The latest news doing the rounds in Tollywood is that young hero Nitin has fallen for the charms of Kerala beauty Bhavana. Are they really in love or just another rumor that occasionally plagues the Tollywood?
Both of them are now acting together in a film titled ‘Hero’ directed by GV (who plays villain roles in movies) and is produced by Manyam Ramesh. Bhavana has entered into Telugu films with Gopichand’s Ontari.
Although, the film is still under progress, rumors about the off screen romance about Nitin and Bhavana are circulating thick and fast. Some see it as 'promotional gimmick' too!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Nitin and Bhavana in love?
Rajni’s magic: 60 minutes, 60 Crores!
Tamil superstar Rajnikant means business! His last film, Shivaji, was the highest grocer in South India and stood on par with a Bollywood blockbuster. His popularity cuts across the regions. Hence even if he makes a guest appearance in a movie, the film sells like a hot cake. That is exactly what happened in the case of Kathanayakudu/Kuselan.
He is not the real ‘Kathanayakudu’ (star) of the story; he just appears for about 60 minutes in the movie. Rest of the movie is driven by Jagapathi Babu in Telugu and Pasupathi in Tamil.
Yet, both the Telugu and Tamil versions was done about Rs 60 Crores business. Pyramid Saimira has bought the theatrical exhibition rights for that sum.
That means, each minute of Rajni’s presence in the movie fetched Rs One Crore! Rajni is true superstar in South India.
Bhaskar’s next with Ram Charan Teja
Director Bhaskar who made debut with Bommarillu is preparing script for his next film. Reliable sources told us that his next movie would be with Ram Charan Teja. Soon after Ram Charan finishing his current film directed by Rajamouli, he will be start working for Bhaskar’s love story. Naga Babu will produce this movie on Anjana Productions banner.
Although Lawrence and Karunakaran are also in the race to direct Ram Charan’s third movie, Chiranjeevi is in favour of Bhaskar. Chiru likes Bhasker’s way of presenting the story. Chiru liked Bhaskar’s Bommarillu and Parugu.
NTR aims for ‘Sankranthi hit’ this time!
Getting blockbuster in the lucrative ‘Sankranthi’ season is like a dream come true for any hero. History tells us that Late NTR, Chiranjeevi, Balakrishna and Krishna had delivered their biggest hits during that period. So every hero tries to release their films on Sankranthi and rake in big moolah but only few succeed.
NTR too nurses the same dream. Ever since his highly hyped Naga (released on Jan 10, 2003) and Andhrawala (released on Jan 1, 2004) bombed at the Box-office, he has been trying to get a blockbuster during the Sankranthi/January period. This time he hopes to get that magic success in January with director V V Vinayak’s film. This year, Vinayak tasted big success with Krishna starring Ravi Teja during Sankranthi. So NTR believes that the same sentiment will work again in Jan 2009.
NTR and Vinayak’s film is hitting the floors on August 12th and will be wrapped up its shooting by this December. So Vinayak is confident that their film would be ready to hit the screens on Sankranthi. The untitled film has Ileana as the heroine and Devi Sri Prasad scores the music. Kodali Nani and Vamsi are producing it.
‘Yes, I’m coming in August’ - Chiranjeevi
Megastar Chiranjeevi has finally let out his political plans. On Tuesday, he interacted with a couple of journalists and cleared the ambiguity surrounding his political entry. “Yes, I am entering into politics in August,” he has confirmed the political plans. Here is sum of what he said..
Gorintaku: Biggest hit in Rajashekar’s career!
Hero Rajashekar bounces back with a bang. He is really having great time these days after the success of ‘Evdaithey Nakenti’. Now, his latest release, Gorintaku, a sentiment drama, is all set to become biggest hit in his entire career. The film is doing phenomenal business in rural areas.
The surprising news is that the film is breaking some of the records of big heroes in Andhra and Ceded areas. In Guntur district, it is doing the business in the range of top heroes’ films. Trade pundits predict that it might end up with Rs 12 Crores all over the state.
No one expected that this sentimental drama will put Rajashekar back on ‘hot seat’. Irony is that the film is co-produced by N V Prasad who is right hand man to Megastar Chiranjeevi. And as we all know, Rajashekar has been fighting against Chiru
18 Kathanayakudu prints overseas
Kathanayakudu has been censored with U certificate, 2 hours and 35 minutes is the running time. Rajinikanth appears for 60 minutes, Jagapathy Babu plays the main hero role with Bramanandham and Sunil donning comedy roles. 18 Telugu Prints are being shipped from Hydrebad to US on Tuesday, the movie will release on Friday August across major cities. Expectations are high as the malayalam version was the highest grossing movie last year, in addition to Rajinikath co-starting with Jagapathy babu. Last 20 minuets, climax of the movie talks about friendship and is very emotional between Rajinikanth and Jagapathy babu, which will be highlight and stay in audience heart and mind for a while.
Nayantara starts Kuselan publicity
Hot heroine Nayantara flagged off a mobile publicity van of Kuselan in Chennai. A big van with posters of Rajni in stylish attires fixed to it both sides will reach all the arterial junction in the metropolis, before taking to the overall state tour. The launch comes in the wake of the film's release on August 1. Inside the van, rare pics of Rajnikanth from the yesteryears film Apurvaragangal to the present day Kuselan has been displayed for public viewing. Director P. Vasu was also present at the function.
Sunil's Banthi from Jan 2009
The buzz over SS Rajamouli's proposed film with comedian Sunil with its title in unofficial circulation – Banthi, was gone a couple of months ago. But, it has surfaced again that the flick would be launched in January 2009. It is said that star writer turned mass director Trivikram Srinivas has readied the script for this film. Though the name of Surender Reddy also surfaced in the past that he would direct the film, it didn't happen as Reddy was said to have opted out fearing being branded as comedy director. The title Banthi is based on the name of Sunil's character in Nuvvu Naku Nachchav.
Rajnikanth's heartfelt appeal
Controversies seem to dog Rajnikanth's new Tamil film Kuselan. The latest is that Rajnikanth has requested the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce to facilitate the release of his film in the state on August 1. His letter said that it was not his intention to hurt the feelings of anyone when he spoke at the protest rally organised by the Tamil Nadu Film Artists Association. "I understand that some people in Karnataka are still feeling bitter and pained over what I spoke on the Hogenakal water issue. This has really saddened me. I am not a person who would hurt the feelings of anyone. It is not my habit to make any person bitter with my behaviour or speech. I have always believed that I should not create bitterness or difficulties to the people. This is my desire and ambition," wrote Rajnikanth in his letter addressed to Jayamala, the newly elected president of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce. The letter written in chaste Kannada overwhelmed many in the Kannada film industry. That the superstar could be so prolific in a language he had studied in school amazed some of them. Reiterating that his films in Karnataka are viewed not only by Tamilians but also by Kannadigas and people speaking different languages, releasing Kuselan in the state should not pose any difficulty. Meanwhile, taking note of the letter, Jayamala said that Kuselan will be released on August 1 as planned with ten prints in thirteen theatres across Bangalore. As number of prints has been restricted, Jayamala urged the pro-Kannada activists to forget all the bitterness.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Akshay Kumar's Khatron Ke Khiladi - Review
Timing: Mon – Thu, 10 pm
Genre: Action Game Show, Reality
Host: Akshay Kumar
Contestants: Aditi Govitrikar, Anita Hasnandani, Anjana Sukhani, Dipannita Sharma, Meghna Naidu, Nethra Raghuraman, Pooja Bedi, Sonali Kulkarni, Tapur Chatterjee, Tupur Chatterjee, Vidya Malvade, Urvashi Sharma, Yana Gupta
Rating: 3/5
The Indian television scene seems to be pretty pathetic. It’s either sloppy soaps or, in recent years, reality shows that seem to rule the idiot box. While the former is intolerable till eternity, the latter too has lost its charm for the staged dramatization by the participants and the panelists to the extent that it has no ‘reality check’. In such a scenario Fear Factor comes as a refreshing breather and the format of the show is such that it doesn’t offer any scope to manipulate facts.
Fear Factor has always been a huge hit amongst action lovers for its genuinely original and meticulously designed stunts. The international show had already been adapted for the Indian subcontinent by Sony TV that was hosted by Mukul Dev. However with Akshay Kumar as the host, the show not only gets star power but also action authenticity, for one can’t think of a better anchor than Akki for a stunt-based show like Fear Factor.
Other interesting variation is too have an all-female cast and see them indulge in some precarious feats which is a pleasant change from the standard saas-bahu prototypes that the feminine form is widely relegated to on the small screen. Though the women weep in both category of shows, the tears here are real, unexaggerated and an outcome of scare over sorrow. Another addition to the show is that every contestant has an ex-army serviceman partner with whom they can swap one stunt in the entire course of the show.
From the four stunts per episode format of the original, this one has only two stunts in each episode to accommodate the 13 contestants. And one of these two stunts includes interface with a live creature that could be a snake, spider, rodent or any other being. While this segment might find varying acceptance with the Indian audience with the stunts ranging from being gruesome to gross, its ratio is clearly increased as compared to the original show, which only makes life difficult for the girls. Plunging head into a snake tank, having spiders crawling on their faces and handling rats are some examples from the first week.
On the flipside, watching 13 contestants do the same stunt, sets in a kind of monotony which will dissipate in the coming days with an elimination in every episode. With this brisk elimination frequency, the show doesn’t unnecessarily stretch itself just to gain additional episodes for telecast, a regular tendency with reality shows. Another setback for audiences who have keenly followed the international version is that many stunts would come across as repetitive.
The makers have also incorporated the ‘luck-factor’ with this Indian adaptation which can conflict with the fairness of the stunt intensity for each contestant. For example, contestants had to choose the number of spiders crawling on their face from a pack of cards which defies equal opportunity, as a lot has been left on luck. Also there are safety belts for the best performers that allow them to skip another stunt which could also dispute with parity.
However the elimination of the contestants has been almost fair so far. Clearly the ones with non-athletic bodies have been eliminated first like Sonali Kulkarni, Dipannita Sharma, Meghna Naidu and Vidya. The ones who are physically agile like Yana Gupta, Tupur-Tapur Chatterjee and Anjana Sukhani are performing pretty well.
The good part of having Akshay Kumar as the host is that he just has to be himself and not act, like Shah Rukh and Salman do in their respective shows. He encourages the girls to give their best shot and with his (in)famous flair for flirting, Akki always looks comfortable around girls. There were complains from the initial episodes that Akshay Kumar doesn’t perform any stunts but he also did that in the fourth episode.
The one big glitch is its desi title. Khatron Ke Khiladi sounds like a B-Grade Mithun Chakravarthy film from the past decade. But what in a name! It’s the game that matters.
Genelia loses her name
“I am so happy with the success of Jaane Tu.. that I have no problems when people on the road call me Aditi or Meeao”, says Genelia. The actress is enjoying the flowing accolades so much that fans and people who meet her call her by her screen names from Jaane Tu. So if you call the petite actress Aditi or Meeao, you might just get a big cheesy grin from her !
Abhi shakes to Akki’s song
Akshay Kumar rocked the audience at Toronto at the kick-off show of the Bachchan's The Unforgettable show.
So charmed were they by him that at a performance at LA on July 26, of which Akshay was not a part, the crowd kept screaming 'Singh Is Kinng'.
Since Akshay was not there, Abhishek had to perform to the number to keep the audience amused.
Our source, who was present at the show, says, "The show at the LA Sports Arena was packed and the audience loved the performance of everyone on the show.
However, they particularly seemed to miss the Punjabi munda, Akshay Kumar on the show.
After each performance, they yelled 'Singh is Kinng' and hooted for Akshay.
Abhishek Bachchan, who was scheduled to perform next, sensed that the audience wanted to see Akshay on the show.
He grabbed the mike and announced that his next performance was dedicated to his friend Akshay Kumar.
Abhishek then danced to the 'Singh is Kinng' number and the audience simply loved it. In fact Abhishek had to repeat the performance on public demand."
We contacted Sabah Joseph director of Wizkraft, the organiser of the concert, for his comment. But he did not get back to us.
Bhajji's Flame
Geeta Basra Harbhajan Singh
Cricketers and Indian film actresses seem to make great friends.Now gossip mills are grinding overtime with stories of cricketer Harbhajan Singh and actress Geeta Basra hitting the party and social circuit together. 
Recently, Harbhajan was spotted talking to Geeta at length, outside a suburban hotel.
An eye-witness says he was so engrossed talking to her that he was oblivious to the roadblock he created by keeping his car parked in the alley for so long.
He was completely unaware of motorists honking behind him, trying to get his attention.
Says the eye-witness, “There was a big line of cars behind Harbhajan's car, but he was so immersed in his animated conversation with Geeta that he did not hear them honking.”
Eventually, Harbhajan and Geeta realised that they were creating a traffic jam and ended their conversation abruptly, and returned to their respective cars. Harbhajan was accompanied by a friend in his car.
When contacted, Geeta admits that such an episode did happen. She says, “Well, it was just a small incident. We were at a suburban hotel that day. Harbhajan and I were talking. I guess such things happen with everybody, some time or the other.”
However, she clarifies that she is not dating the cricketer. “Harbhajan and I are just good friends. We do hang out together but in a group. 
I am also friends with Yuvraj Singh. Yuvi (as Yuvraj is fondly called), Harbhajan and I are all Punjabi, so we all bond well,” she says.
Geeta and Harbhajan have known each other for six months now. She reveals, “We met through a common friend and hit it off well. You should not read too much into my friendship with Harbhajan.
Anyway, I have a lot of male friends and we all hang out together. Does that mean I am seeing all of them? It is difficult to find female friends in the film industry where most actresses generally don’t get along with each other.
Harbhajan and I are definitely in touch, but as friends.”
Aamir rubbishes threat to Khans
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| "I am not going to change my life because of the threat," Aamir Khan |
Actor Aamir Khan has rubbished reports of superstars receiving threats from terror groups... says he continues to lead his life just as fearlessly as before.
Though they may have fought villians in reel life, but it seems the Khan's in Bollywood are face to face with the real enemy this time around.
The recent terror strikes in the country have cast an evil spell on Bollywood, with threats being issued to superstars like Aamir Khan , SRK and Salman Khan.
When quizzed about the threats reportedly recieved by some of the Bollywood biggies, CP police, Hasan Gafur said, "Like I said earlier, the warning has been issued in everyone's interest and we have beefed up secuirty for whoever needs it."
But far from being deterred, it seems Aamir Khan in particular has chosen not to get distracted by these reports. In a press meet on the issue Aamir said, " I have full faith in God and I have faith in our government and also our police force and administration. I am sure that they are doing everything that they can."
"Where the Ahmedabad blasts are concerned, it is not like the police have not done everything they possibly can. I feel that we should not get cowed down and we should not change our lives at all. I am not going to change my life because of the threat," he added.
While Aamirs reaction surely proves the indomitable Khan spirit, we would love to hear from SRK and Salman too on the threat front.
Sajid Khan confirms the cast of 'House Full'
What's the final star cast of Sajid Khan's HOUSE FULL, his next venture after the immensely successful HEYY BABYY? In between there was talk that Amitabh Bachchan was expected to head the cast of this multi-starrer, which stars Akshay Kumar in the lead. Besides, Kareena Kapoor and Deepika Padukone were being considered.
"I had never confirmed Amit-ji," Sajid clarifies. So what's the final cast then? "The confirmed cast is Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Deepika Padukone, Jiah Khan and Boman Irani," he says. Kareena? "No, she isn't part of my film, she's doing KAMBAKTH ISHQ. I should finalize one more heroine in a week's time," he adds.
While HEYY BABYY was shot in Australia, HOUSE FULL will be filmed in New York and New Jersey, besides Rio and Bahamas from January/February 2009 onwards.
Rajkumar Hirani's 3 Idiots goes on floors
Rajkumar Hirani's 3 Idiots starring Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Sharman Joshi, Madhavan and Boman Irani has gone on floors. The film is a feel good family entertainer. It has the same warmth, simplicity and fun associated with Raju Hirani's films.
Hirani doesn't want to give away the look of his protagonists right now, which is why the teaser doesn't have any of the actors in it.
The shoot of the film with the supporting characters has already begun. Hirani and his team will be leaving in late August for the shoot with the principal cast. The film is scheduled to be shot in Ladakh, Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai as well. Aamir and rest of the cast will begin shooting in early September. Hirani plans to wrap 3 Idiots by December.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra is producing the film. Abhijat Joshi and Raju Hirani have written the screenplay and the lyrics are by Swanand Kirkire. Shantanu Moitra is composing the music for the film.
Surprises galore with 'Kinng'
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Since SINGH IS KINNG is being released by Studio 18, the first look of Ashtavinayak's Sanju-Imran starrer KIDNAP [also distributed by Studio 18], will also be unveiled before SINGH IS KINNG begins. That's not all, the promo of Akki's next release CHANDI CHOWK TO CHINA [the promo was launched with THE DARK KNIGHT] will also make it with the prints of SINGH IS KINNG.
Wait, there's more to follow! Promos of Rituparno Ghosh's THE LAST LEAR [Amitabh, Preity, Arjun, Shefali], Atul Agnihotri's HELLO [Salman, Katrina, Sohail, Sharman], Samir Karnik's multi-starrer HEROES and Ajit Pal's VICTORY [Harman], will also be seen, besides the promo of the newly-launched channel Colours. There's a strong possibility that the promo of Dharmendra's CHAMKU [Bobby] might be included as well. Wow, so many promos…
"I enjoy watching new promos when I watch a film. It generates tremendous excitement. I genuinely wish the distributors and multiplexes are kind enough to play all these promos," SINGH IS KINNG producer Vipul Shah tells me. Expect a bonanza with the most awaited movie of the season!
NTR releases Vishal’s 'Salute' music
Hero NTR unveiled the music cassettes of Vishal’s forthcoming film - Salute. Charmee was also graced the event as the guest for the audio launch ceremony that was held today (Monday, July 28th) at Taj Krishna in a grand manner. Huge arrangements were made and gathering was also large. V V Vinayak, Suresh Krishna, G K Reddy and Dil Raju also graced the event. The film’s producer Vikram Krishna and his wife and actress Shriya Reddy attended together an event for the first time post their marriage.
NTR has all praise for Vishal. “I had seen his Pandem Kodi and felt bad not getting such beautiful film for me. It has remained one of my favorites. Vishal is doing right projects and tasting success. I wish him a great success with Salute too,” he wished.
“After D Ramanaidu, only G K Reddy has the distinction of having a popular hero and successful producer as sons. It is nice to see Vishal transforming into a macho hero,” Vinayak said.
Dil Raju informed the press that he is distributing the film in Nizam and Vizag areas.
Director Suresh Krishna shared his happiness over his disciple Rajashekar turning director. “He worked with me about 7 years as associate. Rajashekar has really come up with good product. The trailer is awesome. Vishal is a big hero in Tamilnadu. I wish him the best in Telugu too,” Suresh Krishna said.
Vishal said that the subject of the film is interesting and would surely be appreciated by the class audiences and masses as well. “I play the role of a cop. Police stories are very common but the director has dealt it uniquely. Haaris Jayaraj has given some great numbers. I believe this is my best audio,” he said.
Charmee wished the team all the best.
Film industry: No ‘Kamma’, ‘Kapu’ divide!
K S Rama Rao has been elected as new President for Film Chamber of Commerce. In intense elections, he won the post by the huge margin but it was also marred by the controversies.
Rumors were rife that all the producers belonging to dominant ‘Kamma’ caste voted in favour of Rama Rao just to put Allu Aravind’s camp down. Although Allu Arvind was initially fielded for the post, he and his group walked out of the elections. But the rumors grew in thick that the increasing ‘Kamma’/Kapu divide or Pro-Chiru/Anti-Chiru divide has further strengthened with Rama Rao’s win.
Reacting to these rumors and speculation in a section of media, the industry bigwigs denied the divide in Tollywood. Speaking to reports on Monday (July 28, 2008), they said, ‘we are all one.’
Dasarath's film with Prabhas?
Dasarath is going to be the captain of the ship for a film with hero Prabhas with Dil Raju producing it on his Sree Venkateswara Creations banner, sources said. Dasarath known for his soft and family-oriented subjects is said to have prepared the outline of his project with lighter vein elements, unlike Prabhas' out and out action flicks with serious tones. Though Prabhas did such soft roles in films like Krishnavamsi's Chakram, it didn't click commercially, but brought critical acclaim for him. Further details are awaited.
Sneha Ullal for Nag Chaitanya
Sneha Ullal, who proved her mettle with her debut film Ullasanga Utsahanga, is mostly likely to be the heroine for Naga Chaitanya for his debut film to be directed by debutant Vasu Varma under Dil Raju's production. Of late, there has been a frantic search for the heroine for Nag Chaitanya. Sources said that Dil Raju, who released Karunakaran's UU, got impressed with Ullal's performance and the same is being welcomed by the would-be hero.
Manjari in Maska?
Manjari Fadnis, one of the two heroines of and Allari Naresh's yet-to-be released film, is going to be one of the two heroines in MS Raju's film Maska, starring Ram as hero, it is learnt. The other heroine is already fixed as Hansika Motwani. B. Gopal directs the film. Manjari, who came into limelight with Jane Tu Ya Jane Na, recently, now made her debut with Siddhu from Sikakulam. Earlier, she debuted into Bollywood with the film Rok Sako To Rok Lo (2004).
Allari Naresh tilt towards direction
Busy comedy hero Allari Naresh said that though he is breathlessly enaged to film after film as hero, his ultimate passion is for direction, which he would take up at a later stage in his career. Talking to reporters at Vizag, he said that he didn't want to retain himself to just comedy roles, but was desirous of proving himself in all angles of histrionics as he did in a Visakha Express or Gamyam. Replying to a question, he said his marriage was likely in 2010, after that of his brother Aryan Rajesh's. "My father, who is so careful in selection of heroines for me in films will definitely get a good heroine for me in real life," he maintained. He further said he would make it a point hereafter that all of his forthcoming films should have a schedule in Vizag, "which I like most and attached to sentimentally." His latest Siddhu from Sikakulam is ready for release on August 14.
Namita’s Jaganmohini launched
SexyNamita never disappoints the men who ogle at her hot body at publicfunctions. She always grabs the attention by wearing most outrageousoutfits. At the muhurat of Jaganohini, hernew film, she was the cynosure of all eyes. She shot for the muhuratscene in her red sexy dress that revealed her booty. Dasari Narayan Raoclapped the sound board for the scene at the special launch ceremonyheld today (July 28, 2008) at Ramanaidu Cine Village, Hyderabad.
Jaganmohiniis the remake of the yesteryear classic by the same name, which wasstarred by then vamp queen Jayamalini. Namita does the role ofJayamalini’s while Meera Chopra is enacting the role that was done byPrabha. Raja steps in the place of Narasinha Raju.
Namithasaid: “It is nice that I am making comeback to Telugu films with thisbilingual. It is an exciting role but the movie is not exact remake ofJaganmohini. The director has taken only the basic line and has changedto suit the tastes of today’s audiences.”
Rajasaid he was feeling great to co-star with the sexy Namita. “She is ahuge star in Tamilnadu. I feel happy to act with her. Most of myfriends questioned my decision to star in this periodic movie. Mybelief is that an actor should do all kind of roles and it is myfortune to get such variety. I am even happier that Ilayaraja iscomposing the music,” Raja shared his feelings.
“It takescourage to do such period movies when love stories and masala dramasare ruling the roost. Am happy to be part of this unique movie,” Meera Chopra said.
The film is shot in Tamil and Telugu by director Vishwanathan and produced by H Murali.
Rajnikant launched Adivishnu music
Tamil superstar Rajnikant graced the music launch of Adivishnu, starring Dasari Arunkumar and Sneha. The audio was released on Sunday night at Taj Deccan hotel in a grand style. Rajnikant who was shooting for his animation film, Sultan, in Hyderabad attended the function on the invitation of Dasari Narayana Rao. Both Rajni and Dasari are close friends. Bharat Parepalli is the director for this movie which was made on the banner of Sowbhagya Media. Rajnikant shared his experiences with Dasari. “Dasari told me that one should not scoff at a person who is not efficient in a language. I used to laugh at person’s who speak butler English or Tamil. Now, I have stopped this on the advice of Dasari. I wish his son a great success as actor,” Rajnikant said. K Ragahvendra Rao, Mohan Babu, Sneha, Rajasekhar, Jeevita, SVK and others attended the event. Dasari Narayana Rao thanked Rajni for gracing the event. “Some of socalled superstars here evade when I call them. But Rajni never gives false promises. That is why he became real superstar. Regarding my son’s film, I regret for not promoting my son well. With this film, I am sure, he would arrive”, said Dasari. Mohan Babu wished Arunkumar that he should become as big as NTR.
Hijack - Music Review
Music to be composed for an action film is always a tricky business. Not many, except for perhaps Sanjay Gupta, have perfected this art when it comes to movies being made today. So, with expectations of a theme track, a hot item number and a couple of melodious number, one plays on Hijack which promises to show Shiney Ahuja do a Bruce Willis a la 'Die Hard'. Hijack has music by new finds Justin-Uday with Kumaar writing lyrics for this debut directorial venture of Kunal Shivdasani.
One minute into the song and you know that Justin and Uday have kick started Hijack well with a romantic number 'Aksar' which takes on truly from where 'Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai (Pritam composition from Woh Lamhe) left. Just the same in sound, spirit and soul, 'Aksar' gives the listener one more song to play on in a loop and be entertained for hours at a stretch. A well orchestrated number which has 'Mr. Reliable' K.K. coming up with an impressive act yet again, 'Aksar' deserves to be heard more often and aggressively promoted.
No wonder, the song is heard thrice. The 'Unplugged version' is first to come and this time around it is Shaan who goes solo for 'Aksar'. An extended guitar piece plays on (while creating a romantic scene) before Shaan is heard in this tad slower version. Even though the lyrics remain the same, the change in singer and pace of the song makes 'Aksar' a delightful composition all over. The longest composition of all with close to 7 minute duration, it is followed by a 'sad version' by Shaan which lasts only a little more than a minute. In addition, there is also a 'remix version' by KK and Joi which certainly has in it to do well, if accompanied by a promotional music video.
A quintessential number follows next and does hold promise to engage the audiences while it is accompanied by some hot visuals and aggressive choreography. With a mix of English and Hindi lyrics, 'Dekh Dekh' has Sunidhi Chauhan being largely responsible for the song with Suraj Jagan and Joi chipping in a little as well. Mainly orchestrated as a Western track with beats dominating the proceedings, 'Dekh Dekh' is seemingly a pre-climax track which solves its purpose of taking the narrative forward but that's about it. Don't expect the number to create a riot, though the faster paced 'club remix' version may just do better at nightclubs and discotheques.
The name Shilpa Rao raises a lot of expectations. Very recently she has delivered a chartbuster 'Khuda Jaane' [Bachna Ae Haseeno] and now she is back with 'Koi Na Jaane' which is kick started by K.K. A situational number where the protagonist gets into a pensive mood and is looking forward to The Almighty for a direction to move ahead, 'Koi Na Jaane' is surprisingly ordinary in feel. However, what really disappoints is that Shilpa Rao is not heard in the song at all except for a faint 'alaap' at the very beginning of the song. Come on, she deserves a better outing!
One wonders if the song would play in entirety in the film's narrative since an action-thriller like Hijack risks slowing down in pace with a song like 'Koi Na Jaane' in the background. The track by itself is not a bad hear; it's just that it is core situational and doesn't make one pick it up and play on a repeat mode.
An aircraft taking off is what begins 'Theme Of Hijack' that promises to be an engaging hear, courtesy the thriller genre that the film belongs to. However, instead of being just a theme piece with only an orchestra taking charge of the proceedings, 'Theme of Hijack' turns out to be a 'Hinglish' outing with Suraj Jagan and Uday coming behind the mike. However, it isn't really an impressive tune to boast of and yet again, all would depend upon the track's placement in the film and the visuals that accompany it. And yes, just like the song preceding it, this one too doesn't make it to the wish-list of those looking at extending their collection on the iPod!
Eventually, it all boils down to the number 'Aksar' which is not just the best of the lot but in isolation too quite a good composition. With 'Dekh Dekh' being the only other number to really look forward to from the album, one now waits for the film Hijack to arrive at theaters.
Rating - 2/5
‘Kareena is great fun to be with’ - Soha Ali khan
Fewwould know that actress Soha Ali Khan aspired to become a journalist and alsowrote a few articles for some national dailies.
However, sheended up picking up a Masters degree in International Relations from LondonSchool of Economics and Political Science and also worked with a corporate bankfor nearly 18 months, before joining the glamour industry.
But nowthe actress is about to fulfill her childhood dream as she plays a TV journalistin her forthcoming flick Mumbai Meri Jaan. In a freewheeling chat with NT, Sohaspeaks about her on screen experience as a journalist and her brother’scurrent love interest, Kareena...
Reel lifejournalist
Ask Soha how it felt to step into the shoes of ajourno and she says candidly, "It was quite an eye opener. There are times whenI feel that the journalists go overboard to get a bit of juicy news, but I guessthat's a part of their work." Talking about the film she adds, "The movie isbased on the July 11, 2006 serial blasts, which took place on the local trainsof Mumbai and I have a powerful role init."
On Kareena and bhai
Saif Ali Khan and Kareena are one of the hottest couples oftinseltown. Ask Soha what's the best thing she likes about her bhabhi-to-be andshe says, "The fact that Kareena loves my brother, and makes him really happy,is what I like about her. Kareena is great fun to be with. She takes a lot ofefforts with my parents too. I wish her loads of happiness."
Sheddingapprehensions
It was her mom, Sharmila Tagore, who startledthe industry by wearing a bikini in the 60s. But, it took Soha quite a few yearsto shed her inhibitions and also the clothes. Commenting on her picture in abikini, for a magazine cover she says, "I had never given a thought to wearing abikini on screen or for a photo shoot. But, when this offer came along, Ithought of giving it a try. I was a little scared initially, but then finallywent ahead with it." Speaking about her family's reaction, she says, "Bro anddad have seen the pictures, but we've never discussed it. And mom is cool aboutit." Tell her that quite a few top line actresses have worn a bikini on screenand she replies promptly, "I am not interested in doing such roles. I wouldrather do something more challenging-maybe an actionflick."
Mommydear
Speaking about mommy dear, Soha says, "Ma is my biggestcritic. When she cleans my cupboard she keeps nagging me as to why I have 20shoes or why my accessories don't match my dresses. I just keep hiding thingsfrom her. There are times when I wonder why she can't praise me like othermommies. But, in a way she is right and I like it when she corrects me."
Clearing the air
Thepretty lady clears the air about her affair with Southern heartthrob Siddharth."Oh, I have been linked with my costars Abhay Deol and Shiney Ahuja too. But,there was no truth in it. I don't like to discuss my personal life inpublic."
Stylequotient
Compliment Soha on her elegant looks and ask herabout her style statement and she says "I don't think I make any stylestatement. I am allergic to metals, so, I am minimal on accessories. Also, Idon't wear watches. And when it comes to clothes, I love the feel of cottons andmulmul. Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Manish Arora design them for me.”
Chilling out
Ask herhow she chills out and she says, "I love watching movies and I love playingtable tennis and badminton. Apart from this, I am very fond of reading books."And being a former banker do money matters interest her? "Not at all. Politicsand history excite me more than anything else, but please don't ask me tocomment on the present political scenario of the country," she says beforesigning off.
AB Baby grooves away
“Just before the show started, the entire cast and crew got together and said a prayer. As soon as that was over I blanked out! I could not for the world of me remember any step of mine. Shaimak told me to just go out there and have a ball, so I did. Thankfully everything came back just in time and the performance went off without any glitches”, confesses the actor who was performing for the first time outside the comfort of his film fraternity.
On sharing the stage with his father and wife for the Kajra re number, AB says, “It was great fun. It took us back to the IIFA awards in Amsterdam where we performed together on stage for the first time”.
But Ash who is a great dancer did have something to say on his performance, “Initially, she couldn’t say much because she was on stage immediately after me. So by the time I came off the stage she was already in position for her entry. But after she finished she told me that she thought it was good. Although I felt she was way better.”
And with the American leg kicking off in a big way, AB concludes, “Madhuriji joined us for this leg. We’re all very excited to have her with us.”
Aamir Khan's Andaz
With Aamir and Salman Khan bonding big time, the long-lost friends have chosen to work together again.
Their comeback vehicle as a pair will be a sequel to their 1994-cult movie, Andaz Apna Apna . The film will be produced by Aamir Khan and directed by Raj Kumar Santoshi (who directed the earlier version).
Says a source, “Aamir has already spoken to Santoshi about the sequel and the latter has loved the idea of directing Aamir and Salman together again.”
When contacted, Santoshi confirmed that Aamir had spoken to him about this. He said, “In fact, Aamir has been talking about this to me for some time now. I will be writing the script. However, it won’t be a sequel. Let’s leave the details for a later date.
It’s too early to talk about it now.” When we asked Santoshi what he thought of Aamir as a producer, he answered, “Aamir is a friend and a fantastic producer. He is the right guy for producing this film.”
We wonder if Aamir and Santoshi will rope in the earlier heroines Raveena Tandon and Karisma Kapoor, or will settle for younger heroines.
Imran on a high!
Timewas when nephews and nieces did something right, and were treated to a bar ofchocolate from uncles and aunts.
But life is a lotfancier for Imran Khan. He was gifted a white BMW by Maamu Aamir Khan forgetting Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na right. “I wasn’t too sure it wasmine, till he gave me the keys,” smiles Imran.
This is awardenough. But with such a successful debut, is Imran ready to walk up the stage ataward shows and accept trophies for his performance, something that Aamir justwon’t do? He gets pensive, and then states, “It depends on whataward it is. I’d consider if I’m worthy enough of it or then if itis worthy enough of me.”
Nothing can match the adulation andlove of the junta. Women of all age are going gaga over him and even proposingmarriage. Never mind that, the guys have taken a liking to him as well.“Yes, that’s the interesting part. Never mind the women, the guysseem to like me, too. I guess that’s just because of my character in thefilm. I’m very non-heroic, they must’ve related to that,”explains the newbie. But no proposals from this gender? “None!” heexclaims, laughing.
Imran is a 12th pass, and has no plans tograduate. “I don’t feel the need to continue studying, simplybecause I know more than most graduates do. I read a lot. I read anything andevery thing that’s printed or written on paper. I’m eccentric. Isuffer from an obsessive compulsive disorder,” he admits, “I needeverything to be kept at right angles.”
Bombarded withscripts, and with a dozen producers queuing up to meet the boy, how has lifechanged for Imran? “Honestly, it hasn’t sunk in yet. Life’sthe same, just more SMSes, calls and yes, lots of people wanting myautograph,” he says, forgetting to mention the new car.
Harman Baweja plays cricket with Ranji players Jodhpur
If Harman has the pluck to play cricket with the champs, it's because national cricketer Praveen Ambre has been taken on as the expert consultant in Victory to make sure Harman gets it right, each time.
Making a cricket movie isn't easy. So, Harman Baweja has discovered while shooting for debutant director Ajit Pal's Victory. Usually, acting is about faking it. And when Aamir Khan played cricket so expertly in Lagaan, he didn't have face up to professional players on screen.
In Victory, where Harman plays a professional cricketer he was pitched against professional real-life cricketers. After playing with pros of the field in Australia earlier this year, Harman on Thursday manoeuvred the bat with Rajasthan's seasoned Ranji Trophy players like Mohammed Ahmed and Abhijeet Sharma.
Sunburnt and suffering from a serious sun- stroke, Harman says, "Earlier in Australia I played with Brett Lee, Stuart Clark and Mike Hussey. I'd like to think I looked authentic enough playing with them. Now I play with Rajasthan's Ranji players since yesterday. And I'm having a ball. Because although I'm playing a cricketer, I'm playing for real. Man, you can't fake it with these guys. And considering Rajasthan has just won the IPL, you can imagine how good these guys are at the game. "
To ensure complete authenticity in the cricket scenes, cricket expert Praveen Ambre was deployed all through the shooting. "Praveen Ambre was part of the Indian team in the mid-1990s. We didn't want to falter for even a bat of an eyelid, pun intended. Hence, the expert advice," says Harman.
The cricket scenes being shot in Jodhpur show Harman's characters beginnings as a star-cricketer. "It's the story of a cricketer Vijay Shekhawat's rise from a small-town player to a national-level cricketer. My big moment came when these Ranji players said I played well. They told me there's a lot more to cricket than just the shot. They said I looked convincing in the way I wore my helmet, gloves, stood my ground, ran and connected with the field. I worked on all of that. As far as playing the game goes, I was a cricket player from school and college. So, I only needed to brush up the game. It was getting the other details about a cricketer's personality right that was tough."
Since Thursday morning, Harman was playing cricket non-stop for 12 hours. "By the end, of it I was ready to collapse. Everyone else in the crew had breaks. They ran under trees, checked the monitor in the shade while I had to stand in the burning sun and play non-stop for 12 hours, rehearsing and doing final takes…I'm so exhausted by the heat I can collapse right now," says Harman who suffers from a heat allergy.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Bachchna Ae Haseeno’s music stunt
Taking it a step forward are the music composers of this film, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. For the original track, Kishore Kumar had lent his voice. So for the newer version the composers have roped in the maestro’s son Sumit Kumar to recreate the same magic and yet have a different flavour.
Its like old wine in a new bottle, but with the song getting the audiences excited, YRF will settle for any brickbacks so long they can finally get a hit !
SRK fails Paanchvi Paas
In the past, the man has anchored Kaun Banega Crorepati which was a runaway success. So what went wrong this time? Was it the format of the show or Shah Rukh Khan himself? “This is one question I keep asking myself. Look, I don’t understand the TRP business. Personally I’ve really enjoyed working on Paanchvi Paas more than KBC . But, I do not want to play the blame game here. I’d like to believe that it was a rough patch.”
Khan has always had the courage to call a spade a spade. So, does he accept that he could be one of the reasons for the failure of Paanchvi Paas . “I’m as responsible for its failure as I am for the success of my films and shows. I shouldered the responsibility of the failure of Paheli . I understand that as a celebrity I play a larger role in the fate of a project. So, here if there is anything that’s gone wrong with Paanchvi Paas , it’s me,” he smiles.
Currently, recuperating from his knee injury, Khan is also busy winding up Biloo Barber. “After Paanchvi Paas , I had to shoot for a song in Biloo Barber . And then there is my knee that’s demanding my attention.” Style, humility and smartness all rolled in one. That’s Shah Rukh Khan for you.
Sonam still friends with Ranbir
Sonam’s alleged rivalry with Deepika and Deepka being known as a possessive girlfriend added to the controversy!
We managed to get in touch with Sonam and ask her about the issue. “I have no issues with Ranbir and we may not be constantly in touch with each other but that doesn’t mean we are not on talking terms” she clarified.
She further added, “We were always close as friends and even if your girlfriend gets a boyfriend she is bound to give more time to him so what’s different here!”
Hopefully that reply will end the rumour of Ranbir seeing Sonam once upon a time!
Genelia’s confession
“I am feeling fantastic! After Jaane Tu, people have rechristened me as Meeao or Aditi and that feels great. People recognize me as Aditi now! I am glad to know that the film has clicked with almost all kinds of audiences”, says Genelia who is busy basking in the glory of her film of late.
You have tasted success today in Hindi films but your initial films didn’t click! “Working in films was never my ultimate career option. I never expected much, also I took failures in my stride back then”, comes a prompt reply.
Talking about success, do friends make for great lovers in real life as shown in her now successful film Jaane Tu? “If you have a close friend there is bound to be that attraction” says Genelia. That definitely prompts us to ask if she has felt the same for ‘good friend’ Ritesh? “Ritesh is a good friend and all the talks about our marriage are nothing but baseless rumours”, says the young actress yet again denying her alleged linkup with Ritesh.
So what’s next for Genelia? “I have ‘Life Partner’ which is an Abbas Mustan production, an untitled film with Harman Baweja which has been directed by Anees Bazmee.
So after working with Imran, she is now working with arch rival Harman! “(Smiles) both are extremely spontaneous actors, are intense and extremely focussed on their work. They are quite similar!” concludes she, trying to be at her diplomatic best!
Maan Gaye Mughall-E-Azam - Music Review
Now this one may turn out to be a laugh-riot. And looking at the likes of Mallika Sherawat, Rahul Bose, Kay Kay Menon and Paresh Rawal coming together on a common platform for a fun ride, Maan Gaye Mughall E Azam promises a whacky soundtrack. However, there are slight apprehensions too. Anu Malik has been inconsistent in his new innings and while Ugly Aur Pagli has been doing well with Love Story 2050 doing OK, there have also been duds like Good Luck and Hastey Hastey. After listening to the soundtrack of MGMEA, one can conveniently add one more to the list.
Classic track Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya from Mughal E Azam gets it's modern day disco avtar the moment Mallika Sherawat comes to fore. What surprises is that even though Ishg Bector sings a major part of the song (he kick starts with a rap and is present throughout the 5 minute duration), he hasn't been credited in the album. Sounding like Bali Brahmbhatt, he makes way for Anushka Manchanda and Mahalakshmi Iyer to give two different flavors to the song.
By the time Shaan joins all the fun in this item number which is meant for a stage performance, one realizes that 'Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya' is neither serious nor spoofy. Instead it is plain fun with Sanjay Chhel's lyrics being largely responsible for keeping the entertainment quotient well in place. One looks forward to the picturisation of this song which features the entire principal star cast of the film creating a riot in one common setting!
Marmari Baahen is a kind of quintessential romantic number which can't ever be hated by a listener. However, even though the number has a melodic base to it, it doesn't quite enthrall as such since it follows the basic routine of mush and romance while keeping it soft and simple. Moving at a slow pace with some ear pleasing arrangements, 'Marmari Bahen' is a decent duet by Shaan and Mahalakshmi Iyer which doesn't really have in it to go all the distance, but stays on to be an OK hearing overall! Later, Blue Zone 'remixes' the song with Anu Malik himself choosing to come behind the mike. Well, the way he goes about crooning the number, it is assured that 'Marmari Bahen' has Malik's trademark stamp to it.
It is time to expect something interesting, what with Pankaj Udhas coming back to singing for a Hindi film after ages. Anu Malik ropes him in for Ek To Sharab Kum which appears in two parts. Well, it is absolute shocking to hear the track because if at all there would be one really forgettable Pankaj Udhas number for a Hindi film, it would be this. The built up takes a horrendously long time and by the time one expects some rhythm in the proceedings, the end result turns out to be damp squib.
There are chances that 'Ek To Sharab Hai' is spoofy in nature, but that by any means doesn't turn out to be a good enough excuse for the song to be so lifeless. To give Pankaj Udhas some credit, he is decent in the way he goes about singing this 'ghazal', but it is due to some really boring arrangements which pull the track down completely. This one clearly disappoints!
With a fine track ('Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya') followed by an average number ('Marmari Bahein') and an absolute letdown ('Ek To Sharab Hai'), one is quite apprehensive before playing the last song in the album, Ishqiyaan. Well, the expectations have ebbed to such a low point by now that whatever reasonably is fine turns out to be some saving grace. This way 'Ishqiyaan' succeeds to an extent as it is not a bad hear, though being stuck in the musical style of 90s.
Primarily a rhythmic-n-peppy duet between Sonu Nigam and Sunidhi Chauhan, 'Ishqiyaan' has the potential to do well on screen with some funny picturisation. Towards the end, Aftab Hashmi Sabri joins for a 'qawalli' outing while Blue Zone does chip in with a remix version as well. Also, it is exit Sunidhi Chauhan and enter Alisha Chinoy this time around.
Overall, Maan Gaye Mughall-E-Azam has a forgettable soundtrack which won't make any impression whatsoever in either a short or a long term. The only solace that the makers of the film can take is from the fact that a couple of tracks may well keep the audience engaged due to the funny mood of the film. However, even for that, a lot would depend upon its director Sanjay Chhel to make it happen on screen.
Rating - 1.5/5
Ranbir in Ravi Chopra's Kohinoor?
Producer-director Ravi Chopra (Baghban, Babul, Bhoothnath) plans to cast Ranbir Kapoor in his next film, titled Kohinoor.
Not only that, the film will also be the launch pad for Chopra's sons Kapil and Abhay. His elder son Kapil will make his debut as an actor and the younger one, Abhay, as a director. BR Chopra will produce the movie under the banner of BR Films.
Ravi Chopra who is currently busy with Banda Yeh Bindas Hai, says, "Yes, talks are definitely on with Ranbir because he is a good friend of my sons. He has not been signed on the dotted line."
About the film, he says, "Kohinoor is a two-hero project based on the Kohinoor diamond. We plan to launch this film in August. Prakash Kapadia who has written Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas is writing the script."
If all goes well, this will be the third generation of Kapoors and Chopras working together.
Sania Mirza behind Vidya-Shahid disconnect?
Post ‘Kismat Konnection’ Shahid Kapur and Vidya Balan seem to have lost the rapport that they reportedly shared during the making of the movie. According to sources, the couple is no longer on talking terms with each other. Their much hyped bonding appears to have ended with the release of the film.
An industry insider said, "Vidya and Shahid used to tease both of them a lot on the sets of ‘KK’, and even said that they are best-suited for each other. But the couple has not talked to each other after wrapping up the shooting of the film.”
The two were seen behaving very formally at the premiere of ‘KK’, which failed to set the Box Office on fire.
Grapevine has it that the much appreciated Shahid-Vidya pair has drifted apart because of Shahid’s changed attitude towards Vidya, as he is reported to have found a new ‘love’ in tennis superstar Sania Mirza. It seems that now that the movie has released all over and there is not much requirement for publicity, the actor doesn’t want to have rumours of being involved with Vidya anymore.
Sources reveal that poor Vidya, very hurt at Shahid’s coldness, is still trying to figure out the cause of the disconnect. Speculations indicate that Sania, the new romance in Shahid’s life, has asked the actor to cut off all ties with Vidya and Shahid being the obedient boyfriend that he is has been upon it since then.
It seems Vidya has lost out to Sania in this game of love. Looks like Shahid’s again getting dominated by his lady love.
Akki’s ‘Chandni Chowk To China’ runs into trouble
Akshay Kumar’s much talked about flick ‘Chandni Chowk To China’ has run into rough weather. The movie, which also stars Deepika Padukone is proving to be an expensive film for the buyers. Warner Bros, who have are all set to make a mark in Bollywood are asking for a throbbing Rs 20 crore for ‘Chandni Chowk To China’ and because of the same the buyers from the Mumbai circuit are hesitant to come forth.
According to the industry insiders, unless the Warner Bros reduces the price, they might just have to release the film themselves.
‘Chandni Chowk To China’, directed by Nikhil Advani is said to be semi- autobiographical film potraying actor Akshay Kumar’s life. The story is about a chef who is mistaken to be a martial arts expert. It is an action-comedy about a simple cook from Chandni Chowk who is mistaken to be the reincarnation of an ancient peasant warrior Liu Sheng by residents of an oppressed Chinese village.
The movie is expected to hit the cinema screens sometime around Diwali.
Sallu Katrina Drifting Away?
According to sources in the industry, Katrina has been feeling suffocated by Salman and his possessiveness for a while now. She is young and her career is going great guns. She wants to be doing everything that girls of her age are doing and have fun. And she definitely doesn't want a fuddy daddy like Salman hanging on and monitoring her every move. She is the one who has been wanting out in the relationship and it is Salman who is not willing to let go. In fact, Katrina's birthday bash, thrown by him, is believed to be one of his attempts to woo her back. But it probably had the opposite effect following the ugly spat. Since Salman is still the superstar, he displayed his clout as the who's who of the industry turned up at the bash. Katrina was probably a little placated by this starry turnout. But then Salman went ahead and spoilt everything by picking up a fight with SRK. Not only has the focus moved away from her birthday, but now Katrina is also left wondering whether the Salman SRK fallout will effect her career or not.
Prakash Raj to tender an apology?
Prakash Raj seems to be having a tough time with his personal and professional life going haywire. To make matters worse, the Telugu Producers' Council banned him from acting in Telugu films, as the producers and directors complained that the actor did not keep up his shooting commitments. To set things right for Prakash Raj, his Telugu film producer friend acted as a conduit between him and the officials at the Film Chamber of Commerce to lift the ban. Prakash Raj and his producer friend reportedly met the officials at the film chamber recently to discuss the issue. Sources now say that the ban could be lifted if Prakash Raj tenders an apology to the producers.
Butler dropped his pants for Madonna!
It’s not just Justin Timberlake who dropped his pants for Madonna, for Scottish actor Gerard Butler too did the same for the stunning singer.
The ‘300’ star revealed that the Queen of pop also asked him to bare his bottom to give him a vitamin jab.
"I got in a B-12 shot in my a-- by..." the Hollyscoop quoted him as saying.
"I was sick, and she was a nurse basically. Guy introduced me to her and she said, ''You''re the sick one?'' and I said, ''Yes.’ Well, she was amazing. She just said, ''Drop your pants,'' Butler said.
"I stood there with my little bottom out, and she gave me a shot in the bum!" he added.
Interview with Sneha Ullal
How did your film career start?
I was studying at MMK College, Mumbai. That time, Salman Khan’s sister Arpita happened to see me. But, I didn’t know that she told her brother about me. One day, I came from the hospital and the phone was ringing at home. My thoughts were fully clouded with my mother, who was at the hospital taking painful chemotherapy for the cancer. I received the phone and words from the other end said: Hi, I am Salman Khan. Could I speak to Sneha Ullal – I felt that somebody was joking. I just put down the phone repeatedly. When my mom came home after several days, I told her what had happened. Casually, I gave her the incoming number and she tried it back. It was truly Salman Khan who called for me. At first, I was nervous. But, Salman was a sportive man. My parents agreed to the proposal to take me in for the film Lucky. The film brought me instant recognition and I am thankful to the Indian media which shot me to fame. Currently, I am awaiting the release of three films in the coming months. Two movies are in the pipeline in Bollywood. As you know, I am doing the lead heroine in Manoj Kumar’s Nenu Meeku Telusa.
You are having a good time there (Bollywood). Why testing luck here (Tollywood)?
I have no calculations. After all, I never thought that I would become an actress. At the same time, I have no inhibitions. I just behave like a normal girl what I was before a heroine. Karunakaran just wanted me for his project. I found it feasible and my dates didn’t clash here. I sincerely did what I could do as per the script. Now that the film (UU) was released, everybody is telling me – Hi, Sneha, you did a fantastic job … this and that. I sincerely trust them. I didn’t lose anything by coming here. As an actress, I am busy here.
Will you settle here if your position gets established here?
Why not? I am not new to South. In fact, my dad hailed from Mangalore. Let me frankly tell you. All these years, I was with my parents in the Gulf. I am not a settler in Mumbai. There also I am just an actress. Here, the same. Now that I have chosen the tinsel world as a career, I have to persist, and I shall.
Which you feel is better – Bollywood or South?
Definitely, it’s South which makes me feel happy. In Mumbai, people are very rude and that is their lifestyle. I don’t have any grumbling. As of me, I am lover of silence and wish to do things without noise. Within a short span, I finished two films without much difficulty. Moreover, people here are very flexible and don’t mind encouraging us, as we don’t know Telugu. But, there, we will always be missing the special attention. Nobody will encourage us. But, just exploit our potential. Rather, I say, it’s a raw deal sans heart and soul.
Heard you are doing a Hollywood flick. What’s it about?
Yes. I am doing a Hollywood film. It is Gandhi Park, to be completely shot in the USA. Tom George is the filmmaker. I already finished two weeks shoot. Soon, I will be resuming the shoot in the coming days. In that film, I am doing the heroine, what you say female lead. I am even happier that I could spread my arm further into the West.
What is your ambition?
This is one thing which keeps me watchful always. I can’t tolerate cruelty to animals, birds or any living creature. I have taken a vow to spread vegetarianism as best as I could. If I get sufficient money, I will start a hospital for the animals. I love them like I love human beings. Everybody is equal in the eyes of God.
Were you a born vegetarian? Or convert?
It’s like this. One day, I was driving home. I saw some guys whipping and chasing some goats. They came before my vehicle. I just chided them for being cruel to the animals. They shot back – Hello, don’t you eat mutton? Their words stung me like anything. Guilt covered me. Instantly, I decided to quit non-vegetarian food. And I did it. I am into my third year as vegetarian. When I came here (Hyderabad), I met Nagarjuna couple and got thrilled at their work. Association with them helped me to turn more resolute about my dream for a welfare animal kingdom. Of course, it might sound a fantasy, but I am hopeful of it. I also join the fight against Cancer and Aids.
Did you make any charity so far?
I did it personally. I don’t want to talk about it. I understand your suspicion. Yes. A lot many people talk about animal welfare, alleviation of poverty, fight against AIDS. Mostly, these things are just limited to mere slogans. It has also become a fashion to be a volunteer. If I could do it wholeheartedly, I don’t need to open it to the public eye.
How’s your mother now?
She is doing fine. But, she lost a lot of hair due to chemotherapy. She needs our love. And I am ready for it.
Did you ever fall in love? Your opinion about marriage?
To be frank, I never thought much about these things. I am still young. Just 20. If you insist, I just say: I love my parents a lot. My dad is so possessive of me. When I want to go on a picnic for a day or two, he doesn’t even entertain the idea of being away from me more than a couple of hours. He makes hungama like a child. Now, they are aging. Their happiness is my happiness. I am dead against the thought of marriage until and unless my parents are assured of their happy life post-retirement. I don’t mind even skipping marriage for their sake.
What is your opinion about skin-show?
Skin-show doesn’t come under entertainment. Of course, I heard a lot about this in Mumbai, Muscat and in Hyderabad. It’s everywhere. But, I am not a taker for this. You see my debut film here (UU). Karunakaran showed me very decently. The same thing is in Nenu Meeku Telusa. I was made to present some decent appeal in the song sequences, that too on the suggestion of director Karunakaran. In other sequences, you will find me very traditional. I like those roles. I wait for those roles. And I will never ever go after roles for money or career. I strongly believe that people in South really don’t like exposing. It’s more a fallacy of mediocre filmmakers, misjudging the taste of the audience.
What kind of food you like?
I already said simple vegetarian dishes. Mostly home-made food.
What’s your favorite dress?
Jeans.
What are your favorite places in Hyderabad?
So far, I saw only Golconda. Since I was working in films here, they took me to the shooting spots. Golconda is one such. I wish to see entire Hyderabad and Nizam splendor as a tourist. Or like a Hyderabadi.
Who is your favorite actor?
In Bollywood, it’s Akshay Kumar. He knew me as a child. He kissed me once. I still remember it.
Recently, SRK and Salman were at loggerheads again. Whom do you support?
I don’t know what had happened there. I can’t take sides.
Who are your friends in Mumbai and Hyderabad?
I don’t have any friends at all. I just maintain Hi-Hi relation. It doesn’t mean that I am arrogant. But, I have a good friend, our family well-wisher in Salman. Now, I feel, it’s so long that we spoke again. Of course, he is busy.
What about your studies?
I am studying degree. I just took some break. I will continue.
What is life in your dictionary?
It’s humanism. Love for all.
Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja with SRK in Paanchvi Pass - Exclusive Images
Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja were a part of the penultimate show of Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hai. With their laughter and fun they changed the atmosphere of the normally stressful class.
Take look at their fun moments with SRK
You are very funny!
These are our lovely students for today
I do not want to dance, says Priyanka
Let us discuss the answer
I can't remember it, says Priyanka
Don't tell me it's the wrong answer!
Finally we are right!
We will show you some steps...
It’s time for Harman to show his charm
Oops my bummy hurts!
‘I am in love with Mallika Sherawat’
Maan Gaye Mughall-E-Azam is one of the most awaited movies of the year as it once again pairs the hit pairing of Mallika and Rahul Bose. We spoke to the man behind the film Sanjay Chhel.
Is the film anyway related to the old Mughal-E-Azam?
It is a very contemporary comedy film. Mallika, Rahul, Paresh Rawal and Kay Kay have acted very well. For the first time the audience will watch Kay Kay in a comedy film. And when you will watch the movie you will understand. But it has a strong reference of Mughal-E-Azam. It is total comedy but it has social relevance. I can say that it is on the lines of Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron.
Why made you cast Mallika and Rahul for your film?
Because I think they suit the character. And I will say Mallika is a great actress. She is very good at comedy. Mallika has got the glamour. I had different characters in the film. Rahul Bose is a very good actor and a versatile one.
What’s your view on Mallika?
I must say I am in love with Mallika as a director. After Juhi Chawla if I have found any actress who is good at comedy then that’s Mallika. She doesn't have any tantrums on the sets. Which ever dress you ask her to wear she wears them… She is never late on the sets. She does have an attitude problem and she should…she is a star. But Mallika is very professional. I think that's why she is what she is today!
Is it true that Mallika made Kay Kay nervous?
Yes! Infact Mallika used to make him nervous by flirting with him. Kay Kay is a very serious guy so whenever she used to flirt he used to turn red.
Normally most Mallika films have sexual innuendos. Is it the same in this film?
There is a kissing scene between Rahul and Mallika in the film. But I have not cast Mallika to make my movie sexy. She will definitely change her image after the film releases. But because she is hot there are scenes related to love but the film is more focused on comedy.
Tell us why audience should go and watch your film?
Man Gaye Mugahll-E-Azam is not only a comedy film. It’s how a theatre group saves there country. So the film also has a message and of course the chemistry between Mallika and Rahul is brillaint And the USP of my film is Paresh Rawal! He is a versatile and great actor.
Madhuri Dixit hops on the Bachchan tour bus
The Dhak Dhak girl has joined the Bachchans in LA and she will be there for the whole US leg of their Unforgettable Tour. Madhuri is all set to dance with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to the famous Dola Re dance number from Devdas. She will also be performing on her own hits.
Our source from the Wizcraft reveals, “It’s great. This is the first tour to be done on such a large scale and it will surely be unforgettable for both, the Bachchans and Madhuri. Madhuri will dance to her famous hits. Abhishek and Aishwarya are very excited that, after Akshay Kumar, she has joined them. They are mad about Madhuri.”
Speaking about the meeting between the superstars, our source says, “The Bachchans met with Madhuri in the afternoon. She was dressed casually in a white and black kurti and denims. As she walked out of her villa, she looked absolutely gorgeous. Even Abhishek was teasing Aishwarya by saying Madhuri looked stunning.”
Our source adds, “Madhuri displayed her warmth and friendliness as they got chatting about the tour and her association with it. She told them as how happy she was to be a part of it and how, in the past, there have been attempts to get her and Mr. Bachchan together but things never worked out. She will be rehearsing today for her first ever dancing tour with the Bachchans. Her husband, Dr. Shri Ram Nene will come to see her Madhuri’s first two shows, even though he has a very busy schedule.”
Detailing Dixit’s performances, our source says, “After Dola Re, she will perform with Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan on song from Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. She will then be dancing to her solo hits from Dil To Pagal Hain, Tezaab, Devdas and many more. She will be performing in cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Atlantic City, New York and Vancouver.”
Madhuri will work her magic with the Bachchans on the Unforgettable Tour from July 26 to August 16.
The five stars of 2008
They say success is a relative term. So is the term ‘star’ in Bollywood. The star-status of any celebrity keeps changing with every film. An actor might click one year but might not work at the box-office for many and vice-versa.
2008 saw some big stars losing it out at the box-office. Akshay Kumar could be the best example who was on a success spree with consecutive hits till last year but faced a major flop with Tashan. So did costar Anil Kapoor who faced flops in form of Tashan and Black & White. Saif Ali Khan had a huge hit with Race but his fame nullified with consecutive flops like Tashan and Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic. Same was the case with Ajay Devgan who had moderate success with Sunday and U Me aur Hum but a major disaster with Halla Bol.
Here we analyze who are the top five actors who clicked at the box-office in 2008 so far.
If Jodhaa Akbar was a big hit, major credit goes to Hrithik Roshan’s superlative performance in the film.
Emraan arrived in the league of stars where he could decide his own market value and demand remuneration. He raised his fee from Rs 1.5 crores to Rs 5 crore directly and had production houses signing him for multi-film deal. Percept Picture Company signed him for a 3 film deal at Rs 15 crores.
Imran won the so-called media-made race of the newcomers. He clearly overtook debutantes like Sikander Kher (Woodstock Villa, Summer 2007) and Harman Baweja (Love Story 2050). The one question that nobody would ask about Imran’s identity is Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na.
Currently they are again tasting success with the Unforgettables tour.
"I just went blank" - Abhishek Bachchan
It's amazing what a power of three can do to a film and the Tour. Yes, I am talking about the Bachchan family, Amitabh, Abhishek, and Aishwarya. First it was their film Sarkar Raj that grossed almost £400,000 in the U.K. and now it's their Unforgettable Tour which is selling like hot cakes in America. Not surprised to find out that all the shows are almost house full, I was more than curious to know Mr. Bachchan's recovery. So what if one of the power house took a back seat, we still had the power of three. This time it was Jayaji, Abhishek, and Aishwarya who took over the proceedings. Hours before his first live performance in L.A. Abhishek Bachchan sounds upbeat...and why not? He is having a great response from the Tour so far, is highly excited about his next release Drona, is desperate to perform in front of his audience in London and of course, boosting with happiness to see his dad, our very own Big B, fully recovered. All this and much more from Abhi in this exclusive chat from L.A with Bollywood Hungama's Devansh Patel.
So, how's dad and what do the doctors say?
Nothing, dad's good now. He is just at the rehearsals at the moment. He is back on his feet. He was fine yesterday and the day before. He had a bit of a cold but I forced him to stay in bed because I didn't want it to spread into something which was uncontrollable. So as a son, I demanded that he stay in his room and locked him up. Dad has got a tendency that he pushes himself so much but thankfully he is fine now.
From Toronto to Trinidad to L.A. How's the journey been so far?
The journey has been awesome. The reactions have been over-whelming. I never expected to see this kind of reaction. We were told that every centre, which was to host the show, was pretty much sold out except for the European leg because we haven't come there yet. But America is completely sold out. And all this is just so wonderful because when you get on to the stage and see the audiences reactions, you know that you are not performing for yourself but for them. This Tour is for the audiences and will always be.
First the unforgettable Sarkar Raj collections in the U.K and then this Tour. Looks like London's the hot-spot for the Bachchan's.
London is a wonderful city. A city that is very close to our hearts. We spent a lot of time there as a family during holidays, we've done a lot of work over there and we're very glad that we're going to be coming to London in August. One thing I've been saying to the members of the media that London is definitely going to be the biggest and the best. So we're saving that for the last.
And what else are you doing in your spare time?
Well, there isn't much spare time because of the nature of the Tour. The minute you reach a new destination, you first get into all this media and promotional activities after which it's just down to rehearsals. But it's also important for you to know that nobody is taking this Tour lightly. Everybody is working very hard to put up the best show. We do realize that it is a demanding schedule but the endeavor was to put up the biggest and the best show that we could possibly do and I believe we've got such a show on our hands.
Could you recall one unforgettable incident from your Tour so far?
I think that was when the first time I came on stage in Toronto, the minute the lights come on, I just went blank. I forgot everything and I had to pass through the audience. I froze because the audience was all around and they were jumping around trying to reach out and touch me and shouting slogans. I was totally blanked out. Then finally, my manager Mambo Sharma, who was also from the U.K pulled me and said, "Come on bro, you're on stage, move it". And I replied, "Wait a second. Let me enjoy this a bit more." But it was truly unforgettable. And the unforgettable moment was that I forgot everything.
Mr. Bachchan on his blog stated that Trinidad is like a homecoming for you guys. When you were a five year old, you performed along side your dad on stage for the first time in Trinidad. So how far did that memory go?
Dad used to do a track from his earlier film, Mr. Natwarlal, called, 'Mere paas aao mere dosto' in which he brought my sister and me on to the stage to introduce us to the audience. Now that's a good 25 to 27 years ago. So it was wonderful to go back to Trinidad and win the place in the audiences hearts where we had been before for such shows.
Every Bollywood actor would once dream of dancing with Madhuri Dixit. Any plan?
I have plans of dancing with Madhuriji on the stage in L.A tomorrow night. So the plan is working.
For the first time while working, the Bachchans won't be missing each other. But do you miss the hot Indian food?
No. Wizcraft made sure that wherever we travel, we were very well fed with our Indian ghar ka khaana. Can't miss that for sure!
We are also hearing rumors that Amsterdam isn't going to be the last city where you guys will be wrapping the Tour on the August 29. What else is up the sleeve?
Well, currently there are talks to do another show in Dusseldorf in Germany as they have requested us to do the show there. Plus, the second leg does start post September which will be in the Middle East, Far East and Australia and then we move on to Africa. So the Unforgettable Tour will be continuing. The exact dates though are not confirmed yet.
Everyone is talking about Big B, Abhi and Ash on the stage together. The family is incomplete without Jayaji. Is she going to shake a leg too?
She is on the Tour with us and she will be coming on stage and perform with us. You have to wait and see what song we perform on. Can't tell you now.
After performing some hot numbers on stage in hot locales, how do you plan to cool yourself down after all this tiring schedule?
To be very honest, when you're out there in the audience, you don't think about the heat or the exertion. Their love and support just carries you through every hurdle. You can't think of cooling yourself down. On my part, the minute this Tour gets over, I'll be back in Mumbai finishing my film Dostana and getting ready to release Drona which releases on October 2.
How's the response of the Drona trailer been? Any news?
It's a teaser trailer and the first look into the film Drona. The response has been really huge. On the Drona website, www.dronathefilm.in, the response has been fantastic. Even in the kind of fan mail I'm getting, people are loving the trailer which is great because we've worked hard on it and it's wonderful to see the audience liking the work we've done.
We've also seen couple of exclusive pictures of you, John and Priyanka from Miami while filming Dostana. It's all looking great. Now that you're in the U.S, does it bring back the Dostana days?
Well yeah. I was in Miami not too long ago shooting Dostana. We transited through Miami on our way to Trinidad and Tobago. It does bring back those good days.
Any last message for your fans who are going to see you next month performing in London?
To the audiences in London, we are willing to meet you all. We will hopefully make an unforgettable evening for you. It's a wonderful show and you can be rest assured of a lot of entertainment and a lot of variety. I'm really looking forward to perform at the O2 arena. Love you all.
Singh Is Kinng Starts To Break Box Office Records
The craze of Singh Is Kinng is something that has never been seen before. In an unparalleled event Smruti cinema in Nagpur opened the advance for Singh Is Kinng three weeks before release and shockingly the balcony shows for the first day were sold out within an hour. The exhibitors of single screens around the country who are witnessing a never seen before craze have already started opening the advance and the results are fantastic. The multiplexes have not opened the advance booking but report tremendous interest from corporates wanting bulk bookings, no doubt the bookings will be huge when advance opens.
Salman threatens SRK’s family at mid-night
We don’t just say that Salman Khan is the bad boy of Bollywood for no reason. Many past and present records stand his identity. One recent example is his immodest behavior in front of Shahrukh’s residence. On Monday night, he got heavily drunk and asked his driver to drive him to Shahrukh’s house. On reaching there, Sallu got back into his old dirty image, yelled at his family and threatened his wife and children. At that juncture, Shahrukh was not at home.
The guard restricted him from entering his residence but Sallu was out of control. Then the guard immediately called Shahrukh and he quickly drove home. By the time, Shahrukh reached home, Salman drove back his car. Salman was heard screaming, "bahar aa sale, main tujhko dikhata hoon kaun asli Khan hai!"
For quite sometime, Salman and Shahrukh have been sharing cold vibes. Their fight gained momentum on Katrina’s birthday when Salman invited SRK and his wife Gauri Khan and insulted him in the presence of all guests. Their fight took such a bizarre turn that they were about to hit one another.
Varudu launch on Aug 20
Varudu, the crazy film in the combination of Mahesh and Trivikram Srinivas is going to be launched on August 20th. There has been a simmering curiosity over the film's start in the media in the wake of the young superstar's passing hiatus post Athidi, which got released last year. Singanamala Ramesh produces the film.
Seenu Vytla to direct RCT?
A popular production house is said to be making ground for its big-budget film in the combination of hero Ramcharan Tej and director Seenu Vytla. The buzz assumed immense significance in the wake of RCT's mind-blowing business record with his very debut film Chirutha, coupled with Seenu Vytla's hatrick run. Further details are awaited about this crazy happening. Currently, RCT is working for SS Rajamouli film; and Seenu Vytla, with Nag's King.
Gemini Film Circuit with NBK
Gemini Film Circuit, which made Chiranjeevi's Shankar Dada MBBS, is said to have readied a suitable subject for a film with Nandamuri Balakrishna. The actor's recent film was Pandurangadu, a bio-periodic film with KRR directing it. Though reports in the recent past said he would get ready for Gunasekhar's Sadhu, now there is silence over this buzz. A concrete detail about Balakrishna's next is expected soon.
Fancy offers to Nagarjuna's King
Seenu Vytla's hatrick with Dhee, Dubai Seenu and Ready clearly resulted in fancy offers to his latest with Nag – King. The film's release date is tentatively announced by the director himself as December 18th. But, its business is likely to be over in a few weeks. Made on Kamakshi Kala Movies, the flick is produced by D. Sivaprasad Reddy. It's under non-stop shoot. Trisha being the heroine, the business angle sharpened further.
Chintakayala Ravi in October
Venkatesh-Yogie combine film – Chintakalaya Ravi – is racing ahead with brisk shoot schedules for an early release in October. Produced by Nallamalupu Bujji, it has music by Mumbai duo Vishal-Sekhar. The buzz is that the audio has come out well. Anushka does the heroine.
Ileana confirmed for NTR film
Ileana is confirmed the heroine for NTR for VV Vinayak-directed film with presentation by Kodali Nani (who earlier produced Sambha). With this Ileana gets repeated for NTR, after Krishnavamsi's Rakhee. This Goan beauty came out with glamorous performance in Jalsa and Bhale Dongalu this year.
Pawan's Puli on Dec 19
Pawan Kalyan's underproduction film Puli under SJ Suryah direction is planned to release on December 19th, sources said. With Jalsa becoming an industry hit, expectations rose high on Puli, being the actor's second film with Suryah after a gap of seven years. Singanamala Ramesh Babu produces the film on Kanakaratna Media banner.
Teja's Kayka in Kolkota
The unit of Teja's latest film with new faces – Kayka – will be engaged to a 15-day schedule in Kolkota from August 1 to 15. With this, the movie will be completing its shoot. Teja also produces the film. It's known that he announced audio release after the film's screen-hit, a different development in contrast to the present-day trend.
Salman reacts to the media allegations for the first time on his blog
For the next few days you will hear and read a lot of sh*t about me, a lot of it. Keep on reading it…but don’t react to it. I don’t. Like sometimes when you are traveling in a fast car and you find a dog chasing your car…barking away. You don’t stop the car and start reacting to the dog…u don’t…there’s no point. I don’t wish to react. I don’t have the time for it. Besides, I don’t understand the language of dogs, except for my two - Myson and Myjaan.Click Here for more
Unfortunately in our industry the developing trend is not to celebrate others success…every time another person is successful there will be someone trying to pull him down. You don’t increase your own efforts to become successful but try to always decrease someone else’s success…that’s the mantra of the industry. A man is good they say but they say it in the past tense. A lot of people out there talk highly but only once a person’s gone…Dead! These people whoever they are - are just doing their job - only what they know to do best.
I chose to remain silent. I do not have the time to spend reacting. But even silence speaks. Silence makes more noise than thunder. …’Bandar Sher ko chidhata hai….’ Sirf aawaaz kar sakta hai... Kabhi Sher ko maar sakta hai? He can’t do anything. But when the Lion roars, a whole pack of monkeys fall from trees!
So keep on reading…read all the negatives…read till they get tired of writing. Everyone goes through this…but not for long. I say just look good feel good and do good, that’s it. I love you all.
UTV amongst the top 20 in US!!
UTV Motion Pictures storms into list of Top 20 distributors in the United States! Led by back to back success of TAARE ZAMEEN PAR,JODHAA AKBAR,Race,JAANE TU YA JAANE NA
UTV Motion Pictures is now amongst the top 20 film distributors in North America based on the US box office performance in the first 6 months of 2008. UTV is the first Indian film studio ever to have crossed the US $5 million revenue mark in the first half of the year. UTV releases grossed US $ 5.48 million in the first 28 weeks of the year,making the company the leading Indian motion picture distributor in the United States and the only foreign language movie distributor in the Top 20.
The Company achieved this feat with only three releases this year - JODHAA AKBAR ($ US 3.44 million),RACE ($ US 1.37 million) and JAANE TU YA JAANE NA ($ US 539,857 and counting). The box office total was also supported by Aamir Khan's TAARE ZAMEEN PAR which was released in December 2007 but it continued its run well into 2008 also.
Entering the Top 20 is a major achievement for an Indian studio,given the fact that the market for Indian movies in the US is a small fraction of the mainstream American market. This is especially remarkable considering that UTV is one of the youngest Indian film distributors in North America,having established operations in the US only four years ago in 2004.
''The US market is one of our Top 3 priority markets worldwide and our sustained and relentless drive to produce and release quality content and then market and distribute it effectively,has helped us emerge as one of the top distributors in the most competitive market in the world.''Says Siddharth Roy Kapur,CEO,UTV Motion Pictures.
UTV has followed this stellar box office performance in the first half of 2008 with the release of Shahid Kapur-Vidya Balan starrer KISMAT KONNECTION on July 18,2008. KISMAT KONNECTION has raked in over $ US 280,000 in just its opening weekend and is still going strong.
UTV's forthcoming films include Madhur Bhadarkar's latest FASHION,DELHI 6- Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's follow up to RANG DE BASANTI and a co-production with Sohail Khan Productions MAIN AUR MRS KHANNA starring Salman Khan. The company's first solo Hollywood production THE EXTERMINATORS starring Heather Graham is currently in production in the United States.
Superstar Rajnikant in Hyderabad
Tamil superstar Rajnikant has been put up in Hyderabad for the last four days. He will be staying another three, four days and shooting for his daughter Soundarya's animation film - Sultan The Warrior. The animation film is based on Rajni’s character and has live action image. For this, he has been shooting for the movie under huge blue mat screens arranged at Annapoorna Seven Acres.
It is also expected that Rajni might attend the audio release function of Dasari Narayan Rao's Adivishnu on Sunday. Dasari's son Arun Kumar and Sneha are playing the lead roles in Adivishnu which is directed by Bharat Parepalli.
Reliance to back Vishnu - YVS’s film?
Reliance’s Big Films, film production wing of Reliance Entertainment that belongs to Anil Ambani, is entering into Telugu film production in big way. According to our sources, Big Films will back financially Vishnu’s new film to be directed by YVS.
Although the movie is produced on Sri Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures banner, it is learnt that Big Films has come forward to fund the movie financially.
The film is likely go to the sets on August 14th. It stars Vishnu and Ileana as the lead pair while Sandeep Chowta is providing the music.
Ileana turns down Rajni's film!
Tollywood top actress Ileana has turned down the offer to be part of Rajnikant’s animation movie. Rajni’s daughter approached her but the clever actress has refused it as she was offered abysmal amount.
Moreover, it doesn’t add any mileage to her career by acting in animation film as the focus is completely on Rajni. Who cares which actress does that live action episode opposite him in an animation movie, a source close to Ileana said.
Now, it seems a small time actress from Tamil is doing that role.
'Kathanayakudu' on Aug 1st !
It is official now. The confusion over the release of Kathanaykudu has been put to rest with the announcement of its date. Producer Ashwini Dutt today (July 23rd) announced that the movie is hitting the screens on August 1st worldwide. 1200 prints are ordered for both Telugu and Tamil versions (Kuselan in Tamil) of the film. This is the highest ever prints for a South Indian movie.
Trailer released
Just week before the release, the film’s official trailer was also handed over to Television Channels today. Rajnikant plays the role of superstar in the movie while Jagapathi Babu and Meena have the prominent roles. P Vasu has directed it while G V Prakash Kumar has given the music. “Cinema Cinema..” song has already become very popular.
It remains to be seen whether this Kathanyakudu will topple the records created by Rajni’s previous film - Shivaji.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Sajid Khan’s Superstars
My film Houseful is starting only in January 2009 and I am done with its final draft of scripting. So I had sufficient time to indulge into television.
Also I did not have to shoot for the show on a weekly basis. Though it would be aired weekly, I finished shooting for it in one schedule where we shot 13 episodes over 12 days. It’s a 52 episode show and spread over four seasons each of 13 episodes. I have already completed shooting for the first season.
We are assured of the humour element. What else will set Sajid’s Superstars apart from the various other chat shows?
My show will be segmented. While we were creatively discussing the show, we had come up with distinct sections like ‘How well do you know yourself’ and ‘cross-questioning’. Then there’s a ‘jokes section’ where the celebrities come up with a joke and I assess their humour level. There’s also a ‘scandal session’ where I ask them some scandalous question. They sing, they mouth dialogues and we also review the evolution of their fashion sense over the years. If you have seen my earlier shows, you will notice lot of its elements and effect has rubbed on to this one.
Like?
Like, we have a segment for the ‘ham scene’ which was a cult hit with my first show Kehne Mein Kya Harz Hai . Here we show the ham scenes to those particular actors who have actually enacted them in films. I showed Riteish Deshmukh a scene from Out of Control and he literally wanted to hide behind the sofa. I showed Karan Johar and Farah Khan how badly they had acted in Home Delivery and Om Shanti Om and had them in splits. There’s a scene from one of Sanjay Dutt’s films from the early 80s called Mera Faisla where he dances all dressed up as a woman. Anil Kapoor was really embarrassed when I showed him a song from his film Andaz that goes as ‘Khada Hai Khada Hai’ . And Akshay Kumar just wanted to kill me when I showed him a scene from his second film Dancer .
Do you have a gift hamper for your guests? Maybe a Sajid Souvenir...
In fact I have two sections of gifts. The first is the fun session where I have gifted Viveik Oberoi a book on ‘How to win friends and influence people’, Anil Kapoor a book on ‘The fountain of youth’ and distributed diapers to Farah for her babies. Then there are real gifts like laptops and hi-fi music systems.
With your wacky sense of humour, weren’t you ever apprehensive of rubbing your guests the wrong way?
I will never do that for fun. When I call celebrities on my show, it’s like inviting friends to home for dinner. And you never rub your friends the wrong way. And my show is not like some Janta Ki Adalat where you get into intense interrogation or are on a mission to change-the-world.
But did you ever end up offending any of your guests?
Yes, Riteish Deshmukh was quite upset when I asked him about his sexuality. That’s the first episode of the season and you should watch it to catch his reaction.
Who came up with the wackiest answers?
Anil Kapoor for sure! When I asked him if he had a gay relationship with Jackie Shroff in the 80s, he replied that their relationship still exists today and they enjoy their moments in Goa now.
Did you have to persuade Ranbir Kapoor to take the towel?
Not at all! Ranbir’s was the easiest episode to shoot. He was sweet and very sporting.
Currently, blogging has become a trend of sorts in Bollywood. Didn’t you ever feel like starting with your own blog?
I have got a couple of offers but will go ahead only if the money is right.
But isn’t blogging more of a medium to connect with your fans. Aren’t you being upfront while asking money?
Let’s face it, if people want me to host shows or film awards, it’s because I have made my own brand today. And each brand comes with a price tag.
On an ending note, if you have to invite your all time favourite actor Joginder on Sajid’s Superstars, what will be the one question you would ask him?
(Laughs hysterically) I will ask him in the same laughing tone... ‘Are you from Mars?’
Beckham, Jolie among 'World's Sexiest People'
Hollywood stars Jennifer Aniston, Johnny Depp, David Beckham and Angelina Jolie are among the ''World''s Sexiest People'', according to WHO magazine.
Australian models Megan Gale and Lara Bingle are also included in the list, reports News.com.au. The mag''s annual edition, this year expanded from 25 people to 100, also names Aussies Kristy Hinze, Melissa George and Tasma Walton in 2008''s sexiest people list.
Hinze, Bingle, George and Jodi Gordon posed in swimwear for the mag''s cover. The list also features Olympians like Matthew Mitcham; basketball beauty Penny Taylor; towering volleyballer Tamsin Barnett and aqua man Eamon Sullivan.
WHO''s Red-hot casts include Home and Away and the Perfect Partners include rock-star newlyweds Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz and super-toned Eva Longoria and Tony Parker.
Farhan, Arjun will perform at London's Leicester Square
Ritesh tells us from London, "Doing a concert here in London on Leicester square fits in so well with the spirit of the film. In summer, you have a lot of musicians performing at Leicester Square. So I thought why not our guys, and our band from the film? So they'll perform at the Square for a live audience and their fans, who can then go to the theatre and attend the premiere, and watch the movie."
So it's a London premiere for Rock On , and a lot of rock-n-roll before it hits the big screens back home.
RGV doesn’t need black magicians
Now with a subject as dark and mysterious as this one, it almost comes across as obvious that RGV would have had a hard time throwing light on this subject. But ask the man himself and he says, “Well, most of my research was about the reactions people develop when they come across something super natural, especially something that’s evil.”
So does that mean that RGV did not interact with any supposed black magicians during the pre-production course or even while making the film? A nonchalant RGV replies, “I did not stumble upon any such black magic practitioners while making Phoonk . Nor did I feel the need to go and interact with so-called black magicians. Thank you very much but I wouldn’t need them around my film.”
So while that translates Phoonk into a work of imagination based on emotions encountered by RGV on mere mention of super-natural incidents, we wonder if the director believes in the existence of black magic at all. And once again, Ramu doesn’t fail to amuse us with his whims.
“I don’t believe in the existence of super-natural powers, be it evil or divine. Honestly, I am too small in the universe’s scheme of things for my take to matter. Whether I believe in black magic or not, I have to admit that the thought of it being real is spine-chilling and that exactly the focus of Phoonk too,” concludes Ramu.
Shah Rukh Khan's tantrums
Khan who has become a health freak after building muscles says that his wife too if fed up with his demands. "Its called taking liberties," he smiles. "Look, I'm not a big eater so whatever little I eat it better be healthy," says SRK.
Tossed veggies, grilled chicken, boiled dal and other bland stuff is what the King Khan is currently gorging on.
Batman goes laughing to the bank
Will 2008 go down in box office history with two completely different films creating records that have managed to beat the recessionary trends in industry?
On the one hand, there is Hollywood which has already witnessed a new record first-day opening with 'The Dark Knight' raking in $67.3 million at the box office.
And on the other hand there is Bollywood on the brink of a bonanza with the runaway hit 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na' pitched to become one of the biggest hits of the year with a three-week gross of Rs 37 crore. And the two films have simply nothing in common, except the stupendous response they have managed to elicit amongst the 'aam janta'.
Batman's new adventure which has a staggering production cost of $180 million has created a furore that has already outstripped the frenzy created by 'Spiderman 3' . Spidey's third adventure in 2007 had the highest opening day record till now with collections measuring upto $59.8 million.
But the Joker's histrionics seem to have taken the world by storm, which is queuing up for a taste of Heath Ledger's mindblowing interpretation of Batman's arch rival. This post 9/11 'agent of chaos' - that's what he calls himself - might just end up as the biggest anti-hero of all times. In the 'Dark Knight' , he is already walking away with most of the applause, leaving the superhero to walk away into the horizon, even as the film concludes with an ambiguous end.
The Joker signs off with a maniacal grin, dangling against the skyline of Gotham City. Sadly, he may return, but minus the mesmerism of Heath Ledger.
Closer home, 'Jaane Tu' ...has managed to strike a chord with the burgeoning youth population of cine-goers with it's twenty-something look, lingo and longings. Till now, the box office record for love stories featuring a lead pair is held by the Rishi Kapoor-Dimple Kapadia teen romance, 'Bobby'. The 1973-film has an adjusted gross of Rs 85 crore.
While Imran Khan's 'Jaane Tu' might not be able to match this figure, it could well cross the record earnings of ' Maine Pyar Kiye' , the all-time blockbuster which is the second highest earner in this category. The Rajshree film which introduced Salman Khan and Bhagyashree in the classic rich boy-poor girl story grossed Rs 67 crore in its silver jubilee run.
The other two popular first-timer romances are 'Love Story' (Kumar Gaurav and Vijeyta) and 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak' (Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla). Although the film seems to have taken the metros by storm, with maximum impact in Mumbai and Mysore, the smaller towns haven't been too ecstatic, according to box office reports.
This could be one of the reasons why 'Jaane Tu' might not be spoken in the same breath as Bollywood's blockbuster romances: 'Hum Aapke Hain Kaun' (Rs 110 crores), 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge' (Rs 98 crores), 'Raja Hindustani' (Rs 83 crore). But the film has already overtaken last year's hot love story, 'Jab We Met' , which reaped a rich haul of Rs 30.59 crores at the box office.
Taare Zameen Par DVD Launch
Aamir Khan launched the DVD for his directorial debut Taare Zameen Par in Green lawns Scool in South Mumbai. Darsheel Zafary, Tisca Chopra and Vipin Sharma were also present.
Arjun Rampal readies to Rock On
Arjun Rampal, who was last seen in a villainous role of Mukesh Mehra in OSO, will be seen as a guitarist in Farhan Akhtar’s Rock On. Arjun says doing the role for him was a complete treat considering he gets to play a rock star.
"Its quite a different movie from whatever I have done in past. This film is a full on musical. Here I play a guitarist and it was really a great experience as for the first time I learned how to play a guitar. It’s the story of four friends who after 10 years start their own rock band...so it was great pleasure to be the part of this movie," says Arjun, "I play the lead guitarist of the band and so before the start of the shooting we had done practice sessions. We trained a lot with the instruments that our characters were playing and so after all the hard work finally, I can say that I play the guitar very well."
Speaking about Farhan who debuts as an actor in the film, Rampal says “I have worked with him when he directed Don and now I’m playing his friend in his acting debut.. and I must say he is simply great in acting also! He has also sung few songs which required a lot of dedication on his part. The songs are looking great and his voice is also being appreciated.”
Apart from Rock On, Arjun will also be seen in an English movie Last Lear with Amitabh Bachchan and Preity Zinta and in EMI with Maliaka where he is playing a Dj.
Rock On! is releasing on August 29th.
Fun on the Unforgettable Tour
The stars on the Unforgettable Tour enjoyed a few days off between their Trinidad and Los Angeles performance. We caught Ash, Abhishek, Ritieish, Preity and Madhuri enjoying some time off in the LA sun.
Ash still can't stop dancing!
Abhishek shares a joke with the man behind everything - Andre Timmons
Ek dooje ke liye... Ash and Abhi have eyes just for each other.
Madhuri and hubby Dr. Nene spotted at the hotel
Aishwarya, Riteish and Abhishek have some fun!
Ash can't stop smiling... is it being with Abhi or Riteish's sense of humour?
Ab bas bhi kar yaar...
RT and Ab Jr. are all smiles!
I'm toh off shopping, says Preity
Ullasanga Utsahanga - Review
Cast: Yasho Sagar (Debutant), Sneha Ullal, Brahmanandam, Chandra Mohan, Sunil, Venu Madhav, Satya Krishna, Ping Pong, Suman Shetty, Kavitha and others
Dialogues: Chintapalli Ramana
Music: G V Prakash Kumar
Lyrics: Anantha Sriram
Cinematography: I Andrew
Editing: Marthand K Venkatesh
Action: Vijay
Choreography: Kalyan
Executive producer: Vinay
Producers: B P Somu, G S Ranganath
Banner: Amruth Amarnath Arts
Story, screenplay and directed by: Karunkaran
Release Date: July 25, 2008
CBFC Rating: U
What’s it about
Aravind (Yasho Sagar) is happy go lucky guy. He falls in love with Dhana Lakshmi (Sneha Ullal) who comes to her friend’s home in the same locality. He makes friendship with her and proposes his love but she refuses on the ground that she has already fallen in love with her childhood friend Balaji and waiting for his call. Dhanalakshmi asks Aravind to remain just friends but he says he continues to love her. He leaves for Culcutta to get a job while She is off to the same city as she finds that her Balaji is residing there. Both board on the same train and then friendship blooms into love. Will she choose Balaji or Aravind?
Analysis
Ullasanga Utasahnga is romantic fun film that explores love and friendship in cool manner. Director Karunakaran presents the movie entertainingly with cool visuals and peppy music. Despite wafer thin storyline, the narration is impressive. Karunkaran has packaged it in chic style. Second half peters out but on the while he succeeds in holding the audience’s interest. Highlights of the movie are good visuals, music (especially the songs) by G V Prakash Kumar and the romantic thread between the lead pair.
Karunakran has cleverly focused more on visuals and romantic scenes between newcomers Sneha Ullal and Yasho Sagar. Heroine searching for her childhood friend seems to be inspired by Only You (1994).
On the down side, the movie has nothing new to tell and has the hangover of Toliprema. Second half has some heavy scenes and unnecessary fight sequences. Some scenes are also very theatrical too.
One of the best scenes is a parody on Hutch ad commercial.
Performances
Yasho Sagar makes debut in the movie as lead hero. He is good in the second half and also has done well in songs. But he should focus more on performance. Shivaji has lent his voice for him. He looks like Nitin in most scenes. Sneha Ullal in typical Karunakaran’s movies makes confident debut in Telugu. She is charming both in traditional and modern attire. Comedy by Sunil and Suman Shetty is good.
Technically, full marks go to G V Prakash Kumar for his peppy numbers particularly the “Priayatama..” and “Chakori..” song are impressive. But background score is not that effective. Andrew’s visuals are mint cool. Digital Intermediative has further enhanced them.
Bottom-line!
Don't expect another Toliprema, but Karunkaran comes with good youthful entertainer this time. Ullasanga Utsahanga has cool visuals and peppy music. Good time pass and urban movie.
Rating - 3.25/5
Puri Jagannath's Neninthe shoot in progress
Shooting of Neninthe, starring Ravi Teja and Siya, is under brisk shoot at Sarathy Studios, Hyderabad. A special set has been erected there for a 15-day schedule. The part includes talkie and some family-oriented scenes on the character artistes and the lead pair. Direction is by Puri Jagannath.
Akshay fights with WWE wrestlers in Singh Is Kinng
On the small screen, Akshay 'Khiladi' Kumar may be seen encouraging 13 beautiful ladies to do some daredevil stunts in his new reality show Fear Factor- Khatron Ke Khiladi. However, when it comes to the big screen, Akki himself would be seen doing some really brave stunts and action scenes in his forthcoming release Singh Is Kinng.
Bollywood's favorite action hero would be seen fighting with eight WWE wrestlers from Australia in an action sequence in Vipul Shah's Singh Is Kinng.
Says director Anees Bazmee," We had called some eight wrestlers who all are from WWE. They were all very excited to be a part of Singh Is Kinng. Apart from shooting with Akshay, they all spoke to him at length about his films. I was surprised that few of them had even seen his films. They all shared a very good rapport with Akshay and there was this very famous wrestler called Chris who even taught him some tricks in arm-wrestling."
Akshay sure has a special interest in WWE. A few years back, he had fought against famous the WWE wrestler 'The Undertaker' for a fight sequence in Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi. Now in Singh Is Kinng, he is seen fighting eight WWE wrestlers from Australia. One can't wait to see when Akshay will take on our very own- The Great Khali - (on screen of course). That would be one fight we can't wait to watch.
Posani Krishna Murali in and as Mental Krishna
Writer turned director and actor Posani Murali Krishna is coming up with another movie after the successful Operation Duryadhona. His new film as director is titled Mental Krishna. He also plays the lead role in it while Satya Krishna is the heroine. Posani has the image of temperamental guy in the film industry and he believes that such title Mental Krishna will be an advantage for the movie.
Naga Babu is playing the role of a commissioner of Police but he will be seen in the attire of Bhavani Mala sans Khaki dress.
"Pritam's music is largely responsible for Kismat Konnection's success" - Ramesh Taurani
Ramesh Taurani can't help grinning from ear to ear. After producing the biggest money spinner of the year so far (Race), he has now tasted success yet again with his second film in a row. The opening weekend collections of Kismat Konnection are second only to that of Race while surpassing the numbers of biggies like Jodhaa Akbar, Jannat and of course the flavor of the season Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na. Though there are still a few more days to go in the remainder of the week, at the least Kismat Konnection has succeeded in proving to be a safe box office bet.
Says an exhilarated Ramesh Taurani, "Kismat Konnection has taken yet another huge opening for the year and it is so satisfying to see that both the films that have boasted of a great opening this year have come from our production house TIPS. The film has seen the biggest ever release for a Shahid Kapoor starrer as we flooded the market with prints. However, what is heartening is that in spite of a large print count, the film has seen more than 80% collections all over."
What are the factors that he finds responsible for the huge opening that the film has taken? "There was an all-around positive energy associated with the film and regardless of what some were heard complaining, Shahid and Vidya always made for an interesting 'jodi'. Also, Pritam's music has been largely responsible for the film's success. Each of his songs is chartbuster material and now as the film has released, 'Is This Love' is also catching up well. His compositions have done the trick for us once again after Race which I hear is now biggest musical success of the year", informs Taurani.
How about the promos of the film? Weren't they superb enough to mark a great kick start to the film's promotion? "Yes, the promos were interestingly done but here I wish to highlight a point", Taurani draws your attention. Please continue. "See, a promo can never ever be bigger than a movie", Taurani philosophizes, "Yes, you have to do a good job in cutting a promo intelligently so that the audience is attracted towards the film. But at the end of the day, it is the final product which does the talking. Aakhir promo nikalta toh movie se hi hai naa, woh alag se to shoot hota nahi hai. You can choose the best frames from a film and showcase them to the audience but ultimately when a two hour product starts doing the talking on the big screen, you can't really fool the audience. We had a great publicity design and promos but eventually it was Aziz Mirza's work which did the talking."
With more than half the battle being already won due to a stupendous opening weekend, is he sighting a 20 crores net from the Indian market alone once the first week is through?
"Perhaps even more than that", smiles Taurani, "I see 20 crores as a given for Kismat Konnection and looking at the way the film is sustaining itself at the box office even on weekdays, there is no reason why it should do anything lesser in it's first week."
Mission Istanbul Movie Review
However, lovers of action fares are in for a treat, since the stunts, action and chase sequences in MISSION ISTAANBUL are truly captivating. Sure, a few sequences aren't for the faint-hearted, but you can't help but put your hands together for these sequences and the men behind those death-defying stunts. Rating: 1.5/5
Terrorism is a global issue and varied film-makers across the globe continue to make movies/documentaries/short films that expose the ghastly face and effects of terrorism. Apoorva Lakhia charters that path as well in MISSION ISTAANBUL.
In MISSION ISTAANBUL, there's an Osama replica, bunkers in Afghanistan where he is supposedly hiding, also a television channel that telecasts exclusive footage from the terrorists [its called Al Johara here], a George Bush lookalike… Lakhia seems to have incorporated snippets and vignettes from real-life to celluloid in an effort to make the goings-on relatable and believable.
ut, somewhere in between, the fight against terrorism becomes too Bollywoodish as the two heroes eliminate an entire army of terrorists and put an end to the nefarious activities of a TV channel. And that's difficult to gulp!
Perhaps, Lakhia's intentions are right, to make a hard-hitting film that marries realism and fiction beautifully, but the writing indulges in too many cinematic liberties and that's precisely why MISSION ISTAANBUL goes off target.
All said, MISSION ISTAANBUL goes off target!
Vikas [Zayed Khan] is one of the most promising journalists in the country. Owais [Suniel Shetty], who heads a controversial Istanbul-based news channel Al Johara, makes him an offer to head the channel. This offer comes at a time when Vikas is undergoing a divorce with his wife Anjali [Shriya Saran].
But little does Vikas know that the decision will change his life forever. Owais is killed and Turkish commando Rizwan [Vivek Oberoi] tells Vikas that if he decides to quit as well, he would be bumped off as well. In a place where the gun has the last laugh, will a journalist survive or will he fall prey like many others?
MISSION ISTAANBUL unravels at a feverish pace and that's most important for a thriller. The story travels from India to Turkey to Afghanistan to Turkey again, in the very first hour. The characters are well-established, the script is laced with incidents that seem straight out of newspapers. Coupled with Lakhia's execution, top notch cinematography and stylish action, the film begins to grow as reel after reel unspools.
But, alas, the film goes for a toss in the second hour. Things actually stagnate as the two heroes turn into super-heroes and combat an army of villains on land, sea and air. By the way, they don't get bruised even once! Lakhia and writer Suresh Nair seem to have substituted action for content and that's the most glaring flaw. In fact, you feel that Lakhia and Nair must've decided to go on a vacation in the second hour, entrusting the responsibility on the stunt directors to conclude the second hour.
There's not much scope for music in the film, but in terms of composition, just one track -- 'Jo Gumshuda' -- is easy on your ears. The Abhishek Bachchan track is such a waste. Even the tune is completely forgettable. Gururaj R.J.'s cinematography is top notch. Action, as mentioned earlier, is the hallmark of the enterprise.
Both Vivek and Zayed come up with competent performances. Vivek does a fine job, essaying his part with ease. But why does he sport a smirk on his face most of the times? The director could've avoided that! Zayed is equally charged. In fact, you witness a new Zayed in this film, the renewed confidence shows. Shriya Saran is wasted. Shweta Bhardwaj does well in stunts, but wears one expression all through.
Suniel Shetty [sp. app.] is as usual. Nikitin Dheer is effective. First JODHAA AKBAR, now MISSION ISTAANBUL, this boy's going from strength to strength. Shabbir Ahluwalia is another talent that needs to be tapped by film-makers. He's very good!
On the whole, MISSION ISTAANBUL rests on action and only action to salvage the show. But that's not enough. At the box-office, this mission won't work!
Aamir, SRK, Salman, Hrithik, Big B in Singh is Kinng
Om Shanti Om made a record of sorts by getting together several Bollywood stars for the Deewangi song. Vipul Shah’s Singh is Kinng goes one step further and gets together all the big names from Bollywood that you missed in that song for one of its scenes. So you have Amitabh Bachhan, Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Anil Kapoor and Sunny Deol coming together for a scene in Singh is Kinng . Add to it Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt from the original. This one’s not for a song sequence like in Om Shanti Om but for a kidnapping scene. Ok, before we take things too far here’s the real story.
There’s a kidnapping scene in Singh is Kinng where Akshay Kumar and his gang cover their face with masks to hide their identity. In this particular scene the gang wears the masks of Bollywood superstars including all the above mentioned names. Apparently it happens to be one of the most hilarious scenes from the film. It is heard that the scene is so funny that not just the Indian team but even the Aussie crew almost fell down laughing, though they had no clue about the language.
Director Anees Bazmee can’t control his laughter while recollecting the scene and says, "The actors are not only wearing masks of Bollywood personalities but also imitating the respective actors in the scene. While filming this kidnapping sequence even I couldn’t recognize who was who on the sets. They all were just too good. The scene shaped up very well and the whole cast and crew just couldn’t stop laughing".
Incidentally the Hollywood film Point Break starring Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze had a similar sequence where a group named ‘Ex-Presidents’ robs banks wearing masks of ex-US Presidents Reagen, Nixon, Carter and Johnson.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Aamir Khan plans to direct Bachchan's next?
True, false or in-between, we don't really know. But B-wood's rumour mills suggest that there's something cooking between Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan, and that plans to work together may just be it!
The Khan-Bachchan relationship was strained at one time, when Aamir made some spiteful remarks of Bachchan's stint in Black. Of course later, there were apologies, and several visits to Bachchan's home, where he probably made up over cups of coffee.
This in turn paved way for a new found friendship and Amitabh and Aamir formed what we call a mutual admiration society. And now the two may even work together, what with Aamir directing and producing a film that stars the Big B!
Well, no one is willing to comment on anything as of now, but this is one association you simply don't want to brush away! So watch this space for more...
Vidya Balan is hurt
After being criticized for her clothes, for her weight and for her non-glamorous avatar, actor Vidya Balan hit the gym big time. “Yes, I’m working out but it’s got nothing to do with other people or their criticism,” admits Vidya.
It all started with her friend who introduced her to the treadmill. “I was never skinny,” she shrugs. “The urge to lose the excess weight happened after I realized that I was unable to get into my old pair of jeans. Actually, it was my friends who were after my life to get back in shape. However, the idea was never to follow the size zero trend.”
Unfortunately, after a week long rigorous work out and calories burning sessions, VB is now bedridden. Reason? Vidya has sprained her back and ankle while working out. And this is not the first time.“I’m jinxed,” she laughs. But on a serious note she adds, “It was due to a wrong form of work out that I’ve injured myself.”
The actress’s physician has put her on a bed rest for a few days. “I’ve been asked to chill for a while and not lift any heavy weights,” she says. But right at this moment VB’s not in a mood to grumble about her pain. The applauses coming her way for Kismat Konnection have given her reason to smile. “I really worked hard on that film and made sure that there was no room for criticism,” she smiles.
Govinda's Money Hai Toh Honey Hai - Review
David Dhawan and Priyadarshan triggered off a trend -- of making brainless comedies -- and thus began a wave of leave-your-brains-at-home laughathons. Inspired by the success of these ha-ha-he-he fares, every second film-maker decided to join the bandwagon for that elusive Hit. But, of late, no-brainer comedies have reached a saturation point.
Ganesh Acharya's MONEY HAI TO HONEY HAI actually tests the patience of the viewer. Fine, you don't expect a riveting storyline from a film of this genre, but you definitely expect laughs, don't you? You expect to be entertained, don't you? Alas, what you get to see is definitely not good, not even bad, it's verrry boring!
In his debut film SWAMI, Ganesh Acharya proved that he knows his job well, but what is this? How did the makers okay the script [writer: Muazzam Beg] in the first place? What did the actors see in this script? Did they want to be a part of a mini-multistarrer for the heck of it?
MONEY HAI TO HONEY HAI is like flying in an aircraft without a pilot. You don't know where it's headed!
MONEY HAI TO HONEY HAI deals with six characters: Bobby [Govinda] is a happy go lucky guy, who runs away from home to prove himself. Lalabhai [Manoj Bajpayee] becomes wealthy, but he's back on the road as his business fails and he loses all his money. Gaurav [Aftab Shivdasani], a copywriter, is fired from his job. Manik [Upen Patel] is a struggling model who sleeps with a middle-aged fashion designer [Archana Puransingh], hoping to make it big. Ashima [Hansika] is a successful TV star, but she's not happy with her career and is desperate to do films as the lead heroine. Shruti [Celina Jaitley] is a struggling dress designer.
One fine day, they all get an SMS informing them that they are the owners of a 1,000 crore company. However, their happiness does not last long for the lawyer reveals that there's a loan of 1,200 crore on the company and they must repay it and until the loan is repaid, they would be kept under house arrest.
The story sounds interesting on paper, but on celluloid, it's non-existent. Prem Chopra picks up random cellphone numbers and makes them calls. He wants them to inherit his fortune. But the entire first hour is devoted to why they became losers. It's only at the interval point that you expect the story to begin. But does it take off? Nope!
Instead of sticking to the core issue, it meanders into meaningless sub-plots, which only add to the boredom. The finale at the fashion show [well choreographed by Achala Sachdev] is interesting, but by then you're exhausted and want the movie to end.
The writer of this film is the biggest culprit. The writing touches a new low with this film. Ganesh Acharya tries to pack in funny sequences, but just two bring a smile -- the Archana Puransingh-Upen Patel track and Govinda's encounter with a Vijay Mallya lookalike, who is surrounded by a bevy of beauties.
The songs [music: Nitin Arora, Soni Chandi] too show up without any valid reason whatsoever, although a few songsare tuneful and well choreographed.
Now to the performances! Govinda looks too old for his part. The role demanded a 20 + actor and Govinda looks completely out of place here. The age shows! Imagine, he calls Jawed Sheikh his father and Ketaki Dave his mother!!!! Besides, why is behaving so kool by speaking in English? It looks fake!
You feel sad to watch an actor of the calibre of Manoj Bajpayee being reduced to absolute nothing. Is he the same actor who acted in SATYA? And ZUBEIDAA, PINJAR and 1971? Aftab Shivdasani looks right for the part, but he hardly gets any scenes. Upen Patel does a good job and his scenes are truly funny.
Hansika goes over the top. Celina Jaitley gets no scope either. Archana Puransingh, besides Upen, provides a few laughs. She's excellent. Prem Chopra is wasted. Ravi Kishan too doesn't impress.
On the whole, MONEY HAI TO HONEY HAI is a poor show. At the box-office, a damp squib!
Rating - 1/5
"Whatever I've done may not be exceptional work but it's decent" - Aziz Mirza
Aziz Mirza started his career as a director on television when he did Circus with Shah Rukh Khan in the cast. With his first feature film, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman in 1992 Aziz Mirza became Bollywood's primary purveyor of working-class romances. It took him 5 years to make his next film Yes Boss; another 3 years to make Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, and three years later came Chalte Chalte. Now 5 years after Chalte Chalte Aziz Mirza has returned with another romantic comedy Kismat Konnection. He speaks to exclusively Subhash K Jha.
Times have changed. How much has your cinema changed?
Change is inevitable. 'Woh khansama ka zamana chala gaya'. Nowadays it's the era of fast food. No one is bothered about the delicacies of the eating ritual. Accepting change is important. I've to make my cinema within the given parameters of change. If you notice, Kismat Konnection even has a different kind of music. I've to incorporate today's sensibilities into my own vision. The story remains practically unchanged. But the mode of narration has to change. I'm not here to make great cinema. But I do have a certain literary background and a cultural grounding. That will show up, no matter when I make a film. One change I've made is to make my new film shorter. It's just 2 hours 20 minutes long. My earlier films are longer. Today's audiences don't have patience to sit for leisurely narrations. I can't prolong moments in the narration any longer. And maybe the silences are not that pronounced. Kismat Konnection is also the first film I've shot abroad in Canada. But it doesn't matter where the story is situated. It could've been located in any vibrant metropolitan city.
Would you call it a compromise?
No. I'd call it an acceptance of reality. One needs to work around the limitations. 'Jitna chaadar hai ussi mein banana hai'. My son Haroun, Masha Allah, has contributed tremendously to Kismat Konnection and my previous film, Chalte Chalte. Very soon he'll be directing a film and I'll be helping him out. Theek hai bhai. The young generation has to be pleased. So be it. I had thought I'd make another subject. But I guess it was destined that I make Kismat Konnection. This kept coming back to me. I genuinely feel this film had to be made. Before I realized it, the film was complete.
Did you get the full co-operation of your team?
It becomes so much easier when you're working in an atmosphere conducive to productivity. I do believe when I work on a happy set, the happiness shows in the film. The positive vibes show up. I must thank my film's producer Ramesh Taurani for signing Shahid Kapoor at a time when Vivah and Jab We Met hadn't been released. The film's commercial viability wasn't that high when we started making Kismat Konnection. But I had decided on Shahid. 'Mujhe woh achcha lagta hai'. To give the film a new look we shot it in Toronto. I haven't traveled much. We chose Toronto because it seemed less expensive than US or London. Besides, I wanted the bustle of Mumbai.
People in the industry look on Shahid Kapoor and Vidya Balan as replacement for Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla in your cinema?
We shall leave that to the audience. Every actor has his or her own identity. Anyway, to be compared to Shah Rukh and Juhi isn't a bad thing. Shahid and Vidya look really nice together. I was very comfortable working with them. They've brought in their own dimension to their characters. I had made a film about kismet. When I was 14-15, I remember my father telling me that at that age it was foolish to believe in destiny. But as you grow older you are a bloody fool if you don't believe in destiny. Whatever I've achieved today is because of many forces that I had no control over. But in Kismat Konnection, I've shown my characters believe that they can make their own destiny. That's what being young is all about. I've a fortune-teller in the film. But I've made sure she remains an ambivalent character. You never know whether she's a fraud or not.
Do you watch Hindi films?
Occasionally, I do try to catch the important ones. If someone recommends a film, I see it. Among the recent ones, I like Madhur Bhandarkar's Page 3, Tigmanshu Dhulia's Haasil and Anurag Basu's Metro. Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodhaa Akbar was a very sincere film. That's why it worked. I've made a film after five years. After Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, I didn't want to over-intellectualize my cinema. My name is attached to Kismat Konnection. Whatever I've done for television till today, I've nothing to be ashamed of. It may not be exceptional work. But it's decent work. Where are the exceptional films today like V Shantaram's Do Aankhen Barah Haath, which have withstood the test of time? I'm just happy making logical cinema. I'm not aspiring to greatness.
Nisha Kothari busy in Tollywood
Ram Gopal Varma's former girlfriend Nisha Kothari is getting busy in Telugu films. After pairing with Balakrishna in Okka Magadu, she has moved on to other movies and singed a low budgeted flick - Hari Om. Now, she has replaced the controversial actress Malavika in Samrajyam.
It should be remembered that Malavika was playing one of the lead roles in Samrajyam but she walked out of the film making allegations against its producer Mutyala Satyanarayana. She alleged that the producer misbehaved with her.
Now, the producer has replaced her with Nisha Kothari. This petite beauty says she is now concentrating more on Tollywood than Bollywood.
Priyamani hikes her remuneration!
After bagging the national award for best actress, Priyamani is in much demand. She has already signed Maniranthnam’s next. So the pretty dusky actress has suddenly hiked her remuneration.
Cashing in on her new image of actress with good potent ional, Priyamani is now charging around Rs 40 lakhs per film. That means she has doubled her remuneration. But no one is complaining either, as good heroines have become hard to find nowadays.
Bebo kisses Stallone, enrages Saif
Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan have fought again. And this time it's not over mere dresses or such trivialities but a very important 'kiss'.
Mid-Day reports that Bebo who's been shooting for Sajid Nadiadwala's Kambakht Ishq in Los Angeles apparently kissed co-star Sylvester Stallone. And all this, after a scene where the Hollywood star rescues our babe.
A source from the unit told the paper, "Saif was happy to hang around the sets till July 18, Stallone's first day on the set. Kareena behaved like an excited little schoolgirl around the action superstar and that irritated Saif."
But after the scene, when Bebo threw her arm and planted a kiss on Stallone's cheek, Saif Ali Khan was enraged. It's also not clear whether the kiss was part of the script. Saif apparently sat around the sets without exchanging a single word with his lady love. The only conversation he had was with Akshay Kumar and Sabir Khan. The informer added, "Saif looked visibly upset after seeing the kiss."
After the scene, Saif took Kareena to a corner where they were heard yelling at each other. According to the source, "Kareena got so irritated, she snapped at him saying, he shouldn't come to her sets if he can't handle her intimate scenes with other actors."
Incidentally, even after all this, Bollywood's most exhibitionist couple patched up. Bebo's good friend Amrita Rao who was also on the sets was seen calming her down after Saif left the sets in a huff. Later that evening the lovers were even seen dining together and whispering sweet nothings to each other.
Big B plays Mediator
Salman Khan who gets angry more often than not was not on talking terms with his God Tussi Great Ho co-star Priyanka Chopra. It was Amitabh Bachchan who plays a funky God in the film acted as a mediator and sorted things out between the two actors. We asked Rumi Jafry, the director of the film, about the Salman-Priyanka patch up.
“At the start of the film Salman and Priyanka relation was fine but later on when Salman asked her to act in his forthcoming film pairing with Sohail Khan she refused to do the film. This really made Salman very angry it was affecting the filming of the movie as well. But I’m very thankful to Amitabh Bachchan who played a mediator. He explained to them there was no valid reason to get angry. He told them that he knew both of them for quite sometime and with whatever is happening on the set it will not help the film or me. So he and our whole crew played the mediator between the two," informs Jafry.
Further about the delay in the relase of the film, Rumi adds, “This spat delayed the film a little but not majorly as there were other production issues which also caused the delay but I’m very grateful to Mr.Bachchan who really made this film possible and solved the problem. Overall I can say that he was the perfect choice of making Amitabh Bachchan as God. I’m really waiting for the film to release and I hope they Priyanka and Salman will still be on talking terms by then."
RGV about Phoonk
Soon after the release of Contract, director Ram Gopal Verma is ready with the release of his next film Phoonk. We speak to RGV about the film and his passion to make films that deal with dark issues.
What is Phoonk about?
Its subject matter of black magic and there are so many people who are educated but still there are certain incidences which occur in his/her life which made him to belief in the existence of black magic.
What made you pick up this subject of black magic?
Frankly speaking I really don’t believe in God nor do I believe in black magic. But some years there were news coming from every household that the idol of Ganpati is drinking milk. The same situation occurred at my home when my nephew came… he told me the same and this really shocked me. He made me think that such incidences don’t happen so often and so similarly every person doesn’t do black magic.
Which horror film you like the most among all that you have made?
In every film of mine there is a certain amount horror which can occur anytime to anyone but I like the story of Bhoot as the story was set in the modern apartment which really made everyone scared but my favorite horror film will be the Exorcist. It has everything which makes everyone petrified.
Do you believe in Black magic?
Such forces can’t be understood and moreover it’s difficult to explain to others but in my film the focal point will be that when such black magic occurs what kind of trauma the person has to go.
Why did you choose to work with newcomers for thee film?
There are certain genres of actors who can perform certain roles. For example I can’t make Sarkar Raj by taking new comers. In the case of Phoonk sure the actors aren’t very famous in Bollywood but they are popular in other places..Sudeep, the main protagonist who is famous down in South while the lead actress Amruta is very good Marathi theatre actress. I’m very happy the way both have acted.
Ehsaas Channa, a regular child artist, in your film?
She is a wonderful child artist and her hunger for perfection can be seen through her acting like in Vastushastra despite being a normal child she comes a spirit while in Phoonk she plays the focal point of the whole story of Phoonk. I just love to work with a great actress like Ehsaas.
Apart from Phoonk there is news that you are making Sarkar Part 3. Is it true?
Not at all! These are all rumors.
What is the status of the film on Veerappan which you are making with Ekta Kapoor?
Yes its true that I’m making the film on the life of Veerappan but it will take some time as everything is still in the scripting stage. I want to make this film with all the perfection and the role of Veerappan will be not be played by someone from the industry. I want to make this film with a whole new cast.”
Phoonk releases on August 22nd.
5 movies releasing tomorrow
Four straight Telugu films – Utsahanga Ullasanga (directed by Karunakaran with debut artistes), Maa Ayana Chanti Pilladu (directed Raja Vannem Reddy with Sivaji and Meera Jasmine), Krishi and Itlu Nee Vennela (debutants); and a dubbed film into Telugu – Aarya MBBS (starring Madhavan and Bhavana) are releasing tomorrow.
Krishh scouts for locations
Jagarlamudi Radhakrishna (Krishh) is currently engaged to the scouting of locations for his next film with hero Venkatesh. His destination is those enchanting locations in Godavari districts along the banks of Godavari. DS Kannan, who provided the concept for the popular song – Jinthaka Chita Chita (Vikramarkudu) is accompanying Krissh. "These mesmerizing locales are enough for making a beautiful movie. I wish to make these locations must in all my films hereafter," the director said. Currently, he is doing the role of naxalite leader in Tamil film at the same location as in Gamyam (at Rampachodavaram). In view of the hectic activity by the film personalities, the local lodges are said to have doubled the tariffs. A big time awaits these agency areas!
Ban on Prakash Raj to be lifted?
The controversial and stubborn actor Prakash Raj is all set to act in Telugu again. Recently Andhra Pradesh Producer’s Council had asked all the producers in Tollywood not to cast him in for their films after he failed to co-operate one of their members. A ban was imposed on the actor for the second time as his late lateef ways caused many a films in trouble.
But now with his personal life in doldrums, the actor seems to have in reconciliation mood. Through a big Telugu producer, he is trying hard to be back in Telugu films. The said producer has a film under progress in which Prakash Raj has a major role. He needs the actor’s dates immediately. Hence he is putting pressure on the council to lift the ban on the actor.
Prakash Raj was seen at Filmchamber office three days ago along with a top producer to have discussions with president and other executive members of the council.
On other hand, Prakash Raj too is ready to offer apologies for the producers who suffered with him.
Ravi Teja’s Baladoor audio on July 31
Music of Ravi Teja and Anushka starrer Baladoor is going to be released on July 31st. Producer D Suresh Babu announced that they are planning to launch the music on that day through Aditya Music.
He also plans to release the movie at the end of the August. The film stars superstar Krishna in a pivotal role and is directed by Uday Shankar
Abhishek, John, Priyanka in Dostana - Exclusive Images
Dharma Productions' next release is the Abhishek Bachchan- John Abraham- Priyanka Chopra starrer Dostana. The film is directed by Karan Johar's erstwhile assistant Tarun Mansukhani. A major portion of the film was shot in the sun-clad beaches of Miami and needless to say, the cast and crew had the time of their lives. As can be seen from the still, the trio of AB Jr., John and Priyanka look completely chilled out enjoying a drink on the beach. While John looks super-duper fit, even Priyanka looks sizzling hot in this green dress. As for AB Jr., he looks like a complete dude with a scarf around his neck and cool glares to beat the sun.
The shooting of the film is almost complete barring an item number which is yet to be shot. Since Abhishek is now busy with his 'Unforgettable' tour, the song featuring all the 3 lead actors will be shot only when he returns in September. Dostana is about 3 friends and is portrayed as a cool, fun film. Looks like Johnny boy, AB Jr. and Piggy Chops indeed had a ball shooting with each other in the picturesque locales of Miami. While Priyanka seems to have her hands full with shopping bags, it's quite a funny sight to see John pushing AB Jr. in a shopping cart.
Going by the first look of the film and the chemistry which the actors share, Dostana indeed looks like a complete fun-filled experience. The film is slated to release on Nov 14 this year.
Sylvester Stallone shoots for Kambakht Ishq
Sajid Nadiadwala has always been known to be a generous producer who doesn't believe in any kind of compromise when it comes to his films. His latest production Kambakht Ishq, directed by debutante director Sabir Khan has been in the news right from the day when the film was announced. After all, the film stars two of the hottest actors in the industry- Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor. Add to it, news that Sajid was even planning to rope in some Hollywood biggies such as Sylvester Stallone etc. for this film and expectations from this film only got bigger and bigger.
Recently, Sajid fulfilled his much cherished dream and got none other than Sylvester Stallone (the legendary actor of films like Rocky and Rambo) shoot for his film Kambakht Ishq. Sly, (as he is known) arrived bang on time at 9 a.m. on the sets at the Kodak theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Bollywood's very own Khiladi, Akshay Kumar was present and the duo shot for an 'award ceremony' scene at the very place where the prestigious Academy Awards are held. Surely, there couldn't have been a better place for Nadiadwala to shoot this scene for his film which is set against the backdrop of Hollywood. Holly Vance, the sensuous and pretty actress (of Entourage fame) was also present on the sets along with Stallone.
While Akshay was seen in a white suit, Sylvester Stallone was dressed at his formal best in a black suit. Stallone and Akki hit it off really well and spoke at length as if they had known each other for a long time. Apparently, Stallone was really impressed by Akki's physique and fitness routine, all about which he enthusiastically enquired. Akshay, no wonder, is seen grinning from ear to ear, after all it's not everyday that the world's most popular action hero congratulates you for your physique.
After shooting the awards ceremony sequence at the Kodak theatre, the cast and crew of Kambakht Ishq shifted to the famous Universal Studios L.A, where Stallone participated in a Rambo-like action sequence with none other than Bollywood hottie Kareena Kapoor. The duo shot for a scene where Sly rescues Kareena from a dangerous situation. The action packed sequence was co-ordinated by noted action director Spiro Razatos who has in the past worked on films like Vantage Point, 21 Grams and Bad Boys 2. After the shot, the Hollywood hunk was really impressed with Bebo and even told her , "You are a pretty girl." Bebo couldn't stop gushing on being complimented by Slyvester Stallone.
For producer Sajid Nadiadwala this was certainly one shooting experience which he wouldn't forget for the rest of his life. An emotional Sajid said , "Its indeed a highpoint of my career to be working with an icon like Sylvester Stallone .We have all grown up on Rocky and Rambo. And today I feel blessed at having the opportunity of working with him right here in Hollywood." As for Sly, he surely had a good time with the cast and crew. While almost all his dialogues in the film are in English, there is a scene where the macho actor even speaks in Hindi. Wow! Now Sly, saying his lines in Hindi is something we can't wait to watch. Producer Sajid Nadiadwala just hopes that this film serves as a pipeline for opening up more Bollywood- Hollywood ventures in the future. "I guess one door opens the door to many others. This has been an enriching experience for all of us. And I am sure this is just the beginning of our company's association with Stallone", signs off the producer.
Aamir Khan to launch TZP DVD at Darsheel Safary's school in Mumbai
Aamir Khan's blog is testimonial to the number of requests that he has been getting to launch the DVD of Taare Zameen Par soon. The DVD of Aamir Khan Productions' first film Lagaan was launched after almost six years; however with Taare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan was very keen to launch it immediately as it is an important film in respect of child education.
Aamir Khan has been working relentlessly for the last six months and has even added some interesting features to make the DVD a collector's delight.
Now for all you die-hard Taare Zameen Par fans, who have been waiting for the DVD since months, here is some good news. Aamir has decided to launch the DVD of Taare Zameen Par tomorrow (July 25) and that too in a function to be held at Darsheel Safary's school Green Lawns at Warden Road, Mumbai. Trust the Perfectionist Khan to do things differently and in grand style; the DVD would be launched by none other than Darsheel's school principal. Apparently, Aamir strongly feels that principals and school teachers play a key role in the education of a child. In fact Darsheel Safary's principal sets an example of how educators should allow a child to follow their dreams. She has been very important in giving Darsheel permission to shoot and adjusting his education on sets.
Hence, Aamir thought the she would be the right person to launch the DVD of this sensitive film. Well, with the DVD launch happening tomorrow, its time to rush to your nearest store to grab a copy of this landmark film.
Karan Johar's next: Wake Up Sid
It looks like Karan Johar has outlived his fascination for 'K'. His next production is titled Dostana, while he plans to name another production, Wake Up Sid. In his latest blog entry, the filmmaker gives the dope about his latest film, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma. 'I have a tentative name, Wake Up Sid, and I would love to have your feedback on the title,' Karan writes. The film will be directed by Ayaan Mukherjee, who is Kajol's cousin. Recently, even Amitabh Bachchan had used the blog platform to get feedback for the title of his film, Shoebite. 'Ayan is 24 and is super bright. He assisted me in the making of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna ,' Karan wrote further on his blog.. Karan has always named his films with K in the past -- from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai , Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kal Ho Naa Ho to Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.
Punjab farms leased for Singh is Kinng
Since they were to shoot village sequences over there, farm was one of the vital backdrops while shooting. They had a long schedule of some 20 days to shoot in Punjab. Apparently the time when the team was shooting in and around the wheat field was the very period of sowing the crops for the farmer. Now if the farmers were allowed to do their work in the fields, then it would have interrupted the shoot and if the farmers were barred from their own fields, then they would have suffered massive loss.
So to cope up with this situation, producer Vipul Shah zeroed down on a decision of hiring the entire field for the number of days they were suppose to shoot there and then reimburse the farmers for their loss for those many days. Reminisces Vipul Shah; " we wanted the crop fields deliberately in the backdrop to give it a proper Punjab village feel. But the sowing period of the farmers clashed with our shooting schedule, we were in a dicey situation because nether could we cancel our schedule nor could we ask the farmers to not to do their work and get in to loss. So we decided to take over the fields entirely and reimburse the farmers with their loss for that much period of time. The shooting got over peacefully and the sequence has come out really well.”
Mallika Sherawat's got the look?
‘I gained weight for Fashion’ - Priyanka Chopra
We were surprised when Priyanka cleared the air and told us the real story. “Let me clear that I had to put on weight for this film and not lose. This girl, Meghna Mathur is a small town girl. Thus to make it look real I had to put on 5 kgs in the first half of the movie. After shooting those scenes I worked out to get back to my normal shape.”
Ask her if there’s any similarity between her reel and real self here’s what the actress has to say, “I don’t think we can make a comparison here because my character is very different. The only similarity between me and my character is that she comes from a small town with lots of dreams. I came from Meerut when I joined modeling. Just like me, the character I play tries to understand the modeling world.”
She further explains that Fashion is a realistic story just like a typical Madhur Bhandarkar film. But it’s different from his other films as here he has put in a lot of glamour. “ Fashion is a very hard hitting film. It’s basically an emotional journey of my character Meghna Mathur. She is a small town girl, who comes to Bombay to become a model. She doesn’t want to become an actress but just a model, a super model.”
Priyanka reveals that she never wanted to become a model. “I always wanted to be an engineer but ended up doing modeling by fluke. But my stint as a model was only short lived, spanning 4 – 5 months,” she signs off.
The Bachchan baby
It all began when after performing at the Carribean Islands of Trinidad, the Bachchans decided to opt for a li’l interaction with the local media along with stars like Preity and Riteish. And just like paparazzi across the globe, those at Trinidad too were curious to know when one of the most gorgeous women on the globe plans to take the road to motherhood.
But just when a journalist quizzed Ash if Abhishek had promised her a baby, papa Bachchan came to the rescue with “Every husband promises his wife a baby.” However, the matter did not end here, just like how the Senior AB would have wanted it to.
In a split second, Abhishek was clutching Aishwarya’s hand and announcing to the world “I promise!” With this one, not just the journalist but everyone present on the occasion burst into laughter, including the often reticent Ash.
Chandni Chowk To China - Preview
Chandni Chowk To China, the first ever Bollywood Kungfu comedy takes you on a madcap Journey from the by-lanes of Chandni Chowk in Delhi, to Shanghai, the Great Wall and rural China, marrying in its wake hilarious gags, breathtaking action, spectacular locations, and heart stirring emotions.
Our protagonist Sidhu (Akshay Kumar) is the lowest on the totem pole, cutting vegetables at a roadside food stall in Chandni Chowk in Delhi. He longs to escape his dreary existence and looks for shortcuts- with astrologers, tarot readers and fake fakirs - believing anything except himself, despite his father figure Dada's (Mithun Chakraborty) best efforts. His redeeming moment arrives when two strangers from China claim him as a reincarnation of a war hero in the past and takes him to China. Sidhu now dreams of wine, women, and a princely existence in foreign lands. Thanks to the devious translator, a conman by the name Chopstick (Ranvir Shorey), little does he know that he is being taken to the Promised Land to rid the Chinese village of the vicious smuggler Hojo (Gordon Liu)!
Therefore, Sidhu blissfully sets forth to China with Chopstick who instigates dreams of a delicious future and forgets to reveal the perils, which await him. Along the way, he meets Sakhi (Deepika Padukone), Ms. Tele Shoppers Media (Ms. TSM) who has embarked on a journey to pay homage to the land of her birth and her dead father and twin. Initially, Sidhu through a series of lucky coincidences manages to sidestep being beaten by Hojo's men but finally Hojo catches up with him and exposes him as the country buffoon that he really is. Sidhu has the fire of revenge in his belly and finds the one man who will make him a Kungfu expert and set the village free. Armed with his Sifu (master), faith in himself and the love of the fair Sakhi, Sidhu sets forth to conquer all!
Sanjay Dutt's solo song from Alibaug goes out
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"We'll have to get it done by a professional playback singer now," informs Gupta hours before the shooting resumes at an art gallery in Mumbai. "It won't be correct to have Sanjay Dutt's voice for Irrfan." Irrfan says he wouldn't mind lip-syncing to Dutt's voice. "But the only problem is, Sanjay Dutt has such a strong personality and image, and a voice to match. Audiences will immediately identify his voice and refuse to accept it as my voice. So I'd think a playback singer for me would be far more preferable."
So what happens to the footage and song from Alibaug featuring Mr. Dutt? "I guess it's of archival importance. One day I hope to sit down with my near and dear ones and look at what we shot and recorded as proof of how much Sanjay Dutt and I shared once," says Gupta. Interestingly, in spite of the Dutt-Gupta rift, Sanjay Dutt's special appearance in Gupta's Woodstock Villa was retained. "But that's because the song was filmed on Sanjay Dutt. Here we cannot go in the reverse direction and have Irrfan singing in Sanjay Dutt's voice," Gupta concludes.
Alibaug isn't the only White Feather film where Irrfan has replaced Sanjay Dutt. The role in Acid Factory that Irrfan did was also written for Dutt. In fact, promos with Dutt were shot. Does Irrfan enjoy replacing Dutt in Gupta's production house? "I don't see it that way at all," protests Irrfan. "No one can replace Sanjay Dutt. He has such a unique personality voice and body language. I can only bring my own personality into the roles and make them something quite different."
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
SRK-Sallu war gets uglier
Here's the latest from the ill-fated Katrina Kaif birthday party:
The Sallu-SRK spat story has been doing the rounds for over 24 hours now neither star has bothered to clarify.
Mumbai's two highest circulating tabloids – Mumbai Mirror and Mid Day have reported the incident – and Mirror has even gone on to suggest that some very powerful men have been rallying around the two warring stars.
Mirror reports that Ranbir Kapoor, Fardeen Khan, Zayed Khan, Akshaye Khanna and Kareena Kapoor have taken Salman Khan's side, Karan Johar, Kunal Kohli, Arjun Rampal, Sajid Khan, Yash Chopra, Javed Akhtar and son Farhan Akhtar have called up Shah Rukh Khan assuring him of their support.
According to Mumbai Mirror, Salman Khan provoked Shah Rukh Khan into reacting and the two then went on to take digs at each other's shows. Finally when Shah Rukh Khan was about to leave, he passed a lewd remark about Aishwarya Rai, whick irked Salman who lunged at him.
So, just what does this mean to Bollywood, which works so incestuously? It is an open secret that the two major camps in Bollywood so far have revolved around Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan. The two have almost always dictated the rules in the industry. But will the coming of a new camp actually disturb the existing set-up remains to be seen.
The two most powerful Khans in the industry allegedly had a nasty spat in full view of friends and invitees recently at a party. Salman Khan, who hosted a bash for girlfriend Katrina and Shah Rukh Khan, who attended the party with wife Gauri and friend Karan Johar were seen and heard exchanging abuses and barbed comments. As reported in city tabloids Mumbai Mirror and Mid-day, the two were allegedly 'high' after a few drinks and true to their 'undiplomatic' nature could not resist letting out some steam over a lot of seething issues. While Mirror says the spat was over some unsavoury jokes SRK cracked about Salman's famous ex Aishwarya Rai, Mid-Day says it is was about the poor ratings of SRK's TV quiz show which Salman picked on to needle SRK. The two were soon about to come to blows when friends and bystanders intervened. One of them allegedly was Aamir Khan who played the peacemaker.
The truce between the two 'hotblooded' Khans is by all means an uneasy one as they both have a history of public spats going back to the days of Chalte Chalte when Salman reportedly stormed into the sets and created a ruckus over his then-girlfriend Ash who was to be a part of the SRK film. While both of them have since then called it a truce, there have been friction over a few things here and there as neither of the actors are known to b diplomatic or forgiving. Mid-Day says Salman was upset when SRK refused to be part of his home production, even though he made it a point to be a part of SRK's game show with Katrina and earlier made a guest appearance in OSO.
Salman allegedly called SRK a "matlabi insaan" who 'picks up the phone only when he needed people'. SRK allegedly threatened to bash up Salman at his own party.
SRK's history of violence
While Salman is known for his temper, SRK too has earned quite a reputation for himself in that quarter.
Some time back, at a private dinner in downtown Mumbai, SRK, while partying with some heavyweight political and business friends, seemed to have lost his cool. Eye-witnesses claimed, SRK, in an inebriated state began needling his friend and guest who happens to be the scion of a famous political family. Things soon got out of hand with the guest walking out of the venue. Friends and well-wishers intervened to sort out the issue and the party shifted venue to avoid tongues from wagging.
While Salman has always been the posterchild of Bollywood's bad boys, SRK's public outbursts have mostly been private affairs. So far, that is.
Shahid gets bolder, flaunts undie!
Two years back, Shahid Kapoor was a shy boy who refused to bare his body on screen. He was even very conscious about letting his undergarments get noticed on screen, unlike Saif in Salaam Namaste. But how times have changed.
A little birdie tells us, "Around two years back while shooting for Milenge Milenge along with his then girlfriend, Kareena Kapoor, Shahid put his foot down and got a scene changed! Reason? It required him to bend down enough so that Kareena's character sees the brand name of his underwear that peeps out of his denims. It was supposed to be a funny scene wherein Kareena pokes fun at his underwear brand name after she accidentally notices it."
Shahid however didn't find the scene funny and told as much to the film's director, Satish Kaushik. When Kaushik tried to convince him for the shot saying how important it was for the film's script, Shahid flatly refused saying he will never reveal any piece of clothing other than his shirt and trousers. Kaushik was left with no choice but to give in to his hero's stand. He summoned the writer of the film and got the scene changed on the sets itself.
In his latest release, Kismat Konnection, during his initial scenes when he is shown getting ready hurriedly for his meeting with Om Puri, there is this shower scene where Shahid flaunts his well-toned physique followed by his blue underwear show for a few seconds! And we mean not just the upper band but something more than that! There were loud oooooohhs and aaaaaahs by Shahid's female fans in the cinema hall during this shot.
Either his recent hits have definitely made Shahid bolder or maybe he wanted to show John Abraham he has a better physique than him! (FYI John had criticised Shahid's physique on Koffee With Karan a few years back).
Hindi Cinema’s Power List - 2008
1) Aamir Khan — Yup..it had to happen. For all these years, you saw Aamir in this list somewhere between 2 and 5 and wondered, will he ever reach number 1? Yes he has. After the dynamite directorial debut of TZP and following it with soon to be all time blockbuster JTYJN, Aamir Khan has proved that he can do it all. Next up is Ghajini and we know what that one will be like…
2) Shah Rukh Khan —- He is responsible for the only YRF hit lately—make that a blockbuster hit. With Om Shanti Om, he broke all records but the real test will come with Billo Barber which is being produced by Red Chillies and stars Ifran Khan.
3) Hrithik Roshan - Jodha Akbar proved once and for all that he does not need Papa Roshan or out and out action movie to prove he belongs to the top league. In Productin KITES wouldn’t release until next year.
4) Akshay Kumar - The Hitmaker keeps em coming. Not counting Tashan (which would have probably made a lot of money if not for the multiplex issue), Kumar has had a dream run of late. Sing is Kinng is on the horizon and should open Biggg to be followed by CCTC and Kambaqt Ishq.
5) Shahd Kapoor - It started with Vivah, the movie that no one thought would be a smash hit..then he followed it with Jab We Met, another Super Hit. Now it looks like he has a third one in a row with Kismet Konnection. It seems that Shahid Kapoor has replaced Saif Ali Khan as the bollywood’s ultimate metrosexual hero.
6) Abishekh Bachchan - Sarkar Raj did not exactly have the cash registers ringing after the debacle of JBJ last year. Upcoming special effects laden DRONA will be a major test to see if Bachchan Jr. can get back on the hit train.
7) Salman Khan - Partner was a superhit but he also had duds like Salaam-e-Ishq, Babul, and Marigold. He has some potential superhits on the way in Wanted and Yuvraaj but with Salman, you never know what will happen.
8 ) Saif Ali Khan - Even though RACE was a major money spinner, it’s been a disappointing ride of late for Saif. The latest setback was Thoda Pyar thoda Magic which had a hit director and cute kids but failed miserably at the box office. Nothing big on the horizon.
9) Emran Hashmi - Love him or hate him but Jannat is one of only four movies this year to be called a hit. He was found a nice little niche with the Bhatt Camp for some very strange reason, his movies always have one or two chart busting song.
10) Kareena Kapoor — the only female of the list. After the smashing success of Jab We Met, Kapoor is arguably the highest paid actress. Upcoming movies include Golmaal Returns, Millenge Millenge and Kambhaqt Ishq.
Ash, Abhishek rock Trinidad
After dazzling the Toronto crowd on Sunday, the Bachchans turned their attention to Trinidad and Tobago, as part of the first leg of their Unforgettables tour.
Clad in glittering attire, Abhishek and wife Aishwarya took to the stage with gusto.
The Bachchans did not let their initial hiccups — like losing their baggage in Toronto as well as Trinidad — stop them from having a blast on the stage.
The show was clearly a success. As Amitabh Bachchan wrote on his blog, ‘Over 25,000 in packed stadium. And the media informs me that around 1000 people flew in from neighboring country, Surinam, in special charters to see the show.’
Abhishek and Ash were clearly the flavour of the day, as fans clamoured for autographs.
After Toronto and Trinidad, the tour will move to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Atlantic City, New York, London, and Rotterdam.
Akshay's connection with the Prime Minister
This phenomenon has elated producer Vipul Shah. He tells us, "When we were brainstorming and briefing Pritam, the music director of what we exactly wanted, we told him, it should be like an anthem, especially for the Sikhs. We are paying a tribute to them – they are not only big-hearted but also one of the strongest communities.
"It's an honour that they are singing the song to celebrate the Prime Minister's victory. That just shows that what we set out to do, has been achieved. I'm delighted. This is the first time that a film has received such publicity before it's release, usually it's after the release that songs and the film gets popular."
Well, with Singh still occupying the PM's throne, he is king alright, and the film, too, seems to have secured its reign at the box office.
‘Dark Knight’ Crosses $200M Mark In Record Time
Day after day, “The Dark Knight” continues to rewrite the box office record books.
The latest installment in the Batman franchise, starring Heath Ledger and Christian Bale, took in an estimated $20.9 million on Tuesday, brining the film’s five-day total to an astounding $203.8 million.
“The Dark Knight” passed the $200 million mark in a record-breaking five days, shattering the previous record of eight days which was held in a three-way tie by “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest,” “Spider-Man 2” and “Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith.”
Among the other records which now belong to “The Dark Knight” include the biggest opening weekend ever ($158.3 million) and biggest opening day ever at the box office ($67 million).
Both records were previously held by “Spider-Man 3.”
‘Prateik Babbar deserves a launch pad as big as Imran’
Prateik Babbar, who got noticed for his performance in Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na, truly mirrors his mother Smita Patil’s image, says director Abbas Tyrewala.
In the film that launched Imran Khan, 21-year-old Prateik plays Genelia D’Souza’s maverick brother.
“Prateik has one of the most beautiful faces we have in Bollywood today. He is so striking and his acting and looks reflect his mother’s soul. He has the same beauty that Smita Patil had,” Tyrewala told IANS.
The director was in the capital for the 10th Osian’s-Cinefan Film Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema that ended here Saturday.
Not many of the younger generation are aware that Prateik is the son of veteran actors Raj Babbar and Smita Patil. While Smita died a few days after giving birth to him, his father returned to his first wife Nadira Babbar thereafter.
Prateik stayed with his maternal grandparents and continues to do so.
When Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na was being promoted, Aamir Khan’s nephew Imran got the tiger’s share of publicity vis-à-vis Prateik, who got his due credit after the film’s release.
Explaining this, Tyrewala said: “It was not fair to talk about him before the release. Prateik had certain affection for the script and so he agreed to do the film. Besides, this was not Prateik’s launch.
“There is no reason to see Jaane Tu… as his launch vehicle as he completely deserves a launch pad as big as Imran, Harman Baweja and Ranbir Kapoor have got.”
Saroja - Music Review
One musical genius. Six songs. One rocking album, reads the cover of Saroja's music album. The film is directed by Venkat Prabhu, the man who mad