Posts Tagged ‘jaane tu…ya jaane na’
Looking Ahead 2010
Posted on: January 2, 2010
| Karthik Calling Karthik
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| My name is Khan
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| Raajneeti A modern-day political rendition of the Mahabharata, Raajneeti boasts of an A-list star cast – Ajay Devgan, Arjun Rampal, Ranbir Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Vivek Oberoi, Manoj Bajpai and Katrina Kaif. The movie will use the dilemmas the characters in the book went through, and draw parallels with it in reel life. Katrina Kaif is reportedly playing the role of Sonia Gandhi in the movie. After all both of them are quite similar: accent – check; powerful woman – check; foreign descent – check; relationship with Salman Khan – no one really knows.
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| Kites
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| Raavana
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Action replay  In Action Replay, a man ages backwards… Hmm, let’s see where have we heard this story before? A clear rip-off of the Hollywood hit, Benjamin Button, the film will feature Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai. Director Vipul Shah is back with Akshay Kumar and hopes his dream run will continue.
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| Teen Patti
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| Houseful
Akshay Kumar has a slew of releases lined up next year and Houseful, the laugh-riot is one of them. The story follows Akshay who is very unlucky in life and is trying to find true love. The women helping him achieve this goal are Deepika Padukone, Lara Dutta and Jiah Khan. In real life, however, we think it’s the other way around. Akshay will end up teaching Deepika more than two expressions, Lara how to sign movies and Jiah Khan how not to be dropped from the one-odd film she has signed.
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| No Problem
Anees Bazmee has three mega comedy films lined up next year. One of them is No Problem which has quite a star cast – Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Sushmita Sen, Kangna Ranaut, Paresh Rawal and Sunil Shetty. The film is a love story of impossible proportions. Another impossible proposition is Kangna actually makes people laugh after making them weep all these years.
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| Well Done Abba
Shyam Benegal has been travelling the world with his latest film, Well Done Abba. The satirical movie sees Boman Irani play two roles. Fitting two Bomans in one shot is a feat in itself and a testament to Benegal’s directorial skills. The movie follows the journey of Armaan Ali, a driver from Mumbai, who is out to find his daughter’s (Minissha Lamba) beau. Minissha, who has been alternating between commercial and semi-art house cinema, is reportedly playing a strong role in the film.
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| Guzaarish
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| Road, Movie
Indian cinema has been through many fascinating twists and turns but none quite as romantic as touring cinemas. Essentially this means that the owner of one mounts the film projector on the back of a truck and the projectionist travels the length and breadth of a state with the truck, stops wherever there is a pilgrimage or a mela and projects the films he is carrying onto a white curtain which is then viewed by the locals sitting on both sides of the screen. Dev Benegal has made Road, Movie about one such projectionist (Satish Kaushik) and the young owner (Abhay Deol) and the adventures they have as they show their movies. The film has been very well received on the festival circuit.
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| Anjaana Anjaani
After playing twelve characters in What’s Your Raashee?, we’re sure Priyanka Chopra has become a stranger to herself, especially after the film tanked. Siddharth Anand, director of Ta Ra Rum Pum and Salaam Namaste, tries a romcom with Anjaana Anjaani. Starring Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka, the film shows two strangers who fall in love and the journey they take together.
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| Aisha
Abhay Deol’s love for Delhi continues with his Bollywood release, Aisha where he plays another spoilt, rich Delhi brat. His character is modelled on Mr Knightly from Jane Austen’s novel, Emma. The movie is a romantic comedy that explores horrible mismatches. It also has a strong female role that has been bagged by Sonam Kapoor. Whether Sonam is strong enough for the film after two failed films (read: Saawariya and Delhi-6) is another matter.
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| Khelein hum jee jaan sey
Ashutosh Gowariker is no stranger to large canvasses (think Lagaan, Swades, Jodhaa Akbar) so it’s no surprise that he is now filming another humongous project, Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey, which revolves around the Chittagong Uprising in the pre Independence days. After What’s Your Raashee?, this is another film adapted from a book, Do and Die by Manini Chatterjee. Abhishek Bachchan and Deepika Padukone lead the star cast and Nitin Chandrakant Desai leads the crew. Hopefully Ashutosh’s version of history will not be challenged, the way Jodhaa Akbar was.
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| Knock out
Inspired’ from the Hollywood masterpiece Phone Booth, Mani Shankar will look to re-create the magic in Bollywood. A man is trapped inside a phone booth, not because the door is stuck, but an assassin has a sniper rifle trained on him. Kangna plays the role of a journalist, Irrfan plays a cop and Sanjay Dutt the assassin.
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| I Hate Luv Storys
A true-blue rom-com, I Hate Luv Storys brings together the very glamourous Sonam Kapoor and the man with the melting eyes, Imran Khan. Described as a love story not meant to happen but which does happen, it is the story of a man who does not believe in love and a girl who does. They meet on a film set; a milieu the director Punit Malhotra is very familiar with, having cut his teeth on Karan Johar’s sets as an assistant director; and sparks fly.
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| 1-800-Love
When you have a tag line that says, ‘From the makers of Ghajini and Jaane Tu…’ you know you’re in for a commercial roller-coaster. Abbas Tyrewala dons the director’s hat for 1-800-LOVE again and the music score is Rahman’s handiwork. A telephone call connects two people – one who wants to die, the other who is searching for meaning in life. They meet, fall in love, yada yada… If you are watching the movie and you get bored of John Abraham’s three expression repertoire, close your eyes and maybe the music will do the trick for you.
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| Tees Maar Khan
Tees Maar Khan has gotten more publicity that it ever dreamed of just because Shah Rukh Khan is not playing a role in Farah Khan’s film. But it does seem like SRK has rubbed off on the new lead actor, Akshay Kumar. Kumar plays a ‘stylish’ (metrosexual) conman in the film. He will be joined by Akshaye Khanna, but the female lead has not yet been confirmed.
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| Hook Ya Crook
Finally, Bollywood gets a movie that shows hope in combining two things that Indians love best – cinema and cricket. Viraj Pradhan (John Abraham) dreams of being a cricketer but is a repeat offender who gets thrown into a maximum security prison. The jail is a haven for cricket players, but Viraj wants much more, he wants to be part of the men in blue. The film has reportedly roped in Indian cricketers for the movie but going by the ads on TV, the word ‘acting talent’ isn’t part of the Indian cricket team’s vocabulary.
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Farhan Akhtar’s next film is a story of a lovable loser whose chance meeting with his namesake changes his life forever. Karthik Calling Karthik has a star-studded credit list which includes Deepika Padukone, Javed Akhtar and Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy. Considering Farhan acts in the movies he either directs or produces, it seems like he is bent on wanting to typecast himself as the underdog. Weird but true!
Bollywood’s biology lessons continue with My Name Is Khan. With 9/11 as the backdrop, the movie follows Rizwan Khan (SRK) who suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome. This is an autistic disease that makes the victim devoid of empathy. This, of course will give rise to many comical situations, just like Paa did. The film brings together the electrifying pair of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol back on the silver screen. Add Karan Johar to the mix and you have a surefire hit. But come on, what is the film industry going to explore next, the common cold?
Kites follows the story of Hrithik Roshan, a salsa dancer who falls in love with his student. Language barriers don’t matter here, love conquers almost all. But ‘something’ happens and it’s up to another student Kangna Ranaut to save the day. Maybe Sussanne walks into the movie or some other terrifying event occurs, we don’t know yet. But we hope the movie does better than Hrithik’s personal life.
A modern day rendition of the mythological text, Raavana will get Aishwariya and Abhishek on the silver screen together for the first time after getting hitched. The movie has been plagued with problems – floods, elephants stomping around the set, maybe a higher power is sending a message through all of this. We won’t say anything, let the box-office decide.
As much as producer Ambika Hinduja denies it, Teen Patti’s plot seems like a rip-off of the Hollywood blockbuster 21. The film features three ace actors, Ben Kingsley (supposedly not doing a cameo), Big B and Madhavan. With the help of a unique algorithm, Amitabh who plays a mathematical genius leads a team of college students to make a lot of money. Does Amitabh hold the algorithm for the movie’s success or will this be just another failed spin-off?
The film that is loosely based on Whose Life is it Anyway? has Hrithik playing a paraplegic radio jockey. The film seems like a cry-till-your-tearbuds-dry-out movie – it explores the dilemma of euthanasia. Hrithik who believes in challenging himself till the cows come home, reportedly, spent hours in the wheelchair when not required to shoot, to get into the head of the character. Hrithik and Aishwarya reunite after Dhoom 2, and with Sanjay Leela Bhansali directing, it becomes one of the most awaited films in 2010, never mind Saawariya.
A mama-bhanja fight has been brewing… and no, we’re not referring to Aamir Khan and Imran Khan. It’s Manish Malhotra and his nephew Punit Malhotra who are quarrelling over Imran’s costumes for Punit’s directorial debut I Hate Luv Storys.
Imran plays an assistant director in the film and needs to have a rugged, carefree look according to his director Punit, who has been an AD in real life. But Manish, who is styling him, is sticking to the glam look he gives all his stars. A source from the unit reveals, “Manish bought a white Calvin Klein backpack for Imran as well as 20 pairs of trendy shoes and denims.Seeing this, Punit freaked out and explained that Imran needs to have a very casual, rugged look since he is playing an AD. They finally narrowed it down to five pairs of denims and two pairs of shoes to be worn through the movie.”
The makeover includes a weight-gain program for Imran as well. The source continues, “Punit has given a lot of tips to Imran in terms of dressing up since he has been around and been an assistant director himself. Imran has gained considerable amount of weight for the movie but at the same time is looking lean. He now weighs 70 kgs as compared to his debut film Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Na where he weighed only 59 kgs.”
Imran, amused by the exchange between the director and stylist, says, “Manish had got a white pair of shoes and Punit asked him to put small stains on them, to go with my character. Manish freaked out and grabbed the shoes. It took a long time for Manish to understand that I am playing an assistant director and not one of the pretty glam actors he normally dresses up. But eventually Manish did a fab job with my styling.”
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| (R): Manish Malhotra (pic: Deepak Tubhekar) |
MEENA IYER Times News Network (BOMBAY TIMES; November 28, 2009)
Pratik says, “My filmmakers be it Sanjay Leela or Rohan will do all the talking about their films. I’m under a contract and unable to say much.”
The star son, however, clears the air about a controversy that said he kept Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan waiting on the sets of Kiran Rao’s Dhobi Ghat because he was holidaying in Goa. “I haven’t been to Goa in five years,” says Pratik. “I may be young, restless and even stupid but I would never keep a senior actor like Aamir waiting.” Brickbats be damned, then. It will rain bouquets in Pratik’s backyard on his birthday, today!
Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan’s yo-yoing rapport has again taken a good turn. On November 15, they had private meeting at Bachchan’s residence.
Sources revealed that Amitabh expressed a desire to meet Aamir, so Aamir went over to meet him.
Although, this recent meeting may have been a personal call; but the agenda was definitely professional. Those related to the two felt that it would be a good idea for Aamir to promote Paa and the Bachchans could do the same for 3 Idiots.
On his blog, Amitabh created a post stating that a meeting was scheduled with Aamir on Sunday. An insider said, “Aamir wished Amitabh all the best for Paa. Later, the status on Aamir’s blog said ‘Pucca Idiot will definitely see Paa’.”
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| Aamir Khan | Amitabh Bachchan |
The same source added, “The actual cross promotion plan may not work. The production team of 3 Idiots already has a blueprint of their promotion campaign in place. It may not be possible to alter it.”
Amitabh and Aamir have often had ups and downs, though in all fairness there have been more ups than downs. At one point Aamir was committed to doing a film for AB Corp as he has always held the senior actor in the highest regard. When Aamir released Taare Zameen Par in December 2007, Amitabh and he had a slight altercation over some candid remarks that Aamir made on Amitabh’s Black. The two superstars eventually made up. Bachchan later made it to the premiere of Aamir’s Jaane Tu Ya… Jaane Na in July 2008.
Although, the blogs say it all, Aamir and Amitabh refused to comment.
| On Sunday night, the Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na scene-stealer created a flutter when he appeared as the showstopper for designer Kunal Rawal at the Fashion Week. Mumbai Mirror caught up with the young actor for an exclusive chat.• Kiran Rao’s Dhobi Ghat is your next release? Yes, the movie is complete but it will release sometime next year. Kiran recently had a traumatic incident (a miscarriage) and at present things are on hold. I guess the film should come around July next year. The experience of working with Aamir Khan was great.
• There’s an element of mystery around you. You are hardly seen? • Post Jaane Tu… Imran Khan and Genelia D’Souza created quite a stir. What happened to you? • Currently, what is a normal day in your life like? • Would you like to do theatre? Your sister Juhi is into theatre. • Do you meet Juhi and Arya often? • Surprising, because once upon a time you were a party animal. • What is the weirdest rumour you heard about yourself recently? • And what is your latest indulgence? |
• Prateik Babbar to work with SLB
Posted on: August 31, 2009
One of Sanjay Bhansali’s desires, of working on a film with Smita Patil, was never fulfilled, but the director has signed her son Prateik Babbar to do a film with him. Prateik will be featuring in a film produced by Sanjay later this year. Titled My Friend Pinto, the film will be directed by Raghav Dar who assisted Mani Ratnam on Guru and also worked as the associate assistant to Abbas Tyrewala on Jaane Tu Ya… Jaane Na. And it was during the filming of JTYJN that the Prateik and Raghav decided to work together. My Friend Pinto will be Prateik’s first lead role. He had an appreciated cameo in JTYJN and Aamir Khan plays the lead in his next, Kiran Rao’s Dhobi Ghat. Prateik’s aunt Manya Patil is only too happy for Prateik. A thrilled Manya said, “Do you know Prateik was offered Saawariya at the very initial stage of the film when Sanjay was undecided about who to cast as the lead? But back then, Prateik was not interested in acting. He was at a stage in life where he was not sure which way to go next. Then Abbas offered him JTYJN. It seemed too small a role to me, but Abbas asked me to trust him with the role, he said was tailor-made for Prateik. And just like he had assured me, the role was good and Prateik’s career is shaping up well.” Prateik said, “I’m happy to work with Mr Bhansali.”
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Very rarely do you come across a film which fulfills all your expectations and in fact, provides more than expected. This year, however, we were mostly bombarded with some pathetic flicks. But behold as Love Aaj Kal has arrived! The film sees love and relationships in a new light but what works big time is its terrific execution and smart storytelling. Love Aaj Kal is surely one of the most refreshing romantic flicks to come out of Bollywood!
The story of the movie: Jai (Saif Ali Khan) and Meera (Deepika Padukone) is a modern-day couple based in London. They are always together but are clueless whether they can be categorized as ‘boyfriend-girlfriend’! Meera gets an opportunity to move to Delhi which she doesn’t want to miss while Jai is soon going to be at San Francisco. Jai and Meera conclude that their long-distance relationship won’t work and thus, decide to break-up (happily). At this point, Jai comes across veteran Veer Singh (Rishi Kapoor) who is shocked to see how Jai treats relationships and break them so easily. He is of the view that the present generation can’t understand love. Love is that trap in which he got entangled 4 decades back when he was the dashing and cool Delhiite Veer (played by Saif again) and when he came across Harleen Kaur (Giselle Monteiro). Jai laughs at Veer as to how he had travelled thousand kilometers from Delhi to Calcutta just to catch a glimpse of Harleen.
Jai-Meera…Veer-Harleen-both these ‘love stories’ were poles apart and of different generations. But love is the same as it was 4 decades back. Jai soon realizes that he’s having the same feeling and experience that Veer must have gone through when he fell in love with Harleen!
The opening scenes give a strong indication that Love Aaj Kal is a different and unique film. During the opening credits, the glimpse of the scenes to follow is shown but yet, you won’t be able to guess what’s going to happen in the film! The execution and editing really works wonders in this film!
The first half of this film is very interesting and surprising. The way the couple break-up was indeed hilarious! Jai and Meera keeping in touch with all modern-day means of communication (sms, call, internet, Mobile Internet) makes you smile. And the eternal Jai-Harleen cute love story also flashes a smile on one’s face, albeit for a different reason!
Telling two stories that run parallel in a film is not easy but Imtiaz executes them with élan and even intersects them wonderfully, a la Rang De Basanti style! Also, the film, especially in the 2nd half reminds one of Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na.
The film gets slow and drags at few places in the 2nd half. But the final 30 minutes compensates for the cons. The film manages to show a true picture of today’s confused individuals who fail to think rationally before taking big decisions and denounce and detest love.
When it comes to performances, each one is brilliant in their place. Saif Ali Khan shines wonderfully and manages to come up with one of the outstanding performances of his career. He had two diverse roles in the film and he performed both of them perfectly. It was a treat to see Saif as Jai getting confused, irritated, sad, shocked-all at once in a couple of sequences. At the same time, he looked like a convincing Sikh and was extremely likeable as Veer Singh too. It’s great to see Saif in another modern and fresh love story (after Salaam|Namaste) and this time, he scores as the producer too. He’s definitely on a roll!
Deepika Padukone was simply outstanding and gives a charming performance. Her brilliant job will surely put an end to all speculation regarding why Kareena was not casted in her place. Deepika was perfect for her role and she and Saif look excellent together. Love Aaj Kal would surely be another feather in her cap. Great going, Deepika!
Rishi Kapoor also manages to impress as much as Saif and Deepika. Everyone will surely love him in the still-young-at-heart role. After Luck By Chance, this is surely another brilliant performance from this actor. The one who enacted the role of Harleen is actually a Brazlian, Giselle Monteiro. Yet, she is likeable as the Punjabi kudi of the 60s. Only someone like Imtiaz Ali can extract such fine desi performance from a firangi! Rahul Khanna is as usual charming. It’ll be great if he gets the role of protagonist too! Neetu Kapoor comes in unexpectedly! Raj Zutshi and others were okay.
One can argue that songs weren’t necessary in the film. Quite true, since many songs crop up unexpectedly and the film could have been a romantic songless flick! However, although songs at several places weren’t necessary, it doesn’t bore or put a brake on the narrative. And the songs itself are so good that one doesn’t mind! Pritam scores a sixer with this album and is surely one of his best compositions. Also, songs are also very well picturised, esp ‘Mein Kya Hoon’. It was just outstanding and also impactful. ‘Ajj Din Chadeya’, the best song of the film in my view, also brings a smile on one’s face, even though only the initial part of the song is played in the film. Rest of the songs, ‘Twist’, ‘Dooriyaan’, ‘Chor Bazaari’ and ‘Thoda Thoda Pyaar’ are brilliant too!
Irshad Kamil’s lyrics also deserve a special mention. The way he has used some unusual words in songs is extraordinary. For instance, in Chor Bazaari, the word ‘ghatna’, which is never before heard in any song before, is used here!
N Natarajan Subramaniam’s cinematography was flawless. It’s great to see the lensman didn’t show the popular landmarks of the city in which film is shot. For instance, in scenes of London, not even a single scene or frame show Tower Bridge, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square or any other popular London landmark. Similarly, Red Fort and India Gate are missing in the Delhi sequences! It is little things like these that make Love Aaj Kal special!
Salim-Sulaiman’s background score, as expected, was top-notch. Aarti Bajaj’s editing was sharp, slick and brilliant. Watch the film and you’ll get my point! Production design was marvelous and eye-catching, especially in the sepia coloured 60’s scenes!
Finally, Imtiaz Ali, the writer and director, comes out with flying colours! His debut film, Socha Na Tha flopped but it was noticed and appreciated by moviegoers. His second offering, Jab We Met, succeeded across the country. And now with his third flick, he has surely been hailed as the one of the finest directors of our country. The way he treated both the diverse stories and found out striking similarities is worth appreciating and extra ordinary! Also, it’s fabulous to see Imtiaz comparing Calcutta and San Francisco. Both the cities have a tram network and if SF has the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Calcutta have the rustic Howrah Bridge! Hats off Imtiaz for your wonderful effort!
Some of the best scenes of the film:
- All songs (well shot and picturised)
- Jai and Meera’s break-up
- Jai and Veer Singh’s conversations (damn interesting!)
- Jai and Meera at the airport
- All scenes of Veer-Harleen’s love story
- Drunk Jai escorting drunk Meera to her home
- The New Year’s eve at Delhi
- The marriage
- The last 30 mins, including the SF scenes!
On the whole, Love Aaj Kal is a very interesting take on the modern relationships and surely emerges as one of the best films of the year. Performances, songs, cinematography rocks but it is Imtiaz Ali’s touch which works wonders! Highly recommended!
My rating-**** ½ out of 5!
Movie Review: LUCK by FENIL SETA
Posted on: July 25, 2009
Since a couple of years, we are bombarded with adventurous reality shows, where contestants do dangerous stunts or stay for 3 months in an enclosed house equipped with video cameras or spend 2 months in jungle or reveal their deepest secrets in front of the family and also the entire country! The motive of all the participating contestants is to win and take home a big moolah. The film Luck goes a step ahead. No, it isnt a reality show but the setting reminds you of one. Except, that one small mistake by the contestant and he/she is dead! A saga of such an extremely dangerous game of death, Luck entertains and thrills fully! Unfortunately, it comes with its share of flaws too! More on it later!
The story of the film: Muusaa Bhai (Sanjay Dutt) is a big name in the world of gambling and betting. He has come up with the concept of human betting and assembles 15 ‘lucky’ people from all around the world to South Africa. Tamang (Danny Denzogpa) helps Muusaa unearth these ‘hidden treasures’ who are favoured by luck-Ram Mehra (Imran Khan) is in a debt of Rs. 20 crore, all thanks to his father who is no more. Retd Major Jawar Pratap Singh (Mithun Chakraborthy) urgently needs Rs. 25 lakhs for his wife’s treatment. Shortcut (Chitrashi Rawat) is a camel racer in Pakistan who has the ability to win in the race even though her camel has a limp! Serial killer Raghav (Ravi Kishan) wonderfully cheats death. And finally, Ayesha (Shruti Haasan) who has already won in the game of human betting once and is back again. In addition, there are some more from the rest of the world. All of them have one thing in common-they all possess luck. There will be only one winner and survivor in the end who’ll go home with 20 crores. Who will that be?
Luck has everything needed for an exciting action packed adveturous thriller-thrilling background score, top-class sound design, action sequences that are out of the world and outstanding sequences. The first scene of the film (see pic below) sets the mood wonderfully. In fact, the initial scene turns out to be one of the best shot scenes of Indian cinema!
The first hour concentrates mostly on the background of all the characters. There was a possibility that the film would have turned boring at this point. However, the film has some interesting moments in this portion as well. The film takes a turn when the contestants reach South Africa. All the challenges given to them was well executed and keeps the viewers on the edge of the seat. The climax was brilliant and the surprise towards the finale was very interesting and witty!
However, unfortunately, the film has some glithces too, which could had been easily avoided by the screenwriters. The biggest goof was undoubtedly Ravi Kishan being released from the prison. What was funny and nonsensical was the reason behind his release-watch it and you’ll feel like hurling a shoe on the screen! Other glitches in the flm:
-Tamang (Danny) in debt of Rs. 3 lakhs on one side and on the other, he is riding in an expensive SUV and daily spending 50 bucks on lottery!
-The real identity of Ayesha-the flashback didnt quite make sense
-The song ‘Aazma-Luck is the Key‘, sung by Shruti Haasan herself, missing from the film!
With so many brilliant performers, it becomes difficult to judge who was the best. Sanjay Dutt rocks with his brilliant performance! He has already an expert in essaying such ‘bhai’ roles and therefore, performs in Luck with ease. But one wont find him repetitive-everybody would love him for sure! Keep rocking Sanju Baba!
Imran Khan is an actor to watch! He had already proved his worth in Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na and also in Kidnap, he was brilliant. In case of Luck, he was impressive, especially in the beginning and in the climax where the focus was all on him. Debutant Shruti Haasan is here to stay. Along with good looks and great voice, she has the confidence and capability to carry off even the most challenging roles. She’s possibly winning Best Debut (Female) Award this time!
Chitrashi Rawat was a charmer! She had charmed everyone in Chak De! India (and also in Fashion) and now does it again in Luck too! Mithun Chakraborthy is natural as always. Danny Denzogpa turns out to be the scene stealer. He was completely in form and gives in an master performance! He’s also going to be seen next in Acid Factory, where he is expected to score another sixer. Danny’s back! Ravi Kishan gives a brilliant performance and does a perfect job.
Newcomer Snita Mahey is a perfect lookalike of Angelina Jolie! However, she hardly has anything to do in the film. Same goes for Rati Agnihotri. Others were good.
Salim-Sulaiman‘s music was catchy but could had been better. The best song was ‘Aazma‘. ‘Khudaya Ve’ is also a good composition.
Director Soham Shah hires the same crewman that he had for his debut venture, Kaal-cinematographer Santosh Thundiyil, composers Salim-Sulaiman, action director Allan Amin and sound designer Dwarak Warrier. None of them let Soham down and each of them excel in their departments. Santosh Thundiyil‘s cinematography was eye-catching. The talented lesnman’s last film was Krrish, 3 years back. I wonder where was he all these years! Dwarak Warrier‘s sound design was electrifying, especially in the initial scene. Allan Amin as expected did a fabulous job. The action scenes were no less than a Hollywood flick! Amar Mohile provided the background score, which hugely added to the thrill.
Soham Shah and Rensil D’Silva wrote the screenplay of the film. The screenplay was gripping at several places and helped in maintaining a steady flaw. But at times, the film also fell, thanks to the screenplay.
Finally, Soham Shah alone wrote the story and the directed the film. Overall, he did a great job. The film uses lots of effects and is loaded with style. And this at times took a toll on the proper execution of the film. But Soham surely has a long way to go!
Some of the best scenes of the film:
1. The first scene of the film
2. Ram taking up the ‘lighter’ challenge (brilliant scene!)
3. Shortcut and Ayesha’s entry
4. The first challenge
5. Raghav trying to strike a conversation with Ram and Major
6. The helicopter and underwater challenge sequence
7. The last 15 minutes
On the whole, Luck is a fabulous entertainer which works inspite of its flaws. It is made stylishly and has some thrilling and electrifying action sequences. If you are the kind who likes action dhamakas like Dhoom and Dhoom:2, Luck is for you! Go for it!
My rating-*** 1/2
This review first appeared first on MouthShut.com: http://www.mouthshut.com/review/Luck-171841-1.html
Fenil’s Bollywood Talk # 58
Posted on: July 23, 2009
WILL IMRAN, SHRUTI AND SOHAM BE ‘LUCK’Y?!
Imran Khan, the latest heartthrob of the nation, is all ready with his 3rd flick, Luck, which releases tomorrow. The promos are slick and the film looks like a fabulous action flick. What also catches one’s eye is its unusual cast. Newbie Imran Khan is casted alongside veterans Mithun Chakraborthy, Danny Denzogpa, Chak De girl Chitrashi Rawat, Sanjay Dutt, Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishen and Kamal Haasan’s singer turned actress daughter, Shruti Haasan! Moreover, the film is directed by Soham Shah, who made a successful debut with Kaal, 4 years back.
Luck is surely an acid test for Imran Khan, Shruti Haasan and Soham Shah. Imran Khan became an instant craze among the youth as soon as the promos of his debut film, Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na started airing. Hardly any newcomer had created such a huge hype. Its opening was excellent and fortunately, the film turned out to be good too which resulted in its successful run at the BO. However, his second film, Kidnap, bombed at the BO even though Imran was hailed as the ‘next superstar’. Luck has to succeed for Imran Khan so that he can regain his prestige, which had suffered a dent after Kidnap’s failure.
Shruti Haasan had earlier done a cameo in Hey Ram but Luck is her first feature film as a full-fledged actor. She looks impressive in the promos but one has to see the film to know whether she is a good actor. And being Kamal Haasan’s daughter, her performance will be closely monitored.
Soham Shah’s Kaal may have received lot of flak but one can’t deny the fact that he did succeed in making a decent thriller. Unfortunately, after getting appreciated for Kaal, Soham Shah (see pic) suffered some problems and had to begin afresh. There were reports of a fall out between Soham Shah and the producer of his first film, Karan Johar. Finally, he managed to stand on his legs and make Luck. However, not many remember him today. Moreover, the hoardings do not even mention that he is the director of Kaal. The success of Luck is all what Soham Shah needs.
Although the promos of this film are electrifying and the film has several A-listers, the film has failed to arouse curiosity. Many moviegoers have adopted a wait-and-watch situation for Luck-they shall go for it only if the film gets a good response. So, one might expect a low opening for Luck. But no sooner good reviews start coming in, then the film would surely go a long way.
Tomorrow, there is also a flood-scare in Mumbai. If it rains heavily here in the city, waterlogging is bound to take place due to the 5.5 m high tide tomorrow. And if it happens, hardly anyone will venture to see Luck. Let’s hope Luck doesn’t result in ‘bad luck’ for its makers!
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CHAND SIFARISH FROM FANAA LIFTED?
We all love the song ‘Chand Sifarish’ from Fanaa, don’t we? The soulful music, Shaan’s fine singing and not to forget Kailash Kher chanting ‘Subhan Allah’ makes it a beautiful song, isn’t it? So it’ll be a surprise if I’ll announce that this song maybe a lifted one. Yes, Jatin-Lalit copied this song, a la Pritam style!
Check the video clip uploaded below to hear the original version. It is a Pakistani song and has exactly the same tune as Chand Sifarish (however the antara is very different)! However, it is not sure whether the song was created before Fanaa’s release. There’s a possibility it can be other way round-the composers of this song may have got inspired from Chand Sifarish. Whoever may be the original composer, the Pakistani version is very amusing. Don’t forget to watch it and let me know your views on it!
This post first appeared on MouthShut.com:http://www.mouthshut.com/diary/jijftromo/Fenils-Bollywood-Talk58
NIMISHA TIWARI Times News Network (BOMBAY TIMES; July 15, 2009)
Despite her big break in Bollywood last year with Jaane Tu… opposite Imran Khan, Genelia D’Souza hasn’t had another release as yet, and she is seen more in TV commercials than promos for forthcoming films with big banners. While other actresses her age, who made their debut around the same time, are already doing their third and fourth films. “What’s the definition of a big banner,” she asks. “I have worked with UTV, Studio 18, Aamir Khan Productions, done films in the South, and I have four releases this year. There’s one opposite Fardeen Khan, It’s My Life opposite Hurman Baweja, Hook Ya Crook with John Abraham and Yahoo with Shahid Kapoor. Isn’t that a lot?” But, yes, she agrees, that you come into your own in Bollywood only when you act with the Khans. And that kind of film is eluding her currently. “Like every young girl, I too would like to work with the Khans, but each film has a script and only a suitable actor can play that role,” she admits. Meanwhile, she’s in Mumbai on a break from the South, where the name Genelia D’Souza is bigger news than in Bollywood. BT caught her splashing around in the rain near the new Bandra-Worli Sealink. “It’s been five years since I played football in the rains. Do you know I was a national level football player in college,” she asks, surprising us.
nimisha.tiwari@timesgroup.com
