Friday, December 16, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
I am not gay: Jackie Shroff
Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff dismissed reports that he gave an interview to a Pakistani website about his sexual preference and clarified that he is not gay.
"Can you believe it? Bas ab yehi baqi reh gaya tha. Logon ko kaam-dhanda nahin hai. Bas, yehi sab... (people do not have anything else in life) For the record, I've never spoken to any journalist on this subject and certainly made no such declaration. Main pagal hoon kya (am I mad)," he said.
"In any case, what's the big deal about sexual preference? If one is gay, one is gay. If I was, I'd have no qualms in accepting it. But the fact is, I am most certainly not. And I'm surprised at the audacity of the journalist who cooked up this imaginary scandal," added the 54-year-old actor.
"My wife (Ayesha) and I had a good laugh over this. I just looked at her and she looked at me. We burst out laughing...."
The actor, who made his debut with Subhash Ghai's Hero, said instead of talking about this absurd nonsense about his sexuality, people should remember Bollywood legend Dev Anand, who died last week.
"It's so sad. The entertainment industry has just suffered a huge blow. We lost Dev saab. Instead of remembering him the news has now veered towards some absurd nonsense about my sexuality. Jeez! Man, we need to sober up," said the actor who worked with Dev Anand in Swami Dada.
Jackie is known for his roles in Yudh, Teri Meherbaniyan, Karma, Ram Lakhan, Aaina and Devdas.
Now he is gearing up to launch his son Tiger.
"Can you believe it? Bas ab yehi baqi reh gaya tha. Logon ko kaam-dhanda nahin hai. Bas, yehi sab... (people do not have anything else in life) For the record, I've never spoken to any journalist on this subject and certainly made no such declaration. Main pagal hoon kya (am I mad)," he said.
"In any case, what's the big deal about sexual preference? If one is gay, one is gay. If I was, I'd have no qualms in accepting it. But the fact is, I am most certainly not. And I'm surprised at the audacity of the journalist who cooked up this imaginary scandal," added the 54-year-old actor.
"My wife (Ayesha) and I had a good laugh over this. I just looked at her and she looked at me. We burst out laughing...."
The actor, who made his debut with Subhash Ghai's Hero, said instead of talking about this absurd nonsense about his sexuality, people should remember Bollywood legend Dev Anand, who died last week.
"It's so sad. The entertainment industry has just suffered a huge blow. We lost Dev saab. Instead of remembering him the news has now veered towards some absurd nonsense about my sexuality. Jeez! Man, we need to sober up," said the actor who worked with Dev Anand in Swami Dada.
Jackie is known for his roles in Yudh, Teri Meherbaniyan, Karma, Ram Lakhan, Aaina and Devdas.
Now he is gearing up to launch his son Tiger.
Dev Anand's ashes are immersed in Godavari river at Nashik
Bollywood's evergreen star Dev Anand's ashes were immersed in the Godavari river in Nashik on Wednesday evening by his son Suneil, a family friend said.
"Suniel just finished immersing the ashes of his father in the holy waters of the Godavari river. I accompanied him there," Mohan Churiwala, a close associate and family friend told IANS over the phone.
Dev Anand's son Suneil had come to India from London to immerse his late father's ashes in the holy river.
The last rites of Dev Anand, who passed away in London on December 3 following a heart attack, were performed on Saturday at the Putney Vale Crematorium in London. A memorial service was also held at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in London, the same day.
In Mumbai, a memorial service will be held on Friday. "A memorial service will be held at Mehboob Studios in suburban Bandra on Friday. It will be held there because a make-up room of Dev saab is still at the studio. Also, there is some emotional connect as he had shot a lot of films over there," Churiwala said.
"Suniel just finished immersing the ashes of his father in the holy waters of the Godavari river. I accompanied him there," Mohan Churiwala, a close associate and family friend told IANS over the phone.
Dev Anand's son Suneil had come to India from London to immerse his late father's ashes in the holy river.
The last rites of Dev Anand, who passed away in London on December 3 following a heart attack, were performed on Saturday at the Putney Vale Crematorium in London. A memorial service was also held at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in London, the same day.
In Mumbai, a memorial service will be held on Friday. "A memorial service will be held at Mehboob Studios in suburban Bandra on Friday. It will be held there because a make-up room of Dev saab is still at the studio. Also, there is some emotional connect as he had shot a lot of films over there," Churiwala said.
Review: Mission Impossible 4: The Ghost protocol
Luckily for Tom Cruise, 'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol' is one of his finest action flicks, just what's needed to potentially restore some of this fallen star's box-office bankability.
For director Brad Bird, though, the fourth 'Mission Impossible', rock solid as it is, ranks only as his second-best action movie, after the animated smash 'The Incredibles'.
Cruise may be the star here, but Bird's the story, a director who's only making his fourth movie and, remarkably, just his first live-action feature. This is the best of the 'Mission Impossible' movies, far better than Brian De Palma's original, No. 2 by John Woo and even the franchise's previous high with No. 3 by J.J. Abrams, who stuck around as producer on this one.
Those three filmmakers had years and years of action stuff behind them with real, live actors. Yet along comes Bird to show that the enormous talent behind his Academy Award winners 'The Incredibles' and 'Ratatouille' and his acclaimed cartoon adventure 'The Iron Giant' transfers mighty nicely from animation to the real world.
Granted, this is the real world, 'Mission Impossible'-style, where Cruise's missions and stunts truly are impossible by the laws of physics and normal, plausible storytelling constraints. But Bird applies the anything-can-happen limitlessness of cartoons and just goes for it, creating some thrilling, dizzying, amazing action sequences.
If you have the slightest fear of heights, grip the arm rests tightly and press both feet flatly to the floor during Cruise's attempt to scale the world's tallest building; even safe in your seat, an unnerving feeling of vertigo is bound to result as you stare down from the 130th floor.
For all the complexity of the action and gimmicks, Bird and screenwriters Andre Nemec and Josh Appelbaum (executive producers on Abrams' 'Alias') wisely tell a simple, good-guys-against-bad-guys story. They keep Cruise surrounded by a tight, capable supporting cast in Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton and Simon Pegg, who co-starred in 'Mission: Impossible III'.
The movie starts with a clever jailbreak by Cruise's Ethan Hunt, stuck in a Moscow prison for reasons unexplained until late in the story, then serves up an opening-credit montage fondly reminiscent of the old 'Mission: Impossible' TV show.
Once free, Ethan is dispatched to infiltrate the Kremlin along with Impossible Missions Force agents Jane Carter (Patton) and Benji Dunn (Pegg). But it's all a setup by madman Kurt Hendricks (Michael Nyqvist), who sets off a devastating explosion at the Kremlin to cover his theft of a Russian nuclear launch device and manages to finger Ethan's team for the blast.
With US-Russian tension at its worst since the Cuban missile crisis, the threat that's always hung over the IMF team comes to pass: the secretary (Tom Wilkinson) disavows knowledge of their actions, leaving Hunt and his comrades on their own as they try to clear their names and stop Hendricks from instigating nuclear war.
Joining them is Wilkinson's aide, William Brandt (Renner), a guy who takes to field work a little too easily to be the desk-jockey analyst he claims he is.
Cruise looks shaggy, and sure, we could blame his bad haircut on the fact that Ethan's just out of prison. But it doesn't help an aging screen idol to look so unkempt; the 'Mission: Impossible' world routinely defies reality, so would it have been so far-fetched for Ethan to stop by a salon before heading back into action?
'Ghost Protocol' ends with a talky epilogue that feels tacked-on and trite, though it offers a couple of cameos from 'Mission' past.
Whatever the movie's shortcomings, director Bird more than compensates with a bullet train of action and an arsenal of cool gadgets. Maybe making cartoons has expanded his conception of what's possible in a live film.
Bird does it so well, you don't really care how impossible it all is.
Rating:
Indian Express: 3 and 1/2 star
NDTV India: 3 star (out of 4)
For director Brad Bird, though, the fourth 'Mission Impossible', rock solid as it is, ranks only as his second-best action movie, after the animated smash 'The Incredibles'.
Cruise may be the star here, but Bird's the story, a director who's only making his fourth movie and, remarkably, just his first live-action feature. This is the best of the 'Mission Impossible' movies, far better than Brian De Palma's original, No. 2 by John Woo and even the franchise's previous high with No. 3 by J.J. Abrams, who stuck around as producer on this one.
Those three filmmakers had years and years of action stuff behind them with real, live actors. Yet along comes Bird to show that the enormous talent behind his Academy Award winners 'The Incredibles' and 'Ratatouille' and his acclaimed cartoon adventure 'The Iron Giant' transfers mighty nicely from animation to the real world.
Granted, this is the real world, 'Mission Impossible'-style, where Cruise's missions and stunts truly are impossible by the laws of physics and normal, plausible storytelling constraints. But Bird applies the anything-can-happen limitlessness of cartoons and just goes for it, creating some thrilling, dizzying, amazing action sequences.
If you have the slightest fear of heights, grip the arm rests tightly and press both feet flatly to the floor during Cruise's attempt to scale the world's tallest building; even safe in your seat, an unnerving feeling of vertigo is bound to result as you stare down from the 130th floor.
For all the complexity of the action and gimmicks, Bird and screenwriters Andre Nemec and Josh Appelbaum (executive producers on Abrams' 'Alias') wisely tell a simple, good-guys-against-bad-guys story. They keep Cruise surrounded by a tight, capable supporting cast in Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton and Simon Pegg, who co-starred in 'Mission: Impossible III'.
The movie starts with a clever jailbreak by Cruise's Ethan Hunt, stuck in a Moscow prison for reasons unexplained until late in the story, then serves up an opening-credit montage fondly reminiscent of the old 'Mission: Impossible' TV show.
Once free, Ethan is dispatched to infiltrate the Kremlin along with Impossible Missions Force agents Jane Carter (Patton) and Benji Dunn (Pegg). But it's all a setup by madman Kurt Hendricks (Michael Nyqvist), who sets off a devastating explosion at the Kremlin to cover his theft of a Russian nuclear launch device and manages to finger Ethan's team for the blast.
With US-Russian tension at its worst since the Cuban missile crisis, the threat that's always hung over the IMF team comes to pass: the secretary (Tom Wilkinson) disavows knowledge of their actions, leaving Hunt and his comrades on their own as they try to clear their names and stop Hendricks from instigating nuclear war.
Joining them is Wilkinson's aide, William Brandt (Renner), a guy who takes to field work a little too easily to be the desk-jockey analyst he claims he is.
Cruise looks shaggy, and sure, we could blame his bad haircut on the fact that Ethan's just out of prison. But it doesn't help an aging screen idol to look so unkempt; the 'Mission: Impossible' world routinely defies reality, so would it have been so far-fetched for Ethan to stop by a salon before heading back into action?
'Ghost Protocol' ends with a talky epilogue that feels tacked-on and trite, though it offers a couple of cameos from 'Mission' past.
Whatever the movie's shortcomings, director Bird more than compensates with a bullet train of action and an arsenal of cool gadgets. Maybe making cartoons has expanded his conception of what's possible in a live film.
Bird does it so well, you don't really care how impossible it all is.
Rating:
Indian Express: 3 and 1/2 star
NDTV India: 3 star (out of 4)
Monday, December 12, 2011
Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl: Review
It's always tragic to see those who defy the cookie-cutter mould try and sanitise themselves in an attempt to fit in. Ranveer Singh, who was fantastic in last year's Band Baaja Baaraat, here has his rough edges blunted by the generic sheen of wannabe stardom, and the result is most unfortunate.
He struts through Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl mostly in slow-motion, often shirtless and constantly posing for the camera, but a mere workout does not a Hrithik Roshan make.
When I applauded Band Baaja Baaraat and rated him 2010's , I was struck most by how impressively Ranveer carved his own non-traditional path, eschewing vanity and sticking to character instead of concentrating on showing off his most flattering profile. A star was born and now, as he tries to fit into the industry definition of a star, the result is an excruciatingly slow-motion film that drags on as it exposes his every weakness.
There is a plot in Maneesh Sharma's latest, but essentially imagine a long and rather unfunny Khosla Ka Ghosla and you'll get the gist. Ricky Bahl swindles a bunch of interesting but gullible women, and they -- in Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less fashion -- scheme to get their own back, hiring a woman to con the conman. Yada yada yada, and so we have a template film you can essentially predict. It might still have worked if not for the inexplicably sluggish pace and forgettable songs thrown in every few scenes, killing any possibility of a narrative rhythm.
There's some quirky texture on display, particularly in the early sections. As Sunny Singh, a Delhi gym trainer (talking just like he did in BBB), Ranveer's amusing enough. There's a chain around his neck with a dumbbell hanging on it, looking like a bone dangling just within reach. Next, as an exhibitor of paintings with an effete walk and an aptly annoying proclivity to say the word 'art' roundedly, with a nearly silent 'r', he's fine as well. But soon the chameleonic routine becomes tiresome, episodic and purely superficial. There is detailing, but he isn't suave enough to make the character work -- and it's hard to care about a protagonist if he's constantly stretching credibility.
The girls, on the other hand, are mostly good. Anushka Sharma , ebullient enough to make me want to change my cellphone network by dint of a ten-seconder on TV, tries hard (and looks very fit in a gratuitous bikini shot) but, playing a salesgirl overflowing with vim who eventually turns oddly sheepish, has precious little to play with. Dipannita Sharma's efficient and very believable as a hard-nosed executive allergic to nonsense, and Aditi Sharma's pleasant enough. The only positive from this film, though, is the Dilli ki ladki.
Playing a Delhi character with dialogues written by Habib Faisal automatically guarantees some meat for an actor, and young Parineeti Chopra is both adorable and genuine enough to spark up some laughs, even when all she's doing is pronouncing LOL to rhyme with "doll." She's a smart-alecky girl utterly besotted with the man they hate, awestruck by how cannily he fooled her father, and the role is the film's nicest. (Clearly the thing to remember in Faisal's films is that whoever gets to say the word "kaand" walks away with the film.)
But while Faisal delivers a few good lines, he isn't to blame for Devika Bhagat's sluggish script. A very predictable con-versus-con film can be made enjoyable, but it needs to be breezy and engaging. We need to want to take sides and we need to care about the twists, and by the time Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl winds down in extremely simplistic fashion, we just don't care anymore. If this were a better-made film, we might have been justifiably outraged by the lame sexism meted out at the climax, but for now yawning seems reaction enough.
It's funny, really. With his first film we hoisted Ranveer Singh high above our shoulders because he scoffed at Shah Rukh Khanand very memorably told a bride how weddings didn't need superstars; now, in his second film, he has an SRK dialogue as his caller-tune, and all it forces us to notice is how far he is from the Shah Rukh standard of superstardom.
Ratings:
Rediff: 1.5 star
Times of India:2.5 stars
NDTV: 2.5 star
Yahoo!: 1.5 star
He struts through Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl mostly in slow-motion, often shirtless and constantly posing for the camera, but a mere workout does not a Hrithik Roshan make.
When I applauded Band Baaja Baaraat and rated him 2010's , I was struck most by how impressively Ranveer carved his own non-traditional path, eschewing vanity and sticking to character instead of concentrating on showing off his most flattering profile. A star was born and now, as he tries to fit into the industry definition of a star, the result is an excruciatingly slow-motion film that drags on as it exposes his every weakness.
There is a plot in Maneesh Sharma's latest, but essentially imagine a long and rather unfunny Khosla Ka Ghosla and you'll get the gist. Ricky Bahl swindles a bunch of interesting but gullible women, and they -- in Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less fashion -- scheme to get their own back, hiring a woman to con the conman. Yada yada yada, and so we have a template film you can essentially predict. It might still have worked if not for the inexplicably sluggish pace and forgettable songs thrown in every few scenes, killing any possibility of a narrative rhythm.
There's some quirky texture on display, particularly in the early sections. As Sunny Singh, a Delhi gym trainer (talking just like he did in BBB), Ranveer's amusing enough. There's a chain around his neck with a dumbbell hanging on it, looking like a bone dangling just within reach. Next, as an exhibitor of paintings with an effete walk and an aptly annoying proclivity to say the word 'art' roundedly, with a nearly silent 'r', he's fine as well. But soon the chameleonic routine becomes tiresome, episodic and purely superficial. There is detailing, but he isn't suave enough to make the character work -- and it's hard to care about a protagonist if he's constantly stretching credibility.
The girls, on the other hand, are mostly good. Anushka Sharma , ebullient enough to make me want to change my cellphone network by dint of a ten-seconder on TV, tries hard (and looks very fit in a gratuitous bikini shot) but, playing a salesgirl overflowing with vim who eventually turns oddly sheepish, has precious little to play with. Dipannita Sharma's efficient and very believable as a hard-nosed executive allergic to nonsense, and Aditi Sharma's pleasant enough. The only positive from this film, though, is the Dilli ki ladki.
Playing a Delhi character with dialogues written by Habib Faisal automatically guarantees some meat for an actor, and young Parineeti Chopra is both adorable and genuine enough to spark up some laughs, even when all she's doing is pronouncing LOL to rhyme with "doll." She's a smart-alecky girl utterly besotted with the man they hate, awestruck by how cannily he fooled her father, and the role is the film's nicest. (Clearly the thing to remember in Faisal's films is that whoever gets to say the word "kaand" walks away with the film.)
But while Faisal delivers a few good lines, he isn't to blame for Devika Bhagat's sluggish script. A very predictable con-versus-con film can be made enjoyable, but it needs to be breezy and engaging. We need to want to take sides and we need to care about the twists, and by the time Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl winds down in extremely simplistic fashion, we just don't care anymore. If this were a better-made film, we might have been justifiably outraged by the lame sexism meted out at the climax, but for now yawning seems reaction enough.
It's funny, really. With his first film we hoisted Ranveer Singh high above our shoulders because he scoffed at Shah Rukh Khanand very memorably told a bride how weddings didn't need superstars; now, in his second film, he has an SRK dialogue as his caller-tune, and all it forces us to notice is how far he is from the Shah Rukh standard of superstardom.
Ratings:
Rediff: 1.5 star
Times of India:2.5 stars
NDTV: 2.5 star
Yahoo!: 1.5 star
Beware from fake posters of Talaash: Farhan Akhtar
Filmmaker Farhan Akhtar has warned his fans against a fake poster of his upcoming film Taalash that is being circulated online.
'Please beware of a fake 'Talaash' poster doing the rounds.... it is not the official first look. That is still to happen,' Farhan wrote on microblogging site Twitter.
Directed by Reema Kagti, the film stars Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukerji. The suspense thriller is also being co-produced by Aamir along with Farhan and Ritesh Sidhwani.
Aamir plays a cop in the film.
'Please beware of a fake 'Talaash' poster doing the rounds.... it is not the official first look. That is still to happen,' Farhan wrote on microblogging site Twitter.
Directed by Reema Kagti, the film stars Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukerji. The suspense thriller is also being co-produced by Aamir along with Farhan and Ritesh Sidhwani.
Aamir plays a cop in the film.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Symonds in Big Boss
Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds is the latest celebrity to enter the 'Bigg Boss' house and says he is looking forward to his stint on Indian television and is hoping to get an opportunity to understand Indian culture.
'I don't know much about Indian culture. I know about it in bits and pieces. Hope to learn about it more,' Symonds told IANS over phone from Mumbai.
The sportsman, who will enter the house Wednesday, is well-versed with the challenges on the field, but he is now looking forward to the challenges inside the house.
'There are different challenges on the field, but challenges would be different inside the house. Right now I am quite relaxed. I am going inside the house with an open mind and take on challenges as they come. I haven't planned anything,' he said.
'I have no expectations, I have come to make friends. It will be challenging but at the same time it will be a lot of fun also. I just want to enjoy the entire experience,' he added.
Symonds will be the second international celebrity to enter the Colors' show after Indo-Canadian porn star Sunny Leone. The 36-year-old cricketer will enter the show as a participant. Symonds was in the news when in 2008 he accused Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh of making racial comments against him.
In the show, the contestants have to stay inside the 'Bigg Boss' house without any connection with the outside world with 24X7 camera surveillance.
The fifth season started Oct 2 with 14 contestants. Right now seven are left - Sunny, Mahek Chahal, Juhi Parmar, Akashdeep Saigal, Siddharth Bharadwaj, Shonali Nagrani and Amar Upadhyay.
All the contestants inside the 'Bigg Boss' house have to do day-to-day chores on their own, whether it's cleaning or cooking. Symonds admits he doesn't cook much, but is ready to help his inmates.
'I would be more than happy to help the people inside the house in everyday work and cleaning, though I don't cook much. I know a little bit of barbeque,' he said.
The episode showing his entry in the house will be telecast Thursday.
'I don't know much about Indian culture. I know about it in bits and pieces. Hope to learn about it more,' Symonds told IANS over phone from Mumbai.
The sportsman, who will enter the house Wednesday, is well-versed with the challenges on the field, but he is now looking forward to the challenges inside the house.
'There are different challenges on the field, but challenges would be different inside the house. Right now I am quite relaxed. I am going inside the house with an open mind and take on challenges as they come. I haven't planned anything,' he said.
'I have no expectations, I have come to make friends. It will be challenging but at the same time it will be a lot of fun also. I just want to enjoy the entire experience,' he added.
Symonds will be the second international celebrity to enter the Colors' show after Indo-Canadian porn star Sunny Leone. The 36-year-old cricketer will enter the show as a participant. Symonds was in the news when in 2008 he accused Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh of making racial comments against him.
In the show, the contestants have to stay inside the 'Bigg Boss' house without any connection with the outside world with 24X7 camera surveillance.
The fifth season started Oct 2 with 14 contestants. Right now seven are left - Sunny, Mahek Chahal, Juhi Parmar, Akashdeep Saigal, Siddharth Bharadwaj, Shonali Nagrani and Amar Upadhyay.
All the contestants inside the 'Bigg Boss' house have to do day-to-day chores on their own, whether it's cleaning or cooking. Symonds admits he doesn't cook much, but is ready to help his inmates.
'I would be more than happy to help the people inside the house in everyday work and cleaning, though I don't cook much. I know a little bit of barbeque,' he said.
The episode showing his entry in the house will be telecast Thursday.
No space to shoot in Mumbai
Director Kunal Kohli needed ample space to put up a set for the next schedule of his film, but he couldn't find it here so had to scurry to Madh Island to build his set.
'I needed to create pre-partition Punjab in 1910 and couldn't shoot in actual Punjab because the topography has changed completely. So we decided to put up a vast set. But none of the studios in Mumbai had space! So my art director Munish Sappal, who is a Punjab expert after 'Pinjar' and 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi', finally built it on Madh Island,' said Kohli, who had earlier directed 'Hum Tum' and 'Fanaa'.
On the set, choreographer Chinni Prakash is set to shoot a qawwali where Shahid Kapoor and Priyanaka Chopra will battle it out over that thing called love.
'The qawwali, written by Prasoon Joshi and composed by Sajid-Wajid, is a hell-raiser. Both Shahid and Priyanka, though thorough professionals, are apparently bracing themselves for doing an 'Aashiqana qawwali' in full public view, replete with references to boys with roving eyes and girls making eyes....'
In the film, Shahid plays a Muslim boy, while Priyanka essays a Sikh girl.
Shahid-Priyanka had rocked the box office with their superb chemistry in the 2009 hit 'Kaminey'.
'I needed to create pre-partition Punjab in 1910 and couldn't shoot in actual Punjab because the topography has changed completely. So we decided to put up a vast set. But none of the studios in Mumbai had space! So my art director Munish Sappal, who is a Punjab expert after 'Pinjar' and 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi', finally built it on Madh Island,' said Kohli, who had earlier directed 'Hum Tum' and 'Fanaa'.
On the set, choreographer Chinni Prakash is set to shoot a qawwali where Shahid Kapoor and Priyanaka Chopra will battle it out over that thing called love.
'The qawwali, written by Prasoon Joshi and composed by Sajid-Wajid, is a hell-raiser. Both Shahid and Priyanka, though thorough professionals, are apparently bracing themselves for doing an 'Aashiqana qawwali' in full public view, replete with references to boys with roving eyes and girls making eyes....'
In the film, Shahid plays a Muslim boy, while Priyanka essays a Sikh girl.
Shahid-Priyanka had rocked the box office with their superb chemistry in the 2009 hit 'Kaminey'.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Tom Cruise in India
Tom Cruise at the Taj Mahal
Cruise landed in Delhi early Saturday and headed straight to the Leela Palace, Chanakyapuri. He stayed at the hotel's exquisite Maharaja suite, which has a personal gym, jacuzzi and is one of the most expensive suites in the country, said sources.
From there, the 49-year-old left for Agra with his 'Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol' co-star Anil Kapoor. The international star would be staying in Oberoi Amar Villas in the Taj city.
The love bird has gone: Bal Thackrey
The Love Bird has gone...' This was how Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray Monday mourned the demise of evergreen actor Dev Anand.
In a rare, signed personal statement on the front page of the party mouthpiece, Dopaharka Saamna, Thackeray said 'Dev Anand was full of life' with a zest for living. The actor passed away in London in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 88.
'He always walked and talked fast, everything about him was fast, without commas or full stops. His heart was clean, such was my friend,' Thackeray said.
Recalling his friendship with the actor since 1945, Thackeray said he had seen the 'sunrise in Dev Anand's film career' and they would often meet in those days.
There was the renowned Central Cinema in Girgaum, south Mumbai and Thackeray worked as a press layout artist in the Famous Studios at Mahalaxmi. It was established by Baburao Pai after the collapse of Prabhat Movies Co.
'After he completed his day's shooting, we would meet and often walk down to the nearby Charni Road station. He would get into the first class compartment while I would enter the third class coach since I was a pass-holder,' Thackeray reminisced.
In this way, the duo went 'their respective ways' - till the end, Thackeray said, referring to Dev Anand's career in Bollywood, and his own in journalism and politics.
Later, Dev Anand started visiting the Thackeray residence in Bandra east, Matoshree, and the latter reciprocated by gracing the book release or other functions hosted by the actor.
'We met in parties, gatherings, ate together. He always talked and walked a lot...,' Thackeray said.
'Suddenly, my friend has gone away. I feel like meeting and talking to him. But he has left us from far away London, this is really painful,' he said.
'On my behalf, on behalf of Uddhav Thackeray, and innumerable Shiv Sainiks, I offer my condolences,' Thackeray said, praying that the Almighty (Dev) grant peace to his beloved Dev.
In a rare, signed personal statement on the front page of the party mouthpiece, Dopaharka Saamna, Thackeray said 'Dev Anand was full of life' with a zest for living. The actor passed away in London in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 88.
'He always walked and talked fast, everything about him was fast, without commas or full stops. His heart was clean, such was my friend,' Thackeray said.
Recalling his friendship with the actor since 1945, Thackeray said he had seen the 'sunrise in Dev Anand's film career' and they would often meet in those days.
There was the renowned Central Cinema in Girgaum, south Mumbai and Thackeray worked as a press layout artist in the Famous Studios at Mahalaxmi. It was established by Baburao Pai after the collapse of Prabhat Movies Co.
'After he completed his day's shooting, we would meet and often walk down to the nearby Charni Road station. He would get into the first class compartment while I would enter the third class coach since I was a pass-holder,' Thackeray reminisced.
In this way, the duo went 'their respective ways' - till the end, Thackeray said, referring to Dev Anand's career in Bollywood, and his own in journalism and politics.
Later, Dev Anand started visiting the Thackeray residence in Bandra east, Matoshree, and the latter reciprocated by gracing the book release or other functions hosted by the actor.
'We met in parties, gatherings, ate together. He always talked and walked a lot...,' Thackeray said.
'Suddenly, my friend has gone away. I feel like meeting and talking to him. But he has left us from far away London, this is really painful,' he said.
'On my behalf, on behalf of Uddhav Thackeray, and innumerable Shiv Sainiks, I offer my condolences,' Thackeray said, praying that the Almighty (Dev) grant peace to his beloved Dev.
Dev Anand: an era passes away
Legendary actor Dev Anand's son Suneil was by his side when the end came. One of the ambulances took them away to a nearby hospital where Anand was pronounced dead.
Anand, 88 and in failing health, was in London for a medical check and for the UK launch of his 1950s superhit, Hum Dono, in colour. As a tribute to his remarkable career, Britain's Channel Four, a prestigious terrestrial TV service, had just concluded an Indian film season, with Dev Anand's efforts prominently highlighted. Baazi, Guide, Hum Dono and Jewel Thief were featured.
A statement on behalf of the family said: "It is with great sadness that the family of Mr Dev Anand announces his death." It went on to request "privacy until further announcements are made".
An aide of Anand said the last rites will be performed in London on Tuesday or Wednesday.
It is, however, likely that the government of India via its high commission in London will offer to take his body back to Mumbai.
A final decision regarding this will be taken after his wife Kalpana Kartik, once also his co-star, and daughter Devina arrive in the British capital.
In his halcyon days, with his hair set in a puff and his loose-limbed half runs, were trademarks that sent his fans into a tizzy.
A contemporary of Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, Anand exuded a younger and modern image. In a famous interview to CNN in the mid-1990s, he was asked what he thought about be-ing compared to the Hollywood star Gregory Peck.
He replied, "Gregory Peck was Gregory Peck. At this stage I would rather be Dev Anand."
Anand studied at Government College, Lahore's premier graduate school. Indeed, in the late 1990s, he accompanied the then prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on a sentimental visit to this city, where he was predictably mobbed by Pakistanis.
Anand, 88 and in failing health, was in London for a medical check and for the UK launch of his 1950s superhit, Hum Dono, in colour. As a tribute to his remarkable career, Britain's Channel Four, a prestigious terrestrial TV service, had just concluded an Indian film season, with Dev Anand's efforts prominently highlighted. Baazi, Guide, Hum Dono and Jewel Thief were featured.
A statement on behalf of the family said: "It is with great sadness that the family of Mr Dev Anand announces his death." It went on to request "privacy until further announcements are made".
An aide of Anand said the last rites will be performed in London on Tuesday or Wednesday.
It is, however, likely that the government of India via its high commission in London will offer to take his body back to Mumbai.
A final decision regarding this will be taken after his wife Kalpana Kartik, once also his co-star, and daughter Devina arrive in the British capital.
In his halcyon days, with his hair set in a puff and his loose-limbed half runs, were trademarks that sent his fans into a tizzy.
A contemporary of Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, Anand exuded a younger and modern image. In a famous interview to CNN in the mid-1990s, he was asked what he thought about be-ing compared to the Hollywood star Gregory Peck.
He replied, "Gregory Peck was Gregory Peck. At this stage I would rather be Dev Anand."
Anand studied at Government College, Lahore's premier graduate school. Indeed, in the late 1990s, he accompanied the then prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on a sentimental visit to this city, where he was predictably mobbed by Pakistanis.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
The Dirty Picture Review
Many will argue that this film is filthy, lewd, sleazy and every other word that conveys the same. But since it's based on a character who embodies all these adjectives, it only ends up being a deliciously dirty tribute.
Based on the south Indian dancing diva and actress, Silk Smita's lustful life, 'The Dirty Picture' paints a concupiscent portrait, complete with bouncing love handles, blouses that resemble the barricade at the Metallica concert in Delhi (visible but unable to contain) and dialogues that are as clever as they are cocky. But a film about an A-grade dancer of B-grade repute can't really boast of cultivated conversation, right?
The film takes us into the life of a small-town girl, Reshma (Vidya Balan) who speedily escapes to uptown Madras to live her celluloid dreams. After being turned down time and again, she manages to tease the camera lens and accidently lands a dancing role opposite Superstar Suryakant (Naseeruddin Shah) with her new name, Silk. But Suryakant is only comfortable working with those who make him comfortable in the dressing room and that Silk knows just how to.
Following several happy endings in the dressing room, Silk's career graph slides up like a python on amphetamine. As she grows in popularity, her fans grow, well, while watching her 'thumkas' on the big screen. All is well until Silk realizes the need for a real relationship. She voices her concern to Suryakant, "Raat ko barah ki sui ke tarah chipke rehte ho, aur din mein che ki tarah?" But the middle-aged superstar has his own philosophy, "Jawaani taste karne ke liye hoti hain, waste karne ke liye nahin." This doesn't add up but then do you really care?
The playful Silk is later seen playing mischievous kitty with Surya's refined brother, writer Ramakant (Tusshar) who is charmed by her mere presence. But Silk is boisterous about her sexuality and her misguided fame leads to roaring arrogance, followed by her decline. Somewhere between her descent and the end, Abraham (Emraan Hashmi) a director who has recently swung from arty to farty films, gives in to Silk's smooth arms and his bitter feelings for her become like delectable dark chocolate.
Clearly, Rajat Arora's winning dialogues will make you sit up and say, "She didn't just say that?!" I mean how often does a sex symbol get playful enough to say, "Holi khelne ka shauk hain, par teri pichkari mein dum nahin!" The only letdown here were the forced love angles especially that of Abraham whose hatred and love for Silk, both seemed misplaced.
Vidya is scrumptious as the imperfect and unrestrained Silk, while Naseer is convincing as a superstar out to play shepherd to every newcomer. Tusshar may have dropped his surname for the credits but that hardly undermines the fact that he's been cast in his home production, again. Emraan's character gives itself more importance than you or anyone else does. Luckily, his presence is limited and tolerable.
Reflecting on any period of Indian cinema will mean treading on unintentionally caricature. This is because the fundamentals of cinema and society evolve and the success mantra of the past will seem like flop recipe today. A dialogue in the film provides one such stereotype, "Iss film mein kuch alag karo. Behen ko izzat do, aur phir usse utaaro." A pure piss-take on Indian cinema, circa 1980s.
Rating:
Yahoo: 3 star
Rediff: 3 star
DNA: 4 star
Glamsham: 3.5 star
My Rating: 3.5 star
Based on the south Indian dancing diva and actress, Silk Smita's lustful life, 'The Dirty Picture' paints a concupiscent portrait, complete with bouncing love handles, blouses that resemble the barricade at the Metallica concert in Delhi (visible but unable to contain) and dialogues that are as clever as they are cocky. But a film about an A-grade dancer of B-grade repute can't really boast of cultivated conversation, right?
The film takes us into the life of a small-town girl, Reshma (Vidya Balan) who speedily escapes to uptown Madras to live her celluloid dreams. After being turned down time and again, she manages to tease the camera lens and accidently lands a dancing role opposite Superstar Suryakant (Naseeruddin Shah) with her new name, Silk. But Suryakant is only comfortable working with those who make him comfortable in the dressing room and that Silk knows just how to.
Following several happy endings in the dressing room, Silk's career graph slides up like a python on amphetamine. As she grows in popularity, her fans grow, well, while watching her 'thumkas' on the big screen. All is well until Silk realizes the need for a real relationship. She voices her concern to Suryakant, "Raat ko barah ki sui ke tarah chipke rehte ho, aur din mein che ki tarah?" But the middle-aged superstar has his own philosophy, "Jawaani taste karne ke liye hoti hain, waste karne ke liye nahin." This doesn't add up but then do you really care?
The playful Silk is later seen playing mischievous kitty with Surya's refined brother, writer Ramakant (Tusshar) who is charmed by her mere presence. But Silk is boisterous about her sexuality and her misguided fame leads to roaring arrogance, followed by her decline. Somewhere between her descent and the end, Abraham (Emraan Hashmi) a director who has recently swung from arty to farty films, gives in to Silk's smooth arms and his bitter feelings for her become like delectable dark chocolate.
Clearly, Rajat Arora's winning dialogues will make you sit up and say, "She didn't just say that?!" I mean how often does a sex symbol get playful enough to say, "Holi khelne ka shauk hain, par teri pichkari mein dum nahin!" The only letdown here were the forced love angles especially that of Abraham whose hatred and love for Silk, both seemed misplaced.
Vidya is scrumptious as the imperfect and unrestrained Silk, while Naseer is convincing as a superstar out to play shepherd to every newcomer. Tusshar may have dropped his surname for the credits but that hardly undermines the fact that he's been cast in his home production, again. Emraan's character gives itself more importance than you or anyone else does. Luckily, his presence is limited and tolerable.
Reflecting on any period of Indian cinema will mean treading on unintentionally caricature. This is because the fundamentals of cinema and society evolve and the success mantra of the past will seem like flop recipe today. A dialogue in the film provides one such stereotype, "Iss film mein kuch alag karo. Behen ko izzat do, aur phir usse utaaro." A pure piss-take on Indian cinema, circa 1980s.
Rating:
Yahoo: 3 star
Rediff: 3 star
DNA: 4 star
Glamsham: 3.5 star
My Rating: 3.5 star
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
ABhishek's new look
After a small accident on the sets of Bol Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan has got stitches above the right eye and now the actor is trying to convince himself that he is looking like Al Pacino in Scarface.
"The stitches that I got above my right eye after a small accident on the sets of Bol Bachchan had got infected, so had to reopen the wound," Abhishek posted on Twitter.
"Actually, currently looking like a one eyed troll. Trying to make myself feel better, convincing myself that I look like Pacino in Scarface," he added.
Directed by Rohit Shetty, the action-comedy also has Ajay Devgn and Asin Thottumkal in the lead role.
"The stitches that I got above my right eye after a small accident on the sets of Bol Bachchan had got infected, so had to reopen the wound," Abhishek posted on Twitter.
"Actually, currently looking like a one eyed troll. Trying to make myself feel better, convincing myself that I look like Pacino in Scarface," he added.
Directed by Rohit Shetty, the action-comedy also has Ajay Devgn and Asin Thottumkal in the lead role.
Rajani to do Kochadaiyaan first
Tamil superstar Rajinkanth's much talked about Rana has been shelved and the actor will now do a 3D film titled Kochadaiyaan.
Rajini's daughter Soundarya Ashwin who has earlier made animated Sultan with her father, will be directing the film.
Reports are that Thalaivar will do Rana next year after completing Kochadaiyan.
Rajini fell ill on the first day of Rana's shoot in April and is yet to resume acting. The 61-year-old actor underwent treatment at a hospital in Singapore for reported kidney problem.
Rana's director K S Ravikumar will do the story, screenplay and dialogue for Kochadaiyan.
Rajini's daughter Soundarya Ashwin who has earlier made animated Sultan with her father, will be directing the film.
Reports are that Thalaivar will do Rana next year after completing Kochadaiyan.
Rajini fell ill on the first day of Rana's shoot in April and is yet to resume acting. The 61-year-old actor underwent treatment at a hospital in Singapore for reported kidney problem.
Rana's director K S Ravikumar will do the story, screenplay and dialogue for Kochadaiyan.
SRK-Salman clash on the hockey field?
The abundance of hockey talent on show notwithstanding, the inaugural franchise-based World Series Hockey's fiercest rivalry could well be witnessed off the field. The series will be played across eight cities in India from December 17 to January 12.
Inspired by the successful mix of cricket and Bollywood at the Indian Premier League Twenty20 cricket tournament, the World Series Hockey organisers are keen to duplicate the same in hockey by planning to rope in two of Bollywood's biggest stars - Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan - whose professional rivalry is an open secret.
The Delhi franchise was acquired yesterday by entertainment company Wizcraft while the Mumbai franchise is set to be a consortium - names of members are yet to be revealed. According to sources, Wizcraft are keen to get SRK on board the Delhi team.
"SRK has been close to them for a while now. He was also brand ambassador of one of the editions of their event, IIFA - International Indian Film Academy awards. SRK is also a huge lover of hockey and has even played the game at school and college level. In fact, hockey has worked for him commercially through the hit movie, Chak De India. Incidentally, he was born and brought up in Delhi. That's why he's been approached by the team owners," a source said.
Salman's love for hockey and football is well known too. Recently, the All India Football Federation appointed him the ambassador of Indian football for a brief period before he was replaced by tennis ace Leander Paes.
"Salman's connection to WSH comes through Harish Thawani, the CEO of Nimbus, the event's prime promoters. They both hail from Mumbai's Bandra area and are good friends. Thawani has discussed the idea with him and the actor has, in principle, agreed to be part of the Mumbai brigade," added the source.
Another Bollywood actor, Suniel Shetty, has already been roped in to be mentor of the Karnataka franchise.
Inspired by the successful mix of cricket and Bollywood at the Indian Premier League Twenty20 cricket tournament, the World Series Hockey organisers are keen to duplicate the same in hockey by planning to rope in two of Bollywood's biggest stars - Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan - whose professional rivalry is an open secret.
The Delhi franchise was acquired yesterday by entertainment company Wizcraft while the Mumbai franchise is set to be a consortium - names of members are yet to be revealed. According to sources, Wizcraft are keen to get SRK on board the Delhi team.
"SRK has been close to them for a while now. He was also brand ambassador of one of the editions of their event, IIFA - International Indian Film Academy awards. SRK is also a huge lover of hockey and has even played the game at school and college level. In fact, hockey has worked for him commercially through the hit movie, Chak De India. Incidentally, he was born and brought up in Delhi. That's why he's been approached by the team owners," a source said.
Salman's love for hockey and football is well known too. Recently, the All India Football Federation appointed him the ambassador of Indian football for a brief period before he was replaced by tennis ace Leander Paes.
"Salman's connection to WSH comes through Harish Thawani, the CEO of Nimbus, the event's prime promoters. They both hail from Mumbai's Bandra area and are good friends. Thawani has discussed the idea with him and the actor has, in principle, agreed to be part of the Mumbai brigade," added the source.
Another Bollywood actor, Suniel Shetty, has already been roped in to be mentor of the Karnataka franchise.
Twilight completed 500 million $ milestone
"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1" broke the $500 million mark at worldwide box offices on Monday after its release only 12 days ago, film distributor Summit Entertainment said on Tuesday.
"Breaking Dawn", the fourth installment in the vampire romance franchise based on the "Twilight" novels by Stephanie Meyer, generated has generated $508 million worldwide, of which $223 million came from U.S. box offices, after record ticket sales over the U.S. Thanksgiving weekend.
"We couldn't be more pleased with the success of this film and a franchise that the fans have continued to support over the past several years," Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger, co-chairmen of Summit Entertainment, said in a statement.
The success of "Breaking Dawn - Part 1" comes after the first three films in the "Twilight Saga" series collectively earned more than $1.8 billion at the worldwide box offices.
Starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, the fourth film sees young lovers Bella Swan and vampire Edward Cullen finally unite in marriage and embark on their highly anticipated honeymoon, before their wedded bliss is cut short by an unexpected life-threatening pregnancy.
The second part of the film, which will be the conclusion of the "Twilight Saga," is due for release in 2012.
"Breaking Dawn", the fourth installment in the vampire romance franchise based on the "Twilight" novels by Stephanie Meyer, generated has generated $508 million worldwide, of which $223 million came from U.S. box offices, after record ticket sales over the U.S. Thanksgiving weekend.
"We couldn't be more pleased with the success of this film and a franchise that the fans have continued to support over the past several years," Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger, co-chairmen of Summit Entertainment, said in a statement.
The success of "Breaking Dawn - Part 1" comes after the first three films in the "Twilight Saga" series collectively earned more than $1.8 billion at the worldwide box offices.
Starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, the fourth film sees young lovers Bella Swan and vampire Edward Cullen finally unite in marriage and embark on their highly anticipated honeymoon, before their wedded bliss is cut short by an unexpected life-threatening pregnancy.
The second part of the film, which will be the conclusion of the "Twilight Saga," is due for release in 2012.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Filmmaker has fatal heart attack onstage at film festival
Brazilian filmmaker Oscar Maron Filho suffered a fatal heart attack while addressing a forum at a film festival in India Sunday afternoon.
After suffering cardiac arrest, Filho was rushed to a local hospital, where he died. He was 56.
Filho was at the 42nd International Film Festival of India to promote his documentary feature "Mario Filho - The Creators of Crown," which revolves around the Brazilian sports journalist of the same name.
Following the incident, red-carpet events and other activities were canceled for the rest of the day. At 8 p.m. Sunday, a moment of silence was held.
"We are deeply sad by the sudden demise of, who suffered a cardiac arrest this noon while interacting with the audience at the Open Forum," festival organizers said in a statement on the IFFI's Facebook profile.
"Despite giving him CPR by the medicos at IFFI he did not respond," the statement continued. "The Doctors at GMC Hospital declared his death. ... RIP Mr. Oscar Maron Filho."
The body of Filho will be flown back to Brazil on Wednesday, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Filho worked at Brazilian production companies Atlantida Cinematografica and Canal 100 Newsreel. He also made short films including "Pele," "Pele Gol Mil" and "Bye Bye Romario."
The IFFI is scheduled to continue through Saturday. "Mario Filho - The Creators of Crown" was screened Friday night.
After suffering cardiac arrest, Filho was rushed to a local hospital, where he died. He was 56.
Filho was at the 42nd International Film Festival of India to promote his documentary feature "Mario Filho - The Creators of Crown," which revolves around the Brazilian sports journalist of the same name.
Following the incident, red-carpet events and other activities were canceled for the rest of the day. At 8 p.m. Sunday, a moment of silence was held.
"We are deeply sad by the sudden demise of, who suffered a cardiac arrest this noon while interacting with the audience at the Open Forum," festival organizers said in a statement on the IFFI's Facebook profile.
"Despite giving him CPR by the medicos at IFFI he did not respond," the statement continued. "The Doctors at GMC Hospital declared his death. ... RIP Mr. Oscar Maron Filho."
The body of Filho will be flown back to Brazil on Wednesday, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Filho worked at Brazilian production companies Atlantida Cinematografica and Canal 100 Newsreel. He also made short films including "Pele," "Pele Gol Mil" and "Bye Bye Romario."
The IFFI is scheduled to continue through Saturday. "Mario Filho - The Creators of Crown" was screened Friday night.
"Harry" is in most entertainer's (Under-30) list
"Harry Potter" star Daniel Radcliffe on Tuesday topped a Heat Magazine list of the richest, young British entertainers, retaining his No. 1 position in the ranking of people under 30-years-old.
Robert Pattinson, lead actor of the rival fantasy film franchise "Twilight," moved up to third from fifth and leapfrogged two of Radcliffe's Potter co-stars, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, according to the celebrity magazine.
Actress Keira Knightley, who starred in several of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies, remained second on the chart, while singer Adele was the highest new entry at 16.
Radcliffe, 22, who played the boy wizard in the movie adaptations of J.K. Rowling's bestselling novels, earned 51.8 million pounds over his career, according to Heat estimates. The actor's earnings for 2011 were 6.1 million pounds higher than in 2010.
Knightley's earnings totalled 30.9 million pounds, ahead of Pattinson on 24.9 million, Watson on 23.9 million and Grint on 21.7 million.
Adele, whose second album "21" is set to be the biggest selling album in the world this year, entered the list at No. 16 with a fortune of 7.7 million pounds.
Three stars dropped out of this year's list -- opera star Katherine Jenkins and model Kelly Brook both exceeded the 30-year-old threshhold and singer Amy Winehouse, ranked 15th last year, died in July.
Robert Pattinson, lead actor of the rival fantasy film franchise "Twilight," moved up to third from fifth and leapfrogged two of Radcliffe's Potter co-stars, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, according to the celebrity magazine.
Actress Keira Knightley, who starred in several of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies, remained second on the chart, while singer Adele was the highest new entry at 16.
Radcliffe, 22, who played the boy wizard in the movie adaptations of J.K. Rowling's bestselling novels, earned 51.8 million pounds over his career, according to Heat estimates. The actor's earnings for 2011 were 6.1 million pounds higher than in 2010.
Knightley's earnings totalled 30.9 million pounds, ahead of Pattinson on 24.9 million, Watson on 23.9 million and Grint on 21.7 million.
Adele, whose second album "21" is set to be the biggest selling album in the world this year, entered the list at No. 16 with a fortune of 7.7 million pounds.
Three stars dropped out of this year's list -- opera star Katherine Jenkins and model Kelly Brook both exceeded the 30-year-old threshhold and singer Amy Winehouse, ranked 15th last year, died in July.
Mahesh Bhatt offers a role Sunny Leone to his new film 'Jism2'
Bollywood filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt enters the 'Bigg Boss 5' house Monday and says he has decided to offer porn star Sunny Leone, who is also participating in the reality show, the lead role in his movie 'Jism 2'.
'I am not casting her for her body, but I see that loneliness and heartbroken soul that is behind that smile. The entertainment business itself is not a cakewalk, so the porn business would have been a really tough ride for her,' Bhatt told IANS on phone from Mumbai.
'I love casting people who are real. People who have gone through highs and lows to reach a stature where people look up to them for their hard work. Sunny is being shown in a bright light with an exotic image on television, but I sensed that she must have gone through a lot to earn a name in an industry which people don't appreciate,' added the 61-year-old.
'Jism' released in 2003 was an unexpected box office success and made debutants John Abraham and Bipasha Basu known names in the film industry.
Born to a Punjabi family in Ontario, Sunny has appeared in various reality shows in the US, and was named among the world's top 12 porn stars by fashion magazine Maxim in 2010.
Bhatt feels Sunny has an emotional 'edge' which could work wonders for 'Jism 2'.
''Jism 2' narrates the story of a woman who transcends from the 'body' to the 'soul'. I wanted to approach an actress who not only has the physical attributes but also the emotional 'edge' to carry off the complexity of the role.
'I see Sunny as a perfect fit for the film and the script. Had approached Bipasha Basu and Mallika Sherawat for the role earlier, but things didn't work out,' he added.
What made Bhatt choose Colors reality show 'Bigg Boss 5' as a platform to announce the film.
'Announcing a film is as important as any other aspect of filmmaking, whether it be releasing it or promoting it. 'Bigg Boss' is a great platform to reach a wide audience. And we thought it was the right time to approach her,' he said.
'I am not casting her for her body, but I see that loneliness and heartbroken soul that is behind that smile. The entertainment business itself is not a cakewalk, so the porn business would have been a really tough ride for her,' Bhatt told IANS on phone from Mumbai.
'I love casting people who are real. People who have gone through highs and lows to reach a stature where people look up to them for their hard work. Sunny is being shown in a bright light with an exotic image on television, but I sensed that she must have gone through a lot to earn a name in an industry which people don't appreciate,' added the 61-year-old.
'Jism' released in 2003 was an unexpected box office success and made debutants John Abraham and Bipasha Basu known names in the film industry.
Born to a Punjabi family in Ontario, Sunny has appeared in various reality shows in the US, and was named among the world's top 12 porn stars by fashion magazine Maxim in 2010.
Bhatt feels Sunny has an emotional 'edge' which could work wonders for 'Jism 2'.
''Jism 2' narrates the story of a woman who transcends from the 'body' to the 'soul'. I wanted to approach an actress who not only has the physical attributes but also the emotional 'edge' to carry off the complexity of the role.
'I see Sunny as a perfect fit for the film and the script. Had approached Bipasha Basu and Mallika Sherawat for the role earlier, but things didn't work out,' he added.
What made Bhatt choose Colors reality show 'Bigg Boss 5' as a platform to announce the film.
'Announcing a film is as important as any other aspect of filmmaking, whether it be releasing it or promoting it. 'Bigg Boss' is a great platform to reach a wide audience. And we thought it was the right time to approach her,' he said.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Shahid -Priyanka are in new project
This one is turning out to be one nameless love story. Even though Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra are happy to be serenading each other, no one knows yet how to address their love story. Okay, there may still be good doubts around whether the 'kabhi-haan-kabhi-naa' couple is together again or not but when it comes to their reel life rendezvous, the confusion is no less.
"Name of their next film is yet undecided", says a source, "Even though their film went on floors many months ago, there have been quite a few titles like Janam Janam Ka Saath Hamara Tumhara as well as it's shorter version Janam Janam Ka Saath thrown around. After much speculation it seemed that Teri Meri Kahani was the final title. However now another title, Muqtasar, has also emerged."
An Urdu word, Muqtasar stands for 'brief/concise' and while it sounds entirely different from Teri Meri Kahani as well as Janam Janam Ka Saath, it also ends up making the audience wonder what really is Kunal's film all about which is being pitched as an epic love story told over different eras.
"Looks like this is a new promotional tactic as well which has time and again worked for the audience. Yash Raj Films started it all when they kept the title of their films close to their chest for ages before revealing it. It worked really well for them in case of Veer Zaara", says an expert, "Later the makers of Jab We Met and Omkara too selected the respective title through an audience poll. With different names being thrown around, it keeps the curiosity on for the film and makers too have the choice to pick the best based on the buzz it creates."
This was most evident in case the upcoming dramatic thriller starring Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukerji. While quite a few titles were thrown around during last 7-8 months, the one that really caught on with one and all was Dhuaan. However, in case of this film, the makers threw a googly by revealing the final title as Talaash. One wonders whether same would hold good for the Shahid-Priyanka film as well.
"Well, all I can say is that we haven't finalised a title yet", says Kunal Kohli. As expected, he refused to divulge whether it would be either Teri Meri Kahani, Muqtasar, Janam Janam Ka Saath or something entirely different.
The 'saga' continues. Pun intended!
"Name of their next film is yet undecided", says a source, "Even though their film went on floors many months ago, there have been quite a few titles like Janam Janam Ka Saath Hamara Tumhara as well as it's shorter version Janam Janam Ka Saath thrown around. After much speculation it seemed that Teri Meri Kahani was the final title. However now another title, Muqtasar, has also emerged."
An Urdu word, Muqtasar stands for 'brief/concise' and while it sounds entirely different from Teri Meri Kahani as well as Janam Janam Ka Saath, it also ends up making the audience wonder what really is Kunal's film all about which is being pitched as an epic love story told over different eras.
"Looks like this is a new promotional tactic as well which has time and again worked for the audience. Yash Raj Films started it all when they kept the title of their films close to their chest for ages before revealing it. It worked really well for them in case of Veer Zaara", says an expert, "Later the makers of Jab We Met and Omkara too selected the respective title through an audience poll. With different names being thrown around, it keeps the curiosity on for the film and makers too have the choice to pick the best based on the buzz it creates."
This was most evident in case the upcoming dramatic thriller starring Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukerji. While quite a few titles were thrown around during last 7-8 months, the one that really caught on with one and all was Dhuaan. However, in case of this film, the makers threw a googly by revealing the final title as Talaash. One wonders whether same would hold good for the Shahid-Priyanka film as well.
"Well, all I can say is that we haven't finalised a title yet", says Kunal Kohli. As expected, he refused to divulge whether it would be either Teri Meri Kahani, Muqtasar, Janam Janam Ka Saath or something entirely different.
The 'saga' continues. Pun intended!
Bodyguard director signs his next movie
Siddique, the director of one of Bollywood's most successful films Bodyguard, has signed his next film. Siddique will direct a film for producers Shyam Bajaj and Narendra Bajaj. A lot of proposals came his way post the huge success of the Salman Khan starrer, but he chose to direct a film for Shyam and Narendra Bajaj.
Shyam Bajaj and Narendra Bajaj had produced Salman Khan starrer Love and are very close to the actor. Apparently, last year when Bodyguard was being shot, Bajaj who was looking for a good director asked Salman Khan about Siddique, who was directing the actor then. Salman had all good things to say about Siddique even before the release of the film. Shyam Bajaj confirmed, "Yes, I asked Salman about Siddique and since he was happy the way Bodyguard was shaping up he told me I should work with him."
Post the huge success of Bodyguard, Siddique had offers from almost every banner possible but since this was a commitment made even before the release of Bodyguard, he kept his word and told all the producers that he will first fulfill his prior commitment of making the film with Shyam Bajaj and then may consider other offers. Siddique said "It was nice of Salman to recommend me to Shyam and Narendra Bajaj, I immediately agreed. I also had to keep my word and I am happy that I will be directing a film for them. There is no doubt that it will be a commercial entertainer."
The cast of the film is yet to be decided.
Shyam Bajaj and Narendra Bajaj had produced Salman Khan starrer Love and are very close to the actor. Apparently, last year when Bodyguard was being shot, Bajaj who was looking for a good director asked Salman Khan about Siddique, who was directing the actor then. Salman had all good things to say about Siddique even before the release of the film. Shyam Bajaj confirmed, "Yes, I asked Salman about Siddique and since he was happy the way Bodyguard was shaping up he told me I should work with him."
Post the huge success of Bodyguard, Siddique had offers from almost every banner possible but since this was a commitment made even before the release of Bodyguard, he kept his word and told all the producers that he will first fulfill his prior commitment of making the film with Shyam Bajaj and then may consider other offers. Siddique said "It was nice of Salman to recommend me to Shyam and Narendra Bajaj, I immediately agreed. I also had to keep my word and I am happy that I will be directing a film for them. There is no doubt that it will be a commercial entertainer."
The cast of the film is yet to be decided.
Randeep Hooda takes tips from Sehwag for Heroine
Randeep Hooda is not known as a method actor for nothing. For his role of the cricketer in Madhur Bhandarkar's Heroine, Randeep has not only decided to model his character on the ace-batsman, he has also resolved to take close guidance and tips from Virendra Sehwag to play his character convincingly.
Ever since he signed the role two weeks ago, Randeep has been on the phone constantly with Sehwag picking the cricketer's brain to understand how a batsman's mind, heart and body work in unison.
On Thursday, Randeep and his acting mentor Naseruddin Shah trooped down to the Wankhede Stadium to watch Sehwag play in the India-West-Indies test match.
After the match, Randeep spent invaluable time studying his cricketing idol. Says Randeep, "It was an awesome moment, my acting mentor Naseer besides me and my cricket idol on the field...I've always felt a deep affinity to Virender Sehwag .We're both Jats from Haryana and we're both self-made, I in my own humble way, he of course on a much larger scale. Just watching him on the field is so inspiring. Virender is not just a great batsman, he's an entertainer on the field. I firmly believe whether you're an actor or cricketer you've to entertain people in your field. I think Virender does that very well."
Randeep not only admits Sehwag would be the role model for his performance he would also be using Virender's bat!
"That's right!" admits Randeep. "I've asked Virender to give me one of his bats which I'd be using in Heroine. He has kindly agreed to do. I've to tell you. I'm very excited about this role because like every Indian boy, I played cricket in school and college. When Sehwag became national champ Haryana's chest swelled with pride. Now by playing a cricketer, I feel I am fulfilling a dream that Sehwag has already fulfilled for us.
Ever since he signed the role two weeks ago, Randeep has been on the phone constantly with Sehwag picking the cricketer's brain to understand how a batsman's mind, heart and body work in unison.
On Thursday, Randeep and his acting mentor Naseruddin Shah trooped down to the Wankhede Stadium to watch Sehwag play in the India-West-Indies test match.
After the match, Randeep spent invaluable time studying his cricketing idol. Says Randeep, "It was an awesome moment, my acting mentor Naseer besides me and my cricket idol on the field...I've always felt a deep affinity to Virender Sehwag .We're both Jats from Haryana and we're both self-made, I in my own humble way, he of course on a much larger scale. Just watching him on the field is so inspiring. Virender is not just a great batsman, he's an entertainer on the field. I firmly believe whether you're an actor or cricketer you've to entertain people in your field. I think Virender does that very well."
Randeep not only admits Sehwag would be the role model for his performance he would also be using Virender's bat!
"That's right!" admits Randeep. "I've asked Virender to give me one of his bats which I'd be using in Heroine. He has kindly agreed to do. I've to tell you. I'm very excited about this role because like every Indian boy, I played cricket in school and college. When Sehwag became national champ Haryana's chest swelled with pride. Now by playing a cricketer, I feel I am fulfilling a dream that Sehwag has already fulfilled for us.
Irrfan khan signs Indo-European movie
f there is one man who is letting his work do all the talking, then, it's none other than Irrfan Khan. After being a part of international ventures like Life of Pi and The Amazing Spider-Man, this time round, Irrfan Khan seems to have completed a hat trick! He will now be seen in an Indo-European venture titled Qissa, a film that's being co-produced as a German-Dutch-French NFDC joint initiative. Talking about this, Irrfan said that he is very excited about this venture, which is set in the interiors of 1940s Punjab. He also added that that this film will revolve around a logger who is seeking to rebuild his life after the India's partition and that he will begin shooting for the film by the end of January, since he has one more portion of The Amazing Spider-Man to finish.
Qissa, which will be made in Punjabi (with a worldwide release in 2013) will have subtitles for an international audience, and will be distributed worldwide. Nina Lath Gupta (Managing Director of NFDC), a co-producer of the film, said that Germany's Heimat Films met up with them at Rotterdam Cinemart and then, Augustus Films (Dutch production house), France's Cine-Sud and India's NFDC joined hands. She also added that they have planned this film at a medium budget level.
Qissa, which will be made in Punjabi (with a worldwide release in 2013) will have subtitles for an international audience, and will be distributed worldwide. Nina Lath Gupta (Managing Director of NFDC), a co-producer of the film, said that Germany's Heimat Films met up with them at Rotterdam Cinemart and then, Augustus Films (Dutch production house), France's Cine-Sud and India's NFDC joined hands. She also added that they have planned this film at a medium budget level.
Amir Khan, the new brand ambessador of UNICEF.
He is termed as the perfectionist in Bollywood and rightly so. Aamir Khan holds true to what ever he does. Just recently, he worked with the Indian Ministry for Tourism for promoting Indian Tourism. Well now, we hear that Aamir will soon be the face of UNICEF in India.
Following others like Amitabh Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra, Aamir will be the next Bollywood icon to be nominated as the face of UNICEF in India. Aamir will be appointed the national ambassador of United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) on November 30.
Once the face for UNICEF, Aamir will support work in promoting child rights and nutrition of children under two years of age. Apart from this, the organization has also roped in various international celebrities to support its campaigns around the globe, like Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Mia Farrow, Shakira Mebarak, Vanessa Redgrave, Susan Sarandon and football star David Beckham among many others.
Following others like Amitabh Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra, Aamir will be the next Bollywood icon to be nominated as the face of UNICEF in India. Aamir will be appointed the national ambassador of United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) on November 30.
Once the face for UNICEF, Aamir will support work in promoting child rights and nutrition of children under two years of age. Apart from this, the organization has also roped in various international celebrities to support its campaigns around the globe, like Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Mia Farrow, Shakira Mebarak, Vanessa Redgrave, Susan Sarandon and football star David Beckham among many others.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
The Help - Review
The history of the world is the history of the billions of brutalities perpetrated on millions of people. The modern home of democracy and the land of many champions of liberty, the US is also one of the world's most brutal, obvious from its treatment of colored people.
'The Help' takes on the premise of the way colored people were treated in the '60s to weave a poignant story of love, courage and justice.
A young writer (Emma Stone) in the land of racial segregation in Jackson, Mississippi, in the 1960s, secretly interviews colored women working as housemaids in white people's houses. In an extremely racist environment where it is outlawed to even talk of justice for the colored, they threaten the unquiet and unjust peace of their small town, while risking their own lives.
If you are a sensitive person, get ready to weep buckets as writer Kathryn Stockett (novel) along with scriptwriter and director Tate Taylor presents not only the big injustices that the colored community faced, but small, insignificant humiliations they lived through for centuries.
There are many films that have tackled racial injustice most notably 'To Kill A Mockingbird' and 'Mississippi Burning'. But most of these films have focused on physical violence that moves communities.
'The Help' is a film projecting the structural violence that one race perpetrates on another. The film shoots itself up amidst the pantheons of world's greatest films ever made on the subject.
It speaks out to people suffering injustice, to stand up and take their destinies in their own hands, to not accept their misfortune but to find courage to fight it. There are no preachy statements, no lecture against racism. Instead, in the true spirit of cinema, it shows it, and lets you, the viewer, decide for yourself.
Besides an almost perfect screenplay and direction, what gives the film its concentrated strength is the near perfect casting. You have some Oscar worthy performances from Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer and Bryce Dallas Howard. While the first two tug at your heart as oppressed housemaids, it is Bryce's portrayal of a heartless woman that gives visual representation to a racial hatred that has lasted centuries.
Melodrama is usually, and justly, criticised in cinema. But if effectively played, it can help a film soar beyond the obvious.
The refined melodrama of 'The Help' becomes a lesson to filmmakers globally who desperately try to trigger the tear ducts of their viewers. Indeed, melodrama has never looked better in cinema before.
The movie, a Kathryn Stockett's debut novel, was rejected by 60 literary agents but after finally being published in 2009, has so far sold five million copies and has been published in 35 countries.
The film has so far raked in over $200 million. This talks oodles about the power of a good story told well and people's sense of justice that is triggered by this beautiful story.
Today as racism raises its ugly head in different shapes and guises; the film becomes a topical and poignant statement against it.
In a scene from the film, a maid tells a young girl 'You is kind, you is smart, you is important,' that indeed is the message of 'The Help' to everyone who is facing oppression anywhere in the world.
Rating : 4 and half star
'The Help' takes on the premise of the way colored people were treated in the '60s to weave a poignant story of love, courage and justice.
A young writer (Emma Stone) in the land of racial segregation in Jackson, Mississippi, in the 1960s, secretly interviews colored women working as housemaids in white people's houses. In an extremely racist environment where it is outlawed to even talk of justice for the colored, they threaten the unquiet and unjust peace of their small town, while risking their own lives.
If you are a sensitive person, get ready to weep buckets as writer Kathryn Stockett (novel) along with scriptwriter and director Tate Taylor presents not only the big injustices that the colored community faced, but small, insignificant humiliations they lived through for centuries.
There are many films that have tackled racial injustice most notably 'To Kill A Mockingbird' and 'Mississippi Burning'. But most of these films have focused on physical violence that moves communities.
'The Help' is a film projecting the structural violence that one race perpetrates on another. The film shoots itself up amidst the pantheons of world's greatest films ever made on the subject.
It speaks out to people suffering injustice, to stand up and take their destinies in their own hands, to not accept their misfortune but to find courage to fight it. There are no preachy statements, no lecture against racism. Instead, in the true spirit of cinema, it shows it, and lets you, the viewer, decide for yourself.
Besides an almost perfect screenplay and direction, what gives the film its concentrated strength is the near perfect casting. You have some Oscar worthy performances from Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer and Bryce Dallas Howard. While the first two tug at your heart as oppressed housemaids, it is Bryce's portrayal of a heartless woman that gives visual representation to a racial hatred that has lasted centuries.
Melodrama is usually, and justly, criticised in cinema. But if effectively played, it can help a film soar beyond the obvious.
The refined melodrama of 'The Help' becomes a lesson to filmmakers globally who desperately try to trigger the tear ducts of their viewers. Indeed, melodrama has never looked better in cinema before.
The movie, a Kathryn Stockett's debut novel, was rejected by 60 literary agents but after finally being published in 2009, has so far sold five million copies and has been published in 35 countries.
The film has so far raked in over $200 million. This talks oodles about the power of a good story told well and people's sense of justice that is triggered by this beautiful story.
Today as racism raises its ugly head in different shapes and guises; the film becomes a topical and poignant statement against it.
In a scene from the film, a maid tells a young girl 'You is kind, you is smart, you is important,' that indeed is the message of 'The Help' to everyone who is facing oppression anywhere in the world.
Rating : 4 and half star
Worst movie of 2011 is Sucker Punch
The Girl power action film 'Sucker Punch' has been voted as the worst film of 2011 in an online poll conducted by movie website Fandango.com.
Dailystar.co.uk reports that the film directed by Zach Snyder beat 'Bucky Larson: Born to be a Star' and 'Cowboys and Aliens' to top the Thanksgiving Day-themed top movie Turkey list.
'Shark Night 3D' and 'Mars Needs Moms' also made to the top five, while 'Red Riding Hood', 'Green Lantern' and 'Conan The Barbarian' featured in the top 10.
Dailystar.co.uk reports that the film directed by Zach Snyder beat 'Bucky Larson: Born to be a Star' and 'Cowboys and Aliens' to top the Thanksgiving Day-themed top movie Turkey list.
'Shark Night 3D' and 'Mars Needs Moms' also made to the top five, while 'Red Riding Hood', 'Green Lantern' and 'Conan The Barbarian' featured in the top 10.
Bandra Bandstand to house Bollywood Walk of Fame
It's been a jogger's delight, a hangout spot and a lover's point for years. Now the picturesque Bandra Bandstand in entertainment capital Mumbai will turn into the Bollywood Walk of Fame. Sure enough, the street will be adorned with the hand imprints of popular living legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan - a la Hollywood.
Housing the flats and bungalows of actors like Shah Rukh, Salman Khan, John Abraham, Shabana Azmi and Rekha, the area attracts a lot of tourists and local people.
With the addition of celebrity tiles at Bandstand Promenade - an idea conceptualised by UTV Stars, the 'official channel of Bollywood' - the number of visitors is only expected to increase.
Taking a leaf out of Los Angeles' Hollywood Walk of Fame at the world-famous Hollywood Boulevard, officials at the channel were earlier in talks for a Hall of Fame, but ultimately zeroed in on a 'Walk'.
'We have been working on this project for six months. Since we consider ourselves the official Bollywood channel, we wanted to do something for the actors who have contributed so much to the industry over the years,' Nikhil Gandhi, business head at UTV Stars, said over phone from Mumbai.
'So we zeroed in on this Bollywood Walk of Fame in Bandra Bandstand, where the name and handprints of actors will be placed tile by tile.'
The Hollywood Walk of Fame stretches over two kilometres and has brass stars and the names of showbiz stars engraved in tiles. A specific area also has hand and foot imprints of actors, musicians and technicians in clay tiles.
But the desi street will be 'different'.
'We wanted it to be different. We won't do stars, we will have brass imprints for our stars, who will be required to give their hand imprints in a clay cast, which will be processed in brass. And when it is ready to be placed on the street, we shall invite the star over to place it at the right place,' said Gandhi.
The channel hopes to get as many as 60 tiles placed within the first year of its launch, scheduled for early January 2012.
With this, the Bandra Bandstand is expected to wear a new look!
'We had other options, but the Bandra Bandstand is a central location and looks wonderful with the sea by the side,' he said.
'We haven't earmarked the stretch of the Walk of Fame yet, but we wanted to choose a place which is convenient for the public, for visitors, and a place which would add to the beautification of the city as well as add tourism to the city, which is the hub of Bollywood.'
Permission has been received from the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Bandra Residents' Association (BRA) for the project, according to Gandhi.
UTV Stars hopes to launch the project with a 'megastar' but are tightlipped about the name of the celebrity.
For starters, only actors -- mostly 'deserving, glamorous and big stars who have contributed a lot to Indian cinema' -- will find their hand imprints on the Bollywood Walk of Fame.
However, space will also be created for deceased legends who continue to live in the hearts of fans.
Gandhi is confident the Walk will add value to the 'city of dreams'.
Housing the flats and bungalows of actors like Shah Rukh, Salman Khan, John Abraham, Shabana Azmi and Rekha, the area attracts a lot of tourists and local people.
With the addition of celebrity tiles at Bandstand Promenade - an idea conceptualised by UTV Stars, the 'official channel of Bollywood' - the number of visitors is only expected to increase.
Taking a leaf out of Los Angeles' Hollywood Walk of Fame at the world-famous Hollywood Boulevard, officials at the channel were earlier in talks for a Hall of Fame, but ultimately zeroed in on a 'Walk'.
'We have been working on this project for six months. Since we consider ourselves the official Bollywood channel, we wanted to do something for the actors who have contributed so much to the industry over the years,' Nikhil Gandhi, business head at UTV Stars, said over phone from Mumbai.
'So we zeroed in on this Bollywood Walk of Fame in Bandra Bandstand, where the name and handprints of actors will be placed tile by tile.'
The Hollywood Walk of Fame stretches over two kilometres and has brass stars and the names of showbiz stars engraved in tiles. A specific area also has hand and foot imprints of actors, musicians and technicians in clay tiles.
But the desi street will be 'different'.
'We wanted it to be different. We won't do stars, we will have brass imprints for our stars, who will be required to give their hand imprints in a clay cast, which will be processed in brass. And when it is ready to be placed on the street, we shall invite the star over to place it at the right place,' said Gandhi.
The channel hopes to get as many as 60 tiles placed within the first year of its launch, scheduled for early January 2012.
With this, the Bandra Bandstand is expected to wear a new look!
'We had other options, but the Bandra Bandstand is a central location and looks wonderful with the sea by the side,' he said.
'We haven't earmarked the stretch of the Walk of Fame yet, but we wanted to choose a place which is convenient for the public, for visitors, and a place which would add to the beautification of the city as well as add tourism to the city, which is the hub of Bollywood.'
Permission has been received from the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Bandra Residents' Association (BRA) for the project, according to Gandhi.
UTV Stars hopes to launch the project with a 'megastar' but are tightlipped about the name of the celebrity.
For starters, only actors -- mostly 'deserving, glamorous and big stars who have contributed a lot to Indian cinema' -- will find their hand imprints on the Bollywood Walk of Fame.
However, space will also be created for deceased legends who continue to live in the hearts of fans.
Gandhi is confident the Walk will add value to the 'city of dreams'.
Kolaveri Di : the unexpectable hit
Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja a.k.a Dhanush has climbed the ladder of superstardom through sheer grit, determination and talent. He has grabbed every opportunity with great passion.
And he's added yet another feather in his cap with the superhit track Why this kolaveri di.
Sung and written by Dhanush, it is played to the tune of debutant music director Anirudh.
Featuring in Aishwarya Rajinikanth's directorial debut 3, a promo video of the song in production was uploaded on YouTube.
Calling it an 'instant hit' is an understatement. Not only has it made its way on to radio stations across the country, but has also become a worldwide chant. For proof, all you need to do is check out the video and Anirudh's twitter page filled with congratulatory messages from around the world.
We fell hook, line and sinker for this track the day it went up on YouTube. And it's been on a loop ever since.
As we belted out 'pa pa ppan pa pa ppan' for the nth time, we couldn't help but marvel at Dhanush's prowess at the mic. It got us thinking about where he started and the tunes he's hummed on the way to the top.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Desi Boyz Movie review
No matter how well you actually perform at any variant of the world's oldest profession, the very idea of being pawed at (by the undesirable, the unethical or even just the unattractive) isn't a seductive one. Being a male escort and servicing lonely women in their time of need is clearly not a job for the squeamish.
Neither is watching Rohit Dhawan's Desi Boyz, a film that paints so ridiculously rosy a picture of the gigolo life that it plays like a recruitment film sponsored by pimps.
The two leading men are forced into the hustling business by extenuating circumstances -- one wants to earn enough money to maintain custody of his nephew; the other, freshly laid off, wants to buy the Valentino wedding gown his fiancee covets -- but once they start roleplaying, they are in for a treat.
You'd be hard pressed to tell who the merchandise is, considering the two are constantly thronged by women flaunting much more skin than they ever have. This is the life of hip-hop stars, not whores.
This isn't nitpicking -- or I'd have gone on about how an apparent bachelorette party is happening on a stage in a theatre playing Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert -- but it is alarming that even in a film about two men driven desperately to Chippendale-ry, we must surround them with women dressed sluttier than they are. One of their love interests is a pouting golddigger, the other a cougar-teacher. This, a film that wants to go the full monty (but only if Monty's blonde and bosomy) is shamefully misogynistic, a perfectly nightmarish counterpart to the equally regressive Laaga Chunari Mein Daag.
To their credit, Akshay Kumar [ Images ] and John Abraham [ Images ] have taken on the nonsense with extreme enthusiasm. The ever-reliable but predictable Kumar looks young enough to go toe-to-toe with Abraham, who wears his credibly clueless look like a badge of honour -- when he isn't strutting around in slow motion, that is.
Both have to be commended for taking on a pair of beguilingly beautiful women who can't act to save their lives. Deepika Padukone [ Images ], a striking girl, who absolutely should be kept away from any kind of dialogue, has here discovered underwire brassieres, leading to a series of uncomfortable poses and outfits.
Chitrangada Singh [ Images ], on the other hand, is a sheer trainwreck, so bad it hurts to watch her. (Thankfully she only enters the film in the second half.)Before she and the second half enter, the film motors along almost tolerably. There are sloppy musical cues and an inconsistent use of narrative gimmicks ("What a flashback this'll make some day," says Akshay, for example, in a flashback at the beginning of the film, a one-off flourish never repeated) and even some standard poverty=school-fees melodrama, but compared to what Kumar's been putting us through in recent months, it's almost okay, and the two boys have a fine energy in their scenes together.
The sheer horror of what lies in store for us is only apparent when the Intermission word appears. "Uh-oh. We're only halfway through?" Gulp.
The second half begins with Akshay Kumar studying at Trinity College, Oxford. (Go on, read that line a few times over.) Chitrangda plays his Economics teacher, one who quizzes him in strip-pokerly fashion.
Meanwhile, Kumar encounters a snotty British professor who sneers at India [ Images ] and its uncivilized populace, which is when Kumar asks him what email address he uses. The man says Hotmail (in this alternate universe 2009, where Iron Man 2 is already out) and Kumar mentions Sabeer Bhatia, a minute before he brings up Aryabhatta and the zero. Clearly, keeping a straight face during scenes like these is what earns Kumar his fat paychecks.
Meanwhile, over in London [ Images ] where John's camping in Deepika's backyard in a caravan evidently borrowed from Aqua's Barbie Girl video, there is much tomfoolery involving the refreshing (if one-note) Omi Vaidya.
Then John confronts Deepika who, justifiably sore about catching him in the act, sounds him out about how he'd feel if a gallery of 50 men were drooling over a half-naked her. John stops in his tracks, but this is not a question the film plans to deal with. John mentions Akshay's nephew, Deepika's face falls, and having thus found himself a ludicrous moral high horse, John rides away happily. From this point on, the apologies have to come from her.
Ratings:
Times of India: 3 and half star
Yahoo: 1 star
Rediff: 1 and half star
DNA: 2 star
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Don 2 Song Lyrics
The King is back (Don2):
Har dil mein halchal hai
Aaya hai Dekho Kaun
http://www.lyricsmint.com
Har dil mein halchal hai
Aaya hai Dekho Kaun
Don...
Don...
Mujhko Pehchan lo -2 (Don2):
Duniya mein logo ne
Phir apne dil thaame
Aaya hoon lekar main
Phir kitne hungaame
Phir maine socha hai
Main jeetu sab haare
Darwaaje khul jaaye
Gir jaaye deewarein
Mujhse takra paaya hai
Mujhko pehchan lo
Main Hoon Don
http://www.lyricsmint.com
Duniya mujhe jo bhi kahe
Iski mujhe parwah kya
Mujhe toh ye dekhna
Jeetnay ki hai raah kya
Jo mujhe rokna chahe
Unko hai kya yeh pata
Don ko pakadna mushqil hi nahi
Namumkin hai
Duniya phir jeetne aaya kaun (Don don don..)
Mujhko pehchan lo
Main hoon Don
Koi Jaane na (Don2):
Koi jaane naa ye kaisi aag hai
Ye mere dil ko dasta kaisa naag hai
Har ghadi main jisko dhoondoon
Haan kahin na kahin toh
Mujhko mil hi jaayega Dushman Mera
Mujhe dhoondna aasaan hai kahaan
Zameen dekh lo yaa aasmaan
Main ik pal yahaan
Main ik pal hoon wahaan
Nahin paaoge mera nishaan
Jo koi bhi mujhko dhoonde
Woh kuch naa paayega
Dil mein hi woh dil ke armaan
Wapas le jaayega
Samjhe zara Dushman Mera
Inn aankhon mein hai kaisi jwala
Iss ko mat bujhne dena
Sun lo mera kehana
Gusse mein kitni dilkash lagti ho tum
Jab tak bhi reh paao tum
Gusse mein hi rehna aa....
Mera gussa toh dekhoge ek din
Mere dil mein kya hai Janoge ek din
Tum se main itna keh doon
Woh din jab aayega
Dil mein hi woh dil ke armaan
Wapas le jaayega
Samjhe zara Dushman Mera.
http://www.lyricsmint.com
Heere jo lagte hain woh mumkin hai angaare ho
Chingari lagte hai jo ho sakta hai taare ho
Aankhein dhokha khati hai
Ye kis ko pata nahi
Jaane kya hai yahaan
Jaane yahaan kya nahi
Hai yeh maya
Chehre hain sab ek se
Tu kaise pehchanega
Dushman hai yaa dost hai
Tu kaise ye jaanega
Aankhein dhokha khati hai
Ye kis ko pata nahi
Jaane kya hai yahaan
Jaane yahaan kya nahi
Hai yeh maya
Hai yeh maya
Hai yeh maya...
Zara dil ko Tham lo (Don2):
Dil kashi aur dilbari
Uski hai jadugari o
O..Dil kashi aur dilbari
Uski hai jadugari o
Jiski aankhein hain taare
Hain
Ae dil ye sach hai kya
Aaj woh hai kya aa hi gaya
Zara dil ko thaam lo
Naam lo
Keh bhi do hai kaun
Aa gaya haan aa gaya
Laut ke
Dekho Don
Dekho Don
Jo naa samjha koi main wohi raaz hoon
Jo kisi ka nahi hai woh andaaz hoon
Jo naa samjha koi main wohi raaz hoon
Jo kisi ka nahi hai woh andaaz hoon
http://www.lyricsmint.com
Main samandar se gehra
Main kahin kab hoon thehra
Main hoon jaise dhuaan
Ye dhuaan kahin hai rukta kahaan
Zara dil ko thaam lo
Naam lo
Keh bhi do hai kaun
Aa gaya haan aa gaya
Laut ke
Dekho Don
Tu nahi hai dhuaan
Ek shola hai tu meri jaan
Paas tere magar aaungi
Tujhme hi jal ke mar jaaungi
Mujhko chahogi toh paogi kya
Main kahaan jaaunga
Mera kya pata
Zara dil ko thaam lo
Naam lo
Keh bhi do hai kaun
Aa gaya haan aa gaya
Laut ke
Dekho Don
Dekho Don
Aa Raha hoon palat ke (Don2):
Mere dushman samajh rahe thay
Main abb kabhi laut ke naa aaunga
Ek gumnaami ka samundar hai
Usme hi jaake doob jaaunga
Abhi baaki meri kahani hai
Saari duniya ko jo sunaani hai
http://www.lyricsmint.com
Mujhe pehchano
Dekho main hoon kaun
Aa raha hoon palat ke
Main hoon Don Don Don....
Har dil mein halchal hai
Aaya hai Dekho Kaun
http://www.lyricsmint.com
Har dil mein halchal hai
Aaya hai Dekho Kaun
Don...
Don...
Mujhko Pehchan lo -2 (Don2):
Duniya mein logo ne
Phir apne dil thaame
Aaya hoon lekar main
Phir kitne hungaame
Phir maine socha hai
Main jeetu sab haare
Darwaaje khul jaaye
Gir jaaye deewarein
Mujhse takra paaya hai
Mujhko pehchan lo
Main Hoon Don
http://www.lyricsmint.com
Duniya mujhe jo bhi kahe
Iski mujhe parwah kya
Mujhe toh ye dekhna
Jeetnay ki hai raah kya
Jo mujhe rokna chahe
Unko hai kya yeh pata
Don ko pakadna mushqil hi nahi
Namumkin hai
Duniya phir jeetne aaya kaun (Don don don..)
Mujhko pehchan lo
Main hoon Don
Koi Jaane na (Don2):
Koi jaane naa ye kaisi aag hai
Ye mere dil ko dasta kaisa naag hai
Har ghadi main jisko dhoondoon
Haan kahin na kahin toh
Mujhko mil hi jaayega Dushman Mera
Mujhe dhoondna aasaan hai kahaan
Zameen dekh lo yaa aasmaan
Main ik pal yahaan
Main ik pal hoon wahaan
Nahin paaoge mera nishaan
Jo koi bhi mujhko dhoonde
Woh kuch naa paayega
Dil mein hi woh dil ke armaan
Wapas le jaayega
Samjhe zara Dushman Mera
Inn aankhon mein hai kaisi jwala
Iss ko mat bujhne dena
Sun lo mera kehana
Gusse mein kitni dilkash lagti ho tum
Jab tak bhi reh paao tum
Gusse mein hi rehna aa....
Mera gussa toh dekhoge ek din
Mere dil mein kya hai Janoge ek din
Tum se main itna keh doon
Woh din jab aayega
Dil mein hi woh dil ke armaan
Wapas le jaayega
Samjhe zara Dushman Mera.
http://www.lyricsmint.com
Heere jo lagte hain woh mumkin hai angaare ho
Chingari lagte hai jo ho sakta hai taare ho
Aankhein dhokha khati hai
Ye kis ko pata nahi
Jaane kya hai yahaan
Jaane yahaan kya nahi
Hai yeh maya
Chehre hain sab ek se
Tu kaise pehchanega
Dushman hai yaa dost hai
Tu kaise ye jaanega
Aankhein dhokha khati hai
Ye kis ko pata nahi
Jaane kya hai yahaan
Jaane yahaan kya nahi
Hai yeh maya
Hai yeh maya
Hai yeh maya...
Zara dil ko Tham lo (Don2):
Dil kashi aur dilbari
Uski hai jadugari o
O..Dil kashi aur dilbari
Uski hai jadugari o
Jiski aankhein hain taare
Hain
Ae dil ye sach hai kya
Aaj woh hai kya aa hi gaya
Zara dil ko thaam lo
Naam lo
Keh bhi do hai kaun
Aa gaya haan aa gaya
Laut ke
Dekho Don
Dekho Don
Jo naa samjha koi main wohi raaz hoon
Jo kisi ka nahi hai woh andaaz hoon
Jo naa samjha koi main wohi raaz hoon
Jo kisi ka nahi hai woh andaaz hoon
http://www.lyricsmint.com
Main samandar se gehra
Main kahin kab hoon thehra
Main hoon jaise dhuaan
Ye dhuaan kahin hai rukta kahaan
Zara dil ko thaam lo
Naam lo
Keh bhi do hai kaun
Aa gaya haan aa gaya
Laut ke
Dekho Don
Tu nahi hai dhuaan
Ek shola hai tu meri jaan
Paas tere magar aaungi
Tujhme hi jal ke mar jaaungi
Mujhko chahogi toh paogi kya
Main kahaan jaaunga
Mera kya pata
Zara dil ko thaam lo
Naam lo
Keh bhi do hai kaun
Aa gaya haan aa gaya
Laut ke
Dekho Don
Dekho Don
Aa Raha hoon palat ke (Don2):
Mere dushman samajh rahe thay
Main abb kabhi laut ke naa aaunga
Ek gumnaami ka samundar hai
Usme hi jaake doob jaaunga
Abhi baaki meri kahani hai
Saari duniya ko jo sunaani hai
http://www.lyricsmint.com
Mujhe pehchano
Dekho main hoon kaun
Aa raha hoon palat ke
Main hoon Don Don Don....
Shahrukh khan to strip at IFFI opener
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan Wednesday turned an otherwise drab official function into a rib-tickling affair by offering to strip and reveal his bermudas on stage at the inauguration of the 42nd International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
Shah Rukh, the chief guest at the inauguration of the 11-day festival, was at his hilarious best and had union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni and Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat in splits by threatening to strip down to his beach wear, which he claimed he was wearing beneath his formal slacks.
'I wanted to wear my bermudas, but then chose to wear my suit. But I am still wearing bermudas beneath. Do you want me to take my pants off,' he asked, leaving the 1,000 strong audience laughing their guts out.
'The younger girls (referring to compere Tisca Chopra and actress Rituparna Sengupta) and Ambika ji are saying 'take it off, take it off'!' Khan chided in banter, after being at the receiving end of Soni's playful jibe at him in her introductory speech.
Soni had earlier said that it was 'extremely easy' to get Shah Rukh Khan to attend the festival and that she did not have to approach any 'powerful' friends and people to coax the Bollywood badshah to attend the mega I&B event.
'All I told him was that we need to him to come to the festival to raise the profile of the IFFI (International Film Festival of India). And he said yes,' Soni said, even as Shah Rukh had the organisers waiting for nearly 40 minutes before he arrived at the venue.
The festival will screen more than 100 movies from 65 countries and will have special packages like 'Master Classes' by renowned film personalities like Milcho Manchevski, Hugh Welchman, Laurence Kardish and a first of its kind package of 3D and animation movies.
Actress Madhuri Dixit and Freida Pinto are also expected to attend the festival.
Shah Rukh, the chief guest at the inauguration of the 11-day festival, was at his hilarious best and had union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni and Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat in splits by threatening to strip down to his beach wear, which he claimed he was wearing beneath his formal slacks.
'I wanted to wear my bermudas, but then chose to wear my suit. But I am still wearing bermudas beneath. Do you want me to take my pants off,' he asked, leaving the 1,000 strong audience laughing their guts out.
'The younger girls (referring to compere Tisca Chopra and actress Rituparna Sengupta) and Ambika ji are saying 'take it off, take it off'!' Khan chided in banter, after being at the receiving end of Soni's playful jibe at him in her introductory speech.
Soni had earlier said that it was 'extremely easy' to get Shah Rukh Khan to attend the festival and that she did not have to approach any 'powerful' friends and people to coax the Bollywood badshah to attend the mega I&B event.
'All I told him was that we need to him to come to the festival to raise the profile of the IFFI (International Film Festival of India). And he said yes,' Soni said, even as Shah Rukh had the organisers waiting for nearly 40 minutes before he arrived at the venue.
The festival will screen more than 100 movies from 65 countries and will have special packages like 'Master Classes' by renowned film personalities like Milcho Manchevski, Hugh Welchman, Laurence Kardish and a first of its kind package of 3D and animation movies.
Actress Madhuri Dixit and Freida Pinto are also expected to attend the festival.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Salman Khan to do another remake
Remakes definitely seem to favour Salman Khan. After delivering hits in Wanted, Ready and Bodyguard, all remakes of South flicks, it is reported that Salman Khan is gearing up for another remake-that of Telugu romantic hit Arya 2
A source was quoted to have said, "Ronnie Screwwala is very keen to do a film with Salman and is planning to approach him for the remake of the Telugu romantic film, Arya 2, directed by Sukumar, who will also direct the Hindi version. Allu Arjun played the lead in the original, which will be reprised by Salman in the remake."
Reportedly, Singham senorita Kajal Aggarwal had played the female lead in the original flick, which revolved around two friends who fall for the same girl. However, it is still unclear as to who Sallu would be romancing in the remake.
A source was quoted to have said, "Ronnie Screwwala is very keen to do a film with Salman and is planning to approach him for the remake of the Telugu romantic film, Arya 2, directed by Sukumar, who will also direct the Hindi version. Allu Arjun played the lead in the original, which will be reprised by Salman in the remake."
Reportedly, Singham senorita Kajal Aggarwal had played the female lead in the original flick, which revolved around two friends who fall for the same girl. However, it is still unclear as to who Sallu would be romancing in the remake.
Bachchan family upsets with morphad pics
Pictures of Aishwarya Rai and her newborn baby girl have been doing the rounds on the internet. However, Ash's father-in-law, megastar Amitabh Bachchan and her husband, Abhishek Bachchan have claimed the pictures to be fake.
'Many morphed pictures of the 'little one' with her mother in hospital doing the rounds on the net... all fake!!' -- Amitabh posted on his Twitter page.
'To be my daughter in her mother's arms. Full points for creativity to the people who made them. Spent the morning with the girls and showing them some rather entertaining photos morphed by some very talented people of who is supposed...' Abhishek wrote with sarcasm.
Aishwarya gave birth to her first child Wednesday morning at a private hospital in Mumbai. Abhishek announced the news through the micro-blogging site.
The electronic media gave only limited footage to the news of Ash's delivery, following a reported 10-point directive from the Broadcast Editor's Association (BEA) warning news channels against excessive coverage on TV of her childbirth.
Thanking the media, the Bachchan senior tweeted: 'And once again a word of kindness to the electronic media for their non interference and dignified distance... thank you!!
'A word of appreciation too, to the print media for highlighting a few salient points... our joy in welcoming the girl child... and emphasising the commendable desire of Aishwarya in having a normal delivery without any epidural or pain killers. The often coined phrase 'too posh to push' was put to rest in her case... she was determined to do it the way she felt was correct!' he added.
The 69-year-old third-time grandfather is already receiving suggestion for the baby's name, though Abhishek has chosen to nickname her 'Beti B'.
'More time spent with the 'little one'... each and every movement sinking deep into our memory cells... to narrate to them when older! Thank you all for sending in suggestions for names for the baby... some of them really good... will run it by the parents!' he wrote
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Deool Review
In the rural areas of Maharashtra lies a peaceful village called Mangrul. One day Keshav (Girish Kulkarni), a village youth, sees lord Dattatrey (Datta) in his dreams while taking a nap under a tree. He makes a hue and cry in the village saying God made an appearance for him. Anna (Dilip Prabhavalkar), most respected figure of Mangrul, advises him against announcing such personal matter as it’s a question of faith.
However, it is too late as a journalist (Kishor Kadam) sensationalizes the news about Lord Dattatrey making an appearance in Mangrul. Hence, there is a demand for a Dattatrey temple. Bhau (Nana Patekar), a political activist, doesn’t approve it as he wants the funds to be used for better purposes but he seems helpless. The temple is built and the village becomes a holy place. Mangrul goes through a 360 degree change due to commercialization but nobody is complaining except Anna. Soon, due to the blindness of commercial progress, God is forgotten.
Every village has a right to progress commercially but how ethical it is to use a temple and its God to achieve it? The question is raised in director Umesh Vinayak Kulkarni’s latest offering Deool. While it does this, the audience is treated to some quality cinematic experience that deserves applause.
Your heart is won right at the very start due to the brilliantly conceived artistic opening credits. For the first time I witnessed applause for opening credits. Girish Kulkarni’s screenplay is deliberately not pacy because it was necessary to set the mood for a soothing rural flick. It largely succeeds in keeping the audience interested due to the unfolding of interesting events and realistic humour, which regularly gets you in splits.
Having said that, several serious moments, after the story is developed, are well appealing and moving. Special care is also taken to give good amount of screen time to the mammoth star cast. Girish also excels as a dialogue writer. All in all, intelligent writing is the backbone of Deool.
After Valu and Vihir, Umesh Vinayak Kulkarni once again proves his mettle as a talented filmmaker. He deserves strong applause as directing a tale with a number of sub-plots and characters can be chaotic.
(Review continued after picture.)
What surprisingly amazes you is the splendid cinematography. The village landscapes are an absolute delight to watch. It won’t be an understatement to say the camerawork over here is of international standards. The background score too doesn’t lag far behind.
The only flipside is the slow pace after the start of the second half and few other portions. There are chances that the climax might not be appreciated by the commercial cinema admirers for being open-ended.
Music composer Mangesh Dhakade has complimented the film smartly. Songs ‘Deva Tula Shodhu Kutha’, ‘Datta Datta’ and ‘Welcome’ are hummable and emerge at the right situations.
In a performance oriented film it is vital that all actors are at their best and that’s exactly the case with Deool. Girish Kulkarni stuns with a brilliant act while showcasing amazement, anger and misery with utmost perfection. His act is worthy of all awards. Returning to Marathi films after long, Nana Patekar is lovable. His sense of humour is up to the mark.
Dilip Prabhavalkar once again shows why he is one of the most respected names in the industry. His act is moving as well as enlightening, although his character is similar to the one he played in Morya. Sonali Kulkarni displays another praiseworthy act and so does Mohan Agashe.
The film is well supported by the rest of the cast including Kishor Kadam, Usha Nadkarni, Jyoti Subhash, Atisha Naik, Hrishikesh Joshi and others. Naseeruddin Shah (making his Marathi film debut) leaves an impact in a cameo.
Rating: (Out of 5 stars)
3 and 1/2 stars
However, it is too late as a journalist (Kishor Kadam) sensationalizes the news about Lord Dattatrey making an appearance in Mangrul. Hence, there is a demand for a Dattatrey temple. Bhau (Nana Patekar), a political activist, doesn’t approve it as he wants the funds to be used for better purposes but he seems helpless. The temple is built and the village becomes a holy place. Mangrul goes through a 360 degree change due to commercialization but nobody is complaining except Anna. Soon, due to the blindness of commercial progress, God is forgotten.
Every village has a right to progress commercially but how ethical it is to use a temple and its God to achieve it? The question is raised in director Umesh Vinayak Kulkarni’s latest offering Deool. While it does this, the audience is treated to some quality cinematic experience that deserves applause.
Your heart is won right at the very start due to the brilliantly conceived artistic opening credits. For the first time I witnessed applause for opening credits. Girish Kulkarni’s screenplay is deliberately not pacy because it was necessary to set the mood for a soothing rural flick. It largely succeeds in keeping the audience interested due to the unfolding of interesting events and realistic humour, which regularly gets you in splits.
Having said that, several serious moments, after the story is developed, are well appealing and moving. Special care is also taken to give good amount of screen time to the mammoth star cast. Girish also excels as a dialogue writer. All in all, intelligent writing is the backbone of Deool.
After Valu and Vihir, Umesh Vinayak Kulkarni once again proves his mettle as a talented filmmaker. He deserves strong applause as directing a tale with a number of sub-plots and characters can be chaotic.
(Review continued after picture.)
What surprisingly amazes you is the splendid cinematography. The village landscapes are an absolute delight to watch. It won’t be an understatement to say the camerawork over here is of international standards. The background score too doesn’t lag far behind.
The only flipside is the slow pace after the start of the second half and few other portions. There are chances that the climax might not be appreciated by the commercial cinema admirers for being open-ended.
Music composer Mangesh Dhakade has complimented the film smartly. Songs ‘Deva Tula Shodhu Kutha’, ‘Datta Datta’ and ‘Welcome’ are hummable and emerge at the right situations.
In a performance oriented film it is vital that all actors are at their best and that’s exactly the case with Deool. Girish Kulkarni stuns with a brilliant act while showcasing amazement, anger and misery with utmost perfection. His act is worthy of all awards. Returning to Marathi films after long, Nana Patekar is lovable. His sense of humour is up to the mark.
Dilip Prabhavalkar once again shows why he is one of the most respected names in the industry. His act is moving as well as enlightening, although his character is similar to the one he played in Morya. Sonali Kulkarni displays another praiseworthy act and so does Mohan Agashe.
The film is well supported by the rest of the cast including Kishor Kadam, Usha Nadkarni, Jyoti Subhash, Atisha Naik, Hrishikesh Joshi and others. Naseeruddin Shah (making his Marathi film debut) leaves an impact in a cameo.
Rating: (Out of 5 stars)
3 and 1/2 stars
The Adventure of Tintin Review
A mystery that he just stumbles upon when he buys a replica of the famed ship at a market and is threatened by an evil Mr Sakharine to give it up or face dire consequences. The film then shows the journey that Tintin embarks upon with his faithful dog, Snowy to unearth the deep dark secrets behind the ship and also to find out what Sakharine is after. While on the ship, he meets Captain Haddock, who becomes his companion in the rest of the adventures.
From the mind boggling graphics to some uber special effects, almost everything in the movie is perfect. The film is engaging from title credits itself and keeps the viewer engaged all throughout with interesting twist and turns.
The chase sequences on the streets of Bagga are absolutely stunning and so is the last scene where Captain Haddock and villain Ivanovich Sakharine fight it out at a dockyard is edgy.
The film infuses animation with realism and what we get is a heady concoction which leaves the viewer spell bound.
One little complain, the film in some portion seems to drag a bit and could have been edited to a certain extend. For avid Tintin fans, the presence of the bumbling inspector duo Thomson and Thompson are lot more in the book and far less in the film. The humour of Captain Haddock is also less in the movie as it mainly concentrates on establishing Tinitin’s character.
The cast of the film is stellar. Jamie Bell as Tintin and Daniel Craig as Sakharine are definitely the best of the lot.
Overall, the film satisfies the thirst of avid animation lovers with some marvelous graphics and top notch performances. The story of course is the winner with Herge leaving a treasure of adventures which was waiting to be discovered by filmmakers.
Watch it if you are a Tintin fan, you won’t be disappointed. And if you are new to the world Herge and his wonder boy, then you have just stumbled upon gold.
Ratings:( Out of 5 stars)
Yahoo: 3 stars (out of four stars)
Rediff: 1 and half star
Indiatimes: 4 star
My Rating: 3 stars
Rockstar Review
Director: Imtiaz Ali; Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Nargis Fakhri, Shammi Kapoor, Shikha Jain, Jaideep Ahlawat, Aditi Rao Hydari, Piyush Mishra; Running time: 160 mins; Certificate: PG
Borne entirely of the imagination of Imtiaz Ali, Rockstar is the fictional story of Janardhan Jhakar, a small town boy with big dreams of becoming a rock star like his idol Jim Morrison. Lacking any personal tragedy that might infuse his music with passion, Janardhan goes on a quest for love and unwittingly embarks on a journey that culminates in his dramatic descent into oblivion. Using a non linear narrative style, the film depicts his emotional journey, from Janardhan the college geek, to Jordan, the angst ridden rock god who fills out stadiums.
The film opens with a bedraggled Jordan, fighting off police as he makes his way to his own concert. The footage is interspersed with flashbacks to the character in his youth, a gawky guitar wielding rock star wannabe, who sings to queues of people at bus stands.
Rockstar engages you from its very opening sequence through to its emotional denouement. Director Imtiaz Ali adeptly employs a range of elements that, in combination, render the film enthralling. The film is smattered with wry humour and witty dialogue where you least expect it. The non-linear style works brilliantly, maintaining a sense of escalating drama and building to a crescendo, as piece-by-piece we discover the incidents that lead to the genesis of the tormented artist.
Key to the film's authenticity is an outstanding performance by Ranbir Kapoor, who has immersed himself in the role. Kapoor's performance as the wilful Jordan, a loose canon and a free spirit with a sense of entitlement, belies his years, as he undergoes a dramatic transformation. We trace the emotional trajectory of Jordan over a period of seven years, and with subtle nuances Kapoor captures the character's unravelling. Jordan's burgeoning angst is conveyed in his physicality as he transmutes into a Che Guevara styled urban guerilla. Kapoor reportedly learnt to play the guitar for the role and his performance is so realistic that, coupled with the documentary style concert footage, it's easy confuse the film for a real life biopic.
Nargis Fakhri, meanwhile, is well cast as Heer and makes a bold cinematic debut. She brings naturalism, effervescence and incandescent beauty to the role, though her lack of experience is evident in the more intense stand-offs with Kapoor. Both actors have a natural chemistry and convey the unfettered spirit that unites the lovers, and depicting the carefree lunacy of their youth which is displaced by the torment of a forbidden passion and illicit love.
The music is integral to the story and bears all the hallmarks of A.R. Rahman's personal brand of genius. The soundtrack complements the emotional peaks and troughs in the narrative, and set against the backdrop of the stunning planes of Kashmir and Prague, is entirely compelling.
With subtle allusions to classic stories of forbidden love such as Romeo and Juliet and Heer Ranjha, Rockstar is a riveting portrait of the destruction that ensues in the face of passion and desire borne of forbidden love.
A simple story, beautifully enacted, perfectly crafted, there is not much to fault in this film. Exemplary cinema by any standards.
Ratings (out of 5 star):
Yahoo: 1star
Times of India: 3 and 1/2 star
Rediff: 3 and 1/2 star
NDTV: 2 and 1/2 star
My Review: 4 star
Borne entirely of the imagination of Imtiaz Ali, Rockstar is the fictional story of Janardhan Jhakar, a small town boy with big dreams of becoming a rock star like his idol Jim Morrison. Lacking any personal tragedy that might infuse his music with passion, Janardhan goes on a quest for love and unwittingly embarks on a journey that culminates in his dramatic descent into oblivion. Using a non linear narrative style, the film depicts his emotional journey, from Janardhan the college geek, to Jordan, the angst ridden rock god who fills out stadiums.
The film opens with a bedraggled Jordan, fighting off police as he makes his way to his own concert. The footage is interspersed with flashbacks to the character in his youth, a gawky guitar wielding rock star wannabe, who sings to queues of people at bus stands.
Rockstar engages you from its very opening sequence through to its emotional denouement. Director Imtiaz Ali adeptly employs a range of elements that, in combination, render the film enthralling. The film is smattered with wry humour and witty dialogue where you least expect it. The non-linear style works brilliantly, maintaining a sense of escalating drama and building to a crescendo, as piece-by-piece we discover the incidents that lead to the genesis of the tormented artist.
Key to the film's authenticity is an outstanding performance by Ranbir Kapoor, who has immersed himself in the role. Kapoor's performance as the wilful Jordan, a loose canon and a free spirit with a sense of entitlement, belies his years, as he undergoes a dramatic transformation. We trace the emotional trajectory of Jordan over a period of seven years, and with subtle nuances Kapoor captures the character's unravelling. Jordan's burgeoning angst is conveyed in his physicality as he transmutes into a Che Guevara styled urban guerilla. Kapoor reportedly learnt to play the guitar for the role and his performance is so realistic that, coupled with the documentary style concert footage, it's easy confuse the film for a real life biopic.
Nargis Fakhri, meanwhile, is well cast as Heer and makes a bold cinematic debut. She brings naturalism, effervescence and incandescent beauty to the role, though her lack of experience is evident in the more intense stand-offs with Kapoor. Both actors have a natural chemistry and convey the unfettered spirit that unites the lovers, and depicting the carefree lunacy of their youth which is displaced by the torment of a forbidden passion and illicit love.
The music is integral to the story and bears all the hallmarks of A.R. Rahman's personal brand of genius. The soundtrack complements the emotional peaks and troughs in the narrative, and set against the backdrop of the stunning planes of Kashmir and Prague, is entirely compelling.
With subtle allusions to classic stories of forbidden love such as Romeo and Juliet and Heer Ranjha, Rockstar is a riveting portrait of the destruction that ensues in the face of passion and desire borne of forbidden love.
A simple story, beautifully enacted, perfectly crafted, there is not much to fault in this film. Exemplary cinema by any standards.
Ratings (out of 5 star):
Yahoo: 1star
Times of India: 3 and 1/2 star
Rediff: 3 and 1/2 star
NDTV: 2 and 1/2 star
My Review: 4 star
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