Mumbai, Jan 7 (IANS) Actor Manoj Bajpayee, who is awaiting the release of his upcoming streaming series 'Killer Soup', embraced an unconventional role amid the intense shooting schedules -- that of a hidden chef for the 'Killer Soup' team.

The actor shared that he used to cook and serve a new dish every week to the crew while shooting in Kerala.

Talking about the same, Manoj shared: "I started cooking about five years ago, and I very much enjoy it. I used to watch YouTube videos and learn new recipes. The unit, I believe, enjoyed it a lot because when we were shooting in Munnar and Kerala, I used to cook and serve a new dish every week. I cooked quite a lot in those three months."

The actor further mentioned, "It was a refreshing break from the intensity of our scenes, and I found joy in experimenting with different flavours and dishes. It became a sort of tradition for us, a way to bond over meals and create a relaxed atmosphere on set."

Co-star Konkona Sensharma chimed in saying, “Manoj is quite the chef, his Bihari mutton is simply delicious. Beyond the scenes and scripts, our shoot experience transformed into shared moments around food. It felt like one of those secret ingredients that added fun and togetherness to the ‘Killer Soup’ set.”

‘Killer Soup’ will drop on Netflix on January 11.

Mumbai, Jan 3 (IANS) The trailer of the upcoming streaming series ‘Killer Soup’ was unveiled on Wednesday, and by the looks of it, the series is a promising blend of genres. Set in the fictitious town of Mainjur, it follows Swathi Shetty, an aspiring chef who wants the world to enjoy her paya soup. An accident sets off a series of mishaps and hasty cover-ups that land her and her lover in hot soup.

‘Killer Soup’ stars Manoj Bajpayee in dual roles, Konkona Sen Sharma, Nasser, Sayaji Shinde, Lal, Anbuthasan, Anula Navlekar and Kani Kusruti.

The trailer starts off with Manoj Bajpayee’s character being wounded and singing ‘Tu Hi Re’ as the events in the trailer unravel. Swathi, played by Konkona, hatches a plan to murder and replace her husband with her lover who looks exactly the same. What follows is a cocktail of comedy, thrill and high-voltage drama.

Talking about the series, Manoj Bajpayee shared: “For the first time in my career, I will be playing a double role, both starkly different from each other. I trusted Abhishek Chaubey's directorial prowess, and a stellar cast that breathed life into characters to create a surreal pot-boiler unlike any other stemming from an accidental crime. At its heart, ‘Killer Soup’ is a crime thriller that blends multiple genres, making it a delicious serving that everyone can enjoy.”

Konkana Sen Sharma said: “Stepping into Swathi Shetty's shoes was a unique experience for me as the character has depth, darkness and packs a lot of punch. Working on the series with Abhishek Chaubey and a talented set of actors was a delight. The trailer offers a glimpse into the quirky world we’ve created set against the background of a sleepy town. With hints of suspense peppered through the series, it really makes you wonder, ‘Will she or won’t she get caught and will the soup boil over?’ I eagerly await the audience’s reaction when they watch ‘Killer Soup’.”

Produced by Chetana Kowshik and Honey Trehan, ‘Killer Soup’ drop on January 11, 2024 on Netflix.

Mumbai, Nov 8 (IANS) The upcoming Manoj Bajpayee-starrer film 'Joram’ has booked its theatrical release on December 8. The film is a survival thriller drama, helmed by Devashish Makhija.

It also stars Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Rajshri Deshpande, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Smita Tambe in lead roles.

Talking about the film, director Devashish Makhija said, “‘Joram’ is a passion project that's close to my heart. I’ve had the script in my mind for a long time. After receiving incredible acclaim and warmth at film festivals across the world this year, it has finally arrived at its big screen theatrical release.”

“For Anupama Bose and me at Makhijafilm Zee Studios’ belief and conviction has been the reason Joram has come this far. The cast, led by the inimitable Manoj Bajpayee, has been the best I’ve ever worked with. It is their - and the brilliant crew’s - dedication and talent that gave this story shape and life,” he added.

The film has been produced by Shariq Patel, Ashima Avasthi Chaudhuri, Anupama Bose, and Devashish Makhija. The music for the film is composed by Mangesh Dhakde. Made under the banner of Zee Studios and MakhijaFilm, ‘Joram’ is set to release on December 8.

New Delhi, July 26 (IANS) The National Award-winning actor, Manoj Bajpayee is all set to step back into the role of ACP Avinash, as the second instalment of the edge of the seat thrilling whodunit, ‘Silence’, has gone on the floors on Wednesday.

In the first instalment, ACP Avinash (Manoj Bajpayee) sets out to investigate the mysterious murder of a high-profile woman, peeling back the layers of a complex web of deceit, lies, and hidden truths. As the suspense builds, the audience is taken on an intense journey that culminates with shocking revelation.

Manoj leads an ensemble cast of Prachi Desai, Sahil Vaid and Vaquar Shaikh, in the second instalment of the movie.

Sharing his excitement, Manoj said: “I am thrilled and exhilarated to bring back the second instalment of ‘Silence’ for the audience. The love and appreciation I had received for this role has been truly overwhelming, and it motivates me to deliver my best with this new project as well.”

The versatile actor said that he always seeks to challenge himself, and explore diverse characters.

“ACP Avinash has been one such remarkable journey. I am immensely grateful to continue my long-standing association with ZEE5,  Zee Studios and the Director, Aban Deohans. I truly hope that viewers enjoy this exciting new movie as it delves deeper into the world of mystery and suspense,” he added.

Directed by Aban Bharucha Deohans, the second part of ‘Silence’ promises yet another compelling plot filled with darker secrets and unexpected twists. Each moment of ‘Silence’ will hold a clue, challenging viewers to piece together the puzzle as the story unfolds. Manoj’s performance, coupled with Deohans' skilful direction, the movie will take the suspense genre to new heights.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Manoj has recently delivered an impactful performance in ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’, where he played the role of Advocate PC Solanki.

He also has ‘Despatch’ in the pipeline.

'Silence 2’ will soon premiere on ZEE5.

Mumbai, June 7 (IANS) The upcoming Manoj Bajpayee-starrer film 'Joram' is set to be screened at the Durban International Film Festival which will be held from July 20 to July 30. The film has been directed by Devashish Makhija and marks his third collaboration with Manoj Bajpayee.

Reacting to the news of the film heading to the film festival, Manoj said: "'Joram' is a very special film and I am simply fascinated with all the love that the film is garnering at the global level. Devashish has done a laudable job and no one could have backed the project better than Zee Studios. Am delighted that now the film is going to the Durban International Film Festival."

The film, which also stars Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Smita Tambe, and Megha Mathur in pivotal roles, and Tannishtha Chatterjee and Rajshri Deshpande in special appearances, is a hard-hitting psychological thriller about a displaced man who is on the run to protect his daughter.

Devashish Makhija said: "'Joram' is an emotionally-charged survival thriller story of a tribal man being chased by powerful forces who want him dead. He has to stay on the run to keep his infant daughter alive. Manoj Bajpayee's performance ensures knots in the chest; as do the powerful performances of the rest of the cast. We are thrilled by all the recognition this film is garnering on the international circuit, and are really excited to be in Competition at the Durban International Film Festival."

The film also deals with issues such as social inequalities, injustice with the tribal communities, and deforestation.

The film is produced by Zee Studios in collaboration with Makhijafilm. The film has also been a part of the FBR section of the Viewing Room at NFDC's Film Bazaar.

Mumbai, June 2 (IANS) The streaming courtroom drama film 'Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai', which stars National Award winning actor Manoj Bajpayee as a lawyer, is set to be released in two additional languages of Tamil and Telugu. The film has also been released in theatres making it the first Hindi film to migrate from OTT to theatres.

The Telugu and Tamil versions of the film will drop on OTT on June 7. The film, directed by Apoorv Singh Karki, has Manoj's character P.C. Solanki fighting the biggest case of his life against a powerful self-styled godman in a minor girl's rape case.

Despite death threats against him, his family and the key witnesses, P.C. Solanki is persistent in his fight for truth.

Manoj Bajpayee said: "I am overwhelmed by all the warmth, love, support and affection the film has received from fans, critics and my friends in the industry. It is a matter of pride to be recognised for a film which tackles such an important subject. It's a film that will connect with audiences across languages. I am still eager to see how the audience in the South responds to it. Truly hope they like the film."

Produced by Vinod Bhanushali's Bhanushali Studios Limited, Zee Studios and Suparn S Varma, 'Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai' will premiere in Tamil and Telugu on June 7, 2023 on ZEE5.

Mumbai, March 20 (IANS) Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee spoke about being part of the upcoming documentary 'The Vial' in which he will be narrating the story of the Covid-19 vaccination programme in India. He said that it is a tribute to healthcare professionals and frontline workers.

In the documentary, PM Narendra Modi will be speaking in detail about India's success over the Covid-19 pandemic.

The actor said: "India's Covid-19 vaccine story is a remarkable accomplishment for the country, and as Indians, we all should be aware and proud of it. This film is a tribute to our healthcare professionals and frontline workers who produced the vaccines in unprecedented timelines and executed the vaccination drive, despite several challenges."

'The Vial' focuses on the development of a vaccine for the huge population of the country. It also showcases certain case studies that highlight how the government and health workers made vaccines accessible to people despite many challenges.

Manoj, who is known for films such as 'Gangs of Wasseypur', 'Satya', 'Kaun?', 'Shool', 'Raajneeti', and 'Aligarh', said that because of the efforts of healthcare workers, people are safely moving out of their homes and can continue their work.

"They are the reason why we are stepping out of our homes confidentially today. I am honoured to be part of this documentary," he added.

The 60-minute documentary narrated by Manoj Bajpayee features Prime Minister Narendra Modi; Adar Poonawalla (CEO, Serum Institute of India); Bill Gates (co-founder of Microsoft and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation); Dr Sumit Agarwal (Scientist, ICMR); Dr Shamika Ravi (public policy expert); Dr Devi Shetty (Founder of Narayana Hrudayalaya); and Dr Krishna Ella (Chairman, Bharat Biotech) among others.

Produced by Colosceum Media, 'The Vial' will premieres on History TV18 on March 24

Mumbai, March 4 (IANS) National Award winning actor Manoj Bajpayee, who is basking in the appreciation of his recently released streaming film 'Gulmohar', holds his 'Satya' director Ram Gopal Varma in high regard.

The actor said that RGV's entry into the Hindi film industry changed its dynamics and how films are made in the Hindi film industry.

Talking to Ranveer Allahbadia in a podcast, Manoj said: "Ram Gopal Varma itne tripped out insaan hai tabhi unhone 'Satya' banayi, 'Company' banayi, 'Shiva' banayi, 'Sarkaar' banayi. Us aadmi ne poori industry badal di (he is a tripped out person that is why he made films like 'Satya', 'Company', 'Shiva' or, 'Sarkaar'). He has given so many directors, a whole generation of actors, technicians, he revolutionised Hindi cinema. Only a person who is tripped out can do such a thing because they have the courage."

Manoj also revealed that he may disagree with RGV on certain things like his outlook towards life or modern relationships but he always finds it amusing to listen to him.

Drawing parallels between RGV and his 'Gangs of Wasseypur' director Anurag Kashyap, who has assisted RGV and co-wrote the script of 'Satya', Manoj said: "They both are highly unpredictable and both are child-like and that's why they're great filmmakers."