


Man this guy has some decent movies in hand !
Ranbir on Deepika
Author: Subhash K Jha Date: 07 Mar 2008


Are you ready for some HR Magic once again


Dedicated to Nitesh
Akshay Kumar to film action scenes on The Great Wall Of China with Kill Bill’s Villain Gordon Lieu 
By Subhash K. Jha, February 16, 2008 - 13:28 IST
Nikhil Advani left for Shanghai on Monday, Jan 28, to shoot for the action opus Chandni Chowk To China. “We’ve story-boarded the entire film. The action-comedy is now coming to life. And the big news is that this would be the first film to be shot on Beijing’s Great Wall Of China. Roger Yuan from Shanghai Knights will be one of Akshay’s adversaries. But the main villain is being played by Gordon Lieu of Kill Bill Part 2.”
“Akshay Kumar will be performing huge action scenes on the Great Wall Of China. In terms of action we want to take Bollywood to another level with this one,” informs Nikhil. A romantic song featuring Akshay and Deepika Padukone may also be filmed in around the Wall. “But the space for love in the plot is between the action and the comedy. The romance here has a different flavor. We finish the film in four weeks at a stretch,” warns Nikhil before taking off to China. Deepika has many difficult stunts to perform. While Akshay has been training for his action scenes, Deepika who has been shooting with Ranbir Kapoor in Australia returned on Sunday to join the unit in China. “In October and November she trained for her share of the martial arts. She needs to brush up her martial arts training. All her songs are ready and choreographed. So now that she’s back she just has to start rehearsing,” informs Nikhil.


Mixed results
February 14, 2008 - 08:44 IST
The cold wave coupled with the ongoing cricket matches is taking a toll on film business. The occupancy at single screens/movieplexes has fallen to a new low, with films running to almost empty halls during evening and night shows. But you can’t blame the weather conditions or any sport only for making a dent in business. Most movies don’t have the stamina to stand on their feet beyond the opening weekend.
Last week’s SUPER STAR was a good idea gone wrong. Despite its actor [Kunal Khemu] and director [Rohit Jugraj] putting their best efforts and the producers [Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision] going out of their way to promote the film, SUPER STAR lacked the meat to sustain audience interest. Clearly, the writing was the culprit here.
There have been instances of films starting slow, but gathering speed gradually, but the public response to SUPER STAR sent out negative signals on Day 1 itself. No wonder, the film fell on Day 2 [ideally, it should've been on an upswing], while Day 3 was at par with Day 1.


Ghai confirms Yuvraaj for 24th October ! So till now its Yuvraaj and Srk / Adi movie.
By Taran Adarsh, February 5, 2008 - 08:26 IST
Subhash Ghai launched KARZ and also founded Mukta Arts on 24th October, 1978. Thirty years later, on 24th October this year, the Showman will showcase his new film YUVRAAJ to the global audience. “Yes, I’ve decided to release YUVRAAJ on this date. It’s my most ambitious venture so far,” Ghai beams proudly.


It’s on-screen sparks for Bachchan-Sarika
Author: Subhash K Jha Date: 03 Feb 2008
For the first time, Amitabh Bachchan is being paired opposite Sarika in Shoojit Sircar’s untitled film (earlier called Shoebite), the shooting for which is on in Shimla. The news is that the Big B was somewhat concerned about the absence of a suitably strong and charismatic co-star.
Apparently, Bachchan also wanted to be paired opposite Sarika after her bravura performance in Parzania. The opportunity came when Tabu said no to Shoojit Sircar’s project.


Aamir needs time to get back in shape
Author: Upala KBR Date: 02 Feb 2008
With Taare Zameen Par and the yet-untitled Ghajini remake getting delayed the actor has more time to work out his 6-pack abs
| Box Office Earnings 29/06/07-05/07/07 (Collections in Ind Rs) | ||||||||
| Rank | Last Week | Film | Week | Weekly Nett Gross | % Change | Cinemas | Total Nett Gross | Verdict |
| 1 | New | Apne | 1 | 13,35,00,000 | - | 517 | 13,35,00,000 | - |
| 2 | New | Aap Kaa Surroor | 1 | 10,66,00,000 | - | 408 | 10,66,00,000 | - |
| 3 | New | Awarapan | 1 | 4,89,00,000 | - | 319 | 4,89,00,000 | - |
| 4 | 1 | Jhoom Barabar Jhoom | 3 | 96,00,000 | -82.67 | 200 | 26,12,00,000 | Flop |
| 5 | 3 | Cheeni Kum | 6 | 27,00,000 | -73.53 | 50 | 15,49,00,000 | Above Average |
| 6 | 4 | Shootout At Lokhandwala | 6 | 23,00,000 | -74.44 | 70 | 33,45,00,000 | Hit |
| 7 | 6 | Life in a… Metro | 8 | 20,00,000 | -57.45 | 45 | 16,00,00,000 | Hit |
| 8 | 5 | Fool n Final | 5 | 11,00,000 | -77.08 | 50 | 18,99,00,000 | Below Average |
| 9 | 2 | Chain Kulii Ki Main Kulii | 2 | 8,00,000 | -92.59 | 40 | 1,16,00,000 | Disaster |
| 10 | 7 | Miss Anara | 7 | 7,00,000 | -76.67 | 25 | 37,00,000 | Flop |


By Taran Adarsh, July 10, 2007 - 09:23 IST
APNE is going from strength to strength. The film may have had a slow start, but the business is showing an upward trend with each passing day. The praises have been flowing from within the industry as well. Promos of respected film-makers like Yash Chopra and Karan Johar are doing the rounds of television. But there’s one more director who seems highly impressed with the film. Rajkumar Hirani.
The director of films like MUNNABHAI M.B.B.S. and LAGE RAHO MUNNABHAI sent a text message to Anil Sharma soon after he watched APNE, praising the directorial abilities in particular and the film in general. The message reads: You have made a film from the heart. Wonderful script wonderfully executed. Great performances. People are sure to clap and scream. Hats off to you.”
Coming from Hirani, this is one big compliment!


By Joginder Tuteja, July 9, 2007 - 14:23 IST
Mid-year analysis always leads to certain interesting trends. The same happens in case of the music analysis too as it is quite apparent that except for a stray album or two, what seemed to be working most was a new sound. Unpredictability was in, curtains were down on anything that was routine. Not that 2007 has boasted of a dozen odd exceptional albums; that’s certainly not the case, but one still looks on to the rest of the year with anticipation of something bigger and even better on the way. Till then one continues to sing along ‘In Dino‘ and ‘Alvida‘!
Note: Salaam E Ishq and Guru are not included since the music released in 2006
1. Metro [Pritam]


| By Taran Adarsh, June 29, 2007 - 12:45 IST |
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Did you expect BHEJA FRY to be such a big hit? I didn’t expect the film to be such a big hit though I knew that people will like it. I was of the view that if the film runs even for a week or two, it’ll be great. The only plan on my mind was that if I make a good film, I will get a producer for my next film. What do you think worked for the film? It is said that BHEJA FRY is inspired from a French film. How much did you take from that film? ![]() ![]() June 29th, 2007
3 and 1/2 Stars By Taran Adarsh, June 29, 2007 - 12:41 IST
For Hindi moviegoers, the story may remind you of Rakesh Roshan’s KOYLA [SRK, Madhuri, Amrish Puri], but in actuality, AWARAPAN borrows from director Kim Ji-woon’s Korean film A BITTERSWEET LIFE [2005; Korean title: DALKOMHAN INSAENG; starring Lee Byung-Hun, Kim Young-Cheol, Shin Mina]. Nothing wrong with being inspired, since every director has his way of interpreting a story. Also, Mohit adapts the content to suit Indian sensibilities. AWARAPAN is as raw as a gash inflicted by a rod. A number of Hindi films have plunged into the underbelly of the underworld/mafia in the past, so how different is AWARAPAN from films of its ilk? AWARAPAN packs in all this and something extra in those 2 hours — a love story and spirituality. ![]() ![]() June 29th, 2007
3 and 1/2 stars AGAIN By Taran Adarsh, June 29, 2007 - 12:38 IST
APNE, his new endeavor, is all about familial bonding. In a way, the storyteller goes back to his roots in his new outing — emotions. APNE casts a father [Dharmendra] and his two real-life sons [Sunny, Bobby] in roles that suit their personalities. Besides, the backdrop of boxing makes the conflict in the story look convincing. ![]() ![]() June 29th, 2007
3and1/2 Stars ! WTF? By Taran Adarsh, June 29, 2007 - 12:31 IST
Don’t expect miracles. HR is no Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, SRK or Aamir Khan when it comes to histrionics. He’s not the best looker in town either, not anywhere close to Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan or Akshay Kumar. But you’ve to hand it over to HR for being the most courageous and confident person around. Can you ever imagine actors like Amitabh Bachchan or SRK turning music composers overnight? It’s difficult to take risks, especially when you’re under a scanner constantly. Like the famous lines go, every step you take, every move you make, the world’ll be watching you… ![]() ![]() June 26th, 2007
Overseas: ‘J.B.J.’ drops, ‘Sivaji - The Boss’ rules! The collections of JHOOM BARABAR JHOOM have registered a drop in the three key international markets in its second weekend. In U.K., the film has had a 53% drop, in Australia it’s 55%, while the drop is very severe [70%] in U.S.A. SIVAJI - THE BOSS is extra-ordinary in U.K., while the critically acclaimed Angelina Jolie starrer A MIGHTY HEART [co-starring Irrfan Khan and Aly Khan], which was partly filmed in India, hasn’t opened to the desired response in U.S.A. Weekend: June 22 - 24, 2007. ![]() ![]() June 25th, 2007
Abhishek and Vivek in one movie?
![]() ![]() June 25th, 2007
![]() ![]() June 19th, 2007
At the launch of Lagaan DVD, you said that every Indian should have a copy of Lagaan. Why did you say that?
Chale Chalo is a two and a half hour making of Lagaan. Why do you think people ought to buy its DVD? ![]() ![]() June 19th, 2007
Overseas: ‘Jhoom Barabar Jhoom’ below expectations
In a nutshell, given the star cast, producer’s brand-value, director’s credibility and no opposition, JHOOM BARABAR JHOOM should’ve embarked on one of the biggest openings in Overseas. But… ![]() ![]() June 19th, 2007
I have trained with Satya at Barbarian, he is GOOD! Aamir buffs up
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Out of the frying pan, it’s straight into the fire. That’s the state of the industry currently. The dry run at the box-office continues non-stop, the latest ‘casualty’ being SUNDAY. Why are people shying away from theatres? Is it due to the cold wave? Or is it because they aren’t excited about films? Whatever the reasons, the business has suddenly turned ice-cold. Post WELCOME and TAARE ZAMEEN PAR, the graph continues to slide downwards.
“The greatest regret of my life…
On Thursday morning when a story about a massive rift between Sanjay Gupta and Sanjay Dutt erupted, the first thing that was done was to sack one of the personnel from their company who was the executive producer in Shoot-out At Lokhandawala.
Did you expect BHEJA FRY to be such a big hit?
Choosing an interesting story is difficult. But doing justice to the story is nothing short of an achievement. AWARAPAN, directed by Mohit Suri, gets it right on both the levels — on paper first, on celluloid later.
With SHRADDHANJALI, his directorial debut, Anil Sharma proved that he could make you moist-eyed. With HUKUMAT, he proved that he could pull off a vendetta fare with gusto. With GADAR, he proved he could handle a love story with two neighboring countries as the backdrop with remarkable ease.
Television producer. Music composer. Singer. And now actor. Oh yes, Himesh Reshammiya wears many caps. Literally! Everyone’s curious to know how HR is as an actor? Is he a fine actor? Or has he strolled into the wrong alley?
After the smashing success of SHOOTOUT AT LOKHANDWALA, director Apoorva Lakhia is geared up to start his next venture, titled MISSION ISTANBUL. To start with, he has roped in a huge star cast for this film as well: Abhishek Bachchan, Bobby Deol, Vivek Oberoi, Tusshar and television actor Shabbir Ahluwalia [he made his big screen debut in SHOOTOUT]. One more lead man is to be finalized. While Abhishek, Bobby and Vivek play ‘good guys’, Tusshar, Shabbir and one more actor are the ‘bad boys’. Two leading ladies are under finalization.
Sequels and remakes are supposedly the foolproof formula for success. And Sagar Ballary, the talented director behind BHEJA FRY, is planning to make the sequel to the rip-roaring hit. “Oh yes! The plan to make BHEJA FRY 2 is in the pipeline. But, surprising though it may sound, I have the concept of BHEJA FRY 3 ready with me, but not of BHEJA FRY 2. Of course, I wouldn’t make BHEJA FRY 3 before BHEJA FRY 2,” Sagar confides in me.
It’s not everyday that you get to quiz Aamir Khan about movies, controversies and future plans. When we did get this opportunity we decided to make the most of it. Dressed in a blue T-shirt and shorts, he sipped on his cup of chai (in a designer mug with Bhuvan Uncle written on it) and answered all our queries. Animatedly, at times angry, most of the time in good humour with phases of nostalgia peppered in. By the end of it all we realized that it turned out to be The most detailed interview Aamir Khan has given in recent times. Let’s get you down to the Q & A.
If you look at the opening weekend numbers of JHOOM BARABAR JHOOM in the three major markets [U.K., U.S.A., Australia], you’d exclaim, ‘Wow!’ But when you compare those figures with Yash Raj’s successful films, you’d agree that their latest outing has fared below expectations in these markets. Let’s dissect the film in the three territories…
Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group’s Reliance Entertainment Sector is fast spreading its wings in the entertainment industry. The latest move is an audio company and Home Video wing under the name of Big Music & Home Entertainment. The company is raring to go and has already acquired a few titles in its first phase.
