GOWRI MANICKAVASAGAM
Dhollywood is now gearing up to commence shooting after six months following the coronavirus-induced lockdown. Leading feature film, ad film, and corporate filmmaker Magnet Media on Friday started the production of its Dhummas with the claps of Muhurat Shot. This wholesome family entertainer having good ingredients like comedy and thriller is set to raise the bar for others in Gujarati film industry.
On the auspicious occasion of Muhurat Shot, film star cast, producers Bhavesh Upadhyay, Keyur Shah, and Vivek Shah; Director Kartavya Shah; Writer Bhargav Trivedi and other dignitaries were present.
“Due to COVID-19, all operations of the Gujarati film industry were temporarily suspended, but now the situation is back to normal and film shooting has resumed. However, the pandemic has not affected the passion of actors, and keeping pace with the situation, Magnet Media has given a positive message to the entire industry with this Muhurat Shot. All SOPs of the centre, as well as the state governments, will be strictly adhered to ensure the safety of all stakeholders during the production,” Director Kartavya Shah said.
Speaking with navjeevanexpress.com, Bhavesh Upadhyay, Founder, Magnet Media, said, “At Magnet Media creativity, viewer’s interest and improved experience have been at centre stage in our work. Magnet Media is the first company in the state which provides branding as well as film marketing and distribution services to the industry. We are a one-stop-solution company and presently, we are working on seven films. Moreover, we provide in-film branding and marketing support post-production.”
“Comparing to other language film industries of the country, the Gujarati film industry’s market size is Rs 55 crore as there are no full-fledged film companies in Gujarat. Dhummas will be produced at a cost of Rs 2.5 crore as a trendsetter. The film will be wrapped up in four to five months. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the film will be shot in the best locations of Gujarat. Our future films will be shot in exotic foreign locations to woo more viewers,” Upadhyay added.
Virtually speaking from Canada, Keyur Shah, Co-Founder, Magnet Media, said, “Urban Gujarati movies have a huge fan base abroad and we provide overseas platforms before overseas release. We have a strong network in 16 countries and we also offer excellent locations in Canada, Portugal, and the USA for the shooting. We aim to promote Gujarati film directors and producers at the international level.”
Vivek Shah, a co-producer and Vivek Shah Films owner, said, “It’s a collaboration of the best industry giants and will surely make a wave among Gujju fans.”
The star cast of Dhummas includes lead actors Jayesh More, Kinjal Rajpriya, comedian Ojas Rawal, Chetan Daiya, Aakash Zala, Bhargav Trivedi, and Kinal Trivedi. Sreekumar Nair is the DOP of the film.