“Applause Entertainment” helmed by Sameer Nair has been at the forefront of content-rich shows that have not only become super hits but have also formulated a cult following of their own. From “Scam 1992” to “Hostages” and “Criminal Justice”, all of which have won multiple awards in the past year, Applause Entertainment has set a high benchmark as one of the top studios in the industry. Applause now makes its foray into the world of movies and if their initial slate is anything to go by, 2022 is all set to be another fantastic year for the team. Their upcoming slate of films is not only robust in terms of content but also boasts of some of the leading talents in the country.
1. Untitled Romantic Comedy Drama
Co-Producers – Ellipsis Entertainment
Director – Shirsha Guha Thakurta
Cast – Vidya Balan, Pratik Gandhi, Ileana D’cruz, Sendhil Ramamurthy
Overview – The film, a progressive, uninhibited take on modern relationships, marks Applause’s foray into the big screen experience and this second collaboration with Ellipsis (after the Tahira Kashyap Khurrana-directed “Sharmajee Ki Beti”) promises to be 2022’s ultimate date movie.
2. The Rapist
Co-Producer – Quest Films Pvt. Ltd.
Director – Aparna Sen
Cast – Konkona Sen, Arjun Rampal, Tanmay Dhanania
Overview – A deeply affecting drama on the aftermath of a violent crime, “The Rapist” has been acclaimed as “One of Aparna Sen’s finest works” by Variety Magazine. The film won the prestigious “Kim Jiseok Award” at the 26th Busan International Film Festival. The film looks beyond the obvious crime, to explore not only how it affects the survivors and perpetrators of the crime but also delves into how one’s idealistic views are drastically altered when the truth hits uncomfortably close to home.
3. Sharmajee Ki Beti
Co-Producer – Ellipsis Entertainment
Director – Tahira Kashyap Khurana
Cast – Sakshi Tanwar, Divya Dutta, Saiyami Kher, Arista Mehta, Vanshika Taparia, Sharib Hashmi, Parveen Dabas
Overview – A dazzling rollercoaster of aspirations, fantasies, coming of age, and heartbreak, “Sharmajee ki Beti” is the hilarious, heartfelt debut by author-turned-filmmaker, Tahira Kashyap Khurrana. The film is an ultimate ode to womanhood in modern India.
4. Jab Khuli Kitaab
Co-Producer – Shoe Strap Films
Director – Saurabh Shukla (Based on his play of the same name)
Cast – Pankaj Kapur, Dimple Kapadia, Aparshakti Khurana, Samir Soni, Nauheed Cyrusi and others.
Overview – Young Love Knows No Age! A timeless, deeply moving love story, “Jab Khuli Kitaab” features an older couple seeking a divorce after fifty years of togetherness. The film deals with the dysfunctionality of relationships and its impact on family, with dollops of humor and heart. The high-energy repartee and the multi-generational family dynamics at the forefront also make this the rare Hindi comedy that is both universal and intimate.
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