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Aamir designs shoes to promote '3 Idiots'Bollywood star Aamir Khan has designed shoes for his latest movie "3 Idiots", which will be released on Friday.Source: Entertainment News | 24 Dec 2009 | 8:14 am Dunst's role to end with Spiderman 4
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 24 Dec 2009 | 7:12 am Brittany Murphy to be buried today
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 24 Dec 2009 | 6:59 am Jennifer Hudson slams pregnancy reports
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 24 Dec 2009 | 6:56 am Brittany Murphy's lifeless movie posters to be removed
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 24 Dec 2009 | 6:53 am Frieda on Vogue's most Stylish women list
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 24 Dec 2009 | 6:21 am Susan Sarandon splits from partner Tim Robbins
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 24 Dec 2009 | 6:15 am Delay in Once Upon A Time In Mumbai? Director Luthria hits back
It was way back in 2008 when the seeds of Once Upon A Time In Mumbai were sown first. With Ekta Kapoor as the producer, the film was announced with director Milan Luthria at the driving seat. Though Suniel Shetty was supposed to co-produce the film with Ekta Kapoor first with murmurs of Sanjay Dutt being roped in for the role of the central protagonist, that didn't quite happen. Ultimately Ajay Devgn was finalised for the role of a dreaded Mumbai based don (rumoured to be based on Haji Mastan) from the 70s with Emraan Hashmi, Kangna Ranaut and Prachi Desai were roped in as the other principal protagonists.
With such developments taking place in quick succession and the film's shooting also beginning in July 2009, it was expected that Once Upon A Time In Mumbai would be wrapped up in a jiffy and released before the end of year. However, that was not the case to be as the film was taking its own sweet time to reach the finishing mark. With any delay comes speculation, more so since Ekta Kapoor was sitting on the hat trick of box office disasters (EMI, C Kkompany, Mission Istanbul - all released in 2008). Naturally, obituaries were already being written for this Milan Luthria directed film.
The start to finish trend has become so very common that any film that takes longer than 40-50 days to complete is questioned
It was all around the industry circles that the film was jinxed and would not quite reach the finishing mark. Even though the makers had announced an increase in budget of the film with reports of Ekta being happy with the rushes of what had been shot so far, observers passed this off as a last minute face saving tactic. It was also rumoured that Emraan Hashmi, who has traditionally never been happy in multi star-cast affairs (Good Boy Bad Boy, Chocolate) had started loosing interest in the film while Ajay Devgn, being the senior-most of the lot, was demanding a change in script.
We could have possibly finished shooting a little earlier but then Ajay was shooting abroad for some time
It wasn't a happy situation for Milan either since he was desperate to get back into the groove after having waited for two years since the release of Hat Trick (2007). His Bihaad with Sanjay Dutt and Vidya Balan hadn't quite got on the floors and the filmmaker's frustration was palpable. With recession and a general slowdown in the making of the films turning out to be a final nail in the coffin, it pretty much seemed like a declaration that Once Upon A Time In Mumbai was stalled.
Joginder Tuteja gets into a conversation with Milan who not just confirms that the film is very much on but also hits back at all the accusations around schedules going haywire.
Is Once Upon A Time In Mumbai stalled?
I don't know why there have been so much of speculations around the completion of Once Upon A Time In Mumbai (OUATIM) . We are almost 60% through with the film. In fact as we talk, I am already finalising logistics for another schedule which begins soon. It would go on till early January.
If things are pretty much on track, why have there been so many speculations?
I guess speculations like these happen because today, most films are made at stretch. The start to finish trend has become so very common that any film that takes longer than 40-50 days to complete is questioned. My own Deewar - Let's Bring Our Heroes Home and Kachche Dhaage were pretty spread out.
Still, wasn't OUATIM planned for an earlier release?
There haven't been any major changes in the plan and the film was always meant to be completed over a period of 6 months. Yes, we could have possibly finished shooting a little earlier but then Ajay was shooting abroad for some time. Post that he had the release of All The Best lined up. Since he was also the producer, he was a little aggressive in promotion. We were fine with this slight wait but no, there wasn't any slowdown internally.
Once Upon A Time In Mumbai was always planned for a summer release and we are pretty much on target for that
One also hears that there were also quite a few logistics hassles due to the period setting of the film.
More than hassles, I would say these were expected challenges. Unlike the scenario where a film crew either assembles on studio sets at Mumbai or jets away for a start to finish overseas shoot, OUATIM had its own challenges to meet. Due to its period setting, my team had to make sure that at the least, the film looked authentic. This is not one of those films where you can go to London, shoot for two months and come back.
So when do we see the film eventually releasing?
We started shooting in the month of July and we should be wrapping up the film in January. In fact most of Emraan's portions are already shot. Things are shaping up well for the film and even though some industry friends out there are a little worried about the film, we aren't. Once Upon A Time In Mumbai was always planned for a summer release and we are pretty much on target for that.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 24 Dec 2009 | 6:06 am Filmography: Brittany MurphyBrittany Murphy who died at the age of 32 recently, is known for her films like Clueless and Beverly Hills, 90210. She did comedy and drama with equal ease.Source: | 24 Dec 2009 | 4:59 am Paris Hilton still puts out stockings for X-Mas
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 24 Dec 2009 | 4:58 am Brittany Murphy to be buried todayHollywood actress Brittany Murphy will be put to rest after a private ceremony today on Christmas eve but her estranged father will not be among those saying their final adieu.Source: | 24 Dec 2009 | 4:44 am Movie bosses looking for Brittany Murphy's replacementLondon (ANI): Bosses behind Brittany Murphy's latest movie Shrinking Charlotte have decided to move ahead with the film by finding another actress to tackle the lead role. The 32-year-old was due to start work on the film, a comedy with KathleenSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 24 Dec 2009 | 3:13 am When Celina Jaitley got cold feetSpeaking on her nervousness, Celina said, “Initially, I was bit nervous when Farooq Sheikh saab came on set and my anxiety continued till I shared screen space with him for the first time, thereafter everything went on smoothly.”Well so that wasSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 24 Dec 2009 | 3:08 am Kajol is mesmerised by Karan JoharWith My Name is Khan the famous trio of Shahrukh Khan, Kajol and Karan Johar are back with a bang to catch the fancy of their fans. The trios association has always been welcomed by one and all. On the daySource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 24 Dec 2009 | 3:06 am Simon Cowell to celebrate Christmas on luxury yachtLondon (ANI): Simon Cowell will be celebrating Christmas and dishing out presents to pals as he cruises the Caribbean on his luxury yacht. Cowell’s friend Topshop boss Sir Philip Green will also join him on board the 625,000pound-a-week beauty, called “Slipstream”.TheSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 24 Dec 2009 | 2:58 am Is Lily Allen engaged?London (ANI): Loved-up Lily Allen has rumour mills running after she flashed a ring on her engagement finger. The ‘Fear’ singer, 24, has fuelled speculation that she is to marry builder boyfriend Sam Cooper, 44, when she slipped a sparkler onSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 24 Dec 2009 | 2:56 am Lily Allen says she’d mime worse than BritneyLondon (ANI): Singer Lily Allen has pledged never to mime at a live concert, saying it would be embarrassing if she failed to get the words right. The 24-year-old singer is set to tour Down Under where Britney Spears came underSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 24 Dec 2009 | 2:54 am Wincing in pain, Katrina leaves for family vacation in London
The healing process after her surgery last week is yet not even half-complete. But Katrina Kaif, recovering quietly from surgery at her Mumbai home, stubbornly decided to go and join her family in London for the annual Christmas-New Year vacation which she had promised herself for months now.
Katrina flew out of Mumbai early Wednesday morning after getting a reluctant go-ahead from her doctors at Breach Candy hospital.
Wincing in pain she said a few hours before departure, "The pain will remain for a while. But the process of healing is on. I got my doctor's consent in Mumbai and I've another doctor in London who's fully aware of my condition. The doctors said the pain will be the same in Mumbai or London. And as long as I'm very careful about not exerting myself I'll be fine. So I'm off."
Katrina had gone into a depression earlier during the week when she felt she wouldn't be able to join her sisters and brother in London because of her medical condition.
On Tuesday after visiting the doctors Katrina and her mother took a decision. Said Katrina, "I can't exert myself, can't dance around or be boisterous. But that's okay. Because our family is in any case not the dancing type. I just want to be with my sister's little boy, take him to the toy stores in London and buy him everything he wants."
Katrina returns to Mumbai in the first week of January, hopefully fully healed. "Luckily I've a doctor in London who knows how to look after me. So basically I'm just moving into a happier state of mind by being close to the people I love. That would help me heal quicker... Wish me luck."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 24 Dec 2009 | 2:53 am Akshay on Winter Olympics experience and auctioning Olympics torch
Although a Canadian land-preservation group tried to stop Akshay Kumar's Olympian sprint in Toronto on Thursday evening, no power on earth could take away the exhilaration of the moment from Akshay.
His joy at representing the country with such a singular honour has now multiplied. After Akshay carried the torch at one of the most well-attended street events in Toronto, the Olympics committee in all their wisdom, decided to gift the Olympian torch to the Khiladi star.
Unable to contain his excitement at the honour, Akshay on his return to Mumbai on Sunday morning said, "Carrying the torch across the longest street in the world was the greatest honour I could hope for. But when after the event the Olympics committee gifted me the torch, I almost broke down. My first thought was for my son Aarav who would now be able to keep that precious torch with him for a few days. My second thought was, 'will I carry it back to Mumbai safe and sound?'"
At the Toronto airport, the authorities were excited by the very unusual cabin luggage that Akshay had brought with him. "They didn't even check the torch! I was just asked to proceed with it."
Throughout the long trip from Toronto to Mumbai, Akshay clutched the torch in his hands as he sat thinking of what to do with the precious possession.
"It was during the long flight that I decided what to do with the torch. I'll be auctioning it and use the money to help the children who participate in the Special Olympics."
Reliving the golden moments when he carried the torch in Toronto on Thursday evening, Akshay says, "About 7000 to 8000 Indians including those who had come from other cities like Montreal and Vancouver lined up on both the sides of Yonge Street which at 15,00 miles is the longest street in the world. I started at 7.30 pm. But people had already gathered by 5 pm. I covered about ½ a mile in 20 minutes. I can only tell you, it was the most exciting and magical moment of my existence."
Akshay's spirits were not dampened by a group calling itself the Torch Extinguishing Committee.
Says Akshay, "I don't know whose torch they came to extinguish. It was certainly not mine. I heard they were around somewhere on that street. Like I told you,s it's the longest street in the world. I completed my sprint without obstruction. I could hear people shouting, 'Spoil-sports, spoil-sports!' against these protestors. I'm sure they were protesting for a worthy cause. But why dilute sports by bringing politics into it?"Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 24 Dec 2009 | 2:47 am 3 IDIOTS: Another film that could become case study in management schools - GlamSham
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 24 Dec 2009 | 2:46 am Converse 3 Idiots collection available at HomeShop18· Get special ‘3 Idiots collection’ designed by Aamir khan at HomeShop18· Show to feature converse shoes at the price range of Rs.999/-HomeShop18 brings another special – launches the 3 Idiots merchandise by converge. HomeShop18 will be selling Converse shoes,Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 24 Dec 2009 | 2:44 am Ranbir joins the singing parade/league - IndiaGlitz
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 24 Dec 2009 | 2:42 am 'I want everyone to watch my film' - Rediff
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 24 Dec 2009 | 2:39 am SnippetsDecember 23, 2009It is not very often that the Three Khans are present under one roof but that is exactly what the premiere of Raj Kumar Hirani directed 3 Idiots will have. As Bollywood fans await the release of the movieSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 24 Dec 2009 | 2:38 am Jay Bhanushali is singleDance India Dance 2’s charming host came across very many good looking girls during the auditions of DID 2 but sadly none of them was interested in him which is something that makes him sad. Jay Bhanushali had expected that theseSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 24 Dec 2009 | 2:36 am Wishing Anil Kapoor a very happy Birthday
They say that 'Time, tide and age wait for none'. Well, it seems that three factors have made an exception for the man whose smile simply lights up the whole of Bollywood. He is none other than Bollywood's ageless wonder Anil Kapoor, who also happens to be our Birthday boy for the day!
Born in a very middle class family, this man has got his feet firm on the ground, even when he has not just touched the stars, but also become a star himself! No wonder that they aptly say that these are the stuff that superstars are made of. Not many know that Anil Kapoor made his celluloid debut with 'Pallavi Anu Pallavi', a Kannada film that was directed by the ace Mani Ratnam. While in Bollywood, Anil Kapoor was first seen in Umesh Mehra's Hamare Tumhare in a supporting role. But the films that made him an overnight star and a household name included Woh Saat Din, Hum Paanch, Shakti... to name a few. Then came the iconic Mr. India, a film that created records...only to break it. This was followed by an array of hits, superhits and mega hits like Meri Jung, Jaanbaaz, Karma, Vijay, Tezaab, Ram Lakhan, Parinda, Kishen Kanhaiya, 1942: A Love Story... and the much recent Slumdog Millionaire.
Please join Bollywood Hungama as we wish Anil Kapoor, the original Superstar a very happy Birthday, by posting your wishes below:Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 24 Dec 2009 | 2:34 am Colors introduced two more showsAfter the tremendous success of the third season of Bigg Boss, Colors is now introducing two new shows- Yeh Pyaar Na Hoga Kam and Laagi Tujse Lagan, to fill the prime time band once the Bigg Boss season 3 gets over.Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 24 Dec 2009 | 2:33 am Salman Khan recalls jam sessions for Veer - PlanetRadiocity
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 24 Dec 2009 | 2:04 am Magic, music, folklore inspire French band in IndiaGuess where the popular French folk rock band Moriarty, now on a four-city tour of India, gets its inspiration? From Merlin, the ancient magician who spun his spells in King Arthur's mythical capital Camelot.Source: Entertainment News | 24 Dec 2009 | 2:02 am Ranbir-Deepika have broken up, confirms Karan Johar - SantaBanta.com
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 24 Dec 2009 | 1:34 am 3 idiots movie releases early morningThe Aamir Khan film 3 Idiots has an early morning show planned for people who are free and awake at that time, like call centre employees. The marketing people will dole out complimentary tea and biscuits to all who come for the 6AM show.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 24 Dec 2009 | 12:19 am Abhay Deol mattered most in 2009 - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 23 Dec 2009 | 10:49 pm Sushmita, Fardeen promote Dulha Mil Gaya in Kolkata - Sify
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 23 Dec 2009 | 10:11 pm Ishqiya gets censored again! - Hindustan Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 23 Dec 2009 | 6:01 pm Karan makes a comeback on TV with a reality show - IBNLive.com
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 23 Dec 2009 | 2:59 pm ABVP disrupts film shooting of Chiru's nephew
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 23 Dec 2009 | 2:00 pm Aamir invites 24 special friends for 3 Idiots premiere
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 23 Dec 2009 | 1:31 pm Kim Kardashian poses topless
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 23 Dec 2009 | 1:22 pm Benegal to chair panel on National Film AwardsThe revamped expert panel set up to raise the profile of the National Film Awards today selected noted film director Shyam Benegal as its chairman and decided to submit its recommendations by March 15.Source: Entertainment News | 23 Dec 2009 | 1:21 pm Aamir invites 24 special friends for '3 Idiots' premiereAamir Khan made 24 friends during his two-week promotional tour across the country and has invited them all to attend the premiere of his film "3 Idiots" here today.Source: Entertainment News | 23 Dec 2009 | 11:13 am Remembering Rafi, on his birth anniversaryIt is the 85th birth anniversary of the legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi. Born in 1924, Rafi is one of the most popular male playback singers, whose illustrious singing career spanned nearly four decades.Source: | 23 Dec 2009 | 10:21 am Shahid too big for mum’s movieActor Shahid Kapur's mother Neelima Azeem is making a film without her son being a part of it. The film, Nawab Nautanki, goes on the floor in January with Chandan Roy and Bhavna Pani in the lead.Source: | 23 Dec 2009 | 9:07 am Ishqiya gets censored again!Vishal Bharadwaj is at loggerheads with Censor Board again over Ishqiya promos. The filmmakers will have to change some of the dialogues to get a ‘U/A’ certificate.Source: | 23 Dec 2009 | 7:48 am Gigs this weekendWeekend gig guide for music lovers.Source: | 23 Dec 2009 | 7:33 am BBC iPlayer offers Christmas bonanzaBBC iPlayer would play a Christmas bonanza for its viewers for the holiday. Fans of the BBC iPlayer which would have its second birthday this Christmas can catch films and Christmas special episodes of Doctor Who and Strictly come dancing shows.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 23 Dec 2009 | 7:32 am Wake up to 3 Idiots with free snacks!If you are planning to catch the 6 am show of 3 Idiots this Christmas, you need not worry about the breakfast bit. For you'd be served free chai and biscuits at the multiplexes.Source: | 23 Dec 2009 | 7:08 am Ghosts of Sallu’s pastFilmmaker Mahesh Nair has confessed that although his directorial debut, Accident On Hill Road, is not based on actor Salman Khan’s infamous hit-and-run incident, the film does refer to it.Source: | 23 Dec 2009 | 7:05 am Nikhil Advani hunts for junior Akshay KumarNikhil Advani is in a fix. The shooting of his new film Patiala House has started but he hasn't been able to find the right face to play the junior Akshay Kumar.Source: | 23 Dec 2009 | 6:03 am Ekta Kapoor and Dibakar Banerjee differ over Love Sex Aur Dhokha
Ekta Kapoor won't show her new film Love Sex Aur Dhokha directed by Dibakar Banerjee to her parents. Given her initial reaction she wouldn't show it to anyone. But then better sense prevailed after she saw and absorbed Banerjee's gritty and real feature film on digital drama.
Apparently, Ekta simply freaked out at the trial, screaming and wondering aloud what this director had made, for her Dibakar Banerjee's first film for Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Films is also Ekta's first foray into experimental cinema.
And when she saw the finished product, Ekta simply freaked out. According to onlookers Ekta's reaction to Banerjee's digitally-shot film on the absence of privacy and the prevalence of voyeurism in today's time was one of horror and utter disbelief.
Dibakar Banerjee doesn't deny his producer was shocked. "When Ekta saw the film she wasn't so much shocked by the content on voyeurism and free-for-all invasion of privacy as the treatment and format. I've shot the film on a digital format with a hand-held camera. So Ekta's first question was, 'Why is the camera shaking so much?' Her second question was, 'Who is going to watch this film?' Frankly I had answers for both the questions. But Ekta's initial reaction of shock remains. She doesn't really believe that such an unusual and shocking film is viable. But she sees me as this nice sweet seemingly harmless Bengali guy who can't deliberately do anything wrong. She's indulging me. See, normally the digital format is used by a filmmaker for the lack of choices. But for Love Sex Aur Dhokha the digital format was the only choice.
Ekta doesn't deny she was startled by what she saw in Dibakar's film. "The camera was shaking so much I was completely shaken. There are three stories and all of them affected me very deeply, specially the one about the woman who's shot with a hidden camera. When I came out of the movie I was furtively looking for bugs and cameras everywhere. I realized I was so jolted not so much by the technique of storytelling which is unlike anything we've seen, but by content which tells us there is no privacy in today's day and age of mobile cameras and MMS."
Now Ekta is terrified of how Love Sex Aur Dhokha will be received. "Forget how it will be received. How will we release a film in such an experimental format? It's easy for Dibakar to make what he wants. Now it's my responsibility to see it reaches the audience."
The question is how would a digital movie called Love Sex Aur Dhokha appeal to the audience? The title was nearly shot down by the moral watchdogs within the industry. But Dibakar stood his ground. "It had to be Love Sex Aur Dhokha. I know the title is reminiscent of Sex Lies & Videotape. But Love Sex Aur Dhokha is nothing like Steven Soderberg's film. In fact it's unlike anything audiences have seen. That is why Ekta is apprehensive."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 23 Dec 2009 | 5:44 am Romance, terror, spook thrillers ruled box officeBollywood might have faced a low with close to Rs.Source: Entertainment News | 23 Dec 2009 | 5:35 am Game Review: Need for Speed Shift
The NFS franchise has been in a rather placid stage, especially for the year or two steeping lower than ever, with mild response towards the NFS Pro-Street release. So, in lieu of the erroneous situation, and EA decided to hand over the wheel to Slightly Mad Studios, the faction behind the PC racing series GTR, to fabricate Need for Speed Shift, which fortunately, turned out to be a rewarding gamble. With so many things done precise in terms of design, this seems like a sparkling new take on the simulation racing genre in ages. Slightly Mad made some very careful selections in deciding the realism factor of the game, and the end outcome is that the team effectively gives you a racing experience that is exceedingly near the real thing in terms of arrangement, while keeping the game controls just typical enough to permit novices a much simpler entrance into the title.
NFS Shift bring us back to the track-based racing like its old titles (as far as I remember maybe till NFS 2, and of course Pro-Street of lately) rather than the open-world scenario witnessed in the modern titles. You'll find pivotal tracks like Laguna Seca, Willow Springs, Nurberg-ring as the setting to your races, each to be have been brought to life brilliantly. They might not be cent-percent accurate compared to their real counterparts, however been slightly twisted to offer a more undeniable outlook in sections that were a bit dull, but the course blueprints are certainly intact.. Given the cluster of tracks in the game, somewhere around the 20 track in all, it's of little revelation that just about every meter of tarmac in the game is amusing to drive. There's zero story involved in this title, unlike most of the recent releases. The only thing you'll start off with is a narration that you'll hear at the beginning of the game, informing you that you've been given an opportunity to establish yourself in a BMW M3 around Brands Hatch before winning some money and then select your own ride. This is pretty much as pure of a racing game as you might find out there. This experience is not a drab; rather, there's incredible and somewhat distinctive music in the menus, a usually glossy interface everywhere and a few trendy videos to establish new events. All of that is great, but fades in comparison to what happens when you get behind the wheel of a car - The cockpit view is what makes NFS Shift be prominent from the extremely competitive racing genre. Slightly Mad has shaped an astonishingly superior cockpit view for the title, something that makes you feel like being behind the wheel of fuel burning Super car.
The developers have added another great gem to the title - an extremely dynamic and visually appealing camera, which enables the view to blur and undulate vaguely when the gas or brakes are applied. Sitting at the starting line and roaring the engine rocks the vehicle back and forth, and hitting the brakes at a stiff corner will throw your view forward towards the dashboard. Luckily, it's not scalded to the point where it'll make you throw-up; it's restrained enough to let you know that it's happening, but may forget about it after a while. Probably the coolest specks come when you crash, as your view is flung around, the colors die away (till you recover back) and your vision blurs. This brilliant cockpit view broadens to the game's sagacity of speed. When you get behind the wheel of a Zonda R, Bugatti Veyron, Koenigsegg CCX, Mustang or BMW M3 GTR, you will actually consider taking your finger off the gas in a slight bend because you'll feel the car starting to get loose. Slight flutters on the road, that were formerly unfelt, will cause your car to lose traction for a split-second, enough to smash it into the wall. It's a staggering feeling; one that's unusual in racing games and is certainly one of the biggest elements that detaches real driving from its virtual counterpart.
The brilliance comes out once you realize that Slightly Mad has done an incredible job of deciding which elements of the game have to be pragmatic and the other way round. They've done a great work with the dynamic mechanics of the cars, so much that the margin between being in or out of control is way closer to your car's limits than it would be in a more hardcore simulation title, allowing you to thrust your rides further than you would else be able to do without a need of an extreme amount of skill. But, to get those last few horses to transit for you, you'll still need to really chew over in your abilities. So the end result is that it's easier for novices to be able to push their vehicles, but also having an element of needing to practice and grind your skills to be better.
The Sound is simply awesome. A lot of other titles have great engine samples, fine crashing effects and so on, but extremely few actually get the mix of all of this just right to tinkle your ear-buds. |The squeals sound of burning tires on the tracks makes you feel like the rubber is alive and being torn from the axel. It's a raw sound from the crude machine from underneath your car, and there's no racing game on the market transmits this suitably. Need for Speed Shift is actually music to a Hardcore Racer's ears. There's no better feeling than listening to a 600+ horsepower machine, raging and roaring in the back seat, trust me. This is how sound should be. The AI too holds up to the title's credible. Need for Speed Shift isn't the most accurate racer around. The handling, feeling of weight and all isn't as precise as you'd find in the Forza or Gran Turismo. One area to be worked on, in terms of the driving mechanics, is with the drift events. Here, the physics simulation feels totally different, and hitting the gas will cause your ride to whirl out, even at the starting line. Vehicles are tuned to be very greasy and it's your job to be alert and slither them through the turns. Fortunately, the career mode is crafted in such a way that you can pass over these events without much of an issue.
The career mode is designed in a rather gleaming way hat it rewards you for pretty much anything. You'll earn stars for your finishing places in events, gathering points while racing and fulfilling a special per-event goal. These stars mount up over your career and unlock the successive tiers in the game. You also earn Profile points by satisfying small elements in the game like Sticking to the racing line, taking corners well, Drafting, Overtaking, banging into a car and so on. While stars unlock more events and new cars, profile points net you superfluous parts for your cars, extra cash and even a few free cars.
The career mode isn't flawless, though. One hitch is that there are only 60-some-odd cars in the game. But the selection here is great though, so you'll undeniably find something that suits you. There's a fairly distinct best car in each class, and assuming you have enough bankroll when you unlock a new class, buying that car pretty much negates the requirement of buying any others. You can improve and tweak any car in the game to stay viable. Luckily, the game does blend things quite a bit. There are specific events where you're given a specific car to drive; so if you don't end up buying one, you'd certainly get a chance to drive you'll drive it a few times in events that feature it. The career mode seems to be more of a check list or should I say, a "to-do list" in most terms rather than leaping around, experimenting different stuff and building up your stable of cars.
The online mode for the game doesn't present a huge number of options, but it's really fun. There's a fundamental Quick Race option which is pretty much exactly what you'd expect. And then you have a Driver Duel mode, which can be compared to a King of the Hill match. There are a few levels in the ladder that you're trying to climb, and you start at the bottom face off against another racer at the same level. You'll both be put in the same car and track, matching the level that you're on. The exciting thing here is that if you lose, you drop all the way to the bottom. It's amusing and quick enough to keep you going for a good while.
Need for Speed Shift is a splendid return to greatness and excellence for EA's influential racing franchise. Slightly Mad Studios has brought out a driving experience that might not be absolutely accurate in terms of its simulation, but is practically spot-on in terms of what it's like to race around some of the world's best racing circuits.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 23 Dec 2009 | 5:34 am Porcupine Tree wins over fansThe British band’s gig at Mood Indigo was well received and fans got to chill out with frontman Steven Wilson after the event.Source: | 23 Dec 2009 | 5:14 am Nikhil Advani hunts for junior Akshay KumarNikhil Advani is in a fix.Source: Entertainment News | 23 Dec 2009 | 4:24 am Viewers can download '3 Idiots' legally: Vidhu Vinod ChopraProducer Vidhu Vinod Chopra has revealed that much-awaited film "3 Idiots", releasing on Friday, will be the first Bollywood film viewers can download legally.Source: Entertainment News | 23 Dec 2009 | 4:22 am Abbas Tyrewala waits for Ayesha's mom to vacate his houseDirector Abbas Tyrewala has bought the house belonging to Ayesha Takia's mom, but he cannot move into his new home in Versova here as she has yet to move out.Source: Entertainment News | 23 Dec 2009 | 4:07 am "This is most diverse marketing I've done to promote my film & I am thrilled" - Aamir Khan
The Idiot is back. Back from his mysterious and disguised operation called, 'Operation Spiderman'. Didn't get it? Well, we aren't going to put on the disguise. It's Aamir Khan. So when asked by a journalist how he would define an 'idiot', the Phantom answered, (just before you see the answer, let me tell you that 'Phantom' was Aamir's name in disguise while he used to make calls to his producer friend Vidhu Vinod Chopra) "Just as the Britishers must've thought that Gandhiji was one, least they knew that he was a genius, a master and a person who tread a different path in gaining independence. Likewise, in context to the film, an idiot is one who chose to be different in a good way." Such words could've only come out from a person who always chose to tread a different path in promoting his films, a path many people would've rejected. But this tough guy stayed adamant and did it. He ate the road side food, stayed without luxuries, made friends with each person he met during his journey and invited them to his lavish premiere taking place today. Then Vidhu Vinod Chopra who was sitting next to him interfered, "All this was done by Aamir on my expense. Not only that, I had to fly him around in jet planes and then send him an extra eight gold finger rings which he gifted to each person he made friends with." But all this and more in good humour took place this evening at Taj Lands End in Bandra where Aamir was present to address the Indian Press on his most indelible trip he had ventured upon to promote his film 3 Idiots. UK's Harrow Observer columnist and Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent Devansh Patel brings you the exclusive excerpts from the press conference.
Why is the footage of your trip titled 'The Ghost Who Walks'?
Vidhu - Now this is a joke and tells you the spirit of the game. In Kashmir, the only comic I read was Phantom - the ghost who walks. This whole game which was planned keeping in mind the child in us. I used to tell Aamir, 'Hey, Phantom, how are you? Have you landed?' So it was all fun.
Aamir - We had quite a large team on ground doing a lot of work. But when the team was on location before I began my trip and used to call me, they used to take my first name and that was 'Aamir'. In doing that, they were finding to take my name pretty awkward while they were travelling in taxi, auto rickshaws, buses, etc. They needed a code name and thus 'Phantom' was born.
Vidhu - Aamir was the fifth team which went to these locations. Previously, my four other teams went for location hunting and making sure that his security is taken care of, etc. The people in the marriage didn't know that Aamir Khan was coming to attend their marriage. They were told that a foreigner was going to visit to shoot a documentary. What was important for us to know was the ground work as to how many marriages were taking place in that village in Punjab. The operation was huge and wasn't easy how it looks on the tele.
Before Aamir four other teams went for location hunting and making sure that his security is taken care of
But when Aamir Khan disappeared, you (Vidhu) said that you were not aware of anything? How come you know so much about it now?
Aamir - You fell in the trap of Vidhu Vinod Chopra? (Laughs)
Vidhu - Let me tell you, all this was a light hearted fun game we thought of playing. If I never knew about this game, it wouldn't have been possible. I mean, who would fund it then? (Laughs)
Was your journey a forbidden one?
Aamir - Well, for me, it wasn't forbidden. The entire journey was very exciting. Wherever I went, be it Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, etc, I had a great experience. I understood what these people have in their mind, their hopes, their aspirations, their issues, what things trouble them, their dreams, etc. I had the first hand experience and I loved it. Plus, this was also a marketing plan designed to promote our film. This is the most diverse marketing I've ever done to promote my film and I am thrilled. I wanted to stay away from interviews this time and promote the film like this. But the most vital thing about this trip was to understand my country and see it from as close as possible. Another layer of this marketing plan was to highlight different issues. For example, before I went to Chanderi, I was told that the weavers out there are in a bad state. They are leaving their creative work and doing manual labour. Their kids aren't learning this craft. Through our promotion, all the people across India will watch their plight and understand them and issues like these will be given some significance. Likewise, I wanted to address the education in Gujarat too. Small villages have free education up to seventh standard and girls have free education. And many more. All this was enriching.
This is the most diverse marketing I've ever done to promote my film and I am thrilled. I wanted to stay away from interviews this time
How useful will this entire marketing stunt be in 3 Idiots success?
Aamir - I don't know. This was an idea which I liked and I did. I don't know what kind of results will such a marketing plan generate. There is no yard stick to such a thing. This is something that has never been done by any actor in the world. Aap acchi film ko chalne se rok nahi sakte aur ek buri film ko aap chala nahi sakte.
Vidhu - If the film is good, people will go and see it, whether it's Lage Raho or Eklavya or 3 Idiots. I think if this film is bad, no matter where Aamir Khan travels, it won't go beyond Friday. I'm confident that my film will be houseful on a Thursday but what will happen on Friday, I don't know. People won't purchase tickets because Aamir Khan was travelling in disguise all over India. 3 Idiots isn't going to be a flop or a hit because of our creative marketing strategies.
When you decided to go to all these places, was the plan as to what you'd be talking pre-decided?
Aamir - I never planned what to talk to people because I never knew who I was suppose to meet. I went to Varanasi because my mother spent her childhood days there. But earlier, I decided to sleep at Varanasi's railway platform the entire night because our railways bind the whole country. I wanted to interact with the people on their life, their city and their railways. So, one thing led to another and thus began a journey filled with memories which I'll never forget. I was suppose to spend my day at the railway station but landed up walking the streets of Telianaka in Varanasi.
We hear that there is an invite to Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan to attend tomorrow's premiere?
Aamir - This is not my film but Vidhu Vinod Chopra's. He will tell you the invite list (laughs). On my personal guest list are those with whom I made friends in Varanasi, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, etc. In total, I've sent twenty five invites.
Vidhu - Yes, I have sent invites to Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan and I hope they come. But them coming or not coming is up to them, and not me.
Did anyone recognise your disguise?
Aamir - Yes, it happened in Tamil Nadu at the temple in Mahabalipuram. It's a great temple and there were so many tourists. I was one of them. But there was this small girl with her family insisting her parents that the man in disguise was me, Aamir. The small girl recognised me but her family didn't. They never knew that my security was standing right behind them while they were arguing the question - Is he Aamir or not? Their family must've known that I wasn't Aamir Khan because he has eight packs (laughs).
There was this small girl with her family insisting her parents that the man in disguise was me, Aamir. The small girl recognised me but her family didn't
Brief us a bit about your food habits while you travelled.
Aamir - I've had the most delicious food ever in my life. Most of the time, I had food at the dhabas. I lived on dhaba food. I used to eat on the roads, highways, etc. In Gujarat, I ate in the school from a dabba which one of the school girls fed me. Her grandmother had cooked the yummy food.
Were you (Aamir) inspired from Rahul Gandhi's visit to small villages?
Vidhu - I'd like to say something out of context here. Whatever Rahul Gandhi is doing is very good and I am a strong supporter in what he is doing. He is doing much better than the other politicians sitting in their air conditioned bungalows and flats minting money. But our Indian Press will call all of this a mere 'drama'. Aamir has travelled for nearly 60 to 70 hours, had road side food and lived in small hotels which didn't have air conditioning. If I was given this task, I couldn't have done it. It is a difficult job to do, whether Aamir Khan or Rahul Gandhi is doing and I respect both of them.
There was news that Vidhu said, "If this is an Aamir Khan film, why can't the prices of tickets be raised."
Aamir - Did you say that Vidhu (laughs)
Vidhu - I want to clarify a few things here. This is a Raj Kumar Hirani film. Firstly, the film belongs to the writer and the director. Then it becomes an actor's film and then finally it becomes a producer's film. All these talks are rubbish and in today's day and age, nobody wants to read something good. Everybody wants to read bad news. This is one such news. It's a supply and demand. Why can't the Press argue over matters in different rates in morning shows and evening shows, why do they have to argue over how much is Aamir Khan charging and why the ticket prices have shot up?
There is also news that 3 Idiots is going to release on DTH this Monday.
Vidhu - I am saying that it isn't going to release. Somebody is printing but at least ask me before you print something.
What about the Rajneeti promo? We heard that it's not going to be shown with 3 Idiots.
Vidhu - (laughs) Main yeh taaza taaza padh kar aaya hoon. And you know what else is written in the papers? I'll tell you. Vidhu Vinod Chopra is a very moody person. He will do whatever he feels like doing. Vidhu Vinod Chopra is insecure. I sometimes laugh reading such news. The decision of the promo is taken by the guys who run the lab and not the producer or an actor. They see what is the length of the film and accordingly insert the right promo. Here were seven film promo's waiting to go with 3 Idiots.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 23 Dec 2009 | 3:40 am Aamir Khan who? Tour guide hasn't heard of the starMUMBAI (Reuters) - As one of Bollywood’s most recognised faces, superstar Aamir Khan is not accustomed to drawing blank looks at the mention of his name.Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 23 Dec 2009 | 2:17 am
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