Mother’s Day weekend 2019 marked a turning point in the young life of Madhuri Shekar.
It all started two years before with a phone call from a woman named Kate Navin, then head of theater for Audible. Navin said she’d recently been armed with money to develop original works from emerging play- wrights, and she was calling to offer Shekar, just a year out of Juilliard, the chance to write. The only catch: Shekar’s play would have to be crafted as an audio-only production.
Shekar’s answer to this challenge was “Evil Eye,” a 100-minute potboiler that revolves around daily telephone conversations between a mother in India and a daughter in Los Angeles. The finished play was released on Audible in May 2019. For Shekar, the impact on her career was immediate. Within weeks, she was negotiating a deal with Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Blumhouse for the movie version...
It all started two years before with a phone call from a woman named Kate Navin, then head of theater for Audible. Navin said she’d recently been armed with money to develop original works from emerging play- wrights, and she was calling to offer Shekar, just a year out of Juilliard, the chance to write. The only catch: Shekar’s play would have to be crafted as an audio-only production.
Shekar’s answer to this challenge was “Evil Eye,” a 100-minute potboiler that revolves around daily telephone conversations between a mother in India and a daughter in Los Angeles. The finished play was released on Audible in May 2019. For Shekar, the impact on her career was immediate. Within weeks, she was negotiating a deal with Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Blumhouse for the movie version...
- 3/27/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Walking out of the theater after Ddlj, Jay (Jonathan Groff) launches into a defense of the over-the-top emotionality of Bollywood romances. “I think we’re all embarrassed by the bigness of love,” he declares. His date, Naveen (Karan Soni), is intrigued but skeptical, later recounting the interaction to his work bestie (Peter S. Kim) as a bit weird and kind of corny.
Because A Nice Indian Boy is a rom-com, though, it’s practically a given that Naveen will come around by the end. The film delights in public displays and grand gestures, such that it opens and closes on a pair of weddings. But its real strength lies in its sensitivity toward the messy feelings, smaller acts, and platonic and familial bonds that underlie those epic shows of romance. By the end, even those who don’t fancy themselves the sentimental type — as Naveen doesn’t, and I don...
Because A Nice Indian Boy is a rom-com, though, it’s practically a given that Naveen will come around by the end. The film delights in public displays and grand gestures, such that it opens and closes on a pair of weddings. But its real strength lies in its sensitivity toward the messy feelings, smaller acts, and platonic and familial bonds that underlie those epic shows of romance. By the end, even those who don’t fancy themselves the sentimental type — as Naveen doesn’t, and I don...
- 3/14/2024
- by Angie Han
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
I did not have Jonathan Groff singing “Tujhe Dekha To Yeh Jana Sanam” on my 2024 bingo card. The Broadway actor humbly steps into Indian culture in Roshan Sethi’s “A Nice Indian Boy,” which repeatedly connects back to Aditya Chopra’s “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” — the film that originated “Tujhe Dekha”.
Written by Eric Randall (and based on Madhuri Shekar’s play), “A Nice Indian Boy” is all about subverting stereotypes about Indian culture, both within and outside of the community. The title itself is a cheeky twist on every aunty’s favorite refrain: that when a girl is of the right age, she or her family will find her a “nice Indian boy” to settle down with.
This time, however, protagonist Naveen (Karan Soni) is the one planning to bring home a nice Indian boy, which is probably not what all those aunties were picturing. But “A Nice Indian Boy” delights in defying expectations,...
Written by Eric Randall (and based on Madhuri Shekar’s play), “A Nice Indian Boy” is all about subverting stereotypes about Indian culture, both within and outside of the community. The title itself is a cheeky twist on every aunty’s favorite refrain: that when a girl is of the right age, she or her family will find her a “nice Indian boy” to settle down with.
This time, however, protagonist Naveen (Karan Soni) is the one planning to bring home a nice Indian boy, which is probably not what all those aunties were picturing. But “A Nice Indian Boy” delights in defying expectations,...
- 3/13/2024
- by Proma Khosla
- Indiewire
Author Vauhini Vara’s acclaimed debut novel, The Immortal King Rao, is being adapted for television.
Independent studio Wiip (Mare of Easttown, Dickinson) has acquired rights to the novel — which made several best books of 2022 lists — and will develop it as a TV series. Playwright and screenwriter Madhuri Shekar is set to adapt the story and will serve as an executive producer.
“I worked on this novel for 13 years, during which I often fantasized about the on-screen version I’d get to watch one day: how big and dramatic and genre-twisty I imagined it would be,” said Vara, a former business editor at The New Yorker, in a statement. “That this is actually on its way to happening — and with a dream team of colleagues whose work I so admire, including the visionary Madhuri Shekar at the writing helm — could not be more exciting.”
The Immortal King Rao follows an Indian entrepreneur who,...
Independent studio Wiip (Mare of Easttown, Dickinson) has acquired rights to the novel — which made several best books of 2022 lists — and will develop it as a TV series. Playwright and screenwriter Madhuri Shekar is set to adapt the story and will serve as an executive producer.
“I worked on this novel for 13 years, during which I often fantasized about the on-screen version I’d get to watch one day: how big and dramatic and genre-twisty I imagined it would be,” said Vara, a former business editor at The New Yorker, in a statement. “That this is actually on its way to happening — and with a dream team of colleagues whose work I so admire, including the visionary Madhuri Shekar at the writing helm — could not be more exciting.”
The Immortal King Rao follows an Indian entrepreneur who,...
- 3/7/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
If you're still hoping and praying for a third Sister Act movie, you're about to feel extremely blessed - joyful, joyful, even. According to Whoopi Goldberg, the long-awaited threequel is still happening. And that's not all: she already has a dream cast in mind.
During an October episode of "Hell of a Week With Charlamagne Tha God," she shared details about the upcoming project, including the stars she would love to see join the cast. Among her top picks to join the third film? Keke Palmer, Lizzo, and Nicki Minaj. "I'm gonna ask Keke to come. You know, I want everybody to come in. I want Lizzo to come," she said. "I want as many people who want to have some fun because I really, desperately need to have some fun."
"I live for fan casting. The community has me booked, and honey, I'm here for it."
For her part,...
During an October episode of "Hell of a Week With Charlamagne Tha God," she shared details about the upcoming project, including the stars she would love to see join the cast. Among her top picks to join the third film? Keke Palmer, Lizzo, and Nicki Minaj. "I'm gonna ask Keke to come. You know, I want everybody to come in. I want Lizzo to come," she said. "I want as many people who want to have some fun because I really, desperately need to have some fun."
"I live for fan casting. The community has me booked, and honey, I'm here for it."
For her part,...
- 11/18/2022
- by Amanda Prahl
- Popsugar.com
Tyler Perry is giving Sister Act fans an update on where the development of the third installment of the film is at after Whoopi Goldberg talked about hoping to start production of the movie.
“I love the idea of us making this happen but you know, the Hollywood system moves a little slower than I’d like to,” Perry, who is set as a producer of the film, said during his appearance on The View on Sept. 22. “So we’ve got a good script. We’re off to a great start. We’re just trying to get everybody moving in the right direction so we can get it going.”
Whoopi Goldberg Shares Hope To Do ‘Sister Act 3’ With Jenifer Lewis
Goldberg chimed in that it has “taken 20 years” to get Sister Act 3 going and added, “They were sort of lukewarm for the longest time [about making the movie], they said nobody wanted to see...
“I love the idea of us making this happen but you know, the Hollywood system moves a little slower than I’d like to,” Perry, who is set as a producer of the film, said during his appearance on The View on Sept. 22. “So we’ve got a good script. We’re off to a great start. We’re just trying to get everybody moving in the right direction so we can get it going.”
Whoopi Goldberg Shares Hope To Do ‘Sister Act 3’ With Jenifer Lewis
Goldberg chimed in that it has “taken 20 years” to get Sister Act 3 going and added, “They were sort of lukewarm for the longest time [about making the movie], they said nobody wanted to see...
- 9/22/2022
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Whoopi Goldberg is sharing her desire to work on the long-awaited Sister Act 3 that was announced back in 2020. The View co-host welcomed Jenifer Lewis to the ABC talk show and reminded her that they still had the movie pending.
“You know we’re still going to do that movie,” Goldberg told her Sister Act co-star as she sat down on the “Hot Topics” table. “And I’d do everything I can to work with her because she’s fun.”
Lewis said she was “so ready” to film the sequel set for Disney+ and revealed that it was her who taught Goldberg how to sing on the movie set.
“They were going to use my voice and I told Whoopi, ‘Look, you just get in this mirror with the two of us, and you just get a hairbrush and pretend that we’re 15 years old singing Gladys Knight and the Pips,...
“You know we’re still going to do that movie,” Goldberg told her Sister Act co-star as she sat down on the “Hot Topics” table. “And I’d do everything I can to work with her because she’s fun.”
Lewis said she was “so ready” to film the sequel set for Disney+ and revealed that it was her who taught Goldberg how to sing on the movie set.
“They were going to use my voice and I told Whoopi, ‘Look, you just get in this mirror with the two of us, and you just get a hairbrush and pretend that we’re 15 years old singing Gladys Knight and the Pips,...
- 9/21/2022
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
The WGA East’s second Showrunner Academy gets underway today, with the 31-member class taking part in a program designed to support television writer-producers, upper-level writers and new show creators in honing the skills necessary to become successful showrunners and TV industry leaders.
The Academy, which provides instruction from current showrunners and other industry professionals on a wide range of topics, is led by Diana Son and Frank Pugliese.
“Being a showrunner is so much more than being the creative voice of the show,” Son said in a statement. “It’s also managing a multimillion-dollar endeavor with over 100 employees. We’re bringing in accomplished and experienced showrunners who’re willing to share the breadth of their experience – the good, bad and the ugly – so new showrunners can have a head start on figuring out what kind of showrunner they’re going to be.
The Academy, which provides instruction from current showrunners and other industry professionals on a wide range of topics, is led by Diana Son and Frank Pugliese.
“Being a showrunner is so much more than being the creative voice of the show,” Son said in a statement. “It’s also managing a multimillion-dollar endeavor with over 100 employees. We’re bringing in accomplished and experienced showrunners who’re willing to share the breadth of their experience – the good, bad and the ugly – so new showrunners can have a head start on figuring out what kind of showrunner they’re going to be.
- 9/14/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Bus in the nun choir and get ready to sing along with Whoopi Goldberg as she makes her triumphant return in "Sister Act 3." The belated threequel has brought on board Madhuri Shekar ("Welcome to the Blumhouse: Evil Eye") to write the script and Tim Federle ("High School Musical: The Musical: The Series") to direct.
We first heard tell of "Sister Act 3" back in 2018, and at that point Goldberg and her representatives said she wasn't involved, which sort of defeats the whole purpose of "Sister Act." Since then, they've apparently changed their tune. In December 2020 it was confirmed that Goldberg would be reprising...
The post Sister Act 3 Lands Tim Federle to Direct, Madhuri Shekar to Write appeared first on /Film.
We first heard tell of "Sister Act 3" back in 2018, and at that point Goldberg and her representatives said she wasn't involved, which sort of defeats the whole purpose of "Sister Act." Since then, they've apparently changed their tune. In December 2020 it was confirmed that Goldberg would be reprising...
The post Sister Act 3 Lands Tim Federle to Direct, Madhuri Shekar to Write appeared first on /Film.
- 10/2/2021
- by Joshua Meyer
- Slash Film
Exclusive: The third installment in the Sister Act franchise looks to be gaining momentum at Disney as sources tell Deadline Tim Federle has been brought on to direct with Madhuri Shekar writing the script on the sequel starring Whoopi Goldberg. Goldberg will reprise her role as Deloris, the nightclub singer turned nun, and will also produce the pic along with Tyler Perry. Tom Leonardis is also producing.
The original pic followed Deloris, a nightclub singer who is forced to go into a hiding as a nun at a a convent , and inadvertently ends up turning the convent choir into a soulful chorus complete with a Motown repertoire, until the sudden popularity of the choir jeopardizes her identity. The original pic went on to be a huge hit leading to a sequel in 1993. As Disney continues to try to build up its content on Disney+, the studio has been taking a...
The original pic followed Deloris, a nightclub singer who is forced to go into a hiding as a nun at a a convent , and inadvertently ends up turning the convent choir into a soulful chorus complete with a Motown repertoire, until the sudden popularity of the choir jeopardizes her identity. The original pic went on to be a huge hit leading to a sequel in 1993. As Disney continues to try to build up its content on Disney+, the studio has been taking a...
- 9/30/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Managers Jairo Alvarado, Tony Gil, and Max Goldfarb have partnered to form Redefine Entertainment, a new literary management and production company. They most recently were managers at Circle of Confusion and The Gotham Group. Imani Beal-Ampah joins them as a coordinator.
The partners said: “Redefine Entertainment will be a home for a new generation of creatives. We will cultivate a culture of transparency and empower our clients to better learn the business side of their decisions. We intend to foster community among our clientele, and we are excited to usher in and mentor a new generation of representatives to help us tackle the challenges of our evolving business.”
The company launches with around 60 clients, a list that includes The Farewell director Lulu Wang who is the creator of the upcoming series Ex-Pats for Amazon starring Nicole Kidman; Angel Soto, director of Charmed City Kings for HBO Max and recently tapped...
The partners said: “Redefine Entertainment will be a home for a new generation of creatives. We will cultivate a culture of transparency and empower our clients to better learn the business side of their decisions. We intend to foster community among our clientele, and we are excited to usher in and mentor a new generation of representatives to help us tackle the challenges of our evolving business.”
The company launches with around 60 clients, a list that includes The Farewell director Lulu Wang who is the creator of the upcoming series Ex-Pats for Amazon starring Nicole Kidman; Angel Soto, director of Charmed City Kings for HBO Max and recently tapped...
- 3/3/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
More than 200 theater writers – playwrights, composers, lyricists, librettists – have joined a nationwide letter writing campaign urging the incoming Biden-Harris Administration to prioritize its commitment to an arts community ravaged by Covid-19. Among other goals, many of the letters urge the administration to create a Department and Secretary of Arts & Culture.
Organized by the non-partisan grassroots coalition Be An #ArtsHero in partnership with The Dramatists Guild of America, the “Dear Mr. President and Madam Vice President” campaign asserts that “the Arts are vital to our nation’s soul and our collective humanity, as well as being an essential driver of the economy.”
Among those writing letters: Jeremy O. Harris (Slave Play), Anaïs Mitchell (Hadestown), Heidi Schreck (What The Constitution Means To Me) as well as V (formerly Eve Ensler), Craig Lucas, Theresa Rebeck, Sarah Ruhl, Marsha Norman, Lynn Ahrens, Zakiyyah Alexander, Jaclyn Backhaus, Bekah Brunstetter, Carla Ching, Vichet Chum, Paul Downs Colaizzo,...
Organized by the non-partisan grassroots coalition Be An #ArtsHero in partnership with The Dramatists Guild of America, the “Dear Mr. President and Madam Vice President” campaign asserts that “the Arts are vital to our nation’s soul and our collective humanity, as well as being an essential driver of the economy.”
Among those writing letters: Jeremy O. Harris (Slave Play), Anaïs Mitchell (Hadestown), Heidi Schreck (What The Constitution Means To Me) as well as V (formerly Eve Ensler), Craig Lucas, Theresa Rebeck, Sarah Ruhl, Marsha Norman, Lynn Ahrens, Zakiyyah Alexander, Jaclyn Backhaus, Bekah Brunstetter, Carla Ching, Vichet Chum, Paul Downs Colaizzo,...
- 1/14/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Evil Eye Review — Evil Eye (2020) Video Movie Review, a movie directed by Elan Dassani and Rajeev Dassani, written by Madhuri Shekar, and stars Sarita Choudhury, Asad Durrani, Pritesh Shah, Kamran Shaikh, Kim Patel, Satya Nikhil Polisetti, Ash Thapliyal, Lena Clark, Sunita Mani, Rachel Cora Wood, Anjali Bhimani, Bernard White, and Omar [...]
Continue reading: Video Movie Review: Evil Eye (2020): This May Be the Worst Film of the Year...
Continue reading: Video Movie Review: Evil Eye (2020): This May Be the Worst Film of the Year...
- 12/31/2020
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
By Natalia Ningthoujam
New Delhi, Oct 28 (Ians) Indian-American writer Madhuri Shekar says discrimination does not have to be overt, but is happy to see the tide changing in American showbiz.
Madhuri is the woman behind plays like "In Love And Warcraft", "A Nice Indian Boy", "House Of Joy" and "Dhaba On Devon Avenue". Her audio play "Evil Eye" has been adapted into a film backed by popular names like producer Jason Blum and actress-producer Priyanka Chopra.
Asked about the challenges she faced to earn a spot in American showbiz, Madhuri told Ians: "I have never experienced overt or blatant sexism or racism in my career, but I also know that there are far fewer people of my background working in this field than there ought to be. Discrimination doesn't have to be overt! But the tide is changing and I am so excited by the many 'desi' writers, directors and...
New Delhi, Oct 28 (Ians) Indian-American writer Madhuri Shekar says discrimination does not have to be overt, but is happy to see the tide changing in American showbiz.
Madhuri is the woman behind plays like "In Love And Warcraft", "A Nice Indian Boy", "House Of Joy" and "Dhaba On Devon Avenue". Her audio play "Evil Eye" has been adapted into a film backed by popular names like producer Jason Blum and actress-producer Priyanka Chopra.
Asked about the challenges she faced to earn a spot in American showbiz, Madhuri told Ians: "I have never experienced overt or blatant sexism or racism in my career, but I also know that there are far fewer people of my background working in this field than there ought to be. Discrimination doesn't have to be overt! But the tide is changing and I am so excited by the many 'desi' writers, directors and...
- 10/28/2020
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
The psychological thriller Evil Eye is now available to watch on Amazon Prime Video now. The film is based on the Audible Original by Madhuri Shekar and is directed by award winning directors Rajeev and Elan Dassani. The film is produced under actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ home banner Purple Pebble Pictures and Jason Blum’s Blumhouse Productions.
Leading actress Sarita Chaudhry recently spoke out about what it was like working on the film co-produced by Priyanka. “What impresses me is that Priyanka, where she’s at with her career, could continue solo just thinking about her career. But the fact that she wanted to produce something and get other actors to be in it and to be represented. She said somewhere she really wanted to have an Indian lead on a poster, and she has two, two women on a poster. And I thought when she said that I was...
Leading actress Sarita Chaudhry recently spoke out about what it was like working on the film co-produced by Priyanka. “What impresses me is that Priyanka, where she’s at with her career, could continue solo just thinking about her career. But the fact that she wanted to produce something and get other actors to be in it and to be represented. She said somewhere she really wanted to have an Indian lead on a poster, and she has two, two women on a poster. And I thought when she said that I was...
- 10/25/2020
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Priyanka Chopra Jonas recently spoke about her new all South Asian cast release, Evil Eye, produced under her home banner Purple Pebble Pictures and Jason Blum’s Blumhouse Productions. The actress says the project is “a big deal” for her because of multiple aspects, one of which is the ‘two really strong female parts’, played by actresses of South Asian heritage: Sarita Choudhury and Sunita Mani.
Speaking with US-based entertainment television newsmagazine Entertainment Tonight, Priyanka weighed in on the diverse cast and said she wants to create opportunities for South Asian artists in Hollywood through her production house. “My quest in life, as a producer, is to influx Hollywood with brown people, because we don’t see enough of us. And to be able to do an all South Asian cast in a movie with Amazon and Blumhouse — who are both powerhouses — was a dream come true for me.”
Sunita...
Speaking with US-based entertainment television newsmagazine Entertainment Tonight, Priyanka weighed in on the diverse cast and said she wants to create opportunities for South Asian artists in Hollywood through her production house. “My quest in life, as a producer, is to influx Hollywood with brown people, because we don’t see enough of us. And to be able to do an all South Asian cast in a movie with Amazon and Blumhouse — who are both powerhouses — was a dream come true for me.”
Sunita...
- 10/21/2020
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Blumhouse’s “Evil Eye” is a horror film that delves deeply into reincarnation and other Hindu philosophies, and star Sunita Mani saw similarities between the film and her personal life — one that was particularly “spooky.”
“My mom’s name is Usha, so when I read that in the script, I was like, spooky!” Mani told TheWrap, referencing Sarita Choudhury’s character, who plays Mani’s mother in the film. She explained that her connection to India became ingrained in her from a very early age, living in a south Indian household in Tennessee. She was made aware of the religion and customs through her parents and letters from her cousins who still lived in India.
“I definitely grew up with the concept of Evil Eye and reincarnation and the idea that family members or my mom would check charts and astrological signs, that’s huge in conversation and something that...
“My mom’s name is Usha, so when I read that in the script, I was like, spooky!” Mani told TheWrap, referencing Sarita Choudhury’s character, who plays Mani’s mother in the film. She explained that her connection to India became ingrained in her from a very early age, living in a south Indian household in Tennessee. She was made aware of the religion and customs through her parents and letters from her cousins who still lived in India.
“I definitely grew up with the concept of Evil Eye and reincarnation and the idea that family members or my mom would check charts and astrological signs, that’s huge in conversation and something that...
- 10/13/2020
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
For their contribution to the Welcome to the Blumhouse collection of films, brothers Rajeev Dassani and Elan Dassani explore the horrors of modern dating and familial expectations in Evil Eye. The story, written by Madhuri Shekar, introduces us to confirmed bachelorette Pallavi (Sunita Mani), who lives in New Orleans, but still remains close with her family back in India, especially her mother, Usha (Sarita Choudhury), who she chats with regularly on the phone. One day, Pallavi ends up meeting the man of her dreams (Omar Maskati), but something doesn’t sit right with Usha, leaving the matriarch concerned that her daughter is in danger, and she has to do everything she can so that her daughter doesn’t end up meeting a cruel fate.
Daily Dead recently had the opportunity to speak with both Rajeev and Elan about their experiences working on Evil Eye, and they discussed the importance of...
Daily Dead recently had the opportunity to speak with both Rajeev and Elan about their experiences working on Evil Eye, and they discussed the importance of...
- 10/13/2020
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Amazon Studios upcoming film Evil Eye is set to take audiences on a wild ride of twists and turns. Starring Sarita Choudhury, Sunita Mani, Omar Maskati and Bernard White, the chilling, psychological thriller Evil Eye is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video now.
A seemingly perfect romance turns into a nightmare when a mother becomes convinced her daughter’s new boyfriend has a dark connection to her own past. Based on the audiobook by writer Madhuri Shekar, Evil Eye is directed by award-winning filmmakers Elan and Rajeev Dassani and co-produced by Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Jason Blum (Get Out).
In the tradition of the best horror filmmakers, the Dassanis crafted innovative ways to frighten viewers using sound and image. “What’s great about making a film like Evil Eye is that you can play around with the genre elements,” says Elan. “You can shoot scenes entirely in silhouette, or add creepy audio effects,...
A seemingly perfect romance turns into a nightmare when a mother becomes convinced her daughter’s new boyfriend has a dark connection to her own past. Based on the audiobook by writer Madhuri Shekar, Evil Eye is directed by award-winning filmmakers Elan and Rajeev Dassani and co-produced by Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Jason Blum (Get Out).
In the tradition of the best horror filmmakers, the Dassanis crafted innovative ways to frighten viewers using sound and image. “What’s great about making a film like Evil Eye is that you can play around with the genre elements,” says Elan. “You can shoot scenes entirely in silhouette, or add creepy audio effects,...
- 10/13/2020
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Amazon corporate synergy pays off in Evil Eye, a suspenseful thriller adapted by playwright Madhuri Shekar from her audio drama, which was a hit for the streaming giant’s Audible platform of spoken-word entertainment. This new iteration fits smoothly into Welcome to the Blumhouse, a series of original genre films by culturally diverse emerging talents, in this case marking a confident feature co-directing debut for Indian American twin brothers Elan and Rajeev Dassani. The standout element of Evil Eye, however, is a riveting star turn from veteran Sarita Choudhury as a superstitious mother whose concern for her daughter spirals into a violent nightmare ...
- 10/12/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Amazon corporate synergy pays off in Evil Eye, a suspenseful thriller adapted by playwright Madhuri Shekar from her audio drama, which was a hit for the streaming giant’s Audible platform of spoken-word entertainment. This new iteration fits smoothly into Welcome to the Blumhouse, a series of original genre films by culturally diverse emerging talents, in this case marking a confident feature co-directing debut for Indian American twin brothers Elan and Rajeev Dassani. The standout element of Evil Eye, however, is a riveting star turn from veteran Sarita Choudhury as a superstitious mother whose concern for her daughter spirals into a violent nightmare ...
- 10/12/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
To celebrate the release of Welcome to Blumhouse, the new collection of films from Jason Blum and Blumhouse Productions, we sat down with the cast of Evil Eye, one of the four features set for release this month.
We chatted with Sarita Choudhury, Sunita Mani, and Omar Maskati about the new film, itself based on the audio play by Madhuri Shekar and tells the story of a seemingly perfect romance between Pallavi (Mani) and Sandeep (Maskati) turns into a nightmare when a mother (Choudhury) becomes convinced her daughter’s new boyfriend has a dark connection to her own past. A dark, tense, and psychological film, the cast told us about their reactions to the script, which read more like a John Cassavettes film than a horror, the relationships between them, and how they envisage audiences reacting to the story.
You can watch the full interview below:
Evil Eye is available...
We chatted with Sarita Choudhury, Sunita Mani, and Omar Maskati about the new film, itself based on the audio play by Madhuri Shekar and tells the story of a seemingly perfect romance between Pallavi (Mani) and Sandeep (Maskati) turns into a nightmare when a mother (Choudhury) becomes convinced her daughter’s new boyfriend has a dark connection to her own past. A dark, tense, and psychological film, the cast told us about their reactions to the script, which read more like a John Cassavettes film than a horror, the relationships between them, and how they envisage audiences reacting to the story.
You can watch the full interview below:
Evil Eye is available...
- 10/12/2020
- by Scott Davis
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Autumn is the best.
The crisp scent of changing leaves that crunch under your feet make way for candy, pumpkin pie, and All Kinds Of Scary Programming!
Horror is right at the top of my favorites list year around, so this month with movies and series premiereing left and right to scare us silly is right up my alley. Check out what we recommend this week.
Saturday, October 10
9/8c My Best Friend's Bouquet (Hallmark)
Josie Hughes (Chaley Rose) is a hopeless romantic who believes in the kind of romance in black-and-white movies where the leading lady finds her one true love and gets swept off her feet.
She also believes the wedding bouquet always finds its way to the right person when tossed by the bride, as proven time and again at weddings dating back to her childhood.
But single Josie ends up with the bouquet at her friend Emma...
The crisp scent of changing leaves that crunch under your feet make way for candy, pumpkin pie, and All Kinds Of Scary Programming!
Horror is right at the top of my favorites list year around, so this month with movies and series premiereing left and right to scare us silly is right up my alley. Check out what we recommend this week.
Saturday, October 10
9/8c My Best Friend's Bouquet (Hallmark)
Josie Hughes (Chaley Rose) is a hopeless romantic who believes in the kind of romance in black-and-white movies where the leading lady finds her one true love and gets swept off her feet.
She also believes the wedding bouquet always finds its way to the right person when tossed by the bride, as proven time and again at weddings dating back to her childhood.
But single Josie ends up with the bouquet at her friend Emma...
- 10/10/2020
- by Carissa Pavlica
- TVfanatic
Set to release exclusively on Amazon Prime Video is the new psychological drama Evil Eye from producer Priyanka Chopra Jones on 13th October 2020.
IPriyanka Chopra Jonas shared the trailer of upcoming chilling psychological thriller, Evil Eye with her millions of fans. Co-produced by the actress along with Jason Blum (Get Out), Priyanka also shared a selfie along with some excellent play on words in the caption, writing “Chashme Baddoor. Far be the evil eye”.
Directed by award winning directors Elan Dassani and Rajeev Dassani, and written by Madhuri Shekar, Evil Eye will see twists and turns like no other, as a mother and daughter are forced to confront dark family secrets.
It is a tale of mystery… at home in Delhi, India, proud parent Usha Khatri (Sarita Choudhury) is overjoyed when her daughter Pallavi (Sunita Mani) calls from New Orleans with news she has met someone special. But as Usha...
IPriyanka Chopra Jonas shared the trailer of upcoming chilling psychological thriller, Evil Eye with her millions of fans. Co-produced by the actress along with Jason Blum (Get Out), Priyanka also shared a selfie along with some excellent play on words in the caption, writing “Chashme Baddoor. Far be the evil eye”.
Directed by award winning directors Elan Dassani and Rajeev Dassani, and written by Madhuri Shekar, Evil Eye will see twists and turns like no other, as a mother and daughter are forced to confront dark family secrets.
It is a tale of mystery… at home in Delhi, India, proud parent Usha Khatri (Sarita Choudhury) is overjoyed when her daughter Pallavi (Sunita Mani) calls from New Orleans with news she has met someone special. But as Usha...
- 10/10/2020
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
In another timeline, Sunita Mani is dashing between red-carpet premieres, celebrating her status as the next big thing with leading roles in a pair of fall releases. In 2020, the newly minted star of “Save Yourselves” had just finished the virtual junket for the Bleecker Street comedy when she spoke to IndieWire, going for a well-deserved walk after being cooped up and staring at a computer all day. A couple of weeks later, she’ll be back at it for “Evil Eye,” a new film from horror powerhouse Blumhouse on Amazon.
The titles are very different, but Mani has embraced disparate roles from the start. She made her feature debut with a supporting part in an incest drama dedicated to Éric Rohmer, Dan Sallitt’s “The Unspeakable Act.” Two years later, she danced feverishly to great comic effect in The Daniels’ high-energy music video for Lil Jon’s hit “Turn Down...
The titles are very different, but Mani has embraced disparate roles from the start. She made her feature debut with a supporting part in an incest drama dedicated to Éric Rohmer, Dan Sallitt’s “The Unspeakable Act.” Two years later, she danced feverishly to great comic effect in The Daniels’ high-energy music video for Lil Jon’s hit “Turn Down...
- 10/5/2020
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
As we enter into the spooky month of October, it’s only appropriate that Fantastic Fest and Fangoria host a watch party event for the forthcoming Welcome to the Blumhouse series of thrillers from Amazon Studios and Blumhouse Television. Starting October 10, Fantastic Fest and Fangoria have set Prime Video watch parties for each of the inclusive, genre-centered films which will feature post-screening Q&As with each filmmaker.
“From the beginning, Fantastic Fest was conceived to be a launchpad for emerging, diverse, genre filmmaking talent,” said Shelli Taylor, Alamo Drafthouse CEO. “We are extremely proud and excited to be partnering with Amazon to celebrate this bold new lineup of amazing filmmakers this October.”
“Fangoria is excited to be working with partners who share the same vision to highlight a future wave of talent and storytellers strongly representative of our expansive genre family,” said Fangoria Co-Owner Abhi Goel. “We’re looking forward...
“From the beginning, Fantastic Fest was conceived to be a launchpad for emerging, diverse, genre filmmaking talent,” said Shelli Taylor, Alamo Drafthouse CEO. “We are extremely proud and excited to be partnering with Amazon to celebrate this bold new lineup of amazing filmmakers this October.”
“Fangoria is excited to be working with partners who share the same vision to highlight a future wave of talent and storytellers strongly representative of our expansive genre family,” said Fangoria Co-Owner Abhi Goel. “We’re looking forward...
- 10/5/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
“Welcome to the Blumhouse, ” a program of eight genre thrillers, comes to Amazon Prime Video in October with the launch of 4 films.
From female and emerging filmmakers, the stories are centered around family and love as redemptive or destructive forces. The movies showcase diverse casts, exciting up-and-coming talent, alongside established actors in exceptional and shocking new roles.
The films will release as double features.
The Lie – October 6
When their teenaged daughter confesses to impulsively killing her best friend, two desperate parents attempt to cover up the horrific crime, leading them into a complicated web of lies and deceptio
Written and directed by Veena Sud.
Starring Mireille Enos, Peter Sarsgaard, and Joey King.
Produced by Alix Madigan-Yorkin, Christopher Tricarico, and Jason Blum.
Black Box – October 6
After losing his wife and his memory in a car accident, a single father undergoes an agonizing experimental treatment that causes him to question who he really is.
From female and emerging filmmakers, the stories are centered around family and love as redemptive or destructive forces. The movies showcase diverse casts, exciting up-and-coming talent, alongside established actors in exceptional and shocking new roles.
The films will release as double features.
The Lie – October 6
When their teenaged daughter confesses to impulsively killing her best friend, two desperate parents attempt to cover up the horrific crime, leading them into a complicated web of lies and deceptio
Written and directed by Veena Sud.
Starring Mireille Enos, Peter Sarsgaard, and Joey King.
Produced by Alix Madigan-Yorkin, Christopher Tricarico, and Jason Blum.
Black Box – October 6
After losing his wife and his memory in a car accident, a single father undergoes an agonizing experimental treatment that causes him to question who he really is.
- 9/20/2020
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Welcome to the Blumhouse is set to unveil an unsettling small screen cinematic experience for Amazon Prime Video subscribers from the safety and (dis)comfort of their own homes.
Blumhouse Television and Amazon Studios have teamed up to conjure Welcome to the Blumhouse, a collection of all-new, diversely-themed, brand-unified films from the eponymous fabricators of film frights, arriving just in time for a Halloween season that—unprecedentedly—won’t likely involve trick-or-treating. The first four in a total of eight films will have dual premieres on Amazon Prime Video across two weeks, starting on October 6, with Black Box and Evil Eye, followed by The Lie and Nocturne on October 13. Indeed, while the horror anthology series concept has experienced a resurgence in recent years, Blumhouse has upped the ante with a franchise of full-length horror anthology films.
Welcome to the Blumhouse Trailers
With their announcement of the Welcome to the Blumhouse collection,...
Blumhouse Television and Amazon Studios have teamed up to conjure Welcome to the Blumhouse, a collection of all-new, diversely-themed, brand-unified films from the eponymous fabricators of film frights, arriving just in time for a Halloween season that—unprecedentedly—won’t likely involve trick-or-treating. The first four in a total of eight films will have dual premieres on Amazon Prime Video across two weeks, starting on October 6, with Black Box and Evil Eye, followed by The Lie and Nocturne on October 13. Indeed, while the horror anthology series concept has experienced a resurgence in recent years, Blumhouse has upped the ante with a franchise of full-length horror anthology films.
Welcome to the Blumhouse Trailers
With their announcement of the Welcome to the Blumhouse collection,...
- 9/16/2020
- by Joseph Baxter
- Den of Geek
Amazon Prime Video dropped the trailer of “Welcome to the Blumhouse”, for four feature films releasing from the program of eight unsettling, horror genre movies produced by Jason Blum’s Blumhouse Television and Amazon Studios.
Sharing the spine-tingling suspense that’s a Blumhouse signature, each film presents a distinctive vision and unique perspective on common themes centered around family and love as redemptive or destructive forces.
Also Read: 5 burning questions that we have ahead of Amazon Prime Video’s The Boys S2
This slate marks the first ever program of Amazon Original movies on Prime Video that are thematically connected. The films showcase exciting up-and-coming talent, alongside established actors in exceptional and shocking new roles.
“Welcome to the Blumhouse” is just in time to make the Halloween season spookier, that kicks off with the October 6 release of “The Lie” and “Black Box.” and on October 13 with “Nocturne” and “Evil Eye...
Sharing the spine-tingling suspense that’s a Blumhouse signature, each film presents a distinctive vision and unique perspective on common themes centered around family and love as redemptive or destructive forces.
Also Read: 5 burning questions that we have ahead of Amazon Prime Video’s The Boys S2
This slate marks the first ever program of Amazon Original movies on Prime Video that are thematically connected. The films showcase exciting up-and-coming talent, alongside established actors in exceptional and shocking new roles.
“Welcome to the Blumhouse” is just in time to make the Halloween season spookier, that kicks off with the October 6 release of “The Lie” and “Black Box.” and on October 13 with “Nocturne” and “Evil Eye...
- 9/3/2020
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
Last month, Amazon Prime Video officially announced "Welcome to the Blumhouse," which will feature eight new genre films. It all kicks off with the first four films being released right in time for Halloween and we have a look at the brand new trailer:
Previously: "Amazon Prime Video announced today “Welcome to the Blumhouse”, a program of eight unsettling, genre movies produced by Jason Blum’s Blumhouse Television and Amazon Studios. Sharing the spine-tingling suspense that’s a Blumhouse signature, each film presents a distinctive vision and unique perspective on common themes centered around family and love as redemptive or destructive forces. This slate marks the first ever program of Amazon Original movies on Prime Video that are thematically connected. The films showcase exciting up-and-coming talent, alongside established actors in exceptional and shocking new roles. “Welcome to the Blumhouse” will launch in October, timed for the Halloween season, on Prime...
Previously: "Amazon Prime Video announced today “Welcome to the Blumhouse”, a program of eight unsettling, genre movies produced by Jason Blum’s Blumhouse Television and Amazon Studios. Sharing the spine-tingling suspense that’s a Blumhouse signature, each film presents a distinctive vision and unique perspective on common themes centered around family and love as redemptive or destructive forces. This slate marks the first ever program of Amazon Original movies on Prime Video that are thematically connected. The films showcase exciting up-and-coming talent, alongside established actors in exceptional and shocking new roles. “Welcome to the Blumhouse” will launch in October, timed for the Halloween season, on Prime...
- 9/2/2020
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Culver City, CA – Amazon Prime Video announced: “Welcome to the Blumhouse”, a program of eight unsettling, genre movies produced by Jason Blum’s Blumhouse Television and Amazon Studios. Sharing the spine-tingling suspense that’s a Blumhouse signature, each film presents a distinctive vision and unique perspective on common themes centered around family and love as redemptive or destructive forces. This slate marks the first ever program of Amazon Original movies on Prime Video that are thematically connected. The films showcase exciting up-and-coming talent, alongside established actors in exceptional and shocking new roles. “Welcome to the Blumhouse” will launch in October, timed for the Halloween season, on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories worldwide.
Amazon Prime Video will launch the initial slate of four films as double features starting with The Lie directed by acclaimed writer/director Veena Sud and Black Box directed by up-and-coming writer/director Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr.
Amazon Prime Video will launch the initial slate of four films as double features starting with The Lie directed by acclaimed writer/director Veena Sud and Black Box directed by up-and-coming writer/director Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr.
- 8/16/2020
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
Jason Blum’s house of horrors, aka Blumhouse Productions, is preparing to release a slate of new original content exclusively to Amazon. Needless to say this is the greatest treat horror hounds might expect in time for Halloween. The series of eight films, helpfully referred to as “The Blumhouse” by Amazon’s press statement, offers a variety of new voices to audiences eager for fresh blood in their thrills.
The first four films in the series will premiere on Amazon beginning on Oct. 6, the other four movies will debut on the streaming service sometime in 2021.
“We are excited to launch ‘Welcome to the Blumhouse’ with the exhilarating and provocative slate of original films for the first time ever on Prime Video,” said Julia Rapaport, co-head of movies for Amazon Studios. This collection from diverse and emerging filmmakers was a thrill to put together with our wonderful partners at Blumhouse Television.
The first four films in the series will premiere on Amazon beginning on Oct. 6, the other four movies will debut on the streaming service sometime in 2021.
“We are excited to launch ‘Welcome to the Blumhouse’ with the exhilarating and provocative slate of original films for the first time ever on Prime Video,” said Julia Rapaport, co-head of movies for Amazon Studios. This collection from diverse and emerging filmmakers was a thrill to put together with our wonderful partners at Blumhouse Television.
- 8/14/2020
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
We've known that Blumhouse was developing content for Amazon, but now it's official. Amazon Prime Video has announced "Welcome to the Blumhouse," which will feature eight new genre films. It all kicks off with the first four films being released right in time for Halloween:
From the Press Release: "Culver City, CA – August 13, 2020 – Amazon Prime Video announced today “Welcome to the Blumhouse”, a program of eight unsettling, genre movies produced by Jason Blum’s Blumhouse Television and Amazon Studios. Sharing the spine-tingling suspense that’s a Blumhouse signature, each film presents a distinctive vision and unique perspective on common themes centered around family and love as redemptive or destructive forces. This slate marks the first ever program of Amazon Original movies on Prime Video that are thematically connected. The films showcase exciting up-and-coming talent, alongside established actors in exceptional and shocking new roles. “Welcome to the Blumhouse” will launch in October,...
From the Press Release: "Culver City, CA – August 13, 2020 – Amazon Prime Video announced today “Welcome to the Blumhouse”, a program of eight unsettling, genre movies produced by Jason Blum’s Blumhouse Television and Amazon Studios. Sharing the spine-tingling suspense that’s a Blumhouse signature, each film presents a distinctive vision and unique perspective on common themes centered around family and love as redemptive or destructive forces. This slate marks the first ever program of Amazon Original movies on Prime Video that are thematically connected. The films showcase exciting up-and-coming talent, alongside established actors in exceptional and shocking new roles. “Welcome to the Blumhouse” will launch in October,...
- 8/13/2020
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Amazon announced Thursday that it will release “Welcome to the Blumhouse,” a program of eight genre films, on Prime Video. The first four films of the slate, all produced by Blumhouse Television and Amazon Studios, will launch in October, with the other half released in 2021.
The poster for the program of four films — “Nocturne,” “Black Box,” “Evil Eye,” and “The Lie” — promises “Four unsettling films. Under one roof.” Blumhouse TV co-presidents Marci Wiseman and Jeremy Gold liken the programming block to a “classic drive-in or repertory theater experience.”
Amazon is promising Blumhouse’s signature suspense in each of the films, which each offer unique perspectives on common themes centered around family and love as a redemptive or destructive force. Writers and directors are a mix of established and emerging talent.
Here’s a look at the first four films:
“Evil Eye,” which was previously unannounced, is based on the Audible...
The poster for the program of four films — “Nocturne,” “Black Box,” “Evil Eye,” and “The Lie” — promises “Four unsettling films. Under one roof.” Blumhouse TV co-presidents Marci Wiseman and Jeremy Gold liken the programming block to a “classic drive-in or repertory theater experience.”
Amazon is promising Blumhouse’s signature suspense in each of the films, which each offer unique perspectives on common themes centered around family and love as a redemptive or destructive force. Writers and directors are a mix of established and emerging talent.
Here’s a look at the first four films:
“Evil Eye,” which was previously unannounced, is based on the Audible...
- 8/13/2020
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
Welcome to the Blumhouse, the eight genre movie anthology, will begin launching on Amazon Prime Video on Oct. 6, timed to Halloween in the streamer’s 240 countries and territories worldwide.
The first two movies as double features to drop on that date are Veena Sud’s The Lie and Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr.’s Black Box.
Launching the following week on Oct. 13 is an unannounced feature Evil Eye, from Elan Dassani and Rajeev Dassani and executive produced by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, as well as Nocturne written and directed by filmmaker Zu Quirke, making her feature film debut. The latter four films will stream in 2021. In regard to the anthology, “each each film presents a distinctive vision and unique perspective on common themes centered around family and love as redemptive or destructive forces” per today’s release.
Evil Eye is based off the award-winning,...
The first two movies as double features to drop on that date are Veena Sud’s The Lie and Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr.’s Black Box.
Launching the following week on Oct. 13 is an unannounced feature Evil Eye, from Elan Dassani and Rajeev Dassani and executive produced by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, as well as Nocturne written and directed by filmmaker Zu Quirke, making her feature film debut. The latter four films will stream in 2021. In regard to the anthology, “each each film presents a distinctive vision and unique perspective on common themes centered around family and love as redemptive or destructive forces” per today’s release.
Evil Eye is based off the award-winning,...
- 8/13/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The South Asian talent incubator, 1497 has selected 11 finalists out of 382 submissions for its inaugural Writers Lab. The next step will be narrowing it down to three mentees who will participate in the Lab’s program.
Under the virtual mentor program, the trio of mentees will work with Sundance filmmaker and veteran script consultant Adrienne Weiss. From there, the selected mentees will get mentorship from acclaimed filmmakers Gurinder Chadha (Blinded By the Light), Aneesh Chaganty (Searching), and Maryam Keshavarz (Viper Club). 1497 will then tag in and introduce the mentees to an industry advisory group chich includes Gersh agent Louise Keshaviah, Brillstein Partners manager Ken Lee and Management 360 manager Priya Satiani. They will offer guidance to the mentees to help build a successful career roadmap.
“We are incredibly excited to see such an overwhelmingly positive response,” said 1497 co-founders Adeel Ahmed, Lipica Shah and Kamran Khan in a joint statement. “The fact...
Under the virtual mentor program, the trio of mentees will work with Sundance filmmaker and veteran script consultant Adrienne Weiss. From there, the selected mentees will get mentorship from acclaimed filmmakers Gurinder Chadha (Blinded By the Light), Aneesh Chaganty (Searching), and Maryam Keshavarz (Viper Club). 1497 will then tag in and introduce the mentees to an industry advisory group chich includes Gersh agent Louise Keshaviah, Brillstein Partners manager Ken Lee and Management 360 manager Priya Satiani. They will offer guidance to the mentees to help build a successful career roadmap.
“We are incredibly excited to see such an overwhelmingly positive response,” said 1497 co-founders Adeel Ahmed, Lipica Shah and Kamran Khan in a joint statement. “The fact...
- 8/11/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
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