Jodhaa Akbar’ sets to attract tourists
22 February 2008 | Movies | No Comments
'Jodhaa Akbar' the epic of Ashutosh Gowarikar that hit theaters a couple of weeks back is doing a great show and getting very positive feedback from the audience.
Though the entire team has done a wonderful fare, special thanks should go to the creator of the sets and the jewellery, without which the film would have lost that magic feel. While watching the film we are transported to another era of kings and queens, palaces and forts. It is like walking through a fairytale.
The palatial palaces and the fantastic forts add to the feel of the film. News is that now these sets that were erected for the filming of 'Jodhaa Akbar' will be soon open for public viewing. If it opens for the public then you and I can sit and click pictures from those places where Jodhaabai took a walk or where Akbar and Jodhaa exchanged small talk.
The man behind the creation of these splendid sets, Nitin Chandrakant Desai, has declared that he would open his studio (N.D. Studio) for public viewing soon as in the Universal studios in Los Angeles. The sets will soon be open to the public, who, after paying a nominal fee can enjoy the grandeur of the sets. ….read more
Abhishek-Aishwarya to star in Mani Ratnam’s next
20 February 2008 | Movies | No Comments
It had to happen. After Guru the movie-making maverick, Mani Ratnam, was bound to return to his favourite actor. It comes as no surprise to know Abhishek Bachchan and Mani Ratnam will team up again for their third film together.
After the terrific tuning that they shared during Yuva (which Abhishek describes as his career's first turning-point) and Guru (which he acknowledges as his second turning-point), it doesn't require much calculation to see the creative and commercial viability of the Mani-Abhishek pair. Abhishek's better- half too is back in the Mani- fold.
Coming out of his bereavement (Mani lost his brother earlier this year), Mani Ratnam is all set to announce a supple romantic film featuring filmdom's foremost marital pair. Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan will come together in Mani Ratnam's film that starts shooting in September.
According to a source very close to the project, "It's going to be a very intense love story. Where Guru was more a bio-pic with a cavalcade of characters claiming screen space, this film will focus primarily on the romance. It's a very intense film. Mani's most romantic film to date. And yes, it's again based on real life characters." ….read more
Mallika on a new role!
20 February 2008 | Movies, Actress | No Comments
Mallika Sherawat is all set to go westwards again. She has bagged her second Hollywood assignment after Jackie Chan's The Myth. This one is The Aquarian Gospel, the epic story of Jesus Christ's missing years, which chronicles his journey from Israel as a boy of 13, through India, Tibet, Persia, Greece and Egypt. It describes how as a young man of 30, Jesus encountered people of all creeds, classes and faiths, and also the world's greatest saints and sages, before becoming a prophet whose life and teachings swept the world.
Sherawat plays Saraswati, a celibate yogini (brahmacharini), who Yeshua (Jesus) bonds with on his journey through India. This role is a nice contrast for an actress known as the Bollywood sexiest heroine! But since a large part of the film is set in India, the director and producers decided to begin casting from the East, and are excited to have Mallika as part of the project.
Australian director Drew Heriot (The Secret) said about his heroine, "Mallika is not just a pretty face, she is versatile, has a background in philosophy and will be able to convey the richness of the subject." The film, incidentally, portrays Jesus's teachings in new environments and explores its similarities with those of the East.
Mallika is excited at having landed a plum role in this Hollywood production. "I love the personality of the character and feel that it will be a terrific challenge to bring Saraswati to life," the actress said. "I find that in most mythological and spiritual films, women seem to be lacking any true wisdom or a sense of humour. I look forward to bringing both of those qualities to this character". ….read more
Faisal Khan gets freedom
20 February 2008 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Aamir Khan and his family have been going through tough times regarding the custody of his schizophrenic brother, Faisal Khan.
The case had been stretching since long with initially Aamir’s father Tahir Hussain being granted temporary custody. Then his father handed over the responsibility to Aamir. Now the court has finally arrived at the verdict that Faisal is no threat to society and has not shown any abnormal behaviour during the past months and has given freedom to lead his life on his own.
The court has however instructed that Faisal Khan should undergo regular medical check-ups at Mumbai’s J.J. Hospital.
Rakhi Sawant in Yash Raj Films’ next
20 February 2008 | Actress | No Comments
Rakhi Sawant's dream has finally come true as she will feature in a Yash Raj film. Yes, Rakhi will be seen sharing the screen space with none other than Shahid Kapoor and Rani Mukherjee in Yash Raj's next, which is to be directed by Anurag Singh.
Without divulging many details, the spokesperson from Yash Raj films confirms, "Yes, Rakhi Sawant has been signed for YRF production in a Shahid Kapoor and Rani Mukherjee starrer film." Apparently, Rakhi will be playing the role of a dancer from Bhand Samaj doing Nautanki.
Nevertheless, Rakhi's talent seems to be catching attention first with Rakesh Roshan's Krazzy 4 and now Yash Raj. Way to go Rakhi! ….read more
Bhansali denies marriage
19 February 2008 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Sanjay Leela Bhansali one of India's most passionate film makers has temporarily set up home in Paris… the city of love. After a poor response to his highly awaited Saawariya, Bhansali is experimenting with yet another form of expression.. writing for his first opera. Its been a week since Bhansali has been immersed in his script. True to his style, Bhansali who believes in huge amount of research has been seeing the various operas that are being showcased in the city. The perfectionist that he is, is now livid with rumours doing the round that he is all set to get married.
His source in Mumbai discloses, "Each time Sanjay sits down to pen his thoughts, he gets a call congratulating him on his pending marriage to choreographer, Vaibhavi Merchant. His work schedule has gone haywire. He is very frustrated."
Adding to his woes is the fact that Vaibhavi is only a good friend. The contact further revealed, Vaibhavi is shooting in Jaipur for a film and no, they are not seeing each other." ….read more
Juhi Chawla to host dance-based reality show on television
19 February 2008 | Actress | No Comments
Reality shows are now cashing in on the big fat Indian wedding. The newest one on Star Plus titled Rock N Roll Soniye is a dream package for young couples who will get real-life couples to test their compatibility via dance performances and quizzes, following which the winning pair will get a model wedding arranged by the production house and the channel. The production house, Contiloe Films, has roped in Juhi Chawla and Shabbir Ahluwalia to host the show.
Abhimanyu Singh, CEO, Contiloe Films, says, "This will be a dance-based reality show which will bring together couples from different backgrounds who are good dancers. We will organise a wedding for the winners just the way they want it to be." Just make sure you guys don't agree to pay for the dahej too - that will get the studio execs dancing rather weirdly. ….read more
Ayesha Takia to play an alien from Venus
19 February 2008 | Movies, Actress | No Comments
Nikhil Advani and Mukesh Talreja, Director of Orion Pictures Private Limited, announced a slate of six films to be produced by them in the next twelve months, on February 18, 2008. The company is all geared up on the production of these six films, two out of which are already under production.
While the prestigious Chandni Chowk to China presented by Warner Brothers and their big animation project Ab Dilli Door Nahi is already on the floors, Orion Pictures has now commissioned four more projects that are slated to go on floors in the next few months. The third film from the Orion bouquet of films to hit the floors in April / May 2008 would be Milap Zaveri's Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai! This film would mark Milap Zaveri's debut as a director after a number of successful films as a writer, such as Heyy Babyy, Masti, Jhankaar Beats, and Kaante.
"There are lot of love stories between rich and poor, caste and creed but nothing that is out of the world. So, I came up with a twist to the popular concept of 'Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus'. I kept the man from Earth and the Woman from Venus," says Milap Zaveri on the venture. Riteish Deshmukh plays the guy from planet Earth while Ayesha Takia is the girl from Venus. Weaved around the concept of an alien searching for love from an Earthling, the story is written with a lot of good humor and emotions that the young generation of today can connect with. The film also stars a promising new comer, Ruslaan Mumtaz. "At Orion we are looking at working with a host of fresh talent including new directors. There is a huge untapped talent in the country. And we believe that a successful writer like Milap will prove to be a very talented film maker with a bright future," said Mukesh Talreja. ….read more
Jodhaa Akbar : Review
16 February 2008 | Movies, Movie Reviews | No Comments
A drama of epic proportions, Jodhaa Akbar is at its core an intimate love story that's set against the spectacular sweep of the Mughal era. It's about the romance that gradually blossoms between Emperor Akbar and his wife Jodhaa, the Rajput princess with whom he enters into a marriage of alliance. It's also the coming of age story of the greatest Mughal ruler, who goes from a reluctant warrior to a brave and honorable leader and wins over his people with his empathy and his secular outlook.
Magnificently directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, Jodhaa Akbar draws you into its drama just moments into the film, transporting you to the battlefield, to the emperor's court, to Jodhaa's private chamber, and most importantly, into the mind and heart of Mohammed Jalaluddin Akbar himself, where he grapples with betrayals and insecurities. …
The film's best moments are the ones between the protagonist couple. Take that scene in which he catches her sight transfixed on his bare torso, or that sword fight between the couple that's bubbling with sexual energy. Even that delicate scene in which he reveals to his wife an awkward truth about his education. Or then that moving scene in which he vindicates her honour by demanding to be served his lunch in the same plates she ate out of just moments ago in a tense situation. …
The scenes that stand out for their sheer visceral impact can be ticked off a checklist – first that breathtaking scene in which the emperor tames a wild elephant, also the one in which he gives in to his rage and orders a cruel death to a traitor, and finally that one-on-one combat scene in the climax, inspired no doubt from Troy. These are moments all that stay with you long after you've left your seat.
There is ample evidence of the fact that Gowariker once again assembles the perfect team to realise his vision. Kiran Deohans' cinematography is one of Jodhaa Akbar's key strengths, and nowhere is that more apparent than the battle scenes which Deohans' camera captures gloriously, making you feel like you're right out there where the action is.
As Jodhaa, the sometimes-feisty-sometimes-graceful leading lady, Aishwarya Rai is wonderfully restrained and uses her eyes expertly to communicate so much, making this one of her finest outings on screen.
Hrithik Roshan, as Akbar, oozes confidence and delivers a career-best performance as the unflinching emperor. Not only does he transform physically to become the part, he gets under the emotional skin of the character and makes it his own. I cannot think of any other actor who could play this better. ….read more
Sallu puffs up his chest!
16 February 2008 | Movies, Actors | No Comments
The latest news is that Salman Khan will have to increase his weight by one-and-a-half times to fit into the role of Veer, in the film written by him. The role requires him to play a warrior. Salman has agreed to do the necessary. In return, he is charging Rs 25 crore for this role. Confirming Salman's fee for the film, producer of Veer, Vijay Galani says, "Yes, we are paying him about that much. It's a difficult role to portray. But Salman has taken to it well. He is working out diligently under the guidance of his private trainer. He is also on a special diet."
It was being said that Salman has changed his eating habits. And the results have started showing. Galani replies, "Yes, Salman's chest has increased by at least 4 inches in the last four weeks. He still has a lot of work to do, but the way he is going about it, it won't take long."
Talking about the film, Galani says, "Salman wrote it over a long period of time. We are making certain modifications, without changing the story." Galani clarifies that Salman has written the story, not the script. Hence, he will not get credit as the script-writer for the film. "We will give him credit as the story writer," Galani reveals.
Buzz is, Priyanka may star opposite Salman in Veer. Salman wanted his girlfriend Katrina to star in the film but since Katrina has already signed too many films, she cannot fit Veer into her schedule. "Hence, Galani and director Anil Sharma are thinking of casting Priyanka," says our well-placed source in the industry.
Galani dismisses the casting of Priyanka as a rumour, saying, "We will think of the heroine only after February 28, the day when the script is completed." ….read more
Hrithik Roshan and Penelope Cruz will be cast together
16 February 2008 | Actors | No Comments
If all goes well, Hollywood stunner Penelope Cruz will rub shoulders with Hrithik Roshan in Rakesh Roshan's upcoming film. The film will be directed by Anurag Basu.
Rakesh and Anurag are already in advanced talks with Penelope in Los Angeles. The duo left Mumbai on Thursday.
Says an insider, "The role requires a very beautiful foreigner. Both Rakesh and his son Hrithik felt that Penelope would fit the bill perfectly. They spoke to Anurag about it, who seconded the idea. Thereafter, Filmkraft (Rakesh Roshan's company) got in touch with Penelope's office in LA."
Confirming the story, Shammi, Executive Producer of Filmkraft, says, "Yes, Rakeshji and Anurag are in Los Angeles and had a meeting with Penelope yesterday. We haven't signed her yet, though."
Rakesh and Hrithik signed Anurag as the film's director as they liked Metro, which was directed by Anurag. The filmmaker shot to fame with the Kangana Ranaut-Emraan Hashmi-Shiney Ahuja starrer Gangster.
Penelope has appeared in a number of Spanish, French, English, Italian and Portugese films. In 2006, Cruz received favourable reviews for her performance in Pedro Almodvar's Volver. Her performance in the film also won her a Best Actress ensemble award at the Cannes Film Festival as well as nominations for an Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award and BAFTA Award. ….read more
Juhi’s humorous comeback!
14 February 2008 | Actress | No Comments
Folks this is comeback season! After Kajol in 'Fanaa' and Madhuri in 'Aaja Nachle' this time it is the charming Juhi who will have a comeback in to Bollywood with a bang!
It is reported that Juhi will be playing a Psychiatrist's role with Rakesh Roshan's Production 'Krazzy 4'! The actress who can handle a variety of roles with equal ease will be essaying a thorough comedy role this time. Juhi is one heroine who has a great timing when it comes to comedy.
'Krazzy 4' will be Jaideep Sen's debut venture and Juhi will play the psychiatrist who will have to deal with four really crazy guys with Arshad Warsi, Irrfan Khan, Rajpal Yadav and Suresh Menon. With all these seasoned actors in the cast one can guess the extent of fun element 'Krazzy 4' is bound to have.
And for some really big news now… It is rumored that King Khan and Hrithik Roshan might have a special appearance in this film which will hit theaters in mid-April. ….read more
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