Posts Tagged ‘Hollywood film’
MEENA IYER Times News Network (BOMBAY TIMES; November 28, 2009)
Dharma Productions’ Kurbaan with Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor in the lead definitely got people across the globe to sit up and take notice of it. Rensil D’Silva’s cross-genre flick that is a love story set against the backdrop of terrorism came in for a mixed view from its audience. However, Karan Johar is not shaken. “I know exactly what I’m doing,” says Bollywood’s prolific and progressive producer. He admits that his banner has in the past been associated with candy floss cinema. But from the start of 2009, Dharma is emerging as a formidable force, and has been making dramatic departures from its safe zone. Says Karan, “With Kurbaan, we did make a complete departure from what we have earlier been doing. Whether it was Dostana or Wake Up Sid, we’ve been dabbling in different genres.” He says that even those films were closer in texture to what he has been doing in the past — like a Kabhie Khushie Kabhi Gham or a Kal Ho Na Ho. “But,” adds Karan, “in the case of Kurbaan, we moved away completely to address a serious issue. And, when we did that, we were well aware that we were treading on a new path. Reactions to the film may be mixed. However, it is my endeavour to raise the bar with each film that I undertake. And, to also make globally relevant cinema.” Of the firm view that the West is watching not only our economic progress but also taking interest in our cinema, Karan feels that, “Sometimes such cinema may not exactly get the box office that one hopes for, but that certainly doesn’t shake my faith in this genre of film.” KJo also feels that the synergy between him and UTV Movies with whom he associated for Wake Up Sid and Kurbaan is truly gratifying in that both production houses are invading a similar cinema space. And have a similar thought process. “UTV produced some of the most amazing films in the last couple of years,” says Karan. “From a Mumbai Meri Jaan, Aamir, A Wednesday, Jodhaa Akbar, Wake Up Sid, Oye Lucky Lucky Oye and now Kurbaan — it has consistently backed progressive and meaningful cinema.” And while he will delve into relevant issues like terrorism and autism next (in My Name Is Khan), Karan will keep up the quintessential date movie like I Hate Luv Stories, a fun caper like Dostana-2 and the remake of the Hollywood flick Step Mom. No matter what, Dharma is a banner on a mission. They will never veer away from good cinematic content — be it realistic or pure fantasy. meena.iyer@timesgroup.com
Aamir wants to work Bebo again!
Posted on: November 13, 2009
The chemistry between Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor in 3 Idiots is there for everyone to see and Aamir is keen on taking these vibrations to another level. He wants to make a romantic film with Kareena and has already zoomed in on an intimate subject for the film.
Kareena admitted that Aamir and she are planning their second film. She said, “Aamir is a cinematic genius. We must do at least one more film together, very soon. Aamir takes a long time to make up his mind about projects. I keep telling him that by the time he decides to make this romantic film with me, my niece Samaira will be ready for stardom.’’ Kareena is now trying to convince Aamir to direct their second film.
She added, “But I must tell you that Aamir is very chivalrous.” During a rain sequence for 3 Idiots, her eye make-up kept running into her eyes because of the water, and Aamir would stop the shoot to wipe it out every time. Kareena also said that she keeps talking about Aamir and as a result her beau Saif Ali Khan has warned her to ‘keep quiet about the subject’. Talk about being possessive.
In the meanwhile, talking about Kareena, Aamir said, “One can look at her all day and not feel tired.” Aamir confessed that he too wanted to make a romantic film with Kareena soon. He said, “Bebo has been asking me to direct her in a romantic film… and I am definitely contemplating it.” However, he refused to divulge any details. He added, “For the moment I am too preoccupied with 3 Idiots. I am a one film at a time kind of guy.”
Our sources added that the subject of Aamir’s film with Kareena is inspired by a Hollywood film which has been on his mind for years.
Bebo-Abhi to act together?
Posted on: October 31, 2009
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Over the years, Abhishek Bachchan and Kareena Kapoor have been quite vociferous about not wanting to work together after his marriage to Karisma Kapoor was called off. Now things seem to be looking up as Kareena and Abhishek are in the mood to move on and have agreed to star together in a film after six years. Buzz is that the two have been signed for Abbas Mustan’s untitled film, a remake of the Hollywood film, Italian Job. The movie will also star Katrina Kaif and Neil Nitin Mukesh in lead roles.
A source says, “Initially talks were on with Saif Ali Khan but he did not have dates and Abhishek Bachchan replaced him. Although Saif and Kareena’s chemistry would have sizzled onscreen, it will be nice to watch Abhishek and Kareena after Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, which was their last film together in 2003. Both actors made their acting debut together in Refugee and have been in the industry for years but have only starred together in two films till date.” While Kareena’s manager Zahid denies that she has signed the film, a source close to Abbas Mustan says, “The directors always had Kareena in mind and now they have managed to get Katrina on board too. The film will go on the floors in April and like every Abbas Mustan film, this too will also be shot on a lavish budget at international locations. The directors are clear about who they want to cast in the film.” The Italian Job (2003) rights are with Studio 18. CEO Sandeep Bhargava of Studio 18 says, “We have the rights of Italian Job. Abbas Mustan are working on the script and will also direct the film. The movie will go on the floors sometime next year.” When asked about the star cast, Bhargava says, “We can’t approach any actors till the script is ready.” Despite several attempts, Abbas Mustan remained unavailable for comment. |
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ACIDIC HANGOVER!
One can’t deny the fact that White Feather Films (WFF), Sanjay Gupta’s production house, has churned one of the best dark thrillers in the past. In fact, every film of WFF right from Kaante to the recent Woodstock Villa has been very dark but still managed to impress audiences. Their new flick, Acid Factory, too follows the WWF tradition! It’s dark, it has black humour and most importantly, it has surprises. However, the second hour spoils the show. More details later!
The story of the movie: A guy somewhere in his mid-20s (Fardeen Khan) wakes up and finds himself trapped in a dilapidated factory. He has no memory as to how he got there inside. He doesn’t even remember his own name! A phone rings somewhere and he picks up. The caller (Irrfan Khan) seemed like a boss, who gives some orders. Later, the man discovers four more people in the factory (Aftab Shivdasani, Manoj Bajpayee, Dino Morea and Danny Denzongpa) and they all are in a similar state of mind. One of them is tied to a chair and one is handcuffed. All doors are locked and the windows had iron grills and so there was no chance of escaping. Also, the factory was located at a remote place so there was no possibility of even shouting and getting attention of someone from outside. The guys later discover that it is an acid factory and that some of them were criminals. To find out as to how they lose their memory and what happen next, watch the film.
Acid Factory’s first hour is power-packed. The film holds your attention wonderfully right from the first scene. The characters in the factory waking up, bewildered, one by one and their talking, shouting and cracking jokes with one another sets the mood. Two more tracks run simultaneously-one, the flashback portions of Fardeen and the other, the kidnapping heist. Yet, the film doesn’t turn confusing and for this, full marks should be given to director Suparn Verma.
The characters later learn that two of them are kidnapped. But again, with no memory, they have no idea as to who are the kidnappers and who are the hostages! This really makes the situation weird but interesting!
But things slid down in the 2nd half. They should have been more thrilling moments and drama but instead, a lot of action scenes are thrown in. No doubt that it was a treat watching those scenes but after a point of time, it became too much. Also, the climax wasn’t impressive, although it was engrossing. And the glaring flaws at this point are shocking. But due to a bad 2nd half, one gets out of the theatre disappointed. If the film had an equally powerful 2nd half, Acid Factory would have been a coming of the age film.
Every actor was perfect. Fardeen Khan had more screen presence than the rest and like everytime, he gave a fantastic performance. He still has two films this year (Dulha Mil Gaya and All The Best). Let’s hope he gets appreciation which he rightfully deserves. Aftab Shivdasani rocks as the angry young man. Dino Morea surprises with a brilliant performance. Manoj Bajpayee acts well and succeeds in making the viewers laugh.
Danny Denzongpa, like everytime, was flawless. Irrfan Khan impresses. A lot of hype was created about Dia Mirza’s presence in the film as she’s the only female actor in the main cast. However, she enters only in the second hour and didn’t have much to do. But she performs well, though. Gulshan Grover and Neha were alright.
The film has couple of songs (including an item number) which wasn’t needed at all. The song ‘Ye Jism Hai’ looked totally out of place in the film. Sahil Kapoor’s cinematography was topnotch. Actor Saurabh Shukla and Sanjay Gupta have written the dialogues which were excellent. Tinu Verma’s action was top-class and kudos to him and his team! Hemal Kothari’s editing was slick. Milind Gadagkar’s story was great but he can’t be given the credit as the film seems inspired from the Hollywood flick, Unknown.
Suparn Verma and Sanjay Gupta’s screenplay was outstanding in the beginning portions but deteriorated in the 2nd hour, esp towards the climax. Suparn Verma, overall, impresses a lot as the director. This film will be a commercial flop but Suparn’s efforts will surely be noticed and would be appreciated for sure.
Some of the best scenes of the film:
1. Fardeen picking up Irrfan’s first call
2. The chase sequence in the beginning
3. Fardeen’s first meeting with Danny
4. Fardeen, Dino and Aftab interrogating Danny
5. Irrfan taking away the ransom (wonderful scene)
6. The intermission point
7. Dia Mirza’s entry
8. Fardeen, Dino, Aftab and Danny calling for help from outside (another fabulous scene)
On the whole, Acid Factory is a fast, intriguing film that falls in the 2nd half. The film was badly promoted and that’s why it failed to have a good opening. With three BIG releases next Friday, Acid Factory will vanish from the theatres for sure. But all those interested, it would be no harm catching this 120 minute dark thriller on VCD/DVD later!
My rating-*** out of 5!
This review first appeared on MouthShut.com: http://www.mouthshut.com/review/Acid_Factory-177028-1.html
A little birdie tells us that producer Sohail Maklai has quietly started the shooting of his film, Knockout featuring Irrfan Khan, Sanjay Dutt and Kangna Ranaut. The film apparently, is a rip-off of the English flick Phone Booth (2003). The shooting, it seems has begun at Mehboob Studios (Bandra) and is directed by Mani Shankar. Irrfan plays the man trapped in the booth played by Colin Farrell originally, Forest Whitaker who played the cop is played by Sanjay and Kangna plays the TV journalist played by Kim Posnett in the original. Kangna will be without her trademark curly tresses and will sport a short hairstyle like that of Barkha Dutt. Phone Booth is about a man who is held hostage in a telephone booth by a sniper. Apart from Colin Farrell, Kim Posnett and Forest Whitaker, it also featured Katie Holmes and Kiefer Sutherland and was directed by Joel Schumacher. However, Sohail refuting all the rumours said, “It seems that others know more about my film than I know, but it’s not true.” |
Insiya Amir | TNN (THE TIMES OF INDIA; September 19, 2009)
With homosexuality getting increased acceptance in the country, isn’t it time for Bollywood to get a gay, macho character? Actually, it might already have—in Charlie, the lisping ‘bad boy’ hero in this year’s hit, Kaminey.
From bloggers to critics, many have speculated about the sexuality of the character portrayed by Shahid Kapoor. To begin with, Charlie lisps—a standard gay stereotype. Apart from that, his relationship with Mikhail has distinctly homoerotic undertones. The two sing duets in a psychedelic nightclub, dance in the rain and make plans to run away—while rolling on the floor together— when Charlie tells Mikhail about the stash of cocaine he has chanced upon? And a scene where Mikhail chases Charlie in a red sports car, amid pouring rain, would have had Freud smiling in glee.
What about the ending, which shows Charlie hitched to a gorgeous gal? Blogger Ganesh Chandrashekhar argues that it’s a postdeath dream. ‘‘Charlie dreams of being a successful bookie and married to a woman. This looks like Charlie’s homosexual guilt coming through, because the addition of a female character in the end seemed rather contrived, suggesting that he hopes to be straight in a highly homophobic society.’’
Other bloggers have pointed to Charlie’s emotional breakdown when he sees Mikhail’s corpse. And they see heavy symbolism in Charlie naming his dream bookie venture ‘Mikhail & Co.’, which is set up after he steals diamonds. Which by implication means Charlie stole diamonds for Mikhail. If that isn’t true love, what is?
Chandan Roy Sanyal, who plays Mikhail, says he is aware of such arguments. ‘‘I don’t think the two are gay, they just share a brotherly relationship. I grew up like this with my brother, a lot of bonding, touching,’’ he laughs. But he welcomes the buzz about the characters. ‘‘People thinking that Charlie is gay shows they are ready to accept that gay men do not have to be overtly effeminate,’’ says Sanyal, adding that he would love to play a role like Sean Penn in the Hollywood film Milk.
But Bollywood is only taking baby steps with movies like Dostana, says film critic Anupama Chopra. ‘‘We still portray gay men with limp wrists and rainbowcoloured accessories, mostly cast as a comic relief. It is a long time till we get a gay hero who is macho enough to be the lead actor. In fact, Vishal Bhardwaj told me if a sequel is made, Charlie will have a girlfriend,’’ she says. As conspiracy theorists might say, ‘‘Fo fad”.
Pritam may be hot property in Bollywood, but he got there with a little ‘help’ from other bands that he has generously ‘borrowed’ from. Now his past is coming back to bite him as he has made his producer Vipul Shah wary, lest he lands the producer into legal tangles. As a safeguard, Vipul has made Pritam sign an indemnity clause for the music of his film Action Replay, starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Akshay Kumar. This is virtually unheard of in an industry that is particularly lax about copyright infringement. Vipul Shah has become very cautious about derivative material in his films especially after his victory in court against Shree Venkatesh Films who have been accused of lifting material from Namastey London for a Bengali film, Poran Jai Joliya Re. To avoid any potential disasters that might blow up in his face with his next film, Action Replay, the filmmaker is not taking any chances. Given Pritam’s track record, the composer is quite the candidate who is likely to trigger the explosion. Vipul confirmed, “I have taken a written indemnity from our music composer Pritam that not a single song in Action Replay is a copy. How will I know if he takes something from a Chinese, Taiwanese or Syrian song?” In fact, the written indemnity says that Pritam will be solely responsible for his compositions and that the filmmaker/ producer will not be liable if his compositions are found not to be original. With no stringent laws in place to check copyright infringement, people like Pritam have been getting away with plagiarism repeatedly. Pritam said, “I have no problem signing the indemnity as it every producer’s responsibility to make sure that every aspect of his film is fool-proof. However, I do feel the producer shouldn’t always be blamed if any aspect of the film is accused of plagiarism. For instance, if there is an accusation that the film’s story is directly lifted from some other piece of art, then the writer should take responsibility for this. Same goes for other branches of filmmaking.” Strangely enough, the Bengali filmmakers have accused Vipul of plagiarising a Hollywood film to make his forthcoming film, Action Replay. Vipul’s office has been working round-the-clock to prepare a voluminous defence against the charge that Action Replay is a remake of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Meanwhile, a few people who have seen portions of Action Replay claim that the film bears no similarity to Benjamin Button and is actually a take-off on HG Wells’s The Time Machine. TRACKS PRITAM HAS COPIED IN THE PAST 2 I Miss You Every Day from Kya Love Story Hai-Original: Alatoul by Karina 3 Lamha Lamha from Gangster-Original: Kal Shab Mein Ne Dekha by Waris Baig 4 Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai from Gangster-Original: Sacral Nirvana by Oliver Shanti & Friends 5 Ya Ali from Gangster-Original: Ya Ghali from Guitara 6 Wicket Bacha from Hattrick-Original: Man smart (Woman Smarter) by Harry Belafonte’s 7 Dil Samundar from Garam Masala-Original: Kuzu Kuzu by Tarkan 8 Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai from Woh Lamhe-Original:Tak Bisakh by Peter Pan 9 Chori Ki Baatein from Fight Club-Original: Channoby Ali Zafar 10 Is This Love from Pyaar Ke Side Effects-Original: A Mi Maneraby Gipsy Kings
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Mani Ratnam’s film Raavana is the prime reason for the delay in completion of Vipul Shah’s Action Replay, starring Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Vipul needs to shoot three songs with Aishwarya for the film, which reportedly is based on the Hollywood film, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. With Aishwrya having to shoot extra portions for Raavana, Vipul’s plans to release his film in October have been foiled. Vipul says, “Yes, what you have heard is true. I need about a fortnight from Aishwarya to shoot the three songs. I’m sure she’s as eager to complete the film as I am. Unfortunately, Raavana has taken far more of her time than she had expected. Besides, she is also shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Guzaarish, so I have no option, but to wait.” Vipul is hopeful of getting Aishwarya’s dates towards the end of September. However, they wouldn’t be sufficient as he also needs to shoot with her in November. Also, her dates will have to be co-ordinated with Akshay, who isn’t any less busy. “Both Aishwarya and Akshay are very professional. We’ll soon sort out the dates and as Akshay is also the co-producer of Action Replay, he has an added incentive to give me his dates,” adds Vipul. About his plans for releasing the film, Vipul says, “I will only be able to release Action Replay next year. I had initially planned the release in October which was later pushed to December first week. But now I don’t want to release Action Replay in December even though I am sure it’ll be complete by then.” Commenting on what prompted this change in plans, Vipul says, “I can’t release my film just a week after Akshay’s De Dana Dan, which releases on November 27. There’s no way we can have two Akshay starrers in two weeks. Another reason for the delay in Action Replay is that my film London Dreams releases on October 30.” |
Music maestro AR Rahman, who is one of the most celebrated personalities in the music world, has reason to be proud not only professionally but also personally. His six-and-a-half-year-old son, Ameen A R Rahman, aspires to become a playback singer. And he is wasting no time to reach his goal. Last week, Ameen sung a full song in the Hollywood film, Couples Retreat for which AR Rahman has composed the music. A source said, “AR Rahman’s family and people in his office have still not got over the fact that Rahman’s little son has sung the song.
Couples Retreat is a romantic comedy directed by Peter Billingsley and stars Vince Vaughn, Kristen Bell and Jason Bateman in lead roles. Keeping with the lighthearted theme of the film, Rahman has composed a soothing and light score. The film is expected to release end 2009. |
They are very excited and happy and can’t stop talking about it. His mom and dad are very proud of him.”Saturday 20th June 2009 20.00 IST
Press Release
WOLVERINE GARNERS THE BIGGEST OPENING IN THE U.S FOR 2009 & NOW THE BIGGEST OPENING IN INDIA AS WELL! Mutant superhero film ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ has not only become a blockbuster hit abroad but has struck a strong cord with the Indian audiences too.
A 20th Century Fox film starring Hugh Jackman, the film opened in India on June 19th in English and Hindi and has garnered one of the highest openings among Hollywood films in India, beating films like ‘Fast & the furious 4’, ‘Angels & Demons’, ‘The Dark Knight’, ‘Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’.
Says Mr. Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox Star Studios India, “We’ve had a strong opening for X-Men Origins: Wolverine across the country. The audience reaction has been very positive which is helping build great word of mouth for the film as a must see film!”
The film has grossed more than Rs. 2 Crores in its opening day itself. The first 2 days have seen theatres running houseful across all regions of the country. Here are some reports:
North India
- Interiors of Ghaziabad cinemas morning shows as early as 9.30am were full.
- The shows are full in centres like Gorakhpur too.
- At some centres the opening is comparable to that of blockbuster Spiderman-3.
- DT Saket & Spice Noida are running 14 shows daily, while DT Vasantkunj opening today is running 11shows daily.
Sanjay Ghai of Mukta Arts, the leading distributor in North India says “It’s the best opening for a Hollywood film in Delhi-UP & East Punjab” The Programming Head at DT Cinemas, Amit Shah says “This is the highest collection (1.22lacs) recorded for any movie (Hollywood or Bollywood) in a single day since DT Saket opened and hence we have planned 11 shows daily at our new plex opening today (Saturday) at Vasantkunj.”
West India
- Opening is as big as Oscar winner Slumdog Millionaire with less number of prints.
- Most shows are running houseful in Tier II cities like Aurangabad & Solapur.
- Most of the single screens have covered their rental on opening day itself.
South India
- Prasad Hyderabad has given 11 shows for the film, which is unprecedented for any Hollywood film and still has got an 80% opening, which is expected to become 100% over the weekend.
- Even Kerala has seen one of the biggest openings for any Hollywood film in recent time.
According to Mr T Srikanth, General Manager Operations – Prasad Imax Hyderabad, “Inspite of releasing the movie in 17 screens in twin cities (Hyderabad and Secunderabad) the movie has opened well in Prasad clocking 80 % for the 1st day. We are expecting to reach between 90-100 % for Sat – Sun as the report of the movie is good. Also recently no English movie has done well in the Nizam circuit and we are sure that this movie will put an end to that dry run.” Mr Suresh Shenoy of Sridhar theatre Ernakulam is also pleased with the kind of response the 4th edition of X men as received in Kerala. “The previous editions of X Men never got the opening that Wolverine got especially in Ernakulam*, Trivandrum and Calicut. This proves that there are still audience left in Kerala for good English flicks.”
Internationally, ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ has grossed $160 million in its opening weekend and has crossed 350$ million worldwide & still counting. The film had got the best opening for the year and is on its way to become one of the biggest *grosser out of Hollywood* this year, beating flicks like Fast & the Furious 4 and Terminator Salvation in terms of box office collections not only in the US, but also worldwide.
Released under the banner of 20th Century Fox (Fox Star Studios India), ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ stars Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds, Live Schreiber & Dominic Monaghan and is Directed by Gavin Hood.
Here Hugh Jackman reprises the role that made him a superstar – as the fierce fighting machine who possesses amazing healing powers, retractable claws and a primal fury. Leading up to the events of X-MEN, X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE tells the story of Wolverine’s epically violent and romantic past, his complex relationship with Victor Creed, and the ominous Weapon X program. Along the way, Wolverine encounters many mutants, both familiar and new, including surprise appearances by several legends of the X-Men universe whose appearances in the film series have long been anticipated.
BOX OFFICE INDIA.COM
