Yash Raj and Disney join hands for animation films in India

ooff! At last, a June post not featuring Jhoom Barabar Jhoom! I am delighted! Okay, it's about the makers of JBJ.

Yash Raj Films, arguably the biggest money-making "studio" of India has joined hands with one of the biggest studio in Hollywood, Walt Disney Studios. Here's what the press release says:

Yash Raj Films (YRF), India’s premier studio, has entered into an agreement with The Walt Disney Studios, world-renowned leaders in family entertainment, to exclusively create a series of original computer-animated feature films, it was announced today by Yash Chopra, Chairman of YRF, and Dick Cook, Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. The collaboration marks the first time for both companies to enter a co-production to produce films in India.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Chopra said, “Yash Raj Films has been at the forefront in live-action feature films for almost four decades. Together with my son Aditya Chopra, we have created our own space with the efforts of a wonderful team – both creative and business – and have had the opportunity of producing films that we believe in – films that entertain a large population, as well as the Indian Diaspora.”

“When YRF decided to venture into the animation space, we felt that an alliance with Disney Studios, the leader in animation, represented the coming together of not just two organizations, but the teaming up of like-minded individuals committed to creating excellent products. Both companies not only have a common quest for excellence but also the same culture and traditions,” added Mr. Chopra.

Mr. Cook said, “We’re thrilled and honoured to be working with Yash Chopra and Aditya Chopra and their talented team at YRF to create exceptional animated films in the Indian language that are culturally relevant for the avid movie-going audiences in India and around the world.”

“Yash Chopra and Aditya Chopra have proven themselves to be true visionaries and leaders in the Indian entertainment industry and have excelled in everything they have done. Animation is a new and rapidly expanding area in India, and the collaboration between Disney and YRF will bring the very best in story-telling and cutting edge technology together as we make wonderful films that appeal to the entire family,” added Mr. Cook.

This landmark announcement by Yash Chopra and Dick Cook is a first in the field of animation. YRF and Walt Disney Studios will work exclusively to co-produce a series of animation films in the Indian language. Both companies will be equal partners in the venture and will contribute creative, technical and financial support to the project.

Each film under this alliance will be creatively overseen by Aditya Chopra and worked on with an inventive array of leading local talent. The first film to be co-produced in this alliance will be ‘Roadside Romeo’, set to release in 2008. The film will be produced by Aditya Chopra and, written and directed by Jugal Hansraj, and will utilize state-of-the-art computer animation technology done entirely in India.

About Yash Raj Films (YRF)
YRF is the leading player in the Indian film industry and the country’s premier independent Studio conglomerate. The Company’s core lies in the production and distribution of some of the industry’s highest grossing films. With offices also in New York, London, and Dubai, YRF handles the global distribution of its own films as well as films of other leading Indian producers. The Company also has its own music and home entertainment labels, design cell and post-production facilities, internet, digital, merchandising and marketing divisions, as well as in-house units focused on the creation of television software, ad films, and music videos. YRF also has its own state-of-the-art fully integrated Studio, producing an average of 6 films a year, and thus making it an integral part of the entertainment business in India.

About Buena Vista International, Inc.
Buena Vista International, Inc. is the international theatrical distribution arm of The Walt Disney Studios. It is headquartered in Burbank, California with 27 offices worldwide.

About The Walt Disney Company in India
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with four business segments: consumer products, media networks, parks and resorts and studio entertainment. Disney is a Dow 30 company, had annual revenues of nearly $34 billion in its most recent fiscal year, and a market capitalization of approximately $73.8 billion as of May 11, 2007.

And their first film is:
ROADSIDE ROMEO

Synopsis:
A rich, cool, spoilt brat of a dog is abandoned on the wicked streets of Mumbai. He faces situations he has never faced before. He is confronted by dangerous, loony characters, the likes of which he has never met before. From mansions to streets... From five course meals to five courses of scraps... From soft beds to piles of garbage... From champagne to tap water... Hop on to the adventure as Romeo turns into “Roadside Romeo”...

Credit List
Written and Directed by Jugal Hansraj
Produced by Aditya Chopra
Music by Salim-Sulaiman
Lyrics by Jaideep Sahni
Animation Studio – TATA Elxsi (VCL)

Featuring (Voices Of)
Saif Ali Khan
Kareena Kapoor
Jaaved Jaaferi

Duh! Can't they leave the typical Bollywood stereotypes? They can't "HOLLYWOOD-ISE" themselves even when they are going to a COMMENDABLE, UNIQUE field. But, nonetheless, a good effort! Hope it turn great! For the first time, we'll be enjoying stars' voices on the mouths of canines. Let's hope Jugal Hansraj (the Masoom boy, or distinctly Sameer of Mohabbatein and Jignesh of Salaam Namaste)

IMAGE AND TEXT CREDIT: YASH RAJ FILMS (Click on the images to go to original page)

ORIGINAL PAGE

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 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)

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)

Spl.: TA RA RUM PUM Character Sketch - Saif Ali Khan

Hi. I'm RV. The best race car driver in the world! Sounds nice to be able to finally say that, especially since I've wanted to be one, ever since I was a little boy, racing model cars around my room. Racing has always been my dream, and after Mom & Dad died, I worked even harder towards that goal. Since I never really had much interest in studies, I dropped out of college & started working in the pitcrew of a racing team: the only way I could be near race cars! My life seemed to be going smoothly along this loveless still-nowhere-near-driving-a-race-car track, until one momentous cab ride later, everything changed.

That's when I met Harry (my future manager) and Radhika (my future wife), all in the space of 5 minutes. One crazy trip later, I was the new race car driver for 'Speeding Saddles'; and a couple of chance encounters (and my first win in a race) later, I was in love: with the most beautiful & intelligent & talented & creative & …… (you get the picture…) woman who ever came out of West Bengal to live in New York. A music student & a racer don't somehow seem like the best of matches, but sometimes the cliché works. Opposites do attract and we were quite possibly the happiest couple in Manhattan.

And that's how Rajveer Singh the pit-crew tyre changer became RV the racer. I was a man with a new job that I had been dreaming about my entire life, a love that I kept dreaming about and everything that I could have asked for.

And then my kids arrived on the scene. Princess and Champ - the two people who suddenly gave my life a new meaning. I didn't think I could be happier, but I was! My career took off much like my car when the starter flag goes down, and my family was the backbone that kept me going. Seeing them cheer me on at every race that I won was what made the dream even more beautiful in its reality.
Until that fateful accident…

That one day changed things forever. I was forced to give up my dream career and my dream life. Everything came crashing down to a very painful and a very changed reality. A reality which involved giving up the wild and racy lifestyle that I had always followed.

I tried to make it back… but it was never the same. But now, I have no choice. Something has happened and I need to win. But I don't know what will happen. Will I be able to overcome my fears on the racetrack? Will I be able to save my family? Will I once again become the best father, the best husband and the best racer that I have always been for my wife and kids?

Also see: Rani, Kids

Xclusive! Wanna hear TA RA RUM PUM Music?

Hello Guys,
I am posting once again regarding Yash Raj's film TA RA RUM PUM starring Saif Ali Khan & Rani. Well the music is finally out. Barely a week ago I provided you with the exclusive music listings of TA RA RUM PUM. Now I bring you some clips from the songs for you to decide if you are buying a CD. Click on the links to hear. All the songs are in .wma (Windows Media) format

1. TA RA RUM PUM

2. HEY SHONA

3. NAACHLE VE

4. TA RA RA RA RUM TARARUMPUM

5. AB TO FOREVER

6. SAAYIAAN

Please Rate it here by posting comments and tell how you like it.

Note: The Audio files included here are for demonstration purposes only and are mere clippings of the entire songs. They are not meant to infringe any copyright or patent whatsoever. You are strongly encouraged to buy the music unit if you want to listen to the songs.

Xclusive! TA RA RUM PUM Movie Preview - Story

This is 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 the USA, as well as the proud father of two precocious 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 and has lost his edge. 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 Bronx-style 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.

Can he, once again and perhaps for a last time, face down his inner demons on the race track? Can the family remain together in the wake of what could perhaps be their biggest challenge yet?

Remember that you first read it on BOLLYWOOD UNLIMITED!!

Xclusive! TA RA RUM PUM title song; Music release on 3rd April

Helllooooooo Friends,
I'm back once again. For the past few days, we've been discussing about Yash Raj Films' next venture, Rani Mukherjee-Saif Ali Khan starrer TA RA RUM PUM. A few days ago we unleashed the music listing of TRRP and also discussed its box-office prospects. We had also shown the teaser. Now we get another sneek peek of this Yashraj film.

For the first time you'll be seeing the title song TARA RUM PUM being crooned by the protagonists. At first we see Saif-Rani celebrating with their kids. It's probably on the boy's birthday. Since there is a line - "HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHAMP". If you've seen the previous trailer, you may know that the name of the boy is CHAMP. Anyways, Saif was introducing 4 animated bears (TA, RA, MA & PA - their names). Then all of them enter the animated world. And the animation! VFX producers, take a bow! It's very very good. For the first time ever in India we see actors with animated beings. The animated bears bear (pun unintended) a resemblance with THE LION KING and Sony's OPEN SEASON.

The melodious score, witty lyrics and havoc picturization makes this one truly special. (Remember, Saif-Rani's HUM TUM too boasted of good animation!) Below is the video.


By the way, the music releases this Tuesday, on 3rd. Looks like a perfect family flick this season.

What say, guys? Do leave your comments and request me for anything you want!!!

Xclusive! TA RA RUM PUM music listing; Music to release in Audio-DVD format too!

Hello Guys,
Yesterday I posted you vital news about Yash Raj Films' forthcoming flick TA RA RUM PUM. Those who have been waiting for the music with bated breath will finally have a reason to cheer about. Yashraj is going to release the music in a matter of week. And guess what! It will be in world-class Audio-DVD format too! The format was first introduced in India by YRF for Dhoom:2 in 2006. Surprisingly they didn't release the much better album Kabul Express in ADVD.

Let's see what are we gonna get when we opt for the ADVD:

• This Audio DVD disc features pristine quality sound formats featured below: 1. Meridian Lossless Packing (MLP) 24 bit / 48 KHz (accessible on DVD-A players only). 2. Meridian Lossless Packing (MLP) 24 bit / 48 KHz Stereo 2.0 (accessible on DVD-A players only). 3. Dolby Digital 24 bit /48 KHz 4. DTS Digital Surround Sound 24 bit / 48 KHz. 5. PCM Stereo 2.0 16 bit /48 KHz.
  
• Lyrics of all tracks available.
  
• Image Gallery of all films, as an optional feature. User can choose to view the still images of the films which changes as the songs progress.
  
• The Credits button in the main menu gives the viewer to go through the Song & credits list.
  
• 3 Surround Sound options MLP, Dolby Digital & DTS
  
• The product also includes an exclusive “Lyrics Booklet” of all the songs featured.

Well I personally have an opinion on the music release of TRRP. Yashraj who is known as the marketing king is not promoting its film very early, which was done earlier. Earlier we would see the music and promos of YRF flicks releasing 2-1/2 months ago. Now they're doing it just 1 month ago. Same happened for D:2 but still it went on to become a blockbuster. So that might happen with TA RA RUM PUM too! Now let's take a look at the tracks.

1. TA RA RUM PUM
Singers: SHAAN, MAHALAXMI IYER, SNEHA SURESH, SHRAVAN SURESH

2. HEY SHONA
Singers: SHAAN, SUNIDHI CHAUHAN

3. NACHLE VE
Singers: SONU NIGAM, SOMYA RAOH

4. TA RA RA RA RUM TARARUMPUM
Singer : SHREYA GHOSHAL

5. AB TO FOREVER
Singers : KK, SHREYA GHOSHAL, VISHAL DADLANI

6. SAAIYAAN
Singer : VISHAL DADLANI

There are 4 additional tracks in the ADVD:

7. MY DIL GOES MMMM
Singer : SHAAN, GAYATRI IYER
Lyrics : JAIDEEP SAHNI
Music : VISHAL & SHEKHAR
FILM: SALAAM NAMASTE

8. CHUP CHUP KE
Singer : SONU NIGAM, MAHALAXMI IYER
Lyrics : GULZAR
Music : SHANKAR, EHSAAN & LOY
FILM: BUNTY AUR BABLI

9. MERE HATH MEIN
Singer : SONU NIGAM, SUNIDHI CHAUHAN, AAMIR KHAN, KAJOL
Lyrics : PRASOON JOSHI
Music : JATIN-LALIT
FILM: FANAA

10. KEH RAHA MERA DIL
Singer : RAGHAV SACHAR
Lyrics : ADITYA DHAR
Music : RAGHAV SACHAR
FILM: KABUL EXPRESS

Lyricist-Music Directors combo Javed Akhtar & Vishal-Shekhar worked big time in HONEYMOON TRAVELS PVT. LTD. Will they create the same magic this time too?

Are you looking forward to TA RA RUM PUM?

Hello friends,

I am back after a while. Surprisingly I didn't get to watch a single movie after GURU. Now I wanna share my thoughts on TA RA RUM PUM with you. TRRP is Yash Raj Films' next musical release. It's gonna release on April 27, 2007. The makers have enough reasons to cheer as well as worry about a few thing regarding the release.

Will the film hit the jackpot like other YRF ventures too? Lets analyse a few things.

• The release date is right. Everyone's gonna kick off the summer with some cool flicks. The trailer (see below) indicates that it's pretty much cool.


• A day earlier YRF had enough reasons to reschedule the release. But today it seems unlikely. WHY? The India-Sri Lanka match. The defeat of India practically buried all chances of India getting into the next round. The final match is on April 28. Nowadays we are seeing the bollywood films biting the dust due to World Cup. Very few people will watch and enjoy the following matches. That paves the way for a great weekend of TRRP.


• The slick teaser has already aroused interest.


• YRF's last masala flick Dhoom:2 was the biggest blockbuster of the year


• Director Siddharth Anand's first film SALAAM NAMASTE was a huge domestic and overseas success.


• The theme (car racing) is first time in India.


• The music may also create a mark

But some flip points.....

• Actor Saif Ali Khan's past few releases were washouts in the box office. In spite of much critical acclaim and a rocking performance, his OMKARA failed to ignite the box office. Despite being a multistarrer biggie, his EKLAVYA was a huge flop. NEHLLE PE DEHLLA went the same way.


• Rani Mukherjee too had almost a same track record. The hardcore Indian masses rejected her playing of an adulterous woman in KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA. Probably for the KANK -effect she created, BAABUL too was declared a commercial failure. Same for TRRP?

Well, lets see what happens. This pairing created a flame in box office with HUM TUM in 2004 when both of them were going through a bad phase. Saif even didn't have a solo hit! So uncertainty is the key word for box office. The success of this film might cure the lonely, lovelorn heart of SAK- what say?

Watch the trailer!

(Disclaimer: All the materials in this page serve only INFORMATIONAL purpose, and in no way is used commercially/promotionally)

The First Look of EKLAVYA unleashed

Here is the ultimate scoop for the movie-lovers! Film-maker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, who is coming back to direction after a hiatus of 7 years, has come up with his multi-crore, star-studded action thriller, his magnum opus EKLAVYA - THE ROYAL GUARD. It will definitely be a thing to watch. A glimpse of this film was shown with LAGE RAHO MUNNA BHAI.

Vidhu's last production LAGE RAHO MUNNA BHAI (Dir: Rajkumar Hirani) has proved to be the biggest critically acclaimed movie of 2006 as well as a money-spinner blockbuster.