The wait is finally over for fans of Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. Five years after their ambitious first film together was announced, Brahmastra: Part One — Shiva is all set for the big screen on Friday.
One of the most expensive Indian films ever made, with a reported budget of more than 4 billion rupees ($50 million), director Ayan Mukerji has big plans for the movie, which he hopes to turn into Bollywood's first superhero franchise.
“I was 29 when I started working on the film. I’ll be 39 by the time it releases. My peers have made multiple films, gotten married and had kids in the time I’ve made this one movie," Mukerji told The National last year.
Scroll through the gallery above for stills from the film
Interest has also peaked because of its leads, Kapoor and Bhatt, who met on its set, fell in love and got married in April. In June, the couple announced they were expecting their first child together.
Brahmastra: Part One — Shiva also promises visual effects, the likes of which have never been seen before in India, and an introduction to the Astraverse, a cinematic universe Mukerji hopes to jump-start.
Following a disappointing year for Bollywood at the box office so far, with many big-budget movies having failed, all eyes will be on this fantasy film to bring much-needed audiences back to the cinemas.
What is 'Brahmastra: Part One — Shiva' all about?
The film is set in present-day India and Kapoor plays a DJ who discovers he has a deep connection with fire. Through the help of a secret society, he then learns to harness his gift and also wield the Brahmastra, a weapon of immense power that is believed to be able to destroy the universe.
But a group of dark forces also want that weapon, and Kapoor's superhero and his friends go on an all-out battle to defend it and also thwart their evil plans.
The film's elements are deeply influenced by Hindu mythology, including Kapoor's character's name Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism.
In July, director Mukerji released a video explaining his inspiration from ancient Hindu texts, and the extended universe the planned trilogy will be set in.
Who is the cast of 'Brahmastra: Part One — Shiva'?
Besides Kapoor as Shiva and Bhatt as his love interest Isha, South Indian superstar Nagarjuna Akkineni makes his return to Hindi films as a gifted and powerful member of Brahmansh, a group that helps Shiva find his true calling. Amitabh Bachchan also features as Guru, the leader of the group.
Actress Mouni Roy plays the antagonist Junoon, who also wields immense power, and who sets her evil army upon Shiva and members of the Brahmansh.
Other cast members include veteran actress Dimple Kapadia, Indian WWE star Saurav Gurjar and actor Gurfateh Pirzada.
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will also make a cameo in the film, playing a scientist.
When is 'Brahmastra: Part One — Shiva' being released in India and the UAE?
Brahmastra: Part One — Shiva will be released in cinemas in India and the UAE on Friday in various formats, including 3D as well as IMAX 3D.
Earlier this week, tickets to a special screening at a cinema in Mumbai, scheduled for Thursday, were sold out in four minutes, according to PVR Cinemas.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Email sent to Uber team from chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi
From: Dara
To: Team@
Date: March 25, 2019 at 11:45pm PT
Subj: Accelerating in the Middle East
Five years ago, Uber launched in the Middle East. It was the start of an incredible journey, with millions of riders and drivers finding new ways to move and work in a dynamic region that’s become so important to Uber. Now Pakistan is one of our fastest-growing markets in the world, women are driving with Uber across Saudi Arabia, and we chose Cairo to launch our first Uber Bus product late last year.
Today we are taking the next step in this journey—well, it’s more like a leap, and a big one: in a few minutes, we’ll announce that we’ve agreed to acquire Careem. Importantly, we intend to operate Careem independently, under the leadership of co-founder and current CEO Mudassir Sheikha. I’ve gotten to know both co-founders, Mudassir and Magnus Olsson, and what they have built is truly extraordinary. They are first-class entrepreneurs who share our platform vision and, like us, have launched a wide range of products—from digital payments to food delivery—to serve consumers.
I expect many of you will ask how we arrived at this structure, meaning allowing Careem to maintain an independent brand and operate separately. After careful consideration, we decided that this framework has the advantage of letting us build new products and try new ideas across not one, but two, strong brands, with strong operators within each. Over time, by integrating parts of our networks, we can operate more efficiently, achieve even lower wait times, expand new products like high-capacity vehicles and payments, and quicken the already remarkable pace of innovation in the region.
This acquisition is subject to regulatory approval in various countries, which we don’t expect before Q1 2020. Until then, nothing changes. And since both companies will continue to largely operate separately after the acquisition, very little will change in either teams’ day-to-day operations post-close. Today’s news is a testament to the incredible business our team has worked so hard to build.
It’s a great day for the Middle East, for the region’s thriving tech sector, for Careem, and for Uber.
Uber on,
Dara
Fresh faces in UAE side
Khalifa Mubarak (24) An accomplished centre-back, the Al Nasr defender’s progress has been hampered in the past by injury. With not many options in central defence, he would bolster what can be a problem area.
Ali Salmeen (22) Has been superb at the heart of Al Wasl’s midfield these past two seasons, with the Dubai club flourishing under manager Rodolfo Arrubarrena. Would add workrate and composure to the centre of the park.
Mohammed Jamal (23) Enjoyed a stellar 2016/17 Arabian Gulf League campaign, proving integral to Al Jazira as the capital club sealed the championship for only a second time. A tenacious and disciplined central midfielder.
Khalfan Mubarak (22) One of the most exciting players in the UAE, the Al Jazira playmaker has been likened in style to Omar Abdulrahman. Has minimal international experience already, but there should be much more to come.
Jassim Yaqoub (20) Another incredibly exciting prospect, the Al Nasr winger is becoming a regular contributor at club level. Pacey, direct and with an eye for goal, he would provide the team’s attack an extra dimension.
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