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Twitter comments on personal life upset Karan JoharFilmmaker Karan Johar, otherwise known for his jovial and friendly nature, has hit back at people making comments on his personal life on microblogging site Twitter.Source: Entertainment News | 21 Mar 2010 | 8:47 am No SRK film at fourth Bollywood film fest in PolandThe fourth Bollywood film festival in Poland opens on Monday but this time there won't be any movies of superstar Shah Rukh Khan who has a huge fan following in the country.Source: Entertainment News | 21 Mar 2010 | 8:29 am Freida Pinto lands Bond girl role: report
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Mar 2010 | 7:27 am Living next door to fame<BR>Four actors from the movie, Thanks Maa, were Rubina Qureshi and Azhar Ismail’s neighbours. Did you know that?Source: | 21 Mar 2010 | 6:56 am Bachchans visit Jagannath temple
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Mar 2010 | 6:25 am Oh, so blue!On Friday, March 12, Karisma Kapur delivered a baby boy. Finally, Ranbir Kapoor has competition.Source: | 21 Mar 2010 | 6:23 am ‘Politics today is so ugly’Nana Patekar comes out of self-imposed hibernation to talk about the city, cricket, cinema and all those controversiesSource: | 21 Mar 2010 | 6:16 am Tripping to LSDThe quirky, eccentric melodies and Kailash Kher's blissfully out-of-control rendition of them.Source: | 21 Mar 2010 | 6:11 am I am tired of being a cougar: Demi Moore
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Mar 2010 | 6:06 am Lindsay Lohan 'unwelcome' in IndiaTwitter tirade has made actress Lindsay Lohan unwelcome in India and Los Angeles, says media.Source: Entertainment News | 21 Mar 2010 | 6:01 am Frieda Pinto to be next Bond girl"Slumdog Millionaire" star Freida Pinto has been roped in to play the next Bond girl and her boyfriend Dev Patel is cool with seeing her "rolling around" with the super spy, says a report.Source: Entertainment News | 21 Mar 2010 | 5:40 am I don't work for awards: Priyanka Chopra
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Mar 2010 | 5:36 am Shankar Mahadevan beats Shaan on 'Music Ka Maha Muqqabla'
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 21 Mar 2010 | 5:04 am Lindsay Lohan 'unwelcome' in IndiaTwitter tirade has made actress Lindsay Lohan unwelcome in India and Los Angeles, says a report. The troubled actress faces ban from India for visa violations while filming a BBC documentary on child labour in Dec.Source: | 21 Mar 2010 | 4:04 am Sandra Bullock's husband Jesse James finds missing pet - Daily News & Analysis
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 21 Mar 2010 | 3:59 am Jacqueline Fernandez plays woman from Venus in next filmSri Lankan beauty Jacqueline Fernandez will be seen having special powers in her next Bollywood venture "Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai".Source: Entertainment News | 21 Mar 2010 | 3:28 am I don't work for awards: Priyanka ChopraShe has always picked up projects that have the right balance of class and mass, but actress Priyanka Chopra says she never signs a film expecting to get an award. She recently won her first National Award for Fashion.Source: | 21 Mar 2010 | 3:14 am Can't write songs for today's 'throw away' culture: ShahryarHe is the man behind the unforgettable lyrics "Dil cheez kya hai" from the 1981 classic "Umrao Jaan".Source: Entertainment News | 21 Mar 2010 | 1:53 am Hope youth are inspired: Milkha - Economic Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 21 Mar 2010 | 1:40 am Shankar Mahadevan beats Shaan on 'Music Ka Maha Muqqabla'It was an enthralling finale to STAR Plus' "Music Ka Maha Muqabbla", as popular composer-singer Shankar Mahadevan pipped playback singer Shaan in the mega reality show here on Saturday night.Source: Entertainment News | 21 Mar 2010 | 1:03 am Love Sex Aur Dhokha - Express Buzz
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 21 Mar 2010 | 12:54 am Lindsay Lohan 'unwelcome' in India - Hindustan Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 21 Mar 2010 | 12:51 am 'Save Girl Child' campaign kicked off by Priyanka Chopra - Sify
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 21 Mar 2010 | 12:33 am Ranbir defends Deepika - Hindustan Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 21 Mar 2010 | 12:30 am One Crazy Ride makes it to Wisconsin Film FestivalDirected by Gaurav Jani, 87 minutes long One Crazy Ride, documentary of India has made it to the Wisconsin Film Festival, said to be the largest campus-based festival in the United States of America, to be held from April 14 to 18.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 20 Mar 2010 | 10:36 pm Mohanlal to undergo training at military station
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 20 Mar 2010 | 5:54 pm Ranbir Kapoor gets funky makeover for commercial
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 20 Mar 2010 | 5:50 pm 'Proud daughter' Priyanka launches father's music album
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 20 Mar 2010 | 5:48 pm Demi's tweet saves life
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 20 Mar 2010 | 5:44 pm Sandra Bullock Jesse James latest news: Cops calledThough Sandra Bullock is remaining away from the public eye, ever since the news of her husband Jesse James' affair, news around her keeps hitting the headlines.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 20 Mar 2010 | 4:56 pm 'Proud daughter' Priyanka launches father's music albumIt is usually the father who cheers his child on his/her achievements.Source: Entertainment News | 20 Mar 2010 | 4:08 pm Flying Sikh's life on silver screen soon
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 20 Mar 2010 | 3:01 pm IPL fever continues with Shilpa Shetty - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 20 Mar 2010 | 2:23 pm New Moon DVD released: Features, making of filmThe New Moon DVD has many features for the fans, though how well they will work is still unsure. In the extras section, there is a six part documentary on the making of the film, which is the second part of the Twilight Saga.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 20 Mar 2010 | 1:25 pm Katherine Heigl wardrobe malfunction: Watch pics, videoKatherine Heigl had a wardrobe malfunction when the strap of her red dress snapped, when she was giving her acceptance speech at the ShoWest Awards in Las Vegas.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 20 Mar 2010 | 12:33 pm Movie Review: The Secret In Their EyesThe film, despite its extremely well crafted flash-forward and flashback sequences, could have been shorter than its 127 minutes. Barring one gripping chase that ends on a crowded, brilliantly lit football stadium, the movie is not a conventional thriller.Source: | 20 Mar 2010 | 10:56 am Flying Sikh's life on silver screen soonLegendary athlete Milkha Singh's inspiring life - the triumphant spirit of the man and his tale of winning the world despite daunting odds - will soon be seen on the silver screen.Source: Entertainment News | 20 Mar 2010 | 10:48 am Javed Akhtar nominated for Rajya Sabha
It's said that hard work never goes unnoticed. And for someone who is of the enviable stature of Javed Akhtar, who also happens to be one of the most respected personalities globally, this was something that was longtime overdue.
Javed, alongwith, four other prominent personalities were nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President Pratibha Patil yesterday. Besides Javed, the four others who were nominated included Ram Dayal Munda, Bhalchandra Mungeker, B. Jayashree and Mani Shankar Aiyar.
Having started his journey decades back, Javed Akhtar, today, is one of the most sought-after lyricists in Bollywood. He also happens to the proud and the deserving recipient of the Padma Bhushan in 2007 and the Padma Shri in 1999.
Bollywood Hungama would like to extend its whole hearted wishes to everyone's eternal favourite Javed Akhtar.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 20 Mar 2010 | 9:47 am Vivek Oberoi to play lead in Kingdom of Dreams With his film Prince just around the corner, Vivek Oberoi has another ace up his sleeve in the form of the play 'Kingdom of Dreams'. The play in question is a musical based on the Dilip Kumar film Azaad. It has been designed in Broadway style and features Vivek along with Isha Sherwani and is written by Javed Akhtar.
A source close to the production told Bollywood Hungama, "'Kingdom of Dreams' is a really big project. It's almost an Rs.200 crore piece which will happen in Gurgaon. Besides Vivek and Isha, it will also feature Gauhar Khan, the costumes are by Neetu Lulla, while the action sequences have been done by Allan Amin. As far as the choreography goes, Shiamak Davar has been at the helm of it."
"'Kingdom of Dreams' is a Wizcraft initiative, and currently the cast is in rehearsal mode for the play," adds the source.
With this play, Vivek Oberoi surely seems to be planning a grand debut on stage.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 20 Mar 2010 | 9:45 am 'Swayamvara' yet another average remake"Swayamvara" is a remake of Hindi film "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi" starring Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra.Source: Entertainment News | 20 Mar 2010 | 8:54 am Dostana sequel to go on floors this summerFilmmaker Karan Johar will start shooting the sequel to Dostana, a light-hearted tale about three friends, this summer with actors Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham once again in the lead.Source: | 20 Mar 2010 | 7:57 am Wayne Sharpe to compose Vande Mataram for RajneetiNew York-based Wayne Sharpe, who is composing a new version of Vande Mataram for Rajneeti, says he is the first American to work on the Indian national song.Source: | 20 Mar 2010 | 7:50 am I wish there'd been no controversy: LSD composerSneha Khanwalkar, composer of Love Sex Aur Dhokha, who shot to fame with her tracks for Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! speaks on its quirky music.Source: | 20 Mar 2010 | 7:35 am Priyanka and Kangna pull Bhandarkar for National Award presentation
Madhur Bhandarkar may not have won yet another award for Best Director at the recently held National Awards. However, his leading ladies ensured that he didn't miss out the moment of reckoning. Both Priyanka Chopra and Kangna Ranaut, who have won National Awards for themselves after their stellar act in Fashion, pulled along Madhur Bhandarkar to New Delhi where the ceremony was held on Friday.
Informs a source close to the filmmaker, "For both Priyanka and Kangna, this was recognition at the highest level and they understand that the world will look at them far more differently from this point on. As actors they have seen tremendous growth ever since they started their career a few years back. However, Fashion showed them in a different light altogether and ever since the 2008 release of the film, they haven't thanked Madhur less for the kind of performance that he extracted out of them."
In the past there have been instances of leading men and ladies walking out of their professional relationship with their directors even after delivering a major blockbuster.
"However, Priyanka and Kangna are different", continues the source, "They know how to stand by the man who has been known for redefining the image of so many of his actors in the last decade. No wonder, all of them are still in touch and this is the reason why when the date was announced for the National Awards ceremony, they urged Madhur Bhandarkar to come along."
Initially, Bhandarkar was a bit taken aback since he wasn't sure about travelling to New Delhi for the event. However, once Priyanka and Kangna urged him to be with them and share their proud moment, he couldn't say no.
Since the National Awards are not one of those filmy events where winners get to thank their parents, film makers, co-stars, neighbours and everyone else that they can remember, there were no starry speeches from Priyanka and Kangna. However, once the event was through, they came over to Madhur, gave him a warm hug and acknowledged him for the team effort he managed from one and all associated with 'Fashion'.
Confirms Madhur, "Yes, it was nice of Priyanka and Kangna to call me for the event. They are very dear to me and there was no reason why I should have said no. Though it was a very short trip to New Delhi, I did eventually make it on time and had some good time. It was nice to share some laughs with both the girls; I really hope (and am sure) that there many more award winning acts on the anvil for both of them."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 20 Mar 2010 | 7:14 am "I have always worked in diverse films" - Ajay Devgn
Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? has seen a decent response coming its way. Meanwhile Ajay Devgn is looking at an eventful year ahead with diverse films like Raajneeti, Once Upon A Time In Mumbai, Garam Hawa, Toonpur Ka Superhero and Golmaal 3 in the pipeline. However, Ajay denies that he is experimenting with genres only now and states that he has been trying to follow this route right through his two decades career.
"It is surprising that you are making a note of it now when I have worked on diverse films like Raincoat, Zakhm and Thakshak at regular intervals. Somehow all this news about me doing varied films is catching heat today when the fact remains that I have been working in such set ups even when not many were stepping out in this direction", protests Ajay.
Well, Ajay definitely has a point to make here. After all the two time National Award winning actor (for Zakhm and The Legend of Bhagat Singh) has just been modest enough to have possessed it all but not necessarily flaunted it. Moreover, a closer study of his two decade long career does suggest that in spite of a 'masala' beginning to his career, Ajay has truly experimented with Halla Bol, Omkara, Yuva, Gangaajal, Apaharan, Bhoot and Company as well, to name a new. Now the fact is that not many of these films can really be termed as the kinds that had an eye on turning out to be blockbusters at the box office.
However, if one looks at the remainder of 2010, Ajay's repertoire of films is nothing but envying. Comments a trade follower, "One has to look at the way Ajay has planned it all so well. Raajneeti is all set to mark a hat trick of winners for Ajay Devgn and Prakash Jha after Apaharan and Gangaajal. Once Upon A Time In Mumbai will follow soon after and the film is special since it brings together director Milan Luthria and Ajay together again after Kachche Dhaage."
"He is also working on Priyadarshan's Garam Hawa (along with Akshaye Khanna and Bipasha Basu) which seems like quite an interesting social-action entertainer. And then there is live-animation flick Toonpur Ka Superhero which is looking for an opportune release time as well. Ajay will certainly end the year on a high note since Rohit Shetty's Golmaal 3 should be a mega money spinner this Diwali", adds the expert.
Since Ajay is doing so much in his professional career, where does Kajol fit into picture? Does he seek any creative (or other inputs) from her during his decision making process?
"Well, Kajol and I hardly discuss work at home. This is why we never spoke about this movie as well", is all that Ajay is willing to comment on the subject. This actually sends out a strong signal once again that when it comes to his films, Ajay is more than willing to talk at length. However, the moment a conversation starts taking a tangential route and borders upon his personal life, the guard naturally goes up.
Coming back to lighter topics, now that he is all set to have an engaged 2010 ahead, is he pining for some rest?
"Certainly not! These are going to be exciting months ahead and I am actually going through 2-3 scripts which are sounding quite promising", Ajay eases up here, "As for my next film as a director, that would happen in due course of time. This has been a rather good going and I am enjoying it all."Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 20 Mar 2010 | 6:31 am Savita Bhabhi to seduce netizens as Rekha KumariAFTER IMPRESSING the young and old alike with her hot antics on the web, Savita Bhabi is all set to seduce netizens in her movie avatar on an internet TV portal. The role of Savita Bhabhi will be played by Divya Dwivedi.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 20 Mar 2010 | 5:45 am Priyanka Chopra attends National Awards in a stunning saree
For those of her fans who had gotten used to seeing the stunning Priyanka Chopra at social dos in gowns and dresses, the saree that she wore at the National Awards on Friday was a surprising change.
Laughing on the eve of collecting the prestige award, Priyanka said, "I've three sarees ready. I haven't decided which one to wear. I'm tooooo excited."
Priyanka was in Delhi on Friday feeling much at-peace. "My entire family including parents and my grandparents are all here for the National Awards ceremony. It's a big moment for me and I wanted my entire family to be part of it. Tomorrow (Saturday) my father's music album releases. So the family has double reason to be together."
Priyanka is looking forward to shooting her second film with Vishal Bhardwaj. It's tentatively titled Saat Khoon Maaf. But that title would change soon.
Anu Kapoor is the latest actor to join Priyanka's bandwagon of husbands in Bhardwaj's film.
Anu and Priyanka Chopra are joined by their love for music and singing. Many antakshari sessions with two heading teams are anticipated in Coorg.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 20 Mar 2010 | 4:44 am "Well Done Abba will definitely work at the box office" - Minissha Lamba
I'd wish I met Minissha Lamba at her house because on meeting her, you'd observe she shifts restlessly in her seat, as she will do throughout our conversation, and admits that talking about herself is "very uncomfortable". Yet she will not hesitate before answering a question, or reply that she doesn't know, or edge around cautiously before reaching a tentative conclusion. "It's just always awkward, you know?" she says. "It's hard. Hard to explain why you do what you do." Petite, pretty, an apparent slip of a girl, she's a knot of uncertainties, sometimes - which, you later realize, conceal an iron resilience. Lamba could easily have been another perky, goofy, rom-com actress, and the next Meg Ryan types. But this lass decided to go the other way before her directors took the other route. That's why we see her in Bachna Ae Haseeno, Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd, Dus Kahaniyaan and now in Well Done Abba. Many, including her co-star in her latest film, Boman Irani, regard her as one of the very best at doing what she does. Up close, you see the years etched delicately on her face with each passing small yet substantial performance. Not that she is worried about her age and milestones. Minissha has never let anything get her down and that's why she is climbing the ladder of success slowly but surely. In this extended chat with the actress who's almost exhausted after giving interviews from morning till late evenings, the last thing she'd want is a phone call for the same. For a change, I decided to be her last wish that evening to make up my loss of not meeting her at her house. But what's surprising is the fact that even at 8.30pm she still sounded like the interview was her first one. That's what our Mini (we love to call her) is - calm and composed, because that's what detects the traces of her charm. Well Done Mini!
As far as future projects are concerned, I want to do massy entertainers
Every time we see you on the big screen, you're like a cat on the prowl. But this time around, you're going into the skin of the character. Well Done Abba is touted as your most critically acclaimed work so far. (Laughs) Hopefully, it should be when the film is released. Yes, the overseas audiences including critics who've seen the film at various festivals around the globe are raving about the film. Fingers crossed. It's an absolute honour being a part of a Shyam Benegal film because I didn't expect to get a call from him so early on in my career. And for him to have a role for me to play in Well Done Abba was perfect. The last thing any person would call me for is to play a role of a village girl.
The last impression which audiences have of you is of a sexy bikini babe from Kidnap. Then you play a village girl draped from top to bottom. Is Minissha ready to plunge in the dirt? Well, Minissha Lamba has plunged into the dirt with Well Done Abba. It didn't matter how much dirt you had on your body or how grimy your fingers and feet were because that would look even better on the screen. But as far as future projects are concerned, I want to do massy entertainers. I want to do films that make people laugh, cry and touch their heart.
They say it's a man's world in Bollywood. When it comes to women, their critical acclaim is what gets them going, right? Both are important, you know. For me, it's not the question of 'either' 'or', it's both. I'm being very honest.
But a peep into your body of work shows us that you've worked with the best in business - YRF, Excel, Shree Ashtavinayak, etc. How often do we see that in just a six year old career? I'd say that I've been extremely blessed. I am grateful for all that has come my way. I really am. And at times when you feel low, at times when you feel that you should be doing more, one just needs to look back and see things which you've already been given and blessed with. I'm so happy that my follow up is a Shyam Benegal film. My very first film which I was recognized for, which I was critically acclaimed for, which people still talk about, was the film Yahaan. And I hope Well Done Abba is a follow up to that. This film is yet another stage and a phase where I have evolved as an actor.
I never expected a call from Shyam Benegal
How did you impress Shyam Benegal for the role? There was no impression or convincing act done. I never expected a call from Shyam Benegal. It came as a shock to me when he wanted to cast me in the film, as I said earlier. On the day of our first meeting, I was wearing a dress and my 'cool' shades with high heels. Suddenly I felt very silly walking into his office dressed like that because he wanted me to play a village girl (laughs). I said, 'Sir, I am standing up. You can see me once more and are you really sure you want me to play a village girl in your film?' Shyam sir said, 'Absolutely. I cannot think of anyone else.' It was signed, sealed and done.
And how easy was it to portray a very real character? Someone who you may have seen for yourself? Oh, very real. It is easier to portray a real character because you have so much of material that you can pick up from. From someone who is around you. When you have to play an over the top character, it becomes a bit difficult because there is very little reference from people that you know. Real roles are easy because you can borrow so much from life and from what you see around you.
Tell me something about your 'abba' Boman. (Laughs) He is a gem. He is absolutely amazing. Boman is as good in this role as he was in his very first film that he did. He said that he started acting at the age of forty five or forty six. I was left wondering why he didn't take up acting before that. Well Done Abba has further proved his absolute versatility once more. He doesn't need to prove anything anymore. Boman is superlative and you cannot exaggerate that any more.
And what has Minissha Lamba need to prove? Lot's more. I have a lot to prove. I have a lot to go. I have to prove things that people thought I couldn't do or I feel I can't do. I do feel that I am someone who can do serious films and light hearted romantic comedies. My work is what's going to keep me coming. As an actor, I'd love to try different things for myself and my audiences. Some things will work and some things won't but how I come back from my failures is what's important.
I have to prove things that people thought I couldn't do or I feel I can't do
How well do you know the box office Minissha? (Laughs) Well, we all know that the box office is the God we pray to every Friday. Box office is the ultimate pedometer of how you've done. Well Done Abba is definitely a film that'll work at the box office and I pray that it earns pot loads of money for the simple reason that there are lots of people out there who like to make different cinema like this and who don't have twenty crores to spend on a film.
And do we see hope when it comes to marketing a film like Well Done Abba? I really don't want to talk on something that I don't know. I am not into marketing films. I do not know how it functions. I just want to concentrate on films. For everything else, you have professionals dealing in that particular field. We'll leave the marketing tactics up to them. One thing is sure - Well Done Abba is a paisa vasool film irrespective of what the marketing the film will do.
Name one film you'd have loved to be a part of.
I'd have loved to be a part of 3 Idiots. I think it was a superb film with fun, laughter, pathos and emotion all weaved in one. It was a marvelously enjoyable film. I can just imagine what a time the makers and the cast must've had while making a film like 3 Idiots.
The song promo of Well Done Abba is the talk of the town. (Laughs) Yes, it's a crazy number. It's a telegu hindi rap song. It's got a hectic catchy beat to it. Ila Arun has sung it. You cannot imagine a crazier song that this. By the end of the film, my aunt and uncle in the film figure out what a crazy pair we (I & Sameer Dattani) make. It's a hilarious song.
And what about your crazy partner - Sameer Dattani?
What about him? Well, he is an extremely talented actor. He is doing some really good films right now. Well Done Abba is going to give him his best recognition he has ever had for any of his films for sure because he is absolutely wonderful and a delight to watch in this one.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 20 Mar 2010 | 4:29 am Leena Manimekalai's blog ignites controversyLeena Manimekalai, a celebrated film maker's blog has led to the controversy.Her poems on females is stated to be obsene.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 20 Mar 2010 | 4:02 am Bollywood megastar Dev Anand to launch Golden Jubilee celebrations of India's Film & TV InstituteFilm and Television Institute of India (FTII), the premier film and television training center of the country in Pune, is celebrating its Golden Jubilee Year starting March 20.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 20 Mar 2010 | 3:46 am Subhash K. Jha speaks on Love Sex Aur Dhokha
There is no love in any quickly-digestible packages, little on-screen sex, and a whole lot of dhokha in Dibakar Banerjee third and most tricky filmâ¦Tricky, because the characters are constantly talking and living their lives on camera. We see them as they are, stripped of all vanity, ridiculously self-serving but still capable of bouts of guilt and caring.
Love Sex Aur Dhokha is a mirror-image, and more, of a world that has made up its mind to sell its heart and most of its soul to the camera. There are three stories in the film rolled together less by design than chance. Unlike other episodic films this one doesn't flirt with finesse. Instead Banerjee fornicates with ferocious realism born out of a desperate generation's craving to make a place in a society that recognizes you for your financial rather than emotional or intellectual prosperity.
The first story entitled Superhit Pyar hits you in the solar-plexus when the father of the rich girl Shruti (Shruti) and her newly-married husband Rahul (Anshuman Jha) are taken to a desolate highway and hacked to pieces. This, after we see Rahul the director making a film with Shruti in the lead that looks a Bhojpuri version of Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. Love does just hurt, it hacks.
Nothing that has come before prepares us for the savagery of the dying moments. Banerjee's narrative is relentless in its pursuit of a cinematic language that comes closest the unalloyed colloquialisms of every- day life. These are character you've probably seen melt in the melee of the humdrum. Nikos Andritsakis' cinematography picks out these characters from their allotted anonymity to place them in positions that are always compromising, sometimes poignant and funny but brutally honest. It couldn't have been easy for the cinematographer to deliberately distort the images on screen as per the camera-recordings of the characters. Imperfection in this case, is a given. Distortion a demand of destiny.
The spoofy spirit of the pre-climactic segment of the first story Superhit Pyar shifts gears in the second story Paap Ki Dukaan where a desperate social climber ironically named Adarsh (Raj Kumar Yadav) lures an innocent salesgirl in a supermarket Rashmi (Neha Chauhan) into the backroom for some MMS sex.
Significantly the man who wants to make money out of on-camera sex, is half in love with the clueless girl, and is tempted to switch off the camera when he finally gets to the sex.
But the conscience can go to hell. It will find plenty of company there. The third and by far the most well-rounded and incisive story Badnaam Shohrat finally throws forward a conscientious protagonist. The growing fondness between the closet-idealist of a journalist Prabhat (Amit Sial) and the miserably unhappy item girl Naina (Arya Devdutta) is a savage indictment of 'news' as we see it today on television. Go take a bite of this sound byte.
The grotesquely caricatural pop singer Loki Local (Herry Tengri) in the third story is a savagely satirical symptom of a sick society looking for instant gratification.
It isn't as if every moment in this tightly packed sardine-can of excitable emotions is savage brutal and aggressive. The sensitive moments just creep up on the creepy moments nourishing bathing and mollifying the savage exterior of a world gone ruthlessly and desperately selfish and immoral.
Dibakar Banerjee's creates a digital world resorting to desperate measures. His characters are ordinary people extraordinarily challenged by the sheer obligation of day-to-day living. While these characters-social 'mess'-fits symptomatic of a new materialistic 'muddle' class-record all their moves and action on self-operated cameras(shaky, hazy, lazy and sometime crazy but always a window to their souls) the director records their stories without overt cinematic interventions.
This is where the film's main problems props up. The director vision is so unified to the way the characters see themselves that a section of the audience may feel it's watching a hugely self-indulgent work that wants to keep the 'cinema' out of cinema.
The material binding the three stories is edited like a home video where the relevance of the characters depends on our off-camera familiarity with them. The people in Love Sex Aur Dhokha need no introduction or back-projection. They are who they are, without the participation of cinematic devices. Banerjee almost sneaks in on these people to violate their non-privatized lives.
The characters personal spaces are already violated by self-deployed cameras. Dibakar Banerjee doesn't act the voyeuristic director even when the girl in the supermarket is on the ground making love with the desperate guy who has spent all his time and effort to get her there.
Why is there no triumph in his love-making? Love Sex Aur Dhokha is not a film about celebrating the end of an individual's right to privacy. It's a rigorously recorded pseudo-documentary about people who have thrown all caution and discretion to the winds because they've no choice.
The film never belittles or sentimentalizes the characters' lack of choices. While inventing a unique format of cinematic expression Dibakar Banerjee has not emotionally emasculated the characters. Even when they're doing it for a camera their emotions are not out of our range of vision.
In terms of technique this film gets as rough and jolting as any film can. The actors look like reality-show rejects making a last-bid attempt to prove their worth.
They got the point. This is a film that has no-reference point. Except the people we see all around us.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 20 Mar 2010 | 3:08 am
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