News Analysis India

Tag: Priyanka Chopra

  • Amazon CEO calls for budget analysis after Priyanka Chopra’s USD 300 mn ‘Citadel’ underperforms

    By Online Desk

    Amazon.com Inc. CEO Andy Jassy has demanded a detailed budget analysis after a number of recent shows including Priyanka Chopra starrer Citadel derailed in the market, a Bloomberg report said.

    He has been “scrutinizing the studio’s ballooning costs and mixed track record with audiences”, it said.

    The outlet reported that 27,000 people will be laid off from Amazon as part of cost-cutting and that nearly 37 “unnecessary” productions have been killed.

    In the past nine months, Amazon’s original shows such as Daisy Jones & the Six, The Power, Dead Ringers, and The Peripheral all cost more than USD 100 million to produce but failed to make it to Nielsen’s list of the 10 most-watched streaming programs in the US. 

    Citadel is a spy thriller series that was released on 28 April with a massive star cast including Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Richard Madden, and Stanley Cummings. 

    In the show, Richard and Priyanka play spies who are part of the independent global spy agency Citadel. It gets destroyed by the Manticore, a powerful syndicate, and the agents’ memories get wiped. They then embark on a mission around the world to stop Manticore.

    Josh Appelbaum (‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’), Bryan Oh, and David Weil created the series for Amazon Prime Video, with ‘Marvel’ films fame Russo brothers acting as executive producers.

    The series is a passion project of Jen Salke’s, who leads the studio, and who wanted “a global series that could take place in multiple locations and lead to country-specific spinoffs.” An Indian version of Citadel directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK starring Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Varun Dhawan is under production while an Italian adaptation is already ready.

    The first season of Citadel was intended to have a budget of USD 20 million per episode and run for eight episodes but the budget ballooned due to cost overruns caused by the pandemic as well as a creative overhaul (Russo Brothers Anthony and Joseph insisted on several reshoots.) Only six episodes were aired in the end. 

    However, the first season was produced with an estimated budget that was above USD 300 million (nearly Rs 2,500 crores), making it the second-most expensive show after The Rings of Power.

    Joe Russo has been appointed as the sole director of the second season of Citadel, reportedly receiving a payment of USD 25 million for it.

    Head of drama series Odetta Watkins admitted to Bloomberg: “Citadel needs time to grow in the US as the audience have become jaded.”

    Even The Rings of Power (budget: USD 400 million-plus) failed to hold on to most of its viewers over the course of the season, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 

    Last year, Amazon spent USD 7 billion on producing original shows, licensed programs, and sports content while Netflix and Disney spent more on streaming, Bloomberg said.

    Amazon escapes scrutiny as it doesn’t report detailed financial results for its studio or Prime, the report added.

    Amazon.com Inc. CEO Andy Jassy has demanded a detailed budget analysis after a number of recent shows including Priyanka Chopra starrer Citadel derailed in the market, a Bloomberg report said.

    He has been “scrutinizing the studio’s ballooning costs and mixed track record with audiences”, it said.

    The outlet reported that 27,000 people will be laid off from Amazon as part of cost-cutting and that nearly 37 “unnecessary” productions have been killed.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2′); });

    In the past nine months, Amazon’s original shows such as Daisy Jones & the Six, The Power, Dead Ringers, and The Peripheral all cost more than USD 100 million to produce but failed to make it to Nielsen’s list of the 10 most-watched streaming programs in the US. 

    Citadel is a spy thriller series that was released on 28 April with a massive star cast including Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Richard Madden, and Stanley Cummings. 

    In the show, Richard and Priyanka play spies who are part of the independent global spy agency Citadel. It gets destroyed by the Manticore, a powerful syndicate, and the agents’ memories get wiped. They then embark on a mission around the world to stop Manticore.

    Josh Appelbaum (‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’), Bryan Oh, and David Weil created the series for Amazon Prime Video, with ‘Marvel’ films fame Russo brothers acting as executive producers.

    The series is a passion project of Jen Salke’s, who leads the studio, and who wanted “a global series that could take place in multiple locations and lead to country-specific spinoffs.” An Indian version of Citadel directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK starring Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Varun Dhawan is under production while an Italian adaptation is already ready.

    The first season of Citadel was intended to have a budget of USD 20 million per episode and run for eight episodes but the budget ballooned due to cost overruns caused by the pandemic as well as a creative overhaul (Russo Brothers Anthony and Joseph insisted on several reshoots.) Only six episodes were aired in the end. 

    However, the first season was produced with an estimated budget that was above USD 300 million (nearly Rs 2,500 crores), making it the second-most expensive show after The Rings of Power.

    Joe Russo has been appointed as the sole director of the second season of Citadel, reportedly receiving a payment of USD 25 million for it.

    Head of drama series Odetta Watkins admitted to Bloomberg: “Citadel needs time to grow in the US as the audience have become jaded.”

    Even The Rings of Power (budget: USD 400 million-plus) failed to hold on to most of its viewers over the course of the season, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 

    Last year, Amazon spent USD 7 billion on producing original shows, licensed programs, and sports content while Netflix and Disney spent more on streaming, Bloomberg said.

    Amazon escapes scrutiny as it doesn’t report detailed financial results for its studio or Prime, the report added.

  • Prime Video announces season two of ‘Citadel’, Joe Russo to direct all episodes

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden-led spy series “Citadel” has been officially renewed for a second season, streamer Prime Video announced on Thursday.

    Filmmaker Joe Russo, who executive produced the show’s first season with brother Anthony, will direct all the episodes of the sophomore chapter.

    David Weil will return as the showrunner.

    In a statement, Prime Video said “Citadel” enjoyed breakout success in countries around the world, including India, Italy, Brazil, South Africa, the UK and the US.

    Since its debut on April 28, the show has established itself as Prime Video’s second most-watched new original series outside the US, and fourth most-watched worldwide.

    Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon and MGM Studios, said “Citadel” has turned out to be a “global phenomenon”.

    “Our goal was always to create a new franchise rooted in original IP that would grow Prime Video’s international audience. This show has drawn an outsize number of new international customers to Prime Video. Its massive worldwide debut audience is a testament to Joe and Anthony Russo’s remarkable vision, the incredible talents of Richard Madden, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Lesley Manville and Stanley Tucci, and the tireless work of the creative teams, cast, and crew,” she said.

    Joe and Anthony Russo, known for directing Marvel blockbusters “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame”, said they are excited to continue the association between their banner AGBO and Prime Video with “Citadel”.

    “AGBO is thrilled to embark on this next phase of the spyverse with Jen, Vernon, and the entire team at Amazon. The innovative storytelling of Citadel has paved the way for an incredible, worldwide collaboration with creatives in front of and behind the camera,” they said.

    Your first look at the next chapter in #TheCitadelSpyverse. Citadel: Diana starring Matilda De Angelis will debut exclusively on Prime Video in 2024. #CitadelDiana. pic.twitter.com/5v9SNqp51s
    — Citadel (@CitadelonPrime) May 26, 2023
    “Citadel” follows elite agents Mason Kane (Madden) and Nadia Sinh (Chopra Jonas), who had their memories wiped as they narrowly escaped with their lives after independent global spy agency Citadel’s fall.

    The show sees Mason and Nadia building new lives under new identities, unaware of their pasts.

    Until one night, Mason is tracked down by his former Citadel colleague who desperately needs his help to prevent rival agency Manticore from establishing a new world order.

    It also stars Stanley Tucci and Lesley Manville in pivotal roles.

    “Citadel” will act as the flagship show that will blend with local shows already under production in India and Italy, starring Varun Dhawan-Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Matilda De Angelis, respectively.

    “Farzi” creators Raj & DK are on board as directors and showrunners for the Indian installment.

    MUMBAI: Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden-led spy series “Citadel” has been officially renewed for a second season, streamer Prime Video announced on Thursday.

    Filmmaker Joe Russo, who executive produced the show’s first season with brother Anthony, will direct all the episodes of the sophomore chapter.

    David Weil will return as the showrunner.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    In a statement, Prime Video said “Citadel” enjoyed breakout success in countries around the world, including India, Italy, Brazil, South Africa, the UK and the US.

    Since its debut on April 28, the show has established itself as Prime Video’s second most-watched new original series outside the US, and fourth most-watched worldwide.

    Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon and MGM Studios, said “Citadel” has turned out to be a “global phenomenon”.

    “Our goal was always to create a new franchise rooted in original IP that would grow Prime Video’s international audience. This show has drawn an outsize number of new international customers to Prime Video. Its massive worldwide debut audience is a testament to Joe and Anthony Russo’s remarkable vision, the incredible talents of Richard Madden, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Lesley Manville and Stanley Tucci, and the tireless work of the creative teams, cast, and crew,” she said.

    Joe and Anthony Russo, known for directing Marvel blockbusters “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame”, said they are excited to continue the association between their banner AGBO and Prime Video with “Citadel”.

    “AGBO is thrilled to embark on this next phase of the spyverse with Jen, Vernon, and the entire team at Amazon. The innovative storytelling of Citadel has paved the way for an incredible, worldwide collaboration with creatives in front of and behind the camera,” they said.

    Your first look at the next chapter in #TheCitadelSpyverse. Citadel: Diana starring Matilda De Angelis will debut exclusively on Prime Video in 2024. #CitadelDiana. pic.twitter.com/5v9SNqp51s
    — Citadel (@CitadelonPrime) May 26, 2023
    “Citadel” follows elite agents Mason Kane (Madden) and Nadia Sinh (Chopra Jonas), who had their memories wiped as they narrowly escaped with their lives after independent global spy agency Citadel’s fall.

    The show sees Mason and Nadia building new lives under new identities, unaware of their pasts.

    Until one night, Mason is tracked down by his former Citadel colleague who desperately needs his help to prevent rival agency Manticore from establishing a new world order.

    It also stars Stanley Tucci and Lesley Manville in pivotal roles.

    “Citadel” will act as the flagship show that will blend with local shows already under production in India and Italy, starring Varun Dhawan-Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Matilda De Angelis, respectively.

    “Farzi” creators Raj & DK are on board as directors and showrunners for the Indian installment.

  • ‘Love Again’ Review: A predictable rom-com made entertaining by good comedy and Celine Dion

    Express News Service

    When Rob (Sam Heughan) and Mira (a very convincing Priyanka Chopra) meet for the first time in Love Again, just like every other romantic film, there’s slow instrumental music playing in the background, and they’re standing in front of the grand opera wearing show-stopping garments.

    There’s nothing new with Mira saying, “Hi, I’m Mira Ray,” and Rob introducing himself in return. When their eyes lock, we might be reminded of scores of other similar scenes in rom-com history. But the way the conversation ensues, a brilliant piece of music is used to underscore the emotions, and the convincing performances, show the intent of the makers was to make it one of the most romantic moments in recent rom-com history. There are also interesting subversions that make Love Again non-formulaic.

    Take, for instance, the meet-cute scene once again, and immediately after they exchange greetings and part ways, the music abruptly stops as Mira bumps into a couple, and the audience erupted into laughter. Unexpected humour is the strength of Love Again, which is an equal parts romance and comedy, with a side order of engaging entertainment. 

    Love Again revolves around Mira, who loses her boyfriend John in an accident. Two years after the tragedy, she tries to get back into the dating game. Her method of catharsis is to text her late boyfriend’s number, making her feel like she’s still in touch with him. But, here’s the twist, the number is now owned by Rob, a despondent music critic, who has recently gotten his heart broken. How they meet and fall in love, forms the rest of the story.

    Love Again does not take much time to set the scene. A brief conversation between John and Mira establishes how much they love each other, and almost immediately after, he meets with an accident, right in front of her eyes. All of this happens within the first four minutes. And yet, thanks to the well-written dialogue, it is proof enough to make us buy the grief she experiences throughout the film.

    The best parts of the film are Celine Dion’s performance as herself, and Nick Jonas’ extended cameo. Post their wedding, Priyanka and Nick have only made one onscreen appearance in the Jonas Brothers’ Sucker song video. Although he appears in a brief role, the snooty and very compelling Nick, makes us want him to play a full-length lead opposite Priyanka. Manifestations are in the process…

    Similarly, Celine Dion, the singer, plays a very important, and witty role as herself in Love Again. Rob’s struggle with romance post his heartbreak is brought to light by Celine. For example, in a scene, Celine says, “You obviously know nothing about it.” And as we along with Rob wonder ‘what’ he doesn’t know about, she replies, “Love.” His realisation of love also happens with Celine’s classic ‘All By Myself’ playing in the background. Her songs are used in several places to help elevate the romance part of the film.

    While it is usual to find romantic cliches in a rom-com, some need definitely need to be avoided. One such is having Rob’s colleagues and best friends, Liza and Billy, be black and gay, respectively. This representation feels more tokenism than actual representation because these characters have nothing to do with the overall scheme of the narrative.

    An element that is commonplace in most rom-coms is, the couple getting intimate immediately after they confess their liking for each other. I believe this would have been unconvincing in Love Again because they are beating several odds to be together. Thankfully, Mira and Rob do not get physical immediately and allow comfort with each other to come before anything else.

    The makers throw in a scene where Mira unintentionally falls asleep to Rob’s voice to establish that she feels safe and trusts him. Commercial romcoms often miss out on exhibiting such emotions, which are salient to make romance relatable.

    As the film takes too much time in establishing Mira’s grief, we don’t really know much about Rob. Yeah, we know Rob is a music critic, loves basketball, and is in love with Mira. Even Mira’s character traits, except for

    the fact that she loves ‘Would You Rather’ questions, are not clear to us even by the end of the film. While Mira and Rob’s relationship does feel dreamy and utopian, the relatability factor goes for a toss. When Dion says, “I don’t really care if you and Rob get together,” it seems like she’s speaking our hearts.  If only, the makers focussed more on the lead characters, than on making this film a Celine Dion tribute (no complaints there, though), Love Again would have had the potential to become something more than just funny and entertaining.

    With delightful yet cheesy comedy, and a realistic romance at the centre of it all, Love Again, an adaptation of Sofie Cramer’s German novel Text For You, is a worthy watch. There is a lot more novelty on offer in Love Again. It reminds us that our soulmates might just about be anywhere… You may bump into them, even when walking out of the theatres, with light instrumental music playing in the background.

    Movie       : Love AgainDirector   : James C StrouseCast          : Priyanka Chopra, Sam Heughan, Celine Dion, Sofia BarclayRating      : 3/5 

    (This story originally appeared in Cinema Express)

    When Rob (Sam Heughan) and Mira (a very convincing Priyanka Chopra) meet for the first time in Love Again, just like every other romantic film, there’s slow instrumental music playing in the background, and they’re standing in front of the grand opera wearing show-stopping garments.

    There’s nothing new with Mira saying, “Hi, I’m Mira Ray,” and Rob introducing himself in return. When their eyes lock, we might be reminded of scores of other similar scenes in rom-com history. But the way the conversation ensues, a brilliant piece of music is used to underscore the emotions, and the convincing performances, show the intent of the makers was to make it one of the most romantic moments in recent rom-com history. There are also interesting subversions that make Love Again non-formulaic.

    Take, for instance, the meet-cute scene once again, and immediately after they exchange greetings and part ways, the music abruptly stops as Mira bumps into a couple, and the audience erupted into laughter. Unexpected humour is the strength of Love Again, which is an equal parts romance and comedy, with a side order of engaging entertainment. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Love Again revolves around Mira, who loses her boyfriend John in an accident. Two years after the tragedy, she tries to get back into the dating game. Her method of catharsis is to text her late boyfriend’s number, making her feel like she’s still in touch with him. But, here’s the twist, the number is now owned by Rob, a despondent music critic, who has recently gotten his heart broken. How they meet and fall in love, forms the rest of the story.

    Love Again does not take much time to set the scene. A brief conversation between John and Mira establishes how much they love each other, and almost immediately after, he meets with an accident, right in front of her eyes. All of this happens within the first four minutes. And yet, thanks to the well-written dialogue, it is proof enough to make us buy the grief she experiences throughout the film.

    The best parts of the film are Celine Dion’s performance as herself, and Nick Jonas’ extended cameo. Post their wedding, Priyanka and Nick have only made one onscreen appearance in the Jonas Brothers’ Sucker song video. Although he appears in a brief role, the snooty and very compelling Nick, makes us want him to play a full-length lead opposite Priyanka. Manifestations are in the process…

    Similarly, Celine Dion, the singer, plays a very important, and witty role as herself in Love Again. Rob’s struggle with romance post his heartbreak is brought to light by Celine. For example, in a scene, Celine says, “You obviously know nothing about it.” And as we along with Rob wonder ‘what’ he doesn’t know about, she replies, “Love.” His realisation of love also happens with Celine’s classic ‘All By Myself’ playing in the background. Her songs are used in several places to help elevate the romance part of the film.

    While it is usual to find romantic cliches in a rom-com, some need definitely need to be avoided. One such is having Rob’s colleagues and best friends, Liza and Billy, be black and gay, respectively. This representation feels more tokenism than actual representation because these characters have nothing to do with the overall scheme of the narrative.

    An element that is commonplace in most rom-coms is, the couple getting intimate immediately after they confess their liking for each other. I believe this would have been unconvincing in Love Again because they are beating several odds to be together. Thankfully, Mira and Rob do not get physical immediately and allow comfort with each other to come before anything else.

    The makers throw in a scene where Mira unintentionally falls asleep to Rob’s voice to establish that she feels safe and trusts him. Commercial romcoms often miss out on exhibiting such emotions, which are salient to make romance relatable.

    As the film takes too much time in establishing Mira’s grief, we don’t really know much about Rob. Yeah, we know Rob is a music critic, loves basketball, and is in love with Mira. Even Mira’s character traits, except for

    the fact that she loves ‘Would You Rather’ questions, are not clear to us even by the end of the film. While Mira and Rob’s relationship does feel dreamy and utopian, the relatability factor goes for a toss. When Dion says, “I don’t really care if you and Rob get together,” it seems like she’s speaking our hearts.  If only, the makers focussed more on the lead characters, than on making this film a Celine Dion tribute (no complaints there, though), Love Again would have had the potential to become something more than just funny and entertaining.

    With delightful yet cheesy comedy, and a realistic romance at the centre of it all, Love Again, an adaptation of Sofie Cramer’s German novel Text For You, is a worthy watch. There is a lot more novelty on offer in Love Again. It reminds us that our soulmates might just about be anywhere… You may bump into them, even when walking out of the theatres, with light instrumental music playing in the background.

    Movie       : Love Again
    Director   : James C Strouse
    Cast          : Priyanka Chopra, Sam Heughan, Celine Dion, Sofia Barclay
    Rating      : 3/5
     

    (This story originally appeared in Cinema Express)

  • New ‘Citadel’ trailer zooms into memory loss of Richard Madden, Priyanka Chopra’s characters

    By IANS

    MUMBAI: A new trailer of the upcoming streaming series ‘Citadel’ further deep dives into the show’s narrative of two former agents played by Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.

    Their memories get wiped out after one of their colleagues double-crosses them, leading to the titular spy agency’s fall.

    As per the show’s narrative, the titular independent global spy agency was destroyed by operatives of Manticore, a powerful syndicate manipulating the world from the shadows.

    Priyanka and Richard’s character remain hidden under cover unaware of their part until one night, when Richard’s character is tracked down by his former Citadel colleague, Bernard Orlick (Stanley Tucci), who desperately needs his help to prevent Manticore from establishing a new world order.

    Mason (Richard) seeks out his former partner, Nadia (Priyanka), and the two spies embark on a mission that takes them around the world in an effort to stop Manticore.

    ‘Citadel’ is being produced by Amazon Studios and the Russo Brothers’ AGBO.

    It premieres on April 28 on Prime Video with new episodes released weekly every Friday all through to May 26.

    MUMBAI: A new trailer of the upcoming streaming series ‘Citadel’ further deep dives into the show’s narrative of two former agents played by Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.

    Their memories get wiped out after one of their colleagues double-crosses them, leading to the titular spy agency’s fall.

    As per the show’s narrative, the titular independent global spy agency was destroyed by operatives of Manticore, a powerful syndicate manipulating the world from the shadows.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Priyanka and Richard’s character remain hidden under cover unaware of their part until one night, when Richard’s character is tracked down by his former Citadel colleague, Bernard Orlick (Stanley Tucci), who desperately needs his help to prevent Manticore from establishing a new world order.

    Mason (Richard) seeks out his former partner, Nadia (Priyanka), and the two spies embark on a mission that takes them around the world in an effort to stop Manticore.

    ‘Citadel’ is being produced by Amazon Studios and the Russo Brothers’ AGBO.

    It premieres on April 28 on Prime Video with new episodes released weekly every Friday all through to May 26.

  • Actor Priyanka Chopra’s former stylist denies telling her she’s not ‘sample-sized’

    By IANS

    LOS ANGELES: Priyanka Chopra’s former-stylist Law Roach said that he has nothing to do with the Indian actress’ body-shaming incident.

    More than a week after the ‘Baywatch’ actress publicly claimed that someone told her she “wasn’t sample-sized,” the ‘Legendary’ judge made it clear that he has nothing to do with the hurtful remarks, reports aceshowbiz.com.

    Sample sizes usually range from sizes o to 4 and is something models and stylists have been asking to increase.

    In an interview with The Cut published on Friday, March 17, the celebrity stylist was asked about how he felt reading the actress’ story.

    In response, he clarified: “It was a little bit hurtful in a way that it ended up in the press, you know? Because that wasn’t the real conversation. I’ve never had that conversation with her, ever.”

    Law, who styled Priyanka for her appearance at the SXSW Film Festival panel, went on to share his thoughts on whom to blame.

    “So again, it is her gatekeepers, how they presented what I said to her to make her feel that way,” he pointed out.

    “And if that made her feel bad, that wasn’t – it was taken out of context.”

    “But I’m sure it was taken outta context to get her to be like, ‘Oh, okay, I’m not working with him no more. He’s insensitive to my body,’” the longtime stylist of Zendaya Coleman continued.

    “Which I’m like, ‘How is that possible? I’ve been dressing you for literally pre-pandemic, and it’s been nothing but great things.’”

    Law further shared his candid thoughts on Priyanka’s agents.

    “I think sometimes what it is with them is that they have an agenda and I need to be the bad guy because I’m the one who’s dealing with the clothes and the body,” he stated. “Like, I need to be the one who says, you know, and I’m not talking about her.”

    “I’m just talking about in general, like, I need to be the one to say, ‘Oh, you know, be careful because, you know, the pictures aren’t as beautiful because you coming across, you know, a little thicker than you used to be,’ ” Law went on elaborating.

    “It is, like, so they’ll say that to me or have a discussion with me but then take it back as if I was the lead in the discussion,” he continued.

    “And I’m not saying that’s exactly what happened, but that’s what feels like happened to me.”

    ALSO READ | ‘Citadel’ is a cross-pollination of cultures: Priyanka Chopra

    Despite what happened, the former “America’s Next Top Model” judge had no hard feelings towards Priyanka. “But I was really surprised that – I love Priyanka. When you are around her, there’s only so many women in this industry that have that thing,” he declared.

    Law went on to shower Priyanka with praises. “I’m constantly inspired by women, and she has this thing that’s very Old Hollywood, Sophia Loren, it drives me crazy,” he gushed. “She has a twinkle, she has a wiggle, and I love her, like, even as a person.”

    Priyanka made headlines with a body-shaming revelation in early March.

    Taking part in a panel at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival, she confessed that she had a breakdown because of it. “Someone told me yesterday that I wasn’t sample-sized. I was hurt and I discussed it with my family, and I cried to my husband, and my team,” she revealed.

    Law himself announced his retirement on March 14 via a since-deleted Instagram post. Alongside a stamp graphic that read “Retired,” he wrote, “If this business was just about the clothes I would do it for the rest of my life but unfortunately it’s not. The politics, the lies and false narratives finally got me!”

    When asked about his sudden retirement, Law told The Cut: “I am definitely, 100,000 percent retiring. Nobody can say what’s forever and what will happen, but at this moment, and in my mind, I’m definitely retiring from celebrity styling.” Still, he stressed, “I’m not retiring from fashion, because I love it so much.”

    LOS ANGELES: Priyanka Chopra’s former-stylist Law Roach said that he has nothing to do with the Indian actress’ body-shaming incident.

    More than a week after the ‘Baywatch’ actress publicly claimed that someone told her she “wasn’t sample-sized,” the ‘Legendary’ judge made it clear that he has nothing to do with the hurtful remarks, reports aceshowbiz.com.

    Sample sizes usually range from sizes o to 4 and is something models and stylists have been asking to increase.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2′); });

    In an interview with The Cut published on Friday, March 17, the celebrity stylist was asked about how he felt reading the actress’ story.

    In response, he clarified: “It was a little bit hurtful in a way that it ended up in the press, you know? Because that wasn’t the real conversation. I’ve never had that conversation with her, ever.”

    Law, who styled Priyanka for her appearance at the SXSW Film Festival panel, went on to share his thoughts on whom to blame.

    “So again, it is her gatekeepers, how they presented what I said to her to make her feel that way,” he pointed out.

    “And if that made her feel bad, that wasn’t – it was taken out of context.”

    “But I’m sure it was taken outta context to get her to be like, ‘Oh, okay, I’m not working with him no more. He’s insensitive to my body,’” the longtime stylist of Zendaya Coleman continued.

    “Which I’m like, ‘How is that possible? I’ve been dressing you for literally pre-pandemic, and it’s been nothing but great things.’”

    Law further shared his candid thoughts on Priyanka’s agents.

    “I think sometimes what it is with them is that they have an agenda and I need to be the bad guy because I’m the one who’s dealing with the clothes and the body,” he stated. “Like, I need to be the one who says, you know, and I’m not talking about her.”

    “I’m just talking about in general, like, I need to be the one to say, ‘Oh, you know, be careful because, you know, the pictures aren’t as beautiful because you coming across, you know, a little thicker than you used to be,’ ” Law went on elaborating.

    “It is, like, so they’ll say that to me or have a discussion with me but then take it back as if I was the lead in the discussion,” he continued.

    “And I’m not saying that’s exactly what happened, but that’s what feels like happened to me.”

    ALSO READ | ‘Citadel’ is a cross-pollination of cultures: Priyanka Chopra

    Despite what happened, the former “America’s Next Top Model” judge had no hard feelings towards Priyanka. “But I was really surprised that – I love Priyanka. When you are around her, there’s only so many women in this industry that have that thing,” he declared.

    Law went on to shower Priyanka with praises. “I’m constantly inspired by women, and she has this thing that’s very Old Hollywood, Sophia Loren, it drives me crazy,” he gushed. “She has a twinkle, she has a wiggle, and I love her, like, even as a person.”

    Priyanka made headlines with a body-shaming revelation in early March.

    Taking part in a panel at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival, she confessed that she had a breakdown because of it. “Someone told me yesterday that I wasn’t sample-sized. I was hurt and I discussed it with my family, and I cried to my husband, and my team,” she revealed.

    Law himself announced his retirement on March 14 via a since-deleted Instagram post. Alongside a stamp graphic that read “Retired,” he wrote, “If this business was just about the clothes I would do it for the rest of my life but unfortunately it’s not. The politics, the lies and false narratives finally got me!”

    When asked about his sudden retirement, Law told The Cut: “I am definitely, 100,000 percent retiring. Nobody can say what’s forever and what will happen, but at this moment, and in my mind, I’m definitely retiring from celebrity styling.” Still, he stressed, “I’m not retiring from fashion, because I love it so much.”

  • ‘Citadel’ is a cross-pollination of cultures: Priyanka Chopra

    By Express News Service

    Amazon Prime Video’s Citadel is shaping up to be a unique spy thriller for many reasons. The show, which has Russo Brothers (Anthony and Joe) as executive producers, is a spy story interwoven throughout the world, and one, which will have regional spin-offs written, produced and directed by local talent. These are stories that have already been written by creators Josh Appelbaum and Bryan Oh in such a way that they seamlessly blend with the larger narrative.

    “This is a really unique television event and I think that’s what excites Anthony and me the most about it. The concept was an idea that Jen Salke presented to us a few years ago. We found it to be an amazing way to create a really diverse global community of storytellers to tell a giant mosaic of a narrative together,” shares Joe Russo.

    Anthony Russo, shares he has been working on the idea with Joe for many years. “As storytellers, we really love the engagement of the global film community. We went to work trying to find the right story that could fulfil that ambition and we have had amazing collaborators who have helped us find that.”

    The trailer, that came out last week, shows us a glimpse of the hard work that has gone into cracking the action sequences. Did lead stars Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden find these stunts challenging? “Well, I have a scar on my forehead, near my eyebrow, thanks to Citadel,” shares Priyanka, with a loud laugh, “I know.  I don’t even cover it anymore. The stunts were amazing. My character is ruthless in a lot of ways. She comes from a place of trusting her body and instinct. Every time I read new pages of the script, I found that the stunts got bigger. But we managed to execute it.”

    Richard calls Citadel a ‘dance of massive action sequences with intimate drama’. “The series has action pieces, but all of them are infused with heart, drama and storytelling,” he says, adding that the story kept them on their toes throughout the shoot. “We would be in the middle of a fight sequence and then, go into a piece of drama. We would pad down the sweat a little bit so that we looked good in a close-up, and then, we would get back into a fight sequence again.”

    The series was shot in a non-linear manner. “We shot back and forth, and we had to remind each other of the story. And we were like, ‘Wait, we did that in that scene!’ And then, we would bring writer David Weil in to sort it out for us. It was like a big jigsaw puzzle we had to remember. But it was so much fun,” says Priyanka.  

    Anthony shares that the roles of Priyanka and Richard are complex and intricately layered. “They play two different versions of themselves with different sets of memories, and you see this in terms of their behaviour, choices and thoughts. Both roles come with the highest degree of emotional complexity and physical challenges.”

    As someone who is a bigger star in Bollywood and in general, India, Priyanka feels that the idea of having a global show which can branch into non-English shows in different countries excited her. “I think the ambition of this show is to create a massive narrative that can travel across countries and speak the people’s language there,” she says.

    The Quantico actor feels that she is fascinated to see how this huge, cross-country series is going to be received. “Audiences of the Italian Citadel will want to watch the Indian show in Hindi to understand the bigger scheme of things. Citadel has encouraged this cross-pollination of cultures and entertainment forms.”  

    It isn’t new for Joe and Anthony to be blending multiple stories and linking them cohesively to deliver mammoth-sized entertainment as they successfully cracked the code with blockbuster MCU films like Avengers: Infinity Wars and Avengers: End Game. And with The Gray Man, they successfully tested waters with a globe-trotting spy thriller. Anthony shares that they have incorporated all these learnings here. “The show capitalises on two exciting trends. Creating narrative universes that have a sprawling expression to them and interconnecting them to get characters that change and morph and move between different iterations. Then, there’s the rise in global filmmaking and the ability of non-English language movies and shows to travel to other cultures, typically the more English language-dominated cultures. So, this show felt like a confluence of both those trends.”

    Considering the expanse of the massive narrative, team Citadel makes it clear that the first season is going to leave the viewers puzzled. “I am sure that the audiences are gonna be left with questions after the first season, and they are going to want to see second season badly,” says Priyanka.

    The first two episodes of Citadel will premiere on April 28 on Amazon Prime Video, with new episodes made available every Friday, till May 26.

    Amazon Prime Video’s Citadel is shaping up to be a unique spy thriller for many reasons. The show, which has Russo Brothers (Anthony and Joe) as executive producers, is a spy story interwoven throughout the world, and one, which will have regional spin-offs written, produced and directed by local talent. These are stories that have already been written by creators Josh Appelbaum and Bryan Oh in such a way that they seamlessly blend with the larger narrative.

    “This is a really unique television event and I think that’s what excites Anthony and me the most about it. The concept was an idea that Jen Salke presented to us a few years ago. We found it to be an amazing way to create a really diverse global community of storytellers to tell a giant mosaic of a narrative together,” shares Joe Russo.

    Anthony Russo, shares he has been working on the idea with Joe for many years. “As storytellers, we really love the engagement of the global film community. We went to work trying to find the right story that could fulfil that ambition and we have had amazing collaborators who have helped us find that.”googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The trailer, that came out last week, shows us a glimpse of the hard work that has gone into cracking the action sequences. Did lead stars Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden find these stunts challenging? “Well, I have a scar on my forehead, near my eyebrow, thanks to Citadel,” shares Priyanka, with a loud laugh, “I know.  I don’t even cover it anymore. The stunts were amazing. My character is ruthless in a lot of ways. She comes from a place of trusting her body and instinct. Every time I read new pages of the script, I found that the stunts got bigger. But we managed to execute it.”

    Richard calls Citadel a ‘dance of massive action sequences with intimate drama’. “The series has action pieces, but all of them are infused with heart, drama and storytelling,” he says, adding that the story kept them on their toes throughout the shoot. “We would be in the middle of a fight sequence and then, go into a piece of drama. We would pad down the sweat a little bit so that we looked good in a close-up, and then, we would get back into a fight sequence again.”

    The series was shot in a non-linear manner. “We shot back and forth, and we had to remind each other of the story. And we were like, ‘Wait, we did that in that scene!’ And then, we would bring writer David Weil in to sort it out for us. It was like a big jigsaw puzzle we had to remember. But it was so much fun,” says Priyanka.  

    Anthony shares that the roles of Priyanka and Richard are complex and intricately layered. “They play two different versions of themselves with different sets of memories, and you see this in terms of their behaviour, choices and thoughts. Both roles come with the highest degree of emotional complexity and physical challenges.”

    As someone who is a bigger star in Bollywood and in general, India, Priyanka feels that the idea of having a global show which can branch into non-English shows in different countries excited her. “I think the ambition of this show is to create a massive narrative that can travel across countries and speak the people’s language there,” she says.

    The Quantico actor feels that she is fascinated to see how this huge, cross-country series is going to be received. “Audiences of the Italian Citadel will want to watch the Indian show in Hindi to understand the bigger scheme of things. Citadel has encouraged this cross-pollination of cultures and entertainment forms.”  

    It isn’t new for Joe and Anthony to be blending multiple stories and linking them cohesively to deliver mammoth-sized entertainment as they successfully cracked the code with blockbuster MCU films like Avengers: Infinity Wars and Avengers: End Game. And with The Gray Man, they successfully tested waters with a globe-trotting spy thriller. Anthony shares that they have incorporated all these learnings here. “The show capitalises on two exciting trends. Creating narrative universes that have a sprawling expression to them and interconnecting them to get characters that change and morph and move between different iterations. Then, there’s the rise in global filmmaking and the ability of non-English language movies and shows to travel to other cultures, typically the more English language-dominated cultures. So, this show felt like a confluence of both those trends.”

    Considering the expanse of the massive narrative, team Citadel makes it clear that the first season is going to leave the viewers puzzled. “I am sure that the audiences are gonna be left with questions after the first season, and they are going to want to see second season badly,” says Priyanka.

    The first two episodes of Citadel will premiere on April 28 on Amazon Prime Video, with new episodes made available every Friday, till May 26.

  • Priyanka Chopra welcomes Samantha Ruth Prabhu into the world of ‘Citadel’

    By ANI

    WASHINGTON: Priyanka Chopra who is gearing up for the international version of ‘Citadel’ on Wednesday welcomed Samantha Ruth Prabhu, the lead in the Indian version of the series.

    Taking to Instagram Story, Priyanka re-shared the news along with a caption, “So excited about the world of Citadel expanding. Cannot wait to share it with u all.”

    The ‘Oo Antava’ star re-posted Priyanka’s story and reacted with a heart emoticon.

    Makers of the Indian version of ‘Citadel’, on Wednesday, officially announced that Samantha is the female lead of the project.

    Being created by Raj and DK, ‘Citadel’ also stars Varun Dhawan in the lead role. Samantha shared the update on her social media.

    Welcoming Samantha on board, Aparna Purohit, head of India Originals, Prime Video, said, “We are absolutely thrilled to be working with Samantha once again. She made her streaming debut with The Family Man Season Two, on Prime Video, and is one of the most talented artists in the industry today. We can’t wait for audiences to see her on-screen in a brand new avatar, along with Varun and the incredibly talented ensemble cast we have on board for this series.”

    “The canvas for the Indian instalment of Citadel is larger than life but the treatment and texture is retro, rooted, and quirky. The series is being shot extensively across India and international locales. With Raj & DK steering this ship and a terrifically talented cast, we are confident that the series is going to be nothing short of a spectacle,” Aparna added.

    She said, “When Prime Video and Raj and DK approached me with this project, I decided to take it up in a heartbeat! After working with this team on The Family Man, it is a homecoming for me. The Citadel universe, the interconnected storylines between the productions across the globe, and most importantly, the script of the Indian instalment really excited me. I am thrilled to be a part of this brilliant universe conceptualised by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO. I am also looking forward to working with Varun for the first time, on this project. He is someone who is full of life and cheer when you’re around him.”

    Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK will also serve as executive producers, under their banner D2R Films. The series is produced by D2R Films and Amazon Studios, with AGBO’s Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Mike Larocca, Angela Russo-Otstot, Scott Nemes, and David Weil (Hunters) overseeing production on the Indian Original and all series within the global Citadel universe. The international version of Citadel is created by the Russo Brothers and stars Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra in the lead roles.

    Meanwhile, Priyanka’s ‘Citadel’ is a science fiction drama created by the Russo brothers.

    On the Bollywood front, Priyanka is expected to start shooting for Farhan Akhtar’s directorial ‘Jee Le Zaraa’ in 2023. The film will also star Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif in lead roles. It is an all-female road trip story.

    WASHINGTON: Priyanka Chopra who is gearing up for the international version of ‘Citadel’ on Wednesday welcomed Samantha Ruth Prabhu, the lead in the Indian version of the series.

    Taking to Instagram Story, Priyanka re-shared the news along with a caption, “So excited about the world of Citadel expanding. Cannot wait to share it with u all.”

    The ‘Oo Antava’ star re-posted Priyanka’s story and reacted with a heart emoticon.

    Makers of the Indian version of ‘Citadel’, on Wednesday, officially announced that Samantha is the female lead of the project.

    Being created by Raj and DK, ‘Citadel’ also stars Varun Dhawan in the lead role. Samantha shared the update on her social media.

    Welcoming Samantha on board, Aparna Purohit, head of India Originals, Prime Video, said, “We are absolutely thrilled to be working with Samantha once again. She made her streaming debut with The Family Man Season Two, on Prime Video, and is one of the most talented artists in the industry today. We can’t wait for audiences to see her on-screen in a brand new avatar, along with Varun and the incredibly talented ensemble cast we have on board for this series.”

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin)

    “The canvas for the Indian instalment of Citadel is larger than life but the treatment and texture is retro, rooted, and quirky. The series is being shot extensively across India and international locales. With Raj & DK steering this ship and a terrifically talented cast, we are confident that the series is going to be nothing short of a spectacle,” Aparna added.

    She said, “When Prime Video and Raj and DK approached me with this project, I decided to take it up in a heartbeat! After working with this team on The Family Man, it is a homecoming for me. The Citadel universe, the interconnected storylines between the productions across the globe, and most importantly, the script of the Indian instalment really excited me. I am thrilled to be a part of this brilliant universe conceptualised by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO. I am also looking forward to working with Varun for the first time, on this project. He is someone who is full of life and cheer when you’re around him.”

    Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK will also serve as executive producers, under their banner D2R Films. The series is produced by D2R Films and Amazon Studios, with AGBO’s Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Mike Larocca, Angela Russo-Otstot, Scott Nemes, and David Weil (Hunters) overseeing production on the Indian Original and all series within the global Citadel universe. The international version of Citadel is created by the Russo Brothers and stars Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra in the lead roles.

    Meanwhile, Priyanka’s ‘Citadel’ is a science fiction drama created by the Russo brothers.

    On the Bollywood front, Priyanka is expected to start shooting for Farhan Akhtar’s directorial ‘Jee Le Zaraa’ in 2023. The film will also star Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif in lead roles. It is an all-female road trip story.

  • Priyanka Chopra’s Hollywood film ‘It’s All Coming Back to Me’ to release in February 2023

    By ANI

    WASHINGTON: Priyanka Chopra-starrer ‘It’s All Coming Back to Me’ is all set to hit theatres on February 10, 2023.

    Initially titled ‘Text For You’, the film is based on the 2016 German film ‘SMS fur Dich’ by Karoline Herfurth, Variety reported.

    In the project, Priyanka will be seen playing the role of a woman struggling to move on from the death of her fiance. To cope, she begins sending messages to his old phone number, which has been reassigned to a new man, played by Sam Heughan. The two meet and develop a connection based on their shared heartbreak.

    Celine Dion is also a part of ‘It’s All Coming Back to Me’, which is named after Jim Steinman’s power ballad ‘It’s All Coming Back to Me Now’.

    Apart from ‘It’s All Coming Back to Me’, Priyanka will also feature in the Russo Brothers’ ‘Citadel’ show. 

  • Priyanka Chopra praises Netflix’s ‘Bridgerton’ season 2 for representing Indian culture

    By ANI

    WASHINGTON: While Shonda Rhimes’ ‘Bridgerton’ season 2 is sensational for many reasons, the representation of ‘desi culture’ in the show has made it even more special for all the Indian people, and now that includes global star Priyanka Chopra too.

    The former Miss World took to her Instagram Stories to send her token of love to the show for representing Indian culture through the Sharma sisters, Edwina Sharma and Kate Sharma, played by actors Charithra Chandran and Simone Ashley.

    “I have to say, it’s so wonderful to see desi representation on mainstream TV. It was such an anomaly when I started. Love the show and the Sharma sisters,” Priyanka wrote alongside a picture of Chandran and Ashley.

    Based on Julia Quinn’s best-selling series of novels, ‘Bridgerton’ is set in the lavish and competitive world of London high society during the Regency period of the early 1800s. The first season of the romantic period drama focused on the steamy courtship between Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings (Rege-Jean Page).

    Keeping up with the tradition of Julia Quinn’s novels, season 2 of ‘Bridgerton’ tells the story of Daphne’s elder brother– Lord Anthony Bridgerton’s (Jonathan Bailey) quest for love as he sets out to find a suitable wife.

    When Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) and her younger sister Edwina (Charithra Chandran) arrive from India, Anthony starts to court the latter sister — and Kate soon discovers that his intentions for marriage are not pure. While Kate tries to stop this match, the two become unlikely companions.

    The show had many moments which Indian fans can’t miss. From the intricate embroidery on the Victorian gowns to the orchestra cover of the title track from Karan Johar’s ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ to the Haldi ceremony, ‘Bridgerton 2’ makers have tried to perfectly blend the Indian cultural representation into the British show.

    The Netflix series has already been renewed through season four, so there is plenty of period soapy obsession to come. Each season will be inspired by a different Quinn’s book in the series and will focus on each of the 8 Bridgerton children.

    The show is executive produced by Rhimes, Betsy Beers and Chris Van Dusen. Van Dusen also serves as creator and showrunner. 

  • Anthony Mackie, Priyanka Chopra team up for Ending Things

    By Express News Service

    It has been announced that actors and Priyanka Chopra will be teaming up for a film titled Ending Things.

    The film, which is currently in development at Amazon Studios, tells the story of a hit-woman who decides to quit the assassination business and end her relationship with her business partner. She quickly realises that she is not wholeheartedly willing to end the relationship, and the couple must team up for one last job.

    According to Deadline, Davis Entertainment’s Jeremy Stein and Lit Entertainment will produce the film along with Mackie’s production house, Make It With Gravy Productions and Jason Spire of Inspire Entertainment. Chopra Jonas will also be serving as the executive producer through her banner, Purple Pebble Pictures.

    Further details related to the project, such as the director and other cast members, are currently under wraps considering the nascency of the project.

    In addition to this film, Mackie has Desert Warrior coming up. He will also headline the fourth Captain America film. Chopra Jonas, on the other hand, will be seen in Text For You alongside Sam Heughan and the limited series, Citadel.