This blue-eyed boy of the Bhatt camp first made his mark with Vikram Bhatt's Footpath. However, it was his next release Murder which not only catapulted him to the big league but also earned him the infamous tag of Bollywood's 'serial-kisser'. Post that, one big hit followed after the other. Be it Gangster, Aksar or Aashiq Banaya Aapne. Yes, we are talking about the Good Boy who loves playing Bad Boy on screen- the one and only Emraan Hashmi.
Bollywood Hungama brings you a chance to chat with the super cool Emraan as he talks about his latest release Jannat. So what are you waiting for? Book your appointment with Emraan on Saturday, May 17 at 1600 hrs IST. Source: Indiafm.com News | 15 May 2008 | 4:22 pm
MOVIE DETAILS
Cast: Rahul Bose, Minissha Lamba, Javed Jaffrey, Deepak Dobriyal, Seema Biswas and Kay Kay Menon.
Director: Samar Khan
Producer: Moser Baer India Ltd.
Music: Adnan Sami
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
THE FILM
'Nice Architecture' - The moment Rahul Bose, who plays an Army lawyer in Shaurya, utters these two words at the intermission point of the film while walking out of a court proceeding, it is reaffirmed that he is an actor par excellence. In a situation where any other character would have been hassled with his very first high profile assignment (of saving an Army officer who has been accused of killing his fellow officer in cold blood), Rahul prefers to underplay the seriousness of the situation and instead comments on the architecture of the court room. Tongue in cheek and yet so intense.
This is how most part of Shaurya is - intense while continuing to keep the momentum on, either through means of tongue in cheek humor or some powerful character portrayal. Whether it is Rahul Bose or his fellow lawyer cum best friend Javed Jaffrey, whose job is to ensure the conviction of the Army officer without dwelling too deep into finding the 'real truth', it is the characterization and finding right actor for the right part which works most for second time director Samar Khan.
Special mention deserves to be reserved for Kay Kay Menon who enacts one of his most difficult roles ever as an Army Brigadier. If you have found him convincing in recent films like Black Friday, Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd and Life In A...Metro then look out for Shaurya - he is simply killing with his mere stare here!
However, it is this very strength of his character, which makes one little dissatisfied with the culmination of Shaurya. For someone who is so powerful, so intense, so head strong and so full of himself in a major way, it is surprising to see him break down so very easily towards the film's end. Frankly, the culmination of the story isn't quite convincing and seems like a rushed job, mainly due to the way the character graph sees a lowdown on paper. Samar does well in keeping the drama intact throughout; in fact Kay Kay is superb even in the culminating scenes of the movie, it's just that the ease with which his character breaks isn't quite convincing.
Amongst other actors, Minissha makes her presence felt in the first half of the film though she is completely missing from the scene after the interval. Deepak Dobriyal, who has already made a mark for himself in films like Omkara and 1971, is good once again though he gets smaller screen time. Seema Biswas is wasted while the role played by Amrita Rao could have been done by just about any other supporting lady.
PACKAGING
The film comes in a standard local plastic case with a striking cover layout featuring the three lead protagonists of the film - Rahul Bose, Javed Jaffrey and Kay Kay Menon. Since the DVD comes on Moser Baer, don't expect any fancy packaging.
DURATION
The film comes in a single DVD pack with the film's duration being 141 minutes.
SPECIAL FEATURES
The DVD doesn't come with any special features.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
- Just last week it was highlighted in the DVD review of My Name is Anthony Gonsalves that in any of Amrita Rao's last films (including Vivah), the DVDs do not come with a 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen Presentation. In layman terms, the film comes in a regular format (with thick top and bottom stripes) which is associated with VCD format. Well, this has happened again with Shaurya too and guesses what, Amrita has a guest appearance here as well! Too much of a coincidence, isn't it?
- Subtitles in English
- Dolby Digital 5.1 and Stereo
PRICE
Rs. 50/=
CONCLUSION
Samar may have failed in his debut flick Kuch Meetha Ho Jaaye which brought together an ensemble cast but with Shaurya he gets it just right. And all this happens while keeping the commercial quotient intact. In his 140 minutes flick centered on a Court Martial (and not a war breaking down on the border, as some would have wanted to believe after seeing men in uniform on the film's posters), Samar packs in a number of powerful sequences which the audience takes home.
Give Shaurya a dekko!
Rating: *** Source: Indiafm.com Features | 15 May 2008 | 4:03 pm
The battle of the Blogs has just intensified; what with the Taare Zameen Par self-crowned genius and the universally acknowledged clutter-breaker, Aamir Khan proclaiming that he has a dog named Shah Rukh Khan.
The shocking display of insolent humor has sent shock waves in the otherwise-insulated and unconcerned film industry. Says a very popular character-actor who has worked with both the actors, "I guess the freedom provided by a blog tends to loosen tongues. Amitji has never been known to be as undiplomatic as he's on his blog. Aamir must have thought it's time to increase the odds, what if Amitji's blog gets more eyeballs! Also, his nephew's film is around the corner. During the release of Taare Zameen Par, Aamir created a controversy by taking on Amitji and Black. Now for the nephew it's Shah Rukh being called a dog. All I can say is life's a bitch."
Shah Rukh remains characteristically unfazed and humorous in the face of his colleague's uncharitable and tasteless remarks. When this writer expressed shock and indignation at Aamir's remarks, SRK responded, "Earlier on, people used to name their children after famous people. Somebody naming a dog after a known person is a new beginning in that direction. I don't have a copyright over this name if used non-commercially." But a close friend of SRK on promise of anonymity reacted far more aggressively. "Aamir's megalomania has been brewing for a while. Earlier he declared himself No.1 as compared with SRK who took it smilingly. Now Aamir is down to street-level provocation. You know those neighbors who try to get your attention by breaking your windows, letting their dogs crap on your lawn or just dirtying your car. It's best for Shah Rukh to ignore these efforts to get his attention." Source: Indiafm.com News | 15 May 2008 | 3:59 pm
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The first thing that strikes you when you speak to her over the phone is her child-like voice. She sounds just like any college going teenager; bubbly and full of life. But if you talk about experience, she has indeed lots to boast of. We are talking about Prachi Desai whose portrayal of Bani in television soap Kasamh Se has made her a household name. Prachi is all set to make the big jump from the small screen to the big screen with her maiden film Rock On. Bollywood Hungama got chatting with the cheerful actress who truly believes that life is rocking.
The first look of your debut film Rock On is out. How do you feel?
(Smiles) It feels amazing. I haven't tried anything new in the last two years so this is something which I am really looking forward to.
The poster gives an impression that it's an all guys film. Is it true?
Hmmâ¦It is, to some extent as the film is about a rock band consisting of these 4 guys. The girls are involved but they are not a part of the band, hence you get the impression that it's an all guys film
What is your character in the film?
She is a modern girl from Bombay. She is not like Bani (laughs) but she is equally sweet. She is quite a sophisticated, town girl. I am paired opposite Farhan in the film.
My character in Rock On is that of a sophisticated, town girl. She is not like Bani (laughs) but she is equally sweet.
How has it been working with an actor turned director (Abhishek Kapoor) and a director turned actor (Farhan Akhtar)?
You said it. It was indeed an amazing experience. I was so surprised when I saw Farhan acting because nobody knew that he is such a fabulous actor. His directorial skillsâ¦well everyone is aware about but his acting talent is going to take a lot of people by surprise. He is equally good as an actor. I learnt a lot of new things from Abhishek as well so it was a great experience
Describe your first and last day of shooting?
I was a little scared on the first day of shoot (smiles)â¦didn't quite know what to expect. But it was a lot of fun because Farhan is a really jolly fellow and even the director Abhishek is a chilled out guy. The last day was the best day of the whole shoot. We were shooting in Alibaug for a day. There was a swimming pool and after the shoot everybody was thrown into the pool including me (smiles) and I can't swim. I somehow saved my life.
What similarities or differences do you find shooting for a T.V. show and a Bollywood film?
Hmmmm⦠at the end of the day it's shooting. The difference would be in terms of time taken and maybe the perfection level. In T.V. we are used to it since we know our characters really well so we don't take much time. Plus there is a time limit in T.V. At times you have to complete 10 scenes in one day. But in films we have a lot more time on our hands, so you have time to think about how you want to do a particular scene. So I would say it's more chilled out.
From the simple Bani to a girl who is hanging out with a bunch of rockers, must be quite a shock for your viewers?
Yeah absolutely (laughs)â¦.and I hope they take the shock in the right way.
Since the film is about a rock band, how has the music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy evolved?
Oh it's fantastic. The music sounds so real; you will feel like you are attending a rock concert in a college.
The music of Rock On sounds so real; you will feel like you are attending a rock concert in a college.
So are you into rock music in real lifeâ¦.What music do you like?
No I am totally into Hindi filmy music.
Since you were the baby on the sets, did anyone pull a prank on you?
Thankfully no!!( Smiles). We had a great time shooting since apart from the guys we also had our girly gang consisting of Shahana Goswami, Koel Purie, Nicolette and myself. We had a blast together.
You won the dancing reality show Jhalak Dikhla Jaa... So do you get to wear your dancing shoes for Rock On?
(Laughs) Luckily noâ¦I don't have any dance numbers in the film.
The film's tagline says 'Live your Dream'⦠What is your Motto in life?
That's my motto as well- 'Live your Dream'. I have lived my dream. I have always wanted to be an actor and have worked very hard for it. So thank god I've also been really lucky
When is the music likely to release?
The music should release in a few days now since the posters are already out.
So what else do you have apart from Rock On
Apart from Rock On, I am doing Abbas-Mustan's home production Life Partner which is directed by Rumi Jaffrey. However it's too early to talk about it now.
So how are you planning to shuffle your time between T.V. and films?
It's really tough doing both T.V. and films at the same time. Hence, I am not doing T.V. any more. I somehow managed it during Rock On but your mind gets diverted which is not good.
Now that you are all set to make a grand entry in the big bad world of Bollywood, what message do you have for all your fans who have supported you on T.V. all these years?
What do I say? I am really nervous about Rock On. I wanna request everyone to come and watch Rock On. It's a great film and I am sure everyone will enjoy it, especially the youngsters. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 15 May 2008 | 2:53 pm
He is Bollywood's one and only ubber cool dude whose effortless acting can be seen in his hazel eyes, which also paves the way not just to his fans but also to every award function! He is one man in today's Bollywood who epitomizes dignity and grace that's sprinkled with attitude and style! And...guess what! Today is his Birthday! So, simply put down your wishes to the Man of Every Reason and also Every Season!
We all know that you must by 'dying' to know about this 'Birthday' boy! He is none other than Shiney Ahuja, the eternally Shining man, who has to his credit, sharing his birthday with the Diva of Bollywood, Madhuri Dixit! Well, considering both their birthdates, one is simply forced to believe in the adage that 'It's never a coincidence that Great Legends are born on the same day, as they are born only to be a Legend!'
Over to you readers â¦simply pour your hearts out by posting your B-Day wishes for Shiney. Source: Indiafm.com News | 15 May 2008 | 2:36 pm
In today's cut-throat world, you have to have gleaming degrees like MBBS, B-Tech to match up to the ever-heating competition. But the degree that takes the cake is 'M.D.', which is undisputedly the 'baap' of all the degrees.
Bollywood also follows the same rule. The only difference is that, here, 'MD' is considered as the 'Maa' of all the names, for the fact that it belongs Madhuri Dixit, the name that spells Class, Grace, Ãlan, Style, Poise, Glamour, Magic, Romanceâ¦in short, the A-Z of Bollywood!
Today is the Birthday of the biggest Diva that Bollywood has ever produced. Right from her debut in Abodh till Tezaab, Dil to her latest release Aaja Nachle, her fan base has been growing so wide that it can give any Solar Constellation the hugest inferiority complex that anyone can ever get!
So, what are you waiting for? Write your wishes to Madame' Dixit, for you never know what luck has in store for you! Go aheadâ¦Aaja Likh Le! Source: Indiafm.com News | 15 May 2008 | 12:28 pm
English fashion model Sophie Dahl, who had lost a lot of weight recently, has written a cookery-cum-slimming book called `Miss Dahl`s Voluptuous Delights`. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 15 May 2008 | 12:23 pm
It`s confirmed. Bollywood`s heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor and girlfriend Deepika Padukone will be soon tying the knot. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 15 May 2008 | 12:23 pm
It was rumoured that Sonam Kapoor was going to play the female lead opposite Shah Rukh Khan in director Aditya Chopra`s `Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi`, but the young actress says she was never offered the role. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 15 May 2008 | 12:23 pm
Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan
who began shooting for Ram Gopal Varma`s "Sarkar Raj" after
marriage were conscious in front of the entire unit when they
faced the camera for the first time. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 15 May 2008 | 12:23 pm
American supermodel Marisa Miller has knocked actress Lindsay Lohan from the top of men magazine Maxim`s list of the 100 hottest women in the world, the magazine said on Wednesday. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 15 May 2008 | 12:23 pm
Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie said in a television interview on Wednesday that she is expecting twins with actor Brad Pitt, the Hollywood couple`s fifth and sixth children. Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 15 May 2008 | 12:23 pm
Close pals of former "Friends" star Jennifer Aniston fear that the actress could be set for yet another heartbreak as her new love interest John Mayer may just be in the relationship "for fun". Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 15 May 2008 | 12:23 pm
UTV Motion Pictures has announced its first independent Hollywood venture 'Ex-terminators'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 15 May 2008 | 12:02 pm
Kunal Kohli took a dig at Sajid Khan and got a dose of his own medicine. There are some people Sajid Khan can't bear to be in the same room with, and one of them is Kunal Kohli. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 15 May 2008 | 11:59 am
While one Hollywood lesbian couple is set to tie the knot, another couple's marriage is on the rocks. Almost legend Jodie Foster and her girlfriend of 14 years producer Cydney Bernard have decided to call it quits. What is shocking about this sudden revelation is that Jodie spoke of her attraction ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 15 May 2008 | 11:58 am
Whitney Thompson, a contestant from Atlantic Beach, has won America's Next Top Model. The 20 year old stole the hearts of the judges with her onramp antics, class and style to take the top prize of the competition. As a result the beauty will bag a $100,000 contract with cosmetics brand ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 15 May 2008 | 11:48 am
Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar haven't really let the ice thaw since the cold vibes they shared in Jaan-e-Mann. And that was just the tip of the iceberg. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 15 May 2008 | 11:48 am
Hi Aamir,
I hope you will get to read my post. I woke up this morning and logged into Bollywood Hungama and I could not believe the content of the article posted on that website so I checked your blog for confirmation.
I have been a life long fan of yours and I have always respected you as an actor par excellence and as an intellectual. I have looked up to you for most of my life and your movies have entertained us for decades. I strongly supported you during the Narmada dam controversy and a number of other controversies.
I was truly shocked to read your comments and I am very disappointed. I am not a huge admirer of SRK's acting abilities but he is by far the most charismatic and most popular star representing the east. He has earned the respect of millions of people. The comments you have posted on your blog are extremely offensive to all fans of the Indian cinema and not just SRK and his fans.
I think that you should have considered the cultural sensitivities that surround those comments. There are certain rules that need be followed and certain lines that are not to be crossed when addressing your competitors and adversaries in public.
You might notice that this is my first post on your website and I rarely comment on such issues but those outrageous comments are extremely hard to ignore. According to media reports, SRK's wife and his children are big fans of your work and I would like to know how you would face them after making those comments that are usually attributed to unsavory individuals.
I am sure you are aware of the backlash Michael Richards faced following his racist rant and I am not comparing your comments to his racist remarks, but he made it very difficult for a lot of Seinfeld fans including myself to enjoy that show after that ugly episode. I am sure that you are aware that SRK and you possibly share millions of fans and I hope you will understand that those comments were extremely offensive to a lot of people. I believe that you should immediately apologize to SRK and all fans of Indian Cinema for those appalling comments. I want to be able to respect one of my favorite actors once again.
Thank You
Best,
Ali Hashimi
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed herein or statements made in the above column are solely those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bollywoodhungama.com. Bollywoodhungama.com accepts no legal liability or responsibility for any claims made or opinions expressed herein. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 15 May 2008 | 11:21 am
Dear Readers, Kya aapko Woh Lamhe yaad hai jab Aawarapan karte karte Dhoom Dhadaka hua?
Well, before you conclude something about anything, let us tell you that there is nothing in the abovementioned statement except for the fact that all of these highlighted names are the movie names in which one can get to see Shaad Randhawa, the futuristic face of Bollywood.
There's no denying the fact, that even though his role was comparatively small in Woh Lamhe, he made such an impact in the viewer's mind that whenever there's a mention about the film, his name immediately buoys up in every mind. This was justified by him bagging the Stardust's Best New Menace Award.
This nephew of yester-year's star actress Mumtaaz, is all set to give the top stars a run for their money with his histrionics in his forthcoming venture Dhoom Dadakka. So, here's your once-in-a-lifetime chance of speaking your heart out to Shaad Randhawa, only on Bollywood Hungama on Friday, May 16 at 1500 hrs IST. Source: Indiafm.com News | 15 May 2008 | 11:08 am
Shooting of Sweet Heart is in progress and very recently the film unit shot some songs at Bangkok. The film is directed by Akash and produced by SJ Rathnawat under the banner of Devi Movies. Akash, RB Ram, Tamanna, Daisy and Suhasini are in the lead. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 15 May 2008 | 11:00 am
A lot is happening on the world cinema and Hollywood front at Cannes 2008, but a few quick pointers on what Day 1 held for the Indian film community specifically:
The market was largely sluggish but many expect the second day to witness a pick-up in the business.
Santosh Sivan's Tahan featuring Rahul Bose and Rahul Khanna among others, and Jag Mundhra's Shoot On Sight with Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri were screened at the market.
The big boys exhibiting this year are UTV, Eros, Indian Films-Studio 18, and new player, Reliance ADAG. Shemaroo is around as well promoting their animation feature, Ghatothkach.
Eros' front-running products on display include Sunday, Sarkar Raj, U Me Aur Hum, Bhoothnath and Om Shanti Om, among others, while UTV's Cannes advertising stresses on Taare Zameen Par, Race and Jodhaa Akbar. Indian Films-Studio 18 are promoting Jab We Met, Welcome, Singh Is Kinng, Kidnap and Golmaal Returns, to name a few.
From the teaser poster of Singh Is Kinng presently doing the rounds on the net (featuring a clean-shaven turbaned Akshay Kumar), Indian Films-Studio 18 unveiled an attractive creative of the Vipul Shah-produced film, featuring a bearded macho-looking Akshay holding Katrina, clad in a dazzling skin-hugging orange gown.
Dev Anand's 1960's classic Guide is set to glow at the Festival's Classic section, and the legend is likely to visit the palm-lined town of South France to celebrate the occasion
From the Asian markets, India and China, in this order, have the largest presence at Cannes 2008. India and China are followed by Japan and Korea.
(Media and international business expert, Tanuj Garg, will do an honorary Cannes 2008 diary for Bollywood Hungama. This will feature periodic updates on the mood and the action on The Croisette over the next fortnight. Tanuj is currently Marketing & Distribution Head for the UK & Europe at Studio 18) Source: Indiafm.com News | 15 May 2008 | 10:50 am
The sweet looking girl Benaaf, who plays the role of a polio inflicted character in Star Plus' Baa Bahoo Aur Baby would soon be seen dancing on her feet. Always seen limping around with the help of her crutches, Benaaf is thrilled on bagging a chance of performing at the ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 15 May 2008 | 10:47 am
The film Chintakayal Ravi (software engineer) as the name suggests is a hilarious comic entertainer. The film will also have mother sentiment. Actor Venkatesh is the hero and actress Anushka is the heroine. Mamata Mohandas is the second heroine. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 15 May 2008 | 10:35 am
London (ANI): American actress Megan Fox has proved precisely why she was recently voted the sexiest woman in the world – by showing off her best assets on the set of her new movie 'Jennifer's Body.' Fox was caught skinny-dipping on the set of 'Jennifer's Body', where she was spotted with ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 15 May 2008 | 10:33 am
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One minute this way or that way it could've proved fatal for the young talented Neil Nitin Mukesh. "Fortunately, I had the presence of mind to move out of the way just in time before the calamity struck," shudders Neil at the thought of the near-disaster that struck him last week when he wasn't looking while shooting a dangerous stunt on the roads of Andheri with action director Shyam Kaushal for Jehangir Surti's Freeze.
Neil plays a photographer on a mission. Recalling the incident in some detail, Neil says, "It was a carefully planned chase sequence on a highway. I was in an auto rickshaw and I was being chased by a skidding car. It was supposed to swerve to the right while my auto was supposed to go the other way. Instead, both the vehicles turned in the same direction."
To the shock of the entire crew the speeding car hit Neil's auto rickshaw. "If I didn't have the quick reflexes and presence of mind to jump out just in time, anything could've happened," Neil shudders.
The incident recalls what transpired in Nasik three years ago during the shooting of Raj Kumar Santoshi's Khakee when a car lost balance and struck Aishwarya. Says Neil, "These things happen. Not because of careless planning. No amount of calculation and planning can immune you against a miscalculation during a stunt. I'm game for it. Because I've lots of stunts in Freeze and also in Kabir Khan's film for Yashraj films. But after what happened last week, I intend to take precautions."
Neil has decided to provide walkie-talkies and uniforms for all his staff. "That's to make them more easily identifiable and accessible when I'm shooting. That day when I was hit, I looked around for my own staff in the chaos. I couldn't find a single person although they were all right there in the crowd. I confess, I panicked more because I felt isolated at the time of the crisis."
Neil's faithful staff will now be easily accessible to him. "I'll carry a walkie-talkie at all times. Making my staff walkie-savvy and putting them in a uniform is not a form of self-glorification for me. It's a way of joining hands with my own people in a crowd. We all wore a uniform in school for no other reason except that feeling of oneness. These are people who have been with my family for years and treat me like their son. Our driver insists on driving me home and then going home to the other end of the town no matter what time it is." Source: Indiafm.com News | 15 May 2008 | 10:20 am
Even before Jannat has arrived on the screen, a section of media has already started speculating about it's Hollywood source. Traditionally, films coming from the house of Vishesh Films have always sought inspiration from West (or East) due to which Jannat too is not being spared. There have been murmurs about the film being an alleged rehash of Hollywood flick Two For The Money (2005) that starred Al Pacino and Matthew McConaughey.
Reacts Emraan Hashmi with a shocked expression, "Which is this movie Two For The Money' Isn't it the film about a bookie and his mentor and the conflicts they face in the course of their business? Sorry to disappoint those who believe they have managed to crack the code but by no means is Jannat remotely similar to Two For The Money."
Settling down from the initial shock, Emraan goes on to explain, "Jannat deals with a different aspect altogether. Time and again we have tried to tell through the promotion of our film that Jannat is not just about bookies and betting. This is a story about a young couple where the guy is a go getter and wants to give his girl everything that she desires. For that he is even willing to do through an illegal route."
Explaining the psyche of the character he plays, he defends, "This guy feels that when everyone out there in the world of cricket, whether he is an entrepreneur, media baron or a product launcher is going and making money with the help of the sport, why shouldn't a bookie too have his share of pie."
"He has his own way of reasoning too", jokes Emraan, "He feels that when a government can get away after 'hera-pheri' of millions in the arms deals, then what's the harm in a little bit of cheating in something as harmless as the game of cricket. Of course, the girl doesn't feel the same way since she is happy living a simple life. In the end, the guy has to decide whether money actually means everything in life or there is something more that he needs to find his 'jannat'."
Kunal Deshmukh, director of Jannat, is more relaxed though in his defense for the film, "Nahi nahi, Jannat and Two For The Money are not connected in any means. In any case, I didn't want to copy a film at all. I didn't want to start off as a filmmaker who looked at lifting screenplays from other films. I guess I have enough potential to make a film of my own and don't have to resort to being a DVD filmmaker." Source: Indiafm.com News | 15 May 2008 | 10:14 am
Do not get confused by our headlines, because it is a well known fact that Salman Khan's family celebrates all the festivals with equal gusto and fervour, and we are not here to repeat that. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 15 May 2008 | 10:10 am
Sunkara Madhumurali is producing a film under the banner of Kartikeya Creations with Krishnavamsi wielding the megaphone and Tarun playing the lead role. The shooting of the film was formally launched in Hyderabad with puja activities. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 15 May 2008 | 10:03 am
Typical Bollywood heroes are boring: Emran Hashmi Hindu - 2 hours ago New Delhi (PTI): Characters with strong shades of gray is what interests Bollywood actor Emran Erfan Anwar Hashmi, who plays a street smart bookie caught up in a betting racket in his latest film 'Jannat.
The video rental business, dominated for years by the neighbourhood shop around the corner, is now drawing big corporates - a move that makes watching movies at home easier and promises to cut down piracy. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 15 May 2008 | 6:02 am
Rannvijay Singh Sangha is best known as the suave host of MTV's popular reality show 'Roadies', but now one of the hottest VJs of the Indian small screen has ventured into films with 'Toss'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 15 May 2008 | 5:30 am
After making a mark in Bollywood, Hindi film singers like Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal and Udit Narayan have shifted their focus to the south and are in great demand in the Kannada film industry. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 15 May 2008 | 5:01 am
Milan Luthria, the director of 'Kachche Dhaage' and 'Taxi No. 9211', has been given an unenviable task by his producer Ekta Kapoor. He has to make a gangster film with Sanjay Dutt, which would be completely different from anything done so far in Hindi films. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 15 May 2008 | 5:01 am
Versatile actor Anupam Kher, who plans to start an orphanage, says it is time to look beyond personal gain and give something to society. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 15 May 2008 | 3:31 am
It was rumoured that Sonam Kapoor was going to play the female lead opposite Shah Rukh Khan in director Aditya Chopra's 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi', but the young actress says she was never offered the role. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 15 May 2008 | 1:30 am
Though Harsh Chhaya was hardly a ladies man in his 2007 release LAAGA CHUNARI MEIN DAAG, in real life he is pretty much a ladies man. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 15 May 2008 | 12:00 am
UTV Motion Pictures sets another benchmark for the Asian film industry with its first solo Hollywood film production titled ‘Ex-terminators’. Presently being shot in Texas, the film stars Heather Graham, Jennifer Coolidge, Matthew Settle, Joey Lauren Adams and Amber Heard. It marks the directing debut of veteran cinematographer John Inwood from the popular US award winning TV show ‘Scrubs’. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 15 May 2008 | 12:00 am
As expected BHOOTHNATH didnt set the cash counters jingling on the day of its release. The film couldnt create any excitement throughout its promotional campaign and the theme - friendship of a ghost and a kid - too didnt promise any built up Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 15 May 2008 | 12:00 am
The police here Wednesday arrested two people and seized 3,355 pirated CDs worth Rs.2.9 million during raids conductecd after a tip-off from the Indian Music Industry (IMI). Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 14 May 2008 | 4:30 pm
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After endorsing stylish brands like Maybelline, Levis Strauss and Tissot SA, Deepika Padukone has gone one step ahead by becoming the new face of Dubai's Aspire Real Estate.
The chairman of the company, Harshit Kantaria, who has come a long way since he came to Dubai three years ago with a vision to make it big in real estate enterprise today is proud owner of Dhs5.5 bn portfolio with developments from Business Bay to Jumeirah Village and Dubai Marina, and special focus on waterfront properties as well.
Aspire Real Estate being referred as a rising star in real estate enterprise in Dubai feels proud to have Deepika Padukone as a brand ambassador because of her image as a true rising star of Bollywood, claimed the chairman Kantaria.
Thus, Union of 'Rising Stars' is the name given by the company to the association. Source: Indiafm.com News | 14 May 2008 | 4:02 pm
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It's RGV's most anticipated film of the year. Abhi-Ash's first film together post marriage and one of Amitabh's best roles ever, yes Sarkar Raj. Incidentally, Ramu wanted that the scene they first shoot after marriage should be the scene where Abhi and Ash are striking a conversation for the first time and trying to know each other.
Truly, RGV knew exactly what he wanted and got it. The scene where they were to interact with each other for the first time was to be done with tentativeness and they were to weigh each other as people. Since they were shooting for the first time after marriage, there was newness to their relationship and they were a bit conscious in front of the entire unit⦠this worked exactly as per the demand of the scene.
Sarkar Raj talks about an intense political drama and is essentially a study of power; it explores the politics of development and takes a fresh look at the tradition versus modernity debate.
When Anita Rajan (Aishwarya Rai - Bachchan), CEO of Sheppard power plant, an international Company, brings a power plant proposal to set up in rural Maharashtra before the Nagres, insightful Shankar (Abhishek Bachchan) is quick to realize the benefits the power plant can bring to the people. After convincing Sarkar (Amitabh Bachchan) who is against it for various reasons, Shankar undertakes a journey along with Anita to the villages of Maharashtra to mobilize support from the masses.
However, things are not what they seem to be and Shankar's dream project gradually becomes a political minefield. It is in this backdrop the evil forces mightier than ever, mushroom and gang up to bring down the regime of Sarkar and obliterate Shankar's name from the political horizon.
Sarkar Raj is definitely not a sequel to Sarkar but a new story with the same characters. Well, let's hope RGV won't have to go into hiding after this film. Source: Indiafm.com Features | 14 May 2008 | 3:49 pm
Milan Luthria has been given an unenviable task by his producer Ekta Kapoor. He has to make a gangster film with Sanjay Dutt which would be completely different from anything done so far in Hindi films.
Considering the underworld cinema has been done to bludgeoning death by every director from Mahesh Bhatt to Ram Gopal Varma, and considering Dutt has played a gangster in at least three dozen prominent and inconspicuous films, Luthria is at his wit's end as to how he should approach the age-old theme of gangsterism.
"I've been focusing on the getting the writing right. It's not easy to make a film that looks at the era and still manages to tell a powerful story. To compound my problems, there's hardly any material on the underworld in the 1980s. That in a way is a blessing because it gives a free reign to the imagination."
The director of Kachche Dhaage and Taxi No 9211 is trying to get the fundas right for this project. "My film for Ekta Kapoor will take a penetrating look at gangsterism in the 1980s. I'm quite enamoured by the period, quite taken up by the period and its flamboyance. There was a lot action and lots of inner life in some of the films from during that period. I think the last film that looked at gangsterism from inside was Anurag Basu's Gangster."
"Earlier when I was assisting Mahesh Bhatt he did some interesting takes on gangsterism like Saathi and Sir. The challenge is to have a fresh take at the whole era. I've to take the whole period into account and yet it can't be a rambling look at the era. It has to have a strong story to tell. It has to be a clutter-breaking gangster film." Source: Indiafm.com News | 14 May 2008 | 2:41 pm
Cannes: Day 0
A month after being here for MIPTV (in April), I'm back in the scorching palm-lined seafront town of Cannes for the Cannes Film Festival, the biggest industry event of the year.
I flew out of Heathrow to Nice on Monday to get done with the registration and miscellaneous formalities before the bulk of the crowd descended yesterday. Besides, it's always good to be a tad early and dive into the mood and action to get into what I call 'The Cannes mode'.....
a. A chunk of the attention and hype is around the Steven Spielberg-created Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull, which will premiere outside the main competition on Sunday, 18th May. No doubt the reviews will be online within minutes of the culmination of the screening though adverse review-leaks on the net (last Thursday) from anonymous theatre execs who saw the film last week at previews in the US has thrown some cold water on the excitement.
b. Among the posse of A-list Hollywood celebrities due to attend the event, there is a buzz that Madonna will be around while Robert De Niro will present the Palme d'Or at the closing ceremony on May 25. Troubled sports figures - Diego Maradona and Mike Tyson are also likely to attend, being subjects of new documentaries.
c. This year, there are more than 8,000 market participants from about 500 companies and 93 countries. The new countries hitting the Croisette this year include Macedonia, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Anguilla. The Palestinian territory will also be roped. Consequently, there is an even greater demand for market screenings, all of which is indicative of the huge amount of product being flogged at Cannes, year-on-year.
d. India has an even bigger representation at Cannes 2008, so much so that some of the leading trade dailies (Variety, Screen International, Hollywood Reporter, etc.) are coming up with special India spotlight pieces on different days.
Times are hard, recession is ripe, the market is overpriced and acquisition execs are becoming increasingly selective about the product they pick up, having to carefully and painstakingly examine a glut of screeners, brochures and sales pitches. The Euro has strengthened against the Dollar, making this edition of the festival more expensive for several attendees. Making matters worse, Sundance in January and Berlin in February recorded less-than-swift sales.
Will Cannes 2008 reverse this gloomy trend for sellers? With this big question, the worldwide film community embarks on the 61st Cannes today....
(Media and international business expert, Tanuj Garg, will do an honorary Cannes 2008 diary for Bollywood Hungama. This will feature periodic updates on the mood and the action on The Croisette over the next fortnight. Tanuj is currently Marketing & Distribution Head for the UK & Europe at Studio 18) Source: Indiafm.com Features | 14 May 2008 | 2:21 pm
Shilpa Shetty: "I'm just happy that the obscenity case against my dress in Tamil Nadu is quashed. I won.â
Malaika Arora: "I think Mallika has become a favourite punching-bag in the press. Leave the girl alone. It's ridiculous. Maybe the moral police in the South should take a closer look at their own films for obscenity.â
Rahul Khanna: "I feel quite sad for the moral police. Perhaps they're jealous of Mallika's legs. They seem to have a lot of free time on hand? Why not use it for issues more important than length of skirts?â
Hema Malini: "I was there in Chennai. Mallika's dress was looking good. She too was looking very good. But perhaps the dress was a little too short for the occasion. Who knows!â
Sonu Sood : "Some people have all the time in the world to measure dress lengths. Good for them. At least moral policing keeps some people busy. At the same time, I feel some celebrities dress a certain way to attract attention and create controversies. Ignore them. It will avoid unnecessary publicity.
Rohit Roy: "What can one sayâ¦I'd love to know what the moral police was doing looking at Ms Sherawat's crossed legs? Maybe waiting for them to uncross???â
Amrita Arora: "It's ridiculous. What's wrong with wearing a short skirt? And why only target Mallika for it? Girls in colleges and work places across the country are wearing them. Go get all of them, you moral cops! By the way there're much more serious things to be done in our country than 'skirt-chasing'.â
Niharika Singh: "I think this is complete hypocrisy. Films down south have a lot more skin show. There's no need to make a mountain out of a molehill.â
Sophie Chodhry: "I think the reaction to Mallika's skirt is ridiculous. According to me the outfit is definitely not vulgar or offensive. Surely there're a hundred other issues in our country to get upset about. Leave Mallika and her clothes alone.â
Dia Mirza: "I think they've no right to comment on Mallika. I think they should instead give attention to the sleaze content in some of their films. Stop pointing fingers at someone just because you've nothing better to do.â
Lilette Dubey: "Who's this self-appointed brigade? And what are they afraid of? Influencing the youth of this country? A generation that's now exposed to cinema, fashion and images from around the world right there in their homes? It's up to the individual to decide what she wears and if she can handle the public gaze then it's her prerogative to dress the way she wants.â
Priyanka (Nisha) Kothari: "I think the moral police are more publicity crazy than any other section of our society.â
Samir Soni: "I believe what is moral or immoral is an extremely personal decision. No group of people has the right to force their value system on us unless an individual's action inconveniences others or obstructs someone's fundamental rights.â
Aryan Vaid: What can one say? This isn't really about protection of any morals but the narrow political interests of a group of people. The laws of the land seem to apply in different measures to different sections of people. There was nothing wrong with Mallika's outfit. But there's a long wrong with these moral terrorist outfits."
Gul Panag: "Why should it be anyone's business what someone wears or doesn't wear? The moral police should close down Khajuraho or dress up the sculpture in 'suitable' clothes before attacking anyone.â
Sandhya Mridul: "With due respect the actresses down South wear clothes that seem pretty suggestive and sexy. So what's their problem? The moral police all over the country should keep tabs on real moral issues rather than the clothes actress' wear. Incidentally, why are only actresses pulled up for extra-censoring? Why not the males who nowadays pose in less than women?"
Pooja Bedi: "I think the more importance the media gives such people the more such cases we'll see. The quickest route to fame is to sue celebrities. Morality is so subjective. Do these moralists want to take us back to the days of the purdah? And should their standards of morality be applicable to society? Was there a dress code at the music event? If not how could they expect a girl with a glamorous sexy image to land up in a salwar-kameez?
Nandana Sen: âIt's absurd! Mallika is beautiful and has a style of her own .How can anyone have the right to say that style is wrong? Should we all start wearing uniforms now to make everyone happy? Clothes are one of the ways in which a person expresses her or his individuality. Dictating what another individual wears is as ridiculous as a third party forbidding you, a writer, from choosing certain topics. Or me, an actor, from taking on certain roles. And if I decide to do what I choose, should my nose and ear be cut as happened today? What's the issue with Mallika's clothes? If the concern is protecting women's dignity, why don't we create a safe and protective environment so that little girls aren't thrown into fires for stepping beyond boundaries that should never have been set up? Source: Indiafm.com Features | 14 May 2008 | 2:07 pm
Radio station Big 92.7 FM Wednesday joined hands with a media education institute to provide aspiring radio jockeys with formal training. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 14 May 2008 | 11:10 am
