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Subhash K. Jha speaks about Rann
Think. Really hard. What are we all doing with the opportunities that life so generously provides us? In the mad mindless rush towards self-gratification, are we somewhere sacrificing those values that brought us, kicking dragging and sacrificing from a hard-earned freedom from colonialism to the new millennium where we, the collective civilization, are now poised at the brink of a moral disintegration?
Rann is that rare cinema about the collective conscience which we often like to think has gone out of style. Like Mehboob Khan's Mother India and Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Satyakam, Rann shows how tough it is to hold your head high up in dignified righteousness in a world where ethics crumble faster than cookies in wide-open jar left out too long in the sun. Ironically there isn't much sunshine in Rann. The film has been shot in an anaemic light, symbolizing a world that's largely losing light.
Cleverly, Ram Gopal Varma situates his morality tale in the cut-throat world of the electronic media where the TRP is God, and deadlines the devil. And may the voice of the conscience rest in peace.
Without fuss or wastage of time Varma introduces us to the plethora of characters who colonize the bowel of a declining channel run by the idealistic Vijay Harshvardhan Malik (Amitabh Bachchan) who believes there's room still for the straight and narrow path in a business where grabbing attention is the murder of all invention.
Varma plunges us into the world of the characters that he knows only too well. The glistening sweat on ratings-challenged eyebrows are captured through tight close-ups of worried faces that the camera (Amit Roy's sharply cruising lenses moving from face to face with obstinate restlessness) that give nothing and yet everything away.
The swirling swarm of characters reading, reporting creating and even manufacturing news, are so normal in their workaday concerns we almost miss the underbelly of moral anomaly that has become a way of life in present times.
As in Varma's Sarkar the moral battle lines in the media-run tale of Rann are drawn between the idealistic patriarch and his US-returned hyper-ventilating son Jai (Kannada star Sudeep) who is so nervous anxious and ambitious, you know he will eventually cause trouble for his ideologue dad's news-worthiness.
Trouble arrives in the flabby form of a seedy politician Pandey (Paresh Rawal, re-embracing villainy with lip-smacking relish) who plunges into the TRP war on television with no sense of propriety, legalese or the law.
"The law is made by people like us to protect people like us from being convicted," Pandey pompously tells Jai before they both conspire with the help of a rival television tycoon (Mohnish Behl) to trash the idealistic Harshvardhan's reputation.
The plot accommodates more characters that a miniature touristic island in the holiday season (sans the sun). Not one of the characters need any explanation or occupies a superfluous place in the plot.
The narrative is taut restless and biting in its depiction of corruption in supposedly responsible places. The artful opposition of real and doctored news is planted into the storytelling with no triumphant flourish. Varma's concern for the characters he puts on screen is genuine but non-judgemental. Each characters even the relatively-shadowy women, emerges as casualty of an over-competitive society where morality goes out of the nearest window.
While much of film's inner fire burns outwards from the pithy and peppery writing (Rohit Banawlikar) the essential core of idealism is preserved in the understated relationship between the idealistic young rookie Purab Shastri (Ritesh Deshmukh, eschewing comedy to come up with restrained and pacifying performance) and his mentor Harshvardhan. Wish this bonding was built on.
As restless as his camera, Ram Gopal Varma gives no space to the complicated labyrinth of relationships to grow. We are left to gauge the depths and dimensions that underline the furious flow of empathy and antipathy between various characters by reading between the lines.
The first two-thirds of the narrative creates a gripping patchwork of television, drama and politics and how the three worlds often come together to destroy the basic fibre of human morality.
It's the last quarter of the narrative where Harshvardhan, after realizing he has been taken for a ride by his own son's over-ambitiousness, that packs in the maximum punch.
Here Varma and his scriptwriter effortlessly shift the focus from one specific area of troubled activity (the television) to comment on the compromised quality of contemporary life.
Cleverly borrowing the premise for its climax from Mehboob Khan's Mother India, Rann moves aggressively but confidently into its passionate finale where the patriarchal television tycoon must expose some harsh home- truths to cleanse his own conscience. Love for the country can never get dated when Mr Bachchan is around. Even in a world as devoid of human values as shown in this film.
Rann takes us into a world where right and wrong are more financial than moral issues, where the people who make news conveniently forget that the source is often the nadir of the conscience.
Rann is a razor-sharp bitter and biting look at the real world of rapidly-moving moral issues. Varma extracts superlative performances from the entire cast. From Ritesh Deshmukh's heartbreaking idealism to Neetu Chandra's part as Jai Malik's secret Muslim love interest (the way Jai conceals her Muslim identity from family and friends is disturbing and amusing); they all know what the director and his writer have set out to do.
As expected Amitabh Bachchan as the conscience of the plot, presides over the speeedened proceedings with a thoughtful and gentle performance. His climactic speech makes all of us sit up and think about the quality of work we do in order to keep up with the competition.
Luckily Mr Bachchan's consistently excellent output is never dependant on the 'competition' around him. Ironically his character is forced to stoop in order to conquer the TRPs. Ram Gopal Varma who has been lately guilty of making fairly compromised films, rises above the morass of mediocrity with a meteoric force, letting other filmmakers know what he is capable of achieving if he sets his heart to it.
Rann defines the role of the electronic media in today's context with remarkable virility and dramatic force. This is Ram Gopal Varma's best work since Company.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 28 Jan 2010 | 7:11 am Carving Dreams to manage Saif Ali Khan's business interests
After being awarded the Padma Shree honour by the Government of India, Saif Ali Khan is on cloud nine. The suave actor now wants to strengthen his presence and foothold in the industry and has appointed leading talent management firm, 'Carving Dreams' to manage his brand and all his other business interests
Commenting on this move, Saif Ali Khan says, "Carving Dreams has earned a tremendous reputation in the industry and given their expertise & strong credentials, I am confident that the association will prove to be a fruitful one. I look forward to working with them."
Meanwhile Afsar Zaidi (CEO of Carving Dreams) also seemed delighted with this association and said, "We are fully geared to manage this responsibility and as a group, we are committed to extend the scope of celebrity management in this country. We look forward to this partnership with Saif Ali Khan."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 28 Jan 2010 | 7:08 am I'm not the host of Bingo: Ali Asgar
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Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 28 Jan 2010 | 7:03 am Dibakar Banerjee screens 20 minutes of LSD to students
When a film is titled Love Sex Aur Dhoka, it spells trouble from the word go...or does it? That's not what director Dibakar Banerjee seemed to believe. He went ahead and exposed himself to any and every kind of comment or criticism that could possibly come his way. He screened the 20 min edit of his film for youngsters at SIES College, Nerul at their film festival called 'Frames', and led them on to a very healthy discussion on the film and their views on every topic under the sun ranging from voyeurism, caste-ism, love and sex.
This hundred and fifty minute session between the students and the director revealed that a lot of the stereotypes harnessed for so long are farce and need to be abandoned. The discussion revealed that to a lot of the youngsters 'it was ok' to sleep your way up the corporate ladder. Where such a forum was an eye opener for the director it was also a moment for him to celebrate as midway into the session, Dibakar was congratulated for winning the National Award for his last film Oye Lucky Lucky Oye.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 28 Jan 2010 | 6:53 am "Omkara was serious while Ishqiya is humorous" - Arshad Warsi
Arshad Warsi is elated. No, it isn't because 2009 was exceptional for him with any major hits up his sleeves. Instead it was torrid to say the least with number of films of his that were rotting in the cans finally seeing a release and pronto making a silent exit from theatres without much ado. No wonder, Arshad is happy that finally the entire backlog of films is out of his way and he is beginning on a fresh note as the first decade of the new millennium approaches its end. With newer lot of films like Ishqiya all set to make a mark, Arshad can be seen and heard in good spirits as he converses with Joginder Tuteja about the love of his life - Ishqiya.
Looking at the promos of Ishqiya, it seems like we are heading towards a romantic thriller, right?
True, basically the film is a thriller with a dose of action to it. The twist here though is the relationship between me and Naseer which brings in certain lightness to the script. In fact if you get this characterisation aspect out of Ishqiya, it will turn out to be just another thriller.
With Vishal Bhardwaj on board, one can well expect a touch of realism to it as well.
What I really like in cinema, is when we bring in realistic acting and make commercial cinema out of it. When you make a good film, there is no boundary of art v/s commercial films. In Hollywood movies, we can see already that happening where acting is all so real even in the most commercial setup. Here also we are trying to do that though somewhere we get trapped in this entire filmy chakkar. I am glad though that we are still attempting good meaningful cinema like My Name Is Khan, New York, Kurbaan, Rocket Singh - Salesman of the Year, Wake Up Sid, Chak De India etc.
What I really like in cinema, is when we bring in realistic acting and make commercial cinema out of it
Talking about you and Naseeruddin Shah coming together, why don't you ever mention about having worked with him in Mujhe Meri Biwi Se Bachao years back?
(Laughs) In fact we both keep joking about it that it was such a fabulous experience working in that film that we chose to forget all about it. Touchwood, Ishqiya has truly been a far greater outing for both of us. I don't know why it took people such a long time to bring us together again.
You must have learnt quite some lessons from him this time around...
While working with him, it was once again re-emphasised for me that in real acting, an actor never gives an impression that he is acting. In fact this is something that I try in each of my films. People should not feel that I am acting at all. Iska ek drawback yeh hota hai ki kuch logon ko lagta hai ki main acting hi nahi kar raha (laughs)!
Coming back to Ishqiya, due to its rustic setting, one is instantly reminded of Omkara.
In a way the setting of Ishqiya is just like Omkara because of the village and small town feel to it. In a place like Gorakhpur, you are bound to encounter dirty roads, dust, heat and humidity, something which is prevalent in the interiors of India, especially in Northern and the Central regions. Ishqiya mein Indianness koot-koot kar bhari hui hai. Right from the look to the treatment to story and performances, Ishqiya is completely different. The major difference here with Omkara though is that it was serious while we have a very dark undercurrent of humour even in the most serious scenes.
Like the entire episode of 'ishq' and 'sex'?
(Laughs) Yeah, like that dialogue around 'ishq' and sex. I don't understand why there was so much hullabaloo made about it? In fact what you have seen in the trailer is all that you get to hear in the film as well. That's all. The film is not at all abusive. I don't know why there have been such protests. We seem to be really hypocrites and in a constant denial mode. Politicians use more abusive words in Parliament than this.
Politicians use more abusive words in Parliament than this
Meanwhile, it seems like 2009 was pretty much a backlog completion year for you with movies like Kisse Pyaar Karoon, Ek Se Bure Do and Shortkut -The Con Is On being out of your way...
Really, did all three films release one after another in 2009? Achcha hai, mere saare paap dhul gaye aur main bhi dhul gaya. On a serious note though, my biggest disappointment was for Shortkut. I hadn't expected that it would not do well. The story had so much 'masti' and I was pining my hopes on it. I know that it was during the editing stage that it got royally screwed because the portions that we had shot for in entirety were brilliant. Also, it wasn't that I was the only one laughing because everyone was having a blast on the sets. I still maintain that if a separate DVD is made of the scenes that were edited out, it would make for a much better laugh riot. The whole idea behind making this film was lost.
My biggest disappointment was for Shortkut, I hadn't expected that it would not do well
Due to this experience, what's the kind of learning that you have gained over the months gone by?
From now, whatever I will do, I will do it after much deliberate thinking. See, there are times when actors are totally involved in a film from conceptualisation till the final print is rolled out. I have never done that till date because I just do my work and leave. I guess this is the area where I need to improve because I should now be more involved in editing as well (smiles).Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 28 Jan 2010 | 6:44 am My name is Khan was a challenge: SRK"I think it is a very new and difficult concept. I play Rizwan Khan, a person suffering from autism. I prepared well for the role. I hope I have done well," says Shahrukh.Source: | 28 Jan 2010 | 6:17 am 'Toh Baat Pakki' offers pacy tracks with mass appealMusic composer Pritam Chakraborty's first release of the year "Toh Baat Pakki", starring Tabu and Sharman Joshi, offers music that will appeal to the masses.Source: Entertainment News | 28 Jan 2010 | 5:49 am Cameron`s `Avatar` is the top grossing film ever !`Avatar` has sunk the global Box Office record set in 1997 by Titanic, and has now become the top grossing movie of all time.Source: Zee News : Entertainment | 28 Jan 2010 | 5:24 am I'm more of an entertainment element in 'Bingo': Ali AsgarTV actor Ali Asgar, who shares screen space with Abhishek Bachchan in a TV channel' game show "National Bingo Night", clarifies that he is not the host of the show.Source: Entertainment News | 28 Jan 2010 | 5:18 am SRK's $300,000 wax double to be unveiled in Hollywood
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Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 28 Jan 2010 | 5:05 am 'Percy Jackson...' to hit Indian screens on Feb 19Much-awaited fantasy-adventure movie "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" is going to hit Indian screens on Feb 19.Source: Entertainment News | 28 Jan 2010 | 4:54 am Shah Rukh's $300,000 wax double to be unveiled in HollywoodBollywood's biggest star Shah Rukh Khan will be honoured in Hollywood later today when his wax likeness is unveiled at Los Angeles' new Madame Tussauds museum.Source: Entertainment News | 28 Jan 2010 | 4:29 am "Makers of Ishqiya have shown great faith in us" - Boney Kapoor
Boney Kapoor's 'BSK Network and Entertainment' have been entrusted with the responsibility of all India theatrical distribution of Ishqiya and the man at the hot seat understands that this is yet another instance of great faith shown in him and his company. Buoyed by the huge profits that distributors made with his last release Wanted, Boney Kapoor is sure that the story would be repeated for Ishqiya as well which is carrying wonderful reports and looks positive to be a winner at the box office.
"Makers of Ishqiya (Raman Maroo of Shemaroo Entertainment & Vishal Bhardwaj) have shown great faith in my company by asking us to exploit the all India distribution of the film. It's a prestigious film and given the wide network that I enjoy across the country, Ishqiya is in safe hands", says Boney Kapoor whose Wanted was the biggest single screen success of the year 2009. Given the fact that Ishqiya too is aiming for a huge market, especially in the interiors of the country, the distribution responsibility going to BSK does make sense.
Unwilling to divulge the exact figures involved in the deal around Ishqiya, Boney Kapoor does promise though that it should be a winning preposition for all. In addition, he also dispells the theory that BSK has 'acquired' Ishqiya.
"No, we haven't taken over Ishqiya per se", says Kapoor, "We have mainly appointed sub-distributors across the country who would be further exploiting the film at the remotest corners. Everyone is pretty kicked about the film and given the positive vibes that it is carrying along with some fantastic music, we are sure about Ishqiya being a winner in the making."
Starring Naseeruddin Shah, Arshad Warsi and Vidya Balan in the principal roles, Ishqiya is the debut directorial effort of Abhishek Chaubey, an erstwhile assistant to Vishal Bhardwaj. The film releases this Friday along with Rann, a Ram Gopal Varma film.
Meanwhile, Boney Kapoor also has two of his own productions lined up. While first to come would be Milenge Milenge (Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor) which is directed by Satish Kaushik, soon to follow would be Anees Bazmee's It's My Life (Nana Patekar, Hurman Baweja, Genelia D'Souza). Exact release dates of both the films would be announced soon.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 28 Jan 2010 | 3:17 am When Shahrukh caught in fan craze - IndiaGlitz
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Source: Entertainment - Google News | 28 Jan 2010 | 3:01 am When Vidya Balan refused to dub for Ishqiya
The spoken language in debutant Abhishek Chaubey's Ishqiya turned out to more problematic than just a censorial issue.
The film's leading lady Vidya Balan too was having major linguistic issues. Last month, when Vidya got down to dub her dialogues, she was shocked by the content. Says a source, "While shooting the scenes Vidya knew the dialogues were crudely colloquial in content. But she didn't realize their impact until she saw herself speaking on screen. When Vidya saw herself mouthing words that she had never heard before this film, she was horrified. She begged off from the dubbing saying she had a bad throat and rushed off."
Continues the source, "Vidya actually walked out not once but twice. After hearing the lurid content and the way she said those words on screen, Vidya simply sighed and said she couldn't say those lines again. The panicky dubbing-in-charge cajoled her back. But again Vidya left."
Director Abhishek had to step in to convince Vidya to just forget her own aesthetic sensibilities and speak the language of her saucy character.
But then if it is Vishal Bhardwaj's production it's got to be abusive. Kaminey legitimized the term kaminey. In Ishqiya we've the suave and sober Vidya Balan using the word 'ch***iya' without flinching.
Says Vidya, "It wasn't easy for me. I couldn't say the word out loud. During rehearsals I'd just mumble it under my breath or not say it at all. My co-star Arshad Warsi said I'd have to say it out loud in the rehearsals, or it wouldn't come out right in the final take. But I insisted on just skipping the word in the rehearsals. But when I said it out aloud in front of the camera it sounded like I had been saying it all my life. Fortunately Ishqiya had sync sound, so I thought I wouldn't have to say those expletives again."
Alas, woman proposes but the techno-God disposes. Many portions of the live sound in Ishqiya were found to be not up the mark and had to be dubbed. Finally, Vidya did dub. But not without cringe benefits.
Any fear of how the expletive would be received by women audiences? "Not at all. I came to know that the 'ch' word is actually a term of endearment in certain parts of North India. I'm holding my breath for the film to release to see audiences' reaction."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 28 Jan 2010 | 3:01 am Phone drama: Farhan Akhtar versus John Abraham
There's a tele-pathic war brewing in the skyline between John Abraham and Farhan Akhtar.
In their respective next releases, Farhan in Karthik Calling Karthik, and John in 1: 800 Love the two actors spend a majority of playing-time on the phone, because that's where their love grows. A large part of the drama in both films unfolds through telephonic conversations.
And every actor knows emoting on the phone is one of the most difficult forms of acting. Says the 1: 800 Love's director, Abbas Tyrewala, "It's a challenge for the most seasoned of actors. A lot of the relationship between John and Pakhi (John's co-star and also the director's wife) unfolds on the telephone. It was tough. But Pakhi insisted on being on the sets in London to give cues even when John alone was doing all the telephonic talk. That made it far easier. She was providing him the cues while he delivered his lines on the phone."
Regarding the similarities to Karthik Calling Karthik, Abbas says, "Yeah, I've heard Farhan's character spends a lot of time on the phone. I hope and pray the two films aren't similar."
Abbas isn't sure yet how he's going to edit all the telephonic conversation in his film. But split screens showing the man and the woman talking to each other from separate places are out. "That's the easy way out. I'll have to find a way to show continuity in John and Pakhi's conversations without resorting to gimmicks. But I've to hand it to John. He surrendered completely to the part and he has come out with a performance that's completely unexpected. Dare I say 1: 8 00 Love is a new beginning for John."
Abbas tries to assess his wife's performance dispassionately. "She was always an actress. But she's also my wife. So I was very nervous. Luckily, Pakhi has turned out to be everything that we expected her to be."
A lot has been made out of the fact that Pakhi has acted in a comedy Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai earlier. But Abbas is nonchalant about it. "We never hid the fact that she acted as Punarnava Mehta in Yeh Ka Ho Raha Hai. Then she went to Darjeeling to be school teacher. I got her back and I persuaded her to return to acting. She was born to be an actress."
Many times while shooting 1: 800 Love, Abbas was stricken by déjà vu. "It was like going back to Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na. The hero is introduced to the audience on the phone in both. Then when I shot a scene in a pub with John, it turned out exactly like a pub scene between Genelia and Ayaaz Khan in Jaane Tu... Just goes to prove. Directors apparently keep making variations on the same idea all their career."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 28 Jan 2010 | 2:55 am RANN & ISHQIYA: An exciting clash at Box-office - GlamSham
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Source: Entertainment - Google News | 28 Jan 2010 | 2:24 am Ishqiya review, Rann Movie Review. Whats your take?Ishqiya, directed by Abhishek Chaubhey is a beautiful story involving love, drama and revenge. The movie has been produced by Vishal Bharadwaj and Raman Maroo. Gulzar has taken care of the lyrics and cinematography is by Mohana Krishna.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 28 Jan 2010 | 2:07 am How about some Hebrew qawwaliHe sings soul-stirring Sufi songs - and he does it in Hebrew.Source: Entertainment News | 28 Jan 2010 | 1:59 am Vidya Balan used the word 'ch******' without flinching - SantaBanta.com
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Source: Entertainment - Google News | 28 Jan 2010 | 12:15 am Beck, Posh strip off for fashion mag shootLondon, (ANI): Golden couple David and Victoria Beckham dropped their layers for an exclusive fashion magazine shoot. The ace footballer and his wife featured in the his and hers covers for the 10th anniversary of fashion mag 10. As many asSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 27 Jan 2010 | 11:43 pm Rakhi Sawant threatens the Censor BoardRakhi Sawant has given the censor-board a week to explain what she considers their irrational decision to ban her song. “I’ll wait for a week and then I go on a bhookh hartaal in front of the censor office,” warns Rakhi.Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 27 Jan 2010 | 11:39 pm Katrina Kaif romancing Hrithik Roshan?These days, Katrina Kaif is picking roles that will provide her the chance to prove her mettle as an actress. She is rumoured to be a part of Zoya Akhtar’s movie which stars Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol and Hrithik Roshan.If sheSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 27 Jan 2010 | 11:37 pm Phir Mile Sur draws sharp reactionIt has been just two days since Phir Mile Sur has aired on television but the song has already drawn sharp reactions from the people of India. Some missed the nostalgia that was there in the original Mile Sur Mera Tumhara.Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 27 Jan 2010 | 11:33 pm Ramesh's Crazy Kutumba clears CensorshipRamesh Aravind and Ananth Nag starrer Kannada movie Crazy Kutumba has finally cleared the Censor formalities. The Censored Board has given the 'U' certificate to it and described it as clean family entertainer, says producer Leena Joshi.Directed by B Rammurthy, theSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 27 Jan 2010 | 11:25 pm Miley Cyrus likes 'spontaneous men'Melbourne (ANI): Teen actress Miley Cyrus has confessed that spontaneous men catch her eye. The 17-year-old Hannah Montana star, who is presently dating Australian beau Liam Hensworth, revealed what she likes in men.“I like spontaneous men, guys who go with theSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 27 Jan 2010 | 11:21 pm Panchakshari logo unveiledShooting of the second schedule of Panchakshari directed by V Samudra and produced by Bommadevara Ramachandra Rao on the banner of Sai Ratna Creations is in progress with Anushka playing the lead role. Samrat is making his debut as hero whileSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 27 Jan 2010 | 11:04 pm Red begins shootingJV Mohan Goud, who had earlier produced films like NTR Nagar and Blue on the banner of Nestham Creations, is coming up with his next project in association with music director Shayak Parvez. The film is titled Red directed bySource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 27 Jan 2010 | 11:01 pm Preity Zinta got stuck in a toiletBelieve it or not, Bollywood actress Preity Zinta spent a good 10 minutes in a toilet at the Delhi airport recently. The incident took place when she was to board a Mumbai-bound flight. The toilet door she was in got jammed."ISource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 27 Jan 2010 | 10:59 pm Atithi Tum Kab Jaaoge PreviewCharacters:Atithi Tum Kab Jaaoge? Ajay Devgan: PuneetPuneet is a thirty something writer who lives with his wife and son in a cozy little apartment in Mumbai. After years of toiling in the snaky labyrinth of the television world, he has finallySource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 27 Jan 2010 | 10:50 pm Aamir Khan's Peepli Live at Sundance Film FestivalTHE PERFECTIONIST Aamir Khan is on a high not only for getting the Padma Bhushan but also for the fact that his production venture 'Peepli Live' has been well received at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 27 Jan 2010 | 10:07 pm Assamese film lovers happy as Mon Jai, Aai Kot Nai bag awardsTwo Assamese movies Mon Jai by M Maniram and Aai Kot Nai by Manju Bora have made their presence felt at the National Film Awards, India's top movie awards announced on January 23, 2010.The movie fraternity of Assam, is all agog with the announcement.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 27 Jan 2010 | 7:50 pm Rann is not about media bashing: RGV - Hindustan Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 27 Jan 2010 | 5:36 pm ABC cancels Ugly Betty showUgly Betty, a show on ABC about a fashion magazine assistant who does not conform with beauty standards around her, has been cancelled due to plummeting ratings. The show has America Ferrera in the title role of Bettrt Suarez.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 27 Jan 2010 | 3:52 pm Conan O Brien hasn't hurt me, Jay Leno tells Oprah WinfreyJay Leno would like to talk to Conan o Brien, the American stand-up comedian and television host confessed in an interview to Oprah Winfrey on Tuesday.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 27 Jan 2010 | 1:34 pm Ranbir, Priyanka to meet Sylvester StallonePriyanka Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor, who are shooting for "Anjaana Anjaani", are set to meet Rocky-Rambo superstar Sylvester Stallone.Source: Entertainment News | 27 Jan 2010 | 1:24 pm Michael Douglas' son Cameron pleads guilty to drug traffickingCameron Douglas, the son of the Oscar winning actor had been caught in the act in July 2009 at a Manhattan hotel. Though he had been originally put under house arrest, he was jailed after his girlfriend had allegedly tried to smuggle him some cocaineSource: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 27 Jan 2010 | 12:22 pm Court quashes land allotted to Subhash Ghai in HyderabadThe Andhra Pradesh High Court today quashed the allotment of land to eminent Bollywood filmmaker Subhash Ghai for setting up a branch of his acting school Whistling Woods International here.Source: Entertainment News | 27 Jan 2010 | 11:11 am Katy Perry on American Idol, makes Simon proudThe singer Katy Perry, who was recently at the show as a guest judge, had disagreed with American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi over a contestant's chances of getting into the next round. The contestant, Chris Golightly had impressed DioGuardi.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 27 Jan 2010 | 10:32 am Zellweger on Berlin film fest juryOscar-winning actress Renee Zellweger will join the jury for the 60th Berlin film festival next month that will pick the winner of the coveted Golden Bear top prize.Source: | 27 Jan 2010 | 9:51 am Team Punditz scores bigDelhi band Midival Punditz is the first to score the entire track of a Bollywood flick.Source: | 27 Jan 2010 | 9:26 am "Budget of Veer isn't Rs. 100 crores" - Anil Sharma
Filmmaker Anil Sharma is exasperated. Even though his Veer has opened well at the box office, there are questions being raised around its expected eventual box office outcome, courtesy it's heavy budget. Though the film is undeniably set on a huge scale and has an extravagant look and feel to it, Veer - as per Anil Sharma - isn't really carrying a mega expensive multi crore budget tag as is being perceived.
"It is certainly not in Rs. 100 crores range as is being said out there", fumes Anil Sharma who last saw such comments working inversely for his Sunny Deol starrer The Hero, "It's completely untrue. People just come up with certain imaginative figures but the real fact is something that the makers know best. Rest assured, Veer isn't as costly as some people want to believe."
His comments come with a fair reason. When released, The Hero was touted as a Rs. 50 crores film. Since it was his next release after Gadar - Ek Prem Katha, there was nothing less expected from The Hero. The film did quite well at the box office but since it couldn't match up to the kind of response that Gadar - Ek Prem Katha had, it was labelled as an under performer.
"This entire Rs.50 crore talk was a publicity stunt which backfired on us", says Sharma, "Considering half the film was shot in Manali, how could the production costs have been so massive? The budget was quite minimal actually and the film was completed in Rs. 22-23 crores. I am even willing to share the breakdown with you where the director and the actor were paid 8 crores. You tell me, where would the remainder Rs.40 odd crores have been spent?"
Unwilling to mince any words, he continues, "Just because Gadar did such huge business, this entire stunt around Rs. 50 crores budget was played up by the makers. It was all so wrong because this trend seems to be catching up even till date. It does more harm than good. In fact you people from media should also ask a question asking where did the money go? Filmmakers say that their film was made in a certain budget and everyone just trusts them blindly. But they say that, so that the film gets sold on a higher figure, however, you should also challenge such astronomical amounts before printing anything."
Meanwhile, Sharma is also pained by his long wait for awards. It's a known fact that in spite of being the biggest blockbuster of modern times (before 3 Idiots came in), Gadar - Ek Prem Katha didn't fetch a single major award for itself in spite of finding a nod of approval from the paying public.
"It is a known fact that Gadar is one of the 3-4 major movies that have come from India. It is one of the biggest blockbusters and has got me so much respect over the years. Also remember that there were no multiplexes in those times. In fact even till date, the Mumbai record for the film hasn't been broken. I am sure that if released today, the film would have done the business of Rs.100 crores just in Mumbai territory. People get excited even till date when it comes on TV", says Sharma who continues to be perplexed about the step motherly treatment that the film got at all the award functions.
"Yes, the film didn't get awards because producers (Zee) didn't pursue much", ponders Sharma, "But then this is a kind of trend that we have seen over the years when it comes to blockbusters. Even Mughal-E-Azam and Sholay didn't get many awards on their release even though they stay on to be the biggest blockbusters ever. I guess the only blockbuster which has got massive mass and class acclaim is Mother India."
Reflecting on the state of affairs, Sharma says, "Award organisers are the ones to be blamed for their wrong judgement since they just don't seem to be in sync with what audience likes. In fact media should also highlight this fact. I mean isn't it strange that Gadar didn't win a single award in the popular category when it was creating a havoc across the country? So what's the definition of 'popular' in this case?"
It appears that Sharma is continuing to hold a grudge even though close to a decade has passed by since the release of Gadar.
"Oh yes, I certainly do have a grudge", Sharma lets his emotions run high here, "When public got what the film was all about, then why not jury? Did we not deserve a few awards? This is why people like Aamir are right in not going for awards functions at all."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 27 Jan 2010 | 8:51 am Abhishek Bachchan in Anurag Basu's next; Goldie Behl to produce it
This is what Bollywood's celluloid made of. Director Anurag Basu has been in the news for quite sometime now, courtesy, his most awaited film Kites, which stars Hrithik Roshan alongside Barbara Mori. Well, the news is that, even as the release date of the film has been oscillating from one end to the other, Anurag Basu now been roped in by Goldie Behl for a film.
The friendship between Abhishek and Goldie is as old as the indomitable 'Jai-Veeru' jodi. So, it comes as no surprise that Abhishek has been signed as the male lead for the film which will be produced by Goldie and directed by Anurag Basu.
One of Bollywood Hungama's confirmed sources said, "Hrithik required his father to back Kites and now Abhishek's close friend Goldie will produce his next and that the movie will be Anurag's most ambitious project till date. It truly has a genius script." From what we got to hear, the said film will be shot in exotic locations with never seen before visuals and a lot of work will go into Abhishek's look for the film as well. This will surely be one of the most highly anticipated films.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 27 Jan 2010 | 8:34 am Bollywood goes Broadway way with 'Kingdom of Dreams'If you like the song and dance culture on the big screen, dodge this.Source: Entertainment News | 27 Jan 2010 | 8:33 am Filmography: Brad PittActor and film producer, William Bradley aka Brad Pitt is one of the world's sexiest men. Pitt is the recipient of two Academy Award nominations and four Golden Globe Award nominations, winning one. Here's his filmography. Source: | 27 Jan 2010 | 8:32 am Avatar breaks Titanic box office recordSci-fi epic Avatar has sunk the global box office record set in 1997 by Titanic. The James Cameron film surpassed Titanic's $1.843-billion record to become the highest grossing film of all time.Source: | 27 Jan 2010 | 8:12 am Anupam Kher to do TV show called 'Angrezi OK Please'
He is a man who can be aptly called the 'Living Legend' of Bollywood. The world knows him by the name of Anupam Kher, one of those who have been largely responsible for giving Bollywood its global identity.
After a few shows that he did in the past, Anupam Kher will soon be seen on television again. This time round, it's an informative and educational TV show for Doordarshan called as 'Angrezi OK Please'. Talking exclusively to Bollywood Hungama, Anupam Kher said, "It's a show that is being made by the NGO called 'Pratham'. They wanted me to anchor this show that dealt with teaching the underprivileged children and their families on how to use English on a day-to-day basis. I have shot 13 episodes for the same. It's really a very interesting concept. The show has all kinds of people as participants, ranging from driver's children, carpenters, Udipi restaurant workers etc... It's a show for those who feel that 'I wish I could speak English, but...'
Talking about the concept of the show, Anupam says, "It's wonderful to see the children's parents (who did not know English) and their children who had partial knowledge of the language, talk the language. Overall, it's a game show where phonetics is involved. It's a very well-researched show. It had three teams split up as 'Mega Stars', 'Super Stars' and 'Rock Stars' and each team is represented by two children and two guardians of the same family. While the youngest child gets to play the game, he can also consult his/ her family for the answers." When asked about the date when the show will go on air, Anupam says, "I have no idea about the exact date, but, it should happen soon." The news is that, Kher, apparently, did not charge even a single rupee for the show.
When asked the difference between his previous show based on kids called Say Na Something... and his current one 'Angrezi OK Please', Anupam said, "While the cuteness of the children came across in 'Say Na Something...', 'Angrezi OK Please' will make children learn and also give them a sense of achievement."
Lastly, when we asked him about his future plans of his play 'Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai', he said that, "On that same level, I would be happily celebrating 400 episodes."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 27 Jan 2010 | 8:11 am Filmography: Angelina JolieThe sexy Jolie has to her credit a line of hit movies and is also the recipient of three Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and an Academy Award. Here's her filmography.Source: | 27 Jan 2010 | 8:03 am Mel is back in actionThe 54-year-old Oscar-winning actor-director, who was once one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, returns on Friday in his first major role since 2002.Source: | 27 Jan 2010 | 7:57 am Vidya Balan thrilled about her role in Ishqiya'When it comes to cinema, women are seen and heard in a certain manner. Also, they are not necessarily shown to be their own self. This is what makes Krishna so special. She is Rambha, Saraswati, Durga and Kaali - all brought together in one body,' says Vidya.Source: | 27 Jan 2010 | 6:51 am Sting operations are fun: Riteish Deshmukh"I play an investigative journalist in Rann and there is a sting operation that I do. I've never done it before in my life. But it was good fun. There is this constant fear of getting caught But when we are at the receiving end, it doesn't feel too great," Riteish said.Source: | 27 Jan 2010 | 6:41 am Abhi-Ash back in Filmistan after 11 years
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 27 Jan 2010 | 6:30 am Seoul is the front-runner for next IIFA: Sabbas JosephThere is a buzz that Seoul will be the next destination of 11th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards.Source: Entertainment News | 27 Jan 2010 | 6:23 am Abhi-Ash back in Filmistan after 11 yearsBollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan got nostalgic while filming an ad with wife Aishwarya Rai at Filmistan Studios, the same location where they gave their first shot together 11 years ago when they were mere acquaintances.Source: Entertainment News | 27 Jan 2010 | 6:11 am Clint Eastwood voted favourite film starThe Hollywood veteran has been voted the favourite American star in a new poll while Oprah Winfrey is the top TV personality. The other stars on the top 10 list are...Source: | 27 Jan 2010 | 5:12 am Just A Minute With: Vidya BalanMUMBAI (Reuters) - Vidya Balan is a busy woman. In between sweeping awards for her performance in "Paa", promoting her new film "Ishqiya" and moving house, the 32-year-old actress has hardly time to breathe.Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 27 Jan 2010 | 2:36 am "Yes, I am doing Lucy Liu's film" - Tannishtha Chatterjee
Tannishtha Chatterjee is making waves. While she is busy travelling all over the globe with her film Road, Movie (which has almost become a regular in all international film festivals), closer home too she has a lot to cheer. She has just been signed for an international project which is made of four parts. The part in which she features as a central protagonist would be directed by none other than Lucy Liu of Charlie's Angels and Kill Bill fame.
When the news broke first, one took it with a pinch of salt because some time back it was also said that Tannishtha was approached for a movie by some other acclaimed and internationally renowned film makers. Since that didn't quite turn out to be the case, one waited for the news to be confirmed from the horse's mouth. However, Tannishtha confirmation about the Lucy Liu project not just validates the news but also send out the right signals that India is fast becoming a hub for immense talent when it comes to international projects being conceived.
"Yes, I am doing one of the four parts of this film which would be shot across four different continents. For the part that tells an Indian story, Lucy Liu would be calling the shots", confirms Tannishtha who first made waved with Brick Lane that was released more than two years back.
Incidentally, this would be the first directorial outing for Lucy who is expected to visit India soon for the film's shoot. Other celebrities who are said to be shooting the other segments in different parts of the world are Meryl Streep and Angelina Jolie.
Common factor about each of these parts would be that all of them would deal with the issue of human trafficking.
"All these stories are based on true incidents and find their base in a book called 'Half The Sky'", details Tannishtha, "I play the character of a girl called Meena with whom something horrible happened in the past. How she triumphed over a period of time is what we get to see in the film."
In last few years quite a few films have been made that deal with multiple stories. Are we looking at an episodic narrative with these four parts coming one after another or do all stories run simultaneously? Also, do these stories culminate with a common ending eventually?
"It is too early to be divulging these details at the moment", says Tannishtha, "The film is in the development stage and this is all I can reveal as of now. The film's shooting is about to begin soon and I am keeping my fingers crossed."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 27 Jan 2010 | 1:42 am
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