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Kites grounded in Chennai
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jun 2010 | 9:29 am Animation revolution set to sweep India: Canadian pioneerCanadian animation leader Toon Boom, which pioneered the industry in India and whose Indian operations account for one third of its global business today, sees an animation revolution sweeping the South Asian giant.Source: Entertainment News | 5 Jun 2010 | 8:45 am 'Right Yaaa Wrong' goes to Stuttgart film festSubhash Ghai's "Right Yaaa Wrong" featuring Sunny Deol has been selected for screening at the Stuttgart Film Festival, a statement today said.Source: Entertainment News | 5 Jun 2010 | 8:42 am Jackson's last rehearsals now on Indian TVA documentary on Michael Jackson, based on his last rehearsals for his sold-out London concerts which never happened due to his death, will premiere on Indian television on the King of Pop's first death anniversary on June 25.Source: Entertainment News | 5 Jun 2010 | 8:35 am SRK wanted moustachioed look when younger
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jun 2010 | 7:25 am John skips IIFA due to Tamilian protests, Bipasha goes to promote Lamhaa
Love and ideology make strange bedfellows. While other star couples from Bollywood were off to Colombo for four days of fun, frolic and, er, films at IIFA, John and Bipasha decided to go their separate ways on the issue of Tamilian protests against Bollywood's presence in Colombo.
Says a source close to John and Bipasha, "Bipasha proceeded to Colombo at the last minute without John. This was the first time she attended this annual jamboree without John and no, she wasn't sulking over the matter. Bipasha had no choice but to attend because she had to represent her film Lamhaa in Colombo."
Initially, Bipasha did try to convince John to accompany her. But keeping in mind the Tamilian sentiments he opted out. Says the mutual friend of the couple, "John is very clear about being politically correct. He is a Malyali and feels very strongly about South Indian issues. So even if it meant not spending quality time with Bipasha, John decided to forego the pleasure trip."
When contacted John tries to brush off his non-presence at Colombo. "I had work in Mumbai so I didn't go. I'm completely immersed in pre-production work for Nishikant Kamat's film. I can't think of anything else at the moment."
Incidentally, Colombo was one of the major locations suggested by Nishikant Kamat. John politely suggested a digression.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 5 Jun 2010 | 7:22 am Raajneeti gets huge opening, Arjun, Manoj and Prakash Jha in seventh heaven
One film scholar says, "Friday will decide the fate of Raajneeti." A distributor says, "I don't think the film will last because of its political backdrop." An overseas marketing head of a production house says, "Raajneeti is a dicey film. Its chances of not connecting to the overseas audiences are many." All this jazz and then this - Raajneeti receives a thunderous 90% opening. All the above then doesn't make sense, does it? It all boils down to 'The film opened well. People bought the tickets. Audiences got sold to Raajneeti. Job done and everything else is history, and the guy who is very much responsible for the thunder this summer is Mr. Prakash Jha. A director of his calibre confesses this morning, "I have now realised that I can make and take risks in terms of commerciality. I will be open to new ideas for my next film. Raajneeti's opening has taught me that good work never goes unnoticed. It's the goodness which has stood out so far. Now it's time to see how the goodness gets transformed into greatness in the coming days." Jha continues, "Raajneeti had everything working against it if you see the commerciality in terms of business of Bollywood. But the opening proved me wrong. I am in seventh heaven."
A very jovial, excited and shocked Arjun Rampal said this morning, "It's a shock to know that Raajneeti has not only opened with a great percentage but the crazy fact is that I've just got a call from Prakash who told me that Raajneeti has opened very well in the U.K and Australia. It has got a bigger opening than 3 Idiots. Now that's a shocker." He continues, "We have got the most unexpected start and now looking for the snowball effect. Raajneeti, if it works for a few days more, will have a fate like Rock On. The word of mouth is the key here. The time has come to hit the last hammer. I am so happy with the opening the film has got. My weekend is going to be great (laughs)."
Manoj Bajpai too was in a shock but confident when he quoted, "I know that any good product gets sold quickly. Raajneeti is facing the same fortune. The news of the opening comes to me as a shock because we never thought that a film of this scale will get a big jump start. Somewhere, people had faith in our film and that's a victory for me and our team. Faith in any film decides its fate too, I think."
You never can tell what works, why it works, how it works but the fact is that it works...and how. Now the question asked is, 'Will Raajneeti be able to sustain its opening?'Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 5 Jun 2010 | 7:04 am Sri Lankan team knocks out Bollywood stars in charity matches
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jun 2010 | 7:03 am Kutcher disappoints Demi Moore
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jun 2010 | 6:45 am Anupam Kher receives Sri Lankan Presidential Award
Getting awards (both national and international) is nothing new for Bollywood's ever green superstar Anupam Kher. After being conferred a million awards (and that just won't be an exaggeration), Anupam Kher, has been now given the most prestigious Presidential Award from Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, at the ongoing International Indian Film Academy Weekend (IIFA) for his contribution to cinema.
Speaking exclusively to Bollywood Hungama, an elated Anupam said , "It's a greatest honour that I am given the award. For me, it's the biggest award in IIFA. The award also means the recognition of my school, my teachers and the hard work that they have put in the last 5 years. All in all, it's simply a great feeling."
Congratulations Mr. Kher!Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 5 Jun 2010 | 6:14 am Salman on Katrina's RaajneetiThough the actor who's busy attending IIFA weekend right now, hasn't seen girlfriend Katrina's film, he has heard nice things about the film and is hopeful about it. He says...Source: | 5 Jun 2010 | 6:07 am Jayasuriya playing perfect host to Vivek OberoiBollywood actor Vivek Oberoi is all praise for Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya, who has been showing him around in this capital city.Source: | 5 Jun 2010 | 6:02 am Neil Nitin Mukesh signed up as brand ambassador for Gen X Vests
Neil Nitin Mukesh is someone who happens to be one of the most prominent faces among the Gen-next breed of actors. Hailing from a filmy family, he made a rocking debut in Johnny Gaddaar. He later followed it up with brilliant performances in films like Aa Dekhen Zara, New York and Jail.
These days, Neil is one helluva' busy man. If he is not shooting films, the actor is busy signing the dotted lines as the brand ambassador. After having lent his face to almost a dozen products, Neil has now been chosen as the brand ambassador for Gen X Vests. Sources close to Bollywood Hungama say that, Neil was chosen purely on the basis of his squeaky-clean and decent image, both on screen and off screen, a requite that the company officials were keen on.
Looks like Neil is definitely basking in the sunshine when the sun is shining bright, really bright!Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 5 Jun 2010 | 5:56 am Sonam Kapoor redefines travel in L'Officiel
A legend once said, "While on a travel, the destination is more important than the journey". We just would like to add a bit more, stating that 'If the companion is worthwhile, both the journey and the destination become equally exciting'.
Well, that's exactly what you can expect when you pick up the current edition of L'Officiel, which has got none other than Bollywood's latest blue eyed girl: Sonam Kapoor. If this is not what you call as 'Hitting two birds with one stone', which means, Sonam Kapoor has been shot in New Zealand by the magazine guys, which also doubles up as the location for Sonam's upcoming project I Hate Luv Storys. The snaps speak a million words in this issue.
All in all, Sonam Kapoor takes you to the beautiful New Zealand in L'Officiel!Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 5 Jun 2010 | 5:49 am Vivek rubbishes reports of Salman snubbing him at IIFA
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 5 Jun 2010 | 5:48 am Gig alertsSophie Sugar is one of the rising stars of the global trance scene.Source: | 5 Jun 2010 | 5:15 am "Eventually it is a film which works, nothing else" - Prakash Jha
Don't expect 'oh, it was great working with so and so actor' quotes from Prakash Jha. He isn't someone who is trapped in the world of stars. Now that sounds strange for someone who has managed to get some of the top line actors and stars in his political drama cum thriller Raajneeti. Ajay Devgn and Arjun Rampal are two contrasting actors who can set the screen ablaze. Manoj Bajpai is in the league of his own while Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif are youngsters who are clearly ready to rule for an entire decade to come. Still, Jha believes (and rightly so) that a film works due to the story which is told rather than the stars.
In a conversation with Joginder Tuteja, the man behind hard hitting films like Gangaajal and Apaharan reveals his reasons behind taking time to make films, the entertainment quotient (or the lack of it) which is thought of during the writing process and how Ajay stays on to be a constant feature in each of his newer films.
It is the story and the narrative that should engage and involve you in those 2.5 - 3 hours
It has been five years since the release of your Gangaajal. Now comes Raajneeti and there is so much gap between the two films. Why is that so? Is it intentional?
Yes, I do take time to make films and that's because I never tell a usual tale. I get something topical, something which has not been told and then bring in a lot of ingredients to it. I concentrate a lot on getting the narrative right and also putting everything in place during the pre-production stage itself. Due to this, there is this gap which does come between two films of mine.
Some may believe that a political drama is a relatively dry subject to be told on celluloid. While working on the narrative of Raajneeti, how did you keep the entertainment quotient intact?
Kisi cheez ka aisa koyi quotient nahi hota. At the end of the day, it is the story and the narrative that should engage and involve you in those 2.5 - 3 hours. If that doesn't engage you then whatever you may make, it won't work for the audience. You can have the best of the locations, artists and big money but only that is not good enough to work for the film. We have seen a lot of such things happening in the past. This is why sometimes you may be making a small film but it clicks with the audience just because there was a terrific story to tell.
For example?
For example Dev D. It was a small film and an experimental one at that. Still, people liked it. It made money for all involved and also fetched quite some critical acclaim for itself. So you don't necessarily have to aspire to make a big film with stars all around. Even that may not work after all.
Ajay is not just a great professional, he is also a very nice human being
Well, one does believe strongly that Raajneeti is all set to click with the audience. Do you see them coming from smaller cities and towns only or even metropolitan cities?
I will give an example of my own films - Gangaajal and Apaharan. Both these films worked in the interiors of UP as well as multiplexes. Similarily for Raajneeti as well, I have my target as audiences from all over.
In fact after Kites, your film is also expected to bail out the industry from the current crisis it is in.
I would say it is the wrong way of looking at things. Yes, when a film works then it benefits everybody. There are good actors in the film toh thodi expectations toh hogi hi logon mein.
You sound diplomatic. After all the name Prakash Jha also counts, isn't it?
No, that's not really justified. The end of the day it is all about a film and not a director. All expectations should be on a film after all. Initially people may think that it is a Prakash Jha film and come to theatres with lot of expectations. But eventually it is a film which works, nothing else.
Meanwhile, one hears that your next film would be looking at exploring a relationship based subject. As again, Ajay's presence seems mandatory in the film. Why is it so that ever since Dil Kya Kare, he has a constant presence in your films, whether it is Gangaajal, Apaharan or Raajneeti?
(Smiles) Uske saath maza aata hai kaam karne mein. Not just is he a great professional, he is also a very nice human being. That gives him an extra edge. There is a huge understanding that both of us have for each other. He has a huge range and can do anything. No wonder, whenever I am in the process of writing a film, there is one or the other character that ends up suiting him. Issi liye Ajay ke liye meri films mein jahag apne aap hi ban jaati hai.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 5 Jun 2010 | 5:05 am Taz recreates Beatles’ songSinger's new Album Twist and Shout, will feature a desi version of the song.Source: | 5 Jun 2010 | 4:24 am Kites grounded in Chennai - NDTV.com
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Jun 2010 | 4:16 am Frisky Radio celebrates IndiaFrisky Radio, a decade-old independent online electronica dance music radio station online has dedicated a show to celebrate electronic music from India.Source: | 5 Jun 2010 | 4:13 am Gurinder’s next on partitionBend It Like Beckham director Gurinder Chadha revealed that she is working on a script on the 1947 India-Pakistan partition on the micro-blogging website, Twitter.Source: | 5 Jun 2010 | 4:08 am Coming up: controversy!Reason: Lyricist Gulzar’s lyrics in two of Saat Khoon Maaf's songs have lines about the controversial Babri Masjid.Source: | 5 Jun 2010 | 4:02 am 'Raavan' team not scared of Tamil protests: Nikhil Dwivedi - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Jun 2010 | 3:56 am Ra.One's expenses shoot up, SRK nervous - Times of India
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Jun 2010 | 3:55 am Subhash K. Jha speaks about Raajneeti
In Prakash Jha's sweeping damning and definitive look at Indian politics and its power-hungry players , Sarah Thompson is Ranbir Kapoor's Irish-American girlfriend who suddenly finds herself thrown into the vortex of the murkiest aspect of Indian culture... no , I don't mean films about Indian politics, but politics the real thing. Ekdum asli maal, boss.
Sarah's shock is never ours. We are a cynical people.
Prakash Jha known earlier for his deft Devgn-helmed Bihar-centric political thrillers (Apaharan, Gangaajal) this time explores the Mahabharat for a look at the way politics in our country governs almost every aspect of Indian existence. The Thompson character's shocked realization of the indiscretions and immoralities of Indian politics cuts across the audiences' perception of the world bathed in blood and corruption, manned and piloted by people who emerge out of a dynastic propensity to define power-hunger as a birthright.
Raajneeti has more characters lunging for the ballot box than the popcorn-nibbling audience can keep track of . A taut clenched drama of devastating nemesis, Raajneeti moves across its epic mythology-inspired canvas with a vigour and velocity that sweep audiences off our feet.
The way Prakash Jha captures the parched dusty bustling energy of political rallies is maha-impressive. Yes, this director understands the rudiments of politics as well as the entrances and exits of the movie-making canvas . This is no amateurish attempt to yoke the Mahabharat with Indian politics. The truth-defining moments in Raajneeti are truly shattering. The lies that co-writers Anjum Rajabali and Prakash Jha's characters live have ricocheting ramifications.
Prakash Jha delves deep into the conscience of his characters to emerge with some acutely penetrating insight the corroded heart of the Indian body-politic.The dramatic high-points in the narration are handled with strangulated vigour. The sound of a muffled scream is never far away from the centre of the narration.
Jha's storytelling never touches those nerve-ends in his narration where his characters would have actually expressed what they feel. You often miss a culmination to the dramatic tensions that the writers and director build so diligently. A sequence such as the one where the mother-figure(new actress Nikhila Tirkha, interesting) meets her illegitimate son(Ajay Devgn) for the first time is more interesting for its dramatic possibilities than their actual realization.Strangely,the lamguage in this mother-son reunion sequence abruptly turns to shuddh from sly.
The criss-cross of relationships in the intricate tapestry of trust betrayal murder and atonement works as a persuasive pactiche of smothered anguished dramatic ambivalence. No character is allowed ample space to express his or her innermost desires and ambitions.
Katrina's character for example, is so underdeveloped , we never know what she really wants to get out of her space in life . The brutality with which she is shoved by the male characters from rebuffed love to a marriage of political convenience to a widowed political career, is a plot of immense dramatic potential, alas sketchily realized.
We see Jha's gallery of dynastic politicians in all their ruthless glory. But we never get close enough to them to connect with their lust greed pain anger and hunger.
The squalor and ugliness of Indian politics is put on screen with cutting immediacy. There are interesting side-characters , like the ambitious female politician from Sitapur(Shruti Seth) who uses sex for barter and female newscasters, rallyists and petty politicians played by actors who seem to know the world they are meant to occupy from the fringes.
The trouble with the over-laden plot is that all the major characters clamour to be emblematic and individualistic. They are types and yet unique in the way their portray political cliches. They inhabit the two worlds with just about enough conviction to make this a political drama high on content if somewhat low on emotions.
What really elevates Raajneeti to the level of a powerful political parable of our times are the performanes. Nana Patekar, Manoj Bajpai, Arjun Rampal and Ajay Devgn(in that order) get a firm grip over their characters and carry their tumultuous karma to a logical culmination.
Katrina Kaif comes into her own in the last 15 minutes. She looks vulnerable and resplendent as a girl forced to put power over her heart. As for Ranbir Kapoor he is actually the backbone of Raajneeti. He brings a reined-in steel-edged ruthlessness to his character. For sure there is no other actor from his generation who could have played this character.
The pair's goodbye sequence at the end of the film is so discreetly and deftly handled, you wish there was more moments between the two.
Raajneeti is not just a film that opens up the tattered edges of Indian politics. It dares to walk right into the muck, with restraint vigour and some sensitivity. The film has some outstanding cinematography by Sachin Kumar Krishnan . The camera seems to be looking into places in the characters' psyche that perhaps even the screenplay isn't aware of.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 5 Jun 2010 | 3:52 am For Sania's sake, Shoaib Malik joined Salman's team against Pakistan
This has got to be the strangest and most exciting marriage of two opposing sides ever. First, Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik comes to India and marries India's hottest tennis player Sania Mirza. Then before we know it, the pair moves to the no-man's land in Dubai where Malik joins hands with Salman Khan to play against Pakistan.
At the Dubai Sports City on Thursday May 27, Shoaib created cricketing history by playing in Salman Khan's Indian team against his fellow team-mates led by Shoaib Akhtar who played against Salman's Being Human team from Bollywood.
Apparently, Shoaib was reluctant to play in Salman's team. It was wife Sania who convinced him.
Says a source from Salman's team, "Sania Mirza is a huge Salman fan. When Salman asked her husband to play on his team Shoaib Malik was naturally reluctant. But then Sania's persuasive powers over her husband worked. When it came to Salman, Sania wouldn't hear a no even from her own husband."
That's how Malik made cricketing history by playing against his country men.
Arbaaz Khan verifies the historic occurrence. However, he wouldn't like to attribute any political motives to Salman's charitable game in Dubai.
Arbaaz says, "It was a friendly match between mixed teams and had wasn't anything like playing for or against. All in good spirit and for fun."
However, with Pakistan waiting for 'Sania Bhabhi' to show up, Shoaib Bhai giving in to his wife's fondness for Salman by playing against Pakistan could be a politically and athletically a wrong move.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 5 Jun 2010 | 3:49 am Salman fumes at Vivek for his antics - Hindustan Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Jun 2010 | 2:50 am Vivek Oberoi defends Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan - Daily News & Analysis
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Jun 2010 | 2:48 am Bollywood stars discover their charitable side at IIFACOLOMBO (Reuters) - Bollywood stars in Sri Lanka for an awards ceremony billed as India's Oscars are doing their bit to help the island nation emerge from the devastation of a quarter century war.Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 5 Jun 2010 | 2:44 am Please support IIFA, says Anupam Kher - Hindustan Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Jun 2010 | 2:31 am IIFA in Colombo to spread peace, support it: Anupam KherSeveral big stars are missing from the IIFA awards this year after the boycott call from the southern film industry, but veteran Anupam Kher says the event is an effort to spread peace in the island country and should be supported.Source: Entertainment News | 5 Jun 2010 | 1:58 am Katrina Kaif's acting in Raajneeti receives rave reviews - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 4 Jun 2010 | 11:52 pm Katrina Kaif's acting in Raajneeti receives rave reviewsThe gorgeous Katrina Kaif –one of Bollywood’s most sought after actresses has raised several eyebrows with her dignified performance in Prakash Jha ‘s Raajneeti. With Raajneeti, Katrina Kaif has ventured into new territory this time around and has come out victoriousSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Jun 2010 | 11:51 pm Ajay Devgn opens up on diversion of Raajneeti promotionsYou need to have a couple of conversations with Ajay Devgn before a mutual comfort level sets in. Yes, he has opened up with media but his intrinsic nature still doesn't allow him to go overboard yet (all for the rightSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Jun 2010 | 11:41 pm Tarun Tahiliani brings luxury brands to Bridal CoutureWeddings have always been an event of extravagance for Indias. The renowned fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani is coming up with new luxury brands for a bridal couture exposition at the plush DLF Emporio Mall, Delhi from July 22-25 in order toSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Jun 2010 | 11:32 pm Raajneeti applauded by Bollywood starsDirector Prakash Jha’s multi-starrer Raajneeti has hit the theatres yesterday and had its premiere on Thursday night. The premiere was attended by various celebs of the tinsel town, who were very excited to watch the politics cum Mahabharata flick.Actor Chunky Pandey,Source: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Jun 2010 | 11:30 pm Vedam – Movie Review - Oneindia
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 4 Jun 2010 | 11:11 pm Vedam – Movie ReviewDirector Krish bagged several awards for his debut film ‘Gamyam’. This made the audiences keep high expectations on his latest release ‘Vedam’ as this time he prepared a subject, which has a scope for two heroes and a heroine. Another interestingSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Jun 2010 | 11:08 pm Puneet as Jackie in Nadodigal remakeHotshot Kannada director Soori is working on the remake of the successful Tamil hit movie Nadodigal. Puneet Rajkumar has been signed for the lead role in this movie. The Movie will be produced by Parvathamma Rajkumar, under Puneet’s own production bannerSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Jun 2010 | 10:50 pm Claudia Schiffer sparks race row after posing as black womanLondon (ANI): Supermodel Claudia Schiffer is at the centre of a race row over a photograph of the beauty where she is made up as a black woman. The 39-year-old wore dark foundation and an afro wig in the shots takenSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Jun 2010 | 10:36 pm Brody's horror flick sex scene turned off HollywoodLondon (ANI): Canadian filmmaker Vincenzo Natali took French help to fund his new horror flick Splice after Hollywood studios refused to direct a sex scene between Adrien Brody and a creature his character creates. Natali, 41, says the idea of watchingSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Jun 2010 | 10:35 pm Amy Winehouse’s new man two-timing her with stripperLondon (ANI): Rehab singer Amy Winehouse’s new man has been revealed to be two-timing her with a stripper called Raven. Winehouse, 26, has been dating director Reg Traviss since she chatted him up at his parents’ pub a few weeks ago.ButSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Jun 2010 | 9:59 pm Madonna casts James D'arcy as King Edward VIIILondon (ANI): Queen of Pop Madonna has cast actor James D'arcy as King Edward VIII in her upcoming royal biopic W.E. The singer is set to direct the film, based on the story of the former monarch, who abdicated the throneSource: Oneindia.in - Entertainment | 4 Jun 2010 | 9:58 pm Miley Cyrus kissing girl dancer caught live, watch videoDuring performance of 'Can't be Tamed' in Thursday night episode of 'Britain got Talent' Miley Cyrus grabbed one of her backup dancer and kissed on her lips long enough to make it an issue.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 4 Jun 2010 | 5:51 pm Rashid Irani's Review: Shutter IslandThis psychological thriller marks the fourth collaboration between Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio. If you are willing to overlook the sporadic dramatic lapses, then chances are that you might actually find the genre exercise engaging enough. Read the full review.Source: | 4 Jun 2010 | 5:05 pm Rashid Irani's Review: A Nightmare on Elm StreetUnfortunately, debutant director Bayer, a veteran of music videos, has no clue as to what is scary, only what is splatter sensationalism. There’s no story to speak of, no credible dynamic between the troubled teens and certainly none of the unrelenting suspense that distinguished the first Nightmare film. Source: | 4 Jun 2010 | 5:03 pm Real-life Gandhigiri in AllahabadOne of prized possessions of the government museum in Allahabad is a big-nosed, bottle-green truck with a Ford V8 engine. It’s the vehicle that in 1948 carried one of the urns containing Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes on its journey to the confluence of the Ganga and the Yamuna, where it was tipped into the water according to the Mahatma’s wishes.Source: | 4 Jun 2010 | 4:54 pm Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford arrested: Reason and other detailsThe public information officer of the police department confirmed that Chace was released on bond shortly after he was arrested after midnight. The rep of the actor has not responded as of yet.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 4 Jun 2010 | 3:54 pm The Scripps National Spelling Bee 2010: Final on June 5, DetailsThe Scripps National Spelling Bee features the best spellers from about 270 countries, the youngest contestant being Vanya Shivashankar. She is just eight year old and younger sister of former champion Kavya.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 4 Jun 2010 | 3:44 pm Bollywood beauties skip IIFA charity cricket matchBlame it on the timing, the weather or other factors, but very few Bollywood actresses turned up for a charity cricket match played as part of the ongoing International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards here today.Source: Entertainment News | 4 Jun 2010 | 3:42 pm Richard Dunn of Tim and Eric Awesome Show diesRichard Dunn, a long time cast member on Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!, passed away this morning at 7:14am after suffering a stroke.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 4 Jun 2010 | 2:53 pm Splice Movie Review: Download pictures, trailersThe scientific discoveries is the driving the plot of the film. Two biochemists, Clive (Adrien Brody) and Elsa (Sarah Polley) discover a synthetic polymer that has healing properties for farm animals.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 4 Jun 2010 | 2:35 pm Get Him to the Greek Review: Best comedy of 2010Overall verdict is in favor of the movie, with many reviewers describing 'Get him to the Greek' as the best comedy of 2010.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 4 Jun 2010 | 2:33 pm Opposites collide - Hindustan Times
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 4 Jun 2010 | 2:04 pm IPL has changed the definition of cricket: Dia MirzaActress Dia Mirza says Indian Premier League (IPL) has changed the whole definition of cricket by mixing glamour and fun.Source: Entertainment News | 4 Jun 2010 | 1:17 pm Tribute to dam disaster victims closer to release"Dam 999", a tribute to the victims of the 1975 Banqiao dam disaster in China, is getting closer for release as its shooting has been completed.Source: Entertainment News | 4 Jun 2010 | 11:59 am Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl starrer Killers - reviewAshton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl starrer Killers, an action, comedy movie opened in theaters Friday, June 4. Killers has been rated PG-13 for violent action, sexual material and language, the film runs for 1 hour and 40 minutes.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 4 Jun 2010 | 11:54 am IIFA Exclusive Update: Hrithik to unveil 'Zangoora'
'Kingdom Of Dreams', touted as India's first, unique live entertainment destination on an epic scale, will be announced on Saturday, 5th June at IIFA in Colombo. Guest Hrithik Roshan is expected to open the gates to the incredible Indian fantasy - ZANGOORA: THE GYPSY PRINCE - a theatrical musical.
A Wizcraft International Entertainment and Apra Group venture, the stage musical stars Hussain Kuwajerwala, Isha Sharvani and Gauhar Khan. ZANGOORA has story-screenplay-dialogue by Javed Akhtar, music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, production design by Omung Kumar, choreography by Shiamak Davar, costumes by Neeta Lulla and hair and make up by Ambika Pillai.
The lead stars of ZANGOORA are expected to perform at the award nite in the evening.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 4 Jun 2010 | 11:48 am Dia Mirza missing Big B at IIFABollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who has not gone for the International India Film Academy (IIFA) awards ceremony here this year, is being missed by actress Dia Mirza.Source: Entertainment News | 4 Jun 2010 | 11:36 am Paris Hilton not dating 'Jersey Shore' star
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Jun 2010 | 11:19 am Madhavan to host 'Big Money' on ImagineActor R.Source: Entertainment News | 4 Jun 2010 | 11:15 am Actor John Corbett will marry with long time girl friend Bo DerekJohn Corbett, appeared on Live with Regis and Kelly this morning and stated that he and long-time partner Bo Derek will be married. John Corbett, 49, and Bo Derek, 53, have been together for some time.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 4 Jun 2010 | 11:10 am James Cameron snubbed by BP over oil spill
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Jun 2010 | 10:50 am Amitabh Bachchan shoots at Somnath Temple
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Jun 2010 | 10:25 am Big B visits Somnath temple to promote tourism in Gujarat - Sify
Source: Entertainment - Google News | 4 Jun 2010 | 9:34 am An Interview with Jim Rygiel and N Madhusudhnan of GEON studios
Hollywood's visual effects extraordinaire Jim Rygiel has teamed up with N Madhusudhanan's GEON studios (a Sahara India Pariwar division). Jim, well known in Hollywood for his contribution in visual effects in all three of The Lord of the Rings segment's, has received three Academy awards, three BAFTA awards, three VES awards and one AFI award for the trilogy. Besides LOTR, he has done numerous other films such as Cliffhanger, Alien 3, Night at the Museum and The Last of The Mohicans.
This is Jim's first visit to India and Bollywood Hungama brings to you an exclusive one-on-one session with the legend and the VFX supervisor and CEO of GEON studios.
How did your association with GEON come about?
Jim: I'm in India because of Madhu. Our relationship goes back 10 years, I've worked with him in The Lord of the Rings; we have done the movie Click. So, when Madhu opened GEON and asked me to be a part of it, I didn't hesitate at all.
Why Jim and nobody else?
Madhu: (Laughs) Maybe because I've worked with him in so many films. I remember what Jim told me once, "Don't worry, don't be scared ⦠just do it. Have fun." That's something that changed my views. We started small and didn't do big complex composite sequences overnight. When we started out, we were honest and I was eager to learn from him. One can't get three Academy awards out of the blue.
During this time we started thinking of doing much bigger and more meaningful films. I've always looked up to Jim as my mentor. Here's an opportunity to do something much more than what's been done in the past 10 years.
How is Jim's suggestion going to be helpful to the Indian entertainment industry?
Madhu: We are looking at Jim for guidance and advice. It's a marriage of the artistic and technical values, and cannot be understood overnight. I'm not trying to market ourselves by using Jim Rygiel's name; he is helping us to perform better. In the meantime if we get a project which requires Jim's expertise and involvement and if it excites him, then we're going to be doing something together.
Jim: One of the main things I see him helping out in is, bringing in the Hollywood sort of sheen. I've been talking about marketing in Hollywood, to studios like Universal, Paramount and FOX. It's very tough to break that barrier but once you do it, then the floodgates open. I won't be necessarily involved with everything that GEON does but will be there when required.
Why are Indian films still not very VFX-centric?
Madhu: There is a huge film market; and it has nothing to do with visual effects. The one thing that may not work is science-fiction. For example, if you want to make Armageddon, people here might not appreciate it because there is a psychological barrier.
Besides, visual effects are always meant to be for the story and not the other way around. It doesn't work that way in the west as well. Besides, when our audience is mature enough to accept that, they will look forward to many visual effects driven films.
But will VFX-heavy movies inherently work?
Madhu: It's our responsibility to make sure that the effects are not seen on the screen. One should consider two things, do you want to be creative house, or do you want to be just a service oriented house. We want to push ourselves into something different. We want to be a creative studio, I would like to get involved in the script stage where I could ask for the script to do the vfx shot breakdown by myself instead of somebody else; that way I will understand the film and the story and what the character is thinking.
All these things help me plan to make wonderful effects in the movie. If I work on the shots and I don't even know what the story is about, it is going to be noticeable.
What's your take on the Indian VFX and animation markets?
Jim: Other than what Madhu's told me in terms of the growth of Bollywood films which leads to increased requirement for vfx as well. All films will have some vfx in it whether you see it or not and companies will be needed to do those jobs. It's all about the talent and infrastructure at those studios; it's not the market that matters, but the people who are doing that work.
Technologically do you see any difference between India and the US, is there any difference in the work culture?
Jim: Technologically it's the same. The aesthetics still needs to mature. It's a part of that process, because you've been seeing Bollywood films for your whole life and it is ingrained in your head, you will tend to go down that road more subconsciously. Our standard for western films is different and that's the standards we have to set.
It's a little bit of that education between the two aesthetic cultures, which I think is closing quickly because of YouTube and the entire Internet that you can watch instantly. Bollywood is everywhere on television and that's what people think it should be. On the other hand we're bombarded with western aesthetics.
When do you think we will evolve to Hollywood's standards in terms of sheen and quality?
Jim: That's happened now, working with GEON I know they can deliver the shots without much briefing. According to me this is the perfect working experience where I don't need to worry about it too much. That's what I've been doing with all the little companies that I've been associated with. I give the shots with an intention of getting it finished and it's the same globally.
We have seen a couple of projects that are coming from GEON, but we haven't seen anything coming out of Bollywood? Is Bollywood going to benefit from this association?
Madhu: We are very receptive of any scripts that are coming in from Bollywood. We don't think we are a big Hollywood studio, the difference is that we want to be involved creatively. There are some scripts that have come now that are quite interesting, but again the economics should work. When I talk about the economics I mean is that we have to spend a lot of time in pre-production, the more time you spend in pre-production the better the finalized output. Last year there was an interesting project that came our way with an appealing subject, they wanted us to deliver it in six months but that wasn't enough time because it is difficult to do. So we did one Hollywood film and now we're doing a second film as well which is set to release post Christmas. But I would be doing a film with my favorite matinee idol Kamal Hassan. Which is a cool subjet.
Jim: We aren't supposed to talk about it yet, but we are talking about an Indian film which could not be classified as a typical Bollywood film. This will change people's views of what's happening in the industry. Right now we're still discussing about it...
Madhu: We've designed a few things at a very basic level, and the basics have created a lot of excitement among the producers and investors. It's going to be a live-action film and not animated.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 4 Jun 2010 | 9:03 am Screening of Hrithik's Kites disrupted in Chennai
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Jun 2010 | 8:55 am 'Raavan' set for London premiereAbhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai's much-awaited film "Raavan" will have its world premiere June 16 in London.Source: Entertainment News | 4 Jun 2010 | 8:34 am Nikhil Dwivedi denies baring for Raavan
Source: NDTV Entertainment News | 4 Jun 2010 | 8:14 am McAlpine's master class major attraction at Cinema IndiaCinema India is in tenth year.The ongoing expo with Kodak as major sponsor has called upon Top cinematographer Donald McAalpine. The ASC master class with Mcalpine is great learning experience.Source: merinews: Entertainment News Articles | 4 Jun 2010 | 6:14 am Satish Kaushik - After Brick Lane, will he forever remain Pappu Pager?
In the world of journalism, a first person account of affairs is pretty much considered as blasphemous (well in most of the cases). However, after watching Brick Lane, I couldn't resist doing so. A major reason behind doing so is the fact that the write up which is going to follow isn't a review per se. It is the experience of watching the film as a viewer, without wearing the hat of someone who is required to critically deconstruct it.
Honestly, the first thought that came in my mind after watching a couple of scenes featuring Satish Kaushik, the leading man in Brick Lane was - 'Is he the same person who has been immortalised as 'Pappu Pager'? Or 'Calendar'? Or 'Mutthuswami'? And for those select few who may be unfamiliar with these character names, they are from the films Deewana Mastana, Mr. India and Saajan Chale Sasural respectively, three of the biggest successes of Satish Kaushik as an actor.
So why are references being brought to these films? Because each of them has been comedies and more than 90% of the characters enacted by Satish Kaushik in his 75 films and 30 years of acting experience have been comic. No wonder, it is a revelation of sorts to see him into a different zone altogether when he plays the role of a middle aged lower middle class Bangladeshi who is searching for dignity in a foreign land - UK - as seen in Brick Lane.
As someone who is semi-educated, doesn't quite have perfect command over English despite being in the land of Queen for decades, is yet to settle down in life, isn't quite the perfect husband for his wife (Tannishtha Chatterjee) but has his heart in the right place when it comes to taking a stand on religion, Kauhsik is (surprisingly) restrained. He carries the kind of command which one expects from a seasoned actor and though one never doubted his standing as a comic actor, a different side of his personality does make one stand up and notice.
A role like the kind seen in Brick Lane where he is selfish to the core of having sex with his wife rather than caring about making love, mildly hitting his teenage daughter in due course of an argument and having his chauvinist attitude pretty much apparent by being unhappy about her choosing to work could easily have taken a negative connotation.
In fact that has been the problem for most of the films set in the NRI world where a male protagonist is projected as someone out and out black. Remember Provoked or Videsh? Nothing wrong with a character; after all this is what a film maker may be trying to tell through a story. However, the humane side of a regular protagonist is something that has gone amiss in most of the films belonging to this genre and setting so far.
In this regard, Kaushik plays it just right. He keeps it all under control, doesn't make his character looks beastly or ferocious and still makes the suffocation faced by Tannishtha justifiable. No wonder, when she decides to separate from him in due course of time, you feel relieved for her but in turn also quite sympathetic for Kaushik.
This is where the writing of Brick Lane and execution by Kaushik comes in handy because nothing quite goes overboard here. Staying on course is not restricted just to the dramatic scenes but also the light moments that are interspersed into the narrative. And by the way, this doesn't happen through humour where actors get into a 'ha-ha-hee-hee' mode. Instead, all of this comes through the character detailing, mainly because of Kaushik who is shown to be living in his own world.
No wonder, one fine day he thinks of switching over jobs and becoming a cabby, the next day he proudly proclaims that 'soaps are the future' and thinks of starting a business on the same lines, on another day he feels that being a professor is much in demand while on a particular instance, he buys himself a computer because 'this is where the world of knowledge lies'. Frankly, I have seen such characters in real life and hence it was quite easy to identify with someone like Kaushik who keeps juggling between different professions while having a self belief that his dignity would be restored in due course of time.
Will the screen name of Chanu Ahmed turn out to be as memorable as 'Pappu Pager', 'Calendar' or 'Mutthuswami'? I strongly suspect that would ever be the case. After all each of these characters has belonged to mainstream films and has been immortalised over decades. On the other hand Chanu is someone who features in an offbeat film like Brick Lane which hasn't even found a proper release in India despite international acclaim.
Though there would be hardly any people who may catch this truly different act of Kaushik, in his mind and heart he would indeed be happy enough to have attempted something new and done immense justice to it.Source: BollywoodHungama.com Features | 4 Jun 2010 | 5:26 am Aftab Shivdasani's injury puts his sports flick on hold
Aftab Shivdasani's plans to star in a cricket film has been postponed.
It was meant to be a very hush-hush sports film revolving around the game of cricket.Ironically it was a game of cricket that has caused a delay in Aftab's very secret plans to play cricket for his own film.
Not only is his ambitious sports film delayed, Aftab Shivdasani who left on Thursday morning for the IIFA in Colombo would have to skip the benefit cricket match because of the hand injury he suffered while playing cricket for Salman Khan's Being Human team in Dubai last week.
Wincing in pain Aftab explains, "Thankfully it isn't a fracture. Just a small crack in the bone and soft-tissue damage. But that's painful enough. I've to rest my hand for at least ten days. But I'm off to IIFA, though I can't play the cricket match."
Replaying the incident leading to the injury, Aftab says, "I was batting in Dubai against Pakistani actors when I got a beamer. I tried to fend it off with my hand. The ball hit the bone on the side of the palm of my right hand."
The pain was so acute that Aftab had to be rushed to the hospital. "It was painful. I went directly from the stadium to the hospital for an x-ray. There it was discovered I have a small crack in the finger. I've to wear a splint for two weeks."Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 4 Jun 2010 | 4:30 am Emraan returns as Australian City Council denies permission for Crook shoot
It's turning out to be more bad than good for Emraan Hashmi starrer Crook: It's Good To Be Bad. On Wednesday, the cast and crew of the film were forced to return from Australia to India two days before end of schedule. Reason? Australian City Council denied the film any further permission to shoot and despite repeated requests, didn't budge from their stand. While this definitely meant loss of productive days for the team of Crook, it also left a bad taste in the mouth for everyone involved.
Says a senior unit member who accompanied Emraan, Mohit (Suri) and others on their way back home, "It was very disheartening for all of us to come back without completing the shoot of Crook. The idea was to wrap it up all and then come back to India mainly for post production and other patch work, if required. However, we were stopped from shooting which threw a spanner in our plans."
While the reason behind the denial of permission is not yet known, the fact remains that Crook is seeing its fair share of trouble and controversies right through its making.
Since it is a known fact that the film touches upon the topical issue of racial discrimination against India in Australia, one can expect some heated debates around the time when Crook would be ready for release. Also, even as the crew members were aspiring to complete the shoot in record time, an unfortunate accident on the sets a few days back resulted in broken camera equipment and a close shave for Emraan.
When contacted, Emraan Hashmi too sounded disappointed with the turn of events. "Yes, I am back in town. We were thrilled about finishing the shoot of Crook in Australia itself but it is so unfortunate that we couldn't do that", he says.
Adds the unit member, "Well, our worry now is around completing the pending portions of the film now. It has been a straight loss of two days of shooting. Though procuring dates from all involved may not be that tough, we may have to change certain sequences in the film. Reason being that there is no intention of going back to Australia which means that the scenes, which were originally written for that part of the world, may have to go through some changes. Now we would have to hunt for some indoor locations within Mumbai to finish the shoot."
A Bhatt production, Crook marks the debut of Neha Sharma and also stars Arjan Bajwa. With music by Pritam, the film is aiming for a release in September/October timeframe.Source: BollywoodHungama.com News | 4 Jun 2010 | 4:06 am Sri Lanka taps Bollywood glitz to boost post-war imageCOLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lanka is looking to use the glitz of a Bollywood awards ceremony to emerge from the devastation of a quarter century war and rebuild its image among global travellers as a serene, sun-bathed Indian Ocean island.Source: Reuters: Bollywood News | 4 Jun 2010 | 4:04 am
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