After making a comeback of sorts with Ram Gopal Varma's D (2005) and following it up with the success of Apna Sapna Money Money (2006), Chunky Pandey waited for a while and assessed things before moving on to his next projects. In the interim, rather than picking up any meaningless roles, he opted to work in exciting cameos (Farhan Akhtar's Don - The Chase Begins Again and Firoz Nadiadwala's Fool N Final).
However, Chunky insists that coming 12 months are crucial since he has not one, not two but a minimum of 9 films lined up for release.
"I want to go all out this time around and work on projects where I actually enjoy shooting for", says Chunky, "I am looking for decent banners because first and foremost you can be assured of a quality product and secondly, and quite importantly, this makes sure that the film is promoted decently as well. What's the point of a film being made well if it doesn't reach its audience?"
Going through an interesting phase of his career, Chunky informs that he is happy to find filmmakers of repute signing him on for important roles.
"There are two projects with Subhash Ghai happening. They are Hello Darling and Paying Guest, both of which feature Celina Jaitley. Then there is Daddy Cool which is produced by Indra Kumar and directed by K. Murli Mohan Rao. The film has just come on floors and has an ensemble star cast of Suniel Shetty, Aftab Shivdasani, Ashish Chowdhary, Javed Jaffrey, Aaarti Chhabaria, Tulip Joshi and Sophie Chodhry. It's a full on comedy", informs Chunky.
Meanwhile, Chunky has also wrapped up the shoot of Ronnie & Rocky, a part animation-part live film, directed by Rajiv Ruia, who made a children's animated film My friend Ganesha some time back, The film, as per Chunky, is going to be a 'mother of all cartoon films'.
"I have been shooting round the clock for last few months since so many exciting offers have been coming my way. We are more or less through with Ajay Chandok's Khalbali Hai Khalbali which has the unique distinction of featuring as many as 30 comedians in various roles", says Chunky excitedly.
"There is another riotous comedy Shortkut which is also through. Can you believe it that I and Anil Kapoor would be coming together 20 years after Tezaab in Shortkut? Sad that he is in the capacity of a producer here though", Chunky comments with mock disappointment.
How about the Anubhav Sinha production's Sankat City that he was pretty excited about around a year back? "The film is complete and ready for release in the month of August. I have a double role in the film which means double the suffering for the audience", winks Chunky.
On a parting note, one can't help but ask the status of his long delayed Ek - The Power Of One which stars Bobby Deol and Nana Patekar in pivotal roles and is directed by Sangeeth Sivan.
"It is an edge of the seat thriller. I know it has been a year since it was complete but seriously, I have no clue why it is taking so long for the film to release. I am happy with my special appearance role in this edge of the seat thriller which is the remake of Telugu blockbuster Athadu."
"In any case, I guess after Apna Sapna Money Money, Sangeeth Sivan considers me as his lucky mascot. This is why he has also roped me in for a cameo in his upcoming horror Click", he concludes. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 22 May 2008 | 3:37 pm
Vashu Bhagnani has added some extra spice to the combination of Govinda and David Dhawan jodi by roping in Riteish Deshmukh, Lara Dutta, Sushmita Sen, Ranvir Shorey and Rajpal Yadav. The film is tentatively titled Do Not Disturb.
Excited about Do Not Disturb, Vashu says, "Correct selection of star cast is half battle won and I feel both Govinda and Riteish Deshmukh have excellent comic timing that will work wonders for the film." Do Not Disturb goes on floors on June 15.
Vashu is leaving no stones unturned to launch his son Jackie in Kal Kisne Dekha directed by Vivek Sharma. The film goes on floors in next few months.
Bhagnani has also signed Abhishek Bachchan for his third venture. This yet untitled film will directed by Apoorva Lakhia. Apart from that, Vashu is also planning films with Ken Gosh and Gautam Menon, starcast for which is yet to be finalized. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 22 May 2008 | 3:15 pm
Monica alias Mariya Monica Susayraj, 27 was arrested by the Mumbai police on Wednesday mainly because of her different versions of her statement to the Police about the case which was highly suspected. Monica and her 25-year-old boyfriend Lieutenant M L Jerome Mathew, were arrested on charges of murdering Neeraj ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 22 May 2008 | 11:59 am
Washington (ANI): Pop princess Britney Spears is reportedly in secret negotiations to stage a spectacular major comeback in Las Vegas. The speculations about her next show being a Sin City extravaganza started after Spears was spotted dining with Palms Hotel and Casino owner George Maloof Jr. in Los Angeles on 20 ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 22 May 2008 | 11:51 am
London (ANI): It's official: Troubled singer Amy Winehouse will be performing at the Glastonbury festival. The June 28 event is set to be headlined by JAY-Z. In fact, speculations indicate that if 24-year-old Winehouse turns up for the event, she will also make a reappearance to join the rapper on stage ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 22 May 2008 | 11:44 am
When the aura is tensed and the heart beats like never before, who can bring the situation back to normalcy? No price for guessing! It has to be George Michael. Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 22 May 2008 | 11:38 am
So what if Tashan bombed at the theatres? Life goes on for Bollywood's hottest couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor, who played lead roles in the film. The news is doing the rounds that they enjoyed watching the movie Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic together a couple of days ago. ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 22 May 2008 | 11:38 am
Producer KS Rama Rao made several blockbusters with Megastar Chiranjeevi, which include Abhilasha, Challenge, Rakshasudu, Marana Mrudangam and Stuartpuram Police Station. But for the last film, all the others were silver jubilee hits. His other films like Chanti, Mutyamanta Muddu and Matrudevobhava was a different genre. He had also made ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 22 May 2008 | 11:32 am
Ayesha Takia knows how to hit headlines again and again to keep her name alive for audience and if it's not with her portrayal of a character, with juicy gossips like her reducing body weight or stepping towards hotel industry or her endeavour to jump into a wedding with her ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 22 May 2008 | 11:28 am
London (ANI): Legendary rock band Pink Floyd has been honoured with the 2008 Polar Music Prize in Sweden. The award, given each year by the Royal Swedish Academy of Music, is the country's biggest music prize, reports Scotsman. It was founded in 1989 by Stig Anderson, manager of Swedish pop group ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 22 May 2008 | 11:26 am
London (ANI): She is dubbed the 'Queen Of Pop' and Madonna made sure that she is treated in the same way at the Cannes Film Festival. The singer, who is at the festival to promote her new film I Am Because We Are, issued staff at the swanky Carlton Hotel a ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 22 May 2008 | 11:17 am
Washington (ANI): Soul singer Beyonce Knowles has been forced to give up church visits following the guilt of causing a frenzy during religious ceremonies. The 26-year-old singer has been compelled to stop attending church services at her local church in Houston, Texas because she hates drawing attention to herself and disrupting ... Source: Oneindia - Entertainment | 22 May 2008 | 11:10 am
MOVIE DETAILS
Cast: Shawn Ku, Tenzin Tashi, Christy Chung, Neelesha BaVora
Director: Pan Nalin
Producer: Monsoon Films
Music: Sukhwinder Singh
Lyrics: Ibrahim Ashq
THE FILM
When filmmaker Pan Nalin, whose full name is Pandya Nalinkumar Ramniklal, would have embarked on a journey called Samsara, even he wouldn't have imagined that over the years his film about spirituality would travel as many as 30 countries with worldwide gross of more than Rs. 100 crores. Though the film saw it's cinematic release in India only last year, the DVDs have now hit the stands.
Set in Tibet, the film asks a pertinent question - "What is more important: Satisfying one thousand desires or conquering just one?â The film tells the tale of lead protagonist, Tashi (Shawn Ku), who lives as many as 3 years, 3 months and 3 days in meditation and is now a monk in a Buddhist monastery. Still young, he is unable to shrug away his materialistic and physical desires and takes a plunge into the real world - Samsara. He starts making living hood as a farmer, marries a young girl, fathers a boy, and is overall content, only to find temptation coming his way in the form of another woman who works as a farmer with him. With guilt overpowering his soul, he decides to leave everything behind him and return to monk hood. But would it all be so easy now?
The best part of the film though is it's landmark technical finesse. Frankly, one can't recollect any other film by an Indian filmmaker which boasted of such neat cinematography. Ladakh landscape only helps the cause for Pan who makes sure that the scenery is captured in it's full glory. Also, the protagonist's tale is depicted well through climatic changes.
This is why in the beginning of the film; a barren land demonstrates that there is not a single soul around, what with a cold cutting wind blowing and emptiness all around. The moment color green comes on the screen; there is life with men, women, and fields around. Later, when autumn sets in, it marks the depiction of everything existing in harmony. With camera helping his cause, Pan Nalin conveys certain decisions and emotions quite well through visuals, colors, and sound!
Of course, with an idea like Samsara, the film can hit upon a miniscule audience. It is not everyone's cup of tea to be reveling upon the cinematic experience of Samsara and hence for 'aam junta' looking for routine entertainment, it doesn't really have much to offer. Nalin does right though in adding some drama and twist to the tale in order to make the proceedings engaging. Still, all of that doesn't threaten to take this film on a tangential route which sticks on to it's roots.
PACKAGING
The film comes in an international class packaging with a soft cardboard case. There is an extensive booklet included as well which details around the film's synopsis, statement from the director, making of the film and other details around the cast and the crew of the film.
DURATION
The film comes in a single DVD pack with the film's duration being approx. 135 minutes and special features lasting close to 45 minutes.
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Pan Nalin Interview
- Behind the Scene Clips
- Behind the Scene Featurette
- Sound Track
- Theatrical Trailer
- Gallery
- Presskit
There isn't much excitement generated while through the special features of the film. Pan Nalin's description about Samsara and the thought about it has been heard a million times before in his countless interviews over the months while sections around 'Behind the scenes' happenings only give a candid account of how different departments from the production unit came together to work in Samsara. In fact, there is an extensive footage around the recording of live music for the background score of the film though one wonders how many people would be really interested in watching it? Overall, a section which can be easily skipped!
TECHNICAL DETAILS
- 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen Presentation
- Subtitles in English
- Dolby Digital 5.1
PRICE
Rs. 349/=
CONCLUSION
Samsara is a work of art, no two words about it. It is not what you term as a true blue commercial entertainer. From the very question it raises to it's setting to it's style of narration to it's pace to it's culmination, Samsara keeps in mind that it is being made for a thinking audience. It is not for those who are looking for their Saturday night entertainment but for those who wish to introspect on the true meaning of life.
Rating: **1/2 Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 22 May 2008 | 11:02 am
After the Hanuman Chalisa set to a trendy youth-oriented beat , Mr Bachchan and his 'Hanuman"(that's how the composer likes to see himself) are coming together for the most ambitious musical project involving the Big B.
It would be a musical rendering of the Bhagvat Geeta as written by the Big B's dad Harivanshrai Bachchan.
Says the Big B, "Aadesh Shrivastav and I will now be collaborating over a new interpretation of the Bhagavat Geeta. It's one of my father's unknown and unacknowledged masterpieces, of immense literary and religious value. We'll be doing a musical version of my father's Bhagavat Gita which he had translated into the language and meter of the Ramayan. In this, the centenary year of my father's existence I can think of no better tribute," ends the proud son emotionally.
The challenge for Aadesh begins now. "It's one thing for me to collaborate with Bachchan Saab who's like an elder brother. We've done every kind of song from love ballads to hip-hop to bhangra to Bhajans. But now we're talking about his distinguished father. And that makes my responsibility increase several times."
Aadesh has been spending sleepless nights pouring over the senior-most Bachchan's lines. "I promise you I'll come up with tunes that will do Amitji's father, Amitji and me proud," promises Aadesh. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 22 May 2008 | 10:58 am
It has been quite some time since Bollywood got its bona fide dancing star. Hrithik Roshan was the last major star to get rocking with 'Ik Pal Ka Jeena' and 'Sitaron Ki Mehfil' [Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai] and since there has been a long lull. And yes, we are ready to ignore Mimoh Chakraborty here for his criminal Jimmy!
Well, the wait gets over the moment Harman asks the question - 'The Party Is Over?' in Love Story 2050. And he himself gives the answer as he gets dancing to the tune of 'Milo Na Milo' which is put to music by Anu Malik and is written by Javed Akhtar.
A complete package material which is just the right start for a dancing star to make his presence felt, 'Milo Na Milo' allows Harman to demonstrate his prowess when it comes to moving his body on some pulsating music. Set in future, the song is even more fun with red-haired Priyanka Chopra choosing to watch from a distance as dozens of aliens/robots give Harman some good company.
Yes, the wait is indeed over and here is looking forward to a lot more of the dancing star! Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 22 May 2008 | 10:38 am
Young songwriters don't give enough importance to the craft of poetry, says screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 May 2008 | 6:00 am
His name doesn't always ring a bell but Shamir Tandon's work speaks volumes for him. He is one among the very few music directors of today who has made legendary singers like Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Jagjit Singh and Manna Dey sing to his tunes. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 May 2008 | 3:00 am
Television firm Synergy Adlabs headed by Siddhartha Basu is going great guns. While its ongoing show on STAR Plus has Shah Rukh Khan playing host, it hopes to reap double benefits with Salman Khan anchoring another series on Sony Entertainment Television. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 May 2008 | 2:31 am
Anurag Kashyap's much awaited film 'Gulal' is a tribute to one of the greatest lyricists of the Hindi film industry, Sahir Ludhianvi, and is based on a song from Guru Dutt's 'Pyaasa'. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 May 2008 | 2:31 am
After shooting non-stop through an Australian schedule and then a long schedule of the film in Delhi, Boney Kapoor's new film directed by Anees Bazmi finally has a name. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 22 May 2008 | 2:30 am
In the past, the acclaimed director Ketan Mehta has worked with superstars like Shah Rukh Khan (Maya Memsaab, Oh Darling Yeh Hai India) and Aamir Khan (Mangal Pandey – The Rising). So when he signed on Randeep Hooda, a relatively new actor who had worked in D and Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 22 May 2008 | 12:00 am
Tomorrow would have most probably been the day when the film buffs wish of finally getting to see Dasavathar unfolding in front of them becoming true. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 22 May 2008 | 12:00 am
JANNAT has taken a huge opening all over and it is only going to be mauja hi mauja from here on for this Emraan Hashmi starrer. Reason? Not just the film stays on as the only release of the week, the days to come would also be hardly throwing much challenge on its way. Though Bhatts had a hat trick of box office failures in the form Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 22 May 2008 | 12:00 am
If you thought that actress Masumeh was just another actress trying to establish herself in the film industry then think again! We just discovered that Masumehs familys roots have been based in the film industry even before she was born! Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 22 May 2008 | 12:00 am
Ashok Amritrajs Hyde Park Entertainment Group is setting up a multi-million dollar fund for Amritrajs new Hyde Park Asia post. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 22 May 2008 | 12:00 am
Shemaroo and T-series held the music launch of their forthcoming movie ‘Mere Baap Pehle Aap’ in Mumbai. The main lead pair consisting of Akshaye and Genelia alongwith director Priyadarshan unveiled the music album.Venue: PVR, Juhu, Mumbai, Wednesday night.Present: Akshaye Khanna, Genelia, Priyadarshan, Sameer, Bhushan Kumar, Vishal Bhardwaj, Udit Narayan, Archana Puran Singh and others. Source: IndiaGlitz.com - News | 22 May 2008 | 12:00 am
India's global movie distribution company Eros International and US-based studio Loinsgate, which last week signed a deal to distribute movies in India, South Asia and North America, may also produce films together. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 May 2008 | 6:33 pm
Life is all about moments that are sweet and salty, very much like Parle's famous Monaco biscuits. The commercials of this brand have always been the talk of the town as it very clearly conveys the Sweet and Salty combo in the most subtlest and lucid manner ever!
Well, the latest one to join the sweet and salty moments is the 'Mr. Perfectionist' Aamir Khan, who has been roped in as the Brand Ambassador, his next assignment after Samsung phones!
The ad definitely lives up to the reputation of the brand and leaves the viewer in good 'taste'. The ad shows a political party campaigning for its leader on the road, while Aamir and his friends are in a tearing hurry to cross the road, and they do not want to get late for the film at any cost. Even as they cross the road, they are stopped by one of the cronies of the political leader. That's when Aamir gets his 'salty' elements in place and 'sweetly' manages to cross the road and is even on time for the film!
What a show (stopper) of an ad this is! As of now, we can give you one beeeeeeeeg secret that this has been shot quite sometime back, as Aamir sports a full-grown hairdo in this as, as compared to the by-now-rocking-Ghajini-look that he is sporting these days!
Way to go, Aamir bhai! Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 21 May 2008 | 5:15 pm
A 27-year-old Kannada movie actress Marria alias Monika Susayraj and her boyfriend, a naval officer, have been arrested for the sensational murder of a senior official of a Mumbai television production company a fortnight ago. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 May 2008 | 4:32 pm
Harman Baweja is slogging day and night to get his steps right for his first ever live performance. "So far I've danced only in front of the camera and my bathroom mirror. So I'm petrified. I'm performing my love ballad âMilo Na Miloâ from Love Story 2050."
So will Priyanka join him on stage? "Not really. But she has her own performance. Now of course people will say she got me the IIFA performance, just as they're saying she got me What's Your Raashee?," Harman ends sarcastically.
Shiamak Davar will choreograph the number for Harman at the IIFA that Remo has originally in the film.
Harman concludes appreciatively, "And look at Shamiakâs graciousness. He has decided to retain almost 60 percent of Remo's steps so that Remo doesn't feel the least offended. Normally at events when other choreographers redo a number, they transform it completely into their own idiom." Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 21 May 2008 | 4:11 pm
Download Ghatothkach wallpapers
If you thought that only men can become Brand Ambassador, then, we are sure that Ganpati, the Elephant God will punish you. The reason is that its not only humans (read 'celebs') who are encashing on the Brand Ambassador b(r)andwagon, but also animals. Pioneering the trend is the elephant star Ghatothkach.
Through this film, the PETA officials said that they wanted to spread the message that elephants belong to the free world and that they do not belong to the zoo or circus. They also rechristened the elephant as 'Ele-Friends'.
Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Sachin Bangera, the Campaign co-ordinator- PETA, said, "Ghatothkach's best friend in the film happens to be an elephant called Gajju who lives in a free environment, something that we also preach. This will only make people to stand up and take notice of the elephant's natural habitat. Overall, the film will definitely convey a strong message to the viewers."
What more can we say except for the fact that now John Abraham, Shilpa Shetty, Ameesha Patel and Rakhi Sawant will have an 'elephantine' company in Ghatothkach. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 21 May 2008 | 3:58 pm
Yesterday evening, Aamir Khan was in his element at the music release of nephew Imran Khan's debut film Jaane Tuâ¦Ya Jaane Na. As we had reported earlier, the event was quite a private affair as Aamir took the blessings of veteran actor Shammi Kapoor who officially released the music album.
While the cast and crew of the film including director Abbas Tyrewala, Imraan Khan, Genelia Dsouza and music maestro A.R. Rahman were present, the media couldn't get enough of Aamir Khan.
In fact, the media even had the opportunity to ask Aamir about his by-now infamous comment which he made on Shah Rukh in his latest blog. But the reticent actor didn't seem perturbed by the media and bothered to clarify his statements.
Aamir smilingly said, âShah Rukh is a very dear friend of mine. I have the highest respect and regard for him. The blog was just in good humor. A lot of people found it really funny while some people did not find it funny. Some of my fans felt I shouldn't have said that. My sincere apologies to all those who were disturbed by that post. As far as Shah Rukh is concerned, I repeat that we are very close friends. There is no misunderstanding at all between him and me.â
Aamir also took this opportunity to clear the air about the rumors that a song 'Pappu Cant Dance' in Jaane Tuâ¦Ya Jaane Na is a spoof on Salman Khan. â' Pappu Can't Dance', is certainly not a song on Salman. Now I think I will have to even call Salman and clear the air. I only have love and respect for both of them,â signed off Aamir
Well, if there is one person who is the most experience when it comes to steering clear of controversies it surely is Aamir Khan. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 21 May 2008 | 3:49 pm
'Dreams can come true, Look at me babe I'm with you, You know you gotta have hope, You know you gotta be strong'
These lyrics by Gabrielle definitely stand true for B.R Films CEO Sanjay Bhutiani who has dared to dream with his eyes open. Where others saw disaster, Bhutiani saw opportunity. This unflappable inventor and promoter of marketing has given a new dimension to B.R. Films in just two years of joining the banner, and instead of wringing his hands like other CEO's, he sees a new fortune in every film coming out whether it's Baghban, Baabul or the recently released Bhoothnath. In this exclusive, interview from London's St James Court Hotel, Sanjay Bhutiani gets up, close and personal about B.R Films with Bollywood Hungama's Devansh Patel.
The alphabet B is a boon to the B.R Films, and last but definitely not the least comes the word 'Bhutiani'. How many more 'B's' are in the queue?
B is a mix of everything. B.R. Chopra is a very big name and we can't deny that. He is an institution in itself. Mr. Bachchan is an icon. The rest of it is coincidence like Bhutiani, Baghban, Baabul and Bhoothnath are together. Ravi Chopra loves working with Mr. Bachchan right from his Zameer days to Baabul and now Bhoothnath. But you'll be glad to know that we are finally coming out of this 'B' thing because the next film which Mr. Ravi Chopra is making is titled Pocket Maar which stars Mr. Bachchan of course, a new comer and a few well known character actors. But you're right. Somehow or the other, the word B is not ready to leave us. The forthcoming B.R. Film, which was earlier titled Pappu Pass Ho Gaya, is now titled Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai. Now that's coincidence. But Mr. Bachchan can never be a coincidence because you will always see him in Ravi Chopra's 99% films.
U.K market is going to double in the next three years
Your earlier film Baabul which was heavily marketed and publicized in the same hotel with Press conferences and interviews almost grossed a million pounds in the U.K. Is this a deliberate move on your part to do the same with Bhoothnath and by doing so, do you think the fate will be the same too?
Many producers focus on India as a big market and forget the overseas market like the U.K, which I think, has the maximum Bollywood followers outside India. Very soon we are planning to open our U.K office. We believe that we should do justice to every film coming out of B.R banner. In India also we have done a lot of road shows, channel tie-up's, etc. So why leave a market like the U.K open? U.K market is going to double in the next three years and since our strategy worked last time by doing a Press conference, promotion, and interviews in the U.K, we thought that for Bhoothnath too we should come back again and do it. And hopefully you will see the team of Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai too in the U.K soon.
Do you think Bhoothnath isn't a film which B.R banner would normally associate themselves with? And if not, then were you, Mr. Sanjay Bhutiani, responsible for the green signal given to this Vivek Sharma film?
I don't think so and I can't take credit at all for this. Bhoothnath's storywriter and director Mr. Vivek Sharma approached Ravi Chopra with this unusual film. Ravi disagreed with a few things but eventually things fell into place. The film which was meant to be a Rs 5 crore project, ultimately mounted to about Rs 18 to 19 crores. We put in Mr. Bachchan who was not in the original cast. It was Ravi Chopra's suggestion. What the media talks about is that B.R. Films only makes family dramas like Baghban and Baabul. But has the media seen Tawaif, Dhund, Ittefaq, Naya Daur? At that time, these films challenged many issues like widow re-marriage, man versus the machine, prostitution, etc. But what happened was that 'Mahabharat', the most watched program on the TV changed everything. We got associated with many TV series and then after a gap of almost ten years we produced and directed Baghban. Thus, the media and the audience couldn't think beyond the word 'family drama'. That's where and when I came in the picture to take the B.R banner to another level. Can you believe, the banner, which was making one film every year has now got four releases this year. We have just acquired an animation company called B.R Pix and Tricks where we have a majority stake in the company. So yes, there are certain things I can take credit for and my agenda is to take it to the next level with more films, more content, and more television.
From being, the business head of B.R Films to the CEO of the company. Do you ever sit with Mr. Ravi Chopra and consult him on important decisions or do you handle it all by yourself?
There are three people who are very involved in this. Abhay Chopra, Ravi Chopra's youngest son, who is soon going to be a director and his first film will be launched soon called Kohinoor, which will be entirely shot in London. It's a heist film. Then it's Ravi and me who sit together which makes a team of three. Abhay and I are a part of the creative side of things but it is Ravi Chopra who takes the final approval. On the business side of things, I'm supposed to drive the car and Ravi has to be kept informed about my driving.
So after Naya Daur, which was re-released in colour, what colors are we going to see next in the black and white era?
You've hit the nail on the head. Yes, you've guessed it right. We are in the process of adding colour to all the B.R's black and white films. We are outsourcing this work though. Nothing will be done in-house. Some Eastman colour movies need colour correction and so on. So you'll soon see the old turn into gold.
We are in the process of adding colour to all the B.R's black and white films.
Do you think the brand 'Bachchan' is having an upper hand in pushing every B.R Film forward now?
Not only films, but the brand 'Bachchan' pushes everything forward (laughs). Whether it's IIFA awards, B.R. Films, every movie he signs or any idea on television, he pushes it to the limit by his performance alone. The way he came back on KBC, we all know. I think every producer and distributor has benefited from his equity he has created over the years.
Tell us a bit about your four films releasing this year.
We've already got Bhoothnath which is in cinemas now. In September, we have a Deepa Mehta's film, which is co-produced by B.R. Films, called Heaven on Earth, which is a Punjabi film, completely shot in Toronto. Come November, we have Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai with Govinda, Lara Dutta, Tabu, Boman Irani and Rajpal Yadav doing mad comedy. Then we have a tentatively titled comedy film called What's Cooking Stella? That's again a Deepa Mehta film, which is co-directed by her brother Dilip Mehta and shot in Delhi. The film has just finished and it's in the post production stage right now. By the end of this year, we are also planning to acquire a couple of feature films for releases as well. Next year starts with Ravi Chopra directed Pocket Maar.
Another change, which the B.R. banner is coming up with, is the faith shown in the new directors. Why is this happening now and why not before?
People keep coming up with ideas and stories and it's quite nice to see that new directors are willing to experiment. A few years ago, this wasn't the case. You keep bowling the same ball and get hammered. No one was trying to bowl a new delivery. So when youngsters like Vivek Sharma and many more are coming up with different ideas, why not try them? Slowly but surely, you'll see more of this trend happening. If we have to grow the business and Ravi only directs then we'll have one film a year. But here what we are planning to do is make 5 to 6 films a year and that is only possible when we give new directors a chance.
If we have to grow the business and Ravi only directs then we'll have one film a year. But here what we are planning to do is make 5 to 6 films a year.
Since you have taken over the proceedings, has B.R. Films seen an upward graph?
Oh yes! Our last film Baabul almost grossed a million pounds alone in the U.K. In 2008-2009, we are expecting a profit of over 300%. The turn over of Bhoothnath alone will be around Rs.30 crores. The turn over of Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai could well be around Rs.25 crores and the two Deepa Mehta films could be around Rs.10 to 15 crores each. We've got three television serials touching Rs.40 crores in all. That's around Rs.150 crores from 40 crores. Now you can figure out where the graph is heading.
Now let's take your graph behind. I mean, you started off with B.R Films with Baghban and not many know that. Tell us how did your journey start?
For Baghban, I did the marketing and product placements. During that time, I used to head a company called Leo Entertainment, which is a part of the Leo Burnett group. I approached B.R Films and Ravi Chopra saying that I wanted to market their film Baghban. But before I started marketing for Baghban, I had already been associated with films like Kaante, Jism, Kuch Na Kaho, Darna Mana Hai, Ab Tak Chappan, Plan and Gayab. Now, I don't take care of marketing directly. Beena Ahuja is the Marketing Head right now because if I have to look at the overall growth of the organization, I need team leaders. When I started, I had no idea how our film industry works, how television works, had no clue about postproduction, animation, etc. I am now in a position to put any business in place and that we have started by listing our company in April in the U.K. My dream is to go international with B.R. Films and I know we will reach there. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 21 May 2008 | 3:46 pm
NGC Network will extend its brand presence in India by introducing four new National Geographic channels as also a 'comprehensive bouquet of credible and compelling' specialist channels. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 May 2008 | 3:32 pm
He is the perfect blend of good looks, well-toned physique and incredible acting skills. Little wonder then that this dude, who was doing his MBA in Australia, decided to try his luck in the big, bad world of Bollywood. After a cameo in Mira Nair's Monsoon Wedding, he did make people sit up and take notice of his talent in his first big release D. He later followed it up with yet another cops v/s gangster flick Risk. Since then Randeep Hooda may not have been seen much on the big screen but he is all set to start his second innings with a string of big releases. Randeep has quite an interesting line up of films where he gets to play characters as diverse as a flamboyant painter to a chef to the owner of an ad agency to the ultimate ladies man. Bollywood Hungama gets Ru Ba Ru with the incredibly talented and charming Randeep Hooda
You haven't had a release in almost a year and a half (after Risk) but this year you have nearly 5 films set to release. How does it feel to be back after a while?
(Laughs) To be back!!! I never went anywhere man. Yes, it does feel good that a larger section of the audience would able to see my work and probably my work would be appreciated. But as they say, it's not over till the fat lady sings (smiles)
You have been appreciated for your acting in most of your films be it D, Risk or even that spooky episode in Darna Zaroori Haiâ¦Yet none of these films managed to strike gold at the box-officeâ¦.Does it ever bother you?
As an actor one always wishes that their work reaches out to as many people as possible. The fact that these films didn't get too many people in terms of a theatrical patronage does feel bad coz a lot of people who wanted to watch it didn't even get to see my work.
So what do you think went wrong?
I really don't know what went wrong. If I knew or for that matter if anybody knew before hand the fate of a film, then every film would go on to be a blockbuster. May be one of the reasons could be that the novelty value of the subject chosen was diluted because such a film was already made with a more popular star in the past. Some people also felt that there is a lot of repeat of the RGV brand in those movies. That could be another reason also but even though they didn't really do well; I still get messages from people every other day who seem to have liked my performance after watching these films on DVD. So yes I guess these films somewhere are still around
Some people also felt that there is a lot of repeat of the RGV brand in those movies
You have always portrayed the tough guy roles; first as a gangster in D, then a ruthless sharp-shooter in Risk. But now in your forthcoming release Rang Rasiya you are playing the part of the legendary painter Raja Ravi Varma. Why this sudden drastic change of image?
Why? Because it is a damn good role man. After D and Risk I felt there was just this one single linear aspect of mine which was being exploited. So I decided that I didn't want to have guns in my next 4 or 5 releases. In fact I was offered many similar roles of a gangster or a cop but irrespective of the banner or director I refused it blatantly. I myself as a person didn't want to touch a gun and shoot people. I felt that I have had more than my share of psychological violence coming out of my head through these movies. So I took a conscious decision to stay away from roles that have anything do with senseless violence and guns. I took up other subjects that could explore other aspects of my personality. And in my next few releases I think I have done that.
So what is the film Rang Rasiya all about?
The film is about this great painter from Kerala, Raja Ravi Varma, who died in 1906. He was a guy who although got inspired from the European style of painting, did not believing in copying that style. He wanted to convey his stories through his own style of painting. And then came a point in his life where he realized that art and paintings is just reserved for the ruling class or the affluent people. He felt that even the smaller sections should be subjected to the various art forms. So he took it upon himself, sold everything that he had and invested a lot of money into setting up a printing press with a guy from Germany. He could put his paintings on print. In fact most of the Gods and Goddesses we pray to like Saraswati etc; they are prints from Raja Ravi Varma paintings. So you can say he was the one to give a face to Gods in India. Till then they were only written about.
Most of the Gods and Goddesses we pray to like Saraswati etc. are prints from Raja Ravi Varma paintings. So you can say he was the one to give a face to Gods in India.
How has been the experience working with a seasoned filmmaker like Ketan Mehta?
Ketan really guided me and nurtured me as an actor and was really helpful. Earlier I have worked mainly with first time directors, so with Ketan it was a different experience altogether. He still exudes the same energy levels as if he is making his first film but there is always this vast umbrella of experience that he put around which was really helpful. It was a fantastic experience because he tells his stories the way he wants to and somewhere deep down even I follow my gut while choosing my projects.
Ketan really guided me and nurtured me as an actor and was really helpful.
What about your equation with your co-star Nandana Sen?
With Nandana, it was, at times, up and down (smiles) but overall it was okay.
Off-screen you have always been known as a ladies man; now you seem to be taking that very image on-screen too. Your next few releases see you playing the romantic hero.
Its about time, I guess (laughs). On a more serious note, I purposefully chose to do those serious roles initially as everyone at that time was doing the typical chocolate boy hero kind of roles which I didn't find exciting. Now having done some tough guy roles, I feel I need to explore different aspects of my personality.
Apart from Rang Rasiya, you have Love Khichdi where you are paired with seven gorgeous girls. How does it feel?
(Laughs) Yeah manâ¦I have got seven very beautiful actresses like Riya Sen, Rituparna Sengupta, Sonali Kulkarni, Divya Dutta, and Jesse Randhawa etc... Love Khichdi has a very nicely woven story to it. I play a chef, who is very ambitious and like most of us, comes to Mumbai to strike big. There is a certain image of love that he has in his mind. He soon realizes that love actually is not what he thought it is. And it's about his journey of discovering what love is? How he tries to find out the true meaning of love based on his interaction and experiences with various ladies. Somewhere he does discover what true love is all about. It's a very slice-of-life kind of a film which everyone would relate too.
You also have Percept Picture Company's Ru Ba Ru where you are paired opposite Shahana Goswami. Is that yet another love story?
Ru Ba Ru is a love story about how we take our loved ones for granted. Hopefully when people come out after watching the film, they would love and respect their beloved even more. So it's a very nice and insightful love story.
So which would be your immediate release Rang Rasiya, Love Khichdi or Ru Ba Ru?
Well⦠the shooting for all three films is done. The first copy is out. But I'm not sure which one of the three is going to release first.
After D and Risk I felt there was just this one single linear aspect of mine which was being exploited. So I decided that I didn't want to have guns and violence in my next 4 or 5 releases.
So what are you currently busy with?
I am shooting for this film (tentatively) called Khusarprasad Ka Bhoot. It is co-produced by iDream Productions and Red Ice Films. Basically, the film is a satire on the system. It's an amazing script and I am getting to work with some really good actors like Paresh Rawal, Raghuveer Yadav, Govind Namdeo and Neetu Chandra. So it's really like going back to school for me (smiles). The film is directed by Gary Grewal (Robby Grewal's brother). Its quite a wacky kind of a film. There is also Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye with Raima Sen which is again a very different kind of a film.
One of your films Karma, Confessions and Holi with Sushmita Sen is yet to see the light of the day. Any news when it is going to be released?
I don't know man. I think the producers would be best able to answer that question. It's a great film but I still don't know when and if they are planning to release the film at all.
You seem to be having a Sen-sational time with the Sens having worked with Sushmita, Riya, Raima, Rituparna and Nandana.
(Laughs).What do I say? There is a lot of Sen-se in my life (laughs). It's quite funny that I seem to be working with a lot of Bong actresses. Maybe its due to the fact that the industry itself has so many Bong actresses.
There is a lot of Sen-se in my life. It's quite funny that I seem to be working with a lot of Bong actresses.
So how's your equation with Sushmita Sen now? Are you still in touch with her?
No not really.
So does that mean you are single and ready to play the Love Khichdi and go Ru Ba Ru with someone for there are many PYT's out there who wish Mere Khwabon Mein Randeep aaye?
(Laughs) That's very nicely put. I don't know if I am ready yet. I am enjoying my single status and enjoying my work. And whatever little time I get I do enjoy spending in the company of my good friends. Let's see how things go. I am keeping my fingers crossed. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 21 May 2008 | 3:16 pm
Rajpal Yadav is one actor who is known to completely get into the skin of the character that he is playing. In his forthcoming film Hastey Hastey which releases on May 30; Rajpal has many firsts to his credit.
While its common knowledge by now that Rajpal would be playing a triple role (for the first time in his career) in the film, what is not yet known is that Rajpal also has his first on-screen kiss in this film.
Bollywood Hungama spoke to director Toony who confirmed the news, "Yes, Rajpal Yadav does have a couple of kissing scenes in the film. Being the shy person that he is, Rajpal was feeling awkward at first but he knew that it was an essential part of the script. In one of his three roles, he plays a Casanova who is always running after hot foreign babes. American girls don't really read too much into kissing etc, so his co-star Sarah was fine with it but Rajpal did find it a little odd," says the director.
Well, this film is surely memorable for Rajpal for more reasons than one. Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 21 May 2008 | 2:58 pm
Reliance BIG Entertainment will devote a part of the Rs.400 million ($10 million) fund created to invest in entertainment media, an announcement that its parent company Reliance ADAG Sunday made at Cannes, in developing movie infrastructure. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 May 2008 | 2:32 pm
He's known to be chilled-out, down to earth, a great actor, and now a fabulous director. Ajay Devgan must have taken years of dedication and hard work to attain such a reputation. He has always been known more for his socially relevant films than his comic capers. Finally, here is someone who appreciates his noble work.
The Urdu Press Club of India honored Ajay Devgan with the Jasarat Award at Kanpur. After doing socially relevant films like Zakhm, Legend of Bhagat Singh, Gangaajal, Apaharan, Halla Bol and his directorial debut film, U Me Aur Hum, (which speaks about Alzheimer), he's finally being appreciated. Although Ajay was not present for the award ceremony, he gave his respects in a written statement stating the value of Urdu and its significance in the Indian film industry.
Along with Ajay, the historian author Amaresh Misra was also honored with the Jasarat award. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 21 May 2008 | 1:29 pm
Pakistani band Strings, known for its chartbusters like 'Duur' and 'Dhaani', feels it has to an extent changed how Indians perceive Pakistani music, and stresses that music, like cricket, goes a long way in bringing the two countries closer together. Source: IndiaeNews.com: Bollywood News | 21 May 2008 | 11:31 am
After shooting non-stop through an Australian schedule and then a long schedule of the film in Delhi, Sanjay Kapoor's Harman Baweja-Genelia D'souza starrer directed by Anees Bazmi finally has a name. It's titled It's My Life.
Says Harman, "That's the name Anees sir has chosen. It may change. But we all like it, because it's about this rich subdued boy who's petrified of his girlfriend's father Nana Patekar and stands for hours outside her house gathering the courage to face him. It's all about how the boy finally takes charge of his life."
Incidentally, Harman's co-star in It's My Life is Genelia D'Souza, a hot favourite in the South who made her debut five years ago in Hindi cinema with Tujhe Meri Kasam.
She also pairs with Imraan Khan who makes his debut in Jaane Tu⦠Ya Jaane Na on same day as Harman in Love Story 2050. Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 21 May 2008 | 10:57 am
