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Monday, May 26, 2008

Bollywood Box Office

Jannat: Movie Review
With the cricket fever going high with the IPL matches, Bhatt’s decision to release this movie would’ve been a great idea if only the movie was made a little more realistic. The movie deals with the match fixing and a fixer’s woes. But alas, the Bhatts have more or less the same knowledge about the match fixing as an average cricket watcher.The film revolves around this no-so-rich guy Arjun Dikshit(Emran Hashmi) who falls for this girl named Zoya(Sonal Chauhan) whom he finds staring at a diamond ring in a mall. And from there starts the woo-the-girl time. The boy tries out every way right from trying to shop lift the ring to getting a classy car to take her on a date. The girl as any other Hindi film heroines falls in love with the hero after a little bit of her nakhras, meanwhile, Arjun discovers his sixth sense in matches and ability to guess the next move in cricket matches. His habit of betting on matches thus soon makes him a bookie. And then he has a promotion and becomes the match fixer.And then he feels that India isn’t very suitable to build his heaven and thus shifts his head office to South Africa and comes in contact with Abu (Javed Sheikh), who also happens to be a terrorism funder. And so the story takes a turn and the already not-so-good- boy’s name is also mixed up in supporting terrorism. Meanwhile his lady love finds out his job status n condemns him. She opts for strip dancing in night clubs afterwards.The movie could’ve been made better had the Bhatt’s adopted a much more realistic view. Though the movie contains some bold resemblances to Bob Woolmer and comparisons of cricketers like Navjyot Singh Sidhhu, the movie fails to create a believable feel. The way Emran Hashmi bribes the captain right in the locker room was highly unprofessional. The end however is hurriedly dragged from an earlier movie of the Bhatt camp named NAAM.
The movie lacks good screenplay. But the music is good, and I can’t stop humming “zara sa dil mein de jagah”. Basically it’s a watchable movie for Emran Hashmi’s fans but not for the cricket fans

Bhoothnath: Movie Review

Director: Vivek Sharma
Star Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Juhi Chawla, Shahrukh Khan and Aman Siddiqui
After Taare Zameen Par, which made kids dance to their tunes, we have debutant director Nikhil Kumar’s movie Bhootnath to hit the screens. Bhoothnath is about the relationship between Casper inspired ghost Amitabh Bachchan and kid Aman Sidiqui. The first half of the movie is targeted at kids and the second melodramatic half is incidentally also for kids.

Story of Bhoothnath
A big, unattended ,uninhabited spooky house is haunted by a ghost named Kadernath ( Amitabh Bachchan). The ghost is vengeful and wouldn’t allow anybody to share his house as his fond memories are etched in the house, Nath Villa. But Kadernath is disturbed and furious when a family movies into the house. The family comprises of Banku ( Aman Sidiqqui ), his shy mother ( Juhi Chawla) and pony-tailed daddy ( Shah Rukh Khan).
The ghost is angry with the new inmates of Nath Villa and plans to drive them away by his bhoothiya antics. He comes across Banku and tries his tricks on him, but instead of scaring Banku he amuses him which results in friendship between Banku and Kedarnath and Banku lovingly starts calling Kedarnath as Bhootnath.
All is well in the Bhootnath villa until Kedarnath’s son Priyanshu Chatterjee returns from US to sell off Nath Villa and then the film goes back in time, becomes soggy and melodramatic. The director doesn’t think twice before turning the second half into a Baghban type melodrama.
Kids will surely enjoy the encounters between Banku and Bhootnath and their histrionics in the first half. The way the awesome twosome plays pranks in school and also become heroes in disguise is definitely entertaining. The second half with all those family values I guess went as a bouncer over the heads of kids and it might have left them wondering what happened to Bhootnath. One child beside me in the movie-plex started crying, “Mamma Bhootnath ko ka hua?”
Aman Sidiqui as Banku is perfect and gives an outstanding performance, Amitabh as the loving ghost with sunken eyes looks perfect and manipulates your emotions with his histrionics. Juhi Chawla proves why she is still in the industry despite of marriage with her good performance. Shahrukh Khan is a treat for SRK lovers and I guess he also had some magic powers as we could see a pony-tailed SRK in one scene and in another the pony-tail does a vanishing act, over all he is brilliant.
Although Vivek Sharma needs to hone is directorial skills he is a good narrator. The film has good special effects. Cinematography by Vishnu Rao is good. The soundtrack of the movie is its biggest flaw, I wonder what happened to Vishal-Shekhar when they were composing tunes for this movie.
Don’t go expecting a Taare Zameen Par act from the movie and you might actually like it, but be sure to leave the theatre after the first half if you are watching this movie with your kids as it would prove to be a big embarrassment for you and confusion for your little one.

My verdict: **1/2/ 5

Krazzy 4 movie review


Director: Jaideep

SenCast: Arshad Warsi, Irrfan Khan, Rajpal Yadav, Suresh Menon, Juhi Chawla and Dia Mirza


Debutante director Jaideep Sen must have foreseen the future of his movie Krazzy 4 and that’s why roped in SRK and Hrithik Roshan to become the saving grace of the movie. But inspite of SRK, Hrithik Roshan, Rakhi Sawant, Ram Sampath (for giving negative publicity for 2 crores), a great star cast and numerology the film turns out to be a dud.
Krazzy 4 is the story about four mental guys Raja (Arshad Warsi), Gangadhar (Rajpal Yadav), Dr Mukherjee (Irrfan Khan), Dabboo (Suresh Menon) and their doc Dr Sonali. Raja is an angry mental man and will hit out at the slightest provocation or even without and has an intermittent explosive disorder in simple words ‘Sarphira’. Dr Mukherjee aka captain of Krazzy4, is a clean freak, wants everything to be perfect and clean and suffers from a personality disorder.
Gangadhar is a schizophrenic who lives in the past and his pals are Nehru, Gandhi, Tilak and Patel. He and his imaginary pals are busy fighting for swaraj and freedom. Last but not the least is cute Dabboo who with his 3/4th pants is everybody’s pet and is frightened to an extent that he doesn’t speak a word.
All hell breaks loose when their savior Dr Sonali takes them out for a cricket match just for a change, Dr Sonali is kidnapped and our Krazzy 4 are left stranded in the big, bad and mad krazzy world. How they survive and rescue their doctor forms the rest of the story.
When Jaideep Sen had power performers like Irrfan Khan, Rajpal Yadav, Suresh Menon and Arshad Warsi he failed to utilize their potential. Suresh Menon who is a terrific performer is kept on mute all the time. Arshad Warsi inspite of having a meaty role fails to deliver as an angry man. The only actor who is the saving grace of K4 is Rajpal Yadav with a rocking performance; perfect comic timing makes him standout amongst others. Juhi Chawla and Irrfan Khan as Mr. tidy.
The craziest thing about the movie is its bad story inspired from Hollywood flick “The Dream Team”, wonder how Senior Roshan approved of it. The script has some unrealistic scenes which makes you go What The F like Raja bumping into his ex-girlfriend Dia Mirza, Dr Mukherjee meeting his daughter on the road, the krazzy guys carrying a successful sting operation and the climax.
The film is 2 hours long and is interesting in the first half, and a bore in the second eventually ending in a bad climax. Both script and screenplay of K4 are bad.
Coming to the highlight of Krazzy 4-The item numbers, I personally liked SRK’s Breakfree more than Hrithiks, but both are great. Rakhi’s item number would appeal to the frontbenchers and will keep them happy. Rajesh Roshan’s music is disappointing but Break Free is awesome (Credit should be given to Rajesh Roshan for composing rest of the song apart from the 6 lifted seconds).
I hope Jaideep Sen comes out with a good movie next time with a powerful story. Meanwhile the audiences wouldn’t be crazy for Krazzy 4.
My Rating: ** 1/2

Race:Review Many years ago Abbas-Mustan came out with a great hit Baazigar and made the dialogue popular, “haar k jeetne wale ko baazigar kehte hai.” Now we are not talking about SRK, here our Baazigars are none other than duo Abbas-Mustan, who recently experienced haar with duds like 36 China Town and Naqaab, and finally have struck jeet through Race.
Last year Naqaab was touted as the “most shocking thriller” of the year by Abbas-Mustan but it failed miserably. But this time the duo has let their work speak for them instead of making tall claims and Race clearly stands out. Race is a total Saif and Akshay’s movie: they delivered superb performances.
The story of Race revolves around two stepbrothers Ranvir Singh (SAK) and Rajeev Singh (Akshay). The two brothers compete against each other since childhood, and as the rule goes for every game, Saif always ends up winning whereas Akshay is on the losing side. Shot extensively in South Africa, the movie is about betrayal, greed, intrigue and revenge.Ranvir the eldest of the two brothers is a cunning businessman who is always hungry for success and owns a ranch named Stallions. He gives tough competition to his competitors and doesn’t forgive people who try to act smart with him. On the other hand Rajiv (Akshay) is a total spoilt-rich-brat who loves wine more than the family horses.
Ranvir falls head-over-heels in love with the fashion catwalk queen Sonia (Bipasha Basu). But then a thriller is incomplete without a love triangle. Ranvir’s beautiful and hot secretary is secretly in love with her, but Ranvir gives a damn to her. As expected (from the trailers) Akshay also falls in love with Bipasha, and promises to mend his ways if Bipasha accepts his marriage proposal. Saif Ali Khan like every Indian elder brother sacrifices his love for his younger bro. But then one of the brothers has evil intentions in mind, a murder is committed, and the evil brother gets to walk away with the insurance claim of whooping hundred million.
Now a murder mystery is incomplete without a detective, and we do have one in Race. Robert D’Costa aka RD (Anil Kapoor), who is always munching fruits along with his sexy dumb bimbette secretary Mini (Sameera Reddy) enters the scene of crime and try to solve the mystery of the murder. The thriller gets its dose of humor with this detective-secretary combo. Although the jokes are dumb the audience are left in splits.
The best things about Race are not one but many: Akshay’s negative performance, Pritam’s rocking music, Stunts by Allan Amin, great dialogues, good Cinematography and above all a meaningful ending.
Although the movie is glossy with many action stunts, the director reminds us of SRK’s Baazigar, when one of the brother pushes down the other from the terrace of high-rise building to his death similar to the way SRK pushes down Shilpa Shetty in Baazigar. The first half of Race, kept me glued to my seat, I could not predict easily what exactly will happen in the next scene. With lots of twists and turns, I was munching my popcorn at Rajdhani express speed wondering what is gonna happen next.
Performance wise Akshay Khanna is the best in his negative avatar, Saif Ali Khan (he should take tips on working out from his zero size girlfriend) delivers a power packed performance as an intense elder brother and shrewd businessman, rest all are mediocre. Amongst all the ladies in the movie Bipasha Basu stands out, Katrina Kaif looks strikingly beautiful but fails to strike the right acting chord, Sameera Reddy acts as the Indian version of dumb blonde and provides enough justice to her role. Anil Kapoor provides the comedy element to the movie, but his acts looks monotonous.
Overall the movie is great, can be watched once (once you know the mystery its no more fun), the ladies up the sex quotient and great powerhouse performances by Saif and Akshay. A total paisa vasool movie. Don’t forget to check out the car blast scene in the first half of the movie. I expect Race will recover its investment and break the 30 crore barrier in its first week collections itself. Go Race yourself to the theaters.
My Rating: * * */ 5

After Deepika SRK to romance another model Anuskha Sharma


Teaming up with SRK in her debut movie did wonders for Deepika Padukone and now another model Anuskha Sharma will get to repeat the same wonder.
The 21-year-old model has been signed by Aditya Chopra to play the lead again SRK in his upcoming movie Rab Ne Banadi Jodi. Rab Ne Banadi Jodi shows a 40-year-old guy (SRK) falling in love with a 16-year-old girl.
Yash Chopra confirmed the news saying,” We were looking first and foremost for someone who could truly embody the spirit of small-town Punjab and we know we have found her in Anushka. And while she has no previous acting experience, we have seen that unique spark in her that makes us confident that she will be a standout even opposite Shahrukh.”
Aditya Chopra is back on the directors seat for Rab Ne Banadi Jodi after 8-long-years. Lets hope the movie is a super-duper hit.

Kareena Kapoor taking over Kajol Devgan

No doubt about it…. Kareena Kapoor’s career is on a never before ascent…. What more proof does it require than that she has been the choice for Ajay Devgan’s to be announced next directorial venture. What makes it more conspicuous is the fact that the actor-turned-director has chose Kareena over her talented wife Kajol Devgan.The chemistry between Ajay Devgan and Kareena Kapoor had already set the cash registers ringing in ‘Omkara’. They will also be seen in Ashtavinayak’s ‘Golmaal Returns’ which is set for release later this year.If this was not enough, Kareena Kapoor is also being considered by Karan Johar for his next venture ‘My Name Is Khan’ starring SRK, but that will be only when Kajol turns down the offer.No doubt about it…. Kareena Kapoor’s career is on a never before ascent…. What more proof does it require than that she has been the choice for Ajay Devgan’s to be announced next directorial venture. What makes it more conspicuous is the fact that the actor-turned-director has chose Kareena over her talented wife Kajol Devgan.The chemistry between Ajay Devgan and Kareena Kapoor had already set the cash registers ringing in ‘Omkara’. They will also be seen in Ashtavinayak’s ‘Golmaal Returns’ which is set for release later this year.If this was not enough, Kareena Kapoor is also being considered by Karan Johar for his next venture ‘My Name Is Khan’ starring SRK, but that will be only when Kajol turns down the offer.No doubt about it…. Kareena Kapoor’s career is on a never before ascent…. What more proof does it require than that she has been the choice for Ajay Devgan’s to be announced next directorial venture. What makes it more conspicuous is the fact that the actor-turned-director has chose Kareena over her talented wife Kajol Devgan.The chemistry between Ajay Devgan and Kareena Kapoor had already set the cash registers ringing in ‘Omkara’. They will also be seen in Ashtavinayak’s ‘Golmaal Returns’ which is set for release later this year.If this was not enough, Kareena Kapoor is also being considered by Karan Johar for his next venture ‘My Name Is Khan’ starring SRK, but that will be only when Kajol turns down the offer.No doubt about it…. Kareena Kapoor’s career is on a never before ascent…. What more proof does it require than that she has been the choice for Ajay Devgan’s to be announced next directorial venture. What makes it more conspicuous is the fact that the actor-turned-director has chose Kareena over her talented wife Kajol Devgan.The chemistry between Ajay Devgan and Kareena Kapoor had already set the cash registers ringing in ‘Omkara’. They will also be seen in Ashtavinayak’s ‘Golmaal Returns’ which is set for release later this year.If this was not enough, Kareena Kapoor is also being considered by Karan Johar for his next venture ‘My Name Is Khan’ starring SRK, but that will be only when Kajol turns down the offer.


Monday, May 19, 2008

Current News


SRK May Give IIFA a Miss

Shah Rukh Khan just may not be able to make it to the IIFA awards this year after all. This year, SRK is expected to be busy shooting with Aditya Chopra for the latter’s Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. Apparently, the makers want to finish shooting the outdoors before the monsoons strike.
While SRK will continue his non show at the IIFA, he will be reuniting with his Dilwale Dulhaniya director Aditya Chopra after 13 long years. The first day of the shoot saw veteran Yash Chopra also turn up at the sets to bless his son, Aditya and Shah Rukh. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi will see SRK’s jodi with newcomer Anushka. It seems that every year, SRK seems to have some creative reason for not making it to the IIFA. The usual one is about taking his annual holiday with his kids, but this time Aditya has come to his rescue with his film schedule. So, SRK would like to have us believe that his absence has nothing to do with a certain Big B, the brand ambassador of the awards? Incidentally, neither the Big B, nor his parivaar, was present at the Filmfare Awards held earlier this year. They had been hosted by SRK and Saif Ali Khan at their irreverent best. Is it a conscious decision to avoid being at the same function? Sounds childish, but that’s how it seems so.


Ashutosh Gowarikar has approached Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja for his next film, which is based on an English play

Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja’s on-screen pairing has caught the attention of a lot of people, including director Ashutosh Gowarikar. We hear that the real-life couple is in advanced talks with the director for his next film, which is supposedly based on an English play.

While Priyanka and Harman look great together, we will have to wait to see if it translates to an equally good chemistry in Love Story 2050 as well.

If sources are to be believed, both Priyanka and Harman liked their roles in Gowarikar’s new film. A well-placed source from the industry said, “As things stand now, there is no reason for the cast to be changed.”

We sent Gowarikar a text message, but he refused to comment.

However, a close friend of Harman confirmed the story and said, “Yes, Priyanka and Harman are in talks with Ashutosh for his film.”

The buzz is that Gowarikar has bought the rights of the English play.

Priyanka and Harman’s Love Story 2050 is all set to hit the theatres on July 4. It is a futuristic love story and Harry Baweja has gone all the way to make his son Harman’s debut vehicle look as slick as possible with impressive SFX. Recently, Priyanka was shooting in Miami for Karan Johar’s Dostana (directed by newcomer Tarun Mansukhani) but she made it a point to fly down to Mumbai for the music release of Love Story 2050. Maybe the two should finally stop insisting that they are ‘just good friends’.


In A New Love Ishtory, Himesh Reshammiya plays a tapori inspired by Munna, Aamir Khan’s character in Rangeela

Himesh Reshammiya is playing a fan of none other than Aamir Khan in John Matthew Matthan’s A New Love Ishtory. In the film, Himesh is so busy worshipping Aamir that he impersonates Aamir’s character Munna in the Urmila starrer Rangeela.

Our source said, “Himesh’s character is a stuntman called Sikander alias Sukku bhai in A New Love Ishtory and is shown using colloquial Mumbai lingo just like Aamir did in Rangeela.”
A poster of Rangeela

Himesh we hear will be wearing Munna’s colourful clothes including the infamous yellow shirt. In fact, the locals from Amboli village where Himesh just completed a 15-day schedule are also helping Himesh speak in true tapori syle.

When contacted, Himesh confirmed and said, “Yes. I am really enjoying the experience.”

“I have discovered that I have a flair for comedy and although I play rather intense characters in my other films like Karzzzz and Kajraa Re, comedy is definitely my forte,” he added.

In A New Love Ishtory, Himesh woos a rich businesswoman played by Niharika Singh. The film is produced by Bhushan Kumar.






SRK is good samaritan!

Shah Rukh Khan is playing Good Samaritan again. The actor has rushed to financially help a Kashmiri Pandit refugee family, the Rainas. The family met with a dangerous car accident while travelling from Jammu to Delhi.

The eldest member of the Raina family died on the spot, while her son Deepak Raina, daughter-in-law Neenu Raina and their two-year-old daughter were seriously injured. The family is admitted in Delhi’s Apollo Hospital. Neenu is currently in coma, while Deepak is critical and the child has almost lost all senses in the lower half of her body.

Shah Rukh Khan

Social activist cum film director Ashoke Pandit learnt about Raina’s misery and immediately sent a text message to Shah Rukh. Pandit confirms and says, “When I came to know about the predicament of the Raina family, I immediately messaged Shah Rukh about the sorry financial status of this family. Raina is a middle class family, and the cost of their treatment is going to be enormous.”

Pandit says, “Shah Rukh promptly called me up and offered to help in whatever way possible. Within two days, I received a cheque from Gauri Khan (Shah Rukh’s wife) pledging their support to the family.”

When asked about the amount that Shah Rukh contributed to help the Raina family recover, Pandit says that he would not like to disclose the amount. “Let’s not talk about that. Shah Rukh has helped enough. His moral and financial support does not need numbers,” Pandit says.

Incidentally, this is not the first time Shah Rukh has responded to Pandit’s call. Pandit says, “A few months ago, I sent him a similar message to help me with the treatment of a 10-year-old suffering from cancer. The child’s single mother could not afford the medical expenses. Even though Shah Rukh was not in India that time, he immediately volunteered to help. Unfortunately, the child passed away before the treatment. Later, Shah Rukh himself called me to ask about the child. When I told him that the child was no more, he was terribly disheartened that he could do nothing to save the child.”

“This gesture by Shah Rukh is an inspiration for me to continue helping people in distress. I must add here that the NGOs who are objecting to Shah Rukh’s smoking in public are wasting their time. Instead, they should appeal to the government to ban cigarettes and liquor,” Pandit adds.

We sent a text message to Shah Rukh, but he chose to remain silent.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

ASH - ABHI WEDDING IN PICTURES -EXCLUSIVE





Official Wedding Picture


Ash-Abhishek after the wedding(NDTV)

Aishwarya Rai seen with mother Vrinda just before the wedding(MumbaiMirror)





Three generations of Bachchans:Abhishek, behind the sehra, arrives on horseback with nephew Agastya, father Amitabh walking alongside
We see Ajay Devgan, dressed soberly and minus a turban.

Sonali Bendre carrying the kalash at a pre-nuptial ritual at Jalsa


Guests walk behind the kalash. Second from left we see actor Sikandar, Anupam Kher’s son soon to make his acting debut


Meanwhile, the wedding car decked with flowers, waits for the couple


Starting with the information about the marraige being very private one with the pictures of Wedding Card to the guest list and the Khans getting snubbed from the invitations. Some major omissions like Sanja Leela Bhansali, Rani Mukherjee and Gulzar who is supposedly Jaya’s mooh-bola Bhai. Rumors about Kareena’s Its Rocking song and finally to the real Sangeet pics. Ash’s home,the decorated Jalsa to her Doli finally the Wedding prepartions at Amitabh’s house Prateeksha. We got the pictures of the whole Wedding list along with some close-ups of Ash and Abhishek. More wedding pics are being added as the time goes by with Guests arriving. There was some drama infront of Amitabh’s house when an upcoming starlet, Jahnavi Kapoor attemped suicide claiming to be Abhishek’s wife. The couple are on their way to Tirupati and then to possibly to Venice for their Honeymoon.



Jahnavi Kapoor claims Abhishek Bachchan promised to marry her.

The Abhishek-Aishwarya impending wedding almost claimed a victim on Thursday night when a smalltime actress alleged that Abhishek had ditched her after promising to marry her.

Jahnavi Kapoor – who played a small role in Abhishek-starrer Dus - claimed she had tried to commit suicide after hearing of the nuptial.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

The most awaited uncensore pics of Sherlyn Chopra


We all know Sherlyn Chopra did a photoshoot with PETA few days back. And most have seen the photoshoot photos also. But here are some uncesored photos which, i think, hardly anyone would have seen. And we will start with a clear panty pic of Sherlyn.

Fake topless picture of Aishwarya Rai upsets the Bachchans


The Bachchan family was really upset when the topless picture of their gorgeous daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had been flashed in various TV channels, few days back.
The semi-nude photo of Ash had spread like a fire in the jungle and was highly searched on internet.


Rumours that these pictures were taken at a time when Ash was beginning her career in the Indian advertising and modelling industry have been laughed off by her friends. However the actress has taken them seriously and released a statement saying that the pictures are fabricated and that she was never involved.

Rumours are Ash shot this sensitive picture at the budding stage of her career, during the mid 90’s where she reportedly posed for a magazine along with four, five models.

The names of the models in the magazine go as Milind Soman , Madhu Sapre , Ruchi Malhotra, Aishwarya Rai, Anu Verma, Coleen Khan. Atul Karleskar had reportedly shot the picture and Micky Contractor had done the make-up.

Hubby Abhishek Bachchan is reportedly furious for making his wife’s topless picture to view publicly and he is keen to take drastic step and having a talk with his lawyers regarding this defamatory issue.

The Bachchan family is really possessive about Ash and understandably cannot tolerate any sort of disgraceful event that would harm the reputation of Ash.

“She would never do something like that. You know the actress you are talking about… no matter at which time in her profession they say these pictures were taken we can guarantee you that they are just the work some of some publicity hungry individual,” says Ash’s manager, “She has made it clear that she will take action against anyone who publishes them on the assumption that they are hers. And so will her close ones.”

He goes on to add that this new rumour hasn’t gone done well with the actress or the rest of her family.

The picture reportedly shows Ash in a pair of tiny denim shorts with her back to the camera with other models as well some other ones that are much more bold.