BOLLYWOOD BRONZE
After a five-year planning process, Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol will finally be immortalized in bronze this spring as their classic film “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (DDLJ) becomes the first Indian film to be honored at London’s “Scenes in the Square” movie trail.
The statue, depicting the two megastars in an iconic pose from the beloved Yash Raj Films 1995 romantic comedy – which follows two non-resident Indians and their romance across Europe and India – will mark the beginning of the film’s 30th anniversary celebrations. It will be positioned on the eastern terrace outside the Odeon cinema — a fitting location as the Leicester Square setting features prominently in the film when the characters first cross paths.
Related Stories
“It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to add to our trail Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, who are such titans of international cinema,” said Mark Williams, deputy chief executive at Heart of London Business Alliance. “The statue is a fitting tribute to the global popularity of Bollywood and a celebration of London’s rich diversity.”
Popular on Variety
Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, added: “We’re thrilled to be the first Indian film to be represented in ‘Scenes in the Square.’ It also marks 30 years of ‘DDLJ,’ a film that has spread love and joy globally and shows the cultural impact it has had in the U.K.”
A musical theater adaptation of the film, “Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical,” is set to premiere at the Manchester Opera House on May 29.
ASSAM ASCENDS
India’s Bodhitree Multimedia has struck a INR5 billion ($58 million) deal with the government of Assam to develop a Global Media and Cultural Hub in Guwahati, marking a push to expand India’s entertainment infrastructure beyond traditional production centers. The memorandum of understanding aims to transform the northeastern city into a buzzing nexus for film, television and cultural activities while bolstering Assam’s international profile.
The development will feature a Media City, luxury seven-star wellness resort, and an immersive India Pavilion showcasing the country’s diverse cultural landscape. These facilities are strategically designed to meet growing demand for world-class media and entertainment infrastructure while positioning Assam as a prime destination for both business and leisure travelers.
Mautik Tolia, CEO of Bodhitree Multimedia, said, “This initiative is designed to attract international studios with state-of-the-art facilities, significantly boosting entertainment tourism in the region.”
The development is part of Bodhitree’s broader initiative to establish similar production hubs across India, with the Assam partnership serving as a cornerstone of this national expansion strategy.
DEVOTION DRAMATIZED
Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of the northern Indian state if Uttar Pradesh has officially revealed June 27 as the worldwide release date for the mythological epic “Kannappa,” during a ceremonial unveiling in Lucknow.
The film’s creative team, led by veteran actor-producer Mohan Babu, star Vishnu Manchu, choreographer Prabhu Deva and executive producer Vinay Maheshwari, presented the project to the CM and showcased behind-the-scenes footage, giving him an exclusive preview of the ambitious production’s scale and vision.
“Meeting Hon’ble CM Yogi Adityanath ji was a moment of immense honor for all of us,” said Manchu. “As someone who has poured a decade of my life into ‘Kannappa,’ seeing him resonate with the soul of our film was incredibly moving. He understood that ‘Kannappa’ isn’t just a story – it’s a cultural resurrection.”
Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, the film chronicles the journey of Hindu God Shiva‘s legendary devotee and features an all-star ensemble including Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar, Prabhas, Kajal Aggarwal and Preity Mukhundhan alongside Manchu in the titular role.
