The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
FilmThe Latest

Exclusive: Cast Talks ‘Bazodee’ At U.S. Premiere In Times Square [Video]

by Sade Graham August 3, 2016
by Sade Graham August 3, 2016 0 comments
2.5K

The Knockturnal caught up withΒ “Bazodee” cast and crew inΒ Times Square’s Playstation Theater for the U.S. Premiere.

MACHEL MONTANO (King of Soca music in his feature film debut),Β STAZ NAIR (Actor, Game of Thrones), VALMIKE RAMPERSADΒ (Actor, The Cost of Love),Β NATALIE PERERA (actor), ELIZABETH “LADY” MONTANO (Executive Producer), CLAIRE INCEΒ (Writer/Producer), ANCIL MCKAIN (Producer), SUSANNE BOHNET(Producer and Distributor), ANGELA HUNTE (American-Trinidadian Singer/Songwriter), LYRIKAL (American-Trinidadian Musician),SKINNY FABULOUS (Soca Artist), JILLIONAIRE (Trinidadian DJ),Β SOUNDS 4 LYFE (Trinidadian DJ), and MILO MYLES (Trinidadian DJ) were all in attendance.

Anita Ponchouri (Natalie Perera), the dutiful Indian daughter of a deep in debt businessman (Kabir Bedi) is about to marry a wealthy Londoner (Staz Nair) when a chance encounter with Soca singer, Lee de Leon (Soca music superstar Machel Montano in his film debut) sets things askew. In search of a muse, de Leon agrees to perform at the engagement party for both families. Unable to deny their mutual attraction, Anita must now choose between the answer to her family’s financial prayers and the possibility of real love.Β Set on the vivid, colorful islands of Trinidad & Tobago and pulsing with the sensuous dance rhythms of Soca music, Bazodee is the new-style Bollywood musical with a distinctly Caribbean island flavor.

How does it feel for your first feature film to be here now, with so many faces here to help you guys celebrate?

Claire Ince: It’s surreal. You know, we made this movie; we were inspired by Machel’s music to start on this journey. And for us to be here right now it’s a little bit surreal. You know, a Times Square premiere with so many Caribbean people who’ve come to support the film. We are very elated right now. It’s an exciting moment.

Ancil McKain: Pretty much the same. It’s a lot for me. So much flashing lights and all that, but it’s good. It’s going to be fun, I think that everyone is going to really like the movie, and that’s what’s important.

Can you tell me a little bit about the conception of the movie, how it all came together?

Claire Ince: So, we always wanted to make a movie that was a musical, entertaining, and that sort of captured the spirit of the Caribbean in terms of the resourcefulness, the music. And so, we were inspired by Machel Montano’s music, so we approached him that was the first step. And then I started to write it, thinking of songs that I could use from his catalog to tell this story. And I wanted it to be a universal story that people could relate to, and that’s why we chose a love story. And also the music is just music of love. So I wrote the script, and it does have a history. It won the Bahamas Film Festival – Screenwriting program, and from there we wanted to get folks on board to invest in the film. And that’s another thing, this is a completely Caribbean project, financed by Trinidad and Tobago. And that was the process in terms of the struggle to get it financed and finally made. Through that too, we attracted Todd Kessler, director from the US in order to, because we really wanted it to be a global film, so we wanted to attract the international talent.

Best songs from the film?

Ancil McKain: I think, β€œI Forget”, which is a new one, a new song. So people are going to hear it for the first time, actually the video got released like a week ago. But it’s quite an amazing song. I remember that night, it was the final night of filming, we heard the whole sequence of β€œI Forget”, and it was just amazing. People were just standing in the street, just like in awe, like this is such an amazing song. That’s one memory that really sticks with me, we had such rich memories from the entire production but that’s one that stands out. But my pick would be β€œI Forget”. But I’m an old Machel fan, so I really like β€œNo War”, that’s also in the movie as well.

Claire Ince: So my favorite is β€œMesmerize”. Part of the fun in doing this movie was, you know, well you like the music, but also seeing the music re-imagined in different ways. And if you are familiar with Machel’s work, when you hear some of the songs, you’ll see how he was able to develop them for the film. You’ll also hear since it’s a musical, our lead Natalie Perera is singing. So it’s a really interesting experience to hear the music in different ways.

Singer/songwriter Angela Hunte, who features on the films soundtrack also shares her excitement on sharing her culture.

Angela, what brings you out tonight?

Angela Hunte: I’m here to support my boy. Machel Montano, in his first feature film, Bazodee, I’m so excited for our culture. I’m so excited for people to see him in this light, to see him for more than what he is; he is an entertainer, but he is an all-around entertainer, he is a triple threat, he can do it all. To see it here in America, to be here on 42nd street, and watching all these people that have come out to support him. I’m honored to be a part of the soundtrack. For him to enlist me to be a part of this movie, this is just really exciting.

How did being a part of the soundtrack come about?

Angela Hunte: I mean, right now we just have this chemistry that’s awesome. He’s like β€˜Angela hey, can we use the songs on the soundtrack’, and I’m like β€˜yes, and more yes’. Everybody knows I always say yes and more yes, once it’s a good thing, and it was definitely a good thing. This is about love and it’s a love story, and he carefully took his time with the soundtrack, he worked really hard to make sure to bring our music to the forefront. You know, because this is a feature film, this is a big deal; this isn’t a video, this is something that is totally different and he tackled it really, really well. And I’m excited for everybody to see it tonight, to hear the music, to bring our music closer to these shores, to show people that you know, Carnival is love, this is what it’s about. And I think everybody is starting to get that message and you’re going to see today, Bazodee.

What would you like for the people who aren’t familiar to receive as far as the culture, that feeling, you know Carnival?

Angela Hunte: You know, I think bringing it closer just being true to who we are. And doing what we want to do, and mixing it up with mainstream music, and reaching out to more pop artists, bringing them in. Once you’re in Soca music, you’re in. You’re going to be addicted and you’re going to love it. I think its easy, it’s being who we are, it’s performing more places so people can see us more, and that’s what’s happening. When you hear what’s happening on the charts today, cultured music is a huge part of the Top 40 music today, more than we’ve ever seen. So right now is the time to reach out and show everybody what we are about. I think people are curious, and the more curious they are, the more we’re going to get them to come in. They want to come in, and we’re saying β€˜come in’; you will enjoy yourself. We are celebratory people, our music is celebratory music and right now we need that. Like, the world needs that, states need that, countries need that, cities need that. I think right now, people are shifting away from the regular, and they want more. They are experimenting more with music, and we are here, come on in.

Do you have any personal projects going on right now?

Angela Hunte: Yes, oh my God! Actually, today I went to Spotify, I had a meeting and was just full of tears. I didn’t know so many people in the world were just reaching out to me, listening to me and I’m just so excited to bring them this album, finally. I’ve actually cut down my tour schedule to work on this album for the last four months. I am generally a very shy and very closed person. I’ve opened my heart and I cannot wait for people to just, love it, hate it, just evoke some sort of emotion. People have been waiting to see this, waiting to see more music from me, and people have been waiting to see me on the stage with my own band doing my own thing and I’m so excited to do that. Machel has been so instrumental in my career and helping me figure out.

The film hits theaters this Friday!

Ancil McKainAngela HunteBazodeeClaire InceMachel Montano
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Sade Graham

previous post
Kesha Drops Sexual Assault Case Against Dr. Luke
next post
Exclusive: David Oyelowo, Rosie Perez, Maris Curran Talk ‘Five Nights in Maine’

Related Posts

Broadway Show “ART” IS A WORK OF ART

October 7, 2025

Rebecca Zlotowski and Jodie Foster Talk Paris, Cinematic...

October 6, 2025

First Look: Inside Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth Makeover β€”...

October 6, 2025

Late Development Presents Jamz & Conversation Featuring Legendary...

October 5, 2025

‘Law & Order’ Pop Up Serves Delicious Fun

October 4, 2025

β€˜Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere’ β€” Tries to...

October 4, 2025

Ferrero Rocher’s Oculus Pop-Up Celebrates New Chocolate Squares

October 4, 2025

EXCLUSIVE: Stars Talk β€˜Blue Moon’ at New York...

October 4, 2025

Black Theatre United Hosts 3rd Annual Gala

October 4, 2025

Netflix’s “A House of Dynamite” Movie Premiere at...

October 4, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joa Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joachim Trier for their sixth cinematic journey, co-writing Sentimental Value, a poignant exploration of family, memory, and reconciliation. 

-
#Screenwriting #Storytelling #WritingForFilm #FilmWriting #NYFF2025 #NewYorkFilmFestival #IndieFilm
At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to l At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to life in Sentimental Value, portraying a character whose journey through family complexities and personal discovery resonates deeply. 

-
#RenateReinsve #NYFF #SentimentalValue #NoraBorg #FilmFestival #Actress
@nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as @nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as a director, bringing his story to life with precision, collaboration, and attention to every frame. 

The film reflects his dedication to emotion, storytelling, and cinematic craft. πŸŽ₯

-
#JoachimTrimmer #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Director #Filmmaking
We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the emotional process behind her latest film. ✨

-
#IngaIbsdotterLilleaas #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Cinema
Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling β€” @ Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling β€” @ellefanning in conversation at this year’s @thenyff.

-
#ElleFanning #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #RedCarpet #Cinema
✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performa ✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performances, the 2025 #TeenVogueSummit brought together voices shaping fashion, culture, and activism today. πŸ’¬πŸŽΆ

πŸ”—: https://theknockturnal.com/2025-teen-vogue-summit-recap-full-of-fun-fashion-and-connection/

✍️: Zipporah Pruitt

-
#TeenVogue #TeenVogueSummit2025 #TeenVogueEvents
#TeenVogueCommunity #TeenVogueStyle
Visit the @Complex x @Aepsa_official Pop-Up for β€˜Rich Man’ in LA with The Knockturnal! βœ¨β€¨
From exclusive merch and photo cards to signatures and more β€” ~ 100% worth the visit 

⏰ Sept 16–17 | 11 AM – 7 PM PTβ€¨πŸ“ 433 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles

#Aespa #Complex #RichMan #KPopMerch #AespaInLA #KPopFans #Kpop #Karina #Giselle #Winter #NingNing
NYFW magic ✨ @aliceandolivia by Stacey Bendet tr NYFW magic ✨ @aliceandolivia by Stacey Bendet transformed the runway into a dazzling celebration of bold prints, playful silhouettes, and timeless style. From Surrogate’s Court to the city streets, the collection truly captured the spirit of the modern woman. πŸ’„

πŸ”—: https://theknockturnal.com/stars-stripes-and-alice-olivia-by-stacey-bendet/

✍️: ElizaBeth Taylor

-
#NYFW #AliceAndOlivia #StaceyBendet #RunwayStyle #FashionWeek
Some things are just a perfect matchβ€”milk & cook Some things are just a perfect matchβ€”milk & cookies, Oreos & a cold glass of milk… and @nickbarrotta on the red carpet celebrating 30 years of the iconic milk mustache. πŸ₯›πŸͺ

πŸ”—: https://theknockturnal.com/got-milk-celebrates-30-years-with-stars-and-everyday-californians/

✍️&🎀: Ashley Lopez

-
#GotMilk30 #GotMilk #NickBarrotta #TylerPerrysTheOval #MilkMustache
On the red carpet, Stranger Things star @priahferg On the red carpet, Stranger Things star @priahferguson spoke with us at the @gotmilk 30th Anniversary Milk Mustache Celebration, where the campaign unveiled its bold new focus on everyday Californians as the real icons. πŸ₯›βœ¨

πŸ”—: https://theknockturnal.com/got-milk-celebrates-30-years-with-stars-and-everyday-californians/

✍️&🎀: Ashley Lopez

-
#GotMilk30 #PriahFerguson #StrangerThings #MilkMustache #RedCarpet #GotMilk
First-time nominees dominated the 77th Emmys, turn First-time nominees dominated the 77th Emmys, turning the spotlight on breakout stars and fresh wins. 🎬πŸ₯‡βœ¨

Read about the rising talent redefining televisions biggest night.

πŸ”—: https://theknockturnal.com/emmy-awards/

✍️: Danielle Biondi

-
#Emmys #Emmy #EmmyAwards #Emmys2025 #EmmyWinner #Film #AwardWinning #AwardSeason
We had the honor of celebrating VMAs weekend with We had the honor of celebrating VMAs weekend with @bacardi and @mtv! πŸ’«
History met history last night πŸ—½πŸŽ¬βœ¨ The Ha History met history last night πŸ—½πŸŽ¬βœ¨

The Hamilton movie premiere transformed the Delacorte Theater into a stage of its own, as the original cast and creative team reunited to celebrate a story that changed Broadway forever. From the first note to the final bow, the revolution continues. πŸŽ­πŸ“œ

πŸ”—: https://theknockturnal.com/under-the-stars-at-the-delacorte-theater-hamilton-premiere-original-cast-in-attendance/

✍️: Lauren Wire

-
#Hamilton #Broadway #HamiltonMovie #DelacorteTheater #LinManuelMiranda #BroadwayLegends #StageToScreen #MusicalTheater
✨ Disney magic meets coffee culture β˜•πŸ­ @dis ✨ Disney magic meets coffee culture β˜•πŸ­ @disneyfamily x @lalalandkindcafe are serving up the sweetest collab of the season β€” from Mickey drink sleeves to Munchlings surprises 🎁 Don’t miss it before it’s gone Sept. 16!

πŸ”—: https://theknockturnal.com/mickey-friends-bring-whimsy-to-la-la-land-kind-cafe/

✍️: Ashley Lopez 

-
#Disney #LaLaLandKindCafe #DisneyCollab #DisneyMagic #CoffeeLovers #MickeyAndFriends #DisneyFoodies
From @iamcardib undeniable reign to @wutangclan ev From @iamcardib undeniable reign to @wutangclan everlasting impact, the 2025 Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players Awards celebrated the artists and executives shaping the culture today. 🎀🎸πŸ’₯

With honorees like @leonthomas and @gelo alongside hip-hop’s legends, the night was a reminder that the genre’s future is just as powerful as its past. 🀩

πŸ”—: https://theknockturnal.com/cardi-b-leon-thomas-gelo-wu-tang-clan-more-honored-at-2025-billboard-rb-hip-hop-power-players-awards/

✍️: Nishat Baig

-
#Billboard #RnB #HipHop #PowerPlayers #CardiB #WuTangClan #LeonThomas #Gelo #RnBMusic #HipHopCulture #MusicAwards
PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this tim PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this time it’s for tickets to see LU KALA πŸ’₯

We’re giving away a pair of tickets to see her at Mercury Lounge in New York City on September 10th! Join us as we dance the night away to some of her top hits like Pretty Girl Era and Hotter Now 🎢

To enter hit the link πŸ”— in our bio and fill out the form. Winners will be contacted through email! 

πŸ“MUST BE IN NEW YORK CITY
🎢 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin 🎢 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin brought charisma, control, and creativity to every second of his Shrine set.

Kai On Tour gave fans in LA a front-row seat to his evolution as an artist, and it was nothing short of iconic. πŸ‘

πŸ”—: https://theknockturnal.com/kai-on/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-

#KaiOnTour #KAI #KAIatTheShrine #KpopInLA #EXO #KpopSoloist #KpopConcert #KAI2025 #ShrineLA
πŸ—žοΈ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with πŸ—žοΈ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with β€œThe Paper” β€” the sharp new workplace comedy making headlines. πŸ–‹οΈ We sat down with the cast + creators in an exclusive video interview to talk inspiration, improv, and bringing chaos to the copy desk. 🎬✨

πŸ“Ί Watch the full interview now 

πŸ”—: https://theknockturnal.com/the-paper-puts-a-newsroom-spin-on-classic-workplace-comedy/

✍️: Alyssa Threadgill

-

#ThePaper #VideoInterview #WorkplaceComedy #BehindTheScenes #IndieTV #ComedySeries #CastInterview #OnSet #TVTalk #MakingTheShow #WritersRoom #BTS #NewSeries
πŸŽ₯✨ Austin Butler and the cast of Caught Steal πŸŽ₯✨ Austin Butler and the cast of Caught Stealing open up about stepping into this gritty new story, the challenges on set, and why this film is unlike anything they’ve done before.

Catch our exclusive video interview now!

πŸ”—: https://theknockturnal.com/austin-butler-cast-talk-new-movie-caught-stealing-video/

✍️: OJ Williams

-
#AustinButler #CaughtStealing #MovieInterview #ExclusiveInterview #FilmFeature #BehindTheScenes #Hollywood #OnSet #NewMovies #EditorialContent #CastInterview
Vegas was just crowned the No. 1 nightlife spot in Vegas was just crowned the No. 1 nightlife spot in the world. We put our detective skills to work at @resortsworldlv to see if it lives up to the hype 🎰 πŸͺ©πŸ₯‚πŸ’ƒπŸ•Ί

Read the full review on our website ✍️ 

#lasvegas #resortsworld #hilton #sliving #zoox #zouk #stubbornseed #alle #nightlife #vegas #elderbrook
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

Β© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch