “Frug,” featured on the soundtrack of the 1998 film Desert Blue — was previously only available on CDs that Jenny Lewis and company sold at their early shows, prior to the release of their “official” debut LP, 2001’s Take Offs and Landings.
Rilo Kiley, out October 2nd via Little Record Company, replicates the album’s nine-song second-pressing as a digital download and limited edition vinyl.
Comedian Dave Foley,...
- 7/27/2020
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
The cult film VOD platform Spamflix has launched a new worldwide app, available now for mobile and smart TV compatible. Via the app users can browse, rent and stream from the full catalog, which includes a wide range of feature and short films from around the globe.
Visit spamflix.com/app.do for more information, or available directly on Google Play and the Apple Store.
Spamflix was founded in 2018 by Markus Duffner, a project manager at the Locarno Film Festival and Julia Duarte, former producer of São Paulo International Film Festival. Called ‘Netflix for Cult Film Fans’ by Geek Spin the bulk of Spamflix’s library consists of hard to find and lesser-seen genre titles, many of which garnered acclaim on the festival circuit only to land without significant distribution.
A treasure trove for cult film enthusiasts that has a specialty focus on black comedy and adult animation, the new...
Visit spamflix.com/app.do for more information, or available directly on Google Play and the Apple Store.
Spamflix was founded in 2018 by Markus Duffner, a project manager at the Locarno Film Festival and Julia Duarte, former producer of São Paulo International Film Festival. Called ‘Netflix for Cult Film Fans’ by Geek Spin the bulk of Spamflix’s library consists of hard to find and lesser-seen genre titles, many of which garnered acclaim on the festival circuit only to land without significant distribution.
A treasure trove for cult film enthusiasts that has a specialty focus on black comedy and adult animation, the new...
- 5/14/2020
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse
Over the past quarter century, the Slamdance Film Festival has served as a launchpad for a number of now high profile filmmakers at the very start of their careers. Here is a baker’s dozen of some of the festival’s greatest discoveries.
Marc Forster
“Loungers”
Forster premiered his $10,000 debut in 1995 and grabbed the Audience Award, and has become one of the most versatile directors working, with other credits including “Monster’s Ball,” “Finding Neverland,” “Stay,” “The Kite Runner,” “Stranger Than Fiction,” “Quantum of Solace,” “World War Z” and “Christopher Robin.”
Rian Johnson
“Evil Demon Golfball from Hell!!!”
Johnson’s irreverent short film played the festival in 1996, launching a career that has dabbled in artistic indies and big-budget franchise blockbusters (“Star Wars: The Last Jedi”).
Greg Mottola
“The Daytrippers”
The writer-director’s 1996 feature debut was produced by Steven Soderbergh and got Mottola work on cult-classic television series “Undeclared,” “Arrested Development,...
Marc Forster
“Loungers”
Forster premiered his $10,000 debut in 1995 and grabbed the Audience Award, and has become one of the most versatile directors working, with other credits including “Monster’s Ball,” “Finding Neverland,” “Stay,” “The Kite Runner,” “Stranger Than Fiction,” “Quantum of Solace,” “World War Z” and “Christopher Robin.”
Rian Johnson
“Evil Demon Golfball from Hell!!!”
Johnson’s irreverent short film played the festival in 1996, launching a career that has dabbled in artistic indies and big-budget franchise blockbusters (“Star Wars: The Last Jedi”).
Greg Mottola
“The Daytrippers”
The writer-director’s 1996 feature debut was produced by Steven Soderbergh and got Mottola work on cult-classic television series “Undeclared,” “Arrested Development,...
- 1/24/2019
- by Nick Clement
- Variety Film + TV
There are no good, reasonable or conscientious men in Garbage, the furious thriller written and directed by Q (a.k.a. Qaushig Mukherjee); only leering porn trolls who despise and victimize women for sport, or maybe for nothing.
One of the most extreme Indian directors working on the indie front, Q has broken practically every local taboo in mightily provocative films like Gandu, featuring a skinhead rapper, graphic real sex and modern visuals, and the psychedelic-political Land of Cards. Several of these have had a Western festival career while being banned in India. For lovers of his angry, dreamy, sexually violent aesthetic,...
One of the most extreme Indian directors working on the indie front, Q has broken practically every local taboo in mightily provocative films like Gandu, featuring a skinhead rapper, graphic real sex and modern visuals, and the psychedelic-political Land of Cards. Several of these have had a Western festival career while being banned in India. For lovers of his angry, dreamy, sexually violent aesthetic,...
- 2/28/2018
- by Deborah Young
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The official full trailer of the fast, furious and raucously funny, coming-of-age comedy Brahman Naman has been released, ahead of its European Premiere at the 70th Edinburgh International Film Festival and its global launch debut on 7 July, exclusively on Netflix.
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG-wdY8sQVo
Written by Naman Ramachandran and produced by Steve Barron and Celine Loop, Brahman Naman is directed by leading Indian indie director Q, following Gandu, Tasher Desh and Ludo. Brahman Naman stars Shashank Arora as Naman, Tanmay Dhanania and Chaitanya Varad as his sidekicks, and features Biswa Kalyan Rath, Vaiswath Shankar, Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy and Sid Mallya.
Set in Bangalore in the 1980s, Brahman Naman follows the exploits of Naman, a quick witted, high school quiz champ who leads his hopelessly nerdy friends on a trip to Calcutta to win a major college prize. Young, smart and full of heart, the trio are determined...
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG-wdY8sQVo
Written by Naman Ramachandran and produced by Steve Barron and Celine Loop, Brahman Naman is directed by leading Indian indie director Q, following Gandu, Tasher Desh and Ludo. Brahman Naman stars Shashank Arora as Naman, Tanmay Dhanania and Chaitanya Varad as his sidekicks, and features Biswa Kalyan Rath, Vaiswath Shankar, Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy and Sid Mallya.
Set in Bangalore in the 1980s, Brahman Naman follows the exploits of Naman, a quick witted, high school quiz champ who leads his hopelessly nerdy friends on a trip to Calcutta to win a major college prize. Young, smart and full of heart, the trio are determined...
- 6/10/2016
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
The fast, furious and raucously funny, coming-of-age comedy Brahman Naman will have its European Premiere at the 70th Edinburgh International Film Festival, as part of the World Perspectives strand, ahead of debuting to a global audience on 7 July, exclusively on Netflix.
Eiff Screenings
Monday 20 June, 18.15 – Cineworld Edinburgh (European Premiere)
Tuesday 21 June, 20.30 – Filmhouse Edinburgh
*Brahman Naman will be in competition at the 70th Edinburgh International Film Festival for The Award for Best International Feature Film*
Written by Naman Ramachandran and produced by Steve Barron and Celine Loop, Brahman Naman is directed by leading Indian indie director Q, following Gandu, Tasher Desh and Ludo. Brahman Naman stars Shashank Arora as Naman, Tanmay Dhanania and Chaitanya Varad as his sidekicks, and features Biswa Kalyan Rath, Vaiswath Shankar, Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy and Sid Mallya.
About Brahman Naman:
Set in Bangalore in the 1980s, Brahman Naman follows the exploits of Naman, a quick witted,...
Eiff Screenings
Monday 20 June, 18.15 – Cineworld Edinburgh (European Premiere)
Tuesday 21 June, 20.30 – Filmhouse Edinburgh
*Brahman Naman will be in competition at the 70th Edinburgh International Film Festival for The Award for Best International Feature Film*
Written by Naman Ramachandran and produced by Steve Barron and Celine Loop, Brahman Naman is directed by leading Indian indie director Q, following Gandu, Tasher Desh and Ludo. Brahman Naman stars Shashank Arora as Naman, Tanmay Dhanania and Chaitanya Varad as his sidekicks, and features Biswa Kalyan Rath, Vaiswath Shankar, Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy and Sid Mallya.
About Brahman Naman:
Set in Bangalore in the 1980s, Brahman Naman follows the exploits of Naman, a quick witted,...
- 5/28/2016
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
One does not typically see raunchy, teen sex comedies coming out of India, which is precisely why acclaimed director Qaushiq Mukherjee, known simply as "Q" set out to make such a movie. After his acclaimed film Gandu became controversial in India for its depiction of sexuality and nudity, Q has not shied away from such subject matter and instead has continued to address it directly with the aim to fill that gap in the Indian discourse. Yet the discussion of sexuality, the Indian caste system and the trials and tribulations of growing up in the rapidly changing 1980's India in is merely a set of undertones that harmonize with an otherwise fun, silly, and highly entertaining movie about a group of friends and their misadventures...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 2/2/2016
- Screen Anarchy
Bengali cinema’s controversial duo, Nikon and Q are ready with their latest film – Ludo. A film entering the unchartered territory of fantasy thrillers, Ludo is bound to both – shock and leave audiences awestruck – with its brand new storytelling.
The makers of the movie have gone ahead and applied for registering the film’s title ‘Ludo’ as a trademark, as an entertainment idea, after sensing its strong potential of building a franchise around the movie/concept.
Co-producer Nandini Mansinghka of Idyabooster says, “To acquire/own a film title, one needs to register it with a film association, in this case we have done with Eimpa (Eastern Indian Motion Pictures Association). But that’s not enough in case of a dispute. If one trademarks the title, which is registering it with the government, it protects our interest and refrain others in the country from using it (in that category) as a film’s title/name.
The makers of the movie have gone ahead and applied for registering the film’s title ‘Ludo’ as a trademark, as an entertainment idea, after sensing its strong potential of building a franchise around the movie/concept.
Co-producer Nandini Mansinghka of Idyabooster says, “To acquire/own a film title, one needs to register it with a film association, in this case we have done with Eimpa (Eastern Indian Motion Pictures Association). But that’s not enough in case of a dispute. If one trademarks the title, which is registering it with the government, it protects our interest and refrain others in the country from using it (in that category) as a film’s title/name.
- 7/5/2014
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
The film is the latest by director Q, who made the critically acclaimed and controversial film ‘Gandu’, which was banned from a theatrical release in India but became a cult phenomenon, both in India and across the globe. Q’s films have always found festival and critical appreciation internationally, with BBC calling him the ‘most subversive Indian filmmaker’. His latest film, ‘Tasher Desh’, premiered in Rome, and has been received very well. Nikon is Q’s collaborator and editor, an alumnus of Srfti and Emily Carr, Vancouver. He has edited ‘Tasher Desh’, ‘Bishh’ and ‘Love In India’.
‘Ludo’ is being made under the banner of OverdoseJoint, Q’s production house, a progressive art platform making original films, music and design and is co-produced by Idyabooster and Starfire Movies.
The movie stars the vivacious and beautiful actress Rii, who plays a character yet to be seen on the Indian screens.
Idyabooster,...
‘Ludo’ is being made under the banner of OverdoseJoint, Q’s production house, a progressive art platform making original films, music and design and is co-produced by Idyabooster and Starfire Movies.
The movie stars the vivacious and beautiful actress Rii, who plays a character yet to be seen on the Indian screens.
Idyabooster,...
- 3/27/2014
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
Mumbai, Dec 15: The first edition of Johnnie Walker - The Journey turned out to be an enthralling event for many.
It left many inspired when artistes from the world of music, cinema and theatre presented enriching performances and stories in front of the audience here Saturday.
From live music performances by The Alan Parsons Live Project, consisting of members Eric Woolfson and Alan Parsons to performing arts by Ouroboros - The Handspring Puppet Company to a cinematic experience with Shane Carruth and the liberal Qaushiq Mukherjee, the Indian film director known for his controversial cult film "Gandu" -- the festival.
It left many inspired when artistes from the world of music, cinema and theatre presented enriching performances and stories in front of the audience here Saturday.
From live music performances by The Alan Parsons Live Project, consisting of members Eric Woolfson and Alan Parsons to performing arts by Ouroboros - The Handspring Puppet Company to a cinematic experience with Shane Carruth and the liberal Qaushiq Mukherjee, the Indian film director known for his controversial cult film "Gandu" -- the festival.
- 12/15/2013
- by Smith Cox
- RealBollywood.com
Kolkata-based filmmaker Q (aka Kaushik Mukherjee) is gearing up to make his English-language debut, Brahman Naman, to be produced by Steve Barron’s UK-based Riley Productions.
Set in Bangalore in the 1980s, the film is a comedy about a 17-year-old who is top of his class but also has a whisky addiction, filthy mouth and a porn collection. Q’s Kolkata-based production company Overdose Joint will co-produce.
Barron is best-known for directing music videos for artists including Michael Jackson and producing films such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Specialist and While You Were Sleeping.
“I love Q’s sense of humour. I sent him the script and he embraced it the same way I did,” said Barron.
Q has credits including Gandu and Tasher Desh, which played at last year’s Rome Film Festival. Overdose Joint also has two films in the final stages of post-production – documentary Sari and Kajarya, directed by [link...
Set in Bangalore in the 1980s, the film is a comedy about a 17-year-old who is top of his class but also has a whisky addiction, filthy mouth and a porn collection. Q’s Kolkata-based production company Overdose Joint will co-produce.
Barron is best-known for directing music videos for artists including Michael Jackson and producing films such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Specialist and While You Were Sleeping.
“I love Q’s sense of humour. I sent him the script and he embraced it the same way I did,” said Barron.
Q has credits including Gandu and Tasher Desh, which played at last year’s Rome Film Festival. Overdose Joint also has two films in the final stages of post-production – documentary Sari and Kajarya, directed by [link...
- 11/21/2013
- by uditaj@gmail.com (Udita Jhunjhunwala)
- ScreenDaily
Kolkata-based filmmaker Q (aka Kaushik Mukherjee) is gearing up to make his English-language debut, Brahman Raman, to be produced by Steve Barron’s UK-based Riley Productions.
Set in Bangalore in the 1980s, the film is a comedy about a 17-year-old who is top of his class but also has a whisky addiction, filthy mouth and a porn collection. Q’s Kolkata-based production company Overdose Joint will co-produce.
Barron is best-known for directing music videos for artists including Michael Jackson and producing films such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Specialist and While You Were Sleeping.
“I love Q’s sense of humour. I sent him the script and he embraced it the same way I did,” said Barron.
Q has credits including Gandu and Tasher Desh, which played at last year’s Rome Film Festival. Overdose Joint also has two films in the final stages of post-production – documentary Sari and Kajarya, directed by [link...
Set in Bangalore in the 1980s, the film is a comedy about a 17-year-old who is top of his class but also has a whisky addiction, filthy mouth and a porn collection. Q’s Kolkata-based production company Overdose Joint will co-produce.
Barron is best-known for directing music videos for artists including Michael Jackson and producing films such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Specialist and While You Were Sleeping.
“I love Q’s sense of humour. I sent him the script and he embraced it the same way I did,” said Barron.
Q has credits including Gandu and Tasher Desh, which played at last year’s Rome Film Festival. Overdose Joint also has two films in the final stages of post-production – documentary Sari and Kajarya, directed by [link...
- 11/21/2013
- by uditaj@gmail.com (Udita Jhunjhunwala)
- ScreenDaily
Q breaks through the clutter not only by making unconventional films but also coming up with innovative strategies to promote them. Just like the concert Gandu Circus emerged from his last film Gandu; Kolkata is now gearing up for TripTash, a live extension of Tasher Desh that comprises of an art installation, live music and much more. TripTash runs from August 20-27 while Tasher Desh hits theatres in Kolkata and Mumbai on August 23.
In a telephone conversation just before the event, Q gives DearCinema a feel of what TripTash is going to be like.
What is TripTash all about?
I am sitting here in the middle of it all. It is basically a live installation, a live extension of the idea of Tasher Desh. Just like how Gandu circus emerged out of Gandu. A band emerges out of a film and then the band becomes real, it comes out of the context of the film.
In a telephone conversation just before the event, Q gives DearCinema a feel of what TripTash is going to be like.
What is TripTash all about?
I am sitting here in the middle of it all. It is basically a live installation, a live extension of the idea of Tasher Desh. Just like how Gandu circus emerged out of Gandu. A band emerges out of a film and then the band becomes real, it comes out of the context of the film.
- 8/21/2013
- by Nandita Dutta
- DearCinema.com
Independent filmmaker Q (Qaushiq Mukherjee) has teamed up with online portal PocketFilms to distribute offbeat and quirky independent films online. The slate of films including shorts, documentaries and music videos will be selected by Q. It will include Q’s Gandu and his national award winning documentary Love in India.
Q and his team have acquired content for the slate from Marche du Film (Cannes Film Market) this year.
“I am excited to curate films that I love and get inspired by. There is a growing interest in independent films in India, and we need to watch more films that really challenge the existing modes of cinema, and tell stories in a postmodern context. PocketFilms is a portal dedicated to indie content, and I am certain that this slate will engage viewers and build new reference points,” said Q, whose films have been picked up by international sales agents and...
Q and his team have acquired content for the slate from Marche du Film (Cannes Film Market) this year.
“I am excited to curate films that I love and get inspired by. There is a growing interest in independent films in India, and we need to watch more films that really challenge the existing modes of cinema, and tell stories in a postmodern context. PocketFilms is a portal dedicated to indie content, and I am certain that this slate will engage viewers and build new reference points,” said Q, whose films have been picked up by international sales agents and...
- 5/28/2013
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
DVD and VOD Release Date: Dec. 11, 2012
Price: DVD $24.99
Studio: Artsploitation
Anubrata Basu dreams of becoming a rap star in Gandu.
Artsploitation Films, a new distributor dedicated to bringing “edgy international movies to North American audiences” goes for the gusto with its debut release, the 2010 Indian cult musical drama Gandu.
Directed by Bengali filmmaker “Q” (Kaushik Mukherjee), this independent black-and-white Indian film takes a frantically paced, music-infused look at a poor young man from Kolkata (Anubrata Basu) who makes his cash by pickpocketing his prostitute mother’s johns and dreams of becoming a rap star.
Hindi slang for “asshole,” Gandu had its international premiere at the 2010 South Asian International Film Festival in New York City, where it won the Jury Award (Runner-Up) for Best Film. It subsequently screened at film festivals in Berlin, Rome, Istanbul, Amsterdam, London, Helsinki, Singapore, Croatia and South Africa. Ironically, the film has been banned in its native India,...
Price: DVD $24.99
Studio: Artsploitation
Anubrata Basu dreams of becoming a rap star in Gandu.
Artsploitation Films, a new distributor dedicated to bringing “edgy international movies to North American audiences” goes for the gusto with its debut release, the 2010 Indian cult musical drama Gandu.
Directed by Bengali filmmaker “Q” (Kaushik Mukherjee), this independent black-and-white Indian film takes a frantically paced, music-infused look at a poor young man from Kolkata (Anubrata Basu) who makes his cash by pickpocketing his prostitute mother’s johns and dreams of becoming a rap star.
Hindi slang for “asshole,” Gandu had its international premiere at the 2010 South Asian International Film Festival in New York City, where it won the Jury Award (Runner-Up) for Best Film. It subsequently screened at film festivals in Berlin, Rome, Istanbul, Amsterdam, London, Helsinki, Singapore, Croatia and South Africa. Ironically, the film has been banned in its native India,...
- 10/15/2012
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
Tasher Desh, the latest film by Gandu fame Kaushik Mukherjee (Q) will compete in the Cinema Xxi section of the 7th edition of the Rome Film Festival. The festival will run from 9th – 17th November, 2012.
Tasher Desh is based on Rabindranath Tagore’s dance drama with the same name. The film is co-produced by Anurag Kashyap. In an interview with DearCinema, Q described the film as “Tagore on an acid trip”, a psychedelic and intense rendition of the work of Tagore. The film stars Anubrata Basu, Rituparna Sen and Soumyak Kanti De Biswas.
The Rome Film Festival has four sections, Competition, Out of Competition, CinemaXXI and Prospettive Italia. The jury of the CinemaXXI section is led by Douglas Gordon with Hans Hurch, Ed Lachman, Andrea Lissoni and Emily Jacir. The film in the section will compete for the CinemaXXI Award.
Q came into international prominence with Gandu that had its...
Tasher Desh is based on Rabindranath Tagore’s dance drama with the same name. The film is co-produced by Anurag Kashyap. In an interview with DearCinema, Q described the film as “Tagore on an acid trip”, a psychedelic and intense rendition of the work of Tagore. The film stars Anubrata Basu, Rituparna Sen and Soumyak Kanti De Biswas.
The Rome Film Festival has four sections, Competition, Out of Competition, CinemaXXI and Prospettive Italia. The jury of the CinemaXXI section is led by Douglas Gordon with Hans Hurch, Ed Lachman, Andrea Lissoni and Emily Jacir. The film in the section will compete for the CinemaXXI Award.
Q came into international prominence with Gandu that had its...
- 10/13/2012
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
There's a new kid on the indie distribution playground, and Philadelphia's Artsploitation Films is wasting no time in setting up a formidable stable of fantastic films. First up is the Earth-shaking debut narrative feature from Bengali enfant terrible, Q (Kaushik Mukherjee). Gandu is a film that we've been passionately supporting since the very first trailer appeared in advance of the South Asian International Film Festival in 2010, and Artsploitation's December 11th DVD release marks the first commercial release of the film with English subs anywhere in the world. The film was previously released via BIldstorung in Germany, but they were contractually forbidden from including English content presumably because this deal was in the works. I've only ever seen it via sketchy festival screener to prepare...
- 10/5/2012
- Screen Anarchy
Bollyspice was at the second day of the London Indian Film Festival, which saw a special screening of groundbreaking and controversial Indian Film ‘Gandu’ (Asshole). The viewing was followed by a live performance by ‘Q’, the Calcutta based rapper, who also wrote, directed and edited the film. Gandu can be best described as a ‘thrash-metal rap musical’, which was banned in India but has since found its way to over a million viewers via the internet and pirated cds!
The film is set in Kolkata and revolves around a hapless loser who is referred to as Gandu (played by Anubrata). Gandu is jobless and lives with his mum who has become a sex-worker in order to pay the bills. As he dreams of a better life and stardom, his days consist of smoking weed, playing violent video games and masturbating to online porn. He finds an outlet to his frustrations...
The film is set in Kolkata and revolves around a hapless loser who is referred to as Gandu (played by Anubrata). Gandu is jobless and lives with his mum who has become a sex-worker in order to pay the bills. As he dreams of a better life and stardom, his days consist of smoking weed, playing violent video games and masturbating to online porn. He finds an outlet to his frustrations...
- 6/25/2012
- by Anjum Shabbir
- Bollyspice
The 62nd Berlin International Film Festival to be held from February 9-19, 2012 announced the list of films to be screened in Panorama section. The lineup includes renowned names such as Hou Hsiao-Hsien, Volker Schlöndorff, Cao Hamburger, Pen-ek Ratanaruang and Teona Strugar Mitevska.
No Indian film has yet found a place in Berlinale Panorama 2012. Last year Vishal Bhardwaj’s 7 Khoon Maaf, Kaushik Mukherjee’s Gandu and Phil Cox’s The Bengali Detective were presented in this section.
Feature films to date:
10+10 by Hou Hsiao-hsien,Taiwan
Death For Sale by Faouzi Bensaïdi, France
Die Wand (The Wall) by Julian Roman Pölsler, Austria/Germany
Dollhouse by Kirsten Sheridan, Ireland
Elles by Malgoska Szumowska, France/Poland/Germany
Fon Tok Kuen Fah (Headshot) by Pen-Ek Ratanaruang, Thailand/France
From Seoul To Varanasi by Kyuhwan Jeon, Republic of Korea
Hot boy noi loan – cau chuyen ve thang cuoi, co gai diem va con vit...
No Indian film has yet found a place in Berlinale Panorama 2012. Last year Vishal Bhardwaj’s 7 Khoon Maaf, Kaushik Mukherjee’s Gandu and Phil Cox’s The Bengali Detective were presented in this section.
Feature films to date:
10+10 by Hou Hsiao-hsien,Taiwan
Death For Sale by Faouzi Bensaïdi, France
Die Wand (The Wall) by Julian Roman Pölsler, Austria/Germany
Dollhouse by Kirsten Sheridan, Ireland
Elles by Malgoska Szumowska, France/Poland/Germany
Fon Tok Kuen Fah (Headshot) by Pen-Ek Ratanaruang, Thailand/France
From Seoul To Varanasi by Kyuhwan Jeon, Republic of Korea
Hot boy noi loan – cau chuyen ve thang cuoi, co gai diem va con vit...
- 1/4/2012
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
This is the Pure Movies review of Gandu (English title: Asshole) for the London Film Festival, reviewed by Garth Twa for Pure Movies. Asshole is directed by Kaushik Mukherjee and stars Anubrata, Joyraj and Rii. Is it, maybe, the watershed of India punk, an explosion of nihilism that will change a generation, like Jarman’s The Last of England or Spheeris’s The Decline of Western Civilization? It doesn’t really confront or challenge stylistic clichés like those exuberant in-your-face films, but instead adopts them, as though this is an audition piece in order to get signed by a label. And although these kids have justification for being pissed off, this feels less authentically anarchic that it does just plain opportunistic. A review isn’t really necessary for Asshole, a new film (as I believe it’s be labelled) by Kaushik Mukherjee. A description will probably do the job.
- 10/30/2011
- by Dr. Garth Twa
- Pure Movies
★★★☆☆ Described by its director Kaushik Mukherjee (Q) as a 'rap musical' and starring Anubrata Basu and Joyraj Bhattacharjee, Bengali film Asshole (Gandu, 2011) is perhaps the most controversial - and arguably the bravest - selection made by this year's BFI London Film Festival committee due to its explicit language, graphic drug abuse and scenes of hardcore sex between actors.
Focusing upon disenchanted Kolkata youth Gandu (Basu), the film begins in an almost realist style, depicting his miserable existence alongside his prostitute mother. He makes his money from pickpocketing his mother's most popular client before splurging out on cannabis and gambling - needless to say, Gandu never wins.
To shield himself from the slings and arrows that his meagre existence throws at him, Gandu descends into Billy Liar-esque flights of fancy, rapping to the camera as if starring in his own music video, his targets feeling the wrath of his razor-sharp lyrics.
Focusing upon disenchanted Kolkata youth Gandu (Basu), the film begins in an almost realist style, depicting his miserable existence alongside his prostitute mother. He makes his money from pickpocketing his mother's most popular client before splurging out on cannabis and gambling - needless to say, Gandu never wins.
To shield himself from the slings and arrows that his meagre existence throws at him, Gandu descends into Billy Liar-esque flights of fancy, rapping to the camera as if starring in his own music video, his targets feeling the wrath of his razor-sharp lyrics.
- 10/13/2011
- by Daniel Green
- CineVue
Like its predecessors, the 3rd annual Oakland Underground Film Festival, which runs Sept. 22-24, is mostly devoted to music-based movies, both fictional and documentary.
There’s the docu-narrative hybrid Marimbas From Hell, the musical Devious, Inc., the Bollyood punk upstart Gandu, and the Bay Area documentary The Furious Force of Rhymes.
In addition, the Opening Night film is Victoria Mahoney’s Yelling to the Sky, starring rock royalty Zöe Kravitz; the cute Japanese children’s film Komaneko, The Curious Cat; plus, a program of experimental short films and more.
For more info on the fest, including screening locations, please visit the official Oakland Underground Film Festival website. The full lineup is below:
Sept. 22
8:00 p.m.: Yelling to the Sky, dir. Victoria Mahoney. A semi-autobiographical account of director Mahoney’s urban adolescence. Starring Zöe Kravitz and Gabourey Sidibe.
Sept. 23
7:30 p.m.: Marimbas From Hell, dir. Julio Hernández Cordón.
There’s the docu-narrative hybrid Marimbas From Hell, the musical Devious, Inc., the Bollyood punk upstart Gandu, and the Bay Area documentary The Furious Force of Rhymes.
In addition, the Opening Night film is Victoria Mahoney’s Yelling to the Sky, starring rock royalty Zöe Kravitz; the cute Japanese children’s film Komaneko, The Curious Cat; plus, a program of experimental short films and more.
For more info on the fest, including screening locations, please visit the official Oakland Underground Film Festival website. The full lineup is below:
Sept. 22
8:00 p.m.: Yelling to the Sky, dir. Victoria Mahoney. A semi-autobiographical account of director Mahoney’s urban adolescence. Starring Zöe Kravitz and Gabourey Sidibe.
Sept. 23
7:30 p.m.: Marimbas From Hell, dir. Julio Hernández Cordón.
- 9/20/2011
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
Still from Adaminte Makan Abu
Adaminte Makan Abu (Abu, Son of Adam) that won the 58th National Award for Best Feature Film will be screened at the the 55th BFI London Film Festival. Gandu (Asshole), The Noble Thief, Anhey Ghore Da Daan (Alms of the Blind Horse) and Nouka Dubi are the other Indian films which will screen at the festival.
Michale Winterbottom’s Trishna, an adaptation of the ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’ set in India will also be screened at the festival.
The festival will take place from October 12-27, 2011.
“Debut director Salim Ahamed presents a rare and poignant tale of Muslim community life in the southern Indian state of Kerala,” writes the festival programmer Cary Rajinder Sawhney about Adaminte Makan Abu.
Kaushik Mukherjee’s Gandu is described as: “Hardcore and at times sexually explicit, Asshole has more in common with contemporary Indian art and rap culture than...
Adaminte Makan Abu (Abu, Son of Adam) that won the 58th National Award for Best Feature Film will be screened at the the 55th BFI London Film Festival. Gandu (Asshole), The Noble Thief, Anhey Ghore Da Daan (Alms of the Blind Horse) and Nouka Dubi are the other Indian films which will screen at the festival.
Michale Winterbottom’s Trishna, an adaptation of the ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’ set in India will also be screened at the festival.
The festival will take place from October 12-27, 2011.
“Debut director Salim Ahamed presents a rare and poignant tale of Muslim community life in the southern Indian state of Kerala,” writes the festival programmer Cary Rajinder Sawhney about Adaminte Makan Abu.
Kaushik Mukherjee’s Gandu is described as: “Hardcore and at times sexually explicit, Asshole has more in common with contemporary Indian art and rap culture than...
- 9/7/2011
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
The ongoing World Cinema Festival Amsterdam is holding a special section on independent Indian cinema called “Soul of India”. The festival will be on till August 21, 2011.
Besides “Soul of India”, Gandu (Asshole) by Kaushik Mukherjee (Q) is one of the nine films competing at the festival. The Jury comprises of actor Achmed Akkabi, Esther van Driesum, Head of Programmes of Programmes of Binger Filmlab and Meenakshi Shedde, Indian consultant to International film festivals.
The films that are being screened in “Soul of India” are Aamir Bashir’s Harud (Autumn), Onir’s I Am, Sidharth Srinivasan’s Pairon Talle (Soul of Sand) and Umesh Kulkarni’s Vihir (The Well). Two short films: Wagah by Supriyo Sen and Udedh Bun (Unravel) by Siddharth Sinha are also being screened at the festival.
“The early years of the 21st century seem to have brought forth a first cautious flowering of a new, independent, artistic Indian cinema.
Besides “Soul of India”, Gandu (Asshole) by Kaushik Mukherjee (Q) is one of the nine films competing at the festival. The Jury comprises of actor Achmed Akkabi, Esther van Driesum, Head of Programmes of Programmes of Binger Filmlab and Meenakshi Shedde, Indian consultant to International film festivals.
The films that are being screened in “Soul of India” are Aamir Bashir’s Harud (Autumn), Onir’s I Am, Sidharth Srinivasan’s Pairon Talle (Soul of Sand) and Umesh Kulkarni’s Vihir (The Well). Two short films: Wagah by Supriyo Sen and Udedh Bun (Unravel) by Siddharth Sinha are also being screened at the festival.
“The early years of the 21st century seem to have brought forth a first cautious flowering of a new, independent, artistic Indian cinema.
- 8/15/2011
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
Nader and Simin, A Separation (Iran) directed by Asghar Farhadi won the Best Film at the 32nd Durban International Film Festival.
“…a masterpiece! We are awarding Best Film for the simplicity and precision of Asghar Farhadi’s craft and his portrayal of the complexities of this family and society in a way that is subtle and universally understood,” the Jury said in its statement.
Andrey Zvyagintsev was awarded the Best Director for Elena (Russia).
Skoonheid directed by Oliver Hermanus won the award for the Best South African Feature Film.
The Best First Feature Film went to The Dynamiter (USA), directed by Matthew Gordon.
Best Documentary went to Position Among the Stars (The Netherlands), directed by Leonard Retel Helmrich. “With its incredibly intimate portrayal of life in Indonesia’s slums, this daring documentary illuminates family relations while treating its subjects with dignity,” the Jury said.
Dirty Laundry (South Africa), directed by...
“…a masterpiece! We are awarding Best Film for the simplicity and precision of Asghar Farhadi’s craft and his portrayal of the complexities of this family and society in a way that is subtle and universally understood,” the Jury said in its statement.
Andrey Zvyagintsev was awarded the Best Director for Elena (Russia).
Skoonheid directed by Oliver Hermanus won the award for the Best South African Feature Film.
The Best First Feature Film went to The Dynamiter (USA), directed by Matthew Gordon.
Best Documentary went to Position Among the Stars (The Netherlands), directed by Leonard Retel Helmrich. “With its incredibly intimate portrayal of life in Indonesia’s slums, this daring documentary illuminates family relations while treating its subjects with dignity,” the Jury said.
Dirty Laundry (South Africa), directed by...
- 8/2/2011
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
Kaushik Mukherjee or Q’s critically acclaimed and controversial film Gandu will have multiple screening in Mumbai on July 30, 2011. The film will be screened at 12.00 pm, 1.30 pm, 3.00 pm, 4.30 pm and 6.00 pm, in Fun Republic Preview Theater, Fun Republic Building, Andheri.
Following the screenings, there will be a band performance “Gandu Circus” by Q. This will take place at 8.30 pm at Mumbai Times Cafe – Bandra.
These screenings will be held as part of the ongoing Naya Cinema Festival organised by Taj Enlighten Film Society.
“After going to and fro with the schedule, the I&B ministry, the venues and the legalities, Gandu is finally here. We will have multiple shows and will screen this film at preview theaters as they are exempted from censorship, ” said Pranav Ashar, founder-chairman of Enlighten Film Society.
Gandu is presently struggling with the censors to get a theatrical release in India, due to its sexually explicit content.
Following the screenings, there will be a band performance “Gandu Circus” by Q. This will take place at 8.30 pm at Mumbai Times Cafe – Bandra.
These screenings will be held as part of the ongoing Naya Cinema Festival organised by Taj Enlighten Film Society.
“After going to and fro with the schedule, the I&B ministry, the venues and the legalities, Gandu is finally here. We will have multiple shows and will screen this film at preview theaters as they are exempted from censorship, ” said Pranav Ashar, founder-chairman of Enlighten Film Society.
Gandu is presently struggling with the censors to get a theatrical release in India, due to its sexually explicit content.
- 7/28/2011
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
Kaushik Mukherjee
Anurag Kashyap will co-produce Kaushik Mukherjee or Q’s upcoming project which is based on Tagore’s work “Tasher Desh”. “Anurag is supportive towards new directors. I have a clear agenda and when I explained to him my company’s co-production model he happily chipped in for the project,” Q told DearCinema.
Q, who has earned recognition worldwide for his film Gandu, chooses to describe his next as “Tagore on an acid trip”. According to him, the film will be a psychedelic and intense rendition of the work of Tagore.
“Tasher Desh” is considered to be an experimental work. “It is an abberation and not much research is available on it,”said Q.
Known for the Bangla rap in Gandu, Q’s new project is a musical with 18 songs. “Tasher Desh” will have a feel of deep electronica and the filmmaker hopes to rope in a few international musicians for the project.
Anurag Kashyap will co-produce Kaushik Mukherjee or Q’s upcoming project which is based on Tagore’s work “Tasher Desh”. “Anurag is supportive towards new directors. I have a clear agenda and when I explained to him my company’s co-production model he happily chipped in for the project,” Q told DearCinema.
Q, who has earned recognition worldwide for his film Gandu, chooses to describe his next as “Tagore on an acid trip”. According to him, the film will be a psychedelic and intense rendition of the work of Tagore.
“Tasher Desh” is considered to be an experimental work. “It is an abberation and not much research is available on it,”said Q.
Known for the Bangla rap in Gandu, Q’s new project is a musical with 18 songs. “Tasher Desh” will have a feel of deep electronica and the filmmaker hopes to rope in a few international musicians for the project.
- 7/19/2011
- by Nandita Dutta
- DearCinema.com
Naya Cinema Festival which was scheduled to begin in Mumbai on July 15 has been postponed due to the bomb explosions in the city Wednesday evening. The festival will now begin on July 22, 2011.
The festival, organized by Taj Enlighten Film Society promises to accommodate more films. The schedule will be updated shortly on the film society’s website www.enlighten.co.in.
The festival was scheduled to run from July 15 through July 31, 2011 with Kaushik Mukherjee’s Gandu as the opening film.
The festival, organized by Taj Enlighten Film Society promises to accommodate more films. The schedule will be updated shortly on the film society’s website www.enlighten.co.in.
The festival was scheduled to run from July 15 through July 31, 2011 with Kaushik Mukherjee’s Gandu as the opening film.
- 7/14/2011
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
Naya Cinema Festival will be held in Mumbai from July 15-31, 2011. Organized by Taj Enlighten Film Society, the festival will screen first or second films of directors who have made “path-breaking” cinema in India.
Gandu, directed by Kaushik Mukherjee will be the opening film of the festival. Two of Mani Kaul’s films will be screened at the festival as a homage to the filmmaker who died last week.
The other films to screen at the festival are Udaan, Do Dooni Chaar, Inshallah Football, Mirch Masala, Main Zinda Hoon, John and Jane, Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, Shor in the City, Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, Dil Chahta Hai, Hkhagoroloi Bohu Door, Ocean of an Old Man, Black Friday, Girni (short film), Vihir, Harishchandrachi Factory and 36 Chowrighee Lane.
Festival Passes are available for Rs 500. For passes, registration can be done at http://enlighten.co.in/frmRegistration.
Gandu, directed by Kaushik Mukherjee will be the opening film of the festival. Two of Mani Kaul’s films will be screened at the festival as a homage to the filmmaker who died last week.
The other films to screen at the festival are Udaan, Do Dooni Chaar, Inshallah Football, Mirch Masala, Main Zinda Hoon, John and Jane, Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, Shor in the City, Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, Dil Chahta Hai, Hkhagoroloi Bohu Door, Ocean of an Old Man, Black Friday, Girni (short film), Vihir, Harishchandrachi Factory and 36 Chowrighee Lane.
Festival Passes are available for Rs 500. For passes, registration can be done at http://enlighten.co.in/frmRegistration.
- 7/11/2011
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
Gandu directed by Kaushik Mukherjee will screen in the Panorama section at the 17th Sarajevo International Film Festival. The 2011 edition of the Sarajevo Film Festival will take place from July 22-30, 2011. Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Europe.
“A fascinating hybrid of today’s marginalized but hip youth and the traditional Kolkota of Satyajit Ray, Gandu is the story of an amoral slum youth whose peers make fun of him, and who escapes drudgery through rap music, which he chants directly into Q’s camera. But this is not the Ray of propriety and withheld energy: The boy watches his mother having sex in exchange for free rent, he masturbates to hardcore pornography, and he befriends and shares crack with a drug addict,”—is the synopsis of the film on the official website of the festival.
According to a statement by Howard Feinstein, the programmer of the festival,...
“A fascinating hybrid of today’s marginalized but hip youth and the traditional Kolkota of Satyajit Ray, Gandu is the story of an amoral slum youth whose peers make fun of him, and who escapes drudgery through rap music, which he chants directly into Q’s camera. But this is not the Ray of propriety and withheld energy: The boy watches his mother having sex in exchange for free rent, he masturbates to hardcore pornography, and he befriends and shares crack with a drug addict,”—is the synopsis of the film on the official website of the festival.
According to a statement by Howard Feinstein, the programmer of the festival,...
- 7/6/2011
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
Kaushik Mukherjee or Q’s experimental film Gandu will have its Asian premiere at the opening of the Naya Cinema Film Festival, organized by Enlighten Film Society in Mumbai. The screening will take place at Cinemax Versova on July 15, which will be followed by a performance by Q and his band, called “The Gandu Circus”.
“Gandu hates his life. He hates his mother. Gandu raps out his hate, anger, dirt and filth of his existence. He and his rickshawpuller friend enter the world of smack, rap, porn and horror. Reality and fiction, surreal and bizarre come together. Can Gandu survive?”–reads the synopsis of the film on IMDb.
Gandu was recently screened at Transilvania International Film Festival and Q won the Best New Director for Gandu at 37th Seattle International Film Festival.
For inquiries about festival passes, contact 022-42141414 or 9870090105.
“Gandu hates his life. He hates his mother. Gandu raps out his hate, anger, dirt and filth of his existence. He and his rickshawpuller friend enter the world of smack, rap, porn and horror. Reality and fiction, surreal and bizarre come together. Can Gandu survive?”–reads the synopsis of the film on IMDb.
Gandu was recently screened at Transilvania International Film Festival and Q won the Best New Director for Gandu at 37th Seattle International Film Festival.
For inquiries about festival passes, contact 022-42141414 or 9870090105.
- 7/5/2011
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
There is a special focus on “India Independents” at the 32nd Durban International Film Festival (Diff), which will run from July 21-31, 2011.
“The remarkably diverse cinema of India is celebrated at Diff this year, with a focus on both the classic and the daringly contemporary,” reads the official website of the festival. As part of the special focus, the festival will present a Satyajit Ray Retrospective along with new works by fresh Indian talents.
The six Ray films to be screened are: Pather Panchali, Aparajito, Charulata, Kapurush, Ghare Baire and Ray’s final film, Agantuk.
Leena Manimekelai’s film The Dead Sea will have its World Premiere at the African festival. Diff describes the films as “a haunting and powerful film about the lives of Tamil fishermen and the difficulties they faced during the Sri Lankan war. The resulting blend of fiction and documentary is a powerful protest against the...
“The remarkably diverse cinema of India is celebrated at Diff this year, with a focus on both the classic and the daringly contemporary,” reads the official website of the festival. As part of the special focus, the festival will present a Satyajit Ray Retrospective along with new works by fresh Indian talents.
The six Ray films to be screened are: Pather Panchali, Aparajito, Charulata, Kapurush, Ghare Baire and Ray’s final film, Agantuk.
Leena Manimekelai’s film The Dead Sea will have its World Premiere at the African festival. Diff describes the films as “a haunting and powerful film about the lives of Tamil fishermen and the difficulties they faced during the Sri Lankan war. The resulting blend of fiction and documentary is a powerful protest against the...
- 6/28/2011
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
“In these times of supersaturated information, most of which are designed to simply make money, it is important to use devices that can shake the audience up, and counter their collective ennui.”
Filmmaker Kaushik Mukherjee, who goes by the moniker Q, hardly needs an introduction. His bold and experimental film Gandu has grabbed eyeballs all over the world. Recently, as Gandu was presented at the Transilvania Film Festival in Romania, Q won the Best New Director award for this film at the 37th Seattle International Film Festival. Here Q gets candid about the film and his vision of filmmaking…
Tell us about your background and your introduction to filmmaking.
I wasn’t really interested in cinema. Being in Calcutta, I was exposed to classic cinema. It never crossed my mind that I could be a filmmaker. I was more interested in music, writing and design, which somehow lead me to...
Filmmaker Kaushik Mukherjee, who goes by the moniker Q, hardly needs an introduction. His bold and experimental film Gandu has grabbed eyeballs all over the world. Recently, as Gandu was presented at the Transilvania Film Festival in Romania, Q won the Best New Director award for this film at the 37th Seattle International Film Festival. Here Q gets candid about the film and his vision of filmmaking…
Tell us about your background and your introduction to filmmaking.
I wasn’t really interested in cinema. Being in Calcutta, I was exposed to classic cinema. It never crossed my mind that I could be a filmmaker. I was more interested in music, writing and design, which somehow lead me to...
- 6/20/2011
- by Nandita Dutta
- DearCinema.com
Kaushik Mukherjee a.k.a. Q won the Grand Jury Prize in New Directors competition for his experimental film Gandu, at the 37th Seattle International Film Festival. The awards were announced on Sunday.
The Jury said in its statement: “We chose to give the prize to a movie that bowled us over with its kinetic, brash humor and style-hoping dexterity, a portrait of tortured youth that refreshingly pokes fun at adolescent self-centeredness while simultaneously exploring the anger, despondency and malaise of a generation.”
Winner of the New Director competition will receive a cash prize of $2,500.
The 25-day festival, which was held from May 19 till June 12, 2011, featured over 450 films from more than 70 countries.
Gandu was presented under 2011 Panorama at the 61st Berlinale early this year.
The Jury said in its statement: “We chose to give the prize to a movie that bowled us over with its kinetic, brash humor and style-hoping dexterity, a portrait of tortured youth that refreshingly pokes fun at adolescent self-centeredness while simultaneously exploring the anger, despondency and malaise of a generation.”
Winner of the New Director competition will receive a cash prize of $2,500.
The 25-day festival, which was held from May 19 till June 12, 2011, featured over 450 films from more than 70 countries.
Gandu was presented under 2011 Panorama at the 61st Berlinale early this year.
- 6/13/2011
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
“To Be Heard” and “Hot Coffee” win big at Seattle International Film Festival’s awards ceremony today at Seattle’s Space Needle.
See below for the full list of winners and runners-up:
Siff 2011 Competition Awards
Siff 2011 Best New Director
Grand Jury Prize
Gandu, directed by “Q” Kaushik Mukherjee (India, 2010)
Jury Statement: “We chose to give the prize to a movie that bowled us over with its kinetic, brash humor and style-hoping dexterity, a portrait of tortured youth that refreshingly pokes fun at adolescent self-centeredness while simultaneously exploring the anger, despondency and malaise of a generation.”
Siff 2011 Best Documentary
Grand Jury Prize
Hot Coffee, directed by Susan Saladoff (USA, 2011)
Jury Statement: “Going beyond a well-known headline that was the butt of many jokes, Hot Coffee makes dry legal boilerplate spring to life in portraying human dramas with tragic consequences. It makes us all question our simple assumptions – it’s a film that needs to be seen.
See below for the full list of winners and runners-up:
Siff 2011 Competition Awards
Siff 2011 Best New Director
Grand Jury Prize
Gandu, directed by “Q” Kaushik Mukherjee (India, 2010)
Jury Statement: “We chose to give the prize to a movie that bowled us over with its kinetic, brash humor and style-hoping dexterity, a portrait of tortured youth that refreshingly pokes fun at adolescent self-centeredness while simultaneously exploring the anger, despondency and malaise of a generation.”
Siff 2011 Best Documentary
Grand Jury Prize
Hot Coffee, directed by Susan Saladoff (USA, 2011)
Jury Statement: “Going beyond a well-known headline that was the butt of many jokes, Hot Coffee makes dry legal boilerplate spring to life in portraying human dramas with tragic consequences. It makes us all question our simple assumptions – it’s a film that needs to be seen.
- 6/12/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Network
“To Be Heard” and “Hot Coffee” win big at Seattle International Film Festival’s awards ceremony today at Seattle’s Space Needle.
See below for the full list of winners and runners-up:
Siff 2011 Competition Awards
Siff 2011 Best New Director
Grand Jury Prize
Gandu, directed by “Q” Kaushik Mukherjee (India, 2010)
Jury Statement: “We chose to give the prize to a movie that bowled us over with its kinetic, brash humor and style-hoping dexterity, a portrait of tortured youth that refreshingly pokes fun at adolescent self-centeredness while simultaneously exploring the anger, despondency and malaise of a generation.”
Siff 2011 Best Documentary
Grand Jury Prize
Hot Coffee, directed by Susan Saladoff (USA, 2011)
Jury Statement: “Going beyond a well-known headline that was the butt of many jokes, Hot Coffee makes dry legal boilerplate spring to life in portraying human dramas with tragic consequences. It makes us all question our simple assumptions – it’s a film that needs to be seen.
See below for the full list of winners and runners-up:
Siff 2011 Competition Awards
Siff 2011 Best New Director
Grand Jury Prize
Gandu, directed by “Q” Kaushik Mukherjee (India, 2010)
Jury Statement: “We chose to give the prize to a movie that bowled us over with its kinetic, brash humor and style-hoping dexterity, a portrait of tortured youth that refreshingly pokes fun at adolescent self-centeredness while simultaneously exploring the anger, despondency and malaise of a generation.”
Siff 2011 Best Documentary
Grand Jury Prize
Hot Coffee, directed by Susan Saladoff (USA, 2011)
Jury Statement: “Going beyond a well-known headline that was the butt of many jokes, Hot Coffee makes dry legal boilerplate spring to life in portraying human dramas with tragic consequences. It makes us all question our simple assumptions – it’s a film that needs to be seen.
- 6/12/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Magazine
The Seattle International Film Festival completed its 37th year with an awards ceremony at the Space Needle this morning, where it announced the Competition and Golden Space Needle Audience Awards. Top winners included “Q” Kaushik Mukherjee's "Gandu," from India, which won the Grand Jury Prize for Best New Director. The film premiered earlier this year at the Slamdance Film Festival. Susan Saladoff's Sundance entry "Hot Coffee" won the Grand Jury ...
- 6/12/2011
- Indiewire
The narrative feature "Gandu" and the documentary "Hot Coffee" won the top jury prizes at the Seattle International Film Festival, which celebrated the winning films on Sunday at the Golden Space Needle awards ceremony and brunch at Seattle's Space Needle. Audience awards went to the narrative feature "Paper Birds," from Spain, and the documentary "To Be Heard." The Lena Sharpe Award for Persistence of Vision, which was presented by Women in Film/Seattle to the film that received the largest number of awards in public voting, went to "Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey." The...
- 6/12/2011
- The Wrap
Nader And Simin, A Separation by Asghar Farhadi won the Golden Bear for the Best Film at the 61st Berlinale. The Silver Bear went to The Turin Horse by Béla Tarr. Ulrich Köhler won the Silver Bear for Best Director for Schlafkrankheit (Sleeping Sickness).
The festival concluded on Saturday evening. Indian actor-producer Aamir Khan served on the main Jury of the festival. Patang (The Kite) by Prashant Bhargava was screened in the 41st Berlinale Forum. Vishal Bhardwaj’s 7 Khoon Maaf, Kaushik Mukherjee’s Gandu and Phil Cox’s The Bengali Detective were presented in the Panorama section.
List of Main Awards at Berlinale:
Golden Bear For The Best Film
Jodaeiye Nader az Simin
Nader And Simin, A Separation
by Asghar Farhadi
Jury Grand Prix-silver Bear
A torinói ló
The Turin Horse
by Béla Tarr
Silver Bear For Best Director
Ulrich Köhler for
Schlafkrankheit (Sleeping Sickness)
Silver Bear For Best Actress...
The festival concluded on Saturday evening. Indian actor-producer Aamir Khan served on the main Jury of the festival. Patang (The Kite) by Prashant Bhargava was screened in the 41st Berlinale Forum. Vishal Bhardwaj’s 7 Khoon Maaf, Kaushik Mukherjee’s Gandu and Phil Cox’s The Bengali Detective were presented in the Panorama section.
List of Main Awards at Berlinale:
Golden Bear For The Best Film
Jodaeiye Nader az Simin
Nader And Simin, A Separation
by Asghar Farhadi
Jury Grand Prix-silver Bear
A torinói ló
The Turin Horse
by Béla Tarr
Silver Bear For Best Director
Ulrich Köhler for
Schlafkrankheit (Sleeping Sickness)
Silver Bear For Best Actress...
- 2/19/2011
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
It is an example of how important a film’s title can be in its marketing process. Gandu, the debut Bengali film of Kaushik Mukherjee is part of the 61st Berlinale Panorama section. It has aroused everyone’s curiosity including that of India’s brand ambassador at Berlinale, inimitable Aamir Khan. He reportedly was not impressed by its content. However, he felt that the ‘Bengali Rap’ part of it could be released as separate music video.
- 2/18/2011
- Bollywood Trade
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.