Group items tagged

Neeraj Pandey, one of India’s finest contemporary filmmakers, today launched his debut novel Ghalib Danger at an event that was attended by the stars of his cinematic ventures.  After entertaining Indians all over the world with memorable and much-loved films like A Wednesday and Special 26, the critically acclaimed director, who is no stranger to thrillers has further explored the genre with his first book.A fictional gangster saga set in the visually eclectic Mumbai underworld, Ghalib Danger makes Neeraj one of the rare Bollywood directors who have also authored novels. Ghalib Danger revolves around the life of its main protagonist Kamran Ali. A young taxi driver by profession, Kamran stays in Mumbai and dreams of making it big someday. However a twist of fate awaited him as on an eventful day his life transforms when he saves the life of a notorious underworld don from called Mirza. As an act of gratitude, Mirza takes Kamran under his tutelage.Speaking of his book, the celebrated film writer-director and now author says, ‘Writing has always been a passion and when the story of Kamran and his world took shape in my mind, I knew that only a book would do full justice to it. It’s a story of destinies that collide and shape the world of our characters’.The launch of Neeraj’s first book was also a special occasion for some of his favourite stars to come and cheer in support. While Anupam Kher, who credits Neeraj’s as giving him two out of his top 10 roles in the form of A Wednesday and Special 26, read out a chapter from the book to a live audience, Naseeruddin Shah penned the leading quote. Manoj Bajpayee not only joined the gathering but also lent his voice to the motion poster of the book as he read out couplets from Ghalib’s work. Divyaa Dutta dropped by to wish Neeraj good luck as well.

If Sylvester Stallone-Arnold Schwarzenegger combination The Expendables 2 was Rowdy Rathore, Trust me Escape Plan is Ra.One and Trimurti of Hollywood. My first question is why this film is directed by Mikael Hafstrom. Mikael Hafstrom is a director who made some commendable Horror/Thrillers such as The Rite (Anthony Hopkins), Shanghai (John Cusack), Derailed and one of my favorite 1408 (John Cusack and Samuel L Jackson). 1408 still scares the hell out of me.Take a close look at the film Escape Plan's trailer and i promise you will know the entire plot of the movie. But a craziest fan of Arnie and Stallone (Like myself, Of course) you would like to watch the two biggest super action (Aging) stars on the screen.Ray Breslin (Sylvester Stallone), an expert of breaking out of federal maximum security prisons who is hoodwinked into testing a new privately run facility for people who should not be allowed out in the real world. In the allegedly escape-proof prison (Which was designed with references from Ray's book), known as The Tomb, he meets Rottmayer (Arnold Schwarzenegger -Appears exactly after 35 minutes of the Film). And together they plot their eventual liberation.Just when you start to feel Escape Plan can become Stallone's 90's Lock Up and Arnie's Terminator 2 (Both fantastic films of the stars respectively),The movie starts becoming easy and ill-logical. The Prison Doctor (Sam Neill) who gets so easily convinced by Ray (In hardly few seconds), and arranges the Helicopter along with Guns etc for their escape. Ray's partner's involvement with Warden Hobbs (Jim Caveizel). And of course the hopeless climax which will definitely make you think what went wrong with Arnie-Stallone's head while coming on board for this movie.Oh? Did i miss the "Muslim" inmate who helps both Arnold and Stallone in their Escape? Gosh! That was so Bollywoodish!Speaking of performances, Stallone is good but handicapped by a bad script. Arnold appears just how Jackie Shroff used to appear in films that were made after 2000. Stallone uses Arnold as a "Chai-Wala' in the whole film and Arnold looked very comfortable doing this part (I am still surprised). Sam Neill is another example of any Kiran Kumar's character from any Bollywood Film. Jim Caveizel is a wonderful talent wasted in this Multi Million dollar "Proposal". Now, Why do i call this one as a "Proposal"? Because, I heard somewhere that Hollywood and Bollywood make such kinds of film to lure the Audiences and fails miserably.Mikael Hafstrom, as I pointed out earlier is good at his Horror/Thriller works. He is not capable in making or executing an action flick which he proves with Escape Plan. The Production Value, Camera Work is good but doesn't help a Bad Script. The Screenplay and Editing is jerky and boring. If you (Still Dare To) see the film, There are lots of unanswered questions.Escape Plan does not even works for its Action, Because it does not have it. I will also not recommend you to rent the film on DVD or Blu Ray because such films are best on the Free Television Premiere which i guess will happen soon. I feel sorry for Heroes such as Arnold Schwarzenegger (Especially) and Sylvester Stallone!

The most talked about musical dramas are now set to clash. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 'Ram Leela', the promo of which has already been unveiled, was set to enjoy a solo release in the coming festive season, however now Kangna Ranaut starrer ‘Rajjo’ is too releasing on the same date.With so much effort put in to make delightful film the Director of Rajjo Vishwas Patil says –“I was waiting for an apt time to bring the film. Even though the main character Kangna (or Rajjo) plays a Mujra wali in the film, it isn't somber or depressing by any means”.The release date of a film is a matter of importance and thought about at stretch. 15th November was decided as the release date for 'Rajjo', after a lot of brain storming. ‘Rajjo’ would incidentally be arriving just 12 days after the release of 'Krrish 3' (3rd November) in which Kangna would be seen kicking butt.Well few people are talking about why Kangna wants her film release on a same date of Ramleela, But the makers of Rajjo says-“ However once the final cut of the 'Rajjo' was seen by people concerned, there was an added sense of confidence. It was felt that the originally decided date would be just right to set the stage for 'Rajjo' v/s 'Leela',".We will also get a chance to see two stunning actresses Kangna & Deepika playing title roles in their respective films, with such talent and glamour a clash in the offering would be inevitable.About the film Kangna seem confident, she says "Rajjo' is really close to my heart and I am glad it is being released this festive season. As for competition with other films, there would be one every week in any case. I am sure my producers are taking a good call and it comes from the trust and confidence they have in the product. I am particularly proud of the film and my work. The film is special and it will fetch an audience of its own. I strongly believe in director Vishwas Patil and music director Uttam Singh. Once you see the promos, which would be out very soon, you would know what I mean." There is no doubt that the actress has put in a tremendous about of hard work into the film, let’s hope in works in her favour.Rajjo is produced by Four Pillar Films starring Kangana Ranaut, Paras Arora, Prakash Raj, Mahesh Manjrekar & Jaya Prada.

Prabhu Dheva’s next, R…Rajkumar is enjoying all the right buzz, with the release of the trailer and positive responses pouring in. The online release of the trailer had a surprise element for Shahid’s fans. The end of the trailer has Shahid Kapoor appearing on-screen and making an engaging appeal.The result of this activity was certainly fruitful.  The trailer on YouTube has over 2 million views. The idea of Shahid’s appearance undoubtedly ensured user engagement. The activity was highly successful with over 32,000 likes, highest amongst its contemporaries (trailers of films releasing around the same time). The trailer has certainly struck a chord going by the audience response. Promising to be a film for the masses, R…Rajkumar is a complete Bollywood package with action, comedy and romance. The trailer has Shahid in the character of Rajkumar, talking about the trailer and asking for the audience feedback and action. Producer Viki Rajani states, “The movie has a mass appeal and Shahid has been the right choice to play the lead. Prabhu Dheva has lent his trademark flavor to the film and the combination of their energies is infectious. We are glad that idea of the small appearance of Shahid in the end has worked. The video has given us another platform for Shahid to connect with his fans on a personal level!”The audience has clearly not failed to reciprocate, which is visible in the number of likes and comments. Going by the response so far, R… Rajkumar has certainly left everyone curious to know what ‘R…’ stands for, which will be revealed on the 6th of December (release date). Starring Shahid Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha & Sonu Sood, the film is produced by Eros International and NextGen Films.

What would you call a film which draws so many inspirations from other Hollywood and Bollywood Rom-Coms and still looks as a confused and paranoid film just like the female lead character from this film? Here comes a yet-another frustrated crappy version of many Hollywood-Bollywood films in the form of Huff It's Too Much.First of all, the film tells a story about a couple in their 25 years of age living in London. Please take a look at the lead actor Pushkar Jog. Do you really think he looks like a 25 years old? Especially with his eye-wrinkles and double chinned face which cannot be avoided in the film's poster itself? Some news papers and tabloid claimed "Famous Marathi actor Pushkar Jog debuts through this Film" in their respective headers  (PR generated stories, Of course). Famous Marathi actor? Really? If Pushkar Jog is considered as a Famous Actor, What would you call stars like Bharat Jaadhav, Subodh Bhave, Ankush Chowdhary etc?As far as debut is concerned, Pushkar Jog has already debuted in a very less remembered multi-cast flop film called E.M.I Liya Hai Toh Chukana Padega (2008). Back home in Marathi Cinema, He has done some B Grade films which sank without a trace. He produces his own films and his debut Marathi (Self-Produced) film 'Zabardast' was directed by ace director Mahesh Kothare. Some insiders also claimed about the actor having a well-dressed staff accompanying him and wearing "Pushkar Jog Staff" name batch. Marathi cinema's Kamaal R Khan? Oops! No offense to anyone. Sorry please.Huff It's Too Much is a romantic-comedy revolving around a creative director, his quirky best friend and a woman that he is confused about. The film is an all and out youth centric romantic-comedy set in London dealing with the tryst and tribulation of young 'Desis' staying abroad.Another plot about Indians who live abroad and confused about their lifestyles and livings. Such plot, if treated in a right format can do really wonders. But it looks as if the people behind the scenes were only interested in shooting the film rather concentrating on the storyline. The first half of the film is just tolerable. But it's the second half which tortures you to the core.As I speak about the performances, Pushkar Jog really doesn't know to act in a Hindi film, Despite starting his career as a child actor. Acting in a Marathi Film is different. The Body language, The Accent, The Style etc.But performing in a Hindi Film is another ball game. The Sarcasm comedy slang that he used in this one looks like a (Late) Laxmikant Berde Marathi style. Armeena Khan, yet-Another Pakistani Actress/Model debuts through this film. She is strictly okay. Yes, like every other Pakistani actress, She too has an Expression less face which somehow worked for this film. Why? Because the camera was mostly capturing the one and only Pushkar Jog. Rest of the actors were nothing to talk about.Music of the film is okay, But because of its less promotions, I don't think they will be remembered much. The Editing is bad. The camera work is good. Production values are nothing new to talk about because the film has been shot in London, And trust me, No one showed London as beautiful and erotic as (Late) Yash Chopra used to show.Why Pushkar Jog directed this film? Why this film was made in Hindi? Why does Pushkar Jog's smile reminds you of iconic Marathi director Mahesh Kothare? These are some of my questions which still remained unanswered.If you have a strong and a personal grudge with a person, Show him/her Huff It's Too Much at least once. Huff It's Too Much is a Pushkar Jog style Torture!

With three super-star looking young actors, one of the catchy storyline and a team who did every good thing to change its fate, Student of The Year was released in the same month last year 2012. Director Karan Johar feels proud that all of his highlighted actors, including Alia Bhatt, Sana Seed, Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra are doing extremely well in the industry.Karan tweeted, “SOTY completes a year today! I am really proud of my three students and the entire cast and crew of this young, fun and special film of my career,” Karan posted on Twitter on Saturday (October 19, 2013). Student Of The Year released on October 19, 2012.The film proved to be a good launch-pad for its three lead actors, who managed to pocket plum Bollywood projects post the film's release.  Alia, daughter of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, will be seen in Imitiaz Ali's Highway and Abhishek Verman's 2 States. Thanking Karan, Alia tweeted, “SOTY completes one year and so do I.. one year since I've been in the industry! Thank you Karan Johar for giving us the perfect break.”Based on a school competition, the romantic-comedy revolves around the lives of three college students, played by mentioned actors. Son of filmmaker David Dhawan, Varun is working on his father's Main Tera Hero, while model-turned-actor Siddharth has just finished shooting Hasee Toh Phasee. He also has Ekta Kapoor's The Villain in his kitty.Kudos guys!

Sunny Leone comes in a brand new avatar with Sachiin Joshi in Kaizad Gustad's Jackpot. With Ragini MMS delaying the release, looks like Jackpot will be the first to hit the theatres after Jism2. Though the earlier film saw Sunny Leone's oomph factor, this one along with the oomph, also promises a lot of style and content from this actress alongside muscular Sachiin Joshi. Faisal Saif enters in a small chit-chat with Sunny Leone...What does Bollywood mean to you?Bollywood is an industry that has welcomed me with open arms. And I am glad to be part of Bollywood.Why did you sign Jackpot?The film has a very interesting story. Sachiin Joshi and I hang out in the same circles. And I am the brand ambassador of his energy drink brand XXX. Kaizad's narration was excellent and I liked the content and style appealed to me. And Naseer saab was in. And that was a great feeling.Naseeruddin Shah is one of the greatest actors of India. What is your experience working with him?He is amazing. He makes you feel so much at ease. I am blessed.Are you learning Hindi and Dance?Yes. Even during the shoot of Jackpot, I was busy with Ragini MMS dance in the evening. There is so much to be done.Tell us about your role in Jackpot?I play Maya in Jackpot. The role has varied shades. On one hand, I am the manager of Naseeruddin Shah's casino, and on the other hand, I am the love interest of Francis essayed by Sachiin. And all of us are cons out to out with one another. You don't know which side of the fence Maya is on, or whether she is fence herself. And in that lies the interest.

Since the remaking trend is at its peak in Bollywood, Why must Marathi Film industry left behind? Remakes of southern films are working wonders in Bollywood. Many A-list actors such as Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn seem to prefer remakes of popular south films as they have proved to be successful in Bollywood too.Debutant director Anup Jagdale is all set to make his first debut Marathi feature film titled Bharla Malwat Rakhtaana. Insiders claimed the film to be an Official remake of Rekha starrer 1998 cult hit Khoon Bhari Maang which was about a wealthy widow who is almost killed by her lover and sets out for revenge. The film was a comeback venture for Rekha in that year and was a critical and commercial success. It was said when Rakesh Roshan started shooting this film, Many close friends warned him about the project being Risky as it had no commercial 'Hero-Angle' in the film. "My film is about a woman who is cheated and betrayed and she is almost killed only to bounce back for a Brutal Revenge rampage Marathi Cinema will ever see. I will not speak further about the film as i want the audience to enjoy my final product." said first timer Anup Jagdale. The casting of the film is also kept under-wraps, However it is confirmed that acclaimed Marathi actor Milind Shinde will enact the character of Shatrughan Sinha.The Trade and the Media is curious to know about the actress playing the role of Rekha. Few names such as Sai Tamhankar and Sonalee Kulkarni bumped in, but director Anup Jagdale remained lip-tight about the actress.The poster of the film also carries just the name of the film along with main credits. The shoot of the film is going on at the locales of Maharashtra and the film is all set to release on 1st December 2013.

From the moment Anil Kapoor bought the Indian Version official rights of the famous American T.V Series 24, The Trade, Press, Media and Viewers started drawing certain comparisons. Some started comparing Anil Kapoor with Keifer Sutherland, while others started analyzing Indian Viewer's acceptance towards the show. Anil Kapoor's '24' premiered its first episode tonight at 10 pm on Colors. It also replaced the popular comedy show, Comedy Nights With Kapil.So how is the show? Will it shatter all Daily Soap records with its TRP? Will 24 bring a new revolution in the history of Indian Television? Can 24 become a platform where a T.V watching viewer starts accepting big stars on small screen (On a Serial Format, of course and not in some Game or Reality based shows)?The serial's first episode starts with an explanation from its protagonist Jai Singh Rathod (Anil Kapoor) where he explains how India has faced some major terrorist attacks and for which Indian Government has formed ATU (Anti-Terrorist Unit) to protect our country from any such future damages. Jai Singh Rathod is the head of this ATU.Jai Singh Rathod is celebrating his wife Trisha Rathod's (Tisca Chopra) birthday along with his daughter Kiran (Sapna Pabbi). Jai get's a call from Nikita Rai (Mandira Bedi) who is a government agent at ATU. The minute Jai reaches the ATU Wing, He is informed about a serious threat on PoliticianAditya Singhania (Neil Bhoopalam) who is a Prime-Ministerial candidate and a youth icon. Aditya Singhania's life is in danger. Jai (While his way to ATU) get's a call from Wasim Khan (Anupam Kher) who is a Research and Analysis wing (RAW) officer informing about a "Rat" in ATU wing.Irritated by his father's behavior, Kiran goes out to party with her friends without informing her mother. The result is she goes missing.Aditya Singhania is ready to take his oath the next day with a prepared speech by his Mother (Anita Raj). But all hell breaks loose when he gets an immediate call from a T.V Channel head (Suchitra Pillai) who informs him about some of his dark crime which he committed 12 years back.A contract Killer is on his way from Thailand but killed in the Flight itself by another Femme Fatale. The Indian adaptation of '24', retains all the elements of the international series, the real-time, pulse-pounding, fast-paced format with split screens and complex interweaving storylines, with 24 episodes capturing 24 hours.Director Abhinay Deo does full justice with his dedicated direction along with tight screenplay by writers Rensil D'Silva and Milan Milaap Zaveri. This one does not at all looks like a T.V Series but it looks like a One Hour feature film on TV. Full marks to the Direction, Writing and Production team for creating a wonderful extravaganza on small screen. Performance wise, The show totally belongs to the one and only Anil Kapoor who makes you sit tight without touching your Remote Control buttons with his charm and persona. Keifer Sutherland as Jack Bauer might have been good there, but here Anil Kapoor is extra-ordinarily amazing as Jai Singh Rathod. Tisca Chopra, Anupam Kher, Mandira Bedi are superb in their respective parts. Neil Bhoopalam is just outstanding as Aditya Singhania and trust me, this first season belongs to him after Jai Singh Rathod. We are yet to see Shabana Azmi, But it was nice to see Anita Raj in a mind blowing role after a long time. Special mention to the actress who played Femme Fatale, The one who killed the contract killer and jumps from the flight. She hardly had 10 minutes in the First Episode, but she made her presence felt real strong.It is reported, some major channels initially refused to buy the idea of Indian Version of 24, At least not until Colors swooped in. I am very much sure those channels now regret it. I really have no clue or will not lay a challenge if 24 beats other Thrillers running strongly on other TV Channels with huge TRP's, But 24 will be the most exciting, The most talked about and the most interesting TV Mini Series India has ever produced.Prepare yourself on every Fridays and Saturdays at 10pm for a Thrilling roller coaster ride of 24 as this one is most Powerful, Gripping and an Honest show you will ever come across.

On the occasion of 76th Birthday of Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar and 24th anniversary of Hridaynath Arts, Amitabh Bachchan was felicitated to commemorate 71st birthday of Amitabh Bachchan and 71 years of music career of Bharatratna Lata Mangeshkar.Sudesh Bhosale, Siddhant Bhosale, Shaan, Sadhana Sargam, Sunidhi Chauhan, Mahalakshmi Iyer, Vibhavari Apte and a host of singers sang on the occasion, and Harish Bhimani was at his best, not minding the sweltering heat minus ac. Jaya Bachchan, Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Avinash Prabhavalkar, Adinath Mangeshkar, Hema Bhosle, Shruti Bhosle, Ashok Kumar Saraf, Pravin Kumar Saraf and a horde of others graced the occasion.The open air venue of Parle Tilak Vidyalaya resonated with the sound of melodious music, where young Siddhant Bhosle gave the older voices a run for their money.Lata Mangeshkar however could not attend the event due to ill health. She was sweet to call on Adinath Mangeshkar's mobile to convey her inability to Amitabh Bachchan, who naturally took it in his stride and made the moments for the viewers very memorable indeed.