Posts Tagged ‘six years’
Aamir is very powerful man, but finally the truth has to prevail-Chetan Bhagat
Posted on: January 4, 2010
- In: Interviews
- 1 Comment
By Subhash K. Jha, January 4, 2010 – 14:18 IST
Those multitudes who have read Chetan Bhagat’s book novel Five Point Someone would agree there are uncanny resemblances between the novel and Rajkumar Hirani’s 3 Idiots. The film apparently set out to adapt Bhagat’s novel and then decided to go its own way, for whatever reason. Chetan Bhagat shouts foul as he finds his name missing from the opening credits of 3 Idiots, instead they are in the rolling credits in the end. On the other hand, the producers of the film claim that it was mentioned in the contract that Chetan had signed. Hurt and amused Chetan reacts.
You must be very upset by the latest proceedings?
You’re a writer. You should know how it feels to have credit taken away from you. And it’s not something only I’m saying. It’s out there. The book is there. The film is there. They’ve tried to take away from my contribution. My name is at the very end of the credit titles after the junior artistes and still photographers. From the time they started making the film, they’ve been stressing that their product is different. It’s like a systematic effort (to underplay my contribution). If you read the book and saw the film, you’ll see the similarities.
 My name is at the very end of the credit titles after the junior artistes and still photographers  |
So would you say 3 Idiots is an adaptation of your novel?
3 Idiots is a total adaptation of my book. Some things are direct lifts, others indirect adaptations.
Aamir thinks you are trying to take away credit from the film’s writer Abhijat Joshi?
I heard his comments. But then he says he hasn’t read the book. There’s no denying Abhijat has done the screenplay. What Abhijat has done with my book can only be known if you’ve read it. If Aamir is so concerned about Abhijat not getting the publicity, he should let Abhijat talk. I very much respect Aamir. He’s the reason I thought the project would have a lot of integrity. I know for a fact he was told not to read my book because they told him it’d affect his understanding of his story. I was told it was a different script.
| Even dialogues about matar-paneer and Maruti 800 cars are from my novel. The novel was set in the 1990s. Aaj Maruti 800 kaun bolega? |
How would Aamir’s perception have been affected if he read the book?
I don’t know. I’m on a firm footing with the facts. See the film, read the book. And judge for yourself. The whole plot-structure narrative, even dialogues about matar-paneer and Maruti 800 cars are from my novel. The novel was set in the 1990s. Aaj Maruti 800 kaun bolega? I mention 42 exams and 16 broken bones in my body. They have kept the same numbers in the film. Kareena’s brother committing suicide on the railway tracks…so many other things in the film; it’s all there in my novel.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Aamir have accused you of trying to make mileage out of their movie?
If I didn’t take up the issue properly, I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself. If someone else goes and collects the award for best story at the awards functions how will I feel? Only once I met Aamir. When I landed at Bangalore where they were shooting 3 Idiots they said, ‘Don’t come we’ve too many visitors.’ They prevented me from going on the set. The book has been selling for six years. There’re lakhs of fans of the book. It’s not about Chetan being naraaz and Aamir being naraaz. My issue is not with Aamir. When the other film Hello based on my novel One Night At The Call Centre came, did I say one word against the characterizations or treatment? I was credited properly for that. I haven’t been credited for 3 Idiots.
| When I landed at Bangalore where they were shooting 3 Idiots they said, ‘Don’t come we’ve too many visitors.’ They prevented me from going on the set. |
Have you become embittered towards Bollywood?
You could make up any kind of contract. But is there any contract that stops people from being petty? My last novel Three Mistakes Of My Life is being directed by Abhishek Kapoor. I am co-scripting it. There’s a lot of interest in adapting my latest novel 2 States: The Story Of My Life. I don’t think there would be any problem with future project. With 3 Idiots, I know I’m in the right. I’m just telling people to see the film and read my book. I know Aamir is a very powerful person. But finally the truth has to prevail, no? I’m no great artiste. But there has to be fair play. I’m being accused of trying to get mileage.10 lakh copies of the book have been sold. The book has been read by 1 crore readers. Wouldn’t they know the truth?
What do you intend to do?
The makers of 3 Idiots are busy with their victory tours all over the country. They’re naturally being asked about the similarities between my book and the film. Sorry I spoilt their celebrations. The truth had to be told. I’ve been told by them, ‘You’re just a writer. You don’t realize how big we are.’ Maybe I don’t realize how big they are. Main kya karoon? But the truth is above everything. Aisa nahin ke pura Bollywood kharaab hai.
Do you think you’ll be ostracized by Bollywood after this incident?
I’m not dependent on Bollywood for my livelihood. I’m a big Krishna bhakt. I’ll follow the right path. If I’m wrong I’ll leave writing and join ISKCON. What does a writer want? That his words should make a change in society. Maybe by taking up this issue I hope to bring about a change in the way writers are treated. Vidhu Vinod Chopra assured me that he would treat me like a king. Kahan ka raja?
| Vidhu Vinod Chopra assured me that he would treat me like a king. Kahan ka raja? |
What do you hope to achieve?
When they go to pick up the story award I want people to know whose story it is. When they make eye contact with their children they should know they’re lying. We’ve to show that truth comes before everything else. I don’t write for money or glamour. I just need paper and pen. Lord Krishna takes care of the rest.
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
After six long years of hard work, Shahid Kapoor is now taking a much need break. He is flying off to Goa today with his childhood friends to celebrate the New Year and spend some leisure time.
Shahid’s best friend Shriram, who he is meeting after years, is also joining the actor for this holiday. A source close to the actor says, “Shahid has been shooting back to back for the past few years. He had no break between films. After Jab We Met, he went into Kismat Konnection followed by Kaminey, Yash Raj’s untitled and now he is finishing the patchwork of Chance pe Dance. Kaminey especially, was a tiring film to shoot.
The source continues, “Now that all the pending work of his films is over, along with his prior commitments, the actor is taking a much needed break. This will be his first holiday in the past six years. He is off to Goa with his childhood friends and will celebrate the New Year with them. It is a complete boy’s holiday and he is going to unwind and relax to the fullest. The all-boys-gang will stay in a hotel in North Goa, one of the liveliest places in the month of December. The hotel has a private beach where he will have some privacy and might indulge in some water sports too. The actor is not into gambling, but being out with his friends on a holiday, he might just join them.”
The source adds some details, “Shahid wants a quiet and relaxing holiday and will disconnect himself completely from his work. He has already informed his directors and producers that he won’t be available for those days. He returns on January 1, but will only resume work on January 4.”
Shahid’s publicist confirms, “Shahid is going for his first holiday in six years with his school friends, including his best friend Shriram. They will be celebrating New Year in Goa.”
| (Pic: Deepak Turbhekar) |
Yesterday afternoon, Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra shocked everyone at a five-star hotel in Bandra, where she was rehearsing for an event. The two superstars, who were reportedly dating each other six years ago, had an amicable conversation for a full ten minutes. This makes for a rather pleasant change – as both have a tendency to look through each other at events.
It is common knowledge that Akshay’s wife Twinkle harbours no love for Priyanka. When stories about the Akshay-Priyanka link-up started making the rounds, reportedly Twinkle made her husband vow that he would never work with Priyanka again. Realising that his family life would turn messy, Akshay stopped interacting with Priyanka. Reportedly, he even walked out of Suneel Darshan’s Barsaat because he did not want to work with Priyanka.
On the other hand, Priyanka and Akshay had always denied that they were attracted to each other. Priyanka and her family felt that her ex-secretary Prakash Jaju was responsible for those stories.
They last starred together in Vipul Shah’s Waqt where their on-screen chemistry could be cut with a knife. After starring in Waqt, if they met in public, they invariably looked through each other.
According to our source, they again avoided each other sat at Nita Ambani’s party just last week. “They didn’t exchange even a ‘Hello’. They don’t talk to each other, do they?” said a guest who attended that party. Just yesterday, there was a story that Priyanka had refrained from going to Vijender Singh’s party because Akshay Kumar was on the guest-list.”
However, all this animosity seems to be a thing of the past now. Their interaction at yesterday’s event is proof of that. Says a witness, “The meeting was very amicable. It is good to see that the two of them have matured and decided to put the past behind them.”
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Priyanka was rehearsing for a dance which she was supposed to perform at the same venue later yesterday. Akshay was waiting for his turn to rehearse. The source adds, “Akshay watched Priyanka’s rehearsal. As she was getting down from the stage, their eyes met and the two of them started talking by exchanging pleasantries.”
A source close to Priyanka said, “Akshay even praised Priyanka’s dance performance.”
On the other hand, a source close to Akshay said, “Big deal. They have performed together at functions in the last few years. So what if they spoke to each other now?”
Akshay and Priyanka remained unavailable for comment.
After Waqt, no filmmaker dared to think of casting the two together. But now that they seem to be on cordial terms again, maybe we’ll see the good-looking pair on screen together again.
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Dia Mirza must be used to getting attention all the time thanks to her pretty looks but this recent incident takes the cake as far as being admired goes. Dia was taken aback when she saw a 30-something guy on his knees with a bouquet and a ring proposing marriage to her right outside her doorstep on December 10.
At first, Dia was shocked but her domestic help and driver took her to the police station to lodge a complaint.
A source said, “The stalker has been following Dia for the last six years. When he realised that it was her birthday on December 9 and she would be receiving many bouquets, he disguised himself as a florist, fooled the building’s security guard and landed up outside her house the next day. He told her that he is well-educated and a doctor by profession. He had even got an engagement ring for her and asked her to marry him. At first Dia didn’t know what to do but she quickly got her act together and called out to her domestic help and driver. They managed to drive him away with a warning. However, Dia did not take the matter lightly and lodged a complaint at the Khar Police station. The cops are now trying to find her stalker.”
Dia confirmed the news and said, “Yes, it’s all true. I have made an official police complaint against him. I have noticed him for many years but I never bothered much as he never came in my way. However, this time he landed up at my house which was quite shocking. It was a security lapse because on my birthday(December 9) many bouquets had been sent to my house.
The next day he came to my house disguised as a florist. Thankfully, my driver, who has been with me for ten years, was present and let him off with a stern warning after which he ran away. I hope he doesn’t come back as cops are hunting for him.”
Dia continued, “He had brought a card and an engagement ring and he proposed marriage to me. He is an educated guy and is apparently a doctor but I didn’t want to take any chances. Everyone suggested that I should file a police complaint. The cops are hunting for him and they have even warned the security guards in my building.”
By AMUL SHARMA (Mid-Day; December 12, 2009)
High-adrenaline action flick and Nicolas Cage-Angelina Jolie-starrer Gone In Sixty Seconds went on to become a big hit worldwide following its release in 2000. A decade later the film is still high on recall because of its high-speed car chases.
The Indian version will be changed to suit the Indian sensibilities. It will have drama and songs. Yusuf Khan who made Khel (2003) directs the remake. The film will have Sunil Shetty playing Nicolas Cage’s role. Shreyas Talpade and newbie Rehaan Khan form the rest of the cast.
Producer Sanjay Ahluwalia says, “Right now, I can’t say anything about the film. It is on hold for some time now.”
Gone In 60 Seconds
Randall “Memphis” Raines (Nicolas Cage) retired from the business of grand theft auto in 1994. Six years on, he is forced to return when his brother Kip (Giovanni Ribisi) falls foul of a Russian crimelord when he defaults on a delivery of stolen cars. The only way out? Steal 50 cars in one night dodging cops hot on their trail.
Any kind of calamity, whether natural or man-made, is immediately picked up by the film fraternity to capture the event in celluloid. The 26 July 2005 Mumbai deluge was one of the biggest natural disasters in India in this decade and surprisingly, no film, comprising A-listers was based on it yet. Finally, Tum Mile takes the initiative. It’s a love story and the floods serve as a backdrop. Unfortunately, the ‘flood’ connection wasn’t utilized well and hence, the film fails to impress fully.
The story of the movie: Akshay (Emraan Hashmi) and Sanjana (Soha Ali Khan) become friends when they both were based in Cape Town. Although Akshay was struggling painter and Sanjana was a creative writer cum environmentalist and a daughter of a rich billionaire (Sachin Khedekar), they both hit off well and fall in love. They decide to move in. Unfortunately, both face problems, more so because of Akshay’s financial insecurity. Finally, both have to break up. Six years later, they meet each other once again in a London-Mumbai flight. Things have drastically changed for both Akshay and Sanjana now. However, once they land in Mumbai, they have to go through a roller coaster ride as heavy rains have crippled the entire city. The date was July 26, 2005. They have no choice but to be together in this dark time.
Let’s get one thing straight-although Tum Mile was promoted as a film based on floods, it is actually not. 70% of the film is Emraan-Soha’s flashback in Cape Town. The remaining 30% focuses on the deluge. However, the story wonderfully moves from the present to flashback and back and that’s why the film works a bit.
The first scene of the film is in fact the best one! Weather dept officials who were more interested in playing cards than looking at the warning they received about a downpour just a day before July 26 is a rocking scene! It gives an indication that how the careless attitude of these officials led to a disaster.
The first half of the film has no glitches. The flashback portion begins wonderfully and goes ahead nicely too. Also the scene inside the flight were well executed. The intermission point was scary. However, problems start in the second hour. The flashback scenes quite dragged. Director Kunal Deshmukh could and should have had a crisp narrative. The problems faced by the couple in the floods were engrossing but the climax disappointed. The way both Emraan and Soha accept each other in the climax (after the rains stopped) seemed little indigestible, because their interactions with each other was very limited during the time of crisis. But then it is said, “When you bond during a crisis, the bonding goes deep”. So maybe only the very limited bonding was more than enough for the characters!
The visual effects in the film at some places were tacky and could have been better. The film also exhibits some of the actual footage depicting the horrors of 26/7. But that doesn’t work. Also, factual errors can be noticed-the lead actors are shown wading through chest-deep water in Lower Parel area of Mumbai. However, nothing of that sort had happened there on that day.. In fact, it was in the suburban areas like Juhu, Kalina etc where water had arisen till the first floors. However, some of the horrors of that day were wonderfully captured. Most notable is how the central locking system caused the death of many inside the car after their car’s doors and windows failed to open.
Emraan Hashmi and Soha Ali Khan carry the film on their shoulders wonderfully. Emraan delivers a sparkling performance and proves that he’s one of the best performers around. He looked charming, esp in the flashback portions. However, his bespectacled look in the present track is not as great as the similar one he had in Gangster. But still, he manages to do a great job. Watch out for him when he’s high-tempered and in the scene where he enthusiastically paints Soha. A fine actor indeed!
Soha Ali Khan too comes up with a brilliant performance-one of the best of her careers after RDB and Khoya Khoya Chand. She appears confident and it’s great to see that she slipped into her role so easily. Actually, she wasn’t the original choice-Esha Deol was offered the role initially. After she refused due to some reason, Soha was approached!
Mantra, who plays Emraan’s pal, also gives a confident performance. Sachin Khedekar was impressive. Others were good.
Pritam’s music was one of the USPs of the film. The 3 songs which completely rock are the title song, Tu Hi Haqeeqat and Dil Ibaadat. Watch out for Dil Ibaadat-it was just brilliantly executed!
Prakash Kutty’s cinematography was flawless. So was the design.
There was nothing wrong in the story; it was the screenplay that failed at places. Ideally, equal emphasis should have been there for both the tracks. The flood portions were underutilized. Although Kunal Deshmukh’s first venture Jannat was fantastic, Tum Mile isn’t, unfortunately.
Some of the best scenes of the film:
1. The first scene
2. Akshay restructures Sanjana’s cake
3. The title song and Dil Ibaadat
4. Akshay’s confrontation with the curator
5. Sachin Khedekar’s only scene
6. Akshay and Sanjana’s argument the next day
7. The intermission point
8. Akshay and Sanjana in the bus and in cracked building
On the whole, Tum Mile unfortunately doesn’t work in totality. Performances and music were brilliant but the film was too dragged for no reason. But the film doesn’t bore even for a moment and the first half was great. Watch it if you are an Emraan/Bhatt fan!
My rating-** ½ out of 5!
This review first appeared on MouthShut.com: http://www.mouthshut.com/review/Tum_Mile-179553-1.html
Bharati Dubey | TNN (THE TIMES OF INDIA; October 20, 2009)
Mumbai: If thespian Dilip Kumar’s film Mughal-E-Azam ran at Maratha Mandir for over six years, Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge has completed 14 years of continuous run at the same theatre. The film enters its 15th year on Tuesday at Maratha Mandir and the exhibitor is quite optimistic that the theatre will have a houseful board.
Managing director of Maratha Mandir, Manoj Desai, said, “The film completes 14 years in our cinema hall and we still get at least 60-70% occupancy on weekdays and a houseful on weekend and holidays. Whoever claims it is not doing well can come and check.’’ Desai said, “Dilip Kumar’s Mughal-E-Azam had a record run at Maratha Mandir before we took over the cinema hall. The film ran for nearly six years and the first three years in full shows.’’
One of the main reasons DDLJ still gets an audience is the ticket pricing. Manager Ramesh Vajpayee says, “Balcony tickets are for Rs 22, Dress circle for Rs 20 and stall tickets for Rs 18.’’ Desai said, “Yashraj gives us the rental and we do good enough business.’’ Ramesh Sippy’s Sholay ran at Minerva for more than five years. Sholay was the first film to celebrate silver jubilee at over 100 theatres. The film released on August 15, 1975, and cinema halls did not open its current booking for 75 weeks.
Trade analyst Amod Mehra recalls spending only Rs 2.50 paise to watch Sholay at Minerva. He said, “The era when films ran for weeks, months or years will never return. We don’t even hear of a film completing a silver jubilee (25 weeks) at a cinema.’’ Not many know that Ashok Kumar’s anti-hero film, Kismet, that released in 1943 ran for nearly three years in Mumbai and Kolkata theatres. It was with this film that Ashok Kumar became the most sought-after actor.
Priyanka Chopra, without concern for her health, interrupted her well-deserved vacation and flew to Mumbai only for a day to dub for What’s Your Rashee?
 Priyanka Chopra is evidently committed to her projects, as she takes a break from a break to dub for What’s Your Rashee? Either she is a workaholic or health is currently not high on her list of priorities. After suffering a long period of ill health coupled with exhaustion, which needed hospitalisation for a few days, Priyanka has returned from her holiday to Mumbai only for a day to fulfill a work commitment.
Priyanka had left for an unknown foreign destination last Wednesday, but she interrupted her holiday and flew into the city early on Thursday morning. After a brief rest, she headed to the studios to dub for Ashutosh Gowariker’s What’s Your Rashee? She plans to take off for the second leg of her vacation after a day of dubbing. A source says, “The dubbing of What’s Your Rashee? was so important that Priyanka just could not refuse. While a few of her friends who were with her on the holiday told her to take it easy, Priyanka still chose to make a hectic dash.” Last evening, Priyanka’s father confirmed the news, “Yes, Priyanka has come back. She had to dub for What’s Your Rashee?” When asked if Priyanka was facing a burn out and concentrating too much on work, Dr Chopra said, “Priyanka is absolutely fine. Work is fun. Aur kaam bhi to important hai. Requirement thi.” Priyanka’s parents are accompanying her on the second leg of her holiday. “Yes, my wife and I are going with her,” Dr Chopra added. Not once in six years, has Priyanka Chopra taken it easy. This was her first vacation, which was supposed to be really relaxing. But some people just don’t seem to know how to relax. |
Fenil and Bollywood 