Posts Tagged ‘paraplegic’
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.
It was always felt that Hollywood films’ release in India won’t harm the prospects of Bollywood films. But the success of Titanic, King Kong, Spiderman series and more recently the blockbuster collections of 2012 has finally made everyone realize that Hollywood is a force to reckon with in India too. And that’s why all Hindi films scheduled to release on 18 Dec ‘ran away’ to avoid colliding with the release of the biggest film on earth, Avatar. With so much euphoria and curiosity surrounding the film, Avatar was expected to give a fascinating experience. Thankfully, it does! The film is not only a visual treat but is stunningly well made. A must watch for all those who love cinema!
The story of the movie: The year is 2154. A human corporation is assembled in a distant moon, Pandora, in order to colonize it and extract a precious mineral called unobtainium. Pandora is inhabited by strange looking people called Na’vi. The Na’vi are 9 feet in height, their skin is blue and they have tails too. Their way of life is primarily primitive but they reside in perfect harmony with the environment around them. The human researchers on Pandora, under Dr Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver) manage to get the Na’vi DNA which enables any human to control and engineer Na’vi bodies of themselves which they called Avatars. Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a paraplegic ex-Marine is dispatched to Pandora and given opportunity to take over his dead twin brother’s place who was an integral part of the Avatar program. He also gets a chance to go through the program and live in the form of Na’vi Avatar. Colonel Quaritch (Stephen Lang) promises Jake that his legs will be fixed if he manages to get information on Na’vi culture and win their trust which in turn will help the military unit. Soon, Jake’s avatar manages to become a member of the Na’vi clan and also falls for a female Na’vi Neyitri (Zoe Saldana), the daughter of the Na’vi chief. Gradually, Jake begins to love Na’vi lifestyle and starts considering as its own. But when the humans start attacking Na’vi to eliminate them, Jake gets in a dilemma as to whether he should be a part of his fellow humans and support their extreme colonization policies or help the Na’vi fight the humans.
Avatar is a masterpiece-no doubt in that! The film not only boasts of some mind-blowing special and visual effects, it has a nice story and execution too which is what makes the film immensely likeable. Moreover, the film is 160 mins long but the best part is that you won’t get bored even for a single moment. There are so many exciting things happening throughout the film that it’ll be difficult even to blink!
James Cameron uses a perfect way of storytelling. He first wonderfully acquainted us with the Na’vis, their way of life, their culture, lifestyle etc and made us fall in love with all these aspects so that our blood boils when the humans barbarously begin harming them later in the film. You rejoice when Na’vi counterattack and you get lump in your throat whenever Na’vi moan and cry helplessly. Thus, Avatar is more of an emotional flick at several points but it is this that will work big time across the world.
Another plus-point is the wonderful depiction of Pandora. It is just like Earth but in several ways, poles apart from our planet. The giant trees, the legendary floating mountains and the animals-the flying banshee and toruk, the strong direhorse, the ferocious thenator and hammerhead, the ugly viperwolf and the blue apes are an interesting watch.
Sam Worthington puts in a worthy performance. He was most impressive as the Na’vi. Zoe Saldana impresses the most with her exciting expressions throughout the film. Of course, it was the CGI that finally made them look wonderful and Na’vi-like. Other Na-vi characters which leave a mark are C C H Pounder (as the queen) and Laz Alonso (Tsu’Tey).
Sigouney Weaver pulled off the ‘I-care-a-damn’ attitude very well. Michelle Rodriguez looked amazing and comes with a brilliant performance. She looks cool navigating the airplane wearing aviator glasses! Stephen Lang perfectly essays the antagonist. The other antagonist Giovanni Ribisi (as Parker Selfridge) also leaves a mark. Others also do a great job.
James Horner’s music was haunting. Mauro Fiore’s cinematography was top-notch and it was nice to see new techniques adopted by the lensman for capturing scenes. Also, the modified 3D Fusion Camera system developed by Cameron and Vince Pace succeeded in providing a visual treat.
The film is nothing without the special effects, CGI and all other kinds of technological advances used in the film. It was undoubtedly a technological feat and also a paisa vasool experience for the viewers! Kudos to each and everyone who contributed in this department!
Finally, James Cameron, the writer and director of the film needs to be lauded for his outstanding work which was no easy task at all. Firstly, it requires vision to think of such a set-up. And it requires patience and meticulous task in executing the film. Cameron succeeds in each and every aspect of making Avatar. Also, he shrewdly and indirectly reminded us of US’ policies towards Iraq. The dialogue “If people are sitting on the $hit we want, you make them your enemies!” sums it up! And finally, what makes Avatar stand out from the rest of SFX films is that in the battle of alien v/s humans, here it is the aliens who finally triumph over the humans!
Some of the best scenes of the film:
1. Jake’s Avatar running from the beasts
2. Jake and Neyitri meet for the first time
3. Neyitri teaches Jake the Na’vi culture
4. Jake gets his own banshee
5. The human’s first round of attack on Na’vis
6. Jake, Doc and other escape from detention
7. The final 35 minutes
On the whole, Avatar is without a shred of doubt an outstanding flick in all respects. It boasts of some of the best special effects but at the same time, it has soul too. It has universal appeal and that’s why will succeed everywhere in the world. All movie freaks and even those who are not should not be missing Avatar at any cost. The 3D version will of course give you never before sensed experience but this film will be enjoyed in 2D too. JUST GO FOR IT!!
My rating-***** out of 5!
This review first appeared on MouthShut.com: http://www.mouthshut.com/review/Avatar-182387-1.html
By TUSHAR JOSHI (Mid-Day; November 27, 2009)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Hrithik Roshan are at loggerheads over the usage of English dialogues in Guzaarish. The director and actor have been indulging in verbal volleys over it.
Guzaarish has quite a few dialogues in English. In fact, most of the interaction between Hrithik and his co-star is in English. While Bhansali thinks it’s necessary to converse in the Queen’s language, Roshan doesn’t feel the same.
Recently there was a showdown between the two when Duggu went ahead and spoke some lines in Hindi, which were in English in the script. This upset Bhansali who told the actor that he couldn’t make changes and call the shots.
Meri marzi yaa teri marzi?
A source reveals, “Hrithik feels that an overdose of English will make the film too classy. It won’t cater to the masses that will come to see the film. He even suggested that Bhansali add subtitles, but the director isn’t quite convinced. He’s going ahead and using English lines wherever he thinks fit.”
The risks Duggu is taking
Apart from growing a beard, Hrithik has also been asked to pile on some extra kilos for the film. “Since his character is paraplegic and bound to a wheelchair, he will have to look chubby and let go of his muscular chiselled appearance. Hrithik is pushing the envelope and taking huge risks with Guzaarish,” notes the source.
Hrithik and Bhansali remained unavailable for comment.
Hrithik as Jungle Boy?
Posted on: November 7, 2009
| Hrithik Roshan is set to get under the skin of the character for his forthcoming film, Welcome to the Jungle, produced by Sanjay Khan. After the actor finishes shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Guzaarish early next year for which he will put on oodles of weight, he will lose it all to sport a muscular look.
A source says, “Welcome to the Jungle is an adventure film which will see Hrithik in a never-seen-before avatar. The actor will undergo tremendous physical transformation for his role. Hrithik, who plays a paraplegic in Guzaarish, was asked to put on weight as his role didn’t require him to be physically fit. Now, after the shoot ends, Hrithik will work out extensively to sport a muscular look for Welcome to the Jungle.”
Commenting on the project, Sanjay Khan says, “Welcome To The Jungle is my property and will be directed by Farukh Kabir. It is still in the scripting process and things have yet to be finalised. We haven’t finalised the cast yet, but Zayed Khan is one of the actors being considered for the role. Hrithik is also being considered. If he has the time and likes the script, he will be part of the film.” When quizzed about the physical transformation that Hrithik will undergo for the film, he says, “Yes, there will be a major transformation as you say. But I haven’t finalised or signed anyone. The actors signed will have to undergo a drastic change as compared to their current look. It is a good family adventure story for the masses and all age groups.” |
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| Hrithik Roshan has virtually stopped hitting the gym. For Guzaarish, the taskmaster Sanjay Leela Bhansali has given him strict instructions to put on weight for his role.
The instructions read: You have to put on some weight around your stomach and abs. And you can’t cut your hair and beard. Hrithik is adhering to Bhansali’s instructions diligently. The gym, which was a very important part of Hrithik’s everyday life, has taken a back seat. For those who came in late, Hrithik is on a wheelchair for a major portion of the film and he has been practising wheeling himself around to practice for the role. He has been researching paraplegic patients and has been reading up on their physical behaviour as well.
Explaining why Bhansali instructed Hrithik to refrain from working out, our source said, “Bhansali is very kicked about Guzaarish. Like always, he is particular about every minute detail this time too.” Hrithik’s official spokesperson said, “Hrithik has a very lean look these days. Since he plays a paraplegic patient in Guzaarish, he can’t look so fit and trim in the film.” A friend of Hrithik said, “Unlike most actors who feel restless when they stop going to the gym, Hrithik is very cool about it. At this point of time, his mind is working only on Guzaarish. He has taken to Bhansali’s film like a duck takes to water. He knows that he can get back his present look in a few days time, if and whenever he wants.” So if you see a tad roly poly Hrithik in the near future, don’t be surprised. |
A source said, “Nowadays, Hrithik does not indulge in his regular workouts which involve a lot of weight-lifting. If he goes to the gym, he goes for barely few minutes and does just the basic things. There are days when he may not go the gym too.”By Renu Chawla, August 21, 2009 – 11:59 IST 
Hrithik Roshan appeared recently at an event in a completely different avatar. The actor has grown long hair and beard for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Guzaarish. He plays a paraplegic in the movie and acquires to have this particular look.
A source reveals, “Hrithik underwent training and met various paraplegic patients to get into the skin of his character. The actor is on the wheelchair for a major portion of the movie. He used to practice around in his house on the wheel chair and also had read and gone through booklets and guides which gave him information about the physical behavior of such patients.”
Hrithik has grown his hair really long and also has his beard grown. While making public appearances he normally gels up his facial fuzz but has the long hair look.
“Neither Hrithik nor his director wanted to make use of any artificial hair. They wanted to have a natural look and one will see Hrithik with this look till the shooting is on for the movie,” adds the source.
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
Hrithik has been concentrating on his home production, Kites, which has left him with little time to prepare for the role of a paraplegic in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Guzaarish. The actor may be moving around on a wheelchair at home, but the role requires more work than that, for which time is in short supply. Bhansali’s solution is simple: bring Goa to Mumbai. He has decided to recreate Goa in a studio in Mumbai for the first major schedule, giving Hrithik some breathing room. Confirming the news, Sanjay said, “It’s not just Hrithik whose role requires tremendous preparation. Aishwarya’s part too is far from a slip-in slip-out character. Both are very busy actors. But they’re also quick on the uptake. And once they are back, they’ll be able to give themselves completely to the project.” In recent weeks, Sanjay has been meeting paraplegics all over the country and they’ve also been invited to Mumbai to meet the director. Commenting on the meeting, the director said emotionally, “It has been a life-changing experience. It is so inspiring to meet these people. Many of them haven’t moved from their wheelchairs and beds all their lives. And yet they’re so free-spirited and their zest for life is amazing.” “I want Guzaarish to be inspirational and not some depressing and defeatist story of physical disability. And I want my lead actors to be as inspired as I am. I know Hrithik and Aishwarya can bring the spirit of ebullience into the story. I know they’ll get the point as soon as they join me,” said Sanjay. |
Fenil and Bollywood 