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Monday, December 29, 2008

Akki turn super star to pop star

Akshay Kumar in Jumbo Promotional SongGet ready one and all, as Akshay Khiladi Kumar has not taken the responsibility to entertain his fans with his rapping. After entertaining his fans with his commendable acting skills and stunts of course, the Khiladi now sings for his forthcoming film- Chandni Chowk to China. A promotional song for the film, it is already making waves among the audiences and making its way to the chartbusters. The actor raps with the international pop sensation- Bohemia, where he exercises his vocal chords with interesting lyrics.

Interestingly, Akki now is among those top stars that have proved their versatility by playback singing in their films. Browsing through the history, SRK too in Josh had made all his fans dance on his tunes. Similarly, Aamir Khan’s ‘Aati Kya Khandala’ (Ghulam) and Sanjay Dutt ‘Ae Shivani’ (Khoobsurat) too had become popular. And how can one forget the one and only Big B, who has given his voice to several songs?

Thus, it looks like Akki would leave no stone unturned to prove himself the best.

source:zoomtv.in

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Ghajini bags 100 percent collections

Aamir in GhajiniActor Aamir Khan's latest film Ghajini rocked the box office, taking in 100 per cent collections across the country on its opening day Thursday, an executive of the movie's India distributor said.

Aamir Khan, who was present at the trial run of the movie at a preview theatre in Mumbai Wednesday, reportedly said that Ghajini has created a record by becoming the first Bollywood movie in recent times for which the tickets had been sold in advance for all five days of the opening week across the country.

According to trade reports, in view of the unprecedented audience expectation for the film, the multiplexes are asking the distributors to increase the number of prints. The decision in this regard has not yet to be taken.

The movie has been released within the country with 1,400 prints. Reliance BIG Pictures has released 213 prints overseas.

Meanwhile, Ghajini raked in Rs 70 million during 650 paid previews at multiplexes in India on Wednesday. "Although the movie has not received uniform favourable reviews, the hype created around it has worked wonders and there is little doubt that the movie will turn out to be a super hit," said a trade analyst.

source:zoomtv.in

Shah Rukh and Kareena get romantic

SRK & KareenaIt's been 7 long years since we saw Shah Rukh and Kareena romancing each other on screen. They were last seen together in the films Asoka and Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham. But it was only Asoka who had Shah Rukh and Kareena's romantic pairing. Kjo's Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham had Kareena playing only Shah Rukh's sister–in–law and since then all these years we just kept waiting to see the 2 stars romancing.

But now the long wait is finally over! As we will soon see the 2 top–notch stars – Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor once again scorching the screen with their rocking chemistry in Shah Rukh's Priyadarshan directed Billu Barber. The promos of Billu Barber are already on air and it goes without saying that the response is tremendous.

Though it is being said that Kareena's presence in the film will be only for a short while, probably only an item song and a small cameo in this Shah Rukh Khan home production, one only guesses from the sneak peek that the couple is romantically involved & will definitely succeed in casting their spell over audiences. Apart from Kareena, Priyanka and Deepika will also be seen shaking legs with Shah Rukh Khan.

As Billu Barber hits the screens coming February, Meanwhile we can delight ourselves with the promos.

"I am not missing Rakhi Sawant"- Sambhavna Seth

Rakhi Sawant & Sambhavna SethIt's a clash of the item girls now. 'Bhojpuri Helen' Sambhavna Seth has hit out at controversial Bollywood item queen Rakhi Sawant, stating that even if the latter joins her on reality show 'Dancing Queen', she would not be doing any wonders.

'If Rakhi joins 'Dancing Queen', she is not going to do any wonders. I have seen what she can do and I don't want to see any further wonders from her,' said Sambhavna. Sambhavna, who became a household name after participating in the second season of reality show 'Bigg Boss 2', says she is neither missing Rakhi on 'Dancing Queen' nor does she want to compete with her at any stage.

'I don't miss her on the show at all. Rakhi is quite senior in our league. She has done various reality shows and she has also become a judge. For her, its like, 'been there done that'. There is no sense in her coming to 'Dancing Queen' because she has reached a senior level. And even if she comes, there is no issue, but I am not at all missing her,' said Sambhavna.

But, though she is not missing Rakhi's presence, Sambhavna says she would be glad if she gets the item queen's blessing for the show. The Bhojpuri item girl was in the capital to promote 'Dancing Queen', which pairs 10 dancing divas with a protégé each. The show is telecast on entertainment channel Colors and is being judged by veteran actors Hema Malini and Jeetendra.

For the show, Sambhavna has teamed up with a young girl named Shamaayal, who hails from Benaras in Uttar Pradesh. Sambhavna says more than being worried about competitors, she wants to concentrate on grooming Shamaayal so that they become a stronger team and win the show.

'I want to see her match my energy level. All the contestants think that I have the best energy level so I want to bring Shamaayal to my energy level at least. Then people should say that not one but two Sambhavnas are performing,' she said.

source:zoomtv.in

Katrina rescued by the Kinng

Katrina KaifAccording to cast members at Film City, Katrina was doing an underwater sequence with Akshay Kumar when her foot got tangled under water. "The more she tried to extricate herself the more her leg got tangled. She tried to scream for help, but because of the noise on the sets including the stunt co-ordinators who were shouting instructions to the entire cast, no one heard Katrina's screams of pain," a source said.

Finally, Akshay bailed her out. "Akshay saw that Katrina was in trouble. He quickly swam to her and got her out of the tangle," said the source. Katrina's leg was badly hurt. When contacted, Katrina tried to downplay the incident saying: "It was nothing. I hurt my leg. There was a cut that hasn't healed as yet. So I'm in pain."

Katrina rescued by the Kinng

Katrina KaifAccording to cast members at Film City, Katrina was doing an underwater sequence with Akshay Kumar when her foot got tangled under water. "The more she tried to extricate herself the more her leg got tangled. She tried to scream for help, but because of the noise on the sets including the stunt co-ordinators who were shouting instructions to the entire cast, no one heard Katrina's screams of pain," a source said.

Finally, Akshay bailed her out. "Akshay saw that Katrina was in trouble. He quickly swam to her and got her out of the tangle," said the source. Katrina's leg was badly hurt. When contacted, Katrina tried to downplay the incident saying: "It was nothing. I hurt my leg. There was a cut that hasn't healed as yet. So I'm in pain."

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Movie Review: Ghajini is dumb and celebrates it

Cast: Aamir Khan, Asin, Jiah Khan

Director: AR Murgadoss

Amir KhanWatching him in Ghajini, I don't think I've seen Aamir Khan having this much fun as an actor in a long time.

It's an old-fashioned entertainer with a half-convincing plot, packed with enough gratuitous violence to qualify as a B-movie really; and like the most popular B-movies ever, the biggest strength of Ghajini lies in the fact that it's a fast-moving roller-coaster ride that seldom gives you a moment to stop and think how stupid it might actually be.

In a premise clearly inspired by Christopher Nolan's Memento, Aamir Khan plays Sanjay Singhania, a hot-shot industrialist who turns into an obsessed killing machine dedicated to tracking down his girlfriend's killer. Having been hit on the head with an iron rod, he suffers from short-term memory loss and can't remember anything for longer than 15 minutes; as a result he must tattoo his body with instructions that will lead him to his prey.

Abandoning Memento's fantastic non-linear narrative and opting for the more conventional flashback device, writer-director AR Murgadoss throws in an engaging back-story in the form of leading lady Asin (playing smalltime model Kalpana) and a love story brimming with originality and the kind of gentleness that you don't see at the movies anymore. It's a romance that takes you by surprise, and to an extent puts the film's intense action into perspective too.

Faithful remake of the director's Tamil blockbuster, Ghajini is over-the-top and exaggerated in its comedy, its action and its drama, but what irks you most are the half-dozen or so creative liberties and coincidences that the makers resort to, in order to bail themselves out of tricky screenplay situations. Here's a little sample - you're expected to believe that Sanjay Singhania is a well-known millionaire industrialist, and yet no one has seen him in pictures or in person.

Logical loopholes like these would be the albatross of any half-decent film, but Ghajini works despite its shortcomings because it's a reliably dumb film that is unpretentious in its intentions. Unlike many dumb films that take themselves way too seriously, Ghajini is a dumb film that celebrates its dumbness.

Of course much of the film's appeal lies in watching leading man Aamir Khan approach his role with an unmatched fervor. Whether it's beefing up for the part, or oozing that schoolboy charm, or then the manner in which he explodes in rage each time he's reminded of Kalpana's brutal death, you can't take your eyes off the screen when he's up there.

He finds a worthy nemesis in Pradeep Rawat who plays bad guy Ghajini, your stereoptypical 80s Bollywood villain, complete with gold chains, white shoes and menacing sneer. Rawat is decidedly loathsome, especially in the scene in which he enjoys watching our hero writhe helplessly as he offs his girlfriend in front of his eyes.

At the emotional heart of the film is Tamil actress Asin making her Bollywood debut as the mischievous, happy-go-lucky Kalpana, who benefits from a superbly-written character that is hard to get out of your head even when the film's ended. Asin has undeniable screen presence and such joie de vivre that you can immediately relate with the hero's anguish over losing her.

In a thankfully small role as the medical student who helps our hero achieve his goal is Jiah Khan who has a screechy voice and a forgettable presence.

Ghajini isn't a particularly good film, but entertainment it delivers by the bucketful. At a running time of 3 hours, the film seldom drags and therein lies its victory. For the Singh Is Kinng generation, here's another time pass entertainer.

I'm going with three out of five for director A R Murgadoss' Ghajini, this is Aamir Khan's way of telling us, 'Anything that Shah Rukh or Akshay can do, I can do just as well.'

Watch it for the ride.

Rating: 3 / 5 (Good)

source:ibnlive.com

Monday, December 22, 2008

We Khans are 3 idiots in the industry: Aamir

Amir Khan As Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Ghajini vye to capture audience attention, it is once again the clash of titans at the Box-Office.

Both Shah Rukh and Aamir claim their right to stardom's ace seat. But as far as Three Idiots which incidentally is what Aamir's next film is called, is concerned the actor says the title should go to the three Khans of Bollywood.

"My next film Three Idiots will have me playing the character of an idiot along with Sharman and Madhavan but Shah Rukh Khan, Salman and I are the three idiots of the film industry," Aamir joked on a tour to the capital to promote Ghajini.

The actor tried to avoid questions from the fans about the infamous fight between Shah Rukh and Salman. "Fight! how can I dare to fight with Shah Rukh. He is a very good friend and I have a lot of respect and love for him."

The actor, who give special haircuts to fans joked," I am promoting Shah Rukh's film Billu Barber."

Friction between the two stars has been out in public for some time now with Aamir claiming in an interview that King Khan was "scared" to work with him.

When questioned about Shah Rukh Khan's recent claim of being the biggest star in the industry, Aamir took an indirect dig at the actor by saying, "People who are No 1 don't state the obvious. For me Amitabh Bachchan is No 1. Does he ever claim about it. Does Lata Mangeshkar claim about it. Superstars don't need to say anything about their status."

Asked about competition between him and Shah Rukh Khan with Rab Ne... and Ghajini releasing almost simultaneously, Aamir said, " The public will answer that. I don't compete with others. I compete with myself. Talk about the competition is nonsense."

Talking about his role in the film Aamir jokes, "My character suffers from a short memory. So, he keeps forgetting my dialogues on the sets troubling my director. I was so engrossed in the character, you see."

The actor is pulling all the stops to market his film, which is a remake of a superhit Tamil film. Aamir turned barber today and gave Ghajini style haircut to fans in Delhi to promote the film.

The star appealed his fans to sport the hairstyle. Aamir also denied that the film was violent or unfit to be viewed by children. "It is not about massacre. It is an action film which centres around a rather beautiful love story. It talks about a person's life and how he deals with certain situations," the actor said. Aamir is using a very personalised way to promote the film ahead of its Christmas release.

The Box-Office responses of the film is eagerly awaited after Shah Rukh's film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi released recently to good opening collections, according to the producers. Ghajini will probably give an audience verdict of who is the best among the two stars -- Shah Rukh Khan or Aamir Khan.

source:ibnlive.com

In Pics: Akshay Kumar runs with the Flame of Hope

Akshay Kumar runs with the Flame of Hope

Akshay Kumar runs with the Flame of Hope

Akshay Kumar runs with the Flame of Hope

Akshay Kumar runs with the Flame of Hope

Akshay Kumar runs with the Flame of Hope

Akshay Kumar runs with the Flame of Hope

Akshay Kumar runs with the Flame of Hope

source:ibnlive.com

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi's Anushka wants a man like Suri

Anushka Sharma Interview Anushka Sharma, who debuted opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, says she would like her dream guy to be like Surinder Sahni or Suri, the middle-class nice guy played by the superstar in the film. She also says she never dreamt of becoming an actress.

"I would love to have someone like Suri. He should be a nice man. I believe in having a man who is beautiful and strong from inside. Inner beauty is most important. But I found Suri to be handsome and good-looking too," Anushka told IANS in an interview.

Directed by Aditya Chopra, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is the story of a mismatched couple played by Shah Rukh and Anushka and how the two of them find love in the backdrop of a dance competition.

The model-turned-actress considers herself "fortunate" to have landed a debut with Yash Raj Films and, that too, opposite Shah Rukh, but Anushka says she had never planned to become a Bollywood heroine.

"I never dreamt of becoming an actress; so it is not a dream come true for me," she said.

Anushka, who is under a three-film contract with the Yash Raj banner, said she would be concentrating on those projects for now.

"I have signed a three-film contract with Yash Raj. But I am free to do any other project if I wish," she clarified.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: How did Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi happen?

A: I started modelling from the age of 15. My photographs were with an agency and Yash Raj got them from it. I was called for an audition along with various other girls. I was selected by the assistant director and then introduced to Adi (Aditya Chopra) for the second audition. He asked me to be as natural as I was in my first audition. I followed his instructions and was finally selected.

Q: So Shah Rukh was not there when you were selected?

A: No, I met him for the first time on the sets.

Q: How was the experience?

A:He was in the get-up of Suri and I couldn't recognise him until he came to me and introduced himself. I was really surprised.

Q: Do you consider it a dream come true to be part of such a huge project?

A:Not really, as I never had the intention to be an actress. It happened out of luck and I consider myself very fortunate to be part of such a big banner in my debut film and to be working with a star like Shah Rukh and a director like Aditya Chopra.

Q: Are you an avid watcher of Yash Raj's films?

A: Yes, I like their movies and the style in which they make them. My favourite films are Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge and Chak De India.

Q: Who are your favourite actors and actresses?

A: Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji.

Q: So what next after Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi? Are you bound by any contract?

A: Yes, I have signed a three- film contract with Yash Raj. But I'm free to do any other project if I wish.

Q: Can you give any details about your forthcoming films?

A: Right now I've no idea about any of the films as nothing has been finalised.

Q: You debuted with the biggest star and one of the biggest production houses of the country. Do you feel that you aren't left with better options in future?

A: No, I think the industry is quite big and there are other big banners and people in the industry with whom I would love to work.

Q: Among the two characters of Suri and Raj played by Shah Rukh in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, which one did you like the most?

A: I liked Suri more because he had goodness in his character and was very true. I find those qualities enduring in a human being.

Q: How would you like your dream guy to be?

A: I would love to have someone like Suri. He should be a nice man. I believe in having a man who is beautiful and strong from inside. Inner beauty is most important. But I found Suri to be handsome and good-looking too.

source:ibnlive.com

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Aamir Khan share the torture behind Ghajini look!

Aamir Khan Ghajini Look Aamir Khan ‘dedicated’ Sunday afternoon to his physical trainer, Satyajit Chaurasia, who helped him sculpt his body for Ghajini.

Flanked by bodyguards, the actor invited his media friends to the Barbarian Gym, Versova, to introduce everyone to the trainer and ---- about how they worked out together for 13 months to achieve the results desired by the film director AR Murugadoss. A 10-minute ----- traced the body sculpting, showing the gradual changes in the actor’s body. “I hated it in the beginning but didn’t want to let my director down,” said the ever-so-perfect actor. When questions about the six-pack abs of the other two Khans were thrown at him, Aamir answered them with enough caution to not upset them. “I am not competing with anyone here and did what was required for my film,” he replied, politics well in check.

Showstopper The trainer let out how Khan’s yelps when made to do a dozen pull-ups could be heard even in the restaurant above the gym. “If Aamir bhai didn’t follow my instructions, I would simply give him a tougher exercise set. That used to drive home my point,” laughed Satyajit.

source: screenindia.com

Jodhaa Akbar nominated as Best Foreign Film at BAFTA awards

Jodha Akbar nominated for BAFTA awards Hrithik Roshan starrer Jodha Akbar has been nominated in the Best Foreign Film category for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards.

Hrithik played as the Mughal emperor Akbar, and Aishwarya Rai as his Hindu wife, Jodhaa.

The film has already bagged many awards in the festival circut - including the Audience Award as the Best Foreign Film at the 32nd Sao Paulo International Film Festival. And the Best Film Grand Prix and Best Actor award for Hrithik Roshan at the Film Festival of Muslim Cinema Golden Minbar in Kazan, Russia, this year.

If 'Jodhaa Akbar' wins this award, it will be yet another honour for the magnum opus after the honours it received at the Golden Mibar festival in Kazan, Russia, said Gowariker, who is currently shooting for What's your Rashee? with Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja.

He said noted film critic Mike Goodridge of Screen International has conveyed his appreciation for the movie saying,"I loved it, I could have easily watched another hour!"

The final nominations list for the BAFTA awards will be announced on January 15 with the ceremony itself being staged at the Royal Opera house in London on February 8.

by ibnlive.com

Monday, December 15, 2008

Aamir Khan markets Ghajini, people get bald look

Ghajini is next week's big release and Aamir Khan is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the film releases with a bang. Among the innovative marketing drives for Ghajini was this attempt to get people to copy his now famous bald look from the film.

Aamir Khan at Ghajini PromotionOver a 100 employees of a leading multiplex chain got themselves Aamir's bald look from Ghajini and Monday morning saw Aamir himself posing with his look alikes.

“I think that the staff and the chain are being a part and viewing this film as an event, I'm very happy,” says Aamir Khan.

And it is believed that the staff members were not forced to go under the barber's scissors.

“My girl friend was opposing this but I said I will do it,” says a staff member from the Big Cinemas.

But if you don’t get to meet Aamir, you can catch a full sized Aamir Khan statue with his 8pack intact at any mutliplex near you.

“The intention of the statue is just like that of a trailer for the movie,” adds Aamir Khan.

Hopefully the film delivers much more than the trailers promise.

source:ibnlive.com

Queen of Google Search 'Katrina'

Katrina Kaif delighted on being voted out the most searched name on the Internet it shows that how much popular she is among the net-savvy youngsters across the world.

Katrina Kaif"I'm very surprised. I really didn't expect this. Google is the only thing I know on the Internet. I'm not too Internet-savvy. Who doesn't want to be recognised and loved? I think it's really sweet because it means I'm a little more popular with the younger generation. People between 19 and 30 go to the Internet more, I think. And that's the audience I want to connect with," Katrina says.

Earlier, Katrina also voted out as the sexiest Asian woman by Eastern Eye, a leading British publication for the South Asian community. She bagged the highest number of votes for the Sexiest Asian Woman title.

Katrina has taken over from Aishwarya Rai as the most googled Bollywood girl. Both actresses have a more wholesome image than the term 'sexy' generally suggests.

"I can't be compared with her... She's iconic. I like that word... wholesome. I like being wholesome. Maybe today being attractive has more to do with the relatability factor."

Genelia d'Souza is also in Google's 2008 India Zeitgeist List.

"So maybe too much in-your-face appeal is no longer that much in favour. Maybe finding the balance is important. Otherwise one appeals to only a section of people. Me? I didn't project myself in any one way. I've projected myself the way my projects have allowed me to. I've been fortunate to be accepted in spite of not being conventionally sexy."

Katrina, who featured in this year's biggest hit Singh Is Kinng, says she's ready to ---- characters that are not straightforward.

source:ibnlive.com

Sunday, December 14, 2008

'Virgin Mary' on Playboy cover sparks row

virgin marryA Mexican issue of the Playboy magazine showing the cover of a model allegedly posing like the Virgin Mary has caused outrage among some Catholics.

December is the month in which (m) millions of Mexican Catholics celebrate the festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe, which showcases a rich variety of Virgin Mary images.

However the cover of Playboy magazine may have been the last place Catholics would have expected to see a picture they many say depicts the Virgin Mary.

The Mexican edition of the gentleman's magazine features a nude woman with a white sheet draped over her head and body standing next to a prop that resembles a stained glass window.

In the picture, Playboy model Maria Florencia Onori poses as a representation of the Virgin. The December issue of the magazine was released a day before the traditional Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, patroness of Mexico.

Headline reads in Spanish "We adore you, Mary"

The pose and facial expression evoke the docile and innocent image of the Virgin Mary seen in many paintings and statues.

source:ibnlive.com

Movie Review: Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is an average movie

rab ne bana di jodi
Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma

Director: Aditya Chopra

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi directed by Aditya Chopra, is a film that hangs from a threadbare premise that is hard to swallow.

Shah Rukh Khan plays Surinder Sahni, a working-class simpleton from Amritsar who goes in for an image makeover, and poses as a cooler, trendier fellow so he can woo his young, distracted wife Taani (played by newcomer Anushka Sharma). Picked to be partners in a local dance contest, the lady and her husband-in-disguise, Raj, become fast friends, until she finds herself falling for him.

To be honest, even if you are willing to buy into that bizarre premise - that Taani fails to recognize her own husband because he's shaved his moustache, lost the spectacles and picked a funky hairstyle - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is still an exhausting watch because it's such a predictable story, because it recycles the same old clichés, and because the characters are so poorly developed.

It's difficult to get your head around Taani, easily the film's most confusing character, who takes the drastic step of marrying a man she doesn't love on the urging of her deathbed-bound father, when her fiancé is killed in a road accident. Never once does she remember or refer to either her fiancé or her father in the film. She's progressive enough to think it's cool to be having gol-gappa eating matches with a male friend, but conveniently forgets to tell him she's married.

Going back to the oldest trick in the book to solve all his screenplay problems, director Aditya Chopra drags in Rab, or God to solve the film's decidedly uncomfortable conflict of whether Taani should run away with her lover, who's actually her husband-in-disguise; or whether she should stay with her husband? You see, the message this film delivers repeatedly is that you know it's real love when you see Rab or God in another human being.

Rab, in fact, comes quite handy here and is referred to every few minutes by someone or the other, and very often in long, boring monologues that characters deliver aloud to themselves.

When it's not peddling God and its theories on love, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is really an antiquated love story that is regressive, chauvinistic and plain stupid in parts. Which is sad if you think about it, because stripped down to its basics there is clearly a sensitive idea there - about facing one's insecurities, and about coming to terms with the fact that it's okay to be yourself.

The emotional core of the film is the Surinder character whom Shah Rukh Khan plays with such genuine affection, you miss him dearly when the focus shifts to the loud buffoonery of Raj. Amidst all those silly gimmicks of a sumo-wrestling match and an Om Shanti Om-inspired item song with Bollywood's top heroines, the moments that stay with you are the ones involving Suri. It's to Shah Rukh Khan's credit that Suri stands out in such a messy film.

Newcomer Anushka Sharma appears confident, and is well cast as the spirited Taani, but saddled with an inconsistent character she fails to leave a lasting impression. The same, thankfully can't be said for Vinay Pathak, who's absolutely delightful as Suri's faithful friend Bobby.

Aditya Chopra's return to direction after eight years is marked by a flawed script, which in turn spawns a disappointing film. Where's the smart dialogue and the spirited characters that defined his debut film, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge? There's no trace of either in this film.

The problem then, at the root of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, is that much like those artificial sets in the film, the emotions too are contrived.

I'm going with 2 out of 5 and at best an average rating for director Aditya Chopra's Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. If you must, watch it for Suri; he's the only honest thing about this film.

Rating: 2 / 5 (Average)

source: ibnlive.com

IN PICS: MS RUSSIA CROWNED MISS WORLD 2008

MISS WORLD 2008
MISS WORLD 2008
MISS WORLD 2008
MISS WORLD 2008
MISS WORLD 2008
MISS WORLD 2008
MISS WORLD 2008
MISS WORLD 2008
MISS WORLD 2008
MISS WORLD 2008

source:ibnlive.com

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Yash Raj confident of SRK starrer to sail through season

king khanYash Raj films will be releasing Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' with over 1,200 prints on December 12 and is confident that it will bring audiences back to theatres which were going nearly empty after the Mumbai terror attacks.

The over 1,200 prints include both analog print as well as digital cinemas, a spokesperson of Yashraj said, adding that the order for prints in India is increasing by the day with a lot of excitement in the exhibition sector.

The audiences are looking forward to the first SRK release in over a year, the first SRK/Aditya Chopra combination film in over eight years and most of all a wholesome family entertainer to bring much needed respite in these stressful times, he said.

The overseas release is the widest first day release of any Hindi film, with simultaneous release in USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, all over the Middle East, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Kenya, Mauritius, Tanzania, Nigeria, Fiji Islands as well as all major European countries including Holland, Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Austria and Switzerland, the spokesperson added.

source:screenindia.com

'Baywatch' producers to hunt next Pamela Anderson

pamela anderson baywatch
Most pupular TV show 'Baywatch' are looking for the next Pamela Anderson for their new version of 'Baywatch'. This new version will introduce local actors but its still untitled. The producers are on the toe to find out the next Baywatch babe.

Producer Walter Brown, who has partnered with creator Greg Bonnan on the series, said, "Baywatch had all the elements to be extraordinarily successful in its day. Of course every producer hopes for that kind of success and, personally, I think New Zealand has the magic to do it."

Anderson became a international sensation after landing the role of lifeguard C J Parker in the 1990s series.

'Ghajini' is all set to release on 24th Dec

Amir Khan 'Ghajini'Post Mumbai terror, bollywood business has been hardly affected. Most of the cinemas in Mumbai call off shows due to less audiences. Perhaps this may've prompted people to assume that Aamir Khan's much awaited ‘Ghajini’, which is confirmed for Thursday, 25th December, might get pushed to the New Year. But it's not true!

Madhu Mantena producer of 'Ghajini' express that the film will release earlier. Till now, the film was slated for release on Thursday, 25th December, but the makers have decided to release it on Wednesday, 24th December night. "We're organising paid previews across the country on Wednesday night, which means we're releasing ‘Ghajini’ a day earlier," Madhu Mantena says.

Sure, the release date of ‘Ghajini’ has been altered. It's Wednesday, not Thursday!!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Sanjay Dutt lowers fee following recession

The crippling recession, plus the big terror blow that Mumbai suffered on 26/11 has made the spiralling star-prices finally scale down. And Sanjay is the first A-list star to take the initiative.

Sanjay, who had recently increased his remuneration by a good 60 per cent to Rs 15 crore (Rs 150 million), thanks to the initiative taken by his friend and adviser Suniel Shetty, sees no wisdom in unnecessarily charging a prohibitive fee that brings projects down even before they hits the theatres.

"Recession has hit everyone big time. We all need to understand the seriousness of the situation and co-operate. We simply have to lower our prices," Sanjay told IANS.

Sanjay admits the decision was taken after the terror attacks on the city that claimed 172 lives.

"After the attack on Mumbai, people have cut down drastically on their visits to shopping malls and movie theatres. So the situation has got even worse. We in the film industry are part of one big family and we've to make our family survive this worst-ever crisis," Sanjay added.

"The entire industry is hit by an economic recession. Sanju has decided to make his remuneration flexible now. Sanju's fee is now variable. It would depend on the nature of the project and how much the producer could afford to pay him. Naturally, the big prestigious banners will be expected to pay more. But Sanjay is also eager to work in a more innovative kind of cinema and would happily lower his price for roles that challenge him as an actor," one of his close friend said.

source:ibnlive.com

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Full videos: Shootout at Taj



Full videos: Terrorists hijack cops' vehicle



Deepika woos Akki with her new look in 'Chandni Chowk to China'



My feelings are mixed with anger, disbelief and sadness: SRK

SRKShah Rukh Khan has spoken for the first time about his thoughts on the Mumbai atrocities. Speaking exclusively to Raj and Pablo for this Saturday's (6 December) 'Love Bollywood' Show on ‘BBC Asian Network’, Shah Rukh speaks openly about why he hasn't talked about the attacks till now as well as his views on what the younger generation of Muslims should be concentrating on.

Shah Rukh said "I've tried to keep away from commenting on this as there are no words to express a situation like this because our feelings are mixed with anger, disbelief and sadness."

In light of the horrific attacks, Shah Rukh went on to give his thoughts on religion and the younger Muslim generation. "Being Muslim myself, I believe youngsters need to understand Islam and respect the religion in the right way. It's such a huge waste and my appeal to all in these times and in recent years is that please can we run what we want in terms of politics, government, jobs and teaching our children with the prime motive of taking communalism out of it. I think no agenda should be attached to any kind of religion."

Shah Rukh spoke passionately about his views on what he feels should be the only religion the nations' children should follow - 'work'; he goes on to say, "The religion our children are born with should be something they practice as a discipline and work should be developed as the new religion."

source:screenindia.com

Bad idea to make film on Mumbai attacks: Vikram Bhatt

Vikram BhattProducer-director Vikram Bhatt has compared last week's terror attacks that rocked Mumbai to the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre and said that making a film on it would be a bad idea.

"It's a bad script. It's an episode of defeat. Who would want to watch it as everything ended on a sad note," Bhatt told IANS.

He said that the commandos and security forces fought till the end and rescued many, "but we should not forget that nearly 200 people have been killed, which gives it a sad look".

"We should not call it a victory. It has been controlled and contained. They (the terrorists) were ready to die, so killing them is not a victory. If the terrorists would have been killed at the CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) station then I would have called it a victory, but it did not happen so," said Bhatt, who has directed films like "Raaz" and "Ghulam".

Bhatt is still in shock about the whole episode and said: "I am having the saddest time of my life, thinking of those innocent people who have been killed. It's a complete massacre which will give our country a new way to look at things."

"It is like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which changed India. This incident would help India get rid of corrupt politicians," he said.

On April 13, 1919, British Indian Army soldiers under the command of Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer opened fire on an unarmed gathering of men, women and children at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar. The firing lasted about 10 minutes and claimed over a thousand lives.

Speculation of a film being planned on the terror strikes in Mumbai, which claimed at least 183 lives, has been on ever since filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma and actor Riteish Deshmukh accompanied Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh on his visit to the ravaged Taj Mahal Hotel Sunday.

Varma had later denied any plans of making a movie on the attacks and said that his visit to the hotel was a personal one.

source:ibnlive.com

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Movie Review: Oye Lucky Lucky Oye is engaging

Oye Lucky Lucky OyeCast: Abhay Deol, Paresh Rawal, Neetu Chandra, Richa Chadda, Manu Rishi, Archana Puran Singh, Manjot Singh

Direction: Dibakar Banerjee

Most good films will engage you with their characters and their drama, but how many can claim to challenge you at the same time? Oye Lucky Lucky Oye, directed by Dibakar Banerjee, is a film that keeps you on your toes; it’s a film that never spoon-feeds you, instead expects you to read between the lines, to fill in the gaps for yourself, and to decode the subtext. It’s true, Oye Lucky Lucky Oye is the kind of film that expects as much of its audience as its audience expects of the film.

On the surface, it’s the story of a small-time Delhi crook and his rise to infamy and faux celebrity – much like Catch Me If You Can – but look closer and you’ll notice all the layers. It’s a film about wanting to belong, a film about the inter-class divide, and about shifting family dynamics.

Always getting on the wrong side of his father, and never quite able to fit in with the cool ‘English medium’ kids who drive fancy cars, Lucky Singh (played by Manjot Singh as a teenager and by Abhay Deol as an adult) finds himself drawn to petty crime so he can afford the lifestyle he’s always wanted. Working with his childhood friend Bangali, Lucky swipes everything from television sets and Mercedes to tennis rackets, violins and even a Pomeranian dog from the residents of Delhi’s posh colonies. But here’s what separates him from your ordinary chor-uchakka – Lucky does it with style, with flair, with a smile and with the ease of a magician. Lucky, you see is the most charming guy you’ll ever meet.

The thing is much of the film’s second act gets repetitive as scene after scene you must watch Lucky slip into people’s homes and walk out moments later with so much loot. His modus operandi is way too simple to be believable – the same trick can’t possibly work all the time, and the director doesn’t bother to show us exactly how Lucky keeps up his game even after his notoriety has spread.

What’s more the Gogabhai track involving Paresh Rawal as the sleazy black-marketeer is over-indulgent to say the least. Too much time and footage is spent establishing Gogabhai’s character and his business relationship with Lucky – as a result much of the film’s middle portion seems to go around in circles, unnecessarily adding to its length.

The writing, in all fairness, is much sharper when it comes to bringing Delhi and its characters to the screen. Director Dibakar Banerjee’s Delhi isn’t the Delhi you see in most Hindi films, none of the usual clichés – no India Gate and Qutub Minar – it’s the Delhi you’d know if you’ve lived there. It’s the Delhi he knows inside out, complete with smarmy restaurant waiters who size you up in an instant, and shrewd housewives who make you their brother and emotionally blackmail you into investing in their husband’s business plan. Much like his last film Khosla Ka Ghosla, the heart of Oye Lucky Lucky Oye lies in its colorful characters.

Abandoning the conventional formula of throwing in a comedian to provide the laughs, Banerjee packs the film with humor that arises out of everyday characters and seemingly normal situations. Like the scene in which the mother of Lucky’s fiancée pesters him to bring home a toaster because her husband likes his bread hot and smoothly buttered. Or the scene at the breakfast table in which the same lady alternates her attention between her two sons-in-law on the basis of which one seems more financially promising. The jokes in Oye Lucky Lucky Oye fly at you from all directions, and they seldom fail because in most cases the characters aren’t in on the joke.

Assembling a rock-solid cast of actors who seem to effortlessly inhabit their roles, the director strikes gold with his supporting players too. Manu Rishi as Lucky’s partner Bangali is a revelation, as is Richa Chadda playing Dolly, the starlet in Gogabhai’s music troupe. Archana Puran Singh nails it as Dr Handa’s crafty wife, and Neetu Chandra hits the perfect note as Lucky’s love interest Sonal.

Paresh Rawal delivers all the right ticks and quirks to separate each of the three characters he plays in the film – Lucky’s irritable father, the shady Gogabhai, and the opportunistic veterinarian Dr Handa. The director never reveals why he casts the same actor for all three roles; like I explained earlier, it’s one of those things he expects you to figure out for yourself. Not that’s it some puzzle really. If you consider the role each of the three different characters plays in Lucky’s life and the feeling they leave him with eventually, you will immediately understand why it made perfectly good sense for the same actor to play all three parts.

As Lucky, the acting honours are shared between Manjot Singh and Abhay Deol who play the same person at different ages. Unfamiliar to us movie-regulars, Singh makes a lasting impression as the sharp-witted hero, investing in him a boyish charm which Deol then exploits with full-blown impact. Abhay Deol, in fact infuses bagfuls of likability and a hint of sadness into the part, making Lucky a victim even when he’s actually the criminal of the piece.

Again, if you’re wondering why the younger Lucky wears a turban and the older one does not, don’t expect any answers from the director. Think about it yourself.

Come on, you’d expect a thief to be inconspicuous, wouldn’t you?

Aided by a catchy soundtrack, unflashy-but-intuitive camerawork, and remarkable production design, director Dibakar Banerjee creates a picture that is enthralling for the most part. The loose ends in the screenplay aside, this is a warm and welcoming film.

I’m going with three out of five for Oye Lucky Lucky Oye. Watch it because it’s a film that respects your intelligence. And films like that are hard to find.

Rating: 3 / 5 (Good)

Movie Review: Sorry Bhai is a brave little film

Sorry BhaiCast: Shabana Azmi, Boman Irani, Sanjay Suri, Chitrangada Singh, Sharman Joshi

Direction: Onir

Taking the decidedly uncomfortable premise of a man hooking up with his brother’s girl, Sorry Bhai is a brave little film that puts a fresh spin on the tale. Bumbling younger brother Sharman Joshi arrives in Mauritius with his parents Shabana Azmi and Boman Irani to attend elder brother Sanjay Suri’s wedding, and ends up falling in love with his brother’s fiancée Chitrangada Singh.

The triangle that ensues involves Sharman, Chitrangada and – no, not Sanjay who seems to wisely move on – but the boys’ overbearing mother Shabana who gets herself irreparably entangled in this awkward mess.

At the very core of Sorry Bhai’s drama is the magnificent Shabana Azmi who takes her role and immediately sinks her teeth into it, constructing a character that is all flesh-and-blood. From the little moments – like the one in which she follows Sharman and Chitrangada into the woods, only to hurt her foot before she can confirm her suspicions – to the significant ones (which include her clashes with her daughter-in-law to be), Shabana is always on the ball, and makes her character omnipresent in the movie, even when she’s not physically around in every frame.

A word of praise also for the immensely gifted Boman Irani who has a tougher job at hand – making a solid believable person out of what was probably a three-line character sketch on paper. Boman adds the right comic touch and just the perfect hint of melancholy to create an affectionate lug of a father who speaks less but delivers gems every time he does.

The plot of Sorry Bhai may be simplistic, but the film is not so much about the plot as it is about the characters, and director Onir does a fine job of writing complex, flawed characters who don’t come with any easy answers. Chitrangada’s character, for one, is a tough nut to crack – why does she appear almost unaffected when Sanjay puts off their wedding to attend to a pressing business commitment; why does she suddenly decide to pursue Sharman with such dogged determination; does she really feel no responsibility to Sanjay for what’s just happened? These are important questions all, but the answers are hard to find. Much like life, if you think about it.

Of the three leads, Sharman Joshi plays his part with such sincerity, you’re willing to look at his flawed character with renewed sympathy. The radiant Chitrangada Singh is awkward in places, but puts up a good show nevertheless, especially in her scenes with Shabana. Sanjay Suri, despite the weak characterisation, does the best he can with his role, in particular nailing the film’s one defining scene in which Sharman makes the big confession, to which he responds with shock, anger, and even a little affection.

Sorry Bhai is not devoid of faults – the film occasionally gets too talkie, and in some places a little silly too – but the film’s real charm lies in those memorable moments the director creates between his two favorite players – Shabana and Chitrangada. That’s the reason to watch this film.

I’m going with three out of five for director Onir’s Sorry Bhai. It’s a strong character-driven drama about imperfect people trying to find their own happiness in the world. Don’t miss it.

Rating: 3 / 5 (Good)

source:ibnlive.com

Cereals is the only meal Jolie makes

American actor Brad Pitt has revealed that his partner actress Angelina Jolie is pretty useless in the kitchen, and that the only thing she has ever cooked for him is “cereals”.

According to ‘Guardian’, Pitt, 44, has revealed this fact in the new issue of chef Jamie Oliver's eponymous magazine.

The famous cook's first issue contains the whole interview with Pitt, and it will be available in WH Smith stores on December 4, reports ‘Us’ magazine.

The actor has known Oliver for a very long time, and Pitt even had him and his wife Jools flown to his and Jennifer Aniston's L.A. home to cook for his 40th birthday in 2004.

Meanwhile, the Brangelina family had a low-key Thanksgiving weekend in New Orleans, with Pitt spotted riding his motorcycle around town and Jolie taking their 7-year-old son, Maddox, shopping.

source:screenindia.com

Mumbai attacks: 4 out of 6 films postponed

The terror attacks on Mumbai have affected film business and how! The two new releases, ‘Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!’ and ‘Sorry Bhai’, have taken a severe beating at the box-office. While ‘Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!’ had a 15% - 20% occupancy over the weekend, ‘Sorry Bhai!’ cut a sorry picture almost everywhere. In fact, the management of theatres/plexes were forced to cancel shows due to lack of audiences.

The coming Friday [December 5] was to witness a plethora of medium-budget/low cost films, like ‘Maharathi’, ‘Dil Kabaddi’, ‘Khallballi - Fun Unlimited’, ‘Oh, My God!!’, ‘Meerabai Not Out’ and ‘Kaashh... Mere Hote’. However, the producers of ‘Khallballi - Fun Unlimited’ and ‘Kaashh... Mere Hote’ have decided to shift the film to a latter date.

"The timing isn't right," Riaz Haider, the Project Head of One More Thought [Khallballi - Fun Unlimited] says. The new date will be decided in a day or two. On the other hand, ‘Kaashh... Mere Hote’ has been shifted to December 19. "Two reasons why we postponed our film," music director turned producer Shravan Rathod tells me, "With so many films arriving on December 5, we felt it would kill the prospects of our film. Two, it'll take time for people to come out of the depressing phase [the terror attacks in Mumbai]. Hence, we decided to shift ‘Kaashh... Mere Hote’ to December 19."

It would be interesting to see how ‘Maharathi’, ‘Dil Kabaddi’, ‘Oh, My God!!’ and ‘Meerbai Not Out’ perform this Friday. .

source:expressindia.com

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