Saturday, August 9, 2008
Get ready for fireworks this Diwali. With Salman's YUVRAAJ not arriving in the festive week and SRK's BILLO BARBER getting confirmed for Diwali, it seemed like a cakewalk for BILLO BARBER, since no other biggie was scheduled for release on October 24. But there's tough competition now.
Initially, the Akshay Kumar starrer CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA was supposed to arrive a week later, on a Wednesday to be precise [October 29], but Warner Bros., Rohan Sippy and Nikhil Advani have decided to bring the film in Diwali. Which means, BILLO BARBER and CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA will battle it out this Diwali.
It's a battle royale, what with the two superstars, SRK and Akki, coming face to face in the festive week. Expect fireworks, for sure.
Bollywood's new entrant Deepika Padukone, whose second film Bachna Ae Haseeno is due for release Aug 15, is considered the hot favourite actress by Indian audiences across the globe. She tops the popular Maxim Hot 100 girls worldwide list. The Maxim Hot list makes its debut in India and the Om Shanti Om star, Deepika, is winner of the first edition. 'To be honest, personally I never thought of myself as 'sexy' or 'hot' but if that's the call that people have taken, then I hope I live up to it. I am so excited about this,' Deepika said in a press statement. She joins the likes of previous Bollywood celebrity-winners like Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor. 'Deepika was our choice as the winner because apart from her huge fan following with the new generation of Indians, she also has the potential to be an international face. This calls for a huge party,' said Anup Kutty, editor of Maxim-India. Deepika will be felicitated August end in Mumbai.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Ranbir Kapoor, Bipassha Basu, Minissha Lamba and Deepika Padukone – the stars of Yash Raj Films release Bachna Ae Haseeno, recently appeared together on the reality show Aaja Mahi Vey on Star Plus.
The special episodes with the stars of the film can be seen on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th of August from 8-9 pm on STAR Plus.
The cast of Bachna Ae Haseeno will also be seen on another popular dance show, Zara Nach Ke Dikha on STAR One that will air on Monday 11th August at 9:30 pm.
Popular Telugu film star Chiranjeevi is all set to take a plunge into Andhra Pradesh politics and launch his own party from the temple town of Tirupati this month.
The mega star is likely to address a public meeting in the temple town Aug 22, his birthday, to announce his political party and its agenda.
The actor has selected Tirupati as the platform to launch his political career because of his attachment to the place, famous for the Lord Venkateshwara temple.
Chiranjeevi's brother-in-law and advisor Allu Arvind Wednesday visited Tirupati as part of the preparations for the public meeting. He visited a few grounds in the town to select the venue for the meeting but declined to comment.
The meeting is likely to be attended by thousands of people from various parts of the state and abroad.
The actor, who has a massive fan following, recently told media that he would announce his party in August. After the meeting, he will embark on a state-wide yatra or tour to prepare ground for the assembly and the Lok Sabha elections scheduled to be held in March next year.
The actor's brother K. Nagendra Babu, brother-in-law Allu Arvind and some close aides have been holding meetings of various sections of people for the last few weeks, as part of preparations for the new party's launch.
Sources close to Chiranjeevi said he would contest the elections from the Tirupati constituency. He will thus be following in the footsteps of thespian and Telugu Desam Party's (TDP) late founder N.T. Rama Rao, who considered the temple town auspicious for his politics.
Chiranjeevi is looking to repeat NTR's feat, who created a record by coming to power within nine months of his founding the TDP. NTR also contested elections from Tirupati and launched every election campaign from that town.
Actress Shilpa Shetty said on Wednesday that reality shows like 'Big Brother' reveal what kind of a person the participant is in real life.
"Only those who are confident that they have nothing to hide or do not want to become famous overnight can participate in such a show," Shilpa, who will host the second season of 'Big Boss', the Indian version of 'Big Brother', said here.
The actor said she had agreed to be part of 'Big Brother' as she had nothing to fear and hide. "Since I was an actress, my life was like a open book. I thought I would be out of the show in the first week itself," she added.
Shilpa said she would not like to participate in such a show again.
"This is my debut on television as a host. Since I have experienced the format of the show, I feel I can empathise with the housemates and would be able to relate with the participants who will have no connection with the outside world for about 85 days. It will be entertaining show with a human touch," she said.
Even though the audience is entertained through the show, they also understand various facets of the celebrity participant, she added.
Starting from August 17, Big Boss season 2 would be aired on Colours channel daily at 12.30 am.
"The show would be followed by telecast of half an hour live and unedited slot showing the activities of the participants," Rajesh Kamat, CEO of Colours, said.
"The participants will be a mix of commoners and newsmakers," he said adding and the show will not feature just celebrities.
The names of the participants will be unveiled on August 17 itself, he added.
Debutant R.Chandru has made a watchful debut in his maiden film 'Taj Mahal'. He has the right mixture for a commercial format and follows his senior director Prem in the narration. The guessing elements he creates on the screen and striking a tragedy in this 'Taj Mahal' would give him a good standing in the coming months. This is the first time production from producer Shivashanker Reddy. His taste in film making is appreciable. The cinematography and music are the other two plus points of this film made in a colorful style with glamour and glitz.
In the Reddy Engineering College Ajay (Ajay Rao) is madly behind Shruthi (Pooja Gandhi). In the last three years he has been only telling her Good morning to her for more than 3500 time and he records it in his diary. Finally when he befriend with Shruthi he is baffled when she asks his name. Further acquaintance of Ajay with Shruthi and the presentation of a cap and watch he receives gives a confirmation to him that she is in love with him. What next? Ajay says I love you to Shruthi and she slaps him on the face. It is because Shruthi is in love with Kumar. Who is that Kumar? It is Ajay himself. In the past Ajay traces a valuable suitcase of Shruthi's father residing abroad and handed it over to the police. At that time out of fear in the police station he had told his name as Kumar to inspector. But Ajay did not know that this would bounce differently. Claiming that he is Kumar the telephonic chat he continues with Shruthi earns him her love. What goes on after Shruthi rejects Ajay in the college campus is interesting turn out with flash back and some fine spell of narration from the director.
Ajay hailing from a poor family as Kumar meeting all the requirements of Shruthi meets a bad luck when he goes back to his native village. What happens to him? Whether Ajay who is Kumar materialize the dreams of his parents? You have to watch it in the last 20 minutes of the climax.
Ajay Rao after 'Excuse Me' has got a very solid role. The hairstyle looks jaded for him. He looks stylish and modern in his outlook. He has done his role quite comfortably. Pooja Gandhi the heroine to watch on Kannada screen has been very good in emotions. Ananthnag, Rangayana Raghu the ever able actors have given good support.
In fact the first hero of this 'Taj Mahal' is cinematographer K.S.Chandrasekhar. The long shots, top angles the interiors and exteriors have been beautifully captured with good taste by this cameraman. Abhiman longing in the cinema industry for quite some time now has given his best. Three songs are worth hearing again and again.
This is worth watching cinema.
After the success of Jab We Met and her super-glam look in Tashan, Kareena has become hot property for both Bollywood and Hollywood. There was a buzz couple of days back about Kareena signing a Hollywood project but Kareena’s spokesperson denied stories about her doing a Hollywood film.
Apparently, during the shoot of Kambakht Ishq, Kareena was in talks with Hollywood production houses. “It is true that Kareena was offered a role in Chamera which is to be directed by Daniel Silverman but she has not signed on the dotted lines,” said her spokesperson. So is Kareena doing any Hollywood film at all? “Kareena is busy for the next one and a half year with her commitments in Bollywood. Until then she isn’t doing any international film. Besides Chamera, Kareena was also offered two other Hollywood films which I cannot divulge much into.”
Just a word of caution before you watch this film: Singh Is Kinng is not for the intellectuals or those pretending to be one. It's not for the hard-nosed critics either.
Vipul Shah. Anees Bazmee. Akshay Kumar. Katrina Kaif. Four names for whom success has become a habit. That makes Singh Is Kinng the most awaited movie of the season. Must add, the wait was worth it!
You know the rules when you watch a hardcore entertainer: Just don't look for logic. If you do, too bad for you, for you would never enjoy a film of this genre and Anees Bazmee's films are very high on entertainment. The plotline may be paper-thin, perhaps ludicrous and farcical, but when did Bazmee ever promise a SCHINDLER'S LIST or a SAVING PRIVATE RYAN? Singh Is Kinng works because it delivers what it promises: Full on entertainment!
Bazmee has the knack of making immensely watchable fares that cater o the aam junta. Singh Is Kinng isn't a laughathon in entirety. Comedy, romance, action and drama, everything is well synchronised in those 2.10 hours here.
But, wait, Singh Is Kinng isn't a foolproof product. It has its share of flaws, the turn of events aren't captivating at times, but Singh Is Kinng moves so fast and packs in so much, there's no time to think or analyze.
The final word? Singh Is Kinng is a delicious and scrumptious pav-bhaji served in the finest cutlery. Your taste buds are sure to relish it... and ask for more!
Lakhan Singh aka Lucky [Sonu Sood] is the King of the Australian underworld, accompanied by his associates [played by Javed Jaffrey, Neha Dhupia, Manoj Pahwa, Yashpal Sharma, Kamal Chopra and Sudhanshu Pande]. Far away, in a small village in Punjab, where Lucky was born, there exists someone more notorious than him -- Happy Singh [Akshay Kumar].
The village is fed up of Happy's magnanimity, which has resulted in a number of hilariously disastrous situations. Out of desperation, they decide to send him on a long trip [that will keep him out of the village for a while!] to bring Lucky back to Punjab, as his despicable deeds were maligning their image in Australia.
The happy-go-lucky bumpkin, taking his mission a bit too seriously, embarks on his journey, accompanied by his friend, Rangeela [Om Puri], who hates Happy for dragging him into it.
The high point of his journey is his chance meeting with Sonia [Katrina Kaif], with whom he falls in love, but upon reaching his destination, things take a precarious turn as he runs into a series of comic misadventures, leaving him penniless. He is fortunate to find warmth and affection in an elderly lady [Kirron Kher].
In a strange turn of events, an attempt on Lucky's life is foiled by a well-intentioned Happy, who fights off the attackers by risking his own life. Following the altercation, Lucky lands up in hospital paralyzed and Happy, unexpectedly, finds the tables turned on him when he is expected to assume the role of the new King.
Few minutes into the film and you know that Singh Is Kinng is a lavish spectacle that"s high on entertainment. Sonu Sood chasing a gora assassin at the very start or minutes later, Akshay chasing a hen -- Singh Is Kinng starts with gusto.
And Bazmee doesn't let you wear your thinking caps all through the first hour. From India to Egypt to Australia, from the comforts of his home in Punjab, to the humble abode of a woman selling flowers in Sydney [Kirron Kher], Singh Is Kinng involves you in the journey.
And then Akshay becomes the King. Oh, how he becomes the King is equally hilarious. The sequence at the hospital [Sonu Sood is diagnosed with a weird disorder] is simply hilarious. There's a twist in the tale at the intermission point and the second hour, therefore, shifts gears -- it changes from kabhi funny, kabhi drama to a prem kahani.
It"s smooth sailing till there's another twist towards the pre-climax [wouldn't like to reveal it, since it would act as a spoiler]. But, frankly, the film could've done without this track. The narrative, thankfully, is back on tracks soon after.
Anees Bazmee has a flair for writing great entertainers that work big time with the masala-loving junta. If you've loved No Entry and Welcome, you'd love Singh Is Kinng too. This time, Bazmee shares the writing credits with Suresh Nair and the duo come up with some real wacky episodes. In terms of production design, this is Bazmee"s most lavish fare so far. It's a grandiose product.
Pritam's music is already popular and it compliments the goings-on completely. 'Bhootni Ke', 'Jee Karda' and the title track stand out, while 'Teri Ore' is easy on the nerves. Ben Nott and Sanjay Gupta's cinematography is top notch.
Akshay Kumar takes rapid strides with Singh Is Kinng. Sure, you've seen him in comic fares time and again and perhaps, there might be a doubt, Will he carry it off yet again? Oh yes, he does! There's no saturation point as far as this actor is concerned. He holds your attention in every sequence, irrespective of how strong the scene is, and that's the biggest compliment for any actor. Singh Is Kinng without Akki is like an ocean without marine life. Akshay rules!
The camera loves Katrina Kaif and it shows in Singh Is Kinng too. She looks bewitching and enacts her part with tremendous confidence. Kirron Kher is superb and so is Om Puri. Terrific performances! They compliment Akki so well. Ranvir Shorey is first-rate. Sonu Sood is another actor who's finally getting his due in Hindi films. Javed Jaffrey's character works big time till he does a somersault in the pre-climax. Neha Dhupia is engaging. The nok-jhonk between Sudhanshu Pandey and Yashpal Sharma is perfect. Manoj Pahwa is good.
On the whole, Singh Is Kinng lives up to the hype and hoopla. Want a joyride without taxing your brains? Board the Singh Is Kinng wagon. At the box-office, the film will fetch a hurricane-like start. The paid previews, the opening weekend, the first week business, everything will be record-shattering. Notwithstanding the new oppositions in the weeks to come, Singh Is Kinng will rule the hearts of the aam junta [whose verdict matters the most] as also the box-office, proving a record holder in the final tally. Blockbuster Hit!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Chandni Chowk To China, the first ever Bollywood Kungfu comedy takes you on a madcap Journey from the by-lanes of Chandni Chowk in Delhi, to Shanghai, the Great Wall and rural China, marrying in its wake hilarious gags, breathtaking action, spectacular locations, and heart stirring emotions.
Our protagonist Sidhu (Akshay Kumar) is the lowest on the totem pole, cutting vegetables at a roadside food stall in Chandni Chowk in Delhi. He longs to escape his dreary existence and looks for shortcuts- with astrologers, tarot readers and fake fakirs - believing anything except himself, despite his father figure Dada's (Mithun Chakraborty) best efforts. His redeeming moment arrives when two strangers from China claim him as a reincarnation of a war hero in the past and takes him to China. Sidhu now dreams of wine, women, and a princely existence in foreign lands. Thanks to the devious translator, a conman by the name Chopstick (Ranvir Shorey), little does he know that he is being taken to the Promised Land to rid the Chinese village of the vicious smuggler Hojo (Gordon Liu)!
Therefore, Sidhu blissfully sets forth to China with Chopstick who instigates dreams of a delicious future and forgets to reveal the perils, which await him. Along the way, he meets Sakhi (Deepika Padukone), Ms. Tele Shoppers Media (Ms. TSM) who has embarked on a journey to pay homage to the land of her birth and her dead father and twin. Initially, Sidhu through a series of lucky coincidences manages to sidestep being beaten by Hojo's men but finally Hojo catches up with him and exposes him as the country buffoon that he really is. Sidhu has the fire of revenge in his belly and finds the one man who will make him a Kungfu expert and set the village free. Armed with his Sifu (master), faith in himself and the love of the fair Sakhi, Sidhu sets forth to conquer all!
Ganesh, who is more than happy to be a part of Bombaat, said: "I have a different role in the film. I play a hard taskmaster. Even my dialogue delivery will be different as I play a street urchin.
I worked out a lot in the gym to get a good physique as per the role. I have also done some exceptional fights in the film. The script needed an intelligent director and Babu has done his best.
Ganesh plays a tough guy who uses his brain more than his fists to defeat his enemies.
"Ganesh will rock in his new avatar and acquire a mass hero image through this film. I am sure that his fan following will reach new heights after the release of this film. We have some terrific action sequences in the film," says Rajendra Babu
Rajendra Babu, who has completed 25 years as a director in the Kannada film industry further adds, "Ganesh will make you laugh also in the film. There was apprehension in some quarters whether the role suited Ganesh or not. But believe me, the role suits him perfectly. Writer Janardhana Maharshi has created a good role for Ganesh. My technicians including myself could not control our laughter while doing the post production work as Ganesh was really Bombat."
Apparently, Bipasha was zeroed in as the brand ambassador for Sugar Free Gold as she truly is a fitness icon among the youth and hence would help in creating the necessary awareness among the consumers.
As per the contract, Bips will feature across all Sugar Free Gold communication, including advertisements on TV, outdoor, print, radio and other media.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Young & Gorgeous Katrina Kaif has replaced Aishwarya Rai with a big amount , which was more money offered to Aishwarya to be the Brand Ambassador of Nakshatra range of jewelry.
According to the most reliable sources, the first choice of Nakshatra was Deepika Padukone, who had almost signed the dotted lines till she realized that the contract did not contain what she had asked for. To simplify it further, Deepika had agreed to endorse the said brand (only on a national level) for a certain amount. But the Nakshatra officials wanted her not just to endorse Nakshatra, but its sub-brands as well and that too on a global level, which Deepika refused for obvious reasons. And naturally, Deepika's loss turned out to be Katrina's gain.
Today, the whole of Bollywood is celebrating and has every reason to do so as it is the B-Day of its very own eternal 'Simran' aka Kajol and vice versa! Kajol, for starters, made her acting debut with Rahul Rawail's Bekhudi. Even though the film did not shine at the Box-Office, it gifted Bollywood its very own firebrand actress, Kajol, who later went onto become a name that's synonymous with many smash-hit films. While others demand a Numero Uno status, Kajol is (and forever will be) one actress who simply commands it!
Mani Ratnam is all set to make film based on great epic Ramayana
The Hindi-Tamil bilingual, titled Ravan will star Mani Ratnam's favourite pair, Abhishek Bachchan and his wife Aishwarya as Rama and Sita, while Govinda is likely to play the role of Hanuman . Aditya Panscholi will star in the title role.
Mani, who is busy with his current project with the same lead pair, is likely to commence Ravan by next year.