New Delhi: Filmmakers shooting documentaries inside prison will have to deposit Rs 1 lakh as security and leave their recordings with jail superintendents for three days to let him delete portions deemed objectionable.

This is part of a fresh guideline issued on Friday to streamline the entry of filmmakers, journalists, activists and researchers after a controversy erupted over BBC documentary “India's Daughter” directed by Leslee Udwin on the December 16 Delhi gang-rape case, in which she interviewed the convicts in Tihar jail.

Viewing “very seriously” unauthorised meetings with prisoners or visitors misusing permission to meet for their own benefit, the Home Ministry said entry is not ordinarily allowed, but permission could be granted to an individual, journalist or others for making documentaries, doing research, articles or interviews.

States will then decide on the applications. While an Indian will have to apply 30 days before the date of visit, it is 60 days for a foreigner. A visitor will have to sign a declaration and deposit Rs 1 lakh, which could be forfeited if any guideline is violated.

For filmmakers, only camera and tape-recorder or equipment connected with the purpose will be allowed. Tripod, mobile phones, papers, book and pen will not be allowed. “After the visit, the visitor shall hand over handycam, dictaphone or tape-recorder to the jail superintendent for a period of three days... The jail superintendent shall then see and hear recordings... If he finds anything objectionable, he shall delete that portion,” say the guidelines.

A no-objection note is required from state government before releasing documentary or article or research paper.

Prithviraj will romance 3 heroines in the upcoming romantic comedy Anarkali, which marks the directorial debut of Sachi, the popular scenarist. Mia George, Priyal Gor and Samskruthy Shenoy will play the female leads opposite Prithviraj in the movie. Interestingly, Prithviraj is playing Shanthanu, a young deep sea diving instructor who lives in Kavarathi.

Biju Menon, will play another pivotal role, as a light house engineer in the movie. Famous cinematographer-director Rajeev Menon, Kabir Bedi and Suresh Krishna will appear in other key roles. Anarkali, which is said to be a musical love story will be shot at the various locations of Lakshadweep and Kuttanad.

Reportedly, Rajeev Menon will be playing commodore Madhavan Nair; while Kabir Bedi essays Jaffer Imam, a rear admiral of Indian Navy. Priyal Gor will play Jaffer Imam's daughter, Nadhira Imam. Mia George will essay Sherin Mathew, a doctor who works in Kavarathi. Details about Samskruthy Shenoy's character is yet to be revealed. The crew is planning to film some crucial parts of the movie in Kochi as well. Anarkali is penned by Sachi himself. Sujith Vasudev handles the cinematography and Vidyasagar composes the music. Ranjan Abraham is the editor.

Anarkali is produced by Rajeev Nair under the banner Magic Moon Productions.

Mumbai: Filmmaker Ravi Chopra, who was suffering from severe lung ailment, died here Wednesday at 3.30 p.m. He will be cremated at Pawan Hans, Vile Parle today. He was 68. The late filmmaker was hospitalised Nov 6 at Breach Candy hospital.

However, a source close to the family confirmed his death Wednesday, saying: "He passed away today (Wednesday) at around 3.30 p.m." His funeral will take place at 11.00 a.m. at Pawan Hans Thursday and many celebrities are expected at the ceremony. Ravi Chopra is survived by his wife and three children.

 Bollywood is in deep shock on the loss and expressed their grief on the demise of the filmmaker. While filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar was "Saddened to hear about the demise", director Farah Khan remembered him as "One of the nicest, kindest and big hearted soul in the film industry". Actress and politician Smriti Irani says she "was blessed to work with him" and expressed her "condolences to his loved ones". Actress Divya Dutta too was in shock.

 "I just got the news. It's certainly very sad news and a huge loss for this industry. He was one man who was full of life. For me, working with him in 'Baghban' was like a picnic. He never used to get sad or stressed over anything," she said.

Ravi Chopra's career as an associate producer began with hit film "Insaf Ka Tarazu" followed by "Nikaah" and "Awam". However, his debut as a director happened with film "Zameer". On TV, he directed epic dramas like"Mahabharat" and "Ramayan".

Son of legendary producer and director late B.R. Chopra and the nephew of late Yash Chopra, he is remembered for his soulful storytelling in films like "The Burning Train", "Aaj Ki Awaz", and "Baabul", among others.

 

Mumbai: Filmmaker Anurag Basu is set to recreate the magic of the film 'Chokher Bali', but on TV. The director has signed actress Radhika Apte for the series. The show will go on air on new channel Epic. Radhika will be seen playing the role of Binodini, which was played by Aishwarya Rai in Rituparno Ghosh's film. The 2003 movie was based on the eponymous novel by Rabindranath Tagore. The story revolves around the life of a widow and the stigma attached to it.

 Talking about bagging the role, Radhika said in a statement: "In 'Chokher Bali', I play the character of the young widow Binodini, who is very unjustly treated by the society and ends up in seclusion and loneliness. "She attempts to destroy the life of the person she thinks is responsible (for her state). Despite her negative intentions, she comes across as very intelligent, wise and noble person and cannot be hated for her vulnerability." Radhika is excited to work with Basu, who has helmed popular films like 'Barfi!' and 'Life in a... Metro'.

"It was an absolute treat to work with Anurag Basu. It has been one of the most enriching experiences. He has a supreme capacity to bring out the emotional journey of the character through the actor. I think it's splendid that one will get to see some historically essential literature presented on Epic," she added. 'Chokher Bali' is not Basu's first outing on the small screen. He made a serial named 'Love Story' and was also seen judging an acting reality show 'India's Best Cinestars Ki Khoj'.