Posts Tagged ‘Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani’
Katrina is friendly with her ‘boyfriend’ Ranbir’s mom Neetu; she too likes Katz
Posted on: January 4, 2010
Ranbir Kapoor’s mom Neetu is fond of Katrina Kaif, whom her son is reportedly dating
A lot has been said and written about the reason behind Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor’s split. From Ranbir’s ‘friendship’ with Katrina Kaif, to Ranbir’s charming ways with women, to Deepika’s possessive nature. One more reason which often made headlines is Ranbir’s mother, Neetu Kapoor’s so-called dislike of Deepika.
Deepika and Ranbir were in a serious relationship for nearly two years but during that time, she could never come close to Ranbir’s mom. No prizes for guessing that she must have tried several ways to win her over but failed in all her attempts.
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| Neetu Kapoor |
While talking about Deepika, Neetu had said that right then Deepika was just Ranbir’s girlfriend, no more.
Meanwhile, it was reported that Ranbir and Katrina Kaif, his Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and Raajneeti co-star have got closer.
However, the latest development in the Kapoor household is a very interesting one and bound to raise eyebrows. Neetu has developed a huge liking for Ranbir’s current squeeze, Katrina. The two ladies get along like a house on fire and think similarly on a host of subjects.
A source says, “Neetu and Katrina share a very warm relationship. Katrina respects Neetu a lot. On the other hand, Neetu feels that Katrina is a very well-mannered girl.”
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| Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif |
Neetu too confirmed her liking for Katrina. She says, “Yeah. Katrina is a very nice girl. I am very fond of her.” However, when we asked her to say more about her fondness for Katrina, she clammed up.
Katrina, on the other hand, chose not to comment on her relationship with Neetu Singh.
Are you reading this, Deepika?
By Joginder Tuteja, December 30, 2009 – 12:16 IST
The likes of Imtiaz Ali, Rajkumar Santoshi, Vishal Bhardwaj, Balki and Prabhu Deva must be feeling disheartened. If only Rajkumar Hirani, Aamir Khan and Co. would have released 3 Idiots a week later, the competition was just amongst the five of them for Love Aaj Kal, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Kaminey, Paa and Wanted respectively. However, due to the fact that 3 Idiots is a fantastic experience for millions of cine-goers and above all is pretty much fresh in audiences mind, it is the unanimous choice for one and all. Whether it is ‘aam junta’ or industry alike, there is no negative word around this movie. Instead, it has been universally hailed, acclaimed, appreciated and above all respected, which has proved once again that if a film is really well made, all bad blood is forgotten, all negative vibes are kept aside and all competition stays a distance away. Over to the Bollywood folks who (keeping certain exceptions aside) truly believe that 3 Idiots is the film of 2009.
Kareena Kapoor – 3 Idiots was the best film of 2009.
Sajid Khan – Best movie of the year was Avatar. Reason? It was not a film but an experience.
Shirish Kunder – For the sheer sincerity with which it has been made, 3 Idiots is simply the best by leaps and bound. Aamir has once again proved that he is the ISI mark of good cinema.
Piyush Jha – 3 Idiots was the best film that 2009 had to offer because it took a very relevant issue and banged home the point. Moreover, the icing on the cake was that it was thoroughly entertaining.
Kalki – Best film of 2009 was Kaminey because it’s a furious and an intelligent film with great performances and music.
Aanand L Rai - For me the best movie in 2009 is 3 Idiots. It boasted of a brilliant screenplay and direction.
Suneel Darshan – 2009 ended on a positive note with two movies – Paa and 3 Idiots. Paa displayed refined performances by Mr. Bachchan and Vidya Balan. On the other hand 3 Idiots is a sincere attempt at entertainment with a soul.
Hasnain Hyderabadwaala – I enjoyed watching Wanted most. It was after a long time that I saw a complete masala film. Total paisa wasool!
Ramesh Taurani – Of course I believe that Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani was the best film of 2009. But so have been 3 Idiots, Paa, Wake Up Sid and Love Aaj Kal. All these films have been hugely entertaining.
Robby Grewal – It’s a one horse race – 3 Idiots.
Sadaa – 3 idiots was surely the best film of 2009. It was a complete film as it lacked nothing. Moreover, there was some very good message being delivered in an entertaining format.
Vaishali Desai – I loved both Avatar and 3 Idiots. Both films belonged to completely different genres. Avatar boasted of some breathtaking special effects and it was an entirely new experience. Whereas 3 Idiots is yet another cult film about the education system from Mr. Hirani.
Raksha Mistry – Call it ironical but the best of 2009 came at the very end. Yes, I am talking about 3 Idiots which is not just the best of 2009 but also one of the finest movies ever in all aspects.
Boney Kapoor – I have heard great things about 3 Idiots but I haven’t seen it yet. Of course Wanted was a complete package as it brought back the concept of hero, something which was in vogue years back when Amitabh Bachchan used to play such characters. Somehow such cinema had become extinct. Amongst other films, I also loved Love Aaj Kal. It’s entire approach was very fresh and everybody performed well. Its music was superb. The film was as mainstream as it gets and was a good blend of the old charm and new thinking. Even Paa was quite exciting. After a really long time came an Amitabh Bachchan film where he could showcase his talent. It was a neat and clean movie that really moved me. Moreover, in spite of having a sad tale on the surface, it was tackled in a very lighter vein. It reminded me of Hrisihikesh Mukherjee at his peak. Watching the film gave me the same feeling as I had when I watched Anand. Since Amitabh Bachchan’s effort didn’t show in the film, that itself reflects that how great an actor he is. Really, Imtiaz and Balki are two filmmakers to look out for. From Hollywood, it was Avatar all the way. I can’t think of a better movie visually. In fact it would take a really long time for anyone to match it technically; it has surpassed all films where technical wizardry and visual appeal is concerned. All the special effects have been taken to a different level altogether with Avatar.
Ken Ghosh – I am on a jury for an award, so I can’t really quote around the best or the worst of the year
Rohit Shetty – Best film of the year is 3 Idiots for sure. It makes you feel so good and happy after watching it.
Jagmohan Mundhra – 3 Idiots was the best movie of 2009.
Tanushree Dutta - For me, the best films of 2009 would be 3 Idiots and Avatar.
Ruslaan Mumtaz – Kaminey was the best film of the year along with 3 Idiots
Sujoy Ghosh – I haven’t seen 3 Idiots but I’ll go with Paa. It’s a film which made me feel very good about life. It’s a film which took some of my fears away. It’s a film which taught me to look at different things normally. I really appreciated that. It’s a film which didn’t try to squeeze my balls for emotions. And of course Mr. Bachchan, Vidya, Balki, Illayaraja and P.C. Sreeram made it all possible.
Sophie Choudry – According to me, 2009 was filled with below par cinema both in Hollywood and Bollywood. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed 3 Idiots, Kaminey and Paa. They were all brilliantly made films.
Urvashi Sharma – Baabarr is one of my favourite films from 2009 but I think 3 Idiots has broken all the records and is the best Hindi film of the year. From Hollywood, I loved both The Hangover and Avatar.
Kunal Deshmukh – I loved Avatar because it educates us to think ahead and learn so much. And of course 3 Idiots, as we all know today, is a fabulous movie. It brought home a message without shoving it down your throat.
Ananth Mahadevan – Though Paa and 3 Idiots are what I would define as ideal mainstream cinema (they made cine-going a pleasure after what seemed ages), if one has to select a film, my choice would be Nandita Das’ Firaaq. The four stories were moving accounts of the aftermath of human folly fuelled by political insanity. The critical eye may pick a few bones of contention, but the film was relevant, urgent, well enacted and most importantly, credibly treated.
Tusshar Kapoor – Which movie is best for me in 2009? Obviously, there is going to be just one answer – 3 Idiots.
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, December 31, 2009 – 12:22 IST
Best Film
3 Idiots
Dev D
Kaminey
Love Aaj Kal
Paa
Best Director
Anurag Kashyap – Dev D
Imtiaz Ali – Love Aaj Kal
R Balki – Paa
Rajkumar Hirani – 3 Idiots
Vishal Bhardwaj – Kaminey
Best Actor (Male)
Aamir Khan – 3 Idiots
Amitabh Bachchan – Paa
Ranbir Kapoor – Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani
Ranbir Kapoor – Rocket Singh – Salesman Of The Year
Saif Ali Khan – Love Aaj Kal
Shahid Kapoor – Kaminey
Best Actor (Female)
Deepika Padukone – Love Aaj Kal
Kareena Kapoor – 3 Idiots
Katrina Kaif – New York
Priyanka Chopra – Kaminey
Priyanka Chopra – What’s Your Raashee?
Vidya Balan – Paa
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male)
Abhimanyu Singh – Gulaal
R Madhavan – 3 Idiots
Rishi Kapoor – Love Aaj Kal
Rishi Kapoor – Luck By Chance
Sharman Joshi – 3 Idiots
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female)
Arundhati Naag – Paa
Divya Dutta – Delhi-6
Gauhar Khan – Rocket Singh – Salesman Of The Year
Neha Dhupia – Raat Gayi Baat Gayi
Shahana Goswami – Firaaq
Best Actor in a Negative Role
Amole Gupte – Kaminey
Boman Irani – 3 Idiots
Kay Kay Menon – Gulaal
Mahesh Manjrekar – Wanted
Manish Choudhary – Rocket Singh – Salesman Of The Year
Best Actor in a Comic Role
D Santosh – Rocket Singh – Salesman Of The Year
Omi Vaidya – 3 Idiots
Paresh Rawal – De Dana Dan
Sanjay Mishra – All The Best
Vinay Pathak – Raat Gayi Baat Gayi
Best Background Music
Amit Trivedi – Dev D
Ilaiyaraja – Paa
Salim-Sulaiman – Rocket Singh – Salesman Of The Year
Shantanu Moitra, Atul Raninga, Sanjay Wandrekar – 3 Idiots
Vishal Bhardwaj – Kaminey
Best Music
A R Rahman – Delhi-6
Pritam – Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani
Pritam – Love Aaj Kal
Pritam – Tum Mile
Vishal Bhardwaj – Kaminey
Best Playback Singer Female
Kavita Seth – Iktara – Wake Up Sid
Rekha Bhardwaj – Genda Phool – Delhi-6
Shreya Ghoshal – Zoobi Doobi – 3 Idiots
Shilpa Rao – Mudi Mudi – Paa
Sunidhi Chauhan – Mere Sang – New York
Best Lyrics
Amitabh Bhattacharya – Emosanal Attyachaar – Dev D
Irshad Kamil – Chor Bazari – Love Aaj Kal
Javed Akhtar – Sapnon Se Bhare Naina – Luck By Chance
Piyush Mishra – Ranaji – Gulaal
Prasoon Joshi – Man Ko Ati Bhavey – London Dreams
Best Story
Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani – 3 Idiots
Anurag Kashyap, Aparna Malhotra, Raj Singh Chaudhary, Sanjay Maurya – Gulaal
Imtiaz Ali – Love Aaj Kal
Nandita Das, Shuchi Kothari – Firaaq
R Balki – Paa
Best Screenplay
Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani, Vidhu Vinod Chopra – 3 Idiots
Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane – Dev D
Imtiaz Ali – Love Aaj Kal
Pankaj Advani – Sankat City
R Balki – Paa
Best Dialogue
Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani – 3 Idiots
Imtiaz Ali – Love Aaj Kal
Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane – Dev D
R Balki – Paa
Vishal Bhardwaj – Kaminey
Best Editing
Aarti Bajaj – Dev D
Aarti Bajaj – Love Aaj Kal
Anil Naidu – Paa
Meghna Manchanda Sen, Sreekar Prasad – Kaminey
Rajkumar Hirani – 3 Idiots
Best Sound
Bishwadeep Chatterjee, Nihar Ranjan Samel – 3 Idiots
Dileep Subramaniam – Love Aaj Kal
Sanjay Maurya, Allwin Rego – Dev D
Shajith Koyeri, Subhash Sahu, P M Satheesh – Kaminey
Tapas Nayak – Paa
Best Special Effects
Charles Darby – Aladin
Prime Focus Ltd – Blue
Best Cinematography
C.K. Muraleedharan – 3 Idiots
P.C. Sreeram – Paa
Rajeev Ravi – Dev D
Shankar Raman – Frozen
Tassaduq Hussain – Kaminey
Best Art Directon
Acropolis, Rajnish Hedaa, Sumit, Snigdha Basu – 3 Idiots
Sabu Cyril – Aladin
Samir Chanda – Delhi-6
Samir Chanda – Kaminey
Sukanta Panigrahy, Helen Jones – Dev D
Best Choreography
Ahmed Khan – Prem Ki Naiiyya – Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani
Avit Dias – Aal Izz Well – 3 Idiots
Bosco- Caesar – Zoobi Doobi – 3 Idiots
Prasanna – Marjaani – Billu
Baawre – Vaibhavi Merchant – Luck By Chance
Best Action
James D Bomalick – Blue
Huan-Chiu Ku – Chandni Chowk To China
Shyam Kaushal – Kaminey
Tinu Verma – Acid Factory
Vijayan Master – Wanted
Most Promising Newcomer (Male)
Amole Gupte – Kaminey
Chandan Roy Sanyal – Kaminey
Navin Kaushik – Rocket Singh – Salesman Of The Year
Omi Vaidya – 3 Idiots
Most Promising Newcomer (Female)
Gauhar Khan – Rocket Singh – Salesman Of The Year
Giselle Monteiro – Love Aaj Kal
Jesse Randhawa – Gulaal
Kalki Koechlin – Dev D
Mahie Gill – Dev D
Most Promising Debut Director
Ayan Mukerji – Wake Up Sid
Nandita Das – Firaaq
Pankaj Advani – Sankat City
Shivajee Chandrabhushan – Frozen
Zoya Akhtar – Luck By Chance
Best Child Artiste
Jahan Bativala – Little Zizou
Iyanah Bativala – Little Zizou
Rahul Kumar – 3 Idiots
Parzan Dastur- Sikandar
Pratik Katare – Paa
Best Ensemble Cast
Delhi-6
Firaaq
Gulaal
Luck By Chance
Sankat City
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
Fenil’s Bollywood Talk # 81
Posted on: December 31, 2009
ANY LESSONS LEARNT FROM 2009 MISTAKES?
Overall 2009 was a disappointing period for Bollywood. As what Ak_India mentioned in his DP that only 8% of films succeeded in this year which is very shocking. Many films got a nice opening and were well received by audiences as well as critics. Still, the films were hailed as Flop or Average due to their high costs. And that was one of the biggest reasons behind the debacle of many films. Films like Billu, Delhi-6, Kambakkht Ishq, Kaminey, Wake Up Sid, All The Best, London Dreams, De Dana Dan etc could had been super hits were they not produced and sold for such high prices. The problem of sky-high costs was accelerated by the wrong release time. Due to the producer-multiplex feud, no movies were released in the lucrative April and May period. As a result, as soon as strike ended, films after films started pouring every Friday. Obviously, common man cannot be expected to watch all films that release and thus, many films failed or did low business. For instance, All The Best could had been successful if it had not released with Blue. Aladin would have fared better had it not clashed with London Dreams. Jail would have got lots of audience if it had not released with the super hit Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani.
Unfortunately, there is no concrete solution for the 2nd problem. Due to the strike, there is still a huge backlog that needs to be cleared and hence, in 2010 too, one might find multiple releases on lots of Fridays. But the cost of the film can definitely be cut down and the best solution is that the actors slash their prices. Why do superstars like Akshay Kumar charge 20+ crores? And why do producers agree to pay them? Biggie actors should not be given more than 8 or 9 crores. And if this upsets them, then they should be paid more but only if their film succeeds at the box office. This kind of arrangement would benefit all. Movies that are made for 40-50 crores at present would be finished in less than 30 crores. Thus, such film will have high chances of recovering their costs too.
Sadly, no one is thinking of enforcing such an alternative. And as the chapter of 2009 closes, we could see multiple releases even in the last week. Today (i.e. last day of 2009), 3 small films are slated to release-Raat Gayi Baat Gayi (RGBG), Accident On Hill Road (AOHR) and Bolo Raam (BR). It is obvious that all 3 of these films are going to flop. If only one film had hit the screens today, it would have chances of profiting. But no film will profit in this rat race. Not to forget, the 3 Idiots craze is still going on. Hence, all these films have dug their own graves by releasing today. RGBG looks like a complete entertainer; AOHR may work if it has a well-written climax. BR may be hard hitting but it will surely have lowest collections. When will these people learn?
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MOVIES THAT WILL ROCK IN 2010-PART 1
The following are the films that have big stars and have highest chances of succeeding at the box office. 2 of them are listed below and the rest will be discussed next week [lack of space 
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MY NAME IS KHAN: A winner for sure! Although the film looks serious, it has managed to arouse curiosity. And anyways, the name of Shah Rukh Khan is enough to make almost everyone sit up and take notice. Kajol being paired opp SRK is like an icing on the cake. Also it has talented actors like Jimmy Shergill which, I don’t think, will be revealed in promos till the flick releases on Feb 12. The first look of the film made people assume that it’s based on terrorism. However, it’s not! To quote SRK, “It’s a love story with an epic feel” (Bombay Times). MNIK is thus expected to work not only in India but overseas too.
RAAVAN/RAVANA: Mark my words; this one would rock big big time! Unfortunately, when Bolly websites are discussing 2010 biggies, they aren’t mentioning this flick. There are many reasons as to why this film is special. Firstly, it is directed by talented-creative Mani Ratnam who never goes wrong. Secondly, it’s a present day version of Ramayana. And thirdly and the best part, the star cast and the characters that they play are just out of this world! Aishwarya Rai Bachchan plays Sita but Abhishek Bachchan isnt playing Rama! Instead, he’s Raavan in the film, i.e. the villain! Southern actor Vikram is Rama! Guess who plays Hanuman? None other than apna Govinda! Just imagine-Govinda in Mani’s film! Cool isnt it? Nikhil Dwivedi and Southern beauty Priyamani completes the main cast. The film is bi-lingual-it was shot in Tamil too but with slight change of cast. Vikram who plays Rama in Hindi version is Raavan in the Tamil version (hats off!). Prithviraj Sukumaran instead is Rama in Tamil version! Aishwariya Rai is acting in both the versions! The film is expected to release in May. Make sure you don’t miss it at any cost!
TO BE CONTINUED NEXT THURSDAY!
(AND WISHING EVERYONE A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!)
This post first appeared on MouthShut.com: http://www.mouthshut.com/diary/hdbhmtlmp/Fenils-Bollywood-Talk81
By Sonal Chawla (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 30, 2009)
While the whole world believes that Katrina is recuperating in London with her family, a reliable London source tells us that she is actually in New York. Incidentally, Ranbir Kapoor is also in New York shooting for Sajid Nadiadwala’s Anjaana Anjaani. Coincidence? We don’t think so.
Post her surgery in Mumbai, Katrina flew off to London claiming to spend New Year’s Eve with her family. Katrina, who ushers in the New Year with her mother and siblings each year, was particularly thrilled about the family reunion this time round, because she was looking forward to playing with her sister’s little son. But apparently, family has been sidelined in favor of some companionship.
One can’t help but wonder how she planned to keep her jaunt to New York a secret. It’s a small, small world after all. When we called her grandmother’s place in London, a relative said, “Oh, but Katrina is in New York.”
However Katrina said, “I’m very much in London. It’s a joke in my family about me being in New York because I’m harassed by many calls.”
Kaif also skipped beau (or is it seriously ex-beau now) Salman Khan’s birthday in favour of New York. Ranbir and Katrina met on the sets of Raajneeti but their friendship really took off when they shot Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. For the last few months, Ranbir has been in an on-off relationship with Deepika Padukone while Katrina’s relationship with Salman Khan has slowly ground to a halt.
MUMBAI MIRROR RUMOUR: Katrina upset after Ranbir moves away from her and gets close to Deepika!
Posted on: December 25, 2009
Will he get back together with Deepika Padukone, we had asked Ranbir recently? “I hope so,” he had replied with a smile (Ranbir Wants Deepika Back, Mumbai Mirror, December 4).
Encouraged by the ice that broke between the once-madly-in-love couple at a party recently (Mumbai Mirror, December 21, Table Manners), Ranbir has now decided to get his plan of getting back with Deepika in action.
Ranbir has started distancing himself from Katrina Kaif, his Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and Raajneeti co-star, with whom he had got ‘very friendly’. He has reduced his interaction with Katrina. Earlier, he would message Katrina frequently, but of late, it is less frequent. The bonhomie, camaraderie and whatever he shared with Katrina seems to be over.
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| Ranbir Kapoor | Katrina Kaif |
A source says, “Ranbir is seriously considering getting back with Deepika. After he got talking to her at a recent party hosted by Maheep Kapoor and Nandita Mahtani, his desire to revive his relationship with Deepika has intensified.”
Explaining why he needs to take a few steps back in his ‘friendship’ with Katrina, the source adds, “Deepika cannot stand the sight of Katrina. Distancing himself from Katrina will only facilitate his getting closer to Deepika.”
Although the two girls have never worked together, there is a strong undercurrent of stress and discomfort, whenever they come face-to-face. In a TV interview, Deepika had candidly admitted to feeling insecure about her relationship 
with Ranbir, when rumours about his affinity for Katrina broke out. It may be recalled that she had even visited her then boyfriend while he was shooting for Raajneeti with Katrina in Bhopal and stayed there for 12 days.
Ranbir’s sudden aloofness towards Katrina, is taking a toll on the actress. “Katrina has been very upset about the recent turn of events,” says the source.
MEENA IYER Times News Network (BOMBAY TIMES; December 24, 2009)
meena.iyer@timesgroup.com
Fenil’s Bollywood Talk # 80
Posted on: December 24, 2009
IT’S TIME TO REJOICE!
Although 2009 is considered as a black year for Bollywood, the last 3 ½ months have proved to be profitable not only for producers, distributors and exhibitors but also for viewers. There were at least half a dozen commercially successful films like Wanted, Wake Up Sid, All The Best, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, De Dana Dan and Paa. Also, flops like Dil Bole Hadippa, What’s Your Raashee?, Do Knot Disturb, Blue, London Dreams, Tum Mile, Kurbaan etc did manage to bring audiences to theatres in its first 3 days of release. Also, we got two Hollywood blockbusters, 2012 and Avatar. And tomorrow’s release 3 Idiots is expected to be the biggest hit of 2009. This Aamir Khan flick is been given one of the widest releases. If all turns out to be well, 3 Idiots may become the biggest blockbuster ever, breaking even Ghajini’s record (which at present is the biggest Bollywood hit).
People are coming to theatres. So many movies are running successfully. Unfortunately, no is celebrating it and no trade analyst is coming forward to discuss about it. Ironically, during bad times, every producers, distributor and trade pundits will come forward and state as to ‘how our industry is going through a crisis’. Somehow, we have become more negative in our approach. We love to live in bad times! Come on guys, pop the champagne and enjoy the good time!
TICKET RATES INCREASED FOR 3 IDIOTS
Watching 3 Idiots shall turn out to be an expensive affair. Knowing that people are going to come for sure to watch this Aamir Khan flick, Vidhu Vinod Chopra and the distributors of the film have urged multiplexes and single screens across the country to increase the ticket rates for 3 Idiots. Even morning shows which had a meager price of Rs 60 or 80 is now sold for 160 or 180 and even 200 bucks. A prominent multiplex in South Mumbai (Inox, Nariman Point) takes away the cake by charging Rs 290 for the 11:30 am show! And for the evening and night shows, the least said, the better!
Surprisingly, hardly any Bollywood intellectuals have spoken against this unfair practice. All of them are concerned only with the problem of piracy. Why? Because it concerns them-they face huge losses because of pirated DVDs. And they don’t need to care for the inflated ticket prices since they can either afford it or they get to see films free of cost in preview screenings!
But all of them have failed to see the point that one of the biggest reasons for piracy is the expensive ticket rates. Reducing the ticket prices will automatically reduce piracy to a certain extent. But instead of applying this idea, ticket rates are increasing, thus giving a boost to piracy. Producers and distributors are only concerned with extracting maximum profits. And when viewers shun theatres due to high prices, they will again come up with ‘industry going through crisis’ stuff when the fact is that they only created the situation in the first place! Very very sad!
This post first appeared on MouthShut.com: http://www.mouthshut.com/diary/chfdltslp/Fenils-Bollywood-Talk80
By Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 23, 2009)
While Rajkumar Santoshi and Sunny Deol patched up and announced that they will soon do a film together with Sunny in the lead, we hear that Santoshi is now having second thoughts about starting the project right away. We even hear that he is evading Sunny’s calls and messages.
Soon after Santoshi’s Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani proved to be a success, Sunny has been waiting to discuss the project with him. But Santoshi is biding his time. A source says, “Santoshi broke the ice with Sunny and it is not fair on the director’s part to turn his back on the actor. It is high time that he learns to live up to his promises.”
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| Rajkumar Santoshi | Sunny Deol |
Explaining Santoshi’s near volte face, our source reveals, “Actually, Santoshi is in a predicament. He is flooded with offers and is seriously considering keeping Sunny’s project on hold and going ahead with something else.”
While Sunny remained unavailable for comment, Santoshi did not deny that he is working on many things right now. About his film with Sunny, he said, “The first thing I did after Ajab… was declared a hit was to spend the evening at Sunny’s house. He is in London and we are in touch. If my next film is not with him, toh galat kya hai usme? If I make a film with him after six months, why create a noise about the time I need to start that film? I want to announce my next film only around mid-January.”
Rise and shine. 3 Idiots is luring you to the multiplexes for a 6am show with free chai and biscuits
This Christmas morning if you manage to wedge your eyes open by four am, try and make it for 3 Idiots at the multiplexes, which are screening the movie at six in the morning! For all your efforts, Aamir Khan and Co have even decided to give you free chai and biscuits.
Considering that 2009 hasn’t paid off for most films, everyone is putting their money on the Aamir Khan-starrer. In fact, only two films have broken box-office records – Salman Khan’s Wanted and the Ranbir-Katrina starrer, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. 3 Idiots hits the theatres on Friday and everyone seems upbeat about it.
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| 3 Idiots |
Devang Sampat, Senior VP, Cinemax India Ltd, says, “There is often scope for a 6am show. There are many morning walkers and call centre employees who flock to the theatres at that time of the day. But we are doing it for the first time because there is a good demand for the tickets.” How many people watch movies after a sweaty morning jog is debatable, but it seems like nothing can dampen the festive mood.
Aditya Shroff, Asst VP Programming & Corporate Sales, Fame India Ltd, is geared to splash the movie across as many screens as possible. He says, “As we start early, we can accommodate more number of shows. We will have 37 shows spread over seven screens every day in Fame Malad. This would be the highest number of shows recorded in our chain on one single day.” Cinemax India will have as many as 28 shows on one day in their Andheri multiplex.
The said multiplexes are also planning to hold their last show as late at midnight. Naturally, the theatres are going to pay additional incentives to their staff.”We have also instructed our people to work in shifts. Honestly, nobody is complaining,” says Sampat.
At the time of going to the press, Fame India had decided to have their first show at 6.30am. However, a source from the industry says, “They might push it up to 6am.”
Fun Republic will not start as early. Vishal, Fun Republic VP, Marketing says, “We will start early, but at 9am. Fame and Cinemax have more screens. They have programming flexibility.”
Ditto for Imax. Inox will not have early shows. As for PVR, their earliest show will be at 8.30am.
Whose bright idea was it to screen the film at the crack of dawn? The marketing man of 3 Idiots, Aamir Khan? Shroff says, “I came up with this idea for my chain of theatres. I think it will work.” Sampat laughs, “We also have a thinking brain.”
Would you go for 3 IDIOTS at 6am?
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| Will the multiplex be houseful at 6am? |
• Ishita Thakur (22), Mahim: No way. Firstly, I don’t get up so early. Secondly, I am not excited about this film. I don’t think it will be awesome. If it was Avatar, I would have definitely gone for it.
• Sunder Chandiramani (68), Seven Bungalows: I like to see a film in a relaxed mood. I want to jog in the mornings.
• Poonam Tilani, Seven Bungalows: I meditate in the morning. I don’t want to disturb my schedule.
• Satish Shenoy (45), Vile Parle: That is the time I am getting ready to go to the office. I want to see 3 Idiots at leisure.
• Nameeta Bandekar (24), Borivli: Why? I can watch movies at any time.
• Manisha Jaisinghani (35), Kandivli: Sorry, I can’t get up so early. 6am is a terribly inconvenient show.
