By Bollywood Hungama News Network, March 20, 2009 - 12:46 IST
This is a film that all the cinegoers are waiting with a bated breath. And it's directed by none other than the man who gave us hits and smash hits like Damini, The Legend Of Bhagat Singh and Khakee to name a few! We are indeed talking about the Ranbir-Katrina starrer Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani that's directed by Rajkumar Santoshi.
And as the 'tradition' goes, we once again bring you one of the biggest news regarding this film. After having discovered that APKGK has Ranbir playing a depressed lover-boy hopelessly in love with his character inspired by the one played by his late grandfather Raj Kapoor in Mera Naam Joker, Bollywood Hungama went one notch further and found out that the Salman Khan will be seen in a guest appearance in the film. The source also added that Sallu bhai comes only towards the end of the film.
In order to confirm the news, when we spoke to producer Ramesh Taurani of Tips, he was totally taken aback with this info. Initially he exclaimed, "Where did you guys get this information from?" On further probing, he confirmed the news by saying "Yes, Salman is indeed there in the film, but only as a cameo."
Salman Khan had earlier worked with Rajkumar Santoshi in the cult comedy Andaaz Apna Apna which also starred Aamir Khan.
Now Sallu's presence further adds to the anticipation of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Boys, Bikes and One Hot Babe in Acid Factory
By Nikhil Ramsubramaniam and Suleman Mobhani, March 20, 2009 - 11:34 IST
Sanjay Gupta's White Feather Films is known to make high adrenaline action packed thrillers. After Kaante, Musafir and Zinda, Sanjay Gupta is all set to unleash his latest action packed thriller Acid Factory. Directed by Suparn Verma (Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena) the film boasts of an impressive star cast comprising of Fardeen Khan, Irrfan Khan, Dino Morea, Aftab Shivdasani, Manoj Bajpai, Danny Denzongpa and Dia Mirza. The film is set in Cape Town and Bollywood Hungama brings to you some exclusive pics from one of the most awaited action thrillers of this year- Acid Factory.
Sanjay Gupta has always had a fascination for bikes and hence be prepared to see some never before seen bike sequences in this film. As director Suparn Verma says, "My first film Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena was also visually exciting but with the budget I got this time around, I have taken things ten times bigger. I must say I had a fantastic producer backing me which has helped to give the film a stylish look."
From the looks of this pic, Aftab and Dino seem all set to indulge in a deadly game of bike racing. Aftab who is known more for his comic roles will be seen in an intense role this time around. Speaking about Aftab, Suparn Verma said, "This is a very different role for Aftab and he has done a fabulous job. Even Irrfan for that matter was a complete joy to work with. He is completely a director's actor and the best part about him is the way he uses his eyes to emote. That is simply mind-blowing. In fact all the characters are such that you don't know whether to like them or hate them. They keep changing colours throughout the film."
Fardeen Khan seems to be a favorite with director Suparn Verma. The dashing actor featured in Suparn's debut flick Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena and will also be seen in a pivotal role in Acid Factory. When we asked Suparn what made him repeat Fardeen, he said, "Fardeen and I go way back. He has a good looking face so I find it all the more interesting to portray him in a character with shades of grey. Somewhere deep down he also enjoys playing these slightly edgy characters."
What's surprising about the film is the fact that everybody in the cast including Dia Mirza gets to do action in this film. Dia who is usually seen in delicate roles as the petite girl next door would be seen in a completely different avatar this time. She is just like one among the guys and even gets to perform some really dare devil stunts in the film including a stunning dirt bike riding sequence.
This picture sees the principal characters discussing their game plan aboard a yacht before making their next move. Dino Morea seems to be the one leading the strategy meet while Irrfan Khan, Danny, Manoj Bajpai and Fardeen listen closely. Dia however doesn't seem too interested in the proceedings. One can't help but notice an uncanny resemblance this picture bears to a sequence from Gupta's Kaante which showed Amitabh explaining the plan to his team members.
The film has been shot at some exotic locales of Cape Town. Danny Denzongpa, who is not seen much on the big screen these days, would be seen in a prominent role in this film. What's more the septuagenarian actor would also be seen doing some action sequences, a rare feat for someone of his age. When we spoke to Suparn about his experience working with Danny Denzongpa, he said, "Danny Sir is the youngest of the lot. He is just 21 years old. He would party with us till 4 in the morning and then be the first one to reach the sets. That man is simply amazing"
Here the Awesome Foursome of Fardeen, Dino, Manoj and Danny strike a pose before boarding a yacht
Acid Factory has some mind-blowing action sequences and we quizzed director Suparn Verma on his experiences shooting the action scenes. "We have shot this film on land, in the sea and the air. So except shooting underground we've covered pretty much everything else. In terms of vehicular action you will get too car chases, bike racing sequences, quad bikes, speed boats etc. We had 2-3 choppers with us on a daily basis to shoot the scenes from an aerial view. With the amount of explosions, we feel that we've gone about blowing up most of Cape Town. I must say that in the 20 odd days that we spent there, we got tremendous support from the local authorities which have helped us get the footage that you will now see in the film.
Shooting of Acid Factory is complete and the film is likely to hit theatres sometime mid-year.
Sanjay Gupta's White Feather Films is known to make high adrenaline action packed thrillers. After Kaante, Musafir and Zinda, Sanjay Gupta is all set to unleash his latest action packed thriller Acid Factory. Directed by Suparn Verma (Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena) the film boasts of an impressive star cast comprising of Fardeen Khan, Irrfan Khan, Dino Morea, Aftab Shivdasani, Manoj Bajpai, Danny Denzongpa and Dia Mirza. The film is set in Cape Town and Bollywood Hungama brings to you some exclusive pics from one of the most awaited action thrillers of this year- Acid Factory.
Sanjay Gupta has always had a fascination for bikes and hence be prepared to see some never before seen bike sequences in this film. As director Suparn Verma says, "My first film Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena was also visually exciting but with the budget I got this time around, I have taken things ten times bigger. I must say I had a fantastic producer backing me which has helped to give the film a stylish look."
From the looks of this pic, Aftab and Dino seem all set to indulge in a deadly game of bike racing. Aftab who is known more for his comic roles will be seen in an intense role this time around. Speaking about Aftab, Suparn Verma said, "This is a very different role for Aftab and he has done a fabulous job. Even Irrfan for that matter was a complete joy to work with. He is completely a director's actor and the best part about him is the way he uses his eyes to emote. That is simply mind-blowing. In fact all the characters are such that you don't know whether to like them or hate them. They keep changing colours throughout the film."
Fardeen Khan seems to be a favorite with director Suparn Verma. The dashing actor featured in Suparn's debut flick Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena and will also be seen in a pivotal role in Acid Factory. When we asked Suparn what made him repeat Fardeen, he said, "Fardeen and I go way back. He has a good looking face so I find it all the more interesting to portray him in a character with shades of grey. Somewhere deep down he also enjoys playing these slightly edgy characters."
What's surprising about the film is the fact that everybody in the cast including Dia Mirza gets to do action in this film. Dia who is usually seen in delicate roles as the petite girl next door would be seen in a completely different avatar this time. She is just like one among the guys and even gets to perform some really dare devil stunts in the film including a stunning dirt bike riding sequence.
This picture sees the principal characters discussing their game plan aboard a yacht before making their next move. Dino Morea seems to be the one leading the strategy meet while Irrfan Khan, Danny, Manoj Bajpai and Fardeen listen closely. Dia however doesn't seem too interested in the proceedings. One can't help but notice an uncanny resemblance this picture bears to a sequence from Gupta's Kaante which showed Amitabh explaining the plan to his team members.
The film has been shot at some exotic locales of Cape Town. Danny Denzongpa, who is not seen much on the big screen these days, would be seen in a prominent role in this film. What's more the septuagenarian actor would also be seen doing some action sequences, a rare feat for someone of his age. When we spoke to Suparn about his experience working with Danny Denzongpa, he said, "Danny Sir is the youngest of the lot. He is just 21 years old. He would party with us till 4 in the morning and then be the first one to reach the sets. That man is simply amazing"
Here the Awesome Foursome of Fardeen, Dino, Manoj and Danny strike a pose before boarding a yacht
Acid Factory has some mind-blowing action sequences and we quizzed director Suparn Verma on his experiences shooting the action scenes. "We have shot this film on land, in the sea and the air. So except shooting underground we've covered pretty much everything else. In terms of vehicular action you will get too car chases, bike racing sequences, quad bikes, speed boats etc. We had 2-3 choppers with us on a daily basis to shoot the scenes from an aerial view. With the amount of explosions, we feel that we've gone about blowing up most of Cape Town. I must say that in the 20 odd days that we spent there, we got tremendous support from the local authorities which have helped us get the footage that you will now see in the film.
Shooting of Acid Factory is complete and the film is likely to hit theatres sometime mid-year.
Movie Review-firaaq
By Taran Adarsh, March 20, 2009 - 09:22 IST
Film-makers across the globe have often told stories of calamities/riots/disasters -- natural and unnatural -- and the aftermath. FIRAAQ, which marks the directorial debut of actress Nandita Das, also looks at the lives of common men after the riots in Gujarat.
More of a docu-drama, FIRAAQ narrates six different stories that are not connected with one another. Nor are they similar, nor do they meet towards the culmination. Told with utmost sensitivity, the film pricks your conscience at several points of the narrative and when you make it to the Exit after the film has ended, you carry the burden of a lot of questions on your mind.
FIRAAQ is disturbing. It makes you remove those blinkers and experience the truth. FIRAAQ is purposeful and powerful and drives home the message in the most convincing manner, without taking sides.
A middle class housewife [Deepti Naval] closes the door on a woman desperately seeking refuge and then struggles to overcome her guilt... The loyalty of two best friends [Shahana Goswami] is challenged in times rife with fear and suspicion... A group of victimized young men seek revenge as a way out of their helplessness and anger... A modern-day Hindu-Muslim couple [Sanjay Suri, Tisca Chopra] struggle between the survival instinct to hide their true identities and the desire to assert them... A boy having lost most of his family in the riots wanders through the streets searching for his missing father... A saintly musician [Naseeruddin Shah] clings on to his idealism until an evidence of civil strife shakes his faith.
The opening sequence of FIRAAQ says it all, when a truck empties dead bodies as if it were emptying debris or rubble. It hits you more sharply than any weapon. Subsequently, you are introduced to the assorted characters that have been affected, directly or indirectly, to the riots. The six stories run concurrently, raising so many questions all through.
Nandita Das gets it right, except for the open end which doesn't really have a culmination like most Hindi movies. One aspect that could go against the film!
Nandita is a competent storyteller and her choice of stories as also the actors is just right. The actors only carry the film to dizzy heights with splendid portrayals. Ravi K. Chandran's cinematography captures the mood brilliantly.
FIRAAQ has an ensemble cast and each of them sparkle in their respective roles. But the faces that continue to haunt you even after the film has ended are that of the child actor, Deepti Naval and Shahana Goswami.
On the whole, FIRAAQ is one of the finest docu-dramas made in India. It's disturbing. It's powerful. It's thought-provoking. A film for the discerning viewer who likes to go beyond the stereotype.
rating 3 and a half out of 5
Film-makers across the globe have often told stories of calamities/riots/disasters -- natural and unnatural -- and the aftermath. FIRAAQ, which marks the directorial debut of actress Nandita Das, also looks at the lives of common men after the riots in Gujarat.
More of a docu-drama, FIRAAQ narrates six different stories that are not connected with one another. Nor are they similar, nor do they meet towards the culmination. Told with utmost sensitivity, the film pricks your conscience at several points of the narrative and when you make it to the Exit after the film has ended, you carry the burden of a lot of questions on your mind.
FIRAAQ is disturbing. It makes you remove those blinkers and experience the truth. FIRAAQ is purposeful and powerful and drives home the message in the most convincing manner, without taking sides.
A middle class housewife [Deepti Naval] closes the door on a woman desperately seeking refuge and then struggles to overcome her guilt... The loyalty of two best friends [Shahana Goswami] is challenged in times rife with fear and suspicion... A group of victimized young men seek revenge as a way out of their helplessness and anger... A modern-day Hindu-Muslim couple [Sanjay Suri, Tisca Chopra] struggle between the survival instinct to hide their true identities and the desire to assert them... A boy having lost most of his family in the riots wanders through the streets searching for his missing father... A saintly musician [Naseeruddin Shah] clings on to his idealism until an evidence of civil strife shakes his faith.
The opening sequence of FIRAAQ says it all, when a truck empties dead bodies as if it were emptying debris or rubble. It hits you more sharply than any weapon. Subsequently, you are introduced to the assorted characters that have been affected, directly or indirectly, to the riots. The six stories run concurrently, raising so many questions all through.
Nandita Das gets it right, except for the open end which doesn't really have a culmination like most Hindi movies. One aspect that could go against the film!
Nandita is a competent storyteller and her choice of stories as also the actors is just right. The actors only carry the film to dizzy heights with splendid portrayals. Ravi K. Chandran's cinematography captures the mood brilliantly.
FIRAAQ has an ensemble cast and each of them sparkle in their respective roles. But the faces that continue to haunt you even after the film has ended are that of the child actor, Deepti Naval and Shahana Goswami.
On the whole, FIRAAQ is one of the finest docu-dramas made in India. It's disturbing. It's powerful. It's thought-provoking. A film for the discerning viewer who likes to go beyond the stereotype.
rating 3 and a half out of 5
Movie Review-aloo chaat
Hrishikesh Mukherjee started a trend. Simple stories narrated in the most simplistic manner. His movies inspired a generation of film-makers and a lot of storytellers even today pay homage to Hrishi-da through their movies. Robby Grewal does so with ALOO CHAAT. Only thing, the film lacks the sweetness associated that you expect from it.
ALOO CHAAT makes you smile sporadically. At most times it's like watching a TV serial that's not hard to predict. 20 minutes into the film and you know what the culmination would be.
Robby's last outing MP3: MERA PEHLA PEHLA PYAAR was an interesting experience, but ALOO CHAAT tries too hard to be a Hrishikesh Mukherjee kind of a film. Its execution brings back memories of the illustrious film-maker's several films as also Rajshri's DULHAN WAHI JO PIYA MAN BHAAYE [Prem Kishen, Rameshwari], but falls flat.
Verdict? This aloo chaat is spiceless!
What do you do when your entire family is against the bride of your choice? Do you replace your family? Or do you replace the bride?
Nikhil [Aftab Shivdasani] hails from Delhi and is visiting his family in India. His parents start showing him Punjabi girls for wedding. Knowing the temperament of his father Purshottam [Kulbhushan Kharbanda], he feels hesitant to disclose about his love affair. Hence, he approaches his father's best friend [Manoj Pahwa], who has a great influence on his father. Together they plot to bring Nikhil's girlfriend [Aamna Sharif] into the family.
ALOO CHAAT suffers due to one major reason: It just doesn't hold your attention. The screenplay [Divya Nidhi Sharma] relies on the same old tricks and the same old situations that we've watched over and over again. You do smile at times not because the scenes are funny, but because the dialogues are witty.
Robby Grewal is letdown by a below-mediocre script. Music [Mehfuz Husain, RDB, Vipin Mishra] is soothing and a couple of melodies are tuneful. The video towards the end credits [RDB] is eye-catching. Dialogues are well penned.
Both Aftab and Aamna are limited to a few expressions. Not their fault frankly because the writing hardly gives them scope to perform. It's the supporting cast that works wonders. Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Manoj Pahwa and Sanjay Mishra sparkle. Dolly Ahluwalia is okay.
On the whole, ALOO CHAAT just doesn't work. Below average.
rating 1 and a half out of 5
ALOO CHAAT makes you smile sporadically. At most times it's like watching a TV serial that's not hard to predict. 20 minutes into the film and you know what the culmination would be.
Robby's last outing MP3: MERA PEHLA PEHLA PYAAR was an interesting experience, but ALOO CHAAT tries too hard to be a Hrishikesh Mukherjee kind of a film. Its execution brings back memories of the illustrious film-maker's several films as also Rajshri's DULHAN WAHI JO PIYA MAN BHAAYE [Prem Kishen, Rameshwari], but falls flat.
Verdict? This aloo chaat is spiceless!
What do you do when your entire family is against the bride of your choice? Do you replace your family? Or do you replace the bride?
Nikhil [Aftab Shivdasani] hails from Delhi and is visiting his family in India. His parents start showing him Punjabi girls for wedding. Knowing the temperament of his father Purshottam [Kulbhushan Kharbanda], he feels hesitant to disclose about his love affair. Hence, he approaches his father's best friend [Manoj Pahwa], who has a great influence on his father. Together they plot to bring Nikhil's girlfriend [Aamna Sharif] into the family.
ALOO CHAAT suffers due to one major reason: It just doesn't hold your attention. The screenplay [Divya Nidhi Sharma] relies on the same old tricks and the same old situations that we've watched over and over again. You do smile at times not because the scenes are funny, but because the dialogues are witty.
Robby Grewal is letdown by a below-mediocre script. Music [Mehfuz Husain, RDB, Vipin Mishra] is soothing and a couple of melodies are tuneful. The video towards the end credits [RDB] is eye-catching. Dialogues are well penned.
Both Aftab and Aamna are limited to a few expressions. Not their fault frankly because the writing hardly gives them scope to perform. It's the supporting cast that works wonders. Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Manoj Pahwa and Sanjay Mishra sparkle. Dolly Ahluwalia is okay.
On the whole, ALOO CHAAT just doesn't work. Below average.
rating 1 and a half out of 5
Movie review-Barah Aana
By Taran Adarsh, March 20, 2009 - 09:13 IST
Most film-makers often feel [and rightly so!] that a title should reflect the content of a film. But with a title like BARAH AANA, you're completely clueless. That's because director Raja Menon's choice of the subject is equally unique. He enters an alley that most storytellers don't risk entering.
Come to think of it, BARAH AANA is more of an experiment. It offers entertainment - the kind the multiplex audiences enjoy - in its own simple way. It strives to strike a balance between real and surreal and succeeds partly. But there's no denying that a film like BARAH AANA also caters a miniscule section of moviegoers.
BARAH AANA is set in today's Mumbai. The story revolves around three unlikely friends: A chauffeur [Naseeruddin Shah], a watchman [Vijay Raaz] and a waiter [Arjun Mathur].
At some point, misfortune befalls the watchman and, due to a series of chance events, he stumbles into a crime. Striking upon a seemingly low-risk way to make good money and discovering a new sense of self-confidence, he tries to entice the others to join him in a series of such crimes.
A cat and mouse games ensues between the three as personalities change, but events soon spiral out of control...
The premise of BARAH AANA is identifiable. Those living in the metropolis especially will be able to relate to the three characters [chauffeur, watchman and waiter] and the hardships they face. That's where director Raja Menon scores. But the problem is that the entire first hour is devoted to focussing on their respective jobs and plight. Thus, the story barely moves in this hour. Besides, the pacing is so slow that it tests the patience of the viewer at times.
The wheels start moving post-intermission when the three take to crime. These portions are deftly executed and quite enjoyable too. The pre-climax - the big kidnap - also keeps the viewer's attention arrested, but the end is difficult to comprehend. It could've been made simpler.
Director Raja Menon shows promise. He has handled a number of sequences with flourish. Cinematography [Priya Seth] is perfect.
Naseeruddin Shah doesn't utter a word all through except towards the end, but his silence speaks volumes. Vijay Raaz is simply outstanding. An award-worthy performance. Arjun Mathur, who was seen in LUCK BY CHANCE earlier, is a competent actor. He stands up to the two actors well. Violante Placido as Kate and Tannishtha Chatterjee as Rani first-rate.
On the whole, BARAH AANA is a fairly engrossing fare. The problem is that the material as also its execution limits it to a tiny section of audience: a handful of multiplexes at a handful of centres.
rating 2 out of 5
Most film-makers often feel [and rightly so!] that a title should reflect the content of a film. But with a title like BARAH AANA, you're completely clueless. That's because director Raja Menon's choice of the subject is equally unique. He enters an alley that most storytellers don't risk entering.
Come to think of it, BARAH AANA is more of an experiment. It offers entertainment - the kind the multiplex audiences enjoy - in its own simple way. It strives to strike a balance between real and surreal and succeeds partly. But there's no denying that a film like BARAH AANA also caters a miniscule section of moviegoers.
BARAH AANA is set in today's Mumbai. The story revolves around three unlikely friends: A chauffeur [Naseeruddin Shah], a watchman [Vijay Raaz] and a waiter [Arjun Mathur].
At some point, misfortune befalls the watchman and, due to a series of chance events, he stumbles into a crime. Striking upon a seemingly low-risk way to make good money and discovering a new sense of self-confidence, he tries to entice the others to join him in a series of such crimes.
A cat and mouse games ensues between the three as personalities change, but events soon spiral out of control...
The premise of BARAH AANA is identifiable. Those living in the metropolis especially will be able to relate to the three characters [chauffeur, watchman and waiter] and the hardships they face. That's where director Raja Menon scores. But the problem is that the entire first hour is devoted to focussing on their respective jobs and plight. Thus, the story barely moves in this hour. Besides, the pacing is so slow that it tests the patience of the viewer at times.
The wheels start moving post-intermission when the three take to crime. These portions are deftly executed and quite enjoyable too. The pre-climax - the big kidnap - also keeps the viewer's attention arrested, but the end is difficult to comprehend. It could've been made simpler.
Director Raja Menon shows promise. He has handled a number of sequences with flourish. Cinematography [Priya Seth] is perfect.
Naseeruddin Shah doesn't utter a word all through except towards the end, but his silence speaks volumes. Vijay Raaz is simply outstanding. An award-worthy performance. Arjun Mathur, who was seen in LUCK BY CHANCE earlier, is a competent actor. He stands up to the two actors well. Violante Placido as Kate and Tannishtha Chatterjee as Rani first-rate.
On the whole, BARAH AANA is a fairly engrossing fare. The problem is that the material as also its execution limits it to a tiny section of audience: a handful of multiplexes at a handful of centres.
rating 2 out of 5
Movie Review-lottery
By Taran Adarsh, March 20, 2009 - 11:52 IST
Ever solved a jigsaw puzzle? The plot of LOTTERY is tougher to crack. This one pretends to be a thriller, a love triangle next, a whodunit later, a musical in between and ends up as something else altogether. Can't figure out what this film is all about, seriously.
Besides, LOTTERY is meant to be the launch pad of singer Abhijeet Sawant. The sad news is, Abhijeet has chosen the wrong script to launch himself as an actor.
Rohit [Abhijeet Sawant] is an accountant working in an ad agency. An anonymous message asks him to accept a challenge. He does so and he wins Rs. 3 lacs. The wheels of fortune are set in motion. There are more challenges and bigger rewards. In reality, there's no stopping now. The story takes a turn when Rohit is accused of murder. His life goes upside down…
The film fails on the script level itself. It leaves so many questions unanswered, you actually wonder what was the writer/director thinking when he wrote this script? Direction [Hemant Prabhu] is amateurish. The music is no great shakes either.
Abhijeet needs to groom himself completely before he faces the camera next. The two leading ladies, Rucha Gujrathi and Manisha Kelkar, are decent. Sanjay Narvekar has a Nana Patekar hang-up. Mukesh Tiwari is wasted.
On the whole, this lottery ticket is best avoided!
rating 1 out of 5
Ever solved a jigsaw puzzle? The plot of LOTTERY is tougher to crack. This one pretends to be a thriller, a love triangle next, a whodunit later, a musical in between and ends up as something else altogether. Can't figure out what this film is all about, seriously.
Besides, LOTTERY is meant to be the launch pad of singer Abhijeet Sawant. The sad news is, Abhijeet has chosen the wrong script to launch himself as an actor.
Rohit [Abhijeet Sawant] is an accountant working in an ad agency. An anonymous message asks him to accept a challenge. He does so and he wins Rs. 3 lacs. The wheels of fortune are set in motion. There are more challenges and bigger rewards. In reality, there's no stopping now. The story takes a turn when Rohit is accused of murder. His life goes upside down…
The film fails on the script level itself. It leaves so many questions unanswered, you actually wonder what was the writer/director thinking when he wrote this script? Direction [Hemant Prabhu] is amateurish. The music is no great shakes either.
Abhijeet needs to groom himself completely before he faces the camera next. The two leading ladies, Rucha Gujrathi and Manisha Kelkar, are decent. Sanjay Narvekar has a Nana Patekar hang-up. Mukesh Tiwari is wasted.
On the whole, this lottery ticket is best avoided!
rating 1 out of 5
Movie Review-straight
DOSTANA and FASHION brought homosexuality out of the closet. One assumes STRAIGHT would take it one step ahead. It would look at gays, the relationships, the emotions. It doesn't. On the contrary, it talks of a person who's confused of his sexual preferences, one who doesn't know if he swings or not, is in fact homophobic.
STRAIGHT could've explored all this and more beautifully, without getting preachy, but unfortunately, there's no dum in the screenplay. It's dry and dreary and goes on and on and on... and ends up being a boring exercise.
In the midst of central London, a successful Indian restaurant called 'Gaylord' is run by a Londoner of Indian origin called Pinu [Vinay Pathak]. A simple soul at heart, Pinu has many complexes -- a special one being that he is a virgin and has experienced no intimacy with a woman.
After a failed and humiliating experience when Pinu went to India to have an arranged marriage to a traditional girl who finally dumped him at the altar and eloped with her lover, Pinu is broken and disheartened. One day, a young Indian called Kamles [Anuj Chaudhary] comes to his restaurant and asks for a job as a stand-up comedian. Pinu initially refuses, but finally lets him join as a cook, who also does a stand-up act in the evenings.
On the same day, he hires a new cashier Renu [Gul Panag], a young art student from India, who has a passion for caricatures. Life changes dramatically for Pinu as 'Gaylord' begins to transform...
One fine day, Kamles win a lottery and as he goes to hug Pinu in his excitement, he lands an accidental kiss on his lips. Pinu is thrown into a daze as he walks away from the restaurant that night. He has discovered a totally new fear: he might be Gay.
Director Parvati Balagopalan has chosen an interesting story, but hasn't been able to stretch it for two hours convincingly. In fact, there's no movement in the first hour. The three characters [Vinay Pathak, Gul Panag and Anuj Chaudhary] keep talking randomly, without coming to the main issue. Besides, the conversation, most of the times, is absolutely bland.
There's a flicker of hope in the second hour. A few sequences are interestingly handled, but what gets served eventually and the time it takes to reach the culmination, the entire journey is so yawn-inducing.
Parvati disappoints this time. Given the fact that the writing lacks meat, there's little that she can do to salvage the show. Music is another drawback. It's more of an intruder. Cinematography too is inconsistent.
Vinay Pathak does his job earnestly, but why take off the shirt again and again? Why this need to show off Vinay's hairy chest? Gul Panag is likable and enacts her part well. Anuj Chaudhary is okay, but it remains unexplained till the end whether he's gay or straight. That's one of the reasons why his relationship with Vinay is least convincing. There should've been some clarity on this issue. Siddharth Kakkar is alright. Rasik Dave and Ketaki Dave provide some laughs.
On the whole, STRAIGHT is as confused as the protagonist in the film. Disappointing!
rating 1 and a half out of 5
STRAIGHT could've explored all this and more beautifully, without getting preachy, but unfortunately, there's no dum in the screenplay. It's dry and dreary and goes on and on and on... and ends up being a boring exercise.
In the midst of central London, a successful Indian restaurant called 'Gaylord' is run by a Londoner of Indian origin called Pinu [Vinay Pathak]. A simple soul at heart, Pinu has many complexes -- a special one being that he is a virgin and has experienced no intimacy with a woman.
After a failed and humiliating experience when Pinu went to India to have an arranged marriage to a traditional girl who finally dumped him at the altar and eloped with her lover, Pinu is broken and disheartened. One day, a young Indian called Kamles [Anuj Chaudhary] comes to his restaurant and asks for a job as a stand-up comedian. Pinu initially refuses, but finally lets him join as a cook, who also does a stand-up act in the evenings.
On the same day, he hires a new cashier Renu [Gul Panag], a young art student from India, who has a passion for caricatures. Life changes dramatically for Pinu as 'Gaylord' begins to transform...
One fine day, Kamles win a lottery and as he goes to hug Pinu in his excitement, he lands an accidental kiss on his lips. Pinu is thrown into a daze as he walks away from the restaurant that night. He has discovered a totally new fear: he might be Gay.
Director Parvati Balagopalan has chosen an interesting story, but hasn't been able to stretch it for two hours convincingly. In fact, there's no movement in the first hour. The three characters [Vinay Pathak, Gul Panag and Anuj Chaudhary] keep talking randomly, without coming to the main issue. Besides, the conversation, most of the times, is absolutely bland.
There's a flicker of hope in the second hour. A few sequences are interestingly handled, but what gets served eventually and the time it takes to reach the culmination, the entire journey is so yawn-inducing.
Parvati disappoints this time. Given the fact that the writing lacks meat, there's little that she can do to salvage the show. Music is another drawback. It's more of an intruder. Cinematography too is inconsistent.
Vinay Pathak does his job earnestly, but why take off the shirt again and again? Why this need to show off Vinay's hairy chest? Gul Panag is likable and enacts her part well. Anuj Chaudhary is okay, but it remains unexplained till the end whether he's gay or straight. That's one of the reasons why his relationship with Vinay is least convincing. There should've been some clarity on this issue. Siddharth Kakkar is alright. Rasik Dave and Ketaki Dave provide some laughs.
On the whole, STRAIGHT is as confused as the protagonist in the film. Disappointing!
rating 1 and a half out of 5
Abhishek Bachchan changing his looks constantly for three films
By Subhash K. Jha, March 20, 2009 - 12:34 IST
Ek raat ki baat...this week Abhishek had just one day's shooting for Balki's much-discussed Pa. For that he not only had to rush to Kuala Lumpur. He also had to completely change his look to a clean-shaven one in contrast to the droopy-mooch look that he sports for Mani Ratnam's Raavan.
Says Abhishek, "The new clean-shaven look was needed. It was just one day's shoot for Pa. Now for next week, I have to go back to the earlier look for Mani's look." Apparently, the Raavan look is a hot favourite among Abhishek's fans. He has had numerous requests to keep that look permanently. However, he needs to sport another look for Abhinay Deo's untitled film.
So who said being an actor was easy?
Ek raat ki baat...this week Abhishek had just one day's shooting for Balki's much-discussed Pa. For that he not only had to rush to Kuala Lumpur. He also had to completely change his look to a clean-shaven one in contrast to the droopy-mooch look that he sports for Mani Ratnam's Raavan.
Says Abhishek, "The new clean-shaven look was needed. It was just one day's shoot for Pa. Now for next week, I have to go back to the earlier look for Mani's look." Apparently, the Raavan look is a hot favourite among Abhishek's fans. He has had numerous requests to keep that look permanently. However, he needs to sport another look for Abhinay Deo's untitled film.
So who said being an actor was easy?
"I adopted Boman as my father during the shoot of Abba Ka Kuan" - Minissha
Once she was the petite and a cute girl next door. Not any more though. Looking lean, luscious and rosy cheeked is Minissha Lamba these days. Lean because that's how many of the abba ki 'daughters' look now-a-days, right? Luscious because each time you see her photo-shoots, you go o-lala and rosy cheeked because she has just wrapped up her latest flick Abba Ka Kuan in Hyderabad directed by one of Indian cinema's finest film makers, Shyam Benegal, not to forget, she had a blast out there too. Being smart, well-read and occasionally outspoken, she can switch to humour from high drama in a split second, and doesn't she remind us of the sexy Heather Graham? Not that we are playing the comparison game here but this Indian siren has the same combination of freshness, intelligence and a great body like her Hollywood compatriot.
Speaking exclusively over the phone only for Bollywood Hungama, the actress shares her unforgettable Hyderabadi connection. "Mostly we were restricted to Ramoji Film City where we were shooting and even though it was an outdoor schedule, this has been one of my most relaxed schedules I've been on. The place we were put up was completely secluded from the city and was very beautiful. There were no cars around and suddenly when you're so cut off from the world around you, you've achieved nirvana", exclaims Mini. We love calling her by that name. But the one name which the actress can't get out of her mind is of the master and mentor, Mr. Shyam Benegal. "Shyam sir is a veteran. It was a pleasure working for him because even after the end of a grueling one month in Hyderabad, he was still recharged without the exhaustion and the pressures of shooting an entire film in one go under soaring temperatures of 45 degrees Celsius."
Now we don't like to give this out but we have to. Did you guys know that Lamba loves to get her hands on the spicy hot biryani? What's disappointing is the fact that....We'll let the temptress do the talk. "My God! I tried my level best not to indulge in the mouth watering biryanis. So my staple diet out there was curd and rice, the famous South Indian delicacy. That kept the heat away for a bit". Minissha is also very sporty, not for her talking to us about her just finished film, but the fact that she got the time to brush up her skills on a sport she loves playing, Squash. She says, "Playing squash wasn't a deliberate attempt to shed the kilos. I was so glad that they had a court out there because it's been a while that I've improved my game. One has to keep fit as an actor but at the same time you also need to keep yourself entertained post any shoot. Playing squash was the perfect way to keep my mind and body occupied."
Back to the film, the question remains, is the role going to fetch the actress a lot more than what she expects? The answer was loud and clear. "What I expect from every film is that you grow as an actor and are proud of the work you've done. Ultimately, the fate of the film is not something which is in your hand. You do what you can and what is under your control. I hope the film fetches a lot more for all of us than just me". Abba Ka Kuan is a political satire and a light hearted take on certain things we all talk about. The rosy cheeked chic sounds all excited. "When I read the script, I simply loved it. I hope people like the film because it deserves to be liked. The whole point of you working and making a film is that people like it. You don't make a film so that people hate it. Just because my last film did not work, that doesn't mean I did not believe in the film. I believed in it till the very end from the day one".
We did remind you at the very beginning that the actress is outspoken. She further adds, "Everything is an experience in life. You cannot know the good without knowing what the bad is and the vice versa. That's how life is. I am a true optimist". And so is her co-actor in the film who plays her father, known as Abba, Boman Irani. Mini shares her new born relationship. "Literally I adopted Boman as my father while we were off the sets. I would call him Abba all the time and he too would call me by the name of the character I play. The bond between the father and the daughter would be played out post pack up every evening, so much so that when something had to be done, I would take permission from Abba. It was one of the most unique relationships I've had with any co-star to date. The moment I wouldn't find Boman around, I'd be looking for him. That's how the rapport was." So after saying bye-bye to Hyderabad, Minissha Lamba now looks forward to the IIFA 2009, she says, which is going to take place in the beautiful city of Macau, and we hope she enjoys it as much as she enjoyed Hyderabad, except the weather, we guess.
Speaking exclusively over the phone only for Bollywood Hungama, the actress shares her unforgettable Hyderabadi connection. "Mostly we were restricted to Ramoji Film City where we were shooting and even though it was an outdoor schedule, this has been one of my most relaxed schedules I've been on. The place we were put up was completely secluded from the city and was very beautiful. There were no cars around and suddenly when you're so cut off from the world around you, you've achieved nirvana", exclaims Mini. We love calling her by that name. But the one name which the actress can't get out of her mind is of the master and mentor, Mr. Shyam Benegal. "Shyam sir is a veteran. It was a pleasure working for him because even after the end of a grueling one month in Hyderabad, he was still recharged without the exhaustion and the pressures of shooting an entire film in one go under soaring temperatures of 45 degrees Celsius."
Now we don't like to give this out but we have to. Did you guys know that Lamba loves to get her hands on the spicy hot biryani? What's disappointing is the fact that....We'll let the temptress do the talk. "My God! I tried my level best not to indulge in the mouth watering biryanis. So my staple diet out there was curd and rice, the famous South Indian delicacy. That kept the heat away for a bit". Minissha is also very sporty, not for her talking to us about her just finished film, but the fact that she got the time to brush up her skills on a sport she loves playing, Squash. She says, "Playing squash wasn't a deliberate attempt to shed the kilos. I was so glad that they had a court out there because it's been a while that I've improved my game. One has to keep fit as an actor but at the same time you also need to keep yourself entertained post any shoot. Playing squash was the perfect way to keep my mind and body occupied."
Back to the film, the question remains, is the role going to fetch the actress a lot more than what she expects? The answer was loud and clear. "What I expect from every film is that you grow as an actor and are proud of the work you've done. Ultimately, the fate of the film is not something which is in your hand. You do what you can and what is under your control. I hope the film fetches a lot more for all of us than just me". Abba Ka Kuan is a political satire and a light hearted take on certain things we all talk about. The rosy cheeked chic sounds all excited. "When I read the script, I simply loved it. I hope people like the film because it deserves to be liked. The whole point of you working and making a film is that people like it. You don't make a film so that people hate it. Just because my last film did not work, that doesn't mean I did not believe in the film. I believed in it till the very end from the day one".
We did remind you at the very beginning that the actress is outspoken. She further adds, "Everything is an experience in life. You cannot know the good without knowing what the bad is and the vice versa. That's how life is. I am a true optimist". And so is her co-actor in the film who plays her father, known as Abba, Boman Irani. Mini shares her new born relationship. "Literally I adopted Boman as my father while we were off the sets. I would call him Abba all the time and he too would call me by the name of the character I play. The bond between the father and the daughter would be played out post pack up every evening, so much so that when something had to be done, I would take permission from Abba. It was one of the most unique relationships I've had with any co-star to date. The moment I wouldn't find Boman around, I'd be looking for him. That's how the rapport was." So after saying bye-bye to Hyderabad, Minissha Lamba now looks forward to the IIFA 2009, she says, which is going to take place in the beautiful city of Macau, and we hope she enjoys it as much as she enjoyed Hyderabad, except the weather, we guess.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Multiplexes Offer Performance Based Revenue
The multiplexes are offering a performance based revenue model but its unlikely that this will be accepted by producers and distributors. The biggest problem is that this model will complicate things further and lead to more disputes after the release as to how a film performed as the yardstick for performance will be different from producers side and different from the multiplexes point of view.
This will also lead to money being blocked as it will take time to declare and agree on how a film performed over so many multiplex screens across the country.
The other big problem will be is that when multiplexes will give better returns for the more successful films, the distributors will also want to show their films in the performing multiplexes which will lead to weaker multiplexes being closed down due to lack of films. In a city like Ghaziabad which is already multiplex heavy if compared against its potential audience, the distributors will want to show films at the better performing multiplexes like Jam Shipra and Wave Kaushambi and keeping away from likes of SM World and M4U which gross lower amounts.
This system also favours the big star cast potboilers like Ghajini, Om Shanti Om, Singh Is Kinng etc as these films will perform better in this system as they bring in the huge capacities that the multiplexes are looking for while contemporary urban cinema which has come up over the last two years with the multiplex film like Rock On!, A Wednesday, Khosla Ka Ghosla, Dev D etc will suffer as they run to lower capacities.
The distributors/producers are basically saying if multiplexes want to pick and choose films as per their demands then they will pick and choose multiplexes as per their needs which leaves the situation in limbo and nowhere near an agreement then when talks started about four weeks ago
This will also lead to money being blocked as it will take time to declare and agree on how a film performed over so many multiplex screens across the country.
The other big problem will be is that when multiplexes will give better returns for the more successful films, the distributors will also want to show their films in the performing multiplexes which will lead to weaker multiplexes being closed down due to lack of films. In a city like Ghaziabad which is already multiplex heavy if compared against its potential audience, the distributors will want to show films at the better performing multiplexes like Jam Shipra and Wave Kaushambi and keeping away from likes of SM World and M4U which gross lower amounts.
This system also favours the big star cast potboilers like Ghajini, Om Shanti Om, Singh Is Kinng etc as these films will perform better in this system as they bring in the huge capacities that the multiplexes are looking for while contemporary urban cinema which has come up over the last two years with the multiplex film like Rock On!, A Wednesday, Khosla Ka Ghosla, Dev D etc will suffer as they run to lower capacities.
The distributors/producers are basically saying if multiplexes want to pick and choose films as per their demands then they will pick and choose multiplexes as per their needs which leaves the situation in limbo and nowhere near an agreement then when talks started about four weeks ago
Will '8x10 Tasveer' make it on 3rd April?
Will 8 x 10 TASVEER make it on 3rd April? The film producers and distributors' associations have decided to stop all releases from 4th April onwards and the only film okayed for release in April is Nagesh Kukunoor's Akshay Kumar starrer. But there's talk that the film won't make it on the scheduled date since the post-production work is still incomplete.
Elahe Hiptoola confirms that the post-production work is going on in full steam, to meet the deadline. "We are working very hard to meet the deadline. I am well aware that our film has got the okay from the producers/distributors' body to release the film by 3rd April and we are optimistic of meeting the deadline. The film requires heavy-duty visual effects and we're working on it 24 x 7," she says.
Meanwhile, Percept has decided to give a controlled release to the film. Unlike other Akshay Kumar starrers, which were released with 1500 - 1800 screens worldwide, this one will be released with a lower print count, approx. 1200 - 1400 screens worldwide.
Elahe Hiptoola confirms that the post-production work is going on in full steam, to meet the deadline. "We are working very hard to meet the deadline. I am well aware that our film has got the okay from the producers/distributors' body to release the film by 3rd April and we are optimistic of meeting the deadline. The film requires heavy-duty visual effects and we're working on it 24 x 7," she says.
Meanwhile, Percept has decided to give a controlled release to the film. Unlike other Akshay Kumar starrers, which were released with 1500 - 1800 screens worldwide, this one will be released with a lower print count, approx. 1200 - 1400 screens worldwide.
Ranbir Kapoor Sajid Nadiadwala and Siddharth Anand Team Up
Wednesday 18th March 2009 15.30 IST
Mohit Sharma
Ranbir Kapoor will star in a yet untitled venture produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by Siddharth Anannd who has directed three successful films for the Yashraj banner in Salaam Namaste, Ta Ra Rum Pum and last year's Ranbir Kapoor starrer Bachna Ae Haseeno.
The other casts and credits are to be finalised but the film will be shot from October 2009 onwards with shooting being completed by January 2010. Meanwhile it is possible that Ranbir Kapoor could have three releases this year with Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani being complete and being readied for July/August release, Wake Up Sid is due on October 2nd and it is also possible that the Prakash Jha directed multi starrer Rajniti may also come by December end.
Mohit Sharma
Ranbir Kapoor will star in a yet untitled venture produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by Siddharth Anannd who has directed three successful films for the Yashraj banner in Salaam Namaste, Ta Ra Rum Pum and last year's Ranbir Kapoor starrer Bachna Ae Haseeno.
The other casts and credits are to be finalised but the film will be shot from October 2009 onwards with shooting being completed by January 2010. Meanwhile it is possible that Ranbir Kapoor could have three releases this year with Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani being complete and being readied for July/August release, Wake Up Sid is due on October 2nd and it is also possible that the Prakash Jha directed multi starrer Rajniti may also come by December end.
Check out: Sanjay Dutt as the bumbling cop in Chatur Singh Two Star
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, March 18, 2009 - 16:04 IST
Sanjay Dutt was last seen as the tough as hell businessman Vikrant Raina in Kidnap. However soon, Sanju Baba would be seen in a role completely different from what he has ever done in Chatur Singh Two Star. The film has Sanjay Dutt playing a bumbling cop who knows everything.... about nothing. He is on a deadly mission....to destroy himself.
These exclusive pics show Sanjay Dutt in a complete baffoon like wacky get up along with funny man Suresh Menon. If these pics are anything to go by, then expect one roller-coaster laugh-a-thon this time around. Sanju Baba who has excelled in the comedy genre courtesy his Munnabhai series of films will once again bring the house down with Chatur Singh Two Star. The film is a Movies and More Entertainment production produced by Mohammad Aslam and directed by Ajay Chandok. Besides Sanjay Dutt, Chatur Singh Two Star also stars Ameesha, Anupam Kher, Gulshan Grover and Satish Kaushik. The music has been given by Sajid-Wajid.
Sanjay Dutt was last seen as the tough as hell businessman Vikrant Raina in Kidnap. However soon, Sanju Baba would be seen in a role completely different from what he has ever done in Chatur Singh Two Star. The film has Sanjay Dutt playing a bumbling cop who knows everything.... about nothing. He is on a deadly mission....to destroy himself.
These exclusive pics show Sanjay Dutt in a complete baffoon like wacky get up along with funny man Suresh Menon. If these pics are anything to go by, then expect one roller-coaster laugh-a-thon this time around. Sanju Baba who has excelled in the comedy genre courtesy his Munnabhai series of films will once again bring the house down with Chatur Singh Two Star. The film is a Movies and More Entertainment production produced by Mohammad Aslam and directed by Ajay Chandok. Besides Sanjay Dutt, Chatur Singh Two Star also stars Ameesha, Anupam Kher, Gulshan Grover and Satish Kaushik. The music has been given by Sajid-Wajid.
Meet the man behind the 'slums' of Slumdog Millionaire
By Mrigank Dhaniwala & Money Sharma, March 18, 2009 - 19:14 IST
Around 2005, long before the worldwide recognition and all the adulation and awards, Danny Boyle's adaptation of Vikas Swarup's novel Q & A was just another project in the making. It was when Simon Beaufoy, the project's screenplay writer decided to come to Mumbai, the city in Swarup's novel, to see for himself the various hues and shades of the mega polis.
Simon had already won acclaim for his work in The Full Monty and knew his way around his city, London, very well. But he was completely at sea in the land of million mutinies. This is when he was introduced to Paresh Parekh - actor, casting director, dramatics lecturer and a pukka Mumbaiite for 14 years.
In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Paresh, who is currently working as a creative director with Frameboxx Animation & Visual Effects, shares experiences that formed the backdrop of Slumdog Millionaire's powerful, Oscar-winning screenplay. "When I was introduced to Simon in early 2005, I was working as a theatre teacher at M.P. Shah High School in Vile Parle (W), where I was directing plays with normal and mentally challenged children. After reading Q & A, the first place that I took him to was a slum right next to Pawan Hans. Simon was shocked at what he witnessed - a complete township equipped with everything from small cinema halls as popular as multiplexes, a mini hospital, places of worship and even grocery and wholesale markets. The only thing missing were the basic amenities. People cooked and dumped at the same place."
Over a period of the next 10 days, Simon and Paresh toured the city together in the scorching summer heat, exploring every nook and cranny. Sites like Asia's biggest slum Dharavi, hutments on the banks of the filthy Mahim creek, the Mulund and Gorai dumping grounds, a red-light district in South Mumbai, the revered Haji Ali and Siddhivinayak temple and the iconic Victoria Terminus dotted their itinerary.
"I introduced Simon to Indian culture, relationships, religions and the joint family system. He was shooting everything. Simon culled his understanding of Mumbai from the numerous cutting chai sessions at Dharavi and interactions with people of various strata and ages," says Paresh.
Ask him about what the British screenwriter took away from the trip, and Paresh says, "All that Simon saw here has been captured in the movie quite well. The negative side of the city has been used very artistically... like in the scene where the brothers are accosted by Ankur (the beggar mafia boss) at the Mulund dumping ground." In fact, many places visited by the duo are included in the film - Pawan Hans slum, Mulund dumping grounds, red-light area and VT station.
Paresh further shares an anecdote on the reason behind the brief cameo by Amitabh Bachchan. "Simon wanted to know about Bollywood, apart from Shah Rukh Khan whose star status he was already aware of. He also wondered how the 60-year-old Big B was still so famous with the masses. So I took him to Gaiety theatre in Bandra for a Bunty Aur Babli show. Amongst the hoots and whistles of the crazy audience, Simon fell in love with the 'Kajra Re' song." The kids playing cricket on the airstrip, the temporary toilets in the slums, the idea of a school, all things clicked. "All these elements are there in the movie as very good drama," exclaims Paresh.
On the credit he never received for Slumdog, as the project according to Paresh shifted to another Line Producer in 2008, the NSD Delhi graduate says, "I was approached by Danny Boyle and Simon on their second visit to India in 2008 to get on board as the casting director but I already had a full-time commitment with Frameboxx and therefore could not join the team."
"I was part of the pre-production under a different line producer (Rakesh Mehra, line producer for Bollywood films like Naina, Straight and Hollywood films like Armageddon, The Warrior). Why will someone bother about who helped Simon in the scripting?"
Moreover, in reply to Paresh's e-mail after the BAFTA award, Simon asserted, 'Thanks so much for your kind words, Paresh. Glad you liked it (the movie). Thank you for playing your part in the creation of the movie. Couldn't have done it without you.' This is due acknowledgement to their camaraderie, opines Paresh.
Did Paresh ever think that the film would make it to the Oscars? He ripostes, "It was just another project. Assisting a screenwriter certainly was a novel experience for me. The fact that the screenplay is the most important part of filmmaking is something I have understood by working with Simon."
With the Slumdog-mania behind him, Paresh is now awaiting the release for Ketan Mehta's Rang Rasiya, for which he is the casting director. Meanwhile he is content in teaching animation students the nuances of acting. "I am quite happy right now," he quips as he leaves us for his students with whom he will share the exciting experience of bringing the real 'slums' to one of the most crowd-pleasing feature films of contemporary times.
Around 2005, long before the worldwide recognition and all the adulation and awards, Danny Boyle's adaptation of Vikas Swarup's novel Q & A was just another project in the making. It was when Simon Beaufoy, the project's screenplay writer decided to come to Mumbai, the city in Swarup's novel, to see for himself the various hues and shades of the mega polis.
Simon had already won acclaim for his work in The Full Monty and knew his way around his city, London, very well. But he was completely at sea in the land of million mutinies. This is when he was introduced to Paresh Parekh - actor, casting director, dramatics lecturer and a pukka Mumbaiite for 14 years.
In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Paresh, who is currently working as a creative director with Frameboxx Animation & Visual Effects, shares experiences that formed the backdrop of Slumdog Millionaire's powerful, Oscar-winning screenplay. "When I was introduced to Simon in early 2005, I was working as a theatre teacher at M.P. Shah High School in Vile Parle (W), where I was directing plays with normal and mentally challenged children. After reading Q & A, the first place that I took him to was a slum right next to Pawan Hans. Simon was shocked at what he witnessed - a complete township equipped with everything from small cinema halls as popular as multiplexes, a mini hospital, places of worship and even grocery and wholesale markets. The only thing missing were the basic amenities. People cooked and dumped at the same place."
Over a period of the next 10 days, Simon and Paresh toured the city together in the scorching summer heat, exploring every nook and cranny. Sites like Asia's biggest slum Dharavi, hutments on the banks of the filthy Mahim creek, the Mulund and Gorai dumping grounds, a red-light district in South Mumbai, the revered Haji Ali and Siddhivinayak temple and the iconic Victoria Terminus dotted their itinerary.
"I introduced Simon to Indian culture, relationships, religions and the joint family system. He was shooting everything. Simon culled his understanding of Mumbai from the numerous cutting chai sessions at Dharavi and interactions with people of various strata and ages," says Paresh.
Ask him about what the British screenwriter took away from the trip, and Paresh says, "All that Simon saw here has been captured in the movie quite well. The negative side of the city has been used very artistically... like in the scene where the brothers are accosted by Ankur (the beggar mafia boss) at the Mulund dumping ground." In fact, many places visited by the duo are included in the film - Pawan Hans slum, Mulund dumping grounds, red-light area and VT station.
Paresh further shares an anecdote on the reason behind the brief cameo by Amitabh Bachchan. "Simon wanted to know about Bollywood, apart from Shah Rukh Khan whose star status he was already aware of. He also wondered how the 60-year-old Big B was still so famous with the masses. So I took him to Gaiety theatre in Bandra for a Bunty Aur Babli show. Amongst the hoots and whistles of the crazy audience, Simon fell in love with the 'Kajra Re' song." The kids playing cricket on the airstrip, the temporary toilets in the slums, the idea of a school, all things clicked. "All these elements are there in the movie as very good drama," exclaims Paresh.
On the credit he never received for Slumdog, as the project according to Paresh shifted to another Line Producer in 2008, the NSD Delhi graduate says, "I was approached by Danny Boyle and Simon on their second visit to India in 2008 to get on board as the casting director but I already had a full-time commitment with Frameboxx and therefore could not join the team."
"I was part of the pre-production under a different line producer (Rakesh Mehra, line producer for Bollywood films like Naina, Straight and Hollywood films like Armageddon, The Warrior). Why will someone bother about who helped Simon in the scripting?"
Moreover, in reply to Paresh's e-mail after the BAFTA award, Simon asserted, 'Thanks so much for your kind words, Paresh. Glad you liked it (the movie). Thank you for playing your part in the creation of the movie. Couldn't have done it without you.' This is due acknowledgement to their camaraderie, opines Paresh.
Did Paresh ever think that the film would make it to the Oscars? He ripostes, "It was just another project. Assisting a screenwriter certainly was a novel experience for me. The fact that the screenplay is the most important part of filmmaking is something I have understood by working with Simon."
With the Slumdog-mania behind him, Paresh is now awaiting the release for Ketan Mehta's Rang Rasiya, for which he is the casting director. Meanwhile he is content in teaching animation students the nuances of acting. "I am quite happy right now," he quips as he leaves us for his students with whom he will share the exciting experience of bringing the real 'slums' to one of the most crowd-pleasing feature films of contemporary times.
"I was assisting Anurag on Gulaal before he signed me for the film" - Ayesha
By Subhash K. Jha, March 19, 2009 - 11:19 IST
Anurag Kashyap's Gulaal is being swathed in wah-wahs and the unknown leading lady Ayesha Mohan who plays what's arguably the most complex role ever for a debutante, is suddenly being asked about.
But the truth is Ayesha, a Delhiite with no experience in acting, got the prized part by default. Not only that, when Anurag got to know Ayesha played the guitar and sang, he made the character Kiran sing and play the guitar.
"That's true. The character plays the guitar and sings because I do," laughs Ayesha. "I go everywhere with my guitar. So when Anurag heard me he said, 'What's that song you keep singing and playing?' I said it's 'I'm a Big Big Girl'. Anurag immediately incorporated the song and guitar into the character."
Initially about six years ago when Anurag first started making Gulaal, Antara Mali was supposed to do the role. She however lost interest in Gulaal and according to Anurag "got busy with Ramu".
Konkona Sen Sharma was approached for the layered part of an innocent scheming small-timer who's part Lolita, part-Lady Macbeth. But then Konkona showed no interest and then when she did, it was too late.
Ayesha virtually landed the role by default after all the other actresses showed a marked reluctance to work with him. Anurag just signed his assistant in a fit of anger.
Speaking from Delhi where she has returned after two years in Canada, Ayesha says, "That's true. I got the role totally by default. I was assisting Anurag. When he asked me to do the role I was zapped. But I was game for it. I had no idea how complex the character was. I went blindly by Anurag's interpretation."
The biggest problem was not playing the nuanced character but looking up to her leading man. "My leading man Raj Singh Choudhary is so tall, I got a sprain in my neck gazing into his eyes."
Ayesha's appetite for acting has been whetted by Gulaal. "Anurag made me realize I could act. After Gulaal I've done an English language film called The Pool with Nana Patekar directed by Chris Smith."
Ayesha describes The Pool as a film about slum kids, a Slumdog Millionaire without the drama. "It's already been released and has been well received abroad. I'm now looking at other roles. I also write and sing. So I think I'm quite a gypsy at heart."
Anurag Kashyap's Gulaal is being swathed in wah-wahs and the unknown leading lady Ayesha Mohan who plays what's arguably the most complex role ever for a debutante, is suddenly being asked about.
But the truth is Ayesha, a Delhiite with no experience in acting, got the prized part by default. Not only that, when Anurag got to know Ayesha played the guitar and sang, he made the character Kiran sing and play the guitar.
"That's true. The character plays the guitar and sings because I do," laughs Ayesha. "I go everywhere with my guitar. So when Anurag heard me he said, 'What's that song you keep singing and playing?' I said it's 'I'm a Big Big Girl'. Anurag immediately incorporated the song and guitar into the character."
Initially about six years ago when Anurag first started making Gulaal, Antara Mali was supposed to do the role. She however lost interest in Gulaal and according to Anurag "got busy with Ramu".
Konkona Sen Sharma was approached for the layered part of an innocent scheming small-timer who's part Lolita, part-Lady Macbeth. But then Konkona showed no interest and then when she did, it was too late.
Ayesha virtually landed the role by default after all the other actresses showed a marked reluctance to work with him. Anurag just signed his assistant in a fit of anger.
Speaking from Delhi where she has returned after two years in Canada, Ayesha says, "That's true. I got the role totally by default. I was assisting Anurag. When he asked me to do the role I was zapped. But I was game for it. I had no idea how complex the character was. I went blindly by Anurag's interpretation."
The biggest problem was not playing the nuanced character but looking up to her leading man. "My leading man Raj Singh Choudhary is so tall, I got a sprain in my neck gazing into his eyes."
Ayesha's appetite for acting has been whetted by Gulaal. "Anurag made me realize I could act. After Gulaal I've done an English language film called The Pool with Nana Patekar directed by Chris Smith."
Ayesha describes The Pool as a film about slum kids, a Slumdog Millionaire without the drama. "It's already been released and has been well received abroad. I'm now looking at other roles. I also write and sing. So I think I'm quite a gypsy at heart."
Is Nandita Das' directorial debut pro-Muslim?
By Subhash K. Jha, March 19, 2009 - 11:26 IST
Nandita's special screening of Firaaq in New Delhi on Monday night had her father, the eminent painter Jatin Das, moved to tears. "He had seen parts of the film earlier. When he saw the film in totality he couldn't believe I had done this. He was quite shaken. I guess I'm a chip of the old block. My parents spent their entire life fighting for causes. In Firaaq, I had to tell the story of the genocide that the Muslim community suffered after the Godhra incident in Gujarat."
Nandita shuns the accusation that Firaaq, a film on the Muslim carnage after the Godhra incident, is pro-Muslim. "I totally disagree with those who say the film is pro-Muslim. If I make a film on the Jews and their suffering will I be expected to present the other side's version? What can I do if there's no 'other side'? What happened to Muslims in Gujarat was not a communal riot, it was carnage. My film is not pro-Muslim. It's pro-humanism. Period. And if some people or political groups want to see Firaaq as a communal statement then so be it. I said what I had to."
The casting was tough enough. "Naseeruddin Shah, Deepti Naval and Paresh Rawal were always there in the script. The rest of the cast was also pretty much my first and last choice. But I wanted Om Puri to play the grave digger and Deepak Dobriyal for Shahana Goswami's husband's role."
Casting for the pivotal part of the Muslim child who loses his entire family in the riots and wanders around homeless was acutely problematic. "Every child I met wanted to dance to a Shah Rukh Khan tune. I had to tell them there were no songs in my film. We finally found Mohammad Samad who was completely non-filmy. But he smiled all the time. It broke my heart to explain to him that there was nothing for his character to smile about in the film. I had to keep reminding him of sad things to stop him from smiling."
Nandita's special screening of Firaaq in New Delhi on Monday night had her father, the eminent painter Jatin Das, moved to tears. "He had seen parts of the film earlier. When he saw the film in totality he couldn't believe I had done this. He was quite shaken. I guess I'm a chip of the old block. My parents spent their entire life fighting for causes. In Firaaq, I had to tell the story of the genocide that the Muslim community suffered after the Godhra incident in Gujarat."
Nandita shuns the accusation that Firaaq, a film on the Muslim carnage after the Godhra incident, is pro-Muslim. "I totally disagree with those who say the film is pro-Muslim. If I make a film on the Jews and their suffering will I be expected to present the other side's version? What can I do if there's no 'other side'? What happened to Muslims in Gujarat was not a communal riot, it was carnage. My film is not pro-Muslim. It's pro-humanism. Period. And if some people or political groups want to see Firaaq as a communal statement then so be it. I said what I had to."
The casting was tough enough. "Naseeruddin Shah, Deepti Naval and Paresh Rawal were always there in the script. The rest of the cast was also pretty much my first and last choice. But I wanted Om Puri to play the grave digger and Deepak Dobriyal for Shahana Goswami's husband's role."
Casting for the pivotal part of the Muslim child who loses his entire family in the riots and wanders around homeless was acutely problematic. "Every child I met wanted to dance to a Shah Rukh Khan tune. I had to tell them there were no songs in my film. We finally found Mohammad Samad who was completely non-filmy. But he smiled all the time. It broke my heart to explain to him that there was nothing for his character to smile about in the film. I had to keep reminding him of sad things to stop him from smiling."
Wishing Tanushree Dutta a very happy Birthday
This Bong babe first came into limelight when she won the Femina Miss India contest. Films were a natural progression for this dusky babe and she made quite a stunning debut with Aashiq Banaya Aapne. She followed it up with some sizzling acts in films like Chocolate, Bhagam Bhag, Raqeeb and Dhol. She is none other than Tanushree Dutta
Today this gorgeous actress celebrates her birthday and we at Bollywood Hungama give you the opportunity to extend your heartfelt wishes to Tanushree by clicking on the comments section below.
Today this gorgeous actress celebrates her birthday and we at Bollywood Hungama give you the opportunity to extend your heartfelt wishes to Tanushree by clicking on the comments section below.
Shoojit Sircar's next titled Jaffna would be based on the LTTE
By Subhash K. Jha, March 19, 2009 - 11:14 IST
The director, who went to Kashmir when militancy was still rampant in the Valley to shoot his love story Yahaan, is all set to shoot another film on a terror-infested troubled spot that was once known as paradise.
Shoojit who has almost completed Johnny Mastana with Amitabh Bachchan, will now plunge in a film called Jaffna, which will be shot in the politically-torn Sri Lankan area.
Disclosing details Shoojit says, "I think Mani Ratnam's Tamil film Kannathil Muttumital (featuring Madhavan and Simran) was also about the LTTE. But my Jaffna would be the first Hindi film to go into the critical situation in the area."
Sircar wants to shoot it like a thriller. "Jaffna would be an espionage thriller in the genre of The Bourne Identity. We've already acquired all the relevant permission to shoot in Sri Lanka."
The cast for the film to be shot in August is now being finalized. But Sircar will produce Jaffna in collaboration with UTV.
The director, who went to Kashmir when militancy was still rampant in the Valley to shoot his love story Yahaan, is all set to shoot another film on a terror-infested troubled spot that was once known as paradise.
Shoojit who has almost completed Johnny Mastana with Amitabh Bachchan, will now plunge in a film called Jaffna, which will be shot in the politically-torn Sri Lankan area.
Disclosing details Shoojit says, "I think Mani Ratnam's Tamil film Kannathil Muttumital (featuring Madhavan and Simran) was also about the LTTE. But my Jaffna would be the first Hindi film to go into the critical situation in the area."
Sircar wants to shoot it like a thriller. "Jaffna would be an espionage thriller in the genre of The Bourne Identity. We've already acquired all the relevant permission to shoot in Sri Lanka."
The cast for the film to be shot in August is now being finalized. But Sircar will produce Jaffna in collaboration with UTV.
Aamir Khan pours his heart out on CNN's show Talk Asia
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, March 18, 2009 - 16:47 IST
The Reigning Khan of Bollywood- Aamir Khan recently appeared on the show called 'Talk Asia' for CNN with host Anjali Rao in front of a live audience. The actor who of late has been very media-savvy spoke at length on topics as diverse as his on-going war of words with Shah Rukh Khan to the terror attacks that devastated Mumbai on 26/11 last year.
Post the stupendous success of his last film Ghajini, Aamir is being termed as the new 'King Khan' of Bollywood. Commenting on this, the actor said, "I had absolutely no intention of kicking Shah Rukh off his pedestal. Though I have to say, I don't think, he ever was on it. In my opinion, the actor who I really look up to is Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. He is someone who's work I really liked, a fantastic actor & the kind of stardom Mr. Bachchan has seen, none of us can ever hope to see."
He also shared what he felt about Ghajini breaking all kinds of records and emerging as the highest grossing Bollywood film of all time. "You can never really tell how a film is going to perform until you see the film with the audience. For me what is important is that when I see the film once it is ready, has it turned out the way we wanted it to? If we have done that, then that makes me feel happy."
The actor also expressed his views on the much talked about Oscar winning film Slumdog Millionaire. "I thought the movie was well intended. It was a very sincere attempt, but it didn't touch me personally, and I suspect its because, I'm not used to watching Indians speak English, all these slum kids talking in English... it's strange."
Finally the actor got emotional while sharing his thoughts on the ghastly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. "It was really devastating. It was like a nightmare, I could not believe it. It was shocking to see the audacity with which these attacks were carried out."
You can catch this entire episode on CNN on Wednesday, March 25, at 1800hrs IST with a repeat telecast on Saturday, March 28, at 1000hrs, 2000hrs IST.
The Reigning Khan of Bollywood- Aamir Khan recently appeared on the show called 'Talk Asia' for CNN with host Anjali Rao in front of a live audience. The actor who of late has been very media-savvy spoke at length on topics as diverse as his on-going war of words with Shah Rukh Khan to the terror attacks that devastated Mumbai on 26/11 last year.
Post the stupendous success of his last film Ghajini, Aamir is being termed as the new 'King Khan' of Bollywood. Commenting on this, the actor said, "I had absolutely no intention of kicking Shah Rukh off his pedestal. Though I have to say, I don't think, he ever was on it. In my opinion, the actor who I really look up to is Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. He is someone who's work I really liked, a fantastic actor & the kind of stardom Mr. Bachchan has seen, none of us can ever hope to see."
He also shared what he felt about Ghajini breaking all kinds of records and emerging as the highest grossing Bollywood film of all time. "You can never really tell how a film is going to perform until you see the film with the audience. For me what is important is that when I see the film once it is ready, has it turned out the way we wanted it to? If we have done that, then that makes me feel happy."
The actor also expressed his views on the much talked about Oscar winning film Slumdog Millionaire. "I thought the movie was well intended. It was a very sincere attempt, but it didn't touch me personally, and I suspect its because, I'm not used to watching Indians speak English, all these slum kids talking in English... it's strange."
Finally the actor got emotional while sharing his thoughts on the ghastly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. "It was really devastating. It was like a nightmare, I could not believe it. It was shocking to see the audacity with which these attacks were carried out."
You can catch this entire episode on CNN on Wednesday, March 25, at 1800hrs IST with a repeat telecast on Saturday, March 28, at 1000hrs, 2000hrs IST.
Priyanka Chopra to receive Nielsen Box Office Award
Priyanka Chopra seems to be in the best phase of her career. The actress will be receiving the Nielsen Box Office Award for her outstanding contribution to Asian film industry. The award will be presented to Ms. Chopra by 'The Hollywood Reporter' during the 3rd Annual Asian Film Awards on March 23. The Asian Film Awards, which recognizes professionals for their outstanding achievements in the field of Asian cinema, will be held as part of the 33rd Hong Kong International Film Festival at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
"Priyanka Chopra is India's number one female star. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her outstanding work," said Eric Mika, Publisher of 'The Hollywood Reporter' and Vice President, Nielsen Media and Entertainment Group. "It is truly amazing to acknowledge the breadth of her success, and we are honored to bestow the Nielsen Box Office Award on someone who has done so incredibly much in so little time."
Priyanka is only the second recipient to receive the Nielsen Box Office Award. She joins Andy Lau, who received the inaugural award at the 2007 ceremony.
Now in its third year, the Asian Film Awards will be recorded in front of a live audience on March 23 and will be telecast on Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) to 30 million people in more than 30 countries, and on Star World to more than 79 million homes around the world.
"Priyanka Chopra is India's number one female star. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her outstanding work," said Eric Mika, Publisher of 'The Hollywood Reporter' and Vice President, Nielsen Media and Entertainment Group. "It is truly amazing to acknowledge the breadth of her success, and we are honored to bestow the Nielsen Box Office Award on someone who has done so incredibly much in so little time."
Priyanka is only the second recipient to receive the Nielsen Box Office Award. She joins Andy Lau, who received the inaugural award at the 2007 ceremony.
Now in its third year, the Asian Film Awards will be recorded in front of a live audience on March 23 and will be telecast on Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) to 30 million people in more than 30 countries, and on Star World to more than 79 million homes around the world.
Neeraj Shridhar & Tulsi Kumar shoot a special music video for Tasveer 8 x 10
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, March 18, 2009 - 16:37 IST
Even as the promos of Akshay Kumar's next big release Tasveer 8 x 10 makes its presence felt across T.V. channels, the audio-packaging and styling of the film is going on in full swing.
Recently, singers Tulsi Kumar and Neeraj Shridhar shot a special music video at a suburban studio in Mumbai. The number 'Aaja Maahi' is composed by Neeraj and the video is directed by Ajeen Parkar.
In the past, Neeraj has given Akshay hit numbers such as 'Hare Krishna Hare Rama' (Bhool Bhulaiya) and 'Heyy Babyy' (Heyy Babyy). Will he be able to deliver yet another chartbuster with 'Aaja Maahi'? One will have to wait and watch.
Even as the promos of Akshay Kumar's next big release Tasveer 8 x 10 makes its presence felt across T.V. channels, the audio-packaging and styling of the film is going on in full swing.
Recently, singers Tulsi Kumar and Neeraj Shridhar shot a special music video at a suburban studio in Mumbai. The number 'Aaja Maahi' is composed by Neeraj and the video is directed by Ajeen Parkar.
In the past, Neeraj has given Akshay hit numbers such as 'Hare Krishna Hare Rama' (Bhool Bhulaiya) and 'Heyy Babyy' (Heyy Babyy). Will he be able to deliver yet another chartbuster with 'Aaja Maahi'? One will have to wait and watch.
Asin features in the March issue of Verve
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, March 17, 2009 - 12:51 IST
As summer draws near the days get hotter, and so do our very own folks in B-Town. Fashion magazine Verve shows us how to take a refreshing break with an issue that ushers in spring 'n style this summer.
In store for readers this season is the actress sultry as sin, Asin, as the cover girl who brings a whiff of the beautiful south to tinsel town. After her scintillating award-winning Bollywood debut in the record breaking film Ghajini, she is being touted as the flavour du jour and has been inviting comparisons with the legendary Sridevi. Read about her no-holds-bar spirit and her chameleon-like ability to adapt to different situations and roles in 'The Enchantress of Kochi'.
Verve's 2009 Fresh List continues the tradition of toasting budding talent from the arts, entertainment and fashion. This year featuring an eclectic bunch that includes actress Frieda Pinto, saxophonist Rhys Sebastian, singer Alisha Bath, filmmaker Ayan Mukerji, designer Sinjini Mukherjee and many more. Together, they are young, hip, unstoppable and raring to go.
Also, in this issue, Zoya Akhtar tells us how she manages to hold her own as a young woman director in Bollywood. All this and much more in the March issue of Verve.
As summer draws near the days get hotter, and so do our very own folks in B-Town. Fashion magazine Verve shows us how to take a refreshing break with an issue that ushers in spring 'n style this summer.
In store for readers this season is the actress sultry as sin, Asin, as the cover girl who brings a whiff of the beautiful south to tinsel town. After her scintillating award-winning Bollywood debut in the record breaking film Ghajini, she is being touted as the flavour du jour and has been inviting comparisons with the legendary Sridevi. Read about her no-holds-bar spirit and her chameleon-like ability to adapt to different situations and roles in 'The Enchantress of Kochi'.
Verve's 2009 Fresh List continues the tradition of toasting budding talent from the arts, entertainment and fashion. This year featuring an eclectic bunch that includes actress Frieda Pinto, saxophonist Rhys Sebastian, singer Alisha Bath, filmmaker Ayan Mukerji, designer Sinjini Mukherjee and many more. Together, they are young, hip, unstoppable and raring to go.
Also, in this issue, Zoya Akhtar tells us how she manages to hold her own as a young woman director in Bollywood. All this and much more in the March issue of Verve.
Shahid Kapoor signed as a brand ambassador for Levi Strauss Signature
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, March 18, 2009 - 11:30 IST
After endorsing VIP luggage and audio systems' major brand Pioneer, teen heartthrob Shahid Kapoor has bagged yet another plum endorsement. Levi Strauss Signature has signed Shahid as its brand ambassador. The actor, a youth icon, is seen as an aspirational figure and the company is placing its bet exactly on that.
Shumone Chatterjee, Country Manager, Levi Strauss & Co India Pvt. Ltd, said, "Shahid is a youth icon and Levi Strauss Signature is an iconic youth apparel brand - it's fitting that they both zip together. Shahid is a quintessential blend of youth and style, which is what the Levi Strauss Signature brand stands for. India is a strong growth market for the Levi Strauss Signature brand and signing on Shahid as its face will help us create a closer connection with our young audience."
On his association with the brand, Shahid said, "I have always been a great admirer of the Levi Strauss Signature brand. It's relaxed and on-trend styles reflect my personal style, and the sentiment of the youth whom I identify with so closely. It's great to be associated with such an iconic brand."
The company has planned an exciting media campaign and various interactive consumer related activities with Shahid in the coming months.
With such plum endorsement deals and some interesting films on hand, Shahid's 'Kismat' is certainly getting 'Konnected' in the right way.
After endorsing VIP luggage and audio systems' major brand Pioneer, teen heartthrob Shahid Kapoor has bagged yet another plum endorsement. Levi Strauss Signature has signed Shahid as its brand ambassador. The actor, a youth icon, is seen as an aspirational figure and the company is placing its bet exactly on that.
Shumone Chatterjee, Country Manager, Levi Strauss & Co India Pvt. Ltd, said, "Shahid is a youth icon and Levi Strauss Signature is an iconic youth apparel brand - it's fitting that they both zip together. Shahid is a quintessential blend of youth and style, which is what the Levi Strauss Signature brand stands for. India is a strong growth market for the Levi Strauss Signature brand and signing on Shahid as its face will help us create a closer connection with our young audience."
On his association with the brand, Shahid said, "I have always been a great admirer of the Levi Strauss Signature brand. It's relaxed and on-trend styles reflect my personal style, and the sentiment of the youth whom I identify with so closely. It's great to be associated with such an iconic brand."
The company has planned an exciting media campaign and various interactive consumer related activities with Shahid in the coming months.
With such plum endorsement deals and some interesting films on hand, Shahid's 'Kismat' is certainly getting 'Konnected' in the right way.
Adnan's 14-year old son to cut his own album, Javed Akhtar to pen the lyrics
By Subhash K. Jha, March 18, 2009 - 11:18 IST
Adnan Sami's son Azaan (from his marriage to Zeba Bakhtiar) who's down in India to visit his ailing grandfather, is all set cut his own album.
Not surprising, considering the boy has already made a short film Meri Kahani which was screened at the Goa Film Festival last year where Azaan was seen with his mother Zeba Bakhtiar.
Says the proud father, "Azaan made that film on computer software Final Cut Pro that I presented him. I think Farhan Akhtar made Lakshya on the same software. And now Azaan has inherited my music sense. My boy has already composed and sung 7 songs for the album without any help from me. He's all set to release his album long before the age when I released my first album."
Apparently, Javed Akhtar heard Azaan's compositions and was impressed enough to agree to write the lyrics. Says Adnan, "Yes Javed Saab loved the songs. He's perfect to write the lyrics for Azaan's songs. At the moment Azaan is spending as much time as possible with my father whose face lights up every time he sees his grandson. I don't want to separate them for even a minute. But my father insisted I take Azaan out to experience the festival of Holi on Wednesday."
The album is expected to be finalized during Azaan's Mumbai stay this time. Adds Azaan, "I think my father started his career in music when he was 19. I am starting at 14. So I do have a head start. I'm also writing a script for a feature film. Like my short film Meri Kahani it deals with the problems of the young. At the moment I'm just happy to be with my grandfather."
Father and son Adnan and Azaan watched Sholay on Tuesday night. Says Adnan, "Azaan saw Sholay for the first time. His comments on the film were so intricate I was bowled over. His short film has been appreciated in Goa. It's only a matter of time before Azaan makes his first full-length feature film. I've already asked him to cast me in the lead."
Adnan Sami's son Azaan (from his marriage to Zeba Bakhtiar) who's down in India to visit his ailing grandfather, is all set cut his own album.
Not surprising, considering the boy has already made a short film Meri Kahani which was screened at the Goa Film Festival last year where Azaan was seen with his mother Zeba Bakhtiar.
Says the proud father, "Azaan made that film on computer software Final Cut Pro that I presented him. I think Farhan Akhtar made Lakshya on the same software. And now Azaan has inherited my music sense. My boy has already composed and sung 7 songs for the album without any help from me. He's all set to release his album long before the age when I released my first album."
Apparently, Javed Akhtar heard Azaan's compositions and was impressed enough to agree to write the lyrics. Says Adnan, "Yes Javed Saab loved the songs. He's perfect to write the lyrics for Azaan's songs. At the moment Azaan is spending as much time as possible with my father whose face lights up every time he sees his grandson. I don't want to separate them for even a minute. But my father insisted I take Azaan out to experience the festival of Holi on Wednesday."
The album is expected to be finalized during Azaan's Mumbai stay this time. Adds Azaan, "I think my father started his career in music when he was 19. I am starting at 14. So I do have a head start. I'm also writing a script for a feature film. Like my short film Meri Kahani it deals with the problems of the young. At the moment I'm just happy to be with my grandfather."
Father and son Adnan and Azaan watched Sholay on Tuesday night. Says Adnan, "Azaan saw Sholay for the first time. His comments on the film were so intricate I was bowled over. His short film has been appreciated in Goa. It's only a matter of time before Azaan makes his first full-length feature film. I've already asked him to cast me in the lead."
Prem Chopra Bollywood's Dark Knight
By Screen Weekly, March 18, 2009 - 10:34 IST
From his debut as hero in Chaudhary Karnail Singh to his portryal of a wheeler-dealer Lalaji in Delhi-6, veteran Prem Chopra rewinds to his 47-year long journey of over 400 films!
Prem Chopra is an early bird; he begins his day at the crack of dawn and turns in by ten at night. However, that doesn't keep him from socialising with his old-time buddies - Rakesh Roshan and Jeetendra. He swims regularly and does Yoga. His 14th floor duplex apartment in Pali Hill, Bandra in Mumbai rings with the gigles of his grand-children. He is jovial and enthusiastic throughout the photo-session as we insist on more changes. He throws open his walk-in wardrobe to us and points to his collection of caps and hats for choice. Chopra is full of verve as he displays his proud family picture with his wife Uma and daughters - Prerana, Punita, Rakita and respective sons-in-law Sharman Joshi, Vikas Bhalla and Himanshu Nanda.
Chopra begins by listing out his forthcoming films. "I play the Maharaja of Bikaner married to a young bride played by Konkona Sen Sharma in Vinay Shukla's Mirch. In Sunil Shetty's Loot, I play the don; Sanjay Sharma's Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron pitches me opposite Anupam Kher. Vinod Chhabria's My Husband's Wife in which Rati Agnihotri plays my bahu is also ready," he enumerates breathlessly. Talk about being busy and he brushes off the suggestion saying he's certainly "not as busy as he used to be!" He restrains himself to meaningful roles, he asserts. He enjoys living in present and the glorious past is just a happy memory.
Chandni Chowk In Rajasthan
When Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra approached Chopra for Delhi-6, he was all gung-ho about his part of Lalaji, the none-too-scrupulous moneylender. The entire set of Chandni Chowk used throughout the film was put up at Sambar village in Rajasthan, but Chopra had a fall at home and doctors advised him not to travel. Chopra decided to back out of the project but Mehra intervened saying," We will wait." As luck would have it, the schedule was postponed and by then Chopra was back on his feet. He shot in Sambar village for over four months and he's all praise for the hospitality which comprised of "immaculate arrangements and good security". Chopra rues that the film wasn't a winner," So much hard work had gone into it," he sighs, shaking his head. It's noteworthy that even after 47 years in filmdom, Chopra is still so concerned about the box-office outcome of his films.
Punjabi Hero
He has come a long way since he left his hometown Shimla to "try his luck in acting". His father Ranbirlal Chopra, a high-ranking Government official, would have much preferred his "studious and focussed" son to join the Indian Administrative Services. The third among six siblings, young Prem was already bitten by the acting bug. He took part in college dramatics enthusiastically and was very popular as well. At his father's insistence he completed his graduation and then came to Mumbai. "Although my father felt that there was no future in acting, he allowed me to go the land of opportunity," he admits gratefully. While he stayed at various guest-houses in Colaba, Mumbai, he landed himself a "pretty good job" in the circulation department of a publication house.
He embarked on the arduous route of visiting film studios and displaying his portfolio and to his great surprise Jagjit Sethi, a Punjabi producer, gave him the break as Jabeen's hero in Chaudhary Karnail Singh. "It was a Punjabi film but I felt it was a good way to gain access to Hindi movies," he reasons. As luck would have it this Hindu-Muslim romance set against the backdrop of Indo-Pak partition turned out to be a big hit and even won the National award. Subsequently, Chopra starred in three more Punjabi films including Sapni. But of course, his heart was set on Hindi films.
Jaldi Kar Di...
Noted director Mehboob Khan was so impressed with this strapping, six-footer that he promised that he would launch him as the hero in his next film. But the veteran filmmaker fell ill and in the meantime Chopra ended up playing a three-scene negative role in Woh Kaun Thi? "Mehboobsaab was the chief guest at the premiere, although he got angry at me for doing a wrong film, he predicted that it would be a hit and I would be popular after it," Chopra reminisces. Prem did Shaheed in a sympathetic role but was soon signed up as the main villain of Teesri Manzil and Mera Saaya, both hits. The die was cast and Prem Chopra became the star-villain of his times.
His friends and well-wishers felt that his looks and personality ought to have landed him lead roles. Close associate composer Jaikishan felt, "Jaldi kar di", but Chopra has no regrets. "By the grace of God I am still around acting," he counters.
My Idol - Dilip Kumar
Chopra couldn't believe his luck when filmmaker B R Chopra cast him opposite Dilip Kumar in Dastaan. "My father had told me if I wanted to be an actor I should be like Dilip Kumar and indeed Dilip saab was my inspiration! And here I was, doing a film opposite him! Initially I was really nervous but then I steeled myself, I had to prove my worth," he relates. Dilip Kumar put his young co-star totally at ease by giving him some useful tips that have stood him in good stead all along feels Chopra, "Don't play it loud," was one such acting tip. Dilip Kumar was evidently pleased with the young villain whom he signed in his film Bairaag. Kranti and Duniya are two more films in which he got to work with the thespian.
Starry Encounters
Manoj Kumar is another star who has been "a consistent strength in his career". He recalls with pride about his role as Sukhdev in Manoj Kumar's all-time patriotic classic Shaheed,"It was shot on real locations like the Ludhiana jail where the martyrs were detained. We also shot in the death cells where they were kept in isolation," he explains. The film was made with a shoestring budget; at times they even used tennis floodlights for night shoots! Upkar was another of Manoj Kumar's films that catapulted him to further starry heights.
By now, Chopra had to give up his "regular job" as his acting commitments took up 20 days in a month. This was the time, the reigning villain Pran was shifting to character roles and Prem Chopra was the appropriate younger option. He played the main villain opposite most of the stars of his times including Rajendra Kumar, Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor, Jeetendra and Rakesh Roshan.
Chopra raided the box-office with Rajesh Khanna; they made a popular pair in as many as 15 films like Do Raaste, Kati Patang, Prem Nagar, Ajnabee, Doli etc. al. "We shared many pleasant evenings together, but he was quite cold towards me when I met him recently," he adds with a shrug.
Prem Naam Hai Mera ...
It was time for the top villain of his time to settle into matrimony and his concerned father came down with this single-point agenda. Noted writer-director Lekh Tandon brought the proposal of Uma, the younger sister of Krishna Kapoor, Prem- nath and Rajendranath. It was in 1969 that the two were married, and they were blessed with three lovely daughters subsequently. By now, Chopra had become synonymous with on-screen villainy. When co-brother Raj Kapoor cast him in Bobby, he would keep asking about his "character" and Kapoor would wave him off saying," It's a role that will get you publicity worth millions." Chopra was rather skeptical when all he had to do in Bobby was to hold Dimple's arm and add menacingly, "Prem naam hai mera...Prem Chopra." But the film was a big hit and hitherto wherever Chopra is invited this is one-liner that he has to say on popular demand.
One-liners became his forte and cinegoers would remember the film by those. Some of his popular one-line punches are - "Main woh balaa hoon jo sheeshe se patthar ko todta hoon ." (Souten), "Bhains poonch uthayegi to gaana to nahin gaayegi, gobar hi degi" (Aaj Ka Arjun) "Nanga nahayega kya aur nichodega kya" (Dulhe Raja).
Obligardo Bachchan
His association with Amitabh Bachchan dates back to days when the star was but a struggler and they co-starred in Raaste Ka Patthar. "Even then he was a very good actor and very disciplined and he still is," he remarks. He recalls their two-week-long The Great Gambler outdoors in Rome and Lisbon fondly. "Oh, we had such good times together, we laughed so much. He's a private person but when he opens up he's does so beautifully," he adds. Chopra recalls how Bachchan would watch his rushes again and again, seeking self-improvement.
He illustrates how "refined" Bachchan is," I had a trial of Dostana and Bachchan also wanted to show the rushes to his parents who were in town then. When I got delayed owing to some pending dubbing that I had to wrap up, he came up to me and apologised for 'barging in' saying it was my trial after all." Chopra shares a great camarederie with the superstar still and whenever they meet they hail each other in Italian as "Obligardo!"
Tough Competitors - Amjad Khan And Om puri
Although his senior in age, Amrish Puri had played Chopra's henchman in Dostana and Imaan Dharam. But he emerged a great adversary after his stellar role of Mogambo in Mr India. Likewise, super villain Amjad Khan's Gabbar stole the thunder from Chopra. Misguided by industry advisors, he thumbed down Himmatwala. Such missed chances resulted in a short lapse in his career. But Prem Chopra sprung back into action with character roles in Betaab and Andhaa Kaanoon. "People started casting me in elderly roles. I am happy that I am still around playing substantial roles. It's sometimes good to be not too ambitious," he reflects.
With his three daughters settled in their own right - Punita runs a school, Prerana is an artiste and Rakita is a graphics specialist. What Chopra really celebrates is the fact that there are filmmakers like Dev Anand who will cast him in every film of theirs. He's also awaiting the release of his English film, The Thread, a thriller co-starring Roshan Seth. "I play the main character in the film - someone who believes in the ritual of the thread-ceremony," he elaborates. He was spotted in amiable roles with Hrithik Roshan in Koi...Mil Gaya and Abhishek Bachchan in Bunty Aur Babli.
And he concludes candidly, "No one in showbiz wants to retire, and I am no exception to that!" The celebrated villain enjoys being a non-controversial family-bound man in real life.
Screen India
From his debut as hero in Chaudhary Karnail Singh to his portryal of a wheeler-dealer Lalaji in Delhi-6, veteran Prem Chopra rewinds to his 47-year long journey of over 400 films!
Prem Chopra is an early bird; he begins his day at the crack of dawn and turns in by ten at night. However, that doesn't keep him from socialising with his old-time buddies - Rakesh Roshan and Jeetendra. He swims regularly and does Yoga. His 14th floor duplex apartment in Pali Hill, Bandra in Mumbai rings with the gigles of his grand-children. He is jovial and enthusiastic throughout the photo-session as we insist on more changes. He throws open his walk-in wardrobe to us and points to his collection of caps and hats for choice. Chopra is full of verve as he displays his proud family picture with his wife Uma and daughters - Prerana, Punita, Rakita and respective sons-in-law Sharman Joshi, Vikas Bhalla and Himanshu Nanda.
Chopra begins by listing out his forthcoming films. "I play the Maharaja of Bikaner married to a young bride played by Konkona Sen Sharma in Vinay Shukla's Mirch. In Sunil Shetty's Loot, I play the don; Sanjay Sharma's Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron pitches me opposite Anupam Kher. Vinod Chhabria's My Husband's Wife in which Rati Agnihotri plays my bahu is also ready," he enumerates breathlessly. Talk about being busy and he brushes off the suggestion saying he's certainly "not as busy as he used to be!" He restrains himself to meaningful roles, he asserts. He enjoys living in present and the glorious past is just a happy memory.
Chandni Chowk In Rajasthan
When Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra approached Chopra for Delhi-6, he was all gung-ho about his part of Lalaji, the none-too-scrupulous moneylender. The entire set of Chandni Chowk used throughout the film was put up at Sambar village in Rajasthan, but Chopra had a fall at home and doctors advised him not to travel. Chopra decided to back out of the project but Mehra intervened saying," We will wait." As luck would have it, the schedule was postponed and by then Chopra was back on his feet. He shot in Sambar village for over four months and he's all praise for the hospitality which comprised of "immaculate arrangements and good security". Chopra rues that the film wasn't a winner," So much hard work had gone into it," he sighs, shaking his head. It's noteworthy that even after 47 years in filmdom, Chopra is still so concerned about the box-office outcome of his films.
Punjabi Hero
He has come a long way since he left his hometown Shimla to "try his luck in acting". His father Ranbirlal Chopra, a high-ranking Government official, would have much preferred his "studious and focussed" son to join the Indian Administrative Services. The third among six siblings, young Prem was already bitten by the acting bug. He took part in college dramatics enthusiastically and was very popular as well. At his father's insistence he completed his graduation and then came to Mumbai. "Although my father felt that there was no future in acting, he allowed me to go the land of opportunity," he admits gratefully. While he stayed at various guest-houses in Colaba, Mumbai, he landed himself a "pretty good job" in the circulation department of a publication house.
He embarked on the arduous route of visiting film studios and displaying his portfolio and to his great surprise Jagjit Sethi, a Punjabi producer, gave him the break as Jabeen's hero in Chaudhary Karnail Singh. "It was a Punjabi film but I felt it was a good way to gain access to Hindi movies," he reasons. As luck would have it this Hindu-Muslim romance set against the backdrop of Indo-Pak partition turned out to be a big hit and even won the National award. Subsequently, Chopra starred in three more Punjabi films including Sapni. But of course, his heart was set on Hindi films.
Jaldi Kar Di...
Noted director Mehboob Khan was so impressed with this strapping, six-footer that he promised that he would launch him as the hero in his next film. But the veteran filmmaker fell ill and in the meantime Chopra ended up playing a three-scene negative role in Woh Kaun Thi? "Mehboobsaab was the chief guest at the premiere, although he got angry at me for doing a wrong film, he predicted that it would be a hit and I would be popular after it," Chopra reminisces. Prem did Shaheed in a sympathetic role but was soon signed up as the main villain of Teesri Manzil and Mera Saaya, both hits. The die was cast and Prem Chopra became the star-villain of his times.
His friends and well-wishers felt that his looks and personality ought to have landed him lead roles. Close associate composer Jaikishan felt, "Jaldi kar di", but Chopra has no regrets. "By the grace of God I am still around acting," he counters.
My Idol - Dilip Kumar
Chopra couldn't believe his luck when filmmaker B R Chopra cast him opposite Dilip Kumar in Dastaan. "My father had told me if I wanted to be an actor I should be like Dilip Kumar and indeed Dilip saab was my inspiration! And here I was, doing a film opposite him! Initially I was really nervous but then I steeled myself, I had to prove my worth," he relates. Dilip Kumar put his young co-star totally at ease by giving him some useful tips that have stood him in good stead all along feels Chopra, "Don't play it loud," was one such acting tip. Dilip Kumar was evidently pleased with the young villain whom he signed in his film Bairaag. Kranti and Duniya are two more films in which he got to work with the thespian.
Starry Encounters
Manoj Kumar is another star who has been "a consistent strength in his career". He recalls with pride about his role as Sukhdev in Manoj Kumar's all-time patriotic classic Shaheed,"It was shot on real locations like the Ludhiana jail where the martyrs were detained. We also shot in the death cells where they were kept in isolation," he explains. The film was made with a shoestring budget; at times they even used tennis floodlights for night shoots! Upkar was another of Manoj Kumar's films that catapulted him to further starry heights.
By now, Chopra had to give up his "regular job" as his acting commitments took up 20 days in a month. This was the time, the reigning villain Pran was shifting to character roles and Prem Chopra was the appropriate younger option. He played the main villain opposite most of the stars of his times including Rajendra Kumar, Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor, Jeetendra and Rakesh Roshan.
Chopra raided the box-office with Rajesh Khanna; they made a popular pair in as many as 15 films like Do Raaste, Kati Patang, Prem Nagar, Ajnabee, Doli etc. al. "We shared many pleasant evenings together, but he was quite cold towards me when I met him recently," he adds with a shrug.
Prem Naam Hai Mera ...
It was time for the top villain of his time to settle into matrimony and his concerned father came down with this single-point agenda. Noted writer-director Lekh Tandon brought the proposal of Uma, the younger sister of Krishna Kapoor, Prem- nath and Rajendranath. It was in 1969 that the two were married, and they were blessed with three lovely daughters subsequently. By now, Chopra had become synonymous with on-screen villainy. When co-brother Raj Kapoor cast him in Bobby, he would keep asking about his "character" and Kapoor would wave him off saying," It's a role that will get you publicity worth millions." Chopra was rather skeptical when all he had to do in Bobby was to hold Dimple's arm and add menacingly, "Prem naam hai mera...Prem Chopra." But the film was a big hit and hitherto wherever Chopra is invited this is one-liner that he has to say on popular demand.
One-liners became his forte and cinegoers would remember the film by those. Some of his popular one-line punches are - "Main woh balaa hoon jo sheeshe se patthar ko todta hoon ." (Souten), "Bhains poonch uthayegi to gaana to nahin gaayegi, gobar hi degi" (Aaj Ka Arjun) "Nanga nahayega kya aur nichodega kya" (Dulhe Raja).
Obligardo Bachchan
His association with Amitabh Bachchan dates back to days when the star was but a struggler and they co-starred in Raaste Ka Patthar. "Even then he was a very good actor and very disciplined and he still is," he remarks. He recalls their two-week-long The Great Gambler outdoors in Rome and Lisbon fondly. "Oh, we had such good times together, we laughed so much. He's a private person but when he opens up he's does so beautifully," he adds. Chopra recalls how Bachchan would watch his rushes again and again, seeking self-improvement.
He illustrates how "refined" Bachchan is," I had a trial of Dostana and Bachchan also wanted to show the rushes to his parents who were in town then. When I got delayed owing to some pending dubbing that I had to wrap up, he came up to me and apologised for 'barging in' saying it was my trial after all." Chopra shares a great camarederie with the superstar still and whenever they meet they hail each other in Italian as "Obligardo!"
Tough Competitors - Amjad Khan And Om puri
Although his senior in age, Amrish Puri had played Chopra's henchman in Dostana and Imaan Dharam. But he emerged a great adversary after his stellar role of Mogambo in Mr India. Likewise, super villain Amjad Khan's Gabbar stole the thunder from Chopra. Misguided by industry advisors, he thumbed down Himmatwala. Such missed chances resulted in a short lapse in his career. But Prem Chopra sprung back into action with character roles in Betaab and Andhaa Kaanoon. "People started casting me in elderly roles. I am happy that I am still around playing substantial roles. It's sometimes good to be not too ambitious," he reflects.
With his three daughters settled in their own right - Punita runs a school, Prerana is an artiste and Rakita is a graphics specialist. What Chopra really celebrates is the fact that there are filmmakers like Dev Anand who will cast him in every film of theirs. He's also awaiting the release of his English film, The Thread, a thriller co-starring Roshan Seth. "I play the main character in the film - someone who believes in the ritual of the thread-ceremony," he elaborates. He was spotted in amiable roles with Hrithik Roshan in Koi...Mil Gaya and Abhishek Bachchan in Bunty Aur Babli.
And he concludes candidly, "No one in showbiz wants to retire, and I am no exception to that!" The celebrated villain enjoys being a non-controversial family-bound man in real life.
Screen India
Obama upset with Oscar trophies being 'outsourced' to India
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, March 17, 2009 - 15:04 IST
Few months back when the presidential elections in America concluded, the outcome was of an underdog rising to the most powerful seat in the world. But the US President Barrack Obama had said in his speech that outsourcing of jobs to other countries would be curtailed.
Now adding a bit of colour to this situation, obviously considered the fact that India too handles the outsourced jobs, our desi artist gives a quirky take on Indians winning America's most coveted film awards - the Oscars. The above image manages to get a giggle out of us considering the fact that even though our Indian talents are being recognised and honoured by Hollywood, the Oscar trophies are not very sure about the idea of getting "Outsourced".
Image Courtesy: Hemant Morparia
Few months back when the presidential elections in America concluded, the outcome was of an underdog rising to the most powerful seat in the world. But the US President Barrack Obama had said in his speech that outsourcing of jobs to other countries would be curtailed.
Now adding a bit of colour to this situation, obviously considered the fact that India too handles the outsourced jobs, our desi artist gives a quirky take on Indians winning America's most coveted film awards - the Oscars. The above image manages to get a giggle out of us considering the fact that even though our Indian talents are being recognised and honoured by Hollywood, the Oscar trophies are not very sure about the idea of getting "Outsourced".
Image Courtesy: Hemant Morparia
9XM's animated characters to star in animation feature, games
By Money Sharma, March 17, 2009 - 14:24 IST
9XM's animated dudes Bheegi Billi, Chhote-Bade, Beetle Nuts and others are soon going to grace the silver screen in an animation feature. The 90-minute 3D animated feature film will be complete 'Bollywood Masala' with song sequences and dance numbers incorporated in it.
Talking to Bollywood Hungama, Vikas Varma, head of music channel 9XM said, "Our plan to launch an animation feature is a natural progression of our characters that have already become popular amongst the audiences. We still haven't finalized on the title of the feature but tentatively we are keeping it Bakwaas Band Kar."
Currently in the scripting stage, the feature is expected to release in early 2010. On being asked about the animation studio going to work on the feature, he said, "We are planning to consider the same studio (Prime Focus) which has worked on animated shorts of our character because they understand our property and have the capability for right delivery."
In a couple of months, the channel also plans to add another character to its bunch of odd ball VJs - Badshah Ali Khan (a cross between Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Shah Rukh Khan) will make his appearance along with Chhote-Bade, Bheegi Billi and The Beetles.
With a refusal to comment on the budget of the movie, Varma concluded, "All our characters are the next Bollywood celebrities. All of them are inspired from Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan. We are already on mobile platform and are soon going to take these characters on the gaming, licensing and merchandising platforms in a big way."
9XM's animated dudes Bheegi Billi, Chhote-Bade, Beetle Nuts and others are soon going to grace the silver screen in an animation feature. The 90-minute 3D animated feature film will be complete 'Bollywood Masala' with song sequences and dance numbers incorporated in it.
Talking to Bollywood Hungama, Vikas Varma, head of music channel 9XM said, "Our plan to launch an animation feature is a natural progression of our characters that have already become popular amongst the audiences. We still haven't finalized on the title of the feature but tentatively we are keeping it Bakwaas Band Kar."
Currently in the scripting stage, the feature is expected to release in early 2010. On being asked about the animation studio going to work on the feature, he said, "We are planning to consider the same studio (Prime Focus) which has worked on animated shorts of our character because they understand our property and have the capability for right delivery."
In a couple of months, the channel also plans to add another character to its bunch of odd ball VJs - Badshah Ali Khan (a cross between Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Shah Rukh Khan) will make his appearance along with Chhote-Bade, Bheegi Billi and The Beetles.
With a refusal to comment on the budget of the movie, Varma concluded, "All our characters are the next Bollywood celebrities. All of them are inspired from Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan. We are already on mobile platform and are soon going to take these characters on the gaming, licensing and merchandising platforms in a big way."
"I don't want to make the same mistakes as before" - Tanushree Dutta
With a box office success (Aashiq Banaya Aapne) kick starting her career; Tanushree Dutta was all set to embark on a positive professional journey. Chocolate got her further appreciation while her special appearances in biggies like 36 China Town and Bhagam Bhag were considered to be a right move, considering both the films did well at the box office. Risk flopped at the box office but her 'Hitchki' became popular.
However, it was only downhill from there on since except for Priyadarshan's Dhol, none of her subsequent films (Good Boy Bad Boy, Raqeeb, Speed and Saas Bahu Aur Sensex) worked at the box office. Not to get bogged down by the failure of her movies, Tanushree instead decided to go slow and rather than picking up random projects (which, in her own words, would have merely kept her engaged), she chose to wait.
"I have made mistakes earlier and paid for them", says Tanushree in a candid tone, "I don't want to make the same mistakes again. I did some films that hardly excited audience. I guess now I can think better than never. I want to do stuff that audience is interested in watching on screen."
It's hard to believe though that film offers are not coming her way. So why hasn't she started signing films considering she has taken her fair share of break?
"See, offers do come my way but today I am much better placed than before. I can afford to pick and choose a project. I am only going to sign projects that offer me a fantastic role and setup and I am okay if it requires waiting for a while", says Tanushree.
Isn't it frustrating not to be facing the camera for so long? "No, it isn't", Tanushree is quick to respond, "I don't want to do a film for the sake of it. Moreover, there are a couple of projects that I am seriously considering and there should be an official announcement soon. So stay tuned!"
Meanwhile what happened to her action, adventure and fantasy filled Raama - The Saviour. The film that stars Saahil Khan [Style] in the title role was launched close to one a half year back but seems to have hit a roadblock.
"Yes, even I am awaiting the film's release. It belongs to an altogether genre, something that has not been explored for a while. In its heart, it is a children's movie and all those who have seen it have loved it. I am very positive about the film's prospects", concludes Tanushree with a smile.
However, it was only downhill from there on since except for Priyadarshan's Dhol, none of her subsequent films (Good Boy Bad Boy, Raqeeb, Speed and Saas Bahu Aur Sensex) worked at the box office. Not to get bogged down by the failure of her movies, Tanushree instead decided to go slow and rather than picking up random projects (which, in her own words, would have merely kept her engaged), she chose to wait.
"I have made mistakes earlier and paid for them", says Tanushree in a candid tone, "I don't want to make the same mistakes again. I did some films that hardly excited audience. I guess now I can think better than never. I want to do stuff that audience is interested in watching on screen."
It's hard to believe though that film offers are not coming her way. So why hasn't she started signing films considering she has taken her fair share of break?
"See, offers do come my way but today I am much better placed than before. I can afford to pick and choose a project. I am only going to sign projects that offer me a fantastic role and setup and I am okay if it requires waiting for a while", says Tanushree.
Isn't it frustrating not to be facing the camera for so long? "No, it isn't", Tanushree is quick to respond, "I don't want to do a film for the sake of it. Moreover, there are a couple of projects that I am seriously considering and there should be an official announcement soon. So stay tuned!"
Meanwhile what happened to her action, adventure and fantasy filled Raama - The Saviour. The film that stars Saahil Khan [Style] in the title role was launched close to one a half year back but seems to have hit a roadblock.
"Yes, even I am awaiting the film's release. It belongs to an altogether genre, something that has not been explored for a while. In its heart, it is a children's movie and all those who have seen it have loved it. I am very positive about the film's prospects", concludes Tanushree with a smile.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
From bad to worse!
- By Taran Adarsh, March 18, 2009 - 09:18 IST
With no major release in sight for the next few weeks, the business continues to slide downwards with each passing day. The only solace is the heartening business of SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, which is on a record-breaking spree in the three major markets - America [$ 132.6 million], U.K. [£ 29.6 million] and Australia [Aus. $ 17.8 million].
Weekend: March 13 - 15, 2009.
U.K. BOX-OFFICE
JAG JEONDEYAN DE MELE [Punjabi film; last weekend: No. 33, this weekend: No. 40]: In its fourth weekend, the film has collected £ 8,215 on 8 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 1,027. Total: £ 1,22,154 [approx. Rs. 88.32 lacs].
BILLU [last weekend: No. 43, this weekend: No. 49]: In its fifth weekend, the film has collected £ 5,399 on 16 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 337. Total: £ 5,27,467 [approx. Rs. 3.81 crores].
DELHI 6 [last weekend: No. 40, this weekend: No. 50]: In its fourth weekend, the film has collected £ 5,382 on 7 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 769. Total: £ 2,24,931 [approx. Rs. 1.63 crores].
THIS WEEKEND IN U.K.
[Based on screen averages]
RANK FILM AVERAGE
1 JAG JEONDEYAN DE MELE [Punjabi film] £ 1,027
2 DELHI 6 £ 769
3 BILLU £ 337
U.S.A. BOX-OFFICE
DELHI 6 [last weekend: No. 49, this weekend: No. 65]: In its fourth weekend, the film has collected $ 11,366 on 17 screens, with the per screen average working out to $ 669. Total: $ 8,79,913 [approx. Rs. 4.52 crores].
YAAVARUM NAALUM [the Tamil version of 13B; last weekend: No. 68, this weekend: No. 77]: In its second weekend, the film has collected $ 6,270 on 6 screens, with the per screen average working out to $ 1,045. Total: $ 21,127 [approx. Rs. 10.86 lacs].
13B [last weekend: No. 79, this weekend: No. 88]: In its second weekend, the film has collected $ 2,459 on 9 screens, with the per screen average working out to $ 273. Total: $ 10,542 [approx. Rs. 5.42 lacs].
With no major release in sight for the next few weeks, the business continues to slide downwards with each passing day. The only solace is the heartening business of SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, which is on a record-breaking spree in the three major markets - America [$ 132.6 million], U.K. [£ 29.6 million] and Australia [Aus. $ 17.8 million].
Weekend: March 13 - 15, 2009.
U.K. BOX-OFFICE
JAG JEONDEYAN DE MELE [Punjabi film; last weekend: No. 33, this weekend: No. 40]: In its fourth weekend, the film has collected £ 8,215 on 8 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 1,027. Total: £ 1,22,154 [approx. Rs. 88.32 lacs].
BILLU [last weekend: No. 43, this weekend: No. 49]: In its fifth weekend, the film has collected £ 5,399 on 16 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 337. Total: £ 5,27,467 [approx. Rs. 3.81 crores].
DELHI 6 [last weekend: No. 40, this weekend: No. 50]: In its fourth weekend, the film has collected £ 5,382 on 7 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 769. Total: £ 2,24,931 [approx. Rs. 1.63 crores].
THIS WEEKEND IN U.K.
[Based on screen averages]
RANK FILM AVERAGE
1 JAG JEONDEYAN DE MELE [Punjabi film] £ 1,027
2 DELHI 6 £ 769
3 BILLU £ 337
U.S.A. BOX-OFFICE
DELHI 6 [last weekend: No. 49, this weekend: No. 65]: In its fourth weekend, the film has collected $ 11,366 on 17 screens, with the per screen average working out to $ 669. Total: $ 8,79,913 [approx. Rs. 4.52 crores].
YAAVARUM NAALUM [the Tamil version of 13B; last weekend: No. 68, this weekend: No. 77]: In its second weekend, the film has collected $ 6,270 on 6 screens, with the per screen average working out to $ 1,045. Total: $ 21,127 [approx. Rs. 10.86 lacs].
13B [last weekend: No. 79, this weekend: No. 88]: In its second weekend, the film has collected $ 2,459 on 9 screens, with the per screen average working out to $ 273. Total: $ 10,542 [approx. Rs. 5.42 lacs].
"Kal Kissne Dekha won't be promoted through any mediums" - Vashu Bhagnani
By Joginder Tuteja, March 18, 2009 - 11:01 IST
Master of promotion and marketing gimmicks, Vashu Bhagnani, has taken an altogether different stand when it comes to the launch of his own son Jackky Bhagnani. Call it a well thought of gamble but Vashu, who was once known as the 'man with the Midas touch', has decided that he won't promote his Vivek Sharma directed Kal Kissne Dekha at all. In a conversation with Joginder Tuteja, he makes this shocking revelation while also stating reasons behind this move which is clearly against the tide in the current times when more than 200 satellite channels rule the television world.
Did you just say 'no promotion at all'?
Exactly. By no promotion, I really mean no promotion. I am not going slowly now to pick up pace towards the film's release. Instead, the film will release without any TV promos.
By no promotion, I really mean no promotion
How about other mediums?
The song CD is out and the tracks can also be heard and bought online. Apart from this, there won't be any other way that Kal Kissne Dekha will be exposed to audience before its release. There will be hoardings though but even that would be controlled. But if you are asking me about television promos then there would be none. Also, there won't be any radio promotion either.
But if you are asking me about television promos then there would be none. Also, there won't be any radio promotion either.
Is it happening due to ongoing 'producers v/s exhibitors' tussle?
It is not the reason but then the entire fiasco did get the thought running. It just set me in a thinking mode that why do we have to spend so much on the promotion when ultimately we are looking at getting back that money from the audience's pocket only. Kahin naa kahin se woh paisa wapas nikalna hi hai jo lagaaya hai, toh phir usme audience ko kyon pareshan kiya jaaye! It is better to save cost than inflict it on others.
But won't the 'zero promotion' stance turn out to be a deterrent for Jackky's launch?
It's an experiment and I hope that it turns out to be a new marketing 'mantra' in weeks and months to come. Also, at the end of the day, even if it sounds clichéd, it's the product that does the talking. Tell me, in the 60s or the 70s, was there any medium through which a movie was promoted? Were there any entertainment channels? Even then the films did succeed, right? We have been spoilt by so many choices available and more is only turning out to be less. I want to go against the trend and am quite positive that it will work.
So in a way you are creating a suspense element around Jackky by hiding him from the audience?
In a way, that's true. So the thought here is, if you want to see how Jackky looks on screen, come and watch him on the big screen. I would rather have audience see him for the first time on screen rather than hundred times a day on music channels before the D-Day. I want the curiosity element to be built around him and Vaishali (Desai), the debutant girl. Audience should keep guessing who they are and how well do they act on screen.
Tell me, in the 60s or the 70s, was there any medium through which a movie was promoted?
Seems like the Yash Raj Films way of promotion too has inspired you.
They too seldom go ballistic in the promotion of their films, case in point being Dhoom 2 which was hardly publicized but went on to be the biggest money spinner of their production house before Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi happened.
Yes, they too have attempted this promotion and marketing model earlier but I am aware that this is still in its infancy stage. You never know, this may well turn out to be future way of movie marketing. (Smiles) Aakhir, kal kissne dekha!
Master of promotion and marketing gimmicks, Vashu Bhagnani, has taken an altogether different stand when it comes to the launch of his own son Jackky Bhagnani. Call it a well thought of gamble but Vashu, who was once known as the 'man with the Midas touch', has decided that he won't promote his Vivek Sharma directed Kal Kissne Dekha at all. In a conversation with Joginder Tuteja, he makes this shocking revelation while also stating reasons behind this move which is clearly against the tide in the current times when more than 200 satellite channels rule the television world.
Did you just say 'no promotion at all'?
Exactly. By no promotion, I really mean no promotion. I am not going slowly now to pick up pace towards the film's release. Instead, the film will release without any TV promos.
By no promotion, I really mean no promotion
How about other mediums?
The song CD is out and the tracks can also be heard and bought online. Apart from this, there won't be any other way that Kal Kissne Dekha will be exposed to audience before its release. There will be hoardings though but even that would be controlled. But if you are asking me about television promos then there would be none. Also, there won't be any radio promotion either.
But if you are asking me about television promos then there would be none. Also, there won't be any radio promotion either.
Is it happening due to ongoing 'producers v/s exhibitors' tussle?
It is not the reason but then the entire fiasco did get the thought running. It just set me in a thinking mode that why do we have to spend so much on the promotion when ultimately we are looking at getting back that money from the audience's pocket only. Kahin naa kahin se woh paisa wapas nikalna hi hai jo lagaaya hai, toh phir usme audience ko kyon pareshan kiya jaaye! It is better to save cost than inflict it on others.
But won't the 'zero promotion' stance turn out to be a deterrent for Jackky's launch?
It's an experiment and I hope that it turns out to be a new marketing 'mantra' in weeks and months to come. Also, at the end of the day, even if it sounds clichéd, it's the product that does the talking. Tell me, in the 60s or the 70s, was there any medium through which a movie was promoted? Were there any entertainment channels? Even then the films did succeed, right? We have been spoilt by so many choices available and more is only turning out to be less. I want to go against the trend and am quite positive that it will work.
So in a way you are creating a suspense element around Jackky by hiding him from the audience?
In a way, that's true. So the thought here is, if you want to see how Jackky looks on screen, come and watch him on the big screen. I would rather have audience see him for the first time on screen rather than hundred times a day on music channels before the D-Day. I want the curiosity element to be built around him and Vaishali (Desai), the debutant girl. Audience should keep guessing who they are and how well do they act on screen.
Tell me, in the 60s or the 70s, was there any medium through which a movie was promoted?
Seems like the Yash Raj Films way of promotion too has inspired you.
They too seldom go ballistic in the promotion of their films, case in point being Dhoom 2 which was hardly publicized but went on to be the biggest money spinner of their production house before Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi happened.
Yes, they too have attempted this promotion and marketing model earlier but I am aware that this is still in its infancy stage. You never know, this may well turn out to be future way of movie marketing. (Smiles) Aakhir, kal kissne dekha!
"The title 'Aloo Chaat' itself was very appealing" - Aftab Shivdasani
By Joginder Tuteja, March 17, 2009 - 12:28 IST
It is turning out to be one busy and exciting season for Aftab Shivdasani. All of a sudden, he is staring at four of his films releasing in quick succession - Aloo Chaat, Acid Factory, Daddy Cool and Kambakth Ishq. In fact he seems to be coming back after a sabbatical of two years because in 2008, he saw only two releases. De Taali came after a delay while Money Hai Toh Honey Hai practically didn't have much of him in it as he featured in a miniscule role
. So during this period of assessing new projects, what exactly was he looking for? "The excitement factor", Aftab is prompt in replying, "By nature I have always been extremely selective about the projects that I do. And for that, my basic criterion has been whether the project excites me or not. I have to see whether it would give me satisfaction to be working in a particular setup. These films should make me feel happy. This was always my agenda and this will stay on to be my agenda. This is why right now too I am very selective."
And is Aloo Chaat one of those selected few films that excited him and made him nod in agreement? "Exactly. The title itself is so catchy that I had to do it. It is very appealing", Aftab says with a smile.
Excited about Aloo Chaat which features him in a solo lead, Aftab draws some neat references for this Robby Grewal directed film. "See, this one is a feel good funny film and has all the commercial ingredients that one would look forward to in a family entertainer. If you have loved Hrishikesh Mukherjee cinema in the 70s then you will love this well. Robby (Grewal) has a flair for incorporating small things about life that keep that smile on your face. Aloo Chaat has number of such heartwarming moments."
Robby, who has just returned to Mumbai after his marriage last week in Delhi, too is mighty pleased about working with Aftab. "He is a very good actor and his comic timing is great. When you work with him, you realize how good he is. I have utilized his comic potential in the film", he says.
The filmmaker was also quite clear that he wanted Aftab in the role of a Punjabi NRI who returns to New Delhi from America. "When I was writing the film, I spoke to him about the idea. He sounded excited and by the time my script was finalized, he was locked in for the role. It was as simple as that", states Robby who has earlier directed Samay - When Time Strikes and MP3 - Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar.
Starring debutant Aamna Shariff along with Linda Aresenio as the leading ladies, Aloo Chaat releases all over on 20th March.
It is turning out to be one busy and exciting season for Aftab Shivdasani. All of a sudden, he is staring at four of his films releasing in quick succession - Aloo Chaat, Acid Factory, Daddy Cool and Kambakth Ishq. In fact he seems to be coming back after a sabbatical of two years because in 2008, he saw only two releases. De Taali came after a delay while Money Hai Toh Honey Hai practically didn't have much of him in it as he featured in a miniscule role
. So during this period of assessing new projects, what exactly was he looking for? "The excitement factor", Aftab is prompt in replying, "By nature I have always been extremely selective about the projects that I do. And for that, my basic criterion has been whether the project excites me or not. I have to see whether it would give me satisfaction to be working in a particular setup. These films should make me feel happy. This was always my agenda and this will stay on to be my agenda. This is why right now too I am very selective."
And is Aloo Chaat one of those selected few films that excited him and made him nod in agreement? "Exactly. The title itself is so catchy that I had to do it. It is very appealing", Aftab says with a smile.
Excited about Aloo Chaat which features him in a solo lead, Aftab draws some neat references for this Robby Grewal directed film. "See, this one is a feel good funny film and has all the commercial ingredients that one would look forward to in a family entertainer. If you have loved Hrishikesh Mukherjee cinema in the 70s then you will love this well. Robby (Grewal) has a flair for incorporating small things about life that keep that smile on your face. Aloo Chaat has number of such heartwarming moments."
Robby, who has just returned to Mumbai after his marriage last week in Delhi, too is mighty pleased about working with Aftab. "He is a very good actor and his comic timing is great. When you work with him, you realize how good he is. I have utilized his comic potential in the film", he says.
The filmmaker was also quite clear that he wanted Aftab in the role of a Punjabi NRI who returns to New Delhi from America. "When I was writing the film, I spoke to him about the idea. He sounded excited and by the time my script was finalized, he was locked in for the role. It was as simple as that", states Robby who has earlier directed Samay - When Time Strikes and MP3 - Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar.
Starring debutant Aamna Shariff along with Linda Aresenio as the leading ladies, Aloo Chaat releases all over on 20th March.
'Gulaal' - that's the colour of business
March 18, 2009 - 09:16 IST
On Sunday night, I visited the food court of a sprawling mall located close to my home. This mall also houses one of the swankiest multiplexes of Mumbai. I noticed queues outside every food outlet/restaurant at the food court, but the 'Boxoffice' counter at the ground level sported an empty look. You could actually count the number of people standing there.
Could it be recession? An eatery/bistro/café and movies will never get hit by recession, I was told by several people. So how does one explain people spending thousands in the food court and not hundreds for a ticket at the adjoining cineplex?
The general feeling is that the common man has become very, very choosy when it comes to spending his hard-earned money on a movie ticket. Only if the face-value is exciting, the promo is attractive and the post-release buzz is positive will he enter a cineplex. Recession has only made him choosy of the number of movies he wants to watch in a month.
Okay, now let's talk of the two new releases. GULAAL first. DEV D had embarked on a strong start at some plexes of big centres and one was hoping that GULAAL would have a repeat performance, at least at some plexes. But the slow start did catch people by surprise, even though its producers [Zee Limelight] went out of its way to publicize the film. The start at plexes was approx. 25% - 30%, but the single screens and also the mass belt was a scary 10%.
Usually business picks up on Saturdays and Sundays, but GULAAL performed more or less the same on these two days. What kept the audiences away from GULAAL? DEV D got ample patronage from youth, but the youth didn't make a beeline for GULAAL, even though the film talks of youth. Also, the families [this section contributes enormously to the weekend business] stayed away from GULAAL because of an overdose of expletives in the film.
Monday onwards, GULAAL has crashed and nosedived even at plexes, which means that the film hasn't fared the way its makers were expecting it to fare. One only hopes that the learned Mr. Anurag Kashyap takes its failure in his stride, instead of being a bad loser and starting an abusive campaign against all and sundry, all over again.
On the other hand, JAI VEERU had a good start at single screens of North on Holi [Wednesday], but when it opened at multiplexes and also in Mumbai, Delhi and other major centres on Friday, the results were disastrous. The outcome didn't come as a surprise, frankly. No prizes for guessing its fate on the weekdays!
On Sunday night, I visited the food court of a sprawling mall located close to my home. This mall also houses one of the swankiest multiplexes of Mumbai. I noticed queues outside every food outlet/restaurant at the food court, but the 'Boxoffice' counter at the ground level sported an empty look. You could actually count the number of people standing there.
Could it be recession? An eatery/bistro/café and movies will never get hit by recession, I was told by several people. So how does one explain people spending thousands in the food court and not hundreds for a ticket at the adjoining cineplex?
The general feeling is that the common man has become very, very choosy when it comes to spending his hard-earned money on a movie ticket. Only if the face-value is exciting, the promo is attractive and the post-release buzz is positive will he enter a cineplex. Recession has only made him choosy of the number of movies he wants to watch in a month.
Okay, now let's talk of the two new releases. GULAAL first. DEV D had embarked on a strong start at some plexes of big centres and one was hoping that GULAAL would have a repeat performance, at least at some plexes. But the slow start did catch people by surprise, even though its producers [Zee Limelight] went out of its way to publicize the film. The start at plexes was approx. 25% - 30%, but the single screens and also the mass belt was a scary 10%.
Usually business picks up on Saturdays and Sundays, but GULAAL performed more or less the same on these two days. What kept the audiences away from GULAAL? DEV D got ample patronage from youth, but the youth didn't make a beeline for GULAAL, even though the film talks of youth. Also, the families [this section contributes enormously to the weekend business] stayed away from GULAAL because of an overdose of expletives in the film.
Monday onwards, GULAAL has crashed and nosedived even at plexes, which means that the film hasn't fared the way its makers were expecting it to fare. One only hopes that the learned Mr. Anurag Kashyap takes its failure in his stride, instead of being a bad loser and starting an abusive campaign against all and sundry, all over again.
On the other hand, JAI VEERU had a good start at single screens of North on Holi [Wednesday], but when it opened at multiplexes and also in Mumbai, Delhi and other major centres on Friday, the results were disastrous. The outcome didn't come as a surprise, frankly. No prizes for guessing its fate on the weekdays!
SRK and Aamir fight it out in the wrestling ring
y Bollywood Hungama News Network, March 16, 2009 - 17:15 IST
The way the birds wait for the morning calm, the breeze waits for the trees' sway and likes, its quite evident that the creative team of Amul must be eagerly awaiting some or the other Bollywood event to happen so that they can create a punny...sorry... funny one liner out of it, as their bread and butter (quite literally) depends on it.
The latest one from the stable of the scoopy Amul is that of the famously infamous war of words between the two Khans of Bollywood: Aamir and Shah Rukh! From the recent past media coverage, it's quite evident that the two Khans are indeed at loggerheads with each other. And who better than the Amul guys can do full justice to this! And this is exactly what forms the subject matter of the current edition of the 'Amul-toons' (as we would like to call it).
It has got the likes of SRK and Aamir (with his Ghajini-fied torso) face to face with each other with the tagline saying 'Grudge-ini'. It also has a baseline that says 'Amul: No.1 Khana'. The Amul who seems to be the referee in the ring where the two Khans are fighting, doesn't really seem very happy with the scene. Maybe she represents the reactions of Bollywood fans who may not be too pleased with their favourite stars fighting it out in the media like this.
Whatever be the case, we are all for Amul and its buttering ways in Bollywood! Way to go, Amul!
The way the birds wait for the morning calm, the breeze waits for the trees' sway and likes, its quite evident that the creative team of Amul must be eagerly awaiting some or the other Bollywood event to happen so that they can create a punny...sorry... funny one liner out of it, as their bread and butter (quite literally) depends on it.
The latest one from the stable of the scoopy Amul is that of the famously infamous war of words between the two Khans of Bollywood: Aamir and Shah Rukh! From the recent past media coverage, it's quite evident that the two Khans are indeed at loggerheads with each other. And who better than the Amul guys can do full justice to this! And this is exactly what forms the subject matter of the current edition of the 'Amul-toons' (as we would like to call it).
It has got the likes of SRK and Aamir (with his Ghajini-fied torso) face to face with each other with the tagline saying 'Grudge-ini'. It also has a baseline that says 'Amul: No.1 Khana'. The Amul who seems to be the referee in the ring where the two Khans are fighting, doesn't really seem very happy with the scene. Maybe she represents the reactions of Bollywood fans who may not be too pleased with their favourite stars fighting it out in the media like this.
Whatever be the case, we are all for Amul and its buttering ways in Bollywood! Way to go, Amul!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Kal Kissne Dekha-Music Review
By Joginder Tuteja, March 17, 2009 - 11:44 IST
EXPECTATIONS
A launch pad is always looked at with keen interest. Especially so when the filmmaker here i.e. Vashu Bhagnani is someone who was once known as the 'Man with the Midas touch'. At the peak of his stint as a producer, he gave Bollywood a number of musical entertainers like Coolie No. 1, Hero No. 1, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Biwi No. 1, Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai and Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein. During his 15 years of filmmaking, Vashu Bhagnani roped in different composers for most of his films so it doesn't come as a surprise to see the names of Sajid-Wajid on Kal Kissne Dekha cover. Now when he launches his son Jackky Bhagnani along with Vaishali Desai with this Vivek Sharma directed film, expectations of a good, young and energetic musical score are tremendous.
MUSIC
It's nostalgia time at the very beginning of the album as vintage Sajid-Wajid are heard in 'Aalam Guzarne Ko'. A kind of mushy romantic number which belongs to a style similar to that of songs in their non-film album Deewana [which featured Sonu Nigam], 'Aalam Guzarne Ko' is smooth flowing and extremely easy on ears. A winner track which goes easy on arrangements and focuses more on melody, lyrics and vocals, this one does turn out to be impressive for those who love their Bollywood music to be all mushy and romantic in a conventional sense.
Now this one could well have been picturised on Salman Khan. Not that 'Soniye Billori' (which also appears in a 'Club Mix' version) is any great shakes but it has a rather 'template' kind of music that Sajid-Wajid have composed for many a Salman Khan starrers. A fast moving dance number with a Punjabi touch to it and some lazy singing, 'Soniye Billori' is predictable with the 'antra' portions being a better hear than the opening lines.
Thankfully there is quick turnaround in the proceedings with 'Aasman Jhuk Gaya' where melody, love, mush and romance is back into the album. In a mould similar to that of 'Aalam Guzarne Ko' when it comes to slow paced melody, it's beauty lies in the fact that it has a grand appeal to it by means of arrangements while being set in the 70s style melody. A kind of romantic number which is just right for a quintessential launch number, this should be one of the first songs from the film that should be out on air.
From 70s, music moves to the world of 80s as 'Jashn Hai Josh Hai' reminds of the kind of music that could well have been composed for a Feroz Khan movie. The entire orchestra in a mould similar to that of music that was heard in the era gone by and even though the song may not travel the kind of distance to be remembered amongst the best of the best when 2009 closes, it's rhythm is catchy indeed to resonate in your ears long after you have heard it first.
If there is a number that would sit right at the top of the album, it has to be 'Tere Bina Lagta Nahin Jiya'. Even though the number does resemble Viju Shah's 'Mere Sanam Mujhko Teri Kasam' [Gupt] at places (in the 'mukhda'), it could well be a coincidence. Overall, 'Tere Bina' is a passionate song and comes with good energy in spite of its sad setting. The number is arranged well too hence boasting of a rich feel.
A 90 second track which is a prelude to a bigger song which is next to follow, 'Bin Tere Mar Javan Mein' has a semi-classical touch to it and reminds of a style that has been heard in films coming from the house of Subhash Ghai. A situational track, it has a core Indian feel to it and presents Vashali Desai in her classical dance avtar.
Finally arrives the much awaited title song 'Kal Kissne Dekha' which could well be the 'Sitaron Ki Mehfil' [Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai] moment for Jackky Bhagnani if picturised and choreographed well. The song has everything from the right mix of melody-n-rhythm; high energy, elaborate arrangements, foot tapping appeal and a 'climax song' feel to it. And yes, one can't miss the trumpet that makes its presence felt throughout the song. It is similar to the style that has made Bachna Ae Haseeno a number popular through the decades.
An elaborate stage number where Jackky gets to demonstrate his dancing abilities, Kal Kissne Dekha (which appears again in an equally impressive 'Club Mix' version) is a song that should be unleashed as the film arrives within a week of it's release. A 100 second 'romantic version' (which takes an about turn from being a dance number) brings the album to a satisfying end.
LYRICS
Sameer is entrusted with the responsibility of writing lyrics for a film that marks the entry of a newcomer into the industry. He goes poetic with 'Aalam Guzarne Ko' and 'Aasman Jhuk Gaya' and does well in bringing to fore young love. However, in 'Soniye Billori', he rehashes his own work from the past and comes up with a song which is just a numerical addition to his wide repertoire of work.
He later arrives with 'Jashn Hai Josh Hai' but the fast paced rhythm of the number is so overpowering that at the end all that a listener remembers are the words 'Kal Kissne Dekha' which form major part of the song. Same holds good in case of the title song 'Kal Kissne Dekha' which arrives at the very end of the album. Yet again, it's the music which stays on with a listener than the lyrics. 'Tere Bina' is better written song which is about separation and the pain caused by it.
VOCALS
Sonu Nigam has two songs at the very beginning of the album and he shows once again why music lovers would want to hear more of him. He is in fantastic form with 'Aalam Guzarne Ko' hence proving that when in right mood, he is unstoppable. He is just passable though in 'Soniye Billori' where he just seems to be going through the motions. Perhaps the song's style required him to take a lazy approach but a more energetic approach could have worked better for the composition. Suzy Q is his partner in both the songs and though she is just a notch above being a backup vocalist in her English rendition, she does end up making her presence felt, especially in 'Soniye Billori'.
Shreya Ghoshal is showing it time and again why she is turning out to be such an indispensable artist in the industry. She is superb in 'Aasman Jhuk Gaya' and comes up with the best sung number in the album so far. Shaan is no lesser force either as along with Shreya; he comes up with a rendition that reminds a listener of the songs from the 70s.
While Shreya Ghoshal is quite neat in 'Bin Tere Mar Javan Mein' as well, it is Shaan who leads the show in the title song 'Kal Kissne Dekha'. For an all important number of the film which takes the narrative to its crescendo, Shaan comes across as all charged up and ensures that the sense of euphoria is retained till the very end. However, Shreya is heard very faintly only in the background.
Sajid-Wajid have to complimented for their choice of singers in Kal Kissne Dekha since they invariably bring in different singers to do the job as per a song's genre. For 'Jashn Hai Josh Hai', Alisha Chinoy is roped in to sing a major portion of the song with Neeraj Shridhar appearing a little later. Wajid himself appears on the scene for a short while and together the singers get the job done well.
Later, Wajid gives himself a bigger responsibility of going solo with 'Tere Bina' as well as the 'romantic version' of the title song 'Kal Kissne Dekha'. Coming up with a full throated rendition, Wajid sings in a style that has been made popular by quite a few Pakistani singers in the last couple of years and ensures that he has winner up his sleeves.
OVERALL
'Kal Kissne Dekha' is a good album with 'Soniye Billori' being the only track that stays on to be merely average with 'Jash Hai Josh Hai' being a little better. However, songs like 'Tere Bina Lagta Nahin Jiya', 'Aalam Guzrne Ko' and 'Aasman Jhuk Gaya' do manage to impress well with the title song 'Kal Kissne Dekha' bringing on a grand finale that is indeed going to rock the show.
Give Kal Kissne Dekha a hear if you are a follower of commercial Bollywood soundtrack.
OUR PICK(S)
'Kal Kissne Dekha', 'Tere Bina Lagta Nahin Jiya', 'Aalam Guzarne Ko', 'Aasman Jhuk Gaya'
rating 3 out of 5
EXPECTATIONS
A launch pad is always looked at with keen interest. Especially so when the filmmaker here i.e. Vashu Bhagnani is someone who was once known as the 'Man with the Midas touch'. At the peak of his stint as a producer, he gave Bollywood a number of musical entertainers like Coolie No. 1, Hero No. 1, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Biwi No. 1, Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai and Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein. During his 15 years of filmmaking, Vashu Bhagnani roped in different composers for most of his films so it doesn't come as a surprise to see the names of Sajid-Wajid on Kal Kissne Dekha cover. Now when he launches his son Jackky Bhagnani along with Vaishali Desai with this Vivek Sharma directed film, expectations of a good, young and energetic musical score are tremendous.
MUSIC
It's nostalgia time at the very beginning of the album as vintage Sajid-Wajid are heard in 'Aalam Guzarne Ko'. A kind of mushy romantic number which belongs to a style similar to that of songs in their non-film album Deewana [which featured Sonu Nigam], 'Aalam Guzarne Ko' is smooth flowing and extremely easy on ears. A winner track which goes easy on arrangements and focuses more on melody, lyrics and vocals, this one does turn out to be impressive for those who love their Bollywood music to be all mushy and romantic in a conventional sense.
Now this one could well have been picturised on Salman Khan. Not that 'Soniye Billori' (which also appears in a 'Club Mix' version) is any great shakes but it has a rather 'template' kind of music that Sajid-Wajid have composed for many a Salman Khan starrers. A fast moving dance number with a Punjabi touch to it and some lazy singing, 'Soniye Billori' is predictable with the 'antra' portions being a better hear than the opening lines.
Thankfully there is quick turnaround in the proceedings with 'Aasman Jhuk Gaya' where melody, love, mush and romance is back into the album. In a mould similar to that of 'Aalam Guzarne Ko' when it comes to slow paced melody, it's beauty lies in the fact that it has a grand appeal to it by means of arrangements while being set in the 70s style melody. A kind of romantic number which is just right for a quintessential launch number, this should be one of the first songs from the film that should be out on air.
From 70s, music moves to the world of 80s as 'Jashn Hai Josh Hai' reminds of the kind of music that could well have been composed for a Feroz Khan movie. The entire orchestra in a mould similar to that of music that was heard in the era gone by and even though the song may not travel the kind of distance to be remembered amongst the best of the best when 2009 closes, it's rhythm is catchy indeed to resonate in your ears long after you have heard it first.
If there is a number that would sit right at the top of the album, it has to be 'Tere Bina Lagta Nahin Jiya'. Even though the number does resemble Viju Shah's 'Mere Sanam Mujhko Teri Kasam' [Gupt] at places (in the 'mukhda'), it could well be a coincidence. Overall, 'Tere Bina' is a passionate song and comes with good energy in spite of its sad setting. The number is arranged well too hence boasting of a rich feel.
A 90 second track which is a prelude to a bigger song which is next to follow, 'Bin Tere Mar Javan Mein' has a semi-classical touch to it and reminds of a style that has been heard in films coming from the house of Subhash Ghai. A situational track, it has a core Indian feel to it and presents Vashali Desai in her classical dance avtar.
Finally arrives the much awaited title song 'Kal Kissne Dekha' which could well be the 'Sitaron Ki Mehfil' [Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai] moment for Jackky Bhagnani if picturised and choreographed well. The song has everything from the right mix of melody-n-rhythm; high energy, elaborate arrangements, foot tapping appeal and a 'climax song' feel to it. And yes, one can't miss the trumpet that makes its presence felt throughout the song. It is similar to the style that has made Bachna Ae Haseeno a number popular through the decades.
An elaborate stage number where Jackky gets to demonstrate his dancing abilities, Kal Kissne Dekha (which appears again in an equally impressive 'Club Mix' version) is a song that should be unleashed as the film arrives within a week of it's release. A 100 second 'romantic version' (which takes an about turn from being a dance number) brings the album to a satisfying end.
LYRICS
Sameer is entrusted with the responsibility of writing lyrics for a film that marks the entry of a newcomer into the industry. He goes poetic with 'Aalam Guzarne Ko' and 'Aasman Jhuk Gaya' and does well in bringing to fore young love. However, in 'Soniye Billori', he rehashes his own work from the past and comes up with a song which is just a numerical addition to his wide repertoire of work.
He later arrives with 'Jashn Hai Josh Hai' but the fast paced rhythm of the number is so overpowering that at the end all that a listener remembers are the words 'Kal Kissne Dekha' which form major part of the song. Same holds good in case of the title song 'Kal Kissne Dekha' which arrives at the very end of the album. Yet again, it's the music which stays on with a listener than the lyrics. 'Tere Bina' is better written song which is about separation and the pain caused by it.
VOCALS
Sonu Nigam has two songs at the very beginning of the album and he shows once again why music lovers would want to hear more of him. He is in fantastic form with 'Aalam Guzarne Ko' hence proving that when in right mood, he is unstoppable. He is just passable though in 'Soniye Billori' where he just seems to be going through the motions. Perhaps the song's style required him to take a lazy approach but a more energetic approach could have worked better for the composition. Suzy Q is his partner in both the songs and though she is just a notch above being a backup vocalist in her English rendition, she does end up making her presence felt, especially in 'Soniye Billori'.
Shreya Ghoshal is showing it time and again why she is turning out to be such an indispensable artist in the industry. She is superb in 'Aasman Jhuk Gaya' and comes up with the best sung number in the album so far. Shaan is no lesser force either as along with Shreya; he comes up with a rendition that reminds a listener of the songs from the 70s.
While Shreya Ghoshal is quite neat in 'Bin Tere Mar Javan Mein' as well, it is Shaan who leads the show in the title song 'Kal Kissne Dekha'. For an all important number of the film which takes the narrative to its crescendo, Shaan comes across as all charged up and ensures that the sense of euphoria is retained till the very end. However, Shreya is heard very faintly only in the background.
Sajid-Wajid have to complimented for their choice of singers in Kal Kissne Dekha since they invariably bring in different singers to do the job as per a song's genre. For 'Jashn Hai Josh Hai', Alisha Chinoy is roped in to sing a major portion of the song with Neeraj Shridhar appearing a little later. Wajid himself appears on the scene for a short while and together the singers get the job done well.
Later, Wajid gives himself a bigger responsibility of going solo with 'Tere Bina' as well as the 'romantic version' of the title song 'Kal Kissne Dekha'. Coming up with a full throated rendition, Wajid sings in a style that has been made popular by quite a few Pakistani singers in the last couple of years and ensures that he has winner up his sleeves.
OVERALL
'Kal Kissne Dekha' is a good album with 'Soniye Billori' being the only track that stays on to be merely average with 'Jash Hai Josh Hai' being a little better. However, songs like 'Tere Bina Lagta Nahin Jiya', 'Aalam Guzrne Ko' and 'Aasman Jhuk Gaya' do manage to impress well with the title song 'Kal Kissne Dekha' bringing on a grand finale that is indeed going to rock the show.
Give Kal Kissne Dekha a hear if you are a follower of commercial Bollywood soundtrack.
OUR PICK(S)
'Kal Kissne Dekha', 'Tere Bina Lagta Nahin Jiya', 'Aalam Guzarne Ko', 'Aasman Jhuk Gaya'
rating 3 out of 5
UTV joins hands with Prakash Jha Productions for Rajneeti
UTV joins hands with Prakash Jha for his next film Rajneeti. Over the years Prakash Jha Productions has made several critically acclaimed and popular films including Apaharan, Gangaajal, Mrityudand and Damul.
The starcast of the film includes Nana Patekar, Ajay Devgan, Ranbir Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpai, Katrina Kaif and Naseeruddin Shah. The first schedule of the film has been completed and second schedule is likely to begin soon. The film is slated for release in the first half of 2010.
"Rajneeti was an easy decision as it is the mother of all dramas with politics as the background and who is more adept and accomplished than Prakash Jha to pull off a film based on politics. Prakash has always believed in the concept of 'Cinema with Power' and we look forward to a great story with Rajneeti too. I am sure this wonderful association will be fruitful to both the parties. We are eagerly looking forward to this project," said Ronnie Screwvala.
Talking about this association, Prakash Jha said, "We take pride and comfort in our association with UTV which has always believed in quality cinema. I am grateful to my long time friend Manmohan Shetty who continues the association through Walkwater Media Limited. And I feel truly blessed to have the finest set of dedicated actors and technicians working with me. With Bhopal as its backdrop and five thousand trained actors from all over Madhya Pradesh working on the films landscape, Rajneeti is truly my most exciting and ambitious venture."
The starcast of the film includes Nana Patekar, Ajay Devgan, Ranbir Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpai, Katrina Kaif and Naseeruddin Shah. The first schedule of the film has been completed and second schedule is likely to begin soon. The film is slated for release in the first half of 2010.
"Rajneeti was an easy decision as it is the mother of all dramas with politics as the background and who is more adept and accomplished than Prakash Jha to pull off a film based on politics. Prakash has always believed in the concept of 'Cinema with Power' and we look forward to a great story with Rajneeti too. I am sure this wonderful association will be fruitful to both the parties. We are eagerly looking forward to this project," said Ronnie Screwvala.
Talking about this association, Prakash Jha said, "We take pride and comfort in our association with UTV which has always believed in quality cinema. I am grateful to my long time friend Manmohan Shetty who continues the association through Walkwater Media Limited. And I feel truly blessed to have the finest set of dedicated actors and technicians working with me. With Bhopal as its backdrop and five thousand trained actors from all over Madhya Pradesh working on the films landscape, Rajneeti is truly my most exciting and ambitious venture."
'13B' to be remade by Hollywood?
By Taran Adarsh, March 17, 2009 - 09:02 IST
There are innumerable instances of Indian film-makers openly lifting Hollywood films and remaking them in various Indian languages. But, surprisingly, a Hollywood studio is keen on remaking a Hindi film, after acquiring its legitimate remaking rights from its producers. The film in question is the just-released 13B.
Confirms Jawahar Sharma, COO - International Film Business, Big Pictures, "The studios in West are recognising the enormous talent in India, especially young film-makers and writers. There's tremendous pool of talent that needs to be tapped. The subject of 13B is such, it can easily crossover to the Western audiences, if made in international languages."
A leading studio has evinced keen interest in the script of 13B. "No, they haven't watched the film yet. I presume, they must've gone through the synopsis and found it interesting," Jawahar continues, "See, horror films made in Japan and Korea have already got international recognition. They [the studio] feel that 13B also has the potential to strike a chord with Western audiences."
There are innumerable instances of Indian film-makers openly lifting Hollywood films and remaking them in various Indian languages. But, surprisingly, a Hollywood studio is keen on remaking a Hindi film, after acquiring its legitimate remaking rights from its producers. The film in question is the just-released 13B.
Confirms Jawahar Sharma, COO - International Film Business, Big Pictures, "The studios in West are recognising the enormous talent in India, especially young film-makers and writers. There's tremendous pool of talent that needs to be tapped. The subject of 13B is such, it can easily crossover to the Western audiences, if made in international languages."
A leading studio has evinced keen interest in the script of 13B. "No, they haven't watched the film yet. I presume, they must've gone through the synopsis and found it interesting," Jawahar continues, "See, horror films made in Japan and Korea have already got international recognition. They [the studio] feel that 13B also has the potential to strike a chord with Western audiences."
"I find it too disturbing to explore the psyche of a terrorist" - Irrfan Khan
By Subhash K. Jha, March 16, 2009 - 11:04 IST
Vivek Oberoi happily stepped into the powerful role of the terrorist in Rensil D'Silva's untitled directorial debut.
A plum role that Irrfan Khan, just back triumphant from the Oscars in LA 'reluctantly' turned down. "There was nothing reluctant about my decision not to do Rensil's film," Irrfan corrects me resolutely. "Yes the script and role were tempting. And it is a Karan Johar production. But it would take a lot more than just these factors to make me get into that dark seriously-conflicting space. The truth is, I won't play a terrorist even if the world's greatest director offered me the part," says the Khan, obviously because of his title and the political religious connections that would come into play and willy-nilly impinge on his creative liberty as an actor.
Fearless enough to play a sadistic cop in Slumdog Millionaire and a closet gay leading a dual life in Mira Nair's AIDS film Migration, Irrfan's quest for exploring the darkest of characters ends at the doorstep of terrorism.
"I've no qualms about playing the darkest and the lowliest of creatures. But I find it too disturbing to explore the mindspace and the psyche of a terrorist. It's too close to home for comfort," says Irrfan resolutely.
Interestingly, Saif Ali Khan apparently plays a terrorist in Rensil's film, while the most methodical and politically correct of all the Khans, Aamir played one in Fanaa.
Vivek Oberoi happily stepped into the powerful role of the terrorist in Rensil D'Silva's untitled directorial debut.
A plum role that Irrfan Khan, just back triumphant from the Oscars in LA 'reluctantly' turned down. "There was nothing reluctant about my decision not to do Rensil's film," Irrfan corrects me resolutely. "Yes the script and role were tempting. And it is a Karan Johar production. But it would take a lot more than just these factors to make me get into that dark seriously-conflicting space. The truth is, I won't play a terrorist even if the world's greatest director offered me the part," says the Khan, obviously because of his title and the political religious connections that would come into play and willy-nilly impinge on his creative liberty as an actor.
Fearless enough to play a sadistic cop in Slumdog Millionaire and a closet gay leading a dual life in Mira Nair's AIDS film Migration, Irrfan's quest for exploring the darkest of characters ends at the doorstep of terrorism.
"I've no qualms about playing the darkest and the lowliest of creatures. But I find it too disturbing to explore the mindspace and the psyche of a terrorist. It's too close to home for comfort," says Irrfan resolutely.
Interestingly, Saif Ali Khan apparently plays a terrorist in Rensil's film, while the most methodical and politically correct of all the Khans, Aamir played one in Fanaa.
A.R. Rahman features in Akon's music video 'Beautiful'
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, March 16, 2009 - 16:36 IST
Double Oscar winner A.R.Rahman is known to be a very shy and introvert kind of a person. Hence, it took us by surprise when we saw Rahman feature in a video of American hip-hop singer Akon.
The video called 'Beautiful' features Rahman for just a couple of seconds. The Music Maestro is seen posing with a bevy of models and smiling in his trademark coy way. The video also features American pop singer Colby O'Donis and Canadian hip hop artist Kardinal Offishall
After the double Oscar triumph, one must say Rahman is indeed making his presence felt on the international music arena slowly and steadily.
Double Oscar winner A.R.Rahman is known to be a very shy and introvert kind of a person. Hence, it took us by surprise when we saw Rahman feature in a video of American hip-hop singer Akon.
The video called 'Beautiful' features Rahman for just a couple of seconds. The Music Maestro is seen posing with a bevy of models and smiling in his trademark coy way. The video also features American pop singer Colby O'Donis and Canadian hip hop artist Kardinal Offishall
After the double Oscar triumph, one must say Rahman is indeed making his presence felt on the international music arena slowly and steadily.
Midweek: 'Gulaal' dull, 'Jai Veeru' poor, 'Little Zizou' takes lead!
By Taran Adarsh, March 17, 2009 - 09:02 IST
Film Cast Plusses Minusses Verdict
Gulaal Kay Kay Menon, Aditya Srivastav, Raj Singh Chaudhary, Piyush Mishra, Abhimanyu Singh, Ayesha Mohan, Mahie Gill, Deepak Dobriyal, Pankaj Jha Interesting premise with some striking individualistic scenes Second half could've been tighter The opening weekend was 25% - 35% at select multiplexes of big centres. Otherwise, the collections are dull
13B R. Madhavan, Neetu Chandra, Sachin Khedekar, Murli Sharma, Poonam Dhillon A few individualistic scenes Too lengthy Flop
Dhoondte Reh Jaoge Paresh Rawal, Kunal Khemu, Sonu Sood, Soha Ali Khan, Johny Lever Quite funny at places Dips in post-interval portions Flop
Delhi-6 Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Waheeda Rehman, Rishi Kapoor, Om Puri, Pawan Malhotra, Amitabh Bachchan [sp. app.] A.R. Rahman's music Tends to get preachy, boring and monotonous. Uninspiring screenplay with a terrible ending Flop
Jai Veeru Fardeen Khan, Kunal Khemu, Dia Mirza, Anjana Sukhani, Arbaaz Khan Good music Poor screenplay Average at single screens of North. Terrible at multiplexes
Please note:- LITTLE ZIZOU has fared very well at multiplexes in India. Collected approx. Rs. 35 lacs on 29 prints [38 screens] in its opening weekend.
Film Cast Plusses Minusses Verdict
Gulaal Kay Kay Menon, Aditya Srivastav, Raj Singh Chaudhary, Piyush Mishra, Abhimanyu Singh, Ayesha Mohan, Mahie Gill, Deepak Dobriyal, Pankaj Jha Interesting premise with some striking individualistic scenes Second half could've been tighter The opening weekend was 25% - 35% at select multiplexes of big centres. Otherwise, the collections are dull
13B R. Madhavan, Neetu Chandra, Sachin Khedekar, Murli Sharma, Poonam Dhillon A few individualistic scenes Too lengthy Flop
Dhoondte Reh Jaoge Paresh Rawal, Kunal Khemu, Sonu Sood, Soha Ali Khan, Johny Lever Quite funny at places Dips in post-interval portions Flop
Delhi-6 Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Waheeda Rehman, Rishi Kapoor, Om Puri, Pawan Malhotra, Amitabh Bachchan [sp. app.] A.R. Rahman's music Tends to get preachy, boring and monotonous. Uninspiring screenplay with a terrible ending Flop
Jai Veeru Fardeen Khan, Kunal Khemu, Dia Mirza, Anjana Sukhani, Arbaaz Khan Good music Poor screenplay Average at single screens of North. Terrible at multiplexes
Please note:- LITTLE ZIZOU has fared very well at multiplexes in India. Collected approx. Rs. 35 lacs on 29 prints [38 screens] in its opening weekend.
"My intentions are not to fry audience's bheja in Straight" - Vinay Pathak
The last time we met Vinay Pathak for a casual chat, he ordered for some tea and sandwiches at the Mehboob studio where he was found in his pink overcoat going all topsy turvy in an exclusive photoshoot happening for his 'tedhi medhi' film Straight, which brings us back to Derek Jarman's quote "All men are homosexual, some turn straight. We too came up with our own - 'Homosexuals will always think straight'. 'Not bad huh? Of course, that was our first of the fifteen questions which the comic genius 'Pinu Patel' answered. Vinay Pathak has been making audiences laugh for years now but the star says he's really a 'weird serious person'. Now that wasn't a straight forward quote, was it? Even though we shared the same attraction for cinema, at times our thought process went berserk. Not so straight questions deserved not so straight answers. But what stands true for Pathak is that he re-invigorated the Indian comedy to such an extent that his success proved once and for all that Indians do have a mighty appreciation of irony. Wearing a smile on his face, he makes it known that he enjoys doing interviews, not because it gives him a chance to try out his latest jokes but because it's a form of therapy. Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent and UK's Harrow Observer columnist Devansh Patel talks to the outrageous comic stripper (he strips his jokes) Vinay Pathak, an actor who brings a smile on your face with his oily hair style rather than look all 'punked'. Yeah Baby! His crushed velvet suits, hot-babe girlfriends and boyfriends, naughty knob-gags, Straight and Pinu Patel are on the verge of becoming the most recognisable entertainers on this planet in days to come. For our readers now, here's a peek into this straight lifestyle, comic career, diverse roles, inherent humour, homosexual community, the beautiful Gul Panag, his bheja frying abilities and an exclusive answer to how he got his 'butt' into shape.
Have you ever thought 'straight' in your life?
(laughs) I've always been focused when it comes to my acting career. 'I like to focus' is still a very relative term for me. I also like to enjoy my work, be it Bheja Fry or Straight. I try to give 200% and enjoy the entire percentage.
A story like Straight has never been showcased on our screen before
You've mentioned to the Press before that Straight is a kind of a romantic comedy which has never been made in India. Then is this the best ever comic genre film out of Bollywood?
It is not to beat our own drums saying that this is the best comic film ever made. I'm saying that a story like Straight has never been showcased on our screen before, and when I say that, I mean, a story of such complexity and simplicity and a story of an alternative lifestyle with the protagonist going through so many questions and confusions has never been made before in Bollywood.
Is this a new comic niche that you've performed in your comic career?
(laughs) See, again, I wouldn't want to put a label here. I think whatever my character needed to be, I tried to be and whatever the story asked, I gave. Whatever the film and the director demanded, I did it with the best possible talent I had. It's very easy to say for the audiences that Straight is a very niche film with niche performances. No, I wouldn't want to say that. The moment I say that Straight is a niche film, it has a slight negativity to it and it no longer is universal. I don't think it's a film made for a specific audience.
Was there a point when you realised that humour was so inherent a part of Pinu Patel?
It's not important to say 'ha ha' to get into humour. Pinu Patel's inherent humour was in the script. It isn't an out and out comedy. It's a film with a very unique and an unusual story. I've tried to tell the story the way it had to be told, and in that, you have some light hearted moments, and that's a mark of any good story that it makes you go through the right emotions.
Johnny Gaddar, Dasvidaniya, Straight. How diverse can you get as a performer?
As long as I keep getting diverse scripts (laughs). I'm sure any actor would love to indulge in a script which has a strong character sketch. It's all a big 'Thank You' to the different kind of films that came my way along with different type of characters.
Let us be a bit humorous here. How did you get your 'butt' in shape for Straight?
(laughs) I did lots of Yoga. I changed my lifestyle a little bit. It's a combination of Pranayama, walking, drinking lots of water and staying fit and fine. It took me almost a year to get my butt into shape.
Straight is not going to go too far to make its audiences burst out into laughter. That's what we've predicted through your answers till now.
Yes, it isn't going to make people go mad, they may get even (laughs). It's a sensible cinema. There are situations where, if the audiences wish, they may laugh out loud and roll on the floor. I've seen the film couple of times and it's a great comic film with loads of fun filled moments.
The homosexual community put in their request to see the film too?
Yes, we did get a request from the homosexual community to see the film. We didn't have a problem with that because we weren't hiding anything or trying to conceal anything from any community. If a heterosexual community would've approached us to see the film due to some reasons best known to them, we would've agreed to them too. In the past too, the gay community had some reservations to their portrayal in many films. So if they wanted to see the film, why should we have any problem? They have all the rights to see the film before it releases.
Pinu Patel's inherent humour was in the script. It isn't an out and out comedy
Did you relate a lot to the London ambience as to our Indian setting in order to get into your character?
For us, it was very simple. Straight is an Indian film with a foreign location. That's it. If the same film was shot in the South of India too, nothing would've changed except the location. London was a great backdrop though and we needed to have that space and time to be familiar with ourselves for the film. As a matter of fact, we shot the film in 29 days at a stretch in London.
How straight forward was Gul Panag?
You are not being too straight here, are you? (laughs). I've worked with Gul Panag earlier in Manorama Six Feet Under but we never had a scene together. We have been good friends. This is the first time we two have got the opportunity to work together in one frame. The experience was fabulous. She is such a professional actor, such a talented actor, so well traveled, so well read, so well spoken, such an intelligent actor and above all, she is such a beautiful woman. With so many qualities to her, I'm sure the experience was worth the wait.
Is it lot funnier playing a Gujarati gay. Oops, sorry...a Gujarati guy just because London is filled with Gujju's?
The fact that Pinu Patel is a Gujarati is incidental here. It's not a deliberate attempt to have a Gujju playing the lead role. Pinu could've been from any other religion. It did make sense having a Gujarati guy because the story was written with Pinu Patel in mind. It's what a Gujarati mind represents but not representative of a Gujarati community at all.
How different is it to be working with Aditya Chopra in Rab Ne and Parvati Balagopalan in Straight?
As a matter of fact, if you do two films with the same director, even that brings about a change. A director in one film and a director in another film are two different people making two different stories. If you're trying to compare Parvati with any other director, of course the diversity would be there. She has done a fabulous job in Straight. All the directors with whom I've worked have never crossed each others path. I mean, they're all different, and that's what makes each film of mine exciting.
After frying our bhejas in Bheja fry and eating a lot of maalpua's in Manorama, are the audiences ready to be deep fried again?
(laughs) I've not got the intentions of frying anyone here. It was solely to tell our story which is an interesting story told in a very interesting way, thanks to Parvati. The idea of Straight is to entertain, plain and simple.
Do you think comedy has got its sensitive nature?
I'd like to think so because it's one of the emotions. The emotions come from sentiments, be it your mind, your body or your intelligence. All have got its sentiments in place.
One last straight messsage.
Straight is not a slapstick and a boisterous comedy.
Have you ever thought 'straight' in your life?
(laughs) I've always been focused when it comes to my acting career. 'I like to focus' is still a very relative term for me. I also like to enjoy my work, be it Bheja Fry or Straight. I try to give 200% and enjoy the entire percentage.
A story like Straight has never been showcased on our screen before
You've mentioned to the Press before that Straight is a kind of a romantic comedy which has never been made in India. Then is this the best ever comic genre film out of Bollywood?
It is not to beat our own drums saying that this is the best comic film ever made. I'm saying that a story like Straight has never been showcased on our screen before, and when I say that, I mean, a story of such complexity and simplicity and a story of an alternative lifestyle with the protagonist going through so many questions and confusions has never been made before in Bollywood.
Is this a new comic niche that you've performed in your comic career?
(laughs) See, again, I wouldn't want to put a label here. I think whatever my character needed to be, I tried to be and whatever the story asked, I gave. Whatever the film and the director demanded, I did it with the best possible talent I had. It's very easy to say for the audiences that Straight is a very niche film with niche performances. No, I wouldn't want to say that. The moment I say that Straight is a niche film, it has a slight negativity to it and it no longer is universal. I don't think it's a film made for a specific audience.
Was there a point when you realised that humour was so inherent a part of Pinu Patel?
It's not important to say 'ha ha' to get into humour. Pinu Patel's inherent humour was in the script. It isn't an out and out comedy. It's a film with a very unique and an unusual story. I've tried to tell the story the way it had to be told, and in that, you have some light hearted moments, and that's a mark of any good story that it makes you go through the right emotions.
Johnny Gaddar, Dasvidaniya, Straight. How diverse can you get as a performer?
As long as I keep getting diverse scripts (laughs). I'm sure any actor would love to indulge in a script which has a strong character sketch. It's all a big 'Thank You' to the different kind of films that came my way along with different type of characters.
Let us be a bit humorous here. How did you get your 'butt' in shape for Straight?
(laughs) I did lots of Yoga. I changed my lifestyle a little bit. It's a combination of Pranayama, walking, drinking lots of water and staying fit and fine. It took me almost a year to get my butt into shape.
Straight is not going to go too far to make its audiences burst out into laughter. That's what we've predicted through your answers till now.
Yes, it isn't going to make people go mad, they may get even (laughs). It's a sensible cinema. There are situations where, if the audiences wish, they may laugh out loud and roll on the floor. I've seen the film couple of times and it's a great comic film with loads of fun filled moments.
The homosexual community put in their request to see the film too?
Yes, we did get a request from the homosexual community to see the film. We didn't have a problem with that because we weren't hiding anything or trying to conceal anything from any community. If a heterosexual community would've approached us to see the film due to some reasons best known to them, we would've agreed to them too. In the past too, the gay community had some reservations to their portrayal in many films. So if they wanted to see the film, why should we have any problem? They have all the rights to see the film before it releases.
Pinu Patel's inherent humour was in the script. It isn't an out and out comedy
Did you relate a lot to the London ambience as to our Indian setting in order to get into your character?
For us, it was very simple. Straight is an Indian film with a foreign location. That's it. If the same film was shot in the South of India too, nothing would've changed except the location. London was a great backdrop though and we needed to have that space and time to be familiar with ourselves for the film. As a matter of fact, we shot the film in 29 days at a stretch in London.
How straight forward was Gul Panag?
You are not being too straight here, are you? (laughs). I've worked with Gul Panag earlier in Manorama Six Feet Under but we never had a scene together. We have been good friends. This is the first time we two have got the opportunity to work together in one frame. The experience was fabulous. She is such a professional actor, such a talented actor, so well traveled, so well read, so well spoken, such an intelligent actor and above all, she is such a beautiful woman. With so many qualities to her, I'm sure the experience was worth the wait.
Is it lot funnier playing a Gujarati gay. Oops, sorry...a Gujarati guy just because London is filled with Gujju's?
The fact that Pinu Patel is a Gujarati is incidental here. It's not a deliberate attempt to have a Gujju playing the lead role. Pinu could've been from any other religion. It did make sense having a Gujarati guy because the story was written with Pinu Patel in mind. It's what a Gujarati mind represents but not representative of a Gujarati community at all.
How different is it to be working with Aditya Chopra in Rab Ne and Parvati Balagopalan in Straight?
As a matter of fact, if you do two films with the same director, even that brings about a change. A director in one film and a director in another film are two different people making two different stories. If you're trying to compare Parvati with any other director, of course the diversity would be there. She has done a fabulous job in Straight. All the directors with whom I've worked have never crossed each others path. I mean, they're all different, and that's what makes each film of mine exciting.
After frying our bhejas in Bheja fry and eating a lot of maalpua's in Manorama, are the audiences ready to be deep fried again?
(laughs) I've not got the intentions of frying anyone here. It was solely to tell our story which is an interesting story told in a very interesting way, thanks to Parvati. The idea of Straight is to entertain, plain and simple.
Do you think comedy has got its sensitive nature?
I'd like to think so because it's one of the emotions. The emotions come from sentiments, be it your mind, your body or your intelligence. All have got its sentiments in place.
One last straight messsage.
Straight is not a slapstick and a boisterous comedy.
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