Ravishing Koena Mitra

The New Cabaret Queen of Bollywood?

The cat is out of the bag! Ekta Kapoor and her director Milan Luthria were looking for a neo-Helen for the longest time. The original plan of discovering a completely untried dancer failed as time was running out. They've finally zeroed in on Gauhar Khan, who has been secretly jiving away to Helen's most popular cabaret 'Piya Tu Ab To Aaja' for Luthria's Once Upon A Time In Mumbai.

Raju Khan has been brought to do the choreography for what's touted as the most expensive cabaret ever shot in Bollywood.

Gauhar danced to the beats of 'Piya Tu Ab To Aaja' so hard last week, a shard of shattered glass wounded her leg.

The director and her excited producer intend to unveil their new-age Helen and the prized recreation of the smouldering cabaret number from the 1970s at an elaborate press conference later this month.

But the behind-the-scenes stress and arguments to get this cabaret item in place are even more interesting than the cabaret itself.

Apparently, composer Pritam Chakraborty refused to do a straight re-mix of 'Piya Tu Ab To Aaja'. There were heated arguments between the composer and the film's producer and director over the issue. Finally, Pritam got his way and recorded a totally new version of the song.

Says Pritam, "I really see no point in doing a straight-off remix especially when it's an R.D. Burman track. That means the original is still fresh in the listeners' mind. Why should I tamper with an evergreen? So what I've done for Milan's cabaret is to incorporate just a bit of R.D.'s 'Piya Tu Ab To Aaja' from Caravan and 'Duniya Mein Logon Ko' from Apna Desh. The rest of the song is my original composition."

Apparently, when Gauhar Khan heard the song, she flipped out. Laughs Pritam, "Yes they all loved the song. But I won't do a re-mix of an R.D. Burman or any other composition."

Rohan Sippy's Abhishek Bachchan-featured drug-busting Goan drama has a hitch. Composer Pritam Chakraborty is aghast to hear that Rohan Sippy has titled his film Dum Maro Dum and that the makers would like him to do a remix of the number.

Pritam vigorously says, "Like I said, I don't do remixes, ever. And certainly not re-mixes of R.D. Burman compositions. R.D. has taken his songs as far as they can go. There's nothing more that I or anyone else can do to an R.D. Burman track. So I'll just use his famous opening riff from 'Dum Maro Dum'. The rest of the composition will be mine. In any case this will be an instrumental piece for the credit titles in Dum Maro Dum."

In fact, Pritam didn't even know Sippy's film was titled Dum Maro Dum. Apparently, the other title being seriously considered was Subah Ko Karo Salaam. Says Pritam, "Even that would've been a problem to compose since R.D. Burman had done a fabulous job of those words Subah Ko Karo Salaam in a TV serial of that title."

Source: Bollywood Hungama

Kannada Movie Aptha Rakshaka Storms the Box Office!

Kannada superstar Vishnuvardhan's 200th and last film Aptha Rakshaka is storming the box office ever since its release on February 19. The film is released in nearly 120 screens across Karnataka.

The film has grossed nearly Rs. 5 crores in just four days of its release. The film is expected to gross more than Rs. 40 crores net in 100 days. If the run continues, Aptha Rakshaka will replace Mungaru Male, which was the highest grosser in Sandalwood so far.

Aptha Rakshaka, the sequel of Apthamitra (which was remade in Tamil as Chandramukhi with superstar Rajinikanth in the lead), is directed by P. Vasu and Gurukiran has scored the music. The film stars Dr. Vishnuvardhan, Vimala Raman, Lakshmi Gopalaswamy, Bhavana, Sandhya, Komal Kumar, Srinivasamurthy, Avinash and others. The producer is Krishna Prajwal.

Coincidentally, Soundarya who starred in Apthamitra, passed away in a plane crash a few days before its release in 2004 and now, Vishnuvardhan passed away before the release of the sequel.

Source: Galatta

Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) Under Criticism

Referring to the tight battle between actor Thilakan and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), popular Malayalam writer, orator and critic Sukumar Azhikode said that AMMA was trying to impose a military rule of sorts.

"Solving problems between members is the prime duty of an organisation. Artistes are independent people and they cannot be subjected to any disciplinary action. It will be like the Sahithya Akademi directing writers not in its good books to stop writing," he added.

Notably, this is the second time Sukumar Azhikode criticise film personalities. Earlier, he lashed out at superstar Mohanlal, saying that he is selling the recognition and fame earned through acting by appearing in jewellery shop advertisements. Azhikode had alleged that Mohanlal is hungry for money and that is why his is acting in romantic ventures even at his age.

Source: Galatta

Will Tamil Super Star Rajnikanth remake the jinxed "Aptha Rakshaka"?

By now, we all know that Superstar Rajinikanth, producer Ramkumar and Prabhu watched the preview of late Kannada superstar Vishnuvardhan's last film Aptha Rakshaka, and that the superstar was visibly moved by the climax and in tears after watching Vishnu's acting. Meanwhile, Aptha Rakshaka has stormed the Kannada box office and is expected to become the biggest blockbuster ever in Kannada.

Now rumours are circulating that a Tamil remake is planned by the Superstar and he will reprise the role played by late Kannada superstar Vishnuvardhan in Aptha Rakshaka. The film has been tentatively titled Vettaiyan in Tamil.

Aptha Rakshaka, the sequel of Apthamitra (which was remade in Tamil as Chandramukhi with superstar Rajinikanth in the lead), is directed by P. Vasu and Gurukiran has scored the music. The film stars Dr. Vishnuvardhana, Vimala Raman, Lakshmi Gopalaswamy, Bhavana, Sandhya, Komal Kumar, Srinivasamurthy, Avinash and others. The producer is Krishna Prajwal.

Now let's just wait for the official confirmation about the remake!

Source: Galatta

'My Name Is Khan' Turning into a Block Buster!

Despite less than average theatre occupancy in the weekdays and its share of controversy with Shiv Sena before the release, 'My Name Is Khan' (MNIK) has managed to rake in Rs 150 crore from its first week of release in India and abroad, say film trade analysts.

This has happened despite the fact that MNIK saw the average theatre occupancy slip to below 40% during the weekdays, especially in single-screen theatres. Initially released with over 1,300 prints, MNIK grossed Rs 90 crore in the first weekend, riding on the controversy surrounding the protest by Shiv Sena over remarks made by Shah Rukh Khan supporting the inclusion of cricketers from Pakistan in IPL-3.

However, the recently released Aamir Khan-starrer '3 Idiots', which is still doing well at the box office, had managed to rake in over Rs 240 crore within 10 days of its release.

Source: Indian Express

A Sequel to The Movie Don to go on the floor in October

Audiences can get ready for Bollywood villain Don's next chase with director-actor Farhan Akhtar all ready to start shooting the sequel to his hit film 'Don' from October this year.

"The next 'Don' is coming up really well. At the moment, we are into heavy pre-production for that. We would start shooting on Oct 1 or Oct 2... that's the scheduled date to start shooting for now. So we are getting there... slowly but surely. (I am) very excited about it. And I am quite certain that I'll have a great time making it and that the audience will surely enjoy it," Farhan told reporters.

'Don - The Chase Begins' was a remake of 1978 movie 'Don' that had megastar Amitabh Bachchan as the gangster. The film received a cult status and is still etched in the minds of many movie buffs.

In 2007, Farhan came out with the 'Don - The Chase Begins' with Shah Rukh Khan in the title role. Now the director is set to make part two of the movie and says he will retain most of the star cast from the first installment.

"There will be a lot of people from my previous 'Don' itself. So there will be Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Boman Irani, Arjun Rampal and Om Puri. There are also new characters added to the script this time but they are currently being cast," he said.

Farhan was in the capital Monday to promote his movie 'Karthik Calling Karthik', a thriller releasing on 500 screens Friday.

The movie is his third as an actor but Farhan says he will never give up direction.

"I would love to have a combination of both (acting and directing) in my life. I don't plan on giving up direction. I love it too much. I am getting back to it with 'Don' towards the end of this year. So it will be a combination of both things always," he said.

For the moment, Farhan can't stop praising his 'Karthik Calling Karthik' co-star Deepika Padukone.

"Deepika is extremely professional which I respect a lot. She is prepared about what she needs to do through the day in advance. At the same time, she is not stubborn about having practised and visualised a scene in a certain way and then adapting it differently if asked to.

"I think as an actor, who is evolving and still growing, it's important to be a good listener. She has the ability to listen and not just be made to say the dialogues. I feel that's great."

Source: IANS

Bollywood Actor Vivek Oberoi Seeks a Soul Mate

Vivek Oberoi has many wishes - he is hoping his forthcoming film 'Prince', which is his first solo hero movie in five years, brings positive changes in his career and he also wants to meet his soulmate soon.

"I am very excited about the film because it has something that I have never done before. I am the solo hero, so it is very important for me. I hope it would give a positive turn to my career," Vivek told reporters after the music launch of 'Prince'.

Asked if he is seeing someone in real life, he said: "I am a very romantic person. I am waiting and hoping someday I will also get someone special in my life. You never know someday I may find her in a crowd like this. I hope to find someone simple, someone lovely, someone who steals my heart."

Vivek's last film as solo hero was 2005 movie 'Kisna - The Warrior Poet'.

Debutant director Kookie Gulati's 'Prince' is about one of the savviest thieves in the world who commits the biggest heist of his life. Vivek has teamed up with Nandana Sen, Neeru Bajwa and Sanjay Kapoor in the film

Source: IANS

Bollywood Superstar Salman Khan Prefers Cycling

Salman Khan says that cycling is the best solution to curb pollution in the metropolis.

The actor was speaking to reporters after participating in the cyclothon which was organised in collaboration with his charity "Being Human".

"Traffic has gone up so much in Mumbai and other places. However, you can cycle at the speed of a postman or a milkman and reach faster than a car in the traffic," he said.

Proceeds from the cyclothon will go to charity, said the actor.

Kannada Movie: 'Aaptha Rakshaka' A Review

'Aaptha Rakshaka' a treat for Vishnuvardhan fans.

'Aaptha Rakshaka', the much-hyped 200th film of late superstar Vishnuvardhan directed by P. Vasu, lives up to all expectations. It reaffirms Vishnuvardhan's position as one of the most talented stars Indian cinema has seen.

The movie will also be a nostalgic trip for Vishnuvardhan fans, who will watch every move of his intently. The climax sequence is thrilling, and the actor's fans are sure to have tears in their eyes.

The audience will have the satisfaction of seeing a perfect sequel to 'Aaptha Mithra', which was a blockbuster hit of Vishnuvardhan in 2004.

P. Vasu's strong screenplay and narration makes 'Aptha Rakshaka' one of Vishnuvardhan's best films. Vasu again proves that he can successfully make films with imaginative stories filled with fantasy.

'Aaptha Rakshaka' has a lot of entertainment value in the first half with Vishnuvardhan and Komal showing very good on-screen chemistry in comedy sequences. There are some thrilling moments in the first half as well.

The second half is certainly a path-breaking effort, which gives space for logic, enlightenment and entertainment. The last 20 minutes are so absorbing that you are glued to the screen.

The film's main strength is that comedy and suspense have been blended with equal measure and with a huge entertainment quotient. The movie creates a lot of curiosity throughout - the gripping tale has many twists.

In the film, an ancient painting of Nagavalli is the prized possession of a family in Mysore. Slowly the three daughters in the family - Saraswathi, Geetha and Gowri - are psychologically affected by the presence of this painting.

The family's trusted spiritual guru, Ramachandra Acharya, does not help matters as there are many additional problems due to a snake. Acharya takes the help of psychiatrist Vijay (both these characters were also part of 'Aaptha Mithra'), who solves the problem.

The story also narrates the tragic story of Nagavalli being killed by the cruel king Vijayaraja Bahaddur and the subsequent revenge.

Vishnuvardhan's performance in three roles is outstanding. And his voice modulation in the role of Vijayaraja Bahaddur is excellent. His efforts at essaying the different roles through varying body language and voices are clearly noticeable.

Komal gives yet another likeable performance in the film, which is really entertaining. Though Vimala Raman, Lakshmi Gopalaswamy, Bhavana and Sandhya have done a good job, it is Sandhya who really shines. Sreenivasa Murthy, Ramesh Bhat and Vinaya Prasad have all done their best.

Guru Kiran's music stands out. Apart from good songs like "Garane Gara Garane", "Kaveri Thaayi Aane" and "Rakshaka Rakshaka", Guru has really come out on top with the film's background score. P.K.H. Doss has certainly created a new bench mark in cinematography, while Suresh Urs excels in his editing work.

'Aaptha Rakshaka' is one film that Kannada film-goers can't afford to miss.

Source: IANS

A Thought Provoking Kannada Movie : 'Mukhaputa'

'Mukhaputa' - thought-provoking movie by debutante director

'Mukhaputa' is Roopa Iyer's directorial debut, and she plays an important role in this issue-based film. The movie tries to dispel many pre-conceived notions about young people afflicted by HIV Aids Patients.

The film has been screened at many international film festivals, and won the best film trophy at the Ireland film festival. The main message of the film is that the HIV afflicted children are also entitled to a good life.

'Mukhaputa' is certainly made with honest intentions. Roopa had consulted medical experts while writing the script and interestingly some of them say that the film is educative.

The music and camera work complements the film well, but since it is made with a limited budget the narrative suffers from a lot of constraints.

But Roopa should have worked a little harder on the script as the film gets preachy at many places. It also has lengthy and often repetitive dialogues. It could have made a bigger impact if some visual strength had been added while detailing the prejudices about HIV patients.

Also, Roopa's sympathy for HIV-affected children has not been translated properly on screen. This may really confuse and divert the attention of the audience from the main focus of the movie. However, the climax is really touching.

The film revolves around Gowri who adopts a baby girl, Bhavati. She loves Bhavati so much that even after learning that the child has been afflicted with HIV virus, she continues to care for her. However, Bhavati is treated badly in her school, and is ostracised by Gowri's relatives.

But Gowri doesn't give up and continues to fight for Bhavati. She teaches her daughter to live with dignity and encourages her hidden talents.

Roopa as Gowri and Baby Sania as Bhavati have scored well with their realistic performances. Music director Hamsalekha adds strength to the movie through his lyrics and music. S. Ramachandra's camera work is good.

Roopa needs to be congratulated for her bold presentation of the film. A must-see for those who want to see good issue-based films.

Source: IANS

Tamil Superstar Rajnikanth's Daughter Gets Engaged- Exclusive Pictures

Top 5 Southern Movie Sirens

Saif Ali Khan Thrilled About his upcoming Movies.

With a Padma Shri and quite a few hits tucked under his belt, Saif Ali Khan is set to launch his second production venture and spy thriller ‘Agent Vinod’ and says the delayed project is very much on.

"A lot has been said about 'Agent Vinod', but we are very much on track. Final touches are being given to the script, and at the end of March we should have the film on the floors," Saif, 39, told us in an interview.

After 'Love Aaj Kal', this will be his second production, 'Agent Vinod'. It will be directed by Sriram Raghavan.

"Meanwhile, I definitely want to work on 'Race 2'. To do a romantic comedy is also something that stands high up in my list, but then I am just waiting for a great script to come my way."

Taking a trip down memory lane, he said it was superhit 'Hum Tum' that bailed him out during trying times.

"I would think that 'Hum Tum' was a definite milestone film in my career. Yes, there was 'Kal Ho Na Ho' which was a good success as well, but then I was a second lead there. 'Hum Tum' was a solo hit and had the momentum going for me," Saif told us.

"Soon followed 'Salaam Namaste', which further set the pace in my career. In the earlier years, 'Yeh Dillagi' was definitely a landmark movie. Then came 'Main Khiladi Tu Anari', which again worked quite well for me," added Saif who is one of the top actors and a successful producer today.

Success came to him after a lean patch where nothing seemed to be working for him. With many of his films belonging to diverse genres failing at the box office, Saif was pretty much looking at the bottom of the barrel.

If one goes into flashback mode and takes a journey back in time, it wasn't too far back when he was dancing to the tune of "Main hoon aashiq awara" ('Aashiq Awara') and "Ole, Ole" ('Yeh Dillagi'). Today, with Saif named for a Padma Sri, he has come a long way.

"Yeah, it was a disastrous patch and this is where 'Hum Saath Saath Hai' came in handy. There were also 'Kachche Dhaage' and 'Kya Kehna' which were decent successes and then of course 'Dil Chahta Hai' which was another landmark film," said Saif.

Is there any other film that he believes brought a complete turnaround in the way he was looked at as an actor?

"Other than the aforementioned films like 'Hum Tum', 'Salaam Namaste' and 'Kal Ho Naa Ho', diverse films like 'Parineeta' and 'Ek Haseena Thi' brought in further recognition.

"'Being Cyrus' was nice and offbeat too and then considering the kind of perception that people had for me, 'Omkara' turned out to be huge as it showed quite some range. And now as we stand, I have a production like 'Love Aaj Kal'. So, yeah, it's not that bad after all."

Source: IANS

Sneha Ullal: The Misguided Bollywood Starlet.

Sneha Ullal was known as the Aishwarya Rai-lookalike when she entered the film world but the actress is now keen to carve a niche for herself.

After featuring in spooky thriller 'Click', she feels it's time she proved her calibre to people who misguided her when she first came to Bollywood.

"See 'Click' is not my comeback in Bollywood, because the film doesn't revolve around me. I need a film like 'Lucky' (her debut vehicle) to make a comeback; then I can show what I can do," Sneha told us.

"Now it's time I prove myself, because there are a lot of people who misguided me in Bollywood - whom I trusted. I never knew Bollywood was like that, you know," she said.

The young actress has already signed two Hindi movies, including one opposite Akshay Kumar.

"I am doing a film with Ashok Tyagi where Akshay Kapoor is my co-star and there is another film with Shubir Mukherjee. The film is being launched by Joy Mukherjee's son Sujoy. One of them is a thriller, the other is a love story and both are expected to release later this year," said Sneha.

Sneha made her debut in 2005 opposite Salman Khan and her second release was 'Aryan: Unbreakable' (2006) with Sohail Khan. After that she moved down south and featured in Telugu films like 'Nenu Meeku Telusa...?' and 'Ullasanga Utsahanga' .

"I have done three films in the south and the fourth is releasing in April. In the south, people are very genuine. They will tell you the right things. I had rejected one film because I was not comfortable kissing on screen. "

"Two months later, I got another film and I called the same director, whose film I had rejected, for some guidelines and he guided me properly. It's unlike Bollywood. Here people will misguide you and take you in the wrong direction. That's what happened with me," said Sneha.

The 22-year-old feels she owes a lot to southern cinema. "I won't stop doing films in the south ever. It teaches you how to be an actor...how to be a lady. I don't know about Bollywood as I haven't done much work here."

But at the same time she is keen to leave her mark in Bollywood as well, and says she will be less choosy about roles than earlier.

"I am going to do any role now that takes me to another level. If my role is good, I don't mind even if it's a D-grade film," said Sneha.

"I was choosy, but it didn't work for me. I need to learn because that's what an actor is all about. She needs to play different kinds of characters...You can't stick to one genre."

Asked if she has any regrets about her initial years in Bollywood, Sneha said: "I don't regret, but if I am to re-do, I will re-do now. I don't regret because 'Lucky' gave me name; people know me today because of 'Lucky'."

Source: IANS

Bollywood Star Bobby Deol has 2 New Projects on Hand.

After the horror film ‘Click’, director Sangeeth Sivan has two projects in hand and Bobby Deol will be playing the lead roles in both.

"I am going to start my next projects. I am making two films. My next film 'Cheers' is a drama where you will see Dharam-ji (Dharmendra) and Bobby Deol together," Sivan told us.

"It's a father and son story. The story is about a road trip...a journey where a father and son re-discover each other. It's a story very close to my heart," he added.

The other film the director is working on is a comedy, coming long after 'Kya Kool Hain Hum' (2005) and 'Apna Sapna Money Money' (2006).

"See everyone who comes to me, comes for a comedy film. I was resisting the temptation. I wanted to tell the people 'see what else I can do'. Now a point has come where you can choose...you have done action, horror, comedy and a romantic comedy. Now it's quite exciting for me to make people laugh again. I am also doing a full-time comedy film 'Jab Jab Fools Mile' with Sanjay Dutt, Bobby Deol and one more actor (yet to be confirmed)," said Sivan.

Bobby played the lead role in his last film 'Ek: The Power of One' too.

So what made him choose Bobby for both his films?

"Bobby is there in both the films because he actually fits into the parts," said Sivan.

Source: IANS

Kannada Actor Upendra and Nayantara come together for Symbol.

We have already reported that sensational Nayantara has signed a Kannada film to be directed by Upendra, who will also play the lead role. This film, titled Symbol, Nayantara's first in Kannada, was launched at the Mahalakshmi temple recently in Bangalore. After capturing the hearts of Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam audiences, this lissome lass is all set to make a mark in Sandalwood too. Symbol will be produced by Rockline Venkatesh. At present, Nayantara is busy with Boss Engira Baskaran in Tamil and Simha in Telugu. The latest we hear is that the film will be completed in 100 days in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai and some European Countries. Apart from the heroine Nayantara, another top actress is expected to make a special appearancein the movie that will also introduce 20 new faces. The film is also expected to be a pure entertainer with high class quality.

Source: Galatta

Telugu Film Industry Loses a Comedian!

Telugu film comedian Padmanabham, who also produced and directed some Telugu films, has died of heart attack. He was 79.

Padmanabham suffered a heart attack Saturday morning at his Chennai residence. In the evening, he was pronounced dead by doctors who attended on him.

Basavaraja Venkata Padmanabha Rao, better known as Padmanabham, was born Aug 21, 1931, in Simhadripuram village in Kadapa district. He worked in theatre before he was introduced in films.

His death comes a few days after another character actor, Gummadi Venkateshwara Rao, passed away.

Padmanabhan got a break in films through 'Krishna Prema' in 1943. He gained prominence after acting in 'Maya Lokam,' directed by Gudavalli Ramabrahmam.

He acted in almost 400 movies, including many superhits like 'Pathala Bhairvai' and 'Bhadra,' released in 2005. His last film was 'Tata Birla Madyalo Laila,' which was released in 2006.

He was very popular as a comedy artiste for almost two decades from 1960 to 1980.

Padmanabham produced many films, including 'Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna', 'Potti Pleaderu'. His major hits include 'Shavukaru', 'Patala Bhairavi', 'Paramanandayya Sishyula Katha', 'Kathanayika Molla', 'Dasara Bullodu', 'Iddaru Mitrulu'.

He won the Andhra Pradesh government's award for best comedian and the prestigious Allu Ramalingaiah National Award.

Source: IANS

'Karthik Calling Karthik' Promo Tour Turns Ugly

Farhan Akhtar and Deepika Padukone's promotional tour for 'Karthik Calling Karthik' in Surat turned ugly Sunday after mediapersons were caught in a brawl with security personnel during a press conference.

The actors were addressing the media but things took an ugly turn when security guards apparently tried to push the media away from the stars.

According to reports, the mediapersons were even baton charged.

After the incident, Farhan wrote on his twitter blog: 'We all are fine here... Now heading for Ahmedabad... Thanks for ur concern...'

Farhan and Deepika are on a promotional tour for their film to Ahmedabad, Surat, Delhi, Chandigarh and Jaipur.

Source: IANS

Top 5 Bollywood Bombshells

What Bollywood Celebs are Saying on Twitter?

Shah Rukh Khan: "Films are an exam when releasing; thought mine is over & along come the kids exams. Hopelessly trying to finish syllabus. Am back to school, yuck!"

Preity Zinta: "Getting ready for the IPL now! This year it will rock with the games as well as the fashion shows! Ye ha! Bring it on folks!"

Celina Jaitley: "Last night, I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky, and I thought to myself, where the heck is the ceiling."

Lara Dutta: "On the way to the sets to shoot a song 4 'Housefull'! YEAH!!! It's a blessing when a project can make u feel this way- TRULY HAPPY!!"

Hrithik Roshan: "Friends, please welcome my wife, my friend, my lover, the coolest, the purest, the exotic SUSSANNE to twitterland!! Give LOVE tweeple!!!"

Farhan Akhtar: "Day of back-to-back interviews... Love my films, never get tired of talking about them... Like my kids, u know..."

Mahesh Bhatt: "Film business just chews you up and spits you out on the sidewalk."

Priyanka Chopra: "Sitting by a fireplace in the middle of the Desert, drinking hot chocolate. Waiting for my shot.. Koi acchi shayri yaad aa rahi hai? Irshaad..."

Shruti Haasan: "I like tweeting about myself and knowing more about people; we have the news and debate forums for sadness anger and negativity... peace out"

Jacqueline Fernandez: "God sees all that is good and bad, I have faith He will put things right for those who are deserving and punish those full of hatred..."

Sonam Kapoor: "Sitting in the van, listening to the theme of the American film 'Love Story'. It's beautiful. In the mood to listen to some brilliant themes."

Siddharth: "Love yourself, and maybe somebody else will too."

Imran Khan: "I think the Beatles are the greatest band in the history of the world."

Shahid Kapoor: "10 hours corporate meeting.... Films are becoming more of a business... Where's the creativity... Sad!!"

Abhishek Bachchan: "Aishwarya is much better. I'd like to think it's all the TLC (Tender Love and Care). But think it's got more to do with all your wishes and concern. And of course, antibiotics lend slight support. But why let medication take all the credit when we can share it?"

Source: Twitter

Telegu Movie 'Kedi' Review

Kiran's directorial debut 'Kedi' is weak in its content and strong on visuals.

The story does not have any freshness and the screenplay is neither path-breaking nor has any elements of novelty. The film has less commercial elements.

The first thought that comes to mind after coming from the theatre is how a seasoned actor like Nagarjuna agreed to do this kind of film.

To be fair to Nagarjuna, he really tries to salvage the film on his own. He is the backbone of the film. His look, style and dialogue delivery appeals. Nagarjuna, who turned 50 last year, looks so charming on screen that it is not surprising that he enjoys such a huge female fan following.

Other major highlight is Sarvesh Murari's cinematography - it is trendy and stylish. Art department has also done a fantastic job.

But where is the story? The so-called story is so thin and uninspiring that you find many things being repeated often. Except for a couple of dialogues in some sequences, Kiran has not shown his talent in writing.

Comic scenes also fall flat and the item number of Hayek and the song picturised on Anushka fail to ignite the screen as expected.

The film opens off with the hero narrating his story to a police officer. But it drags and the slow pace tests the audience's patience.

Nagarjuna rocks in the film. Mamta Mohandas has a deglamourised role and she looks tired and sad in most of the sequences. Brahmanandam's comedy doesn't impress. Sayaji Shinde is predictable.

Sandeep Chowta has scored good background score and two songs are well composed. The songs shot in Greece are visually appealing.

'Kedi' is just an above average fare.

Source: IANS

'Just Maath Maathnalli' Kannada Movie Review!

Sudeep's 'Just Maath Maathnalli' is a sincere effort that will appeal largely to enlightened audiences.

Sudeep's efforts to portray this film in a classic style despite having a charismatic mass appeal has to be appreciated.

The film has some extremely good performances, lilting music and pleasing photography to its credit. But the movie's pace shows inconsistency.

Sudeep has so for directed many remakes, but this is the first time he has attempted to make a film based on an original story. He has shown a high degree of commitment in making a neat movie without falling prey to commercial considerations. His presentation is stylish as can be seen from the choice of perfect locations and costume designs.

The main problem of the film is that it moves at a snail's pace in the first half but takes some interesting twists in the second half. The total absence of comedy is another negative point.

Though the film's heroine shines in the first half, her role is significantly reduced in the second part. The climax sequence may not appeal to hardcore Sudeep fans, but it is nevertheless well narrated.

The film starts off with a rockstar narrating his story to a script writer on a flight but too many flashbacks slacken the pace. The main strength of the film are the performances, which are really top class. The music and the camera work compliment the film.

'Just Maath Maathnalli' is centered around singer Sidhdharth, who meets Tanu in bizarre circumstances. Tanu is full of life while Sidhdharth is buried in his past. Circumstances lead them to spend two days together on a railway platform and then later move to Tanu's house. Tanu proposes to him, but Sidhdharth is not really interested. He separates from her but later realises that he made a mistake. Realising Tanu's true love for him, he wants to go to Singapore to meet her and convey his feelings for her. He meets a businessman-cum script writer Adi and tell him his story and goes ahead to Singapore, where yet another twist awaits the viewers.

Ramya proves to be exceptional in the film and lives Tanu's character. She is expressive and makes a good impact in the first half. Sudeep once again shines with his slow-paced dialogue delivery.

Rajesh is quite impressive and Arun Sagar shines in the role of Sudeep's friend.

Raghu Dixit's music rocks. The songs "Just Maath Maathnalli" and "Mussanje" are really good and shot very well.

'Just Maath Maathnalli' is definitely worth a watch.

Source: IANS

Kutty: Tamil Movie Review

'Kutty' is not the regular kind of entertainer Dhanush does.

With this film, Dhanush is also back with Jawahar, who had made him successfully tread the family sentiment path in 'Yaradee Nee Mohini'. 'Kutty' is essentially about how the hero handles a one-sided love affair and whether his faith ultimately pays off or not.

For once, Dhanush plays the regular college guy with average looks. Shriya, a stunner in the same college, is the centre of attention. While Kutty (Dhanush) falls for Geethanjali (Shriya Saran), she is dating a rich guy (Sameer Dattani).

Kutty's innocent, fun-loving and easy-going attitude makes him the most popular student in collage and this makes Sameer insecure.

And then other problems creep up. Samer's father, an MP, opposes his proposal to marry Geetha, as he has plans to use his son's marriage as a political weapon. Kutty takes up the task of uniting the lovers and he succeeds in the task. Slowly Geetha feels the depth of Kutty's selfless love and she finally makes her choice.

The love triangle involving Dhanush, Shriya and Semeer has been intricately woven and could be the biggest strength of the movie. The screenplay, however, lacks pace. The romance among the three fails to connect with the audience, thanks to a bland narration.

Dhanush has tried his best to inject life into the proceedings with his comic sense. He breathes life into his character Kutty, a simple, shy guy who yearns for love. He is the major factor that makes the film click and one just can't imagine anyone else in this role.

Shriya Saran has definitely got a welcome break from her glamorous image. She actually looks really cute and shows that she can act! Veteran Radha Ravi is his usual commanding self. Meghna Naidu is impressive in the item number.

Without being technically brilliant, the film fulfils the minimum criteria for an entertainer. It has a different storyline, fun-filled script and awesome performances by the lead actors. But the music is a big letdown.

The director has tried hard to make a Bollywood-like feel-good romantic flick and has almost succeeded. If he had managed to maintain the pace in the second half, the film would have been a far better experience.

Source: IANS

Super Star Rajnikanth Supports Actor Ajith

Superstar Rajnikanth today came out in support of actor Ajith who has caused a stir in the Tamil film industry by his remarks that actors were being forced to take a stand on sensitive political issues. The two met Chief Minister M Karunanidhi separately.

Ajith had taken the Tamil film industry by surprise when he made the candid remarks in the presence of Karunanidhi and almost the entire Kollywood at a function in Chennai on February 6.

He had rued politics creeping into Tamil cinema, prompting Karunanidhi himself to assuage his feelings saying Tamil cinema was a family and they should all be united.

Multi Lingual Southern Actress Happy about her Bollywood Debut!

Multilingual actress Padmapriya is quite excited about the feedback she has received for her first Hindi film 'Striker'.

"I think 'Striker' has received a huge patronage from viewers of YouTube, where it was premiered. I am very happy about the feedback for my performance in the film," Padmapriya said.

"But I am not sure whether I would act in some more Hindi films in the near future. It all depends on the quality of roles that I am offered. But nothing is finalised yet and talks are still on," says the actress.

Padmapriya, who has finished shooting for Shivaraj Kumar-starrer Kannada film 'Thamassu' directed by Agni Sridhar, says she is interested in dubbing in her own voice for the film.

"I have completed the shooting of the film and I am extremely happy about my experience. I play the role of an advocate who believes in 'ahimsa' (non-violence) and the law of the land."

"The director (Sridhar) has written very strong dialogues in some scenes. I am really interested to deliver these dialogues in my own voice. I really think the film deserves my voice, but everything depends on how I will deliver my goods while dubbing for the film," says Padmapriya.

Five of her films in Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil will be released in the next three-four months. The films include 'Thamassu', Telugu film 'Andhari Bandhvaya' with Shravanand and Tamil film 'Irumbu Kottai Morattu Singham' with Lawrence.

Source: IANS

Bollywood Actor Nirmal Pandey passes away.

The film fraternity is mourning Nirmal Pandey of 'Bandit Queen' fame, who died of a heart attack on Thursday.

While superstar Shah Rukh Khan says he would have loved to work more with Pandey, veteran actor Anupam Kher says he was fond of his "casual stance towards life".

"Will miss Nirmal Pandey. Great talent. May his soul rest in peace. Simple and a nice guy. Wonderfully quirky actor. Wish had worked with him more," Shah Rukh posted on Twitter.

A National School of Drama alumnus, Pandey began his career on the stage. He was associated with London-based theatre group Tara, and did plays like 'Heer Ranjha', and 'Antigone'. He acted in around 125 plays.

After doing bit roles in movies, he got his big break in Shekhar Kapur's acclaimed film 'Bandit Queen' (1996) and in the same year featured in Amol Palekar's 'Daayra' and Sudhir Mishra's 'Is Raat Ki Subah Nahi'.

In 1998, he did 'Train To Pakistan' and next year featured in 'Hum Tum Pe Marte Hain'.

He also acted in several television serials including 'Hatim' and 'Princess Dollie Aur Uska Magic Bag'.

Anupam Kher, who is also a theatre enthusiast, posted: "I'm so shocked and sad at the sudden death of Nirmal Pandey. He was a wonderful actor. I liked his casual stance towards life. Sad. RIP (rest in peace)."

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar says Pandey will always be remembered for his performances.

"Nirmal Pandey, who was a great actor and gave some memorable performances, passed away. He will always be there in our hearts... May his soul rest in peace," said Bhandarkar.
Riteish Deshmukh says "we lost a good actor" and Lara Dutta has offered "condolences and prayers to his family".

Pandey's 'Lahore' released Friday and director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan is disconsolate that the actor could not see the film.

"He plays a soft-hearted Pakistani Anwar Sheikh in the movie. He has a very meaty and powerful role in the movie. But unfortunately, I will not be able to show him the film," Singh said.

Source: IANS

Katrina Kaif Gets Nominated for Filmfare Awards!

Katrina Kaif, who has bagged a nomination at the upcoming 55th Filmfare Awards in best actor category for her role in 'New York', says she is happy with the nomination and won't mind if someone else wins the trophy.

"Everyone wants to win, everyone wants to be successful. When you make a movie, you want it to be a hit and successful. When you are nominated of course you want to win. But honestly I am so used to not winning that just the nomination is enough," she said.

"I cannot complain as my awards have been so great from the audiences. I am happy just to be nominated. I would have a great time performing at the show," the actress told reporters at a press conference of 55th Filmfare Awards.

"At the end of the day the jury gives these awards. Everyone's opinion is going to be different. You know more than the performances, for example, the best actress category, I always want the film to win... a film that I am in," she added.

Katrina will perform at the award function to be held Feb 27 at the Yash Raj Studios and she has teamed up with her favourite choreographer Ganesh Hegde to prepare for her performance.

"We haven't confirmed on which songs I am going to perform. We have only confirmed the choreographer and he is Ganesh Hegde. He is one of my favourites so I think it's going to be a phenomenal act this time. I am really excited and we are going to start practice this Thursday," said Katrina.

Source: IANS

My Name Is Khan, The Movie Slows Down!

After a bumper opening, Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'My Name Is Khan' is being cold-shouldered by the audience in New Delhi. Cinema hall owners blame the "non-entertaining content" of the movie.

"There is a huge fall in 'My Name Is Khan' ticket sales. While it was just 30 percent Wednesday, it is only 20 percent Thursday. The film is not being appreciated because of the content," Amit Awasthi, manager (programming and operations) of Spice Cinemas, told us.

"The entertainment aspect in the movie is zero. Thought is has some emotions, there is nothing much to offer," he added.

A source in PVR cinemas echoed the news.

"Our occupancy has fallen from around 90 percent to 50 percent Monday onwards because of the content of the movie. We are guessing it will stretch to one week more," said the source.

A love story set against the backdrop of racial discrimination post 9/11, 'My Name Is Khan' grossed an estimated $18 million at the worldwide box office in its opening weekend.

Directed by Karan Johar, the movie is being marketed and distributed by Fox Star in India, in the US by its sister company Fox Searchlight, and in the rest of the world by parent group company 20th Century Fox International.

"There has been a drastic fall after Monday for 'My Name Is Khan'. There is no entertainment aspect in it and lacks mass appeal. It has repeated the history of Saif Ali Khan starrer 'Kurbaan'," said Delhi-based distributor Joginder Mahajan.

"From critics' point of view both have been good movies but the youngsters today want only entertainment which these two could not fulfill," he added.

Yogesh Raizada, corporate head (cinemas) of Wave Cinemas, however, has a different opinion for the fall in occupancy of the movie.

"Footfalls for 'My Name Is Khan' have fallen but the weekend is expected to be good. The occupancy at present is about 30 percent which is decent enough considering it is a working week and that there are close to 12-14 shows per day across different properties for the movie," said Raizada.

"The movie will sustain business and occupancy will be close to 70-80 percent over the weekend," he predicted.

Source: IANS

Vidya Balan Bollywood Star Gets a New Home!

Vidya Balan, who recently moved into her new four-bedroom place in Khar, says instead of throwing a housewarming party she will invite her friends in different groups for dinners so that they can enjoy themselves thoroughly.

"I think it's imprudent to invite all your friends all at once for one party. This makes the gathering unmanageable - guests who don't know one another get uncomfortable," Vidya told us.

"So I'm having a series of sit-in dinners in my new house where groups of friends who know one another can come together for cosy comfortable conversations and food," added the actress who won accolades for her unconventional roles in 'Paa' and 'Ishqiya'.

Before that Vidya wants every little detail in her new house to be perfect.

"I'm fastidious about cleanliness to the point of being obsessive about my home. If I feel a drawer is messy, I will clean it up at 3 in the morning after a hard day's shooting. So before my house-warming parties start, I need to make sure everything is in place," said the actress.

Vidya admits the home is now her proudest possession.

"It's virtually been built brick by brick by me in the middle of my busy schedules. I wasn't able to give the house time at a stretch. That's why it took time to be put together.

"Shifting into it after the release of 'Ishqiya' is a conscious move. I think after 'Paa' and 'Ishqiya', I've earned myself a place of my own," she said.

Vidya earlier stayed in a much smaller place in Chembur. The new place has been done up by a friend of her father.

"Not familiar to the film fraternity... He had done up our earlier place as well."

Source: IANS

Striker: Hindi Movie Review

Some stories seem very interesting on paper. You get hooked, perhaps captivated. But there are times when these stories lose sheen when translated on celluloid.

As a storyteller, you need to have the convincing power to keep the viewer hooked. Also, you ought to know when and how to conclude the story. Like they say, never stretch a story beyond a point...

'Striker', directed by Chandan Arora, falters because the story doesn't arrest your attention in entirety and also, it seems like a never-ending ride, even though the running time is approx. 2 hours. Frankly, the story overstays its welcome.

Cinema is all about narrating stories and Chandan Arora makes a sincere attempt to narrate one in 'Striker', but the multiple tracks and layers in the film act as a spoilsport. The screenplay is patchy and the focus shifts from one episode to another constantly. It's not sacrilegious to have multiple tracks in a film, but you need to conclude each track before the actual story reaches its culmination. Clearly, the screenplay writing lets 'Striker' down.

Also, the subject material is very Mumbai-centric and therefore, will appeal to a miniscule audience. Final word? The striker doesn't strike!

Set in a Mumbai ghetto in the mid 80s, Surya [Siddharth] grows up with few luxuries. Poor health keeps him away from school often and that is when his elder brother, Chandrakant [Anoop Soni], introduces him to carrom.

Hopes for a job in Dubai replaces the passion for carrom as Surya grows into a young man. Duped by a bogus overseas employment agency, Surya loses his hard earned money he had saved for going to Dubai. Surya is forced to cross paths with Jaleel [Aditya Pancholi].

Reintroduced to carrom by his childhood friend Zaid [Ankur Vikal], Surya starts playing again. Being robbed of his hard earned money by the same man who had caused misery for many families, Surya decides to take on Jaleel on his turf.

First things first. Even though 'Striker' attempts to narrate the story of a carrom player, depicting the highs and lows in his life, the question is, does it have recall value after the show has concluded? The game of carrom being used for gambling may sound interesting and Chandan Arora should've stuck to the core issue, instead of drifting into multi-tracks.

Like, for instance, the romance - between Siddharth and his neighbour - is concluded abruptly. The girl disappears suddenly after her father spots Siddharth and her in the train. But pray why? Naah, no explanations are offered.

Ditto for Anupam Kher's character. He seems hell-bent on putting an end to Aditya Pancholi's reign of terror, but when Kher comes face to face with Pancholi, all he does is play an intermediary between Pancholi and his arch rival, whom Pancholi assumes had betrayed him.

The track between Siddharth and Padma Priya, a fisher woman, seems forced in the screenplay. Even the finale - the death of his sister [Vidya Malvade] and brother-in-law during communal riots and the subsequent fight-to-finish with Pancholi looks unreal, when the film seems to be following a realistic pattern.

Chandan Arora's choice of the story is right, but the erratic screenplay writing will cost him dear. However, there's no denying that he has handled a number of individualistic scenes well. The music [multiple music composers] is soothing. P.S. Vinod's cinematography is perfect.

Siddharth is as natural as natural can be. He is superb. Aditya Pancholi looks noxious and enacts his part just too wonderfully. Anupam Kher does an okay job, partly because his character is not well-defined. Padma Priya looks confident. Ankur Vikal does very well. Seema Biswas gets into the skin of the character. Vidya Malvade doesn't get much scope. Anoop Soni is perfect. The actress playing Noorie is passable.

On the whole, 'Striker' lacks a solid script to strike a chord.

Source: Bollywood Hungama

Hindi Movie Review: 'Toh Baat Pakki'

A lot of present-day directors seem inspired by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Basu Chatterjee's movies. The veterans told simple stories in the most simplistic manner. Director Kedarh Shinde, one presumes, also seems inspired by their master works and attempts to narrate a story that's identifiable and at the same time, dipped in humour.

The film has some wonderful moments, some old-world charm, but the humour, at several points, falls flat. Especially towards the penultimate portions.

Rajeshwari [Tabu], married to Vinay [Ayub Khan], dreams of getting her sister Nisha [Yuvika Choudhary] married to the most suitable boy within their Saxena community. Also, Rajeshwari is against the dowry system.

Rajeshwari finds a good Saxena boy studying engineering and has prospects of a promising future. Rahul [Sharman Joshi] is a good proposition for her sister and she even gets him to move into her house as a paying guest.

However, when Rajeshwari learns that Rahul is not interested in marriage, she smartly devices a plan to bring her sister and make them get to know each other. She's confident that once he meets Nisha, there is no turning away. They fall in love. Rajeshwari is happy. Marriage is fixed.

Things take a turn when Yuvraaj [Vatsal Sheth] lands up at Rajeshwari's house. Yuvraaj is also a Saxena. He has a good job and is waiting to move into his house. Rajeshwari can't believe her luck. This is a better prospect. The story takes a turn when Rajeshwari tries to set up Nisha with Yuvraaj.

The problem with most storytellers is, the story they choose may sound convincing at narration level, but what eventually unfolds on screen is half as convincing. On paper, the 4-para synopsis of 'Toh Baat Pakki' holds promise, but the screenplay, spread over two hours, has its share of hiccups.

For instance, the portions depicting Sharman helping Tabu during the marriage celebrations are far from convincing. In fact, the screenplay starts losing its grip from here on. Even Sharman's attempts to poison Himani Shivpuri and Vatsal Sheth's mind appears childish. Ditto for the abduction drama towards the end. The Sharat Saxena track also looks forced.

Kedarh Shinde's direction holds your attention at a few places only. Especially during Tabu and Sharman's portions towards the first half. But the patchy writing lets him down. Pritam's music doesn't work, except 'Jis Din Mera Byaah'. Dialogues are too flowery at times.

Tabu is a pleasure to watch. She's natural and it must be said that it gets difficult to move your eyes when she's on screen. Sharman, again, is likable and gets it right. Vatsal does fairly well. Yuvika doesn't get much scope. Ayub Khan is passable. Himani Shivpuri and Suhasini Mulay are as usual. Upasna Singh is loud.

On the whole, 'Toh Baat Pakki' has a few interesting moments, but not enough to keep you hooked. It will have to rely on a strong word of mouth, especially from family audiences, to stay afloat.

Source: Bollywood Hungama

Movie Review: My Name Is Khan

Questions of religious and national identity, of the sense of right and wrong, of combating a certain isolation that comes with a behavioural disorder; but what triumphs over all the complexities unfolding in a tumultuous post 9/11 America is Rizwan Khan and his essential goodness that tells you unwaveringly - his name is Khan and he is not a terrorist.

Director Karan Johar is in unfamiliar territory here. No candyfloss romance, no sweet nothings, nobody breaking into song. Just the super intelligent Rizwan, who has Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism, his halting voice with his inability to communicate, and his many relationships - with his mother, his brother, and yes, Mandira, and her son Sam.

Move over Rahul, Rizwan is here. Shah Rukh makes the transition from the eternal romantic to the intense Rizwan, who finds love and loses it some years later when his Khan identity becomes all important in a tense, suspicious America. You sit through three hours waiting to get a glimpse of Shah Rukh through Rizwan Khan, but it doesn't happen.

If Shah Rukh lives and breathes Rizwan in what is one of his finest roles, Kajol as Mandira, the vivacious single mother, is also good - as always. The chemistry between them if not always crackling, then heart-warming.

It's an unlikely romance, not very easy to portray. But it's dealt with a light touch. There they are sitting on either side of the bed after their wedding, with Mandira telling Rizwan, who doesn't like to be hugged, that this is something they can't do without touching. It's a scene that could quite easily have gone wrong, but it doesn't.

All credit to Karan Johar for that.

Like a piece of music that gradually rises to grand crescendo, 'My Name Is Khan' begins with Rizwan as a child with his mother - so good to see Zarina Wahab after such a long time - in a tenement in Mumbai and ends with cheers from the US' first African American president in a crowded rally.

It's from his mother that Rizwan learns his first lessons of humanity; as the 1983 Mumbai riots rage outside; she tells the young boy that the world is divided into good people and bad people.
It is this essential humanism that carries Rizwan through, from Mumbai to San Francisco where his brother stays, then to the suburb of Banville, where he moves in with Mandira and Sam, and even when he is taken to be a terror suspect.

Sam, his "only best friend", is subjected to a vicious race attack because he takes on Rizwan's surname. Mandira hits back, saying that the worst thing she could have done was marry a Khan and Rizwan is out on the roads - unable to articulate his feelings, but backpacking his way across the US to meet "president sahib" so he can tell him: "My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist."

It is a road journey through a troubled post 9/11 America towards humanism, and the essential goodness of the human spirit.

This is a US where chanting the name of Allah gets you into trouble, where the word terrorist and Khan in conjunction can put you behind bars. Rizwan moves from being a terror suspect to a nationwide hero, who exposes a terror mastermind. And then, the man with the mission who travels to Wilhelmina that is literally drowning in a hurricane to supervise a heroic rescue mission.

There's Afghanistan and Iraq, Bush and Obama too. The US' first African American president is voted in and, in that final feel good moment, Rizwan meets him in front of thousands of people and his goodness is validated.

Plenty of great one-liners, like when he is refused entry into a presidential fundraiser for the poor in Africa that is only for Christians, he leaves behind $500 saying: "This if for those who are not Christians in Africa."

The music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy is superb. This is not a film without flaws, it is at least 20 minutes too long for one and flags in the pre-interval period, but here is one straight from the heart. It has a message, in these days of tensions over language and religion, one which needs to be heard.

Go watch.

Source: IANS

Ishqiya - The Movie Review

Get ready for tangy, pungent, sizzling and spicy stuff. Be forewarned, 'Ishqiya' isn't the fluffy, candyfloss, saccharine sweet story of lovers breaking into songs in mustard fields. In 'Ishqiya', you just don't know what turn the story may take next. Not just the story, even the characters here are so impulsive and unpredictable.

You need to have a strong stomach to absorb 'Ishqiya'. It's high on drama, it's wild, it's real. But it's not dark, it's not sleazy, it's not crass. Frankly, you don't expect debutante director Abhishek Chaubey to make a stereotypical fare thanks to the tutelage by his guru Vishal Bhardwaj, who loves to swim against the tide and undertake risks in film after film.

You could call 'Ishqiya' a distant cousin of 'Omkara'. Set in Gorakhpur in North India, the film has a rustic feel, depicts characters that may make you uncomfortable and is laced with saucy lingo. Yet, it's different than 'Omkara'.

The first hour passes in a jiffy, but the story actually gets dramatic and volatile in its second hour. It's at this stage that things start getting more and more unpredictable. The story does a somersault every 10 minutes and by the time it reaches its finale, you're curious to know how the debutante director would conclude this saga. The end, of course, will have its share of advocates and adversaries, but the fact remains that it's offbeat.

Abhishek Chaubey is a welcome addition to the ranks of avid storytellers. His choice of the subject and also handling of the material is what makes this film so eminently watchable. Not once do you feel that 'Ishqiya' has been helmed by a first-timer. Note the change of events in the song 'Dil To Bachcha Hain Ji' or the kidnap drama and the heated argument that follows thereafter. Even the passionate lovemaking sequence between Arshad and Vidya has been dexterously canned.

However, Chaubey and his team of writers could've kept the writing simplistic towards the finale. It's complex and also lacks clarity. Yet, all said and done, screenplay writers Vishal Bhardwaj, Sabrina Dhawan and Abhishek Chaubey deserve kudos for coming up with a film that keeps you hooked for most parts.

Vishal Bhardwaj's musical score has his unmistakable stamp all over. The film is embellished with two lilting gems - 'Ibne Batuta' and 'Dil To Bachcha Hain Ji' - which are a rage with listeners already and have been juxtaposed beautifully in the plot. Mohana Krishna's cinematography is first-rate. Dialogues [Vishal Bhardwaj] are acidic and a few lines are indeed startling.

Every actor in 'Ishqiya' delivers a sparkling performance! Naseeruddin Shah is superb as a romantic. He is matchless in the sequence when he learns the truth about Vidya and Arshad. Arshad packs in a bravura performance yet again. Post Munnabhai films, Arshad should be liked in this one the maximum. Vidya continues to surprise. It's a dynamic performance undoubtedly. 'Paa' and 'Ishqiya' are two landmarks in her career.

The actors enacting the role of Jijaji, the kidnapped victim and Vidya's husband are all perfect. The child, who interacts with Arshad, is natural. In fact, every performance in 'Ishqiya' is worthy of mention.

On the whole, 'Ishqiya' is definitely worth a watch. The film has a riveting plot, great performances, soulful music, an absorbing story and skilful direction to make the viewer fall in ishq with it.

Source: Bollywood Hungama

Rann- Hindi Movie Review

Ramgopal Varma is itching to tell a new story in his movies. You may garland him for his efforts or loathe him if you feel letdown, but you need to hand it to him for picking up stories that defy stereotype.

This time, in 'Rann', the maverick film-maker does an expose on the games the heavyweights in the media play to further their interests. RGV goes into the newsrooms and also behind it and throws light on the politician-industrialist-media nexus. Also, it's an insider's account of how news channels that are greedy for ratings sensationalize stories to grab eyeballs.

On surface, you don't want to know what goes behind the scenes and how, at times, news are 'created' by vested interests. But 'Rann' scratches the surface and opens a can of worms. 'Rann' also mirrors the fact that just like there are good and bad people in every field, there're some rotten ones in the media too who succumb to temptations and create news to climb the ladder of success.

'Rann' is a serious film and RGV knows what he's talking this time. It wouldn't be erroneous to state that you recall RGV's 'Sarkar' while watching 'Rann', even though the two films are as diverse as chalk and cheese. You recall' Sarkar' because 'Rann' is an equally powerful film that shows a world we've only seen from the exterior.

A film like 'Rann' would fall into the pit if [i] its writing wouldn't be razor-sharp and [ii] the choice of actors would be incompetent. RGV's movies, generally, are embellished with competent actors who deliver super performances. In this film, every member of the cast shines in his/her role.

The writing is watertight and convincing. Besides, the subject matter has been presented in the most simplistic manner, which makes it easy to decipher. However, the episode showing Riteish's investigation tends to get confusing at one point, but the climax compensates for the minor hiccups here and there.

Amit Roy's cinematography is eye-catching. Dialogues are power-packed. In fact, one can identify with the well-penned dialogues. The background score plays a crucial role. It heightens the impact of various scenes.

Amitabh Bachchan is spectacular yet again, especially towards the finale. His speech and the way he delivers it are remarkable. Sudeep is terrific. To stand up to giants like Bachchan and Paresh Rawal is no mean achievement. Riteish is only getting better and better with every film. In fact, he surprises you constantly.

Paresh Rawal, seen in an RGV film after a long, long time, is at his vicious best. Rajat Kapoor is incredible. Mohnish Bahl gets the role of a lifetime and he sinks his teeth into it. This film should open new vistas for him. Gul Panag is natural and so easy on the eyes. Neetu Chandra does her part well. Suchitra Krishnamoorthy is too good. Rajpal Yadav contributes to some funny moments. Neena Kulkarni and Simone Singh are perfect for their parts.

On the whole, 'Rann' is truly a well-made film.

Source: Bollywood Hungama

Veer- Movie Review

Salman Khan [who has been credited as the story writer of 'Veer'] takes 'Taras Bulba', adds 'Gladiator', 'Conan The Barbarian', 'Troy', 'Titanic' and even 'Kranti' [the end is a straight lift of Manoj Kumar's Dilip Kumar starrer] and comes up with this khichdi which gets unpalatable after a point.

'Veer' is about a warrior and at the same time, it's a love story too. Sadly, neither does it evoke any patriotism, nor does the love story make your heart go dhak-dhak.

The writing [screenplay: Shaktimaan Talwar, Shailesh Verma] is so fragile that one is mentally exhausted by the time this marathon movie finally reaches its finale. Of course, Salman's star power tries hard to salvage the situation, but window dressing doesn't help if the store has nothing to offer.

'Veer' has it all - great stars, opulent and majestic sets, adrenaline pumping action scenes, but no soul [read script]. The movie begins with a bang, but the moment the story shifts to London, it crashes!

Frankly, it's a screenplay of convenience. Salman meets the woman of his dreams within minutes of reaching London and that looks so unreal. You try to digest it and move on to the next scene and lo! The damsel studies in the same college that our hero has enrolled in. Now that looks fake!

The sequence at the interval is interesting, although it remains a mystery how Puru Raaj Kumar gets to know of Salman's identity. At this point, Salman becomes a killing machine, slaughters more than a dozen people in the hostel campus [including a few gora soldiers] and conveniently escapes from London with a badly injured brother [played by Sohail]. Now that is taking it too far.

The second hour goes on and on and on, emphasising on unfulfilled promises, seething anger and revenge, love and freedom and frankly, you are least bothered by now. In fact, you lose interest in the proceedings. Period. The climax is so long drawn and more of an anti-climax, while the ending is bizarre and unintentionally funny.

Director Anil Sharma fails to deliver. That's the bitter truth. The project had everything going in its favour, but alas, Sharma and his writers make a complete mess of the story. Sajid-Wajid's music is melodious, but why repeat one song ['Surili Ankhiyon Wali'] again and again? The background score [Monty] is top notch. Gopal Shah's cinematography is splendid. Tinu Verma's action scenes are dynamic and in fact, the saving grace of 'Veer'. The production design [art: Sanjay Dhabade] give an authentic feel of the bygone era.

'Veer' rides on Salman's star power, but even his hardcore fans will be disappointed by this movie. Zarine Khan resembles Katrina Kaif, but wears one expression all through. Mithun is okay, while Jackie does his bit well. Sohail Khan irritates. Puru Raaj Kumar and Aryan Vaid get no scope. Neena Gupta is as usual. The English actors are stereotype.

On the whole, 'Veer' proves the age-old adage true: All that glitters is not gold. This one's a monumental disappointment!

Source: Bollywood Hungama