Spider-Man 3 Production Video: Costumes of Spidey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The release of the most anticipated movie this season is 5 days away (why???, someone give me a time machine!!!). Well, we are always dazzled and enthralled by the excellent looks of our very own superhero Spider-Man. His red-blue color costumes transports us into the world we can never dream of. So the credit goes to the people who work day and night for our visual treat.


In this video, we see how the suits are created. It's truly unbelievable to see how much effort they put forth. Watch this: just to create the web on the costumes they create a back liquid stuff and pour it into the layout and polishing...........it's beyond my reach. I am flabbergasted. In this video, head speciality costumer Shownee Smith and his team demonstrate everything.

Waiting!!!!!!!

Get it here too! http://spider-man-3-film.blogspot.com/2007/04/spider-man-3-production-video-costumes.html

Origin

XCLUSIVE and First !!! JHOOM BARABAR JHOOM: Theatrical Trailer . . . . . . . . . . .

I'm so gald! oops! GLAD!! Actually I am so ecstatic that I am typing wrong spellings! The first trailer and first official teaser poster(or the news of them) of JHOOM BARABAR JHOOM appears first on BOLLYWOOD UNLIMITED before appearing on any blog/ entertainment bureau website. I feel both proud and humble. When it first appeared on YouTube, I was the first to see it and I immediately requested the provider for sending a subtitled version of the trailer for international visitors of BU. And guess what! It's here! For you only!

Now, let's stop bragging about myself and get straight to the point. To be frank, the
trailer, although not awesome, is still quite good. But there are a number of minuses too!

Now, what's Jhoom Barabar Jhoom? First and foremost, it's a Yash Raj Film. Yashraj's TA RA RUM PUM released. It stars Abhishek Bachchan, Bobby Deol, Lara Dutt, Preity Zinta in pivotal roles while Amitabh Bachchan is credited in a "Special Appearance" or an extended cameo role. Rumors are there that Shah Rukh Khan is in the film serving a cameo. For a fact, it has featured the English football team Chelsea extensively. It is directed by Shaad Ali Sahgal, who previously directed YRF productions like "Bunty aur Babli" and "Saathiya"

So, you may wonder, how's actually the trailer? Have a thorough knowledge of it before it downloads. To be frank, it's not awesome. It's not bad either. It's pretty much good.

The trailer kicks of with Abhishek and Preity sharing a same table (probably at Heathrow Airport). From their conversations, you know that they are strangers. AB Jr. introduces himself as Vicky Thackral and Preity herself as Albira Khan from Lahore.

The next scene, you spot Amitabh. He is in a different get-up.......can't explain...(just see to understand.. ....err! what was that? Is he (or the costume designer or the makers) trying to be "cool", "smart" and "different"? Let me tell that it isn't. It's only an expression of bad taste and tackiness. The director/he has to understand that he is 64+ now and he just doesn't suit the get-up. Anyways!! He seems to be the सूत्रधार / Narrator/ Manipulator of the story.

However, a couple of scenes go and we again see AB and PZ talking. AB tell her "Do you think I'm a flirt?". Then Preity tells her about her fiancé she's waiting for - Bobby Deol. Abhishek too shows his engagement ring and tells her about his fiancee - Lara Dutt.

Then, we have a series of scenes where each one of the 4 character (alone or together) appear in different scenes, dance sequences (one of them is in front of Eiffel Tower). Meanwhile, we see Amitabh crooning the title song rendered awesomely by Shankar Mahadevan, lyrics penned by Gulzar.

In the last scene, we hear AB Jr. asking Preity if she had sex with Bobby!!!!!!!!!! What's that! Is it a mammoth tale of extra-marital affair or something else? KANK anyone? It's not clear. I request you to imagine at your best what it actually is about.

Of the actor's looks, I've already commented on Amitabh. Now come to his son, he too pretends to be smart but isn't. His beard and long hair doesn't arouse anything but disgust in you. His dialogue delivery too is very bad. Bobby looks at his best.This is the best get-over he's ever got. Lars's hairstyle and look are likable. Out of the main cast, Preity looks best. She's definitely gorgeous in this movie.

Tell me how the trailer is and which movie they've copied this time.

Without Subtitles


With Subtitles

TA RA RUM PUM: External Movie Review 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

After 2 positive, 1 negative review we have another positive review. See here too!


Is it Cinderella Man? Is it Life is Beautiful? Or is it simply a fairy tale, told in Bollywood ishtyle ? Honestly, it's a mix of all three, heavily inspired by the Russell Crowe-Renee Zellweger film about James Braddock, a washed-out boxer who reclaimed his title — and his family's future — to become an inspirational figure in the 1930s.

And then again, you have dad Saif doing a Roberto Benigni ( Life is Beautiful ) to his bachchas by transforming their turn of fortunes (read garibi ke din ) into a reality show called 'Don't worry, be happy,' where the premium is on smiling, come what may. Trust Bollywood to equate a Nazi concentration camp with a downmarket New York existence!

But who's complaining. Not the archetypal family audience that has become the mainstay of the Indian multiplex boom. For them, this film about a bindaas racer, his beauty-with-brains wife and their cute little cherubs could end up as perfect holiday fare, despite the trivialisation and the cloying story-line. Plot-wise, the film has all the cliched ploys that traditional cinema uses.

Once the racer dad has an accident and develops race track phobia, the family undergoes all those thakela trials like joblessness, no food on the table, sacrifice and the final sickness, where death looms large unless the dollars pour in...

Yet, all this familiarity fails to breed contempt because there is Saif and there is Rani: two consummate actors who squeeze out the ordinariness from any role and make it extraordinary. As the young NRI couple who dare to dream the American dream, the two lend a spiritedness to their characters which somehow makes them the most lovable mom-dad/husband-wife duo in town.

Be it Saif's live-in-the-present effervescence or Rani's till-death-do-us-part devotion, Ta Ra Rum Pum tangos off to a high simply due to their chemistry. Quite, quite reminiscent of Hum Tum. Of course, the film lacks the originality of Salaam Namastey , where director Siddharth Anand scored with the sheer novelty of the no-holds-barred relationship between Saif and Preity. And Javed Jaffrey is truly the most under-estimated actor in Hindi films. Yet ...Rum Pum is the right get a fix for the Great Indian Family.

Rating: * * * (3/5) [Good]

(Note: the text is used strictly for INFORMATIONAL purpose, not commercially)

TA RA RUM PUM: External Movie Review 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

So finally after two good reviews, we have a negative review. You can read it here too.

(Click on the photos to enlarge)

In director Siddharth Anand’s Ta Ra Rum Pum which releases at cinemas this week, New York-based racing-car champion Saif Ali Khan hits a bad spell when he’s injured in a racing accident that leaves him with the kind of emotional scars that he doesn’t quite recover from even a year later when he returns to the racing track. He’s lost his speed and as a result, he loses his place on the team. With no savings to fall back on, and no job that’ll stick, Saif has no choice but to move his family from a sprawling home in Manhattan to a modest apartment in Queens. His loving wife Rani Mukherjee stands by him like a rock, they decide to face all hardships with a smile, never once letting their two young kids realize that they’ve fallen upon hard times. Taking up odd jobs here and there, the couple try their best to make ends meet, until one unfortunate incident involving their child, makes Saif return to the race track to regain his lost glory and save his family forever.

How do you even begin to explain what’s wrong about a film, that does nothing right to begin with? The one, the only, the real problem with Ta Ra Rum Pum is that there’s absolutely nothing new about it. The plot’s been borrowed generously from such films as Cinderella Man, In America and Life Is Beautiful, but it’s also littered with so many Bollywood clichés that barely twenty minutes into the film, you can predict exactly where it’s going and how it’s going to end. Another big problem I have with this film is the ooh-so-cute factor which almost made me puke. Kids should behave like kids, and watching them starve themselves to save money, or reach for other people’s half-eaten doughnuts is just not cool. I know it’s all meant to tap at your tear-ducts and choke you up, but honestly the only feeling you’re overcome with is anger towards the director for his blatant attempt at emotional manipulation.


Also, when will we ever be spared those Bollywood stereotypes - the heroine’s father who insists his daughter has chosen the wrong guy? Then years later when she’s going through a bad patch, he’ll remind her that he’d warned her not to marry this guy. And the honourable heroine who’ll defend her husband and reject any help that her dad is willing to offer. God help us, surely Siddharth Anand could have done better. Like so many movies before it, Ta Ra Rum Pum is one of those glossy-but-soulless films which aren’t insufferable to sit through, but they’re an exercise in futility because they fail to touch you or move you or affect you in any way whatsoever. Even though it’s meant to be an emotional story, you can’t really empathise with the characters because it’s all so plastic, so fake, so calculated and clinical.

This family doesn’t have food to eat but they’re still dressed in designer clothes! Also I’d like to ask the director of this film if he really thinks this film is meant for kids. Dude, what do you want them to take from this? That revenge is okay? That it’s cool to be speeding like a madman even when you’re not on the race-track? Also, will someone please tell me why everyone’s screaming in the film’s first hour? Rani, Saif, Javed Jaffrey, why’re they all yelling at the top of their lungs? I understand Ta Ra Rum Pum is a well-intended film and it’s probably even trying to send out a positive message. But the way it goes about doing so is unimaginative and dull, to be honest. Even the car-racing scenes aren’t particularly impressive - there’s none of that edge-of-the-seat, nail-biting tension that you’d like to see.

In fact I’m going to go so far as to say that there’s a sense of indifference I get from this film. It just seems like nobody cared enough to work hard on this picture. Vishal-Shekhar’s music is way below average, nothing to sing and dance about. Rani Mukherjee’s been styled so badly, you can’t help wondering if her designer was getting back at her for something. Of the performances, neither Saif Ali Khan nor Rani is able to make much of an impression because their characters are so unidimensional and boring. Saif’s just playing himself all over again and that’s because the writers didn’t bother to give him anything solid to work on. As for Javed Jaffrey who’s playing Saif’s best friend and team-manager, I don’t know if that kind of humour is funny anymore - speaking English with a smattering of Gujarati thrown in, it’s just annoying if you ask me.


You know, when you leave the cinema after watching Ta Ra Rum Pum , you’re overcome with a sense of exhaustion. You feel like you do after a long, hard day at work. And that’s not a good thing because cinema is meant to entertain you not wear you out. So I’m going to go with two out of five for director Siddharth Anand’s Ta Ra Rum Pum, it’s old wine in a new bottle. What you take back with you at the end of the film is a pain in the backside because you’ve been stuffed in that seat for so damn long. In fact I came up with a jingle for it - Ta Ra Rum Pum, have mercy on my bum, ta ra rum pum!

Rating: * * (2/5) [Average]

(Note: the images and text are used strictly for INFORMATIONAL purpose and they are not used commercially)

TA RA RUM PUM: External Movie Review 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I have already posted one review of TRRP in my last post. Here's another. You can get its here too.

(Note: Click on the photos to enlarge)

Yash Raj created magic with speeding bikes [DHOOM]. Now's the turn of speeding cars [TA RA RUM PUM].The West has often made films depicting the rise, fall and subsequent rise of sportspersons. ROCKY [Sylvester Stallone], DAYS OF THUNDER [Tom Cruise] and CINDERELLA MAN [Russell Crowe] are films that cross your mind as you watch director Siddharth Raj Anand's second outing TA RA RUM PUM. It wouldn't be erroneous to state that Siddharth borrows from the above-named films, but he garnishes the material with desi emotions that work well with Indian moviegoers. There's no denying that TA RA RUM PUM is a well-crafted fare that provides entertaining moments and also succeeds in its goal as a feel-good experience. One of the prime reasons why TA RA RUM PUM works is because it's not about car racing only. It involves a couple, their two kids, the family's riches to rags story, their highs and lows…

Now let's get down to the basics: What works and what doesn't? If the car racing sequences are awe-inspiring, the emotional quotient in the second hour is worth acknowledging as well. A number of sequences make you moist-eyed, especially the high-octane climax that not only gives you goose bumps, but also makes you jump with joy. However, TA RA RUM PUM isn't a flawless film. You can't turn a blind eye to the aberrations in those 16 reels. Fortunately, the pros outweigh the cons in the final tally. To sum up, Siddharth Raj Anand comes up with a worthy follow up to his directorial debut, the immensely likable SALAAM NAMASTE. TA RA RUM PUM easily ranks amongst Yash Raj's better films in terms of style as also substance. TA RA RUM PUM tells the story of one man, his family and how they overcome the obstacles that life puts in their way, together. It is the story of human spirit and how it ultimately prevails.

Rajveer Singh [Saif Ali Khan] is a pit-crew worker in a racing team with a passion for driving who gets discovered by a team manager, Harry [Jaaved Jaaferi]. The same day, he accidentally meets a music student, Radhika [Rani Mukerji], who he falls for instantly. He gets drafted into 'Speeding Saddles' -- a failing race team and transforms from Rajveer Singh to 'RV', the race car driver. While his racing career takes off instantly, his love life also blossoms after a whirlwind romance. A few months later, he is both a happily married man and one of the country's best racers. Fatherhood and greater success both follow and soon he is the Number 1 race car driver in U.S.A. as well as the proud father of two kids -- Priya [Angelina Idnani] and Ranveer [Ali Haji]. But as a result of a bad racing accident, RV is hospitalized for a few months. When he tries to make a comeback, he realizes that he has been mentally scarred by the accident. His life now takes a turn for the worse and after a string of failures, he is forced to auction his house and move with his family to a run-down neighborhood.

However, RV and Radhika decide not to tell their children the truth and construct a skillful masquerade of a reality show where they have to live a poor life in order to win a mythical grand prize. The family struggles to survive a life that they are not used to, using a mixture of fantasy and cheerfulness to pull through in the face of adversity. But an incident forces RV to reclaim the life that was taken away from him. You don't take to TA RA RUM PUM instantly, since the writing [screenplay: Habib Faisal] meanders on oft-repeated tracks initially [the snooty father-in-law/Victor Banerjee looking down upon the son-in-law/Saif Ali Khan, the mandatory romantic scenes and songs]. The one aspect that shines the brightest in the first hour is the car race that makes Saif's life go topsy-turvy. Ideally, the intermission card should've flashed at this juncture, but the sequences that follow are plain mediocre.

Thankfully, the substance [script] as also the execution of the material improves a great deal in the post-interval portions. The plight of the family moves you: Saif is reduced to a cabbie, Rani plays piano at birthday parties and hotels to run the kitchen fires and foot the bills, the children skip their meals to save for the school fees.

The son, in fact, picks up leftovers from the waste to satiate his hunger… These are moments that mirror the realities of life. The highpoint of the film are the penultimate reels. Right from Saif storming into a hotel, asking for a loan of $ 65,000 to the final victory, the narrative reaches its crescendo in those 25 + minutes. In fact, the powerful second hour elevates the film tremendously. Director Siddharth Raj Anand is only getting better with every film. He handles the emotional moments in particular very well. The execution of the race sequences is outstanding. Something like this hasn't been witnessed on the Hindi screen before. Binod Pradhan's camerawork is marvelous.

Vishal-Shekhar's music is of the fast-forward variety. One looked forward to a better score for sure. However, the picturization of a few songs camouflages the defect to an extent. The kiddie song -- merging live with animated characters -- catches your attention. The animation here matches international quality. Saif is extremely likable. He conveys the varied emotions with complete understanding. Rani enacts the role of the mother/wife proficiently. Jaaved Jaaferi is first-rate in a serious role. Bharat Dabholkar is efficient. Victor Banerjee suits the character. Shruti Seth is alright. Angelina Idnani and Ali Haji are adorable.

On the whole, TA RA RUM PUM easily ranks amongst better films from the Yash Raj factory. Surprisingly, the film has opened to a below-the-mark response at several screens. But it has the potential and power to gather speed in days to come since it has something for everyone -- emotional quotient for families, thrilling car races to woo the youth and the kiddie factor to attract this huge movie-going segment [kids]. Its business in Overseas should be excellent and in India, the multiplexes will help the distributors reap a harvest. Strongly recommended!


Rating: * * * 1/2 (3.5/5) [Good to Very Good]

(Note: The text and image are used only for INFORMATIONAL purpose and they do not serve any commercial purpose)

TA RA RUM PUM: External Movie Review 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Well, the first review of Ta Ra Rum Pum is out. I'm the first to bring it here. You can get it here too!

Cheering can be a lot of fun. In movies, it has the power to do miracles, especially when the man, you are rooting for, has so much at stake. Siddharth Anand's Ta Ra Rum Pum plays on every human's ultimate fantasy to conquer against all odds and take home the trophy. Here the trophy stands as a metaphor for the realisation of one's most precious dreams. And that is precisely what makes Ta Ra Rum Pum a universal subject to identify with and feel for.

But for god's sake, it's a Yash Raj Film. And so even if a story about inspiration and hope, it is bound to be lavish, stylish and commercially viable. For starters, it's set in New York City. What's new, you ask? Hasn't Karan Johar made a career out of making films based in NYC? True. What is new is Anand's vision of the most populated city of The States. Not only do you get to do some fresh sight-seeing but also innovative angles of oft-repeated locations like Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square. Also, car racing is the basic premise of the story. Expectedly, there is a whole lot of vroom-vroom going on all through the movie. True blue racing buffs might not feel the rush of adrenalin on witnessing the tackily executed chase. But folks not too familiar with NASCAR will enjoy just the same.

Like every story, this one has a hero too. Rajveer aka RV (Saif Ali Khan) makes a dashing entry; a la Tom Cruise in Top Gun, helmet in hand, against the violent strumming of an electric guitar. Only our man started out as a pit stop tyre changer. His racing skills impress a cabbie Harry (Jaaved Jafferi in his best Gujarati speaking accent goes in for a swell image makeover) and they strike a deal with Billy Bhatia's (Bharat Dabholkar) company Speeding Saddles. During his winning spree, the carefree RV also hits it with the fastidious Radhika (Rani Mukerji). He calls her Shona because 'it's Bong (Bengali in slang) and sweet, and so are you'. The duo, with funny hairdos, also find time to parade on the empty streets of Manhattan. Again, Anand appears to draw inspiration from another Tom Cruise flick, Vanilla Sky. The latter has Cruise running on the empty streets of Times Square, not a soul in sight.

RV proposes to Radhika with Tiffany, a Merc and a mansion in Manhattan -- all of which is irresponsibly purchased on loan and installment, if you are the one for details. Soon they have two kids, with nicknames that'd have you mistake them for a horse -- Champ (Ali Haji) and Princess (Angelina Irani) and an Irish Setter, Bruno. All the adulation makes RV feel over-confident about his game. In trying to fool around and entertain the crowds against his closest competition, RV makes a faulty move resulting in a major accident. After missing out on a whole year, he gets back into the action, nonetheless scarred from his previous experience. His poor performance on the track leaves him jobless, homeless and bankrupt. While RV never stepped inside a university, Radhika never finished her degree post-marriage. Silly move, we think. Lack of proper education forces the two to take up low-end jobs and shift to a rundown desi neighbourhood. While the children are made to believe their new impoverished status is a play and part of a reality show, Don't worry. Be happy. And though it's not mentioned, we believe RV was definitely a fan of Roberto Benigni's Life is Beautiful. Eventually, RV has to take a stand, which means an edge of the seat contest from start to finish and, of course, lots of cheering.

The sentimental turn in Anand's story is heartfelt. But what is particularly appealing that none of the characters crib or mope around. Instead, they tackle every problem with resilience and humour. Sure, kids will be kids and occasionally sigh at the sight of creamy puffs and spicy hot dogs. Aww moments aside, generally, there is a positive vibe running through this family and the film. The foursome make a happy picture hopping inside the enormous Disney store. Speaking of choreography, Vaibhavi Merchant infuses an impressive rhythm and frolic in the movements. Almost every song and dance is a pleasure to watch. If Salaam Namaste (Anand's directorial debut) was inspired albeit cool, Ta Ra Rum Pum is inspiring and sweet. The filmmaker has a knack for bringing wit in woe. He does that here too, admirably. Though I have to say, how come RV enters a racing competition whenever he feels/needs like/to? Isn't there supposed to be a schedule calendar or something?

That's what makes Saif Ali Khan indispensable. His spontaneity is utterly disarming and distracting. He plays RV -- a huge racing star, with amusement as if to say 'big deal' not losing his boyishness even during stressful times. Hence, his breakdown scene is particularly effective.

Rani Mukerji's Radhika is a confident lady. There is a certain polish in her taste and thoughts. Self-assurance comes naturally to the actress. And for this role, she makes the most of it. Also, there is just one word to describe Surily Goel's wardrobe for Rani: WOW!

Essentially, Ta Ra Rum Pum is a feel-good family entertainer with good looking actors, thrilling car chases, playful melodies (Vishal-Shekhar) and pretty visuals. Then again, there's lot more beneath. It talks about taking responsibility for one's own problems instead of finding an easy way out. It packs in a lot of optimism and grace, especially in the way new age parents are depicted. Even if in passing, the fast-growing obsession and dependency on plastic money and installment schemes is mentioned as well.

Any film that makes you feel good about life and prioritises hope over struggle is worthwhile. Ta Ra Rum Pum brings a smile to your lips and song to your heart.

Rating: * * * 1/2 (3.5/5) [Good to Very Good]

(Note: the text and image are used only for informational purpose and they are not used commercially)

Are you going Ta Ra Rum Pum this weekend?

Tara Rum Pum
Originally uploaded by Santosh Dawara.

Well, last week Kya Love Story Hai released. Tomorrow we will have the last release of April. 1/3rd of the year has already passed by. But only 2 films reached the status of HIT (not everywhere though). Multi-starrer biggies like SALAAM-E-ISHQ, EKLAVYA, NISHABD have failed miserably at the box office.

There will be a solo release tomorrow - Ta Ra Rum Pum. This film is by Yash Raj Films and stars Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukherjee in lead roles. (Storyline here) Veteran actors like Victor Banerjee, Javed Jaffery also share screen space in thsi film. This film is about the strength of family bonding in the time of adversities. This film has racing as its main theme. It also seems to be a family entertainer. So genuine emotions, action, visual treat, good acting....that's all we expect from this flick. This film also boasts of a good animation to attract little eyes.

A few weeks ago, we talked about the box-office prospects of the film. Now it seems that this film will fetch a good opening since it's the solo release this week. There's no Bollywood release till May 11. Meanwhile, a tough competitor named SPIDER-MAN 3 invades the theaters a week later. So there isn't much to worry about. There are other reasons too! People are not watching World Cup due to India's dismal exit from WC. The nation-wide examinations are over now. So naturally, the students will want to spend their leisure with some cool summers flicks. The mercury of thermometer is rising day by day. So it's obvious that everyone will seek a nearby A/C movieplex to get themselves 'cool'.

So what say? Do you agrre with the above reasons? Are you going to rush to cinemas with your friends? Tell me!

Why I will avoid IIFA Awards 2007 at any cost - Part 4 . . . . . . . .

Well, I know that this is the part you are waiting for. So let's not bore you and go ahead.

(THE FOLLOWING OPINIONS ARE SOLELY PERSONAL AND THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO HURT/ OFFEND ANYONE)

****SPOILERS MAY BE AHEAD****
Best Picture
Dhoom 2
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kahna
Krrish
Lage Raho Munnabhai
Rang De Basanti
Vivah

D:2 - If you've read my previous posts you'll know my opinions about this film. You'll also know that I'm not at all surprised by its presence in this list. आखिर ब्रांड एम्बेसडर कि बेटे का फिल्म है ना!

KANK - I don't really *love* this film. It's not worthy of featuring in this list. Though it is *not bad* at least for me. For, it's courageous and it doesn't hesitate to say what it wants to. It's only the length that stays with you rather than really good moments. It has the ability to show the reality. It could have been better.

Krrish - Matrix, Spider-Man, Super-man, Super-hype..... just another D:2.

LRMB & RDB - Winners from the word go!

VIVAH- No surprise yet again! It is as regressive as possible. All the characters are saccharine-sweet. There's no HUMAN qualities in the character. Life's nothing else but marriage. The ultimate thing for a woman is to get married. Featuring cow-like women and glamorising all sort of stupid thing, no script, abysmal performances and blah blah blah blah .....that's all this film's about. It was trying to be "culturally" stupid. But sorry! That's not our culture. It's far wider. If you want to see ulture bump into DVDs of LRMB, RDB

The mentality of the jury is clearly shown by the films they choose. Just see how 67% of the nominated films are.

Why couldn't we arrange more money for the jury for the following films?
OMKARA (comes first) TAXI NO. 9211 GANGSTER WOH LAMHE KABUL EXPRESS (if yashraj really pays for D:2, they should have selected this one. Even FANAA was a better proposition than D:2) KHOSLA KA GHOSLA DOR BEING CYRUS


Best Direction
Karan Johar – Kabhi Alvida Naa Kahna
Rakesh Roshan - Krrish
Rajkumar Hirani - Lage Raho Munnabhai
Vishal Bharawaj - Omkara
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra - Rang De Basanti

KANK - Though the film was not very good. There are moments which are very well-directed. Although not worthy of nomination.

Krrish - No words here. See the previous posts.

LRMB & RDB - Again no words (exactly opposite to Krrish)

Omkara - The man behind converging Shakespearean tragedy with UP heartland. One of the most well-executed film in recent times. Not only does the master story-teller tell the story with great skill, he gives example of master craftsmanship (music is credited to him too). Be it the performance or the script, the cinematography or the sets or everything....he leaves a mark of his own everywhere. No disappointment if he wins.

Who deserved.
KUNAL KOHLI - Fanaa (Don't confuse a loopy script with the direction. The film is well-executed. At least far better than Krass) And all the films I suggested for the previous category.





Best Performance in a Leading Role (Female)
Aishwarya Rai - Dhoom 2
Kajol - Fanaa
Kangana Ranaut - Gangster
Rani Mukherji - Kabhi Alvida Naa Kahna
Vidya Balan – Lage Raho Munnabhai

D:2 - Better nominate Rakhi Sawant! Even she could come as close to Sunehri as Ash. Stardust preferred Ash to Kajol, though (same kind of award show, you know!)! She is really Ash (pun intended). In a long time we have seen such a performance, that makes us feel proud about ourselves. We can act better anytime. And yes! without a kiss and a bikini and a makeover!

Fanaa- She was so subtle, subdued in the film that she makes you overlook all the flaws in the screenplay. She looks a million bucks and plays the role with much panache. Why can't we get more of you?

Gangster - Wow! No words to describe her. She closely follows Kajol.

KANK - She definitely played it very well. Not Bad.

LRMB - Not bad!

Who deserved:
KAREENA KAPOOR - Omkara (bringing Desdemona alive) PRIYANKA CHOPRA - Don (to replace that fireless Ash) KANGANA - Woh Lamhe (she should have been nominated for this alog with Gangster) GUL PANAG - Dor AYESHA TAKIA - Dor


Best Performance in a Leading Role (Male)
Shah Rukh Khan - Don
Hrithik Roshan - Krrish
Sanjay Dutt - Lage Raho Munnabhai
Ajay Devgan - Omkara
Aamir Khan - Rang De Basanti

Don - SRK was panned by all after release. But I certainly like it. I am not a big fan of SRK, though. Having seen both the versions and with due respect to the previous one, I am unbiasedly saying that SRK IS THE BETTER DON. Hold your protests, I'd explain that. A character like DON is should be shrewd, good-looking, smart, mischievous, cruelly-smiling, womanizing, soft-spoken, flirtatious. These are things which I found in SRK. I am not decrying the previous version. Well many dumb critics said that there's no balance between Vijay & Don or SRK played Don well but Vijay badly. How could ______ (no spoilers here) play Vijay? You have to remember that not SRK but ___________enacted the role of Vijay. On that context, it's a very good performance.

Krrish - See the supporting section for my comments on his nomination for D:2. The same applies for Krrish. But bet he would win this one like the others. Like Anurag Kashyap (again) I'd like to state that HR should have got the BEST JUMPING AWARD for Krrish.

LRMB - A towering performance from the most underrated actor. He was born to play this. I wish he gets this one. Emotional. He hasn't got it before.

Omkara - Converting the Moor of Venice to an adha-brahmin is no easy task. He did it fantastically.

RDB - Awesome stuff from AK.

Who deserved :

JOHN ABRAHAM - Taxi No. 9211 SHINEY AHUJA - Gangster, Woh Lamhe AAMIR - Fanaa (I liked it) SRK - KANK (that's why we all hated his character. It's to his credit)

Also See: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

So that's all. You may have got a taste of how award functions really are. What are your comments? Let me know.

(NOTE: IF YOU DON'T AGREE WITH THE AUTHOR PLEASE TELL WHAT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM ATTACKING THE AUTHOR AND DO NOT USE ANY EXPLETIVE)

Why I will avoid IIFA Awards 2007 at any cost - Part 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I am discussing the supporting roles here.
(THE FOLLOWING OPINIONS ARE SOLELY PERSONAL OPINION AND THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO HURT/OFFEND ANYONE)

****SPOILERS MAY BE AHEAD****

Best Performance in a Comic Role
Chunkey Pandey – Apna Sapna Money Money
Uday Chopra – Dhoom 2
Tusshar Kapoor – Golmaal – Fun Unlimited
Paresh Rawal – Phir Hera Pheri
Sharman Joshi – Rang De Basanti

All nominations are highly biased. I haven't seen ASMM, but I am sure (from reviews) that Ritesh was a better choice. The son of the producer jarred in D:2 (yet again). Another son of a star, was execrable in Golmaal. Paresh Rawal's become so repetitive that his antics don't tickle our bones. Sharman Joshi was not very good, but definitely better than others. Gosh!

deserved nominations:

ARSHAD WARSI - LRMB, Kabul Express, Golmaal Ranvir Shorey - Khosla Ka Ghosla

Best Performance in a Negative Role
Hrithik Roshan – Dhoom 2
Emraan Hashmi – Gangster
Boman Irani - Lage Raho Munnabhai
Saif Ali Khan – Omkara
John Abraham – Zinda

D:2 - If being a sky-diver, bungee-jumper, skater, biker is enough to get a nomination, I can suggest thousands of names for this category. Some may throw brickbats at me, but seriously think. Is HR a true actor? Just a couple of makeovers and action are enough to put put him on the list? Aren't we succumbing to the (pseudo)-super-stardom? He is expressionless. No depth has been observed in the character. You may be mesmerized by his looks (that's what it is) not by his acting skills. This may cause the true cinema to be buried.

Gangster - To be frank, I don't like EH. Rather I possess a strong dislike for him. But when I saw the film I was literally floored by his performance. Unlike his other films, he was nuanced, natural and restrained. I just loved him it!

LRMB - Pretty good villain with perfect comic timing. He deserved a nomination for DON rather than this one.

Omkara - The "most best" villain ever to emerge on the screen of Indian cinema. Sorry for wrong grammar, but I couldn't resist using that particular word. Moving far away from his urban, metrosexual image, Saif played the role with great.......(I don't know how to describe it). He was formidable. He far eclipsed the "most popular" villain Gabbar Singh with a vengeance.

Zinda - Another good one from John.


Best Performance in a Supporting Role (Female)
Bipasha Basu – Dhoom 2
Rekha – Krrish
Konkona Sensharma – Omkara
Kirron Kher – Rang De Basanti
Soha Ali Khan Pataudi – Rang De Basanti

D:2 - Once again! Can you explain me why was Bipasha's character added? If you completely remove her, would that make any difference? Why is there a Sonali? Why is she added? Why is there a pseudo-affair between Jai and Sonali? Why doesn't Sonali come to Brazil? Why is Monali added? Just for the sake of bikini and a dancing companion to producer's son? Bips enacted the role so awfully that I couldn't believe that this is the same girl from Corporate.

Krrish - This is Rekha at her worst. She has no sync. Her makeup, performance and acting are so artificial that you can't help but laugh out aloud.

Omkara - Konkona was very good, flawless but somewhat predictable. So Soha wins it by an inch.

RDB - KK - I didn't really like her in RDB. I thought, she could perform it much better.

Soha- She's the winner for me. She surprised all of us with a perfect performance. She suited the role to a 'T".

Who deserved:

SONALI KULKARNI -Taxi No. - 9211 MASUMEH - Woh Lamhe DIYA MIRZA - L.R. Munnabhai TARA SHARMA - Khosla Ka Ghosla BIPASHA - Omkara (to replace D:2)

Best Performance in a Supporting Role (Male)
Amitabh Bachchan - Kabhi Alvida Naa Kahna
Abhishek Bachchan - Kabhi Alvida Naa Kahna
Arshad Warsi – Lage Raho Munnabhai
Kunal Kapoor - Rang De Basanti
Atul Kulkarni - Rang De Basanti

KANK - Amitabh Bachchan - He was definitely very good in intense moments such as the table sequence. But in the comedy portions he put on a very bad effort. So he's not worth it. Since he is the brand ambassador who could have dared not to include him?
Abhishek " - His role was so amateurly wriiten, that we couldn't relate to hs character. Altough I am not saying that he was not good, I tend to think that he didn't rise above the character that was written. So his performace didn't made us empathise with him.

LRMB - Now that's a bit confusing. Is Arshad's role eligible for suppoting role? Or for the comic one? However he wins it from the word 'go'. He was impeccable in the role of Circuit. No words to describe this performance. Without a doubt, the best comic performance ever! But I suspect if he will win it. Who will give this award to AW when the son of the brand ambassador and ba himself are included?

RDB - Both the nominees rocked. No doubt.

Who deserved:

DEEPAK DOBRIYAL - Omkara [This is bias at its best. No performance in the above list (except AW obviously) came even a mile close to his first performance. He isn't nominated because he doesn't have big names to back him. This kind of a superb performance from a newcomer is completely unexpected. I strongly agree with director Anurag Kashyap who says, "Deepak Dobriyal in omkara was frigging five hundred times better than an Abhishek Bachchan in all his performances put together and wasn’t even nominated."] NANA PATEKAR - Taxi No. 9211 SIDDHARTH - RDB ARSHAD - Kabul Express SALMAN SHAHID - Kabul Express

Also see: Part 1 - Writing Part 2 - Music Part 4 - Main Categories

(NOTE: IF YOU DON'T AGREE WITH THE AUTHOR PLEASE TELL WHAT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM ATTACKING THE AUTHOR AND DO NOT USE ANY EXPLETIVE)

Why I will avoid IIFA Awards 2007 at any cost - Part 2 . . . . . . . . . . .


In my last post, I discussed regarding the writing department awards. Now I'll discuss music.

(THE FOLLOWING OPINIONS ARE SOLELY PERSONAL OPINION AND THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO HURT/ OFFEND ANYONE)

Best Lyrics
Sameer – Dhoom 2 – Crazy Kiya Re
Prasoon Joshi – Fanaa – Chand sifarish
Javed Akhtar - Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna - Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna
Gulzar – Omkara – Beedi
Prasoon Joshi – Rang De Basanti - Ru Baroo

Dhoom 2 : Again Dhoom 2? ufff! Gimme a break. The lyrics are stupid, tasteless, foolish, funless, and ..................to infinity

Fanaa and KANK - Both of them definitely deserve without a bias.

Omkara / RDB - Not bad at all. They are good.

Who Deserved too:
ADITYA DHAR, VIJAY KUMAR, SWARTMIKA MISHRA - Banjar - Kabul Express

Best Music Direction
Pritam – Dhoom 2 – Crazy Kiya Re
Shankar Ehsaan Loy – Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna – Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna
Rajesh Roshan – Krrish – Dhoop Nikalti hai Jahan Se
Vishal Bharadwaj – Omkara – Beedi
A.R. Rehman – Rang De Basanti – Ru Baroo

D:2 / Krrish - As said earlier, it is "defintely" necessary to include a Blockbuster / Big Banner/ Hhhrrrithiiiikh Rooooosshan film in every category to
raise the required money for holding the event.

KANK/ RDB - Definitely both of them deserve. I'd give a slight edge to RDB for its unique-ness.

Omkara - Again a good album.

Who deserved to be there:
PRITAM - Gangster (Albeit plagiarized, it's damn rockin' and miles better than D2) RAGHAV SACHAR - Kabul Express (definitely surprising, melodious, no-nonsense tunes from a young composer) JATIN - LALIT - Fanaa (last album from the duo, it's awesome) SHANKAR - EHSAAN - LOY - Don (The remakes were not bad. Aaj Ki Raat, Main Hoon Don just rocked)

Best Playback Singer (Female)
Sunidhi Chauhan – Dhoom 2 – Crazy Kiya Re
Alka Yagnik - Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna - Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna
Shreya Ghosal – Lage Raho Munnabhai – Pal Pal
Sunidhi Chauhan – Omkara – Beedi Jalaile
Lata Mangeshkar – Rang De Basanti – Luka Chhupi

D:2 Again: I'm used to it.

No complaints regarding others.


Best Playback Singer (Male)
Shaan – Fanaa – Chand Sifarish
K K – Gangster – Tu Hi Meri shab
Zubeen – Gangster – Ya Ali
Sonu Nigam - Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna - Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna
A. R. Rehman & Naresh Iyer – Rang De Basanti – Ru Baroo

Finally a category without D:2/ Krrish. No complaints.

Also read: Part 1 - Writing Part 3 - Supporting Roles Part 4 - Main Categories

(NOTE: IF YOU DON'T AGREE WITH THE AUTHOR PLEASE TELL WHAT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM ATTACKING THE AUTHOR AND DO NOT USE ANY EXPLETIVE)

Why I will avoid IIFA Awards 2007 at any cost - Part 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Well, you may ask me why I am shouting regarding the IIFA when it's been quite a while when silly, stupid, biased, idiotic, dumb (not in that order) award functions came and went. IIFA or Indian International Film Academy Awards is an award function held every year outside India. The Bollywood awards functions are sold to the Bollywood mafias, you know and the national awards (no proper noun, I mean capitalization for safety) are sold to 'art-house' directors. Well, don't wanna spark a controversy stating all the names.

The IIFA 2007 (at Yorkshire) is probably a couple of weeks away. But the nomination has already been announced. No, not the awards, the nominations have struck me with awe. अगर नॉमिनेशन ऐसा है तो ना जाने अवार्ड किसको मिलेगी. (If this is the nomination, I don't know to whom will the award go). After looking through the list of nomination, I wager you will be as exasperated as me. I can say only on thing, "The more you bid, the more you get."

We will present each category and dissect 'em. The winner who is chosen by me has been highlighted in bold.

(THE FOLLOWING OPINIONS ARE SOLELY PERSONAL OPINION AND THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO HURT/ OFFEND ANYONE)

****SPOILERS MAY BE AHEAD****

Best Story
Aditya Chopra – Dhoom 2
Rakesh Roshan – Krrish
Rajkumar Hirani – Lage Raho Munnabhai
Vishal Bharadwaj – Omkara
Kamlesh Pandey – Rang De Basanti

Now the story is considered the fundamental need for a film.

Dhoom:2 - So, what was the story in Dhoom 2? I am still searching. Did they think of a story even before the shooting? The climax is an exact copy of the same writer's Bunty aur Babli.

Krrish: Krisssh, Krrissh, Krrish or Crass? Now which other felicitous word should I use. The story offers nothing new, combining Hollywood superhero cliches with melodramatic Bollywood love story. Senseless, mindless, crappy, silly, outdated, propagating-superstition...............uncountable.

LRMB- Now this is the complete winner in this category. He has penned one of the greatest films ever made (I think so). No other story in recent times has been so thoughtful, masterly-created, engaging and original.

Omkara - Who is this silly, publicity-hungry, running-after-big-names-to-make-a-name man, called ....hmm.....can't remember! Remembered! This man is called William Shakespeare. Have you heard about him before? I haven't. He claims that he has written a tragedy called OTHELLO which Omkara borrows from.

RDB - This nomination too is definitely deserved.

Who other deserved to be there:
MAHESH BHATT - Gangster KABIR KHAN - Kabul Express JAIDEEP SAHNI - Khosla Ka Ghosla MAHESH BHATT - Woh Lamhe (though it's inspired by real-life event) NAGESH KUKUNOOR & T. A. RAZAK - Dor

Best Screenplay
Vijay Krishna Acharya – Dhoom 2
Anurag Basu – Gangster
Rajkumar Hirani, Abhijat Joshi, Vidhu Vinod Chopra – Lage Raho Munnabhai
Vishal Bharadwaj, Robin Bhatt, Abhishek Chaubey – Omkara
Rensil D’Silva & Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra – Rang De Basanti

Well, screenplay is considered the backbone of a film. Do the IIFA jury try to find the backbone or the back-bucks?

Dhoom 2: Hmmmm.... Why not include FAMILY, PYARE MOHAN, DARNA ZAROORI HAI, 36 CJINA TOWN, HUMKO DEEWANA KAR GAYE, PHIR HERA PHERI, KRRISH, UMRAO JAAN, SHIVA, CHUP CHUP KE, VIVAH et al replacing all other films? They easily rank amongst "best scream-play". Dhoom 2 is one of the silliest, loopiest, most logic-less, most mindless screenplay ever written. If "this" tops the best screenplay section. I am seriously worried about the future of screen-writing. I won't be surprised if it wins.

Gangster: This one is a clear winner in this category. It is intelligent, gritty and doesn't take you for granted. It's very dramatised, multi-layered and full of emotion. You can easily relate to the characters. The characters are well-defined. I doesn't let you predict where it's headed with brilliant twists in the screenplay. The best romantic-crime genre from India.

LRMB - Another flawless screenplay of last year. Like Gangster, it too is intelligent, soul-stirring. It's combined humour with heart effortlessly. It's not that kind that tells you to leave your brains at home. It successfully tells many things at a time.

Omkara - Another well-deserved nomination. Rather than just copy-pasting Bard's tale of love, hate, jealousy on the papers, the writers effectively change the characters, setting without changing anything. Re-writing Shakespeare is an arduous task. It's loyal yet so much close to the Indian soil.

RDB - It gradually grows on you. Although it's not exactly a perfect screenplay, I won't be disappointed if it wins. The screenplay is tour de force.

Who other deserved to be there: NAGESH KUKUNOOR - Dor JAIDEEP SAHNI - Khosla Ka Ghosla RAJAT ARORAA - Taxi No. 9211 HOMI ADAJANIA - Being Cyrus KABIR KHAN - Kabul Express

Best Dialogue
Girish Dhamija – Gangster
Sanjay Masoom – Krrish
Rajkumar Hirani, Abhijat Joshi – Lage Raho Munnabhai
Vishal Bharadwaj – Omkara
Prasoon Joshi & Rensil Dsilva – Rang De Basanti

Gangster - Good dialogue. It definitely hits you.

Krrish - Why is that 'crrass' again here. Is there any single dialogue you can memorize from that idiotic film? Is it necessary to include a Blockbuster / Big Banner/ Hhhrrrithiiiikh Rooooosshan film in every category?

LRMB - It's also another example of a perfect dialogue. It's witty, humorous, Bambaiya yet meaningful.

Omkara - Definitely deserves or does it? It retains all the meaning of the original play without just translating them. It's raw and very real. One wishes that the hundreds of expletives weren't there. Then again, it's set in Western UP. Can you bet that they don't use such words?

RDB - Definitely the winner. The words are poetic, soul-stirring yet youthful, energetic. Strong enough to get into your mind.

Who also deserved:
KUNAL KOHLI - Fanaa (Though one may argue that the dialogues and shayaris are cliched and senseless, I liked it. It definitely deserved to replace Krrish) KABIR KHAN - Kabul Express (Very humorous and witty, especially that of Arshad's) FARHAN AKHTAR - Don (It's one simple reason. The lines are directly from the masterful script by Salim - Javed) JAIDEEP SAHNI - Khosla Ka Ghosla

Don't miss: Part 2 - Music Awards Part 3 - Supporting roles Part 4 - Main awards


(NOTE: IF YOU DON'T AGREE WITH THE AUTHOR PLEASE TELL WHAT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM ATTACKING THE AUTHOR AND DO NOT USE ANY EXPLETIVE)

SPIDER-MAN 3 Production Video: LIGHT STAGE ................................

When we see our favourite superhero on screen, we always overlook the technical aspect behind it. We don't know anything about the things which compel us to believe that the visuals are true. One such technical aspect is the lighting, which forces us to enter the make-believe world. The video here discusses some exotic digital lighting effects here. The Digital FX Supervisor, Peter Nofz elaborates some of the most complex parts very simply. It's possible for anyone to absorb the mechanics behind it. It also shows how they are done.

You can get it here too: http://spider-man-3-film.blogspot.com/2007/04/spider-man-3-production-video-light.html

Tell me how do you like it! I'll be posting all SM3 videos if you wish!

Original Source

More videos of SPIDER-MAN 3 Tokyo Premiere ....................................................

Barely two days ago, we posted some exotic videos of Tokyo Premier (Links: 1, 2). Now we are bringing you some other fantabulous videos from the mid-April premiere of Sony costliest production, SPIDER-MAN 3. This page has a number of cool videos:

1. Kirsten Dunst talks about working with the Spider-Man movie team
   
2. Producers Laura Ziskin and Avi Arad talk about the World Premiere in Tokyo
   
3. Producer Grant Curtis on his cameo appearance in Spider-Man 3
   
4. James Franco on Harry Osborne's intentions in Spider-Man 3
   
5. Rosemary Harris is ready for some stunt work

The videos are accessible here: http://www.spidermanmovieblog.com/archives/2007/04/more_tokyo_premiere_video.php

You can also get it here: http://spider-man-3-film.blogspot.com/2007/04/more-videos-of-spider-man-3-tokyo.html

Watch videos of Japan premiere of Spider-Man 3 .............................................

Well as we all know, SPIDER-MAN 3 was screened for the very first time in Tokyo, Japan. The cast and the filmmakers assembled there at the premiere. A person dressed in SPIDEY suits (red-blue) entertained the viewers greatly. There are four videos at the page:

1. Spider-Man swings by the World Premiere in Tokyo
2. Tobey Maguire talks about what to look forward to in Spider-Man 3
3. Sam Raimi reacts to the Japanese fans at the World Premiere in Tokyo
4. Topher Grace and Thomas Hayden Church discuss what's different with Spider-Man 3

The videos are very cool. The link is here: http://www.spidermanmovieblog.com/archives/2007/04/tokyo_premiere.php

Just can't wait!

also availabe here: http://spider-man-3-film.blogspot.com/2007/04/watch-sm3-tokyo-premiere-videos.html

(note: the photo is strictly for informational purpose and not for commercial purpose)

Featuring SPIDER-MAN 3 on BU ....................................................................

Well the hottest movie this season is arriving. That's SPIDER-MAN 3. A production by Columbia Pictures this film is the third part of SPIDER-MAN franchise. We have a sister blog regarding SM3. From now on, we will regularly post updates on SM3 on both the blogs. The previous films were money-spinner blockbusters. They took in about $ 2 billion (including merchandise, DVD sales etc). This film has 3 villains, including venom. So it's really exciting.
15 more days! Can't resist!!!!!!!

BOLLYWOOD UNLIMITED GOES HOLLYWOOD ......................................................................

There's a great news for BU visitors as they will be able to find out information on HOLLYWOOD too. We are a part of a global village, right? We will bring here Hollywood movies, flashbacks, retrospectives, box-office, reviews and lot more!

So get ready to sway with the waves of newly-formed BOLLYWOOD-UNLIMITED.

PENGUINS: A LOVE STORY - External Movie Review

I also promised to post this review. Original Link.

You may remember some months ago on Now Showing, I'd recommended the Morgan Freeman-voiced documentary March of the Penguins. That film was released theatrically in the US two years ago and even the DVD has been out for over a year. But this week at our multiplexes across the country, two new versions of the same film have been released theatrically — an English version titled Penguins, A Love Story, and a Hindi version called Penguins, Ek Prem Kahani, both narrated by Amitabh Bachchan.

Now the film itself was originally shot by a team of French documentarians in Antartica, and it's really a tale of love and survival. It's the heart-warming story of the long and arduous journey that penguins undertake every winter for the survival of their young ones. Who would have thought penguins would make such a fascinating subject for a film? But they do, and their story is filled with drama and pathos and nobility and honour. As far as the narration is concerned, I can't seem to understand why they'd release a new English version considering the one voiced by Morgan Freeman was just perfect.

I suspect the idea behind roping in Amitabh Bachchan to voice both the Indian versions was to generate curiosity among those who wouldn't watch a documentary film normally. It that's the case, I guess it makes sense. Now I saw the English version Penguins, A Love Story and in all honesty I have to say I preferred the Morgan Freeman version over this one, and there's only one reason for that — I feel they haven't fully exploited Bachchan's voice.

Where's the modulation, where's the touch of humour and wit which is what makes the Morgan Freeman version so engaging? Anyway, having said that let me confess that while the narration does play an important role in the film's overall impact, the story itself is so dramatic and so moving that it wins your hear instantly. For every single one of you who hasn't watched March of the Penguins, don't miss this opportunity, go to the cinema and watch one of the two Indian versions, it's a film you will thoroughly enjoy. That's three out of five and a thumbs up for Penguins, A Love Story, please don't miss it.

Rating: * * * (3/5) [good]

(Note: Text and image have been used only for informational purpose, not for any commercial purpose)

BHEJA FRY: External Movie Review.

As I promised last week, I am bringing you an external review of BHEJA FRY. You can get it here.

Everyone loves a good laugh, and I'm no different. Director Sagar Bellary's Bheja Fry which opens at cinemas this week is a cleverly-written and competently-enacted comedy which stars Rajat Kapoor as a selfish and insensitive man whose idea of Friday night entertainment involves a party where unsuspecting, dim-witted victims provide laughs to his group of like-minded, shallow friends. One such victim, Vinay Pathak — an income-tax officer with an annoying singing habit — visits Rajat at his home one Friday, excited to be invited for a dinner party. But the joke turns out to be on Rajat eventually, when he watches his life fall apart just moments after this bumbling fool walks through the door.

His wife decides to leave him, his nympho mistress decides to show up, his back is killing him from an earlier injury, the fear of an income-tax raid is looming over his head, he's forced to confront a friend he'd wronged some years ago, and this idiot at his home is the man responsible for most of these catastrophes. While it's true this film is somewhat entertaining and much of the humour is derived from its rock-solid script, let me be the party-pooper here by revealing that Bheja Fry is a scene-by-scene, dialogue-by-dialogue remake of the superhit French farce The Dinner Game, which, if you remember clearly I'd recommended on this show some months ago. You see, Bheja Fry isn't 'inspired' or 'borrowed' or 'influenced' from the original film, it's an out-and-out remake. One can only hope that remake rights were bought from the makers of the French film, although I didn't see any acknowledgement of the same in the film's credits, and in fact I saw this film's screenplay credited to two persons, which if you ask me is shocking, considering the only real work on the script would be in the form of translation.

Now that I've cleared my conscience and made the point about plagiarism, let me confess Bheja Fry does have more than just a handful of hilarious moments, most of which are provided by the imaginative screenplay and dialogue. The film's director Sagar Bellary rarely digresses from the plot and the narrative of the original French film, although he does make a few significant changes. Like the fact that Rajat's wife role is a little more fleshed out in Bheja Fry than it was in the original film — Bellary gives Sarika a career and a back-story, but then he botches it all up by failing to show clearly the building resentment Sarika feels towards her husband, and the reason for this. The only other major change is that in the original film, the idiot protagonist had the annoying habit of discussing his passion for making matchstick models of famous buildings, but in Bheja Fry, it's Vinay Pathak's irritating habit of breaking into a song and his childish enthusiasm at showing off his scrapbook that makes him the perfect candidate for this idiot's dinner.

If you ask me to nitpick, I'd say I was a little disappointed with Ranvir Shorey's performance in the film. Which is surprising, I know, because Ranvir is fast emerging a comic genius. But in Bheja Fry where he's playing Vinay's best friend and colleague, Ranvir overdoes it a little by playing his part as a caricature and not as a flesh-and-blood character who one might be able to relate to. Also was it just me or did you also notice how midway through the film, Rajat Kapoor suddenly seems to have recovered from his back injury -- in no time at all, he's walking about and fixing a meal and setting the table. Wasn't it just moments ago that he was moaning and groaning in pain, unable to move by himself? Another problem I have with the film is the seemingly insignificant but in reality, the shockingly careless insinuation that Ranvir Shorey is a pro-Pakistan, anti-India cricket-buff simply because he's Muslim. That may have been only a passing reference in the film, but it's horribly racist, it's an unfair stereotype, and it could have been easily avoided.

The funnier moments in Bheja Fry are provided by Vinay Pathak, who manages to give his character a few quirks of his own, even though its more-or-less modeled exactly after the role played by the excellent French actor Jacques Villeret in the original film. In all fairness, Vinay Pathak is priceless particularly in those scenes in which he packs and unpacks his scrapbook, and then those scenes in which he makes sure nobody's looking when he's tackling the combination code on his briefcase. It's a testament to the strength of the script that the film doesn't slip despite mediocre performances by Bhairavi Goswami and Tom Alter who play Rajat's mistress and his doctor respectively. Sarika, on the other hand, delivers a credible performance -- perhaps the most credible of the lot -- when she plays the wife as a real person and not the cliché that we have come to see in most movies these days.

Thankfully, Bheja Fry doesn't fry your brains like the title threatens to, in fact it's got a handful of moments that will make you laugh out loud — my favourite is that scene in which Rajat's mistress is unable to understand a word he's been using to describe her, until Vinay translates it for her, much to Rajat's horror. Or that one in which Ranvir calls up his wife who's in the middle of an adulterous tryst to tell her he knows what she's upto. It's really moments like these that you'll remember even after you've left the cinema. I'm going to go with two out of five for this week's Bheja Fry, it's funny in parts so give it a chance. But no points for writing or directing as it's a faithful remake of an earlier film. I just wish the filmmakers had acknowledged that.

RATING: * * (2/5) [average]

Which film are you going this weekend?

a number of films have been released this weekend. Let's have a look

LIFE MEIN KABHIE KABHIEE: Can't get enough of the extra 'e' and 'ee'. After torturing the viewers by making them see RED (thankfully I was not in the victim list), Vikram Bhatt is back with a mammoth piece of burden. Will you be one of them?

BIG BROTHER: Starring Sunny Deol; the less said the better....

BHEJA FRY: Remake of a french masterpiece LE DINER DE CONS (THE DINER GAME) this one looks quite interesting. Vinay Pathak has surely rocked this one. I will come up with review of BF.

PENGUINS: A LOVE STORY: It's okay that they released the hindi version in Amitabh Bachchan narration. But, why can't we get the Morgan Freeman version in English? You'll get reviews here.

ERAGON: I'd better be stuck to THE LORD OF THE RINGS dvd.

PERFECT STRANGER: Don't ask me. You should rather use the search engine.....

PROVOKED: External Movie Review 1

Well guys, I promised you that I will bring you a couple of Provoked review. One is here. You can also get it here.

Set in London and based on a real-life story, director Jag Mundhra's film Provoked stars Aishwarya Rai as a battered Punjabi housewife and mother of two. Aishwarya plays the role of Kiranjit Ahluwalia, who sets her brutish husband on fire after suffering 10 years of abuse at his hands. Charged with first-degree murder when her husband succumbs to his wounds, Kiranjit is sentenced to life imprisonment. Despite evidence of repeated abuse, the law doesn't allow her to claim self-defense as her husband was asleep when Kiranjit set him on fire.

In prison, it's with the help of a fellow inmate Ronnie, played by veteran British actress Miranda Richardson, that Kiranjit picks up the pieces of her life and learns to stand up to bullies. Meanwhile, Nandita Das playing a female activist with The Southhall Black Sisters, a support group committed to helping victims of abuse, takes up her cause and persuades Kiranjit to make an appeal. A little over three years after her arrest, Kiranjit is finally freed by the British judicial system in a landmark case that redefined the word "provocation" in the case of battered women.

Despite its many shortcomings, Provoked is engaging till its very end because it's such a dramatic story and because it avoids over-sentimentality, a trap that most films of this genre invariably fall into. Thankfully, we're spared all the Bollywood-style chest-beating and the shameless tugging at heart-strings that most Hindi films of this kind indulge in.

So, even though there are scenes in which Kiranjit begs to be united with her sons, there's none of that ‘I'll-die-without-them’ drama. That's not to say the script is all perfect, in fact it’s far from it actually.

Mundhra wastes too much time setting up those courtroom scenes, and there's little need to go into the back-stories of every inmate in that prison. Instead it might have helped if the character of Kiranjit's husband had been more fleshed out. One moment you see he's surprising his pregnant wife with their new suburban home. Next thing you know, he's bashing her up and thrashing her around for no fault of hers. Also, attributing his violent mood swings and his promiscuous lifestyle to his drinking habit is a little too convenient on the director's part.

In terms of production value, Provoked comes of looking like one of those filmed-in-your-backyard TV movies, and to be completely honest, Mundhra's direction is too basic, almost too amateurish to be taken seriously. But because it's entirely honest and well intended you're willing to overlook many of these flaws. Instead, you're moved by those tender moments between Kiranjit and Ronnie, her protective new friend in prison. You're stung by the sense of empty loneliness that you see in Kiranjit's eyes even after she's released from prison.
In all honesty, Provoked wouldn't work if it wasn't for two performances that uplift the film considerably. Miranda Richardson plays Ronnie as a tought-but-tender woman who befriends Kiranjit when she's falling apart. It's Richardson who provides some of the film's most memorable moments, like the one in which she responds to Kiranjit's bear-hug with a comic line.
Of course, the real star of Provoked is Aishwarya Rai who delivers a performance that is appropriately restrained. I haven't exactly been a big fan of Aishwarya's acting, but I'll say here, she surprises you with what she strums up. It's a performance that penetrates into your consciousness because she plays it with a slow-burning passion rather than an all-out flourish. This is easily one of her better acting jobs. The film works because it's not preachy and it doesn't take itself too seriously. So I'll go with three out of five for Jag Mundhra's Provoked. It's a sensitive film about domestic abuse. It's not a great film by any standards but it's well intended and it goes about its job with sincerity, and sometimes, just sometimes, that's enough.

Rating: * * * (3/5) [GOOD]

Note: The text/image used here, is strictly for informational purpose and they do not serve any commercial purpose.

DDLJ celebrates 600th week in Indian Cinema..

On Friday, 13th April 2007, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, or DDLJ as it is fondly called, is entering its 600th week of continuous play in theatres। The love story of Raj and Simran continues to strike a chord with audiences, as they keep coming back to Maratha Mandir theatre (in Mumbai where DDLJ continues its uninterrupted run) to fall in love once again with one of the most evergreen stories told on the silver screen.

The movie, which cemented the super star status of the Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol pairing, opened to packed houses and rave reviews way back on 20th October 1995. Indians all over the world instantly fell in love with this simple yet eloquent story. It bridged the perceived divide between the NRI and Domestic cultures, and effortlessly wove Indian Tradition and Western Trends into a unique brand of “Indian-ness”, which is often copied, but yet to be rivaled.

Director Aditya Chopra’s directed his first film, DDLJ, at the young age of 23. Released in 1995, DDLJ became one of the largest grossers in Indian film history. While remaining popular with the masses, DDLJ also garnered critical acclaim from all quarters. The film swept that year’s Filmfare Awards, picking up every single award of consequence, and propelled Aditya Chopra as one of the most influential young voices in Indian Cinema.

In 2001, ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ broke the continuous-exhibition record, established by the movie ‘Sholay’ at Minerva Theatre (5 years: 1975 – 1980). DDLJ remains the longest running film in the history of Indian cinema, as it passes one milestone after another, and is presently running in its 12th year.

AWARDS
NATIONAL AWARD:
Best Film – for popular and wholesome entertainment.

FILMFARE AWARDS:
Best Film – Yash Chopra (Producer)
Best Director – Aditya Chopra
Best Actor – Shah Rukh Khan
Best Actress – Kajol
Best Supporting Actress – Farida Jalal
Best Comedian – Anupam Kher
Best Lyricist – Anand Bakshi (Tujhe dekha to ..)
Best Playback Singer (Male) – Udit Narayan (Mehndi Lagake rakhna)
Best Dialogue Writer – Aditya Chopra / Javed Siddiqui
Best Screenplay Writer – Aditya Chopra

SCREEN AWARDS:
Best Film – Yash Chopra (Producer)
Best Director – Aditya Chopra

A physically impaired French woman speaks on SRK; It will really make your eyes moist

I went to see Shahrukh Khan in London when he came to unveil his statue at Madame Tussauds wax museum. I was accompanied by five young women from Shahrukh Khan's French fan club, Shahrukhfan.fr. We knew that only media people would be allowed to get into the museum, but despite this, we came from France, hoping to see Shahrukh, and maybe talk to him.

I am on a wheelchair and it was almost vital for me to tell him that when I see him dance, my body too dances, that I can dance with his body. I so much wanted to thank him! We went to the museum at 7am and we waited for hours in the icy wind of London. We talked to the bodyguards, they were giants but very nice ones; people were getting more and more excited and less and less controllable. They had come from all parts of the world, "only" to catch a glimpse of Shahrukh: France, Japan, Australia, and Trinidad.

Then he came. Suddenly no one remembered me, our small group was scattered, literally ejected meters away from me, I was sandwiched between Nani, who was helplessly holding the wheelchair, and the bodyguard, with my head flattened against him. I managed to move my head away, and I saw Shahrukh, with his caramel-coloured skin, his black hair and beautiful smile.

Then, for one second, our eyes met. How strange. Try to imagine: the overexcited crowd, the hysteria, the bodyguards, and our eyes met, although he was three meters away from me, with lots of people between us, and my chair wasn't at all at the level of his eyes. Then everything became black. The tsunami was dangerously shaking my chair. My face was flattened against the bodyguard. All that came to my mind was that the wedge of the armchair was completely driven into the guard's legs, and Nani was doing her very best to prevent me from falling on the ground. Then the bodyguard moved, with one hand he was holding the crowd and with the other he made sure that I could see something. In fact, it's because Shahrukh was kneeling down that the guard moved. He was kneeling down for me. It was like being in a cave with human walls, we were in front of each other, and I was able to tell him thank you, I could tell him that he made me dance. He didn’t understand. People were screaming and my English wasn't good, I was too nervous.

He asked me, surprised, if I wanted to dance. I said "no, I don't want to dance, I dance with your body". He smiled, took my face with infinite tenderness, and kissed me on the forehead. He didn't smell cigarette, nor perfume, only a nice body odour. His kiss wasn't wet but not dry either. It was complete. He went away and I didn't see him again. What more can I tell you? This man gives off strength. When he came near me I felt this strength, he gives and gives, only with his presence.

It wasn't a star kissing a disabled woman for publicity. I felt the human being, full of tenderness. He is able to do a lot of good. I don't understand why Tussauds tried desperately to discourage us from coming. I hope Shahrukh knows that the reason why there weren't more people is that Tussauds refused to give information, kept repeating that we wouldn't see him, laughed at us. The public relations of the museum strung us along; Tussauds didn't want us to come. I don't know why and I hope this will reach Shahrukh's ears. If it does: thank you, Shahrukh; seeing you and seeing you dance has changed my life. Thank you for stopping in front of me on Tuesday, April 3rd.

What do YOU think of this post? Please react!

Photo Credit: Rediff.com

SRK proves his critics wrong; DON Celebrates Silver Jubilee in Indian Theaters

There's a news which would make all Shah Rukh Khan fans overjoyed. Shahrukh Khan's last film DON (Director: Farhan Akhtar) which was released on 2oth October last year is now celebrating its Silver Jubilee in Indian theaters. DON, which was a remake of 1978 Amitabh Bachchan film of the same name, was slammed by all the critics after the release. DON was listed at the top of every worst film list of every critic. But the critics could not refrain people from flocking into the theaters. As a result, it went on to become a blockbuster. Its domestic & overseas grosses feature in all-time blockbuster lists.

The film which was supposed to fall flat after the criticism it received on release goes into its 25th week running at Uday(4 shows a day) and Imperial (Matinee show) in Mumbai.


Collections follow:

India: $14,302,729 (till January 11, 2007)
USA: $2,223,961
UK: $2,826,980
Australia: $233,903
New Zealand: $52,556

To be frank, I am NOT a fan of any particular actor. As an unbiased viewer, I thought that the film was not a masterpiece, but it was quite good and entertaining. It was one of the best action/ escapist movie from Bollywood. SRK's demeanor and attitude made him look a perfect DON. The climax was the most awesome part of the film. In IMDb it has a 7+ rating. It has also won some public choice awards.

Could you explain why were critics so hostile towards this film? Were they biased? Feel free to discuss about the film. Do you support what SRK jokingly said by tampering a dialogue in the film after the release: डॉन के critic का सबसे बड़ा गलती यह है के वोह डॉन का critic है (The biggest mistake of Don's critic is that he is the critic of Don)?

Spl. TA RA RUM PUM Character Sketch - Kids

ANGELINA IDNANI

Welcome to my world… the world of Priya Rajveer Singh. I am 'Princess' to the people who are close to me.

I have four important people in my world and without them I am lost - Papa, Mama, Champ and Bruno (our dog)… I love them all… strictly in that order!

I love my school, Miss Peggy my teacher and my friends… not in that order... ha ha ha!!!

I love when Papa races. He looks so good in his uniform, wow! Mama, Champ and myself we all go and cheer Papa!

Champ and I are good children, we never fight… well almost never :)

I am his big sister, and also his friend. But when Papa had his accident, we got really scared… and life is not like it used to be. I want my old world back a happy world in which there were smiling faces of Papa, Mama, Champ and Bruno!

ALI HAJI

Hi.
I am Ranveer Rajveer Singh but pyaar se everyone calls me ‘Champ’ - because when I was born, my Papa won a big big race.

I like to go school, listen to Princess because she is always right. I also like to fight with her.

My favourites are Cars and Burgers - I love to eat burgers. I also like to play games.

I don't like to make Mama-Papa, Princess sad. I always want us to be smiling and happy. And I always sing the song they love “ta ra rum pum…”

Also see: Rani, Saif

(Note: The imagery used here is only for INFORMATIONAL purpose, and has not been used Commercially)

Spl. TA RA RUM PUM Character Sketch - Rani Mukherjee

Life can be the most unexpected journey of all. This is something that I have learnt over my many years with RV, the man who I never thought could be the kind of person I could fall for.

My life as Radhika Shekhar Rai Banerjee started off with ambition and very careful planning. I always knew what I wanted to be and exactly how I wanted to get there. Right from when I was a little girl playing with my carefully organised & acquired dolls to when I decided to pursue a career in music - everything I have done has been well thought out and every step chalked along the way. My Dad, who owns one of the biggest software companies in the world, obviously approved. But everything changed when one sunny day I happened to get into a cab that took off with a bang & propelled me into a life that I had never thought I would lead.

RV exploded into my life with the usual madness & energy that I have now come to expect from him as an everyday trait. Before I knew it, I was sitting in the stands of the New York Speedway, cheering on with wild abandon a man that I had barely met 2 days ago. But that's what I mean about life being unexpected. Love too, in this case. I fell in love in a manner completely contrary to everything that I've ever done so far, and it was the best thing that ever happened to me! And suddenly Radhika Shekhar Rai Banerjee, the straight-laced girl became 'Shona', a woman in love.

Life with RV was always a roller-coaster ride of emotions, and things didn't change even with the arrival of Princess & Champ - the two shining lights in my life. We were the ideal happy family that I never knew I wanted, but was so content that I had! But life, in all its unpredictability, had more in store for us…

RV's departure from the race track forced us to give up the idyll of a happy & content life, including our beautiful house. Suddenly we had to fend for a living using any means possible, all the while maintaining a facade of normalcy for the sake of our children. Will I be able to keep my family together while struggling against the vagaries of life? Will I manage to see us through yet another crisis?

Also See: Saif, Kids

(Note: The imagery used here, is only for INFORMATIONAL purpose, not for any Commercial purpose)