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By Bollywood Hungama News Network, February 28, 2009 - 14:28 IST
The clutch bag is a must-have accessory to accompany any formal outfit, Indian or western. However, coordinating and carrying it correctly is a lesson not all our Bollywood ladies have learnt. Size, colour and carriage (not to mention that overstuffing is a complete no-no) are just some of the criteria for assessing 'clutch control'. So let's see how our leading ladies rate.
Mahi Gill at Dev D premiere
Mahi Gill, aka Paro in Anurag Kashyap's Dev D might be a newbie on the Bollywood block, but she seems to have her fashion fundas figured out. Elegantly dressed in a white and gold churidar-kurta, she casually carries her coordinated clutch, using it only as it should be -- a receptacle for her belongings.
Ash at Ambani hospital opening
It would appear that size does not matter as much to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as the contents of her bag do, at least going by her gold hard-case clutch. Coordinated with her grape and gold outfit and phone, the palm-sized accessory prevents it from becoming an encumbrance or an eyesore.
Sophie Chodhry at Victory premiere
Sophie Chodhry gets it right as she teams a slim and non-fussy black clutch with her fitted little black dress, carrying it with casual elegance.
Amrita Rao at Victory premiere
At the same event, Amrita Rao selects a sausage shaped black and buckled clutch to accompany her floor length red gown. A softer fabric and more malleable texture would have been preferable. A shorter black dress might have complimented the bag, and her frame, better
Asin at Filmfare cover launch
The red dress with gold and bead embroidered collar is attractive and non-controversial enough. Her hairstyle and dangling earrings add to the look, but what is going on with that faux leather gold clutch? The choice of bag might also be acceptable if only she had taken note on how a clutch should be, well, clutched -- certainly not cradled at hip level like she's advertising, but rather without fuss, lightly hanging by her side. We are still optimistic that the Ghajini girl will find her style confidence.
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, February 28, 2009 - 13:48 IST
Ajay Devgan has been in the news of late thanks to his upcoming films Rajneeti and newly announced All The Best. However, this time he isn't making the headlines for any of his films. Instead it is the actor's imported bike that has drawn not just ours but also the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence's attention towards the star.
In a massive sweep to check the duty evasion that is rampant on imported superbikes, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence cracked down on the owners of such bikes who have evaded the payment of duty by importing the bikes as parts. This evasion is blatantly visible as the bikes in question are clearly visible on the streets, but the reports fail to show any mention about them.
Devgan's bike isn't the only set of wheels connected to the world of glitz. Also under the scanner is the bike of filmmaker Sanjay Gupta, though the filmmaker says that his papers were clear and that his mobike hadn't been seized. As for Devgan, reportedly, he has offered to pay the amount that is due.
No folks we are not talking about the duo changing their profession and taking to crooning, instead we are referring to their upcoming film Aa Dekhen Zara.
The promotion of the film Aa Dekhen Zara is being done in a rather unique method, namely with a band, ADZ-The Rising. Viky Rajani, the producer of the film in conjunction with Gaurav Dasgupta, has created a band to promote the film. The band will perform in various cities across the country as part of the film's promotion. And Neil will accompany the band during various club performances.
The band comprises of Divendu Mukherjee - vocalist and drummer, keyboard - Roshan, female vocals - Shweta Vijay (Miss India earth 2003) and Guitarist - Mizo. Launching the newly founded band was the cast of the film, Neil Mukesh and Bipasha Basu last night at Enigma, in the Marriot Hotel. What's more? Neil accompanied the band on stage and actually took a shot at crooning a few lines as he has sung the title track for the film 'Aa Dekhen Zara'. One thing is for sure, be it acting or crooning, Neil is on top of it.
The Neil Nitin Mukesh and Bipasha Basu starrer Aa Dekhen Zara is set to release on March 27
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, February 28, 2009 - 10:57 IST
The aforementioned words aptly and also literally describe the lissome lass of Bollywood as she is the 'Inaugural cover-girl' of the mega launch issue of the world-famous fashion and lifestyle magazine Harpers' Bazaar.
As we had (exclusively) carried the news earlier this week, the issue does contain some of beautiful pictures of Kareena and Saif on the beaches of Mauritius. After seeing this couple romancing along the coastline, one wonders if this romance is enhancing the scenic beauty of the to-die-for beaches or is it the other way round! Get this issue to see for yourself some of the most precious verbal gems that Saifeena have belted out in this issue, with Bebo saying, "I think I am just perfect, because on screen, being my size looks great".
All in all, a must buy-issue for the Bollywood buffs! BTW, when we said that 'Kareena shines on the inaugural issue of Harper's Bazaar', we really meant our words as this issue comes with 'diamonds' attached on its cover! Go and check for yourself!
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/broadband/video/Television/zhQXbS39/3/Anushka-Sharma-In-Knights-Angels.html
By Taran Adarsh, February 28, 2009 - 08:57 IST
Rank Film Producer Verdict Average per print (rs.) Last Week
1 Delhi-6 Ronnie Screwvala, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra Did well over the weekend at multiplexes of big centres, after a slow start on Friday. Monday being part holiday, the film was okay at some screens, but single screens as well as mass-dominated centres performed poorly. The film fell on weekdays. 8th day opening was lukewarm 5,98,721 New
2 Billu Gauri Khan Flop 1,19,095 1
3 Dev D Ronnie Screwvala Best at some multiplexes of big centres. Flop in several circuits 86,177 2
4 Luck By Chance Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar Flop 18,133 3
(Ratings are based on the box office collections and the cost of the film)
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, February 28, 2009 - 12:05 IST
Starting off his career as a child artist and now emerging as the leading man in films, Kunal Khemu has surely come a long way. With his latest comedy Dhoondte Reh Jaoge Ready to release next week and two other films waiting in the line, Bollywood Hungama caught up with this young actor to know more about his films.
You started your acting career as a child artist and today you are the leading man in films... what was this journey like?
Yes, I did get into films as a child artist, and have in a way grown up here. To me this is like a blessing, its like living a dream, some thing that I always wanted to do. And now my dream has come true and I have become an actor in lead roles. So the entire journey for me has been a real lifelong experience quite literally.
When you were a kid what was it like acting in films? Is there difference in the work pattern now?
No, I don't think that I feel the same. The reason for this being that along with the actors and forms of acting, the entire method of filmmaking and audience mind set has changed. Today we have various filmmakers trying to tell stories in unthought-of and unconventional ways and the audience has matured so much. Besides the entire multiplex scene that has developed has actually given the art films so much more. Like some time back the so called art films were limited to TV releases, while now they can have a theatrical release just like any mainstream film and yet have audience flowing in to watch it.
Paresh Rawal plays this producer while I am this middle class guy
Last year you had just a single release, how come?
The thing with film is that they are uncertain. Besides this, each film has its pre-production, then the production itself, followed by the post- production. To add to this are the numerous delays and problems that keep popping up every now and then. So last year was like that for me with films.
Tell us about Dhoondte Reh Jaoge.
Well Dhoondte Reh Jaoge is basically a story of two very different people, who come from absolutely contrasting backgrounds as well. Paresh plays this producer while I am this middle class guy. The story is about how thanks to destiny and circumstances, we are forced to become partners and work together to make a film. So the bottom line is how these two varied individuals get together during a crisis situation to devise a solution.
As the release date draws closer, what goes through your mind as an actor about the audience's reaction to the film?
I don't think there is anyone who hasn't felt the same. It's like the same feeling you get when giving an exam and then waiting for the results. It's all the same, those butterflies in your stomach and the entire anxious feeling. The only difference is that here the audience is examiner and critics are the moderators.
What is the character you play in the film?
Well my character is this lower middle class guy who is honest to the core. It is this same honesty that has already cost him five different jobs and now due to the mounting pressure, he is forced to find a way to pay the rent for the chawl room where is he living.
The audience is examiner and critics are the moderators.
Dhoondte Reh Jaoge is a comic film, what was the funniest thing that happened while shooting for it?
Actually since we were making a comedy, there was always something happening on the sets, it was never a dull day. However, the funniest has to be the time when I just finished a shoot for which I had to be on a jet ski. After the shoot was done every one wanted a ride so I was the one who was taking them out for a spin. But when it was the director's turn, I thought of having a bit of fun and pushed him off. However, he actually was holding on so tight that he dragged me off too. The funny part was that he didn't know swimming and since the key was in the ignition, the Jet Ski just kept going. Thankfully we were in the shallow area and could easily walk back.
What about the rest of the cast... how was it working with Paresh Rawal, Soha Ali Khan and of course Johnny Lever?
Pareshji and I have worked earlier when I was doing theatre. So it was really great working with him again. Then we have Johnny Lever and Asrani, they are like legends when it comes to comedy. So yes it was really great working with them, and thanks to the interaction level on the sets I learnt a lot too. Besides they are all such fabulous actors.
Since the film has a comic angle, what is the music of the film like?
The music of the film is always important and has to carry the flavour of the film itself. In this film, the music is also pretty humorous. We've tried to incorporate humour with the lyrics and sound track like the track 'Salma Balma' then the title track itself 'Dhoondte Rah Jaoge'. Besides this the music is also pretty peppy and has a dance number also. There is just a single slow romantic track I the film. I have to say that Sajid- Wajid have done a wonderful job with the music album.
Which is your personal favourite track from the album?
From the entire album, I think my favourite track has to be the title track of the film 'Dhoondte Rah Jaaoge' and second is the song 'Pal'.
Pareshji and I have worked earlier when I was doing theatre. So it was really great working with him again
Though at times comic films can be tough, what was the hardest shoot that you had to go through?
Yes that is true, though I cannot say if this was tough or scary. Basically, it is an action sequence that comes towards the end of the film, in which I am supposed to jump off a 5 storey building... and that's where the problem was. We were shooting in a chawl so there were no cable rigs, we had to do it with the camera crane itself. So I was tied to the crane and was hanging there giving take after take and the worst part was that there wasn't even crash mat down. Hence, I cannot term this as hard or scary.
What about the audience... how open are they today to watch cinema that actually makes you think?
The audiences, as I said are the actual examiners in this exam that we actors give when our film comes up for release. However, the audiences have matured by leaps and bounds. Some time ago, we would think twice about making an arty film. But now the audience is so open to any type of film... this can be seen with the way filmmakers are experimenting with different genres and story lines.
What are your expectations for Dhoondte Reh Jaoge?
Every actor wants his or her film to do the best and I don't think much differently. So yes, I want my film to do really well. Besides this I am also hoping that the audience will accept me in this comic avatar, as I am not easily related to such roles.
After this film there is Jai Veeru and 99. Tell us a bit about these films.
Jai Veeru is not an out and out comic caper, yet comedy plays an integral part in the film and the story as well, though the film is actually an action film. Jai Veeru is basically a film about two friends played by Fardeen and myself and it's more like a joy ride kind of movie, an adventure sort of outing with us on the run. But it does have those funny moments in the film.
While 99, is almost complete, only a few scenes are actually left to be shot. The film is actually a genre bender and again this time comedy has an important role in the film, but with a different flavor. Besides the directors of this film are both Indians based in New York and this will be their first venture with a feature film though they have made documentaries and short films earlier. As far as the cast is concerned, it's a really good lot and an absolute ensemble troop.
Any other film that you've signed up?
Right now I am looking at a couple of scripts and I am also in talks for film deals, but I really can't say anything yet about them. I shall only reveal things when I have actually signed on for a film and have started shooting for it as well.
Kylie Minogue is ready to rock for Anthony D'Souza's Blue. But her song is not ready! At least not as ready as the director wants it to be.
Explains Anthony, "Though the lyrics have been readied, and Abbas Tyrewala has done a wonderful job, there's something missing. I want that one hook or catch line that would give that song an extra global push/appeal to go with Bollywood-goes-international image represented by Kylie Minogue in Blue."
Anthony doesn't know what that phrase would be. But he's sure Abbas will deliver before the song starts shooting in the next couple of days. "I want something like Gulzar Saab's 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' or 'Jai Ho'. Abbas is a brilliant writer. I know he can do it."
When contacted, Abbas Tyrewala is surprised to hear about Tony's dissatisfaction with the song. "I don't write lyrics any more for outside assignments. But when it comes to Rahman I can't stop myself. I thought the song is done and ready to be shot. It wasn't easy writing two sets of lyrics reflecting two languages, cultures, thoughts and ways of life. And then the male and female portions of the song were recorded separately in Mumbai. So I wrote extra lyrics because we didn't know what shape the composition will finally take when the two voices are brought together."
About the catchphrase that Anthony D'Souza is looking for, Abbas says, "If any changes are required I'm not aware of them."
- By Taran Adarsh, February 28, 2009
(Note: Figures are as per the reported centres)
Delhi-6 - Week 1 Mumbai - 1,68,82,478 (53 Unrecd. Incl. Thane)
Ahmedabad - 76,05,500
Gandhinagar - 2,80,550
Himmatnagar - 1,19,656
Rajkot - 5,06,192
Baroda - 17,08,210
Bharuch - 2,51,655
Pune - 22,65,919
Nasik - 7,33,569
Goa - 9,92,880
Delhi - 2,47,79,240
Noida - 44,13,674
Kaushambi - 15,44,174
Gurgaon - 49,05,598
Faridabad - 27,62,318
Aligarh - 3,47,800
Gorakhpur - 3,57,399
Lucknow - 4,70,343
Indore - 25,79,390
Ujjain - 65,854
Sehore - 1,10,400
Nagpur - 17,46,824
Raipur - 13,96,783
Kolkatta - 49,07,643
Guwahati - 2,31,275
Jaipur - 35,30,160
Kota - 6,45,430
Burdwan - 1,02,530
Hyderabad - 9,37,732
Bangalore - 19,56,740
Chennai - 5,45,333
Vijayawada - 2,98,194
(Average per print: 5,98,721)
Total collections for Week 1: 8,99,81,443
Total Collections (Till Date): 8,99,81,443
Collections (INR) Avg. Per Print % change since last week
Week 1 8,99,81,443 5,98,721 NA
Total Gross 8,99,81,443
Billu Barber - Week 2 Mumbai - 73,81,945 (Incl. Thane.)
Ahmedabad - 14,69,596
Himmatnagar - 1,00,376
Gandhinagar - 56,997
Baroda - 3,33,300
Bharuch - 90,680
Rajkot - 1,38,536
Pune - 2,45,169
Nasik - 1,15,392
Goa - 1,61,300
Delhi - 28,17,799
Noida - 4,57,155
Kaushambi - 1,81,539
Gurgaon - 6,68,401
Faridabad - 3,66,358
Lucknow - 64,709
Gorakhpur - 87,163
Indore - 78,604
Nagpur - 2,75,939
Raipur - 2,10,720
Ujjain - 28,000
Sehore - 44,600
Kolkatta - 8,57,041
Guwahati - 1,14,081
Jaipur - 8,69,322
Kota - 1,29,380
Burdwan - 43,720
Hyderabad - 83,294
Bangalore - 4,15,025
Chennai - 67,855
(Average per print: 1,19,095)
Total collections for Week 2: 1,79,53,996
Total Collections (Till Date): 10,22,86,060
Collections (INR) Avg. Per Print % change since last week
Week 1 8,43,32,064 3,93,281 NA
Week 2 1,79,53,996 1,19,095 -78.71
Total Gross 10,22,86,060
Dev D - Week 3 Mumbai - 9,58,277 (20 Unrecd. Incl. Thane.)
Gandhinagar - 12,631
Rajkot - 6,792
Baroda - 20,240
Pune - 1,56,082
Nasik - 9,171
Goa - 53,200
Delhi - 30,32,026
Noida - 3,63,610
Kaushambi - 1,40,212
Gurgaon - 5,83,860
Faridabad - 1,13,642
Gorakhpur - 14,051
Lucknow - 43,247
Nagpur - 70,136
Raipur - 10,400
Kolkatta - 1,13,122
Jaipur - 1,76,755
Kota - 28,510
Burdwan - 2,410
Hyderabad - 1,53,265
Bangalore - 2,12,033
(Average per print: 86,177)
Total collections for Week 3: 62,73,672
Total Collections (Till Date): 11,74,48,689
Collections (INR) Avg. Per Print % change since last week
Week 1 7,99,85,793 1,91,566 NA
Week 2 3,11,89,224 1,05,320 -61.01
Week 3 62,73,672 86,177 -79.89
Total Gross 11,74,48,689
Luck By Chance - Week 4 Mumbai - 4,26,709
Ahmedabad - 58,596
Gandhinagar - 18,764
Surat - 4,072
Pune - 37,329
Delhi - 1,81,644
Noida - 48,678
Gurgaon - 39,939
Lucknow - 17,549
Bangalore - 55,230
(Average per print: 18,133)
Total collections for Week 4: 8,88,510
Total Collections (Till Date): 8,79,76,195
Collections (INR) Avg. Per Print % change since last week
Week 1 6,43,17,228 2,42,006 NA
Week 2 1,89,42,143 1,37,262 -70.55
Week 3 38,28,314 57,520 -79.79
Week 4 8,88,510 18,133 -76.79
Total Gross 8,79,76,195
- By Taran Adarsh, February 28, 2009 - 09:22 IST
The two new releases, KISSE PYAAR KAROON? and SIDDHARTH - THE PRISONER, opened to poor houses everywhere. While KISSE PYAAR KAROON? opened across the country, SIDDHARTH - THE PRISONER has opened at few cities, on limited screens. The business is not likely to pick up over the weekend... Meanwhile, DELHI 6 had a lukewarm start at plexes on its eight day [Friday].
By Joginder Tuteja, February 27, 2009 - 12:34 IST
More than a month after its launch, 'Bachchanalia' has finally arrived on stands. Thankfully, it has been worth a wait, as one finds out after flipping though this 300 page book which could well serve as a Bible for all Amitabh Bachchan starrers. Not that it takes an almost four hour read to figure this out. Spending 15 minutes on this book is good enough to appreciate what could be expected from this brilliant compilation that is easily the best that one has laid hands on when it comes to a book about Hindi cinema.
What works most in the favor of this book is its presentation. And for this, one has to credit Osian's Center for Archiving, Research and Development (CARD), which in association with Bhawana Somayaa is responsible for co-authoring the book. While Bhawana Somaaya has ensured that the text in the book makes for an interesting read, CARD is responsible for all the publicity material and memorabilia (e.g. Posters, Showcards, Lobby Cards, Trophy, Photographic Still, Song-Synopsis Booklet) which makes 'Bachchanalia' a complete reading experience.
The book follows a truly inventive structure, what with a page (or a half) dedicated to each and every film that Amitabh Bachchan has done in his career. So what one sees is a poster of each of his films, some of them belonging to the rarest of the rare variety like Pyaar Ki Kahani, Raaste Ka Patthar, Bandhe Haath, Gehri Chaal and many more. This is not all as there are also innumerous unseen stills from his movies that make one turn pages with a tearing hurry.
Other than the sheer visual appeal which is good enough to make one go for the book, what brings in further entertainment are the film's synopsis, a quote (either from Amitabh Bachchan or a member from the cast and crew of the film) along with trivia which is highlighted as 'Between The Shots'. In fact it's this trivia which is the most addictive of all since most of them indeed belong to 'Did You Know' variety. Icing on the cake is the write-up at the top and bottom of every page which lists down the movies (from both Bollywood and Hollywood) that made an impact in the year when a particular Bachchan film was released. Though these films may not necessarily hold any connection with a Bachchan film, for the readers who wish to keep a date with history, it acts as a good study material to explore.
True to it's title, 'Bachchanalia - The Films & Memorabilia of Amitabh Bachchan' sticks to narrating facts about the films that Amitabh Bachchan has done over a period of time and never once deviates into unnecessary tangents. What this means for a reader is that gossips and other irrelevant anecdotes about his personal life are not included in the writing, hence ensuring that the book remains clean, uncontroversial and still engaging for an average reader. While writing a book about an actor who has been THE face of Indian cinema for long now, any writer would be tempted to include spicier details to make the final product more 'reader-friendly' but Bhawana Somaaya makes a smart choice and stays within the domain of the book's concept, hence justifying the USP of 'Bachchanalia', which is 'Amitabh Bachchan and his movies'. Period.
A voluminous book which would easily weigh a few kilos and bears an international stamp to it, courtesy its design, layout, presentation and content, 'Bachchanalia' packs in a lot in those few words that add to the brief content on every page. Some of the most interesting ones are presented here:
Muqaddar Ka Sikandar - Prakash Mehra had envisaged the film as a modern day take on 'Devdas'
Silsila - Smita Patil and Parveen Babi were the leading ladies of the film before being replaced by Jaya Bhaduri and Rekha
Major Saab - Ajay Devgan had directed parts of the film when the original director, Tinu Anand, was off sick
Bombay To Goa - Shooting 'Dekha Na Haaye Re...' was a nightmare since Amitabh required numerous retakes
Ek Nazar - Nadira was one of the first to detect something brewing between Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bhaduri at the film's sets
Raaste Kaa Patthar - Amitabh was quite proud of his performance in this film which unfortunately didn't work
Abhimaan - The film was earlier titled Raag Ragini and Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bhaduri had invested their own money in the project
Chupke Chupke - Hrishikesh Mukherjee wanted newcomers for the parts played by Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bhaduri
Don - 'Khaike Paan Banaraswaala' was earlier recorded for a Manoj Kumar film
Shakti - Makers of the film were almost convinced to replace Smita Patil with Rekha mid-way during the film's shooting
Adalat - Amitabh Bachchan and Neetu Singh did a 'Kung-fu' dance number in the film
There are minor factual errors in the book like Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag being shown as a 2008 release (whereas the fact is that it had released in 2007), Yaar Meri Zindagi being said to be stuck (when the fact is that this Amitabh Bachchan - Shatrughan Sinha starrer, after being stuck for decades, was finally released in 2008) or reference to Fashion stating that the film was 'based' on the true story of Delhi based model Geentanjali Nagpal (when the fact is that this incident just formed a small episode in the film).
However, in the bigger scheme of things when the book brings in an ocean of information with it (with a film by film account of each and every special appearance done by him along with it's poster), one can easily let such aberrations pass. Otherwise where else would one find movies like Jabaan, Charandas, Walayati Babu, Paan Khaye Saiiyan Hamar and, hold your breath, Film Hi Film (each of them starring Amitabh Bachchan in some role or other) being mentioned about in a single publication?
'Bachchanalia' is indeed special, and exclusive. A lethal combo that makes it a MUST for every cine follower who has claimed to be a follower (even if not a fan) of Amitabh Bachchan cinema. It's this very beauty of the book which makes it an irresistible read because it is not written from the point of view of a fan or a reader who could well be a fan. Instead, the book is a reference guide for each and every film that Amitabh Bachchan has done in a near four decade long career as an actor. The information which is presented is not just enlightening, it is also engaging and entertaining, and something that works in totality to make 'Bachchanalia' a book that should find a place on the shelves of every Bollywood aficionado.
Price: Rs. 3500
Rating: ****1/2
By Money Sharma, February 27, 2009 - 15:00 IST
Chacha Chowdhary, Pinki and Sabu who have entertained a range of generations through the comic books, are all gearing up to hit the silver screen, TV and video game platform, soon.
Diamond Comics, the owner of these characters, has tied up with License India, which is powering the plans of Diamond comics to reach on electronic platform and scouting for partners and people to work on the creative of the project.
Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Anupama Bindra, Business Head, License India, said, "We are preparing the licensing plans for Diamond Comics and are in talks with several animation studios who can work on the animation feature and TV series. To start with, we are looking at releasing the TV series this summer, when the holiday season starts so that we can reach kids."
Also on the cards are clothes, toys, stationary and other merchandising which will be soon unveiled. Adds Gulshan Rai, Chairman and MD, Diamond Comics, "India is a very big country that manufactures a large number of children oriented products. In the present scenario, our characters can be used in stationary products, bubble-gums and candies amongst many other available merchandising options."
Said Gaurav Marya, President-License India, "Animation and Character Licensing industry in India has bright prospect due its large population that accounts for a major chunk of the world's population. Also, the vast majority of India's $75-$100 million in retail sales comes from licensed merchandise in children's properties."
By Subhash K. Jha, February 27, 2009 - 11:25 IST
Spending five hours with hardcore convicts including prisoners serving a life sentence at the Thana jail on Thursday proved to be a life-changing experience for Neil Nitin Mukesh.
"It was the most life-changing day of my life. So much of what we take for granted seemed so vital and unreachable in there," says Neil.
The original motive for the visit - as a preparation to play the convict in Madhur Bhandarkar's Jail - was completely forgotten as Neil came face to face with people with very little time or hope to live.
"These are people who have built a universe within the prison. They cook, they do carpentry, make beautiful meals and artifacts. They pray, study, even watch films. We sat and ate their food. And I must say it was very good."
The first thing that Neil noticed about the prison inmates was how dark-skinned they had all become. "That's because they spend most of the time locked away from the sun," says the actor.
Neil now intends to get himself 'jail pallor.' "It's not a skin complexion that I can get on the beach. It will be through under-exposure from the sun."
Neil's interaction with the prisoners wasn't only skin-deep. "There are faces and voices in there which I'd never forget. Unfortunately, we couldn't meet prisoners on death row. But the rest of the inmates were there for us to interact with."
The young actor has formed a lifelong bond with some of the prisoners. "It's hard to believe some of these inmates are considered dangerous, more to themselves than people from the outside. We were not allowed to take belts, coins or any hard objects because any of this could be used by prisoners as harmful weapons."
Neil reached Thana jail around noon on Thursday with his director Madhur Bhandarkar and writer Manoj Tyagi.
Leading lady Mugdha Godse who was also expected to accompany them chose to stay away at the last minute. "We were told there would be an added security problem if she came along," explains Neil, probably referring to the fact that Ms Godse does have the tendency to play the temptress too intensely. The role could be misleading in a place where only men have been confined sometimes for many years.
There's a thin line that divides unconventional and experimental cinema. SIDDHARTH - THE PRISONER, directed by debutante Pryas Gupta, has an unconventional plotline, but what comes across is quite abstract. In fact, a film like SIDDHARTH - THE PRISONER is more suited for film festivals, not mainstream commercial platform.
Also, Pryas's prayaas sounds interesting on paper, but is not even part interesting on celluloid.
Just released from prison, Siddharth [Rajat Kapoor], a once-famous writer, completes a new manuscript. He re-engages with the outside world, hoping that the new book will restore his reputation and reconcile him with his estranged wife Maya.
However, fate has other plans for Roy when his briefcase gets exchanged at a cyber cafe with a similar briefcase containing a large sum of money. Roy loses the only copy of his manuscript, while Mohan [Sachin Nayak], the cyber cafe manager, comes under pressure from his boss [Praddip Sagar] to recover the lost money.
Director Pryas Gupta devotes the entire first hour in introducing the handful of characters in the film. Ideally, a thriller -- this one had the potential to be a riveting fare -- should unfold at a feverish pace, but the story unfolds at a lethargic pace and worse, there's not much movement in the story in the first hour. In fact, the first hour is too boring.
But the plot does move post intermission, more so towards the pre-climax when everyone starts double crossing the other. Sadly, the end ruins just about everything. What was Pryas wanting to say, lacks clarity. There may've been a message, but it doesn't come across at all.
Besides, the screenplay leaves a lot of questions unanswered. The film begins with Rajat being released from prison, but the reasons that resulted in this celebrated writer being put behind bars remains a mystery till the end. Ditto for the failed relationship that she shares with his wife. Half-baked tracks. Also, Rajat's about-turn in the penultimate moments looks weird.
The direction is below the mark, while the writing is bad. Ditto for the editing.
Rajat Kapoor doesn't get much lines to deliver. Nor is he given an opportunity to display histrionics. He's strictly okay. Sachin Nayak enacts his part convincingly. Praddip Sagar has his moments. Pradip Kabra is bland.
On the whole, SIDDHARTH - THE PRISONER is too abstract for Indian moviegoers. A disastrous fate awaits this film at the box-office.
rating 1 out 5
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, February 26, 2009 - 16:59 IST
Ace cinematographer Rajiv Menon captured some really beautiful moments between Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Mani Ratnam's Guru. Now Rajiv is all set to direct Bollywood's most talked about couple in his next film.
Bollywood Hungama spoke to the South based cinematographer who confirmed the news. "Yes...Abhishek and Aishwarya are starring in my next directorial venture titled Dhun. It's a film where music plays a very important role. The film goes on floors sometime in June this year."
Quiz him on rumors that the film is similar to the Amitabh-Jaya Bachchan starrer Abhimaan and he says, "I think Abhishek has already clarified this. There is no similarity except the fact that the characters in my film also play musicians."
The film is being produced by Eros International and Rajiv's good friend and Oscar winner A.R. Rahman would be composing the music for this musical drama. One will have to wait and watch if after the melodious music of Guru, Rahman can once again come up with some interesting 'Dhun' for this film.
By Joginder Tuteja, February 27, 2009 - 12:26 IST
It's an unusual outing at this Friday's ' Oye It's Friday!' as Farhan Akhtar brings in a contrasting set of guests - Sourav Ganguly and Kangna Ranaut. What to expect from the show? Well, read on!
- Bengal Tiger makes a candid confession as he talks about what's keeping him busy these days post his retirement from cricket. Farhan grills the ex-captain of the Indian team and he is more than glad to spill the beans.
- It's revealed on the show that it has been two months since Sourav withdrew from the cricket arena. Since then, he hasn't touched a bat or taken a sneak-peek at the pitch. The shy captain admits though that he misses the game immensely and is excited for the upcoming IPL matches where he will be seen once again along side the Kolkata Knight Riders.
- Sourav Ganguly admits that this 2 month gap has brought him closer to his family which he never got to do while playing for the Indian team. Watch the family man confess a lot more for the very 1st time on television as he gets candid about his personal life stories with Farhan.
- Dada opens up and talks to Farhan about how he cleaned bowled Dona (his wife) with his magical strikes and how he loves spending quality time with his lovely daughter
- Farhan also quizzes Saurav about his new role as the judge for a dance reality show and the qualities he is looking for the cheerleaders in the show 'Knights & Angels'
- Dada also reveals some really superstitious secrets of his fellow mates. An interesting watch!
- Coming to Kangna, she talks about life post the success of Raaz - The Mystery Continues. Basking in all the attention & appreciation from her loved ones and fans, the glamorous actress talks about her relationship with beau Adhyayan as well.
- Apart from Sourav Ganguly and Kangna Ranaut, what promises to enthrall the audience is a performance where the 'classical feet' from the East meet the 'fastest feet' of the West. Some never-seen-before tap dancing presentation by the Emmy award winning Tap dancing star Jason Samuels Smith is brought to screen as he fuses western tap dancing with Indian classical Kathak alongside internationally renowned Kathak maestro Pandit Chitresh Das.
- A little known fact is revealed about the duo that has traveled across the globe presenting its unique fusion act to audiences for past 3 years. Not just that, together they have performed at 20 cities across the United States, as also the White House.
- Well, in the current season it is impossible to ignore A.R. Rahman in any event. So here we have Sanjeeda Shaikh who promises to mesmerize the audience with her 'tadakedar' performance on tracks like 'Masakalli' and 'Ringa Ringa'.
Catch this and a lot more action as Farhan puts Sourav & Kangna in the spotlight this week on 'Oye! It's Friday!' February 27th at 10 pm, only on NDTV Imagine.
By Taran Adarsh, February 27, 2009 - 12:32 IST
Certain themes worked in the '70s and '80s. But they seem completely out of place in today's times. You can't connect with them, plain and simple. That's the issue with KISSE PYAAR KAROON?.
KISSE PYAAR KAROON? uses every rule in the book to entertain the viewer. It borrows heavily from all masala films that one has watched and admired over the years. To give the credit where it's due, a few scenes are indeed funny. But it comes too late in the day. Ideally, it should've released a couple of years ago.
Sid [Arshad Warsi], John [Aashish Chowdhry] and Amit [Yash Tonk] are thick friends. Everything is going fine till Sheetal [Udita Goswami] enters the scene. She plans to usurp the wealth of John. She entices him and John falls for her.
Realising that Sid and Amit could thwart her plans, she creates problems and hurdles in their friendship. Sid and Amit realize her game and plan to throw a spanner. They decide to drill sense in John, but John is in no mood to listen. He's completely smitten by Sheetal. Sid and Amit embark on a plan to save John from Sheetal.
Director Ajay Chandhok displays a flair for comic entertainers, but there's not much he can really do since the writing [Yunus Sajawal] is archaic and outdated. The same formula has been repeated so many times in the past, you don't react to it any longer. Despite the shortcomings, Chandhok has the potential to strike the right note if he gets the right script. Daboo Malik's music is pleasant. The title track and 'Bechain Saansein' come easy on the lips.
Arshad Warsi, Aashish Chowdhry and Yash Tonk play to the gallery. We don't expect histrionics in a film like this. Instead, we look for buffoonery and that's what they end up doing. Udita Goswami makes her presence felt, while Aarti Chhabria is hardly there. Shweta Menon entertains when she's on screen. Shakti Kapoor and Ashish Vidyarthi are wasted.
On the whole, KISSE PYAAR KAROON? comes too late in the day. Perhaps, this masala film may've struck a chord a few years ago, not today.
rating 1 out 5
By Money Sharma, February 26, 2009 - 18:44 IST
Eros International is planning to release a game on Sujoy Gosh's Aladin. Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Biren Ghose, Executive Director of Eros International confirmed the same saying, "Yes, a game is being planned around the movie Aladin, but it's very premature to talk in detail about it." 
The much awaited Amitabh Bachchan starrer film is being touted as a visual effects extravaganza. This development is part of an increasing trend wherein producers are releasing online and PC games around the release of their films. The latest examples being a 3D PC game on Ghajini and online games on the forthcoming 13B and Aa Dekhen Zara
Main Aur Mrs Khanna
Jashn
