Entertainment: American media company to release film on Arvind Kejriwal

American media company Vice is set to release An Insignificant Man -- a biographical film on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Directed by Khushboo Ranka and Vinay Shukla, An Insignificant Man is a non-fiction political thriller that chronicles the rise of Kejriwal from a social activist to a politician.

Terming it a “masterpiece”, Vice has announced that it will now be partnering with producer Anand Gandhi's Memesys Lab in releasing the film widely, in India and internationally.

“I first saw An Insignificant Man at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2016, and I came away thinking it was the best documentary about street-level politics since Marshall Curry's Street Fight'” Jason Mojica, Executive Producer, Vice Documentary Films, said in a statement.

The film had locked horns with the Central Board of Film Certification, under the former chief Pahlaj Nihalani. He had asked the filmmakers to get a no-objection certificate from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit and Kejriwal himself, to get a go-ahead for release.

Finally, the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal cleared the film.

“We at Vice closely followed the filmmakers and the censorship battle over the film over the past few months. Vice will always champions independent filmmakers fighting for freedom of expression,” said Mojica.

“We're bringing An Insignificant Man to our audience around the world because we think it's a highly relevant film for anyone who sees problems in their own political systems and has the impulse to get personally involved in trying to change things.”

Though the terms of the deal weren't disclosed, the acquisition means the film will be shown in over 22 countries in theatres, on television and digitally.

“For the first time ever in the history of Indian cinema, a film will show exactly what goes on behind closed doors of a political party. Vice has led the content market when it comes to serious non-fiction work,” said Anand Gandhi of Memesys Lab, the studio behind the film.

It will be releasing on November 17 in India.

Masaba trolled for supporting cracker ban, gets Chetan Bhagat’s supports

Designer Masaba Gupta has been trolled and been called names like “illegitimate West Indian” for supporting the ban on firecrackers. But she defended herself saying she is a product of two legitimate personalities and is a proud Indo-Caribbean girl.

Masaba – the daughter of actress Neena Gupta and cricket legend Vivian Richards -- on Wednesday, took to her Instagram to share an open letter.

She wrote: “Recently, I re-tweeted in support of the firecracker ban by the Supreme Court and like every other issue in this country, big or small... The trolling and bashing began.

“By calling me names like ‘Bastard child’ or ‘illegitimate West Indian’ only makes my chest swell with pride. I'm the illegitimate product of two of the most legitimate personalities you'll find and I've made the best life, both personally and professionally... Out of which I am proud of.”

The designer added that she is “immune” to this as she has been called these names since she was 10.

“My legitimacy comes from the work I do and what my contribution to society has been. And you can try but you will not be able to raise a single finger on either of the two,” she added.

Masaba also says she is proud of her roots.

“So, please if you must...go ahead and continue calling me these names if it makes you feel glorious. But know this... I am a proud Indo-Caribbean girl who doesn't know how to shrink and crumble in shame of something you or your society cannot handle. It's just in my 'illegitimate' genes,” she said.

However, Chetan Bhagat, who was recently trolled for not supporting the ban, has tweeted in favour of the designer.

Vaani Kapoor to star opposite Hrithik in YRF's next

Actress Vaani Kapoor will romance actor Hrithik Roshan in Yash Raj Films' (YRF) actioner co-starring Tiger Shroff.

“While the film is primarily Hrithik vs Tiger, there is only one girl in the film who is opposite Hrithik. I was looking for young and fresh energy in the casting and I have found that in Vaani Kapoor,” Siddharth Anand, director, said in a statement.

The director said that he loved Vaani as an actor in both her films — Shuddh desi Romance and Befikre.

“After meeting her I was fully convinced that she is the best girl for my film,” he added.

The yet-to-be-titled is set to release on January 25, 2019.

with inputs from IANS