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Arshad Warsi on Durgamati: I wish it released in theatres

Murtuza Iqbal


Arshad Warsi will next be seen in Durgamati which is slated to release on Amazon Prime Video on 11th December 2020. It is a horror film and stars Bhumi Pednekar in the lead role.

We recently interacted with Arshad and asked him if he feels that the impact of the film would have been better if it released in theatres, the actor said, “100 percent, there’s no doubt in that. A film like this, especially a horror genre, you need to see it in a theatre where it’s pitch-dark, sound effects are there, and special effects are there. The film is in its glory and that’s the way to see a horror film, otherwise, it dilutes the effect that the director is trying to show in the film. So yes, I wish it released in theatres, people would have enjoyed it much more.”

Durgamati is a remake of Bhaagamathie, and Arshad told us that he saw the Telugu film after wrapping up the shoot of the remake. The character Arshad is playing in the Hindi remake was portrayed by Jayaram in the original Telugu film.

When we asked Arshad, if he feels any pressure about comparisons with Jayaram, the actor said, “Comparisons are always going to happen, it’s bound to happen. That’s one of the reasons I didn’t want to see it (Bhaagamathie) because I knew if I see it somewhere I will be influenced. I have done it the way I would have done it. I just did my job. So, my fear more than anything is that I just hope I have not done a terrible job that’s all I am worried about. I just hope I have done a decent job that people say ‘he didn’t embarrass us, he did a good job. Jayaram was brilliant and Arshad was not bad’. That’s it, I am not competing with anybody and I don’t want to compete with anybody.”

Directed by Ashok, Durgamati also stars Mahie Gill and Jisshu Sengupta.

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British Asian filmmakers gain rare access to China’s entertainment industry at Third Shanghai London Screen Industry Forum

UK China film collaborations take off as Third Shanghai London Forum connects British Asian filmmakers with Chinese studios

Instagram/ukchinafilm

British Asian filmmakers gain rare access to China’s entertainment industry at Third Shanghai London Screen Industry Forum

Highlights:

  • Forum brings UK and Chinese film professionals together to explore collaborations.
  • Emerging British-Asian talent gain mentorship and international exposure.
  • Small-scale dramas, kids’ shows, and adapting popular formats were the projects everyone was talking about.
  • Telling stories that feel real to their culture, yet can connect with anyone, is what makes them work worldwide.
  • Meeting three times a year keeps the UK and China talking, creating opportunities that last beyond one event.

The theatre was packed for the Third Shanghai–London Screen Industry Forum. Between panels and workshops, filmmakers, producers and executives discussed ideas and business cards and it felt more than just a summit. British-Asian filmmakers were meeting and greeting the Chinese industry in an attempt to explore genuine possibilities of working in China’s film market.

UK China film collaborations take off as Third Shanghai London Forum connects British Asian filmmakers with Chinese studios Instagram/ukchinafilm

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