Posted on

Furlenco & TVF Join Hands To Deliver The Most Hilarious Infomercial!

TD

Furlenco, India’s first and largest online furniture rental company revealed the first look of its infomercial  — Truth or Dare with Dad — in association with web series pioneer, TVF (The Viral Fever), a popular digital content platform, at Pune’s Hard Rock Café on 15th April 2016. The furniture rental giant also announced its expansion plans in the city amidst a mixed audience including media, first few customers of Furlenco from Pune, TVF Team, Furlenco exec team, Members from Lightbox Venture Capital team and many more.

Truth or Dare with Dad is a hilarious sketch between father and son…and friend, as they go through a grueling fun game of Truth or Dare.  Starring everyone’s favorite from the TVF team, Jitendra Kumar (lovingly known as Jeetu!) enjoy the infomercial as Jeetu teaches his Dad the game and learns many a new thing along the way!

Truth or Dare with Dad is written by Chandan Kumar and directed by Raghav Subbu from Team TVF.

Based out of Bangalore, Furlenco was established in the year 2012, followed by its Mumbai launch in October 2015 with the purpose of elevating the living standards of urban aspirers who often end up compromising on their need for a good-looking home due to lack of desirable and convenient solutions. Furlenco gives them access to premium and aspirational products which can be used for as long as it is required, without investing heavily in buying it. After beautifying 5000+ homes in Bangalore and Mumbai in the past one year, Furlenco made its grand entry into the Pune market riding on a campaign with Uber on 1st April. The Pune operations will coincide with launch of three new offerings  including a Chill Zone, Bachelor’s Pad and Sleepover. Customers can place their orders online at Furlenco and get free doorstep delivery and installations within a week. They can also swap furniture annually based on their needs.

Commenting on the launch, Ajith Mohan Karimpana, Founder and CEO of Furlenco said, “TVF is an immensely popular youth-centric digital content platform in our country, which boasts of more than 15,00,000 viewers. The idea of launching an infomercial with TVF came from a simple thought of introducing Furlenco to the youth of this city as well as all the other metropolitan cities, who are also our target group. We aim to make aspirations of Pune’s aspirers more accessible by providing premium designer furniture on rent. They can now Have Everything and Buy Nothing.”

Having pioneered the web series genre in India and created two very successful web series Permanent Roommates and Pitchers,  Arunabh Kumar, Founder & Creative Experiment Officer, The Viral Fever (TVF) says, “Furlenco has made lives of young working professionals simpler without burning a hole in their pockets. As the fan base of TVF is primarily the youth – this collaboration was really exciting for us.”

Added TVF’s Jitendra Kumar who stars in the infomercial and who was present at the teaser launch, “It’s a great concept and I must thank Furlenco for giving an opportunity to anyone and everyone to rent beautiful and aspirational pieces of furniture nicely put in as an experience. Now I do not get a cold feet, thinking of purchasing furniture as disposing them used to be a bigger challenge. With Furlenco I do not have to get tied down to my furniture and with the free swap facility I can get a beautiful looking home every year.”

The infomercial launch event was followed by cocktails and dinner.

From the living room to bedroom and dining, Furlenco makes furnishing a house quick, easy and affordable. Carefully designed & curated, Furlenco’s premium furniture packages come with exquisite soft furnishing, home decor and accessories on a monthly subscription fee. This Pune launch is a part of Furlenco’s nationwide expansion, which it will follow by setting up its operations across every tier 1 city in India. By reaching out to every urban Indian on the move, Furlenco envisions to create a successful global name in the rental furniture service category and provide a seamless rental experience to all its customers.

About Furlenco:
Furlenco, India’s first and largest online home furniture rental company makes furnishing a home quick, easy and affordable, a novel concept unheard of so far. Furlenco’s design process is user-inspired, allowing them to offer furniture that truly enhances customer’s lives. Apart from quick deliveries and free set-up, Furlenco also pairs every unit of furniture with matching home décor and soft furnishing, allowing you to furnish your entire home in one click.

The point to be noted here is that the infomercial within 3 days of it’s launch on TVF Play and YouTube connected largely with the youth and is one of the highest viewed and trending videos on YouTube today. Watch the infomercial below;

Posted on

Movie Review: Hell hath no fury like a ‘FAN’ scorned!

shahrukh-fanposter-759

This week saw the much awaited release of Shah Rukh Khan  & Shah Rukh Khan 🙂 starrer FAN directed by Maneesh ‘Band Baaja Baraat’ Sharma and produced by Yash Raj Films. Loosely based on Hollywood movie The Fan and many real life incidents, this movie shows the obsession of a fan for his superstar idol and to what lengths his obsession can take him.

Gaurav (Shah Rukh Khan) is a happy-go-lucky guy from Delhi who is a huge fan of superstar Aryan Khanna (Shah Rukh Khan). From his childhood, he has been such a Jabra fan of Aryan Khanna that he knows every minute detail of his life. Though he has a cyber cafe of his own and also a one way love interest (Shriya Pilgaonkar), Gaurav’s only obsession is with Aryan Khanna. He wishes to meet Aryan Khanna on his birthday, and with the prize money he wins from a local star fan contest, he goes to meet his idol with his trophy and mom’s halwa. As expected, when he reaches Aryan Khanna’s residence, he realises he is just one of the millions of fans the superstar has. Determined to meet him at any cost, he takes a very crooked way to get his idol’s attention. He succeeds but not in a nice way, as Aryan Khanna gets very pissed at what he does. Gaurav finally gets his face time with Aryan Khanna, but things go all haywire, and the conversation also doesn’t end in the way he wants. Insulted and miffed, Gaurav decides that from here on, whenever Aryan Khanna’s name is taken, people will also take his name too. Thus begins a cat and mouse game between the superstar and his fan, as the fan decides it’s time to rattle at the superstar’s cage and make him pay for what he had said and done!

Performance by Shah Rukh Khan as both Aryan Khanna and Gaurav ROCKS!!! After a long time, maybe after Chak De, I quite enjoyed a SRK movie. His portrayal of Gaurav is awesome. The supporting cast does not get too much of scope as it is a start-to-end SRK movie however, Shriya Pilgaonkar in a brief role as Gaurav’s love interest is superb. Gaurav’s parents played by Deepika Amin and Yogendra Tiku show sparks while Waluscha De Sousa [as Aryan’s wife] doesn’t get much scope. However, newcomer Sayani Gupta [as Aryan’s secretary] is very notable.

There are no songs and that is a first for a SRK and YRF movie. The DoP (Manu Anand) does a great job by bringing the screen alive with his camera work. Editing (Namrata Rao) could have been crisper as in the first half few of the scenes seem to be monotonous. Background score by Andrea Guerra is good. The makeup department needs to be applauded for transforming SRK as Gaurav. Quite commendable!

Overall it is a good movie but not a GREAT movie!

My Verdict: ***

Posted on

Movie Review: Love Games – Bad Execution, Good Performances!

check-out-the-poster-of-love-games-0001

This week saw the release of Vikram Bhatt’s Love Games starring Tara Alisha Berry, Patralekha and debutant Gaurav Arora, alongside the brilliantly crafted and loved The Jungle Book. Vikram Bhatt remembered for brilliant movies in the past viz; Kasoor, Ghulam, Raaz, Fareb, Awara Pagal Deewana etc. dishes out a not so brilliant movie this time.

The story starts with the Ramona Raichand (Patralekha) a sex addict, losing her husband in an accident. Immediately you see her finding peace in the arms of her fuck buddy Sameer Saxena (Gaurav Arora) and drugs alongside playing a grieving widow in front of the society. Sameer aka Sam, on the other hand, is a rich, lonely son of a wealthy businessman who is addicted to self-harm, drugs and sex. He also consults a psychiatrist (Rukhsar) for his depressive state owing to his dark past. Bored with his life and to find some adventure he decides to accompany his sex buddy Ramona in ‘Love Games’ which is a game of infidelity where it is all about seducing happy couples and getting laid with them. Sam has to score the wife, while Ramona has to go for the husband and whoever gets laid first wins. And the loser will supply a week of cocaine to the winner!

Amidst this game, things get serious when Sam falls in love with Dr. Alisha Asthana (Tara Alisha Berry), married to an abusive criminal lawyer Gaurav Asthana (Hiten Tejwani). Sam’s growing closeness to Alisha does not go down well with Ramona who wants Gaurav to still remain her fuck buddy and fulfill her sexual desires. What happens to Gaurav who is stuck between his love for Alisha and an obsessive sex maniac Ramona forms the rest of the story .

To start with the movie has a novel plot which no one has witnessed in Bollywood yet. However, Vikram Bhatt as a director fails in executing the same. Also the backstory for each character to justify their act is not very convincing. Gaurav’s character seems to be the way he is because his mother left him and his father to be with another man. Patralekha’s character is dark because she does not believe in love as she was repeatedly raped by her uncle when she was a kid and her boyfriend left her pregnant. Tara’s character as the tortured and battered wife has no justification apart from her husband being a powerful lawyer who will not spare her if she tried to divorce him. These theories do not justify the characters completely. The dialogues are corny and at times sound really boring. On the story level the Bhatts had a great idea but as it was developed into a script and later transferred to the screen, it remains a half-baked and boring movie.

Coming to performances, Gaurav Arora for a debutant has got a very complex character to play and he justified the same with his performance, expressions and body language. It’s a great debutant performance by him and will shine out with future movies. Tara Alisha Berry is a revelation. She has come out with a natural and mature performance and at times your heart goes out to her. You feel like comforting her and could feel her pain even though the character was not well-developed. She is one talent to watch out for in the future. Patralekha who came out with a brilliant performance in CityLights fails a bit. Her voice for a matter does not compliment the dark character she portrayed. She sounds screechy and it would have been better if Vikram could have dubbed her voice. At times she goes overboard with her performance. However, one cannot write her off as she seems to be a director’s actor. Hiten Tejwani is a miscast. He looks and acts uncomfortable and therefore this brilliant actor could not get into his character and do justice to the role. He is awkward and uncomfortable in the sexual scenes as well.

The music is not that great when you compare with the excellent compositions one associate with Vishesh Films and T-Series. The editor couldn’t do much when the screenplay itself was bad.

Overall, this is one movie that has some good performances but a lackluster content. Could have been better.

My Verdict: ** (extra one star for the actors)

Posted on

Movie Review: The Jungle Book – VFX Classic by Disney!

jungle-book

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling is one of the most famous and read book worldwide. If you are a kid from the 90’s then you will remember the cartoon series that used to come on Doordarshan with the same name and who can forget the all time hit song from the series composed by Vishal Bhardwaj and written by Gulzar – Jungle Jungle Pata Chala Hai, which is still a hit among kids.

This week Disney released the movie adaptation of the much-loved book directed by Jon Favreau laden with VFX and 3D starring Neel Sethi. The movie literally follows the book telling the story of Mowgli (Neel Sethi) a human boy raised by the wolves Raksha (Lupita Nyong’o) and Akela (Giancarlo Esposito) ever since he was a baby and brought to them by Bagheera (Ben Kingsley), the black panther. When the fearsome scarred Bengal Tiger Shere Khan (Idris Elba) threatens his life since man isn’t allowed in the jungle, Mowgli leaves his jungle home. Guided by Bagheera and Baloo the bear (Bill Murray), he sets out on a journey of self-discovery while evading the man-hunting Shere Khan. Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who do not exactly have his best interests at heart including Kaa (Scarlett Johansson) the python and the smooth-talking Bornean orangutan-resembling Gigantopithecus King Louie (Christopher Walken), who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower. Will Mowgli succumb to King Louie’s wishes and assist him in attaining the red flower, will he defeat Shere Khan, or will he forsake the jungle for the safety of the human village is what the rest of the film is all about.

The film that combines live action with flawless CGI animation is a visual masterpiece. Neel Sethi the 12-year-old child debutant does a wonderful job. I would highly recommend him for all the major awards for the best actor category as he has given a performance that can put most of the experienced actors to shame. The voices of popular actors like Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Ben Kingsley etc.,  used for the various animals does justice to their characters.

The technical team from the cinematographer Bill Pope, to the entire VFX team and editor Mark Livolsi needs to be given a standing ovation. They have come up with a technical masterpiece. The animals in the movie for not even a frail second makes you think are artificial. The 3D as well as the sound design further adds to the charm of the movie.

Overall this is a wonderful movie that offers spectacular visual treat and one should definitely go and watch! Highly Recommended!!

My Verdict: ****

Posted on

I am a full old school romantic kind of girl – Tara Alisha Berry

Beautiful, smart, vivacious, stylish, sexy, talented and more importantly confident are few adjectives that come to my mind the moment I think of Tara Alisha Berry. This bundle of talent never fails to surprise me with every movie of her’s whether it is a demure, shy girl in Mastram  or the bold and beautiful Alisha from Vikram Bhatt’s Love Games, Tara fits in every role and character to the ‘T’. It is my pleasure to have Tara back on Chai With Shai and today we are going to talk ‘dirty’. Presenting you excerpts from my conversation with my dear friend Taasha (nickname) over a glass of chilled iced tea and some delicious homemade cookies.

tab3

Welcome back Taasha… it’s a pleasure to have you on Chai With Shai and I must say you are looking stunning in the promos of Love Games (smiles).
Thank you Shy… it is always a pleasure to chat with you (smiles)

What is Love Games all about?
In one sentence Love Games is “Love in the time of Lust” (whispers)

Wow! That’s quite a nice one liner (winks) So tell me what’s so special about this character – Alisha, in Love Games that made you take up the role?
Her graph is beautiful in the film. Also when I read the script I got scared thinking how will I pull this off. It’s always nice doing roles which are challenging. Also I would have never let go of the opportunity to work with Vikram sir and Vishesh films (gushes).

Hmm… How close is the character of Alisha with you in reality?
She is not like me at all. She is much more mature than I am. I feel I have a lot more to learn before I reach Alisha’s level of strength and maturity!

TAB

How did you prepare for the role?
We did a few readings and also did workshops with Bhatt Saab. By the time we reached the shoot we all knew exactly who our characters were and so then everything just flowed very organically.

Will you ever want to play some Love Games in your real life (winks)?
Never! I am a full old school romantic kind of girl. I don’t believe in games at all when it comes to matters of the heart.

Really??? (teasingly)
Of Course… what do you mean really??? (rolls her eyes) You know me… (smiles)

Ok got it (Laughs)… In our society we never speak openly about our sexual life, do you think a movie like Love Games will find audience in present scenario?
People don’t speak openly but they all watch explicit videos and read things with sexual content in secret! Our film is much much than just a film about swingers and sex. It has a very gripping and thrilling story and I hope audiences give us a chance so they can enjoy the film!

Tell me your experience of working with Vikram Bhatt.
It was amazing! Vikram sir can read my thoughts so I could completely surrender to him as an actor and didn’t have to worry about “am I doing this scene correctly / I should have done this or that ” etc.

TAB2

What did you learn from the Bhatts?
I have learnt that it is important to be honest. As a person and as an actor. Bhatt Saab and Vikram sir have stripped down any facade I had before this film and I feel I am better for it. I feel like I have much more to explore within myself as an actor and hope I get the chance to do that!

Most of the Bhatt girls have been successful in Bollywood, some even ended up in Hollywood say Mallika Sherawat and Bipasha Basu. How was it being the new Bhatt girl in tinseltown?
I am ecstatic! I can’t wait to see how the graph of my career pans out! And who knows maybe I’ll end up in Hollywood too! (winks) God willing!! (crosses fingers and smiles)

Touchwood! (knocks on her head)
Ouch! (throws a cushion at me)

Peace… (smiles and raises my hands)
Cool (smiles)

After Love Games do you fear of getting slotted in the erotic movie category?
Not at all! I think when people see the film and see my character on the film they will see that it is one of the strongest women seen on-screen.

tara

How open are you talking about your sexual fantasies openly?
I don’t think I would in public and absolutely NEVER in front of you at least!

Why not me?
Just…(shrugs)

Tell me….
You want me to complete the answer or not?

Okay fine continue (pouts)
Where was I???? Hmm… Ya.. Like… Shut up don’t pout like a kid (laughs)

Okay fine… continue (smiles)
You are a total dramebaaz huh! Again you broke my flow… haan (pauses for a second before continuing).. As I said I don’t think I would talk sex openly in public, but definitely would with my boyfriend if I am in a long-term relationship!

How was it working with Gaurav Arora? Did you get to bully him considering the fact that you are 3 movies old and this is his debut?
(Laughs) Gaurav is a darling! He’s going to be the next heart-throb! He’s a wonderful actor and fun person! We got along really well and have become good friends. There was no bullying though! Come on I am sweet girl (giggles).

love-games-movie
Tara with co-star Gaurav Arora

Hmm… Now for a catty question… PR agencies always play up to the fact that when there are two actresses paired in a movie, there are bound to be some cat fights. So were there any cat fights between you and Patralekha?
You know that era of cat fights is long gone. Everybody wants to work and everyone is very chilled out these days. Patra and I have become closer and closer as the film has gone on and now I think she’s become someone I know I can call at any time and she’ll be there to listen. She’s a wonderful person and a hardworking actor and a great friend!

What image you want to portray on-screen bold seductress or demure next door girl?
Since I’ve already played the demure girl next door I think I’d love the challenge of playing a seductress!

Nice… Have you ever indulged in threesome?
What? (burst out laughing) No I haven’t. That was a bouncer (continues laughing)

Okay… Would you like some experimentation like 50 Shades of Grey in real life?
I haven’t read the book or seen the movie so I don’t know (straight face).

Alright… If offered the role of Anastasia Steele in the desi version of 50 Shades of Grey, would you like play it?
As I said… I can’t say because I haven’t seen the film or read the book but if I found the story interesting then, who knows! For me it’s about the script and director!

Gaurav Arora, Teeshay, Rahul Bagga who is the best on-screen kisser?
(Burst out laughing) I don’t think I should answer this!

Why?
It wont be fair to each of these guys… before you get into your way of dissecting things… please let’s move on to the next question (giggle)

Okay… answer this… Erotic Thrillers or Sex Comedies?
Brilliant stories! (winks)

TAB1

Steady relationship or partner swapping to spice up your sexual life?
Steady relationship.

Sex on the beach or Jungle mein Mangal?
(Laughs) What Jungle Mein Mangal??? Gross!!! Ummm I’m more of a mountain girl! So I think in a romantic setting in the mountains!

Smart…(smiles) So what are your future projects?
I’m in talks for a thriller and also doing two more films with Vishesh films.

Wow!!! What can the audience expect from LG and why should they watch it?
They can watch a thrilling story which will blow their minds with the twists and turns in it and that’s why they should watch it!!

Taasha as usual it is a pleasure to chat with you. I wish you all the best and may you become one of the biggest stars of Tinseltown!
Thanks Shy… wish you all the best for your new book Alfie The Elf! May it become one of the biggest bestsellers of all time!

Ooooh mutual admiration society huh? 
Nah seriously….

Anyway best of luck to both of us!
(both say in unison and laugh out loud)