Bhansali to co-produce Big B starrer 'Chenab Gandhi'

February 13th, 2009

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, Feb 12 : RGP-Sa Re Ga Ma has clinched a deal with Sanjay Leela Bhansali to co-produce the Rupees.350 million 'Chenab Gandhi', which will have Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role.

"It was always a dream to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. And to get Bhansali on board is like the ultimate for me as a producer," Madhu Mantena, head of the film division of RGP-Sa Re Ga Ma, told IANS.

"And this film gives me not just the chance to work with one of the finest filmmakers, but also with the mighty Mr. Amitabh Bachchan," said Mantena who co-produced Aamir Khan starrer "Ghajini".

The film also stars Vidya Balan and Hurman S. Baweja and will be directed by Vibhu Puri.

"Bhansali has done period films 'Devdas' and 'Black'. Both had a lot of period detailing that went a long way into making the goings-on look convincing. We hope to recreate an era in 'Chenab Gandhi' with the same degree of conviction," said Mantena.

This would be the first of RPG-Sa Re Ga Ma's projects to roll off and would be followed by Abbas Tyrewala's "1-800-Love".

Freida Pinto - Vanity Fair Magazine (March 2009)

February 13th, 2009

Freida Pinto , Slumdog Millionaire chick’s scan from Vanity Fair Magazine (March 2009) UHQ.

Imtiaz Ali granted bail

February 13th, 2009

Ratlam: A local court has granted bail to Bollywood film 'Jab We Met' Director Imtiaz Ali, who was charged of portraying Ratlam as centre of prostitution in his film.

Ali appeared before Judicial Magistrate Geeta Solanki's court yesterday. The court granted bail to the accused on his furnishing a bail bond of Rs 5,000 with one surety of the like amount.

Advocate Yogesh Sharma filed a petition against Ali, and producer Ashtavinayak of the film for defaming the town by showing it as a hub for prostitution.

The Court had directed the production company and the director to appear in the court earlier. However, producers of the movie had appeared in the court and were granted bail but Imtiaz had failed to appear.

The court had issued arrest warrant against Ali on Dec 27.

Lead actors Sahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor were exempted from the case.

The date of next hearing was fixed on February 18.

Talking to the reporters, Ali said he did not nurture any intention to defame it.

He said he always watched Ratlam station on his way from Delhi to Mumbai and developed an urge to see it closely.

''Hence, when I was making the film I decided to include Ratlam Station in the script besides Bhatinda and Simla,'' Ali said claiming that he did not include any scene to defame the town.

Later, the director left for Indore to fly down to Mumbai.

Where’s Priya?

February 13th, 2009

As Sanjay and Manyata Dutt threw a big bash on Tuesday night — the eve of their first wedding anniversary, the who’s who of Bollywood came together at the Dutt residence in Mumbai’s Pali Hill. However, his sisters chose to stay away. When asked about Priya Dutt, who has been involved in a public war of words with brother Sanjay lately, a guest at the party said, “No, Priya was not present.”

Manyata, who eluded the cameras, “looked stunning in an emerald green and red sari and wore beautiful jewellery to match”, says ‘good friend’ Ameesha Patel. “The party was very well attended. The food was great and the décor was elegant. They were superb hosts and the party rocked,” she added.

The guest list also included Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Farah Khan, Suneil Shetty, Ayesha Takia, Aftab Shivdasani, among others. “The party was wonderful. Sanjay and Manyata make a truly wonderful couple,” said actress Sophie Chaudhary, Manyata’s close friend.

Bebo as bridesmaid

February 13th, 2009

Amrita Arora is getting married on March 6, and Kareena Kapoor’s all set for her best friend’s wedding.

Why not? We heard Bebo will be Ammu’s bridesmaid. Kareena is trying to take out time from her tight schedule to help the bride. Not just that. Bebo herself has made the rounds to the best stores in town and
co-ordinated with the best fashion designers to design her gown. Although, Amrita will be the maiden of the night, we are eager to watch Kareena in her ‘gown’ing glory!

Ayesha Kabool hai

February 13th, 2009

Ayesha Takia and her restaurateur beau Farhan Azmi have finally decided to get married on March 1.

They will have a private nikaah ceremony at a mosque in Mumbai followed by a grand reception at the CCI club on March 2. The who’s who of the film industry will be present at the reception.

Confirming the wedding and reception dates, Ayesha’s mother, Faridah said, “I cannot conceal my excitement. I am very happy.”

The Takias have already finalised the other wedding details including Ayesha’s trousseau. The proud mother said, “We have shopped for everything from Mumbai.”

After the nikaah, the couple plan to go for their honeymoon to a foreign locale.The place however is yet to be finalised.

A friend of Ayesha (name withheld on request) said, “Ayesha and Farhan are still discussing options. They have yet not zeroed in on any place yet.”

When we spoke to Faridah, Ayesha and Farhaan were on their way back to Mumbai from Goa. “Ayesha and Farhan are building a hotel in Goa. They had gone there to supervise a few things,”said Faridah.

Kareena Kapoor, Sreesanth voted PETA's Sexiest Vegetarians Alive

February 13th, 2009

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor and cricket star Sreesanth have been crowned the winners of PETA India's annual Sexiest Vegetarians Alive poll.

The online contest was conducted by petaDishoom, PETA India's youth arm. Kapoor and Sreesanth narrowly edged out 2007 winner R Madhavan, model and doctor Aditi Gowitrikar, Pentagram vocalist Vishal Dadlani, film star and Kailasa singer Kailash Kher and many others.

Kapoor, captured the female title for the second year in a row. Sreesanth beat out fellow vegetarian cricket stars Ishant Sharma and Anil Kumble to earn the nod for sexiest male.

Shahid Kapur and Vidya Balan garnered the next highest numbers of votes. Other top contenders include Olympic Bronze Medallist Sushil Kumar; actors Alicia Silverstone, Pamela Anderson, Hansika Motwani, Mallika Sherawat, Mahima Chaudhary and Rajneesh Duggal; musicians Sir Paul McCartney and Moby; and designers Anita Dongre and Hemant Trevedi.

"When you look at the dozens of gorgeous celebrities in this year's poll, there are no bones about it – a vegetarian diet makes you beautiful inside and out. After all, going vegetarian is the best thing you can do for the animals, the Earth and your health. Plus, everyone knows that there is nothing sexier than someone who exudes both passion and compassion", says PETA India's Anuradha Sawhney.

Adlabs to launch 13 multiplexes in North India

February 13th, 2009

MUMBAI: Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group's (ADAG) Adlabs Cinemas has opened two new properties in Noida and Agra. The next six months will also see the rollout of at least 13 properties and 30 screens in North India.

While the Noida multiplex is a five-screen cinema, the one in Agra has three screens with 1021 seats and is located at the TDI Mall, just two kilometers from the Taj Mahal.

Adlabs Cinemas COO Tushar Dhingra said, "It's great to be the only cinema in India's largest mall where the biggest brands of India and the world also have a presence. The Great India Place is a shopping mecca located in one of the fastest growing cities in India in terms of consumer spending and we see immense potential for this property."

The new Noida property will also feature the exclusive Ebony Lounge, which is only featured in signature Adlabs' cinemas. It features a luxurious 94-seat screen with fully reclinable seats, the best sound and an attached lounge, which offers an exclusive menu served by personalized and attentive staff as part of the 'Silver Service'.

About the Agra multiplex, Dhingra added, �The new cinema will not only be catering to the residents of the city but will also be another must-see for local as well as international tourists visiting this historic city. Agra will be getting a second landmark in the form of a truly world class cinema. Watch out for more exciting new features at this property.�

Adlabs Cinemas presently has 127 screens spread over 42 properties nationwide.

Minissha Lamba's opening act for Stardust Awards

February 13th, 2009

MUMBAI: Minissha Lamba is on cloud nine. The actress will be doing the opening act at the Stardust Awards that will be held in Mumbai on 15 February.

She will be flying in from Hyderabad a day before the ceremony, where she is shooting for Shyam Benegal's Abba Ka Kuan.

Lamba said, "After three years I will be performing to my own songs as I did not have any personal commercial songs. I will be doing a Salsa number on Pyar Ki Yeh Kahani and a hip hop number on my Haiya and Mausam songs from Kidnap."

Rajiv Surti has choreographed her dances while her outfits will be designed by Rocky S. She had performed earlier in the year at the Sabse Favourite Kaun Awards. Prior to her departure to Hyderabad, Lamba was busy with her rehearsals.

She said, "I have been practicing everyday for 3-4 hours. I have bruises on my knees, which I affectionately call them my war marks. But its growth at the end of the day and for me to do the opening act is a great honour."

My mother always showed me the bad side: Kareena

February 13th, 2009

Kareena Kapoor is on a real high. She is being showered with awards off late and the recent one being the prestigious India Today Women Award 2009 for her contribution to the world of art and cinema by none other than Erin Brokovich.

Kareena states that she always cherished the idea of becoming an actress. She further revealed, "I always wanted to be an actress since I was a little girl in my mother's womb. The dreams resurfaced when I was became fourteen years old.

I always told my mother that I wanted to act but then my mother always showed me the negative side of the industry. She often chided me saying that one shouldn't go by the glitz and glamour of the industry.

But then one fine day I woke up and said that I had finally decided that I was going to act. My mother then advised me first to lose weight and then watch a lot of movies. She said being a star is not easy.

There are two sides to it. You earn lot praise but also face a lot of criticism and negativity in the industry. You will have to compromise a lot in life" reveals Kareena.

"My elder sister Karishma became a star and she too said that the path to stardom is not easy. I will have to work really hard to achieve my goal and learn to face criticisms." she further added.

Kareena said that she was very adamant and hell bent on becoming an actress. "I plunged myself into it and there's no looking back.

Yes there is a lot of compromise, negativity and criticisms but if you want to achieve something and follow your dreams you have to go through the grind only then will you reach your goal. I have done that and I am glad where I am today" concluded Kareena.

Nandana clears the air about Randeep Hooda

February 13th, 2009

Nandana Sen can do nothing but laugh at the Randeep insinuations that things weren’t hunky-dory between them. “This has been fabricated by the press. I am happy that Randeep and I worked together in Rang Rasiya. Randeep was apt to play Raja Ravi Varma. Nobody could have done it better,” Nandana said.

Nandana, however admitted that she and Randeep had difference of opinion. “But then which two costars do not have differences in working style. The arguments were nothing but a healthy discussion that broughts us even closer as friends. I am glad those arguments happened otherwise I would never have known what gem of a guy Randeep is.” Nandana added, “He may appear rough outside but deep down he is a softie at heart.”

Isha Sharwani gearing up for her big dance drama

February 13th, 2009

Excited with the great feed back she received for her role as a pampered star kid in Luck By Chance, Isha Sharwani is now looking forward to the big dance drama she is presently busy rehearsing with. This dance theater production is titled Kali and it opens on April 3rd.

Isha, who spends most of her time in Kerala rehearsing her dance routines states, “Kali is a dance theatre production which tells the story of the three realms of existence that we live in. There is the subterranean realm which is elemental, primordial and subconscious, the conscious realm which is the terrestrial plane and the transcendental plane which is spiritual. All these three realms exist within us. As they say ‘Aham Brahmasmi’ which means God is Within Us. It is a very big dance theater drama. It will release on April 3. We are working towards getting it ready right now.”

Speaking about her rehearsal routine Isha further states, “I don’t have a fixed rehearsal pattern. We normally start rehearsing at 6.30 in the morning. At 8 o’ clock we take a half hour break and then dance from 8.30 to 10.30. We then take another break for half an hour, after which we take an hour’s break for lunch at 1.30. We finish rehearsing by 4 pm. We encompass martial arts, yoga and the dance training for the show. In the morning sessions we do a warm up: flexibility and strength training, yoga and martial Arts. We train for the show once this is done.”

Three crore van for Sanjay Dutt’s election campaigning

February 13th, 2009

Samajwadi party is leaving no stone unturned for their star candidate Sanjay Dutt’s campaign plans. They have arranged an extremely luxurious bus worth a whopping Rs. 3 crore for him to travel around Lucknow for campaigning in his constituency.

A source reveals, “Since the Loksabha elections are taking place close the summer season, and Dutt has to campaign through the whole of Lucknow and its adjoining areas, it was necessary that he would do so in the most comfortable way. It is his first election and it would end up being very tiresome for him. Therefore a Rs. 3 crore luxury Volvo caravan fully equipped with a shower and a toilet is being readied for him. This luxury cruise caravan is being built on an original Volvo chassis and is complete with all the comforts of a home.”

Revealing more about the luxurious caravan van the source further added, “The front section will have an office lounge. The central section will have a bar and a setup which will house many DVDs, a play station and computers. The bus has been designed by D. C. Designs Pvt. Ltd. under Dutt’s guidance and took nine months in the making. It will be delivered to Sanjay very soon.”

What do the stars want this V-day?

February 13th, 2009

Bipasha Basu: "None. I'm happy and contented."

Priyanka Chopra: "I don't believe you need a reason or a particular day to say you love someone. When you're in love every day is special."

Pooja Bedi : "It's a day for lovers, not about being with loved ones, friends and relative. Unless you want to comfort yourself about the absence of that someone special in your life. What do I want? Waiting for my Prince Charming to come."

Koena Mitra: "My Valentine desire would be to finally meet Mr Right. But if that's not possible this Valentine then fine. Just get me a man who's hot-looking and a great conversationalist. Then even a Mr Wrong will do."

Celina Jaitley: "Desire: My Valentine wish is to find true love."

Imtiaz Ali: "I want to keep making films that girls will adore on Valentine's Day."

Esha Deol: "I want to give lots of love to all those who've given me love. Lots of love to all my ex-es too! Ha ha. May God keep me single for as long as possible because I love my freedom."

Aryan Vaid: "My Valentine's Day plans are open. I'm single so nothing happening. I want to celebrate love. It's such an amazing time and with the Mumbai weather being so romantic, this Valentine's Day will be special."

Farhan Akhtar: "Want to see Mumbayites back to the spirit of the city."

Muzamil Ebrahim: "It's my mother's birthday on Valentine's Day so there'll definitely be lots of celebration. Want good health and happiness for all those who love me. And I want to get together with the one I want to be with."

Sammir Dattani: "Shooting in Hyderabad but thinking of someone very special in Mumbai."
Desire : "Wish I was back on Mumbai to be with that someone very special."

Amrita Arora: "Will be shooting on Valentine's. Wish to have my loved one with me forever."

Manoj Bajpai: "I don't believe in Valentine's Day. You don't need one special day to show your partner how much you love her."

Kushal Punjabi: "Besides shooting I'll be doing what all other lovers do on Valentine's Day. Exchanging cards and listening to romantic songs. What did you think? From all the girls in my life that one special person will emerge on this day. I promise I'll give up doing naughty like exchanging cards things after that."

Neil Mathur: "Will be going out with a secret Valentine to a secret place. One wish would be that I get the power to give back love to all those who love me."

Tusshar Kapoor: "Nothing special. Just meeting up with friends after shooting. If I had my way I'd make every day Valentine's Day."

Malaika Arora: "I want to spend the day with all my loved ones. I don't anyone to be alone on Valentine's Day."

Tanushree Dutta: "I wish I'd be in Paris for Valentine's Day."

Amrita Rao: "I wish all those people in love be so forever. And those who don't, may they please find love this Valentine's Day."

New Thums Up ad will have two Akshay Kumars

February 12th, 2009

New Delhi: Action star Akshay Kumar will have the pulses racing in his latest Thums Up ad, in which he plays two characters - each leaping into the air to grab a bottle of the soft drink.

“The new campaign comes with loads of action, adventure, drama and humour. This time, my fans are sure to have double the fun,” said Akshay, the brand ambassador of Thums Up, in a statement released here Thursday.

Shot by Australian director Jon Gwyther in Sydney, the advertisement will see the two avatars of the actor competing with each other to be the first one to grab the bottle of the soft drink without letting their feet touch the ground.

While, the first avatar will be shown to be an intense character, the other will be a fun loving person.

On big screen, the actor portrayed a double role for the first time in the 1997 movie “Aflatoon”.

Destiny & Desire

February 12th, 2009

Shilpa Shetty’s away in Nashik shooting for the Indo-Chinese venture The Desire this Valentine’s Day. She hopes boyfriend Raj Kundra will come visiting. Keeping her guessing, Kundra smiles back indulgently. So will he or won’t he? Read on to find out...

She’s togged in a form-flattering little black dress and he is dressed nattily in a black suit. She’s smiling a lot and he’s beaming proudly. She’s dazzlingly beautiful and his sparkling wit sets him apart. Happy to be together, Shilpa and Raj are evidently in love. The coosome twosome is in a celebratory mood as they “gift each other” 11.4 per cent ($15.4 million) stake in Rajasthan Royals, the reigning Indian Premier League (IPL) champions. It’s good to catch Shilpa-Raj in a tell-all mood. Over a protein bar, Shilpa shares her thoughts about her Mr Right and he joins the chat-fest:

Business and pleasure, is a heady cocktail! How did you two meet ?
Shilpa : It began with a business meeting when we met for the launch of my signature perfume S2. Soon we became good friends. I really admire his business acumen and vision.

What’s that one quality that you looked for in your Mr Right? What do you like the most about Raj?
Shilpa : Simplicity! And the fact that he’s so secure with himself and has no complex about being around a successful woman. He’s proud to be on my side, he celebrates my achievements with me. That’s what I like about him.
Raj: There is no ego between us, we respect each other and if one person is more famous it doesn’t make the other person smaller, does it?

What’s the best and worst about dating Shilpa Shetty?
Raj: In terms of business, the best thing is that her networking is so good and the worst thing is that with her there is hardly any personal life! I am a great believer of The Secret, I know for sure that whatever you believe in really happens. We believe that we were destined to be together.

Now tell us of your plan for Valentine’s Day.
Shilpa: What plan? We aren’t even meeting! I am away shooting for The Desire in Nashik. But if I know him, he will surprise me by visiting me. Won’t you?
Raj: (Smiles) Why ever not?

Any gifts that you have thought about?
Raj: A stake in Rajasthan Royals is our Valentine’s gift to each other. And that’s pretty expensive, I assure you.
Shilpa: Rajasthan Royals is indeed an important strategic business investment for us, but I am expecting a special Valentine gift.
Raj: (chokes mockingly) Please get me some water...

Why Rajasthan Royals?
Shilpa: During the last IPL season we were in Tirupati during the final match between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings XI. There was no television in our hotel and Shamita was relaying the commentary to us over the ’phone. Raj and I had bet on Rajasthan Royals and I remember going hoarse screaming with delight when they won the match on the last ball. We won! I think we were destined for Royals.
Raj: Like me, Royals were the underdogs last year. There were no expectations from them but through their scintillating performance they made a mark. They emerged champions.

How important is winning for you? Are you ready to take on Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta?
Shilpa: I am a winner, it is very important to win. But in cricket the spirit is the most important. And hey, the competition is not between SRK, Preity or me - it’s between our teams. It’s more about camaraderie. I got into the IPL circuit only because it was Raj’s idea and trust his business sense implicitly. I wasn’t following any trend. But we will learn from their mistakes, that’s for sure.

Which mistakes, Shilpa?
Shilpa: Buying players at exorbitant rates and overspending on marketing and merchandising. Although our aim is to Bollywood-ise the game with music video and better marketing strategy, the main focus remains on the game.

What difference will you two make to Rajasthan Royals?
Shilpa: Hey, I am the only Indian co-owner on Royals, the rest of them are British. So I will bring in my native spirit and put my expertise and experience in films to marketing, merchandising and music video. Of course, you can expect a dhamakedaar video!
Raj: The marketing budget has been upped three times over this time so there will be hip merchandise - new tee-shirts, minibats and on-line club memberships. There will be value for fan loyalty.

Dancing yes, but what’s your connect with sports?
Shilpa: I was a volleyball player at the Bombay Zonal level, I was a good sportsperson. I played some bad cricket under our building. But my dad is a crazy cricket fanatic and he can rattle off cricket statistics like radio. He’s updating me with my cricket know-how these days.

How’s your good friend Vijay Mallya taking you as an adversary?
Shilpa: When he heard about my IPL entry, he went ‘Oh my gawd!’ And I replied - everything is fair in love and cricket!

Love, cricket and marriage. When’s the big day?
Shilpa: Don’t worry, whenever we plan to get married we will call a press conference. Nothing is hidden from you. Right now I am busy shooting for The Desire and The Man co-starring Sunny Deol. Then the IPL matches! Where is the time?
Raj: Oh yes, it is a busy year ahead.

Sanju creates ruckus

February 12th, 2009

A lady who lives in the same building as Sanjay Dutt was noticeably irritated with the commotion during the actor's wedding anniversary bash.

Lately, actors and their late night parties have caused enough trouble. After irate neighbours complained to the police about too much noise during Preity Zinta and Hrithik Roshan's birthday parties in January, it was Sanjay Dutt's turn on the night of February 10. Sanjay and Manyata Dutt had to face one of their building resident's ire while a lavish party to celebrate their first wedding anniversary was on in full swing at their Pali Hill residence on Tuesday night.

A middle-aged lady who resides on the first floor of the same building as Sanju created quite a ruckus about several media persons gathering outside the building. She clearly told all the media persons to immediately leave the vicinity as she was getting disturbed.

Interestingly, Sanjay happened to notice the lady frantically interacting with the media when he came out of the building premises to see off his guests, Abhishek Bachchan and Amar Singh. Sensing that the lady was unable to deftly handle the situation as there was a lot of commotion, Sanjay went up to the lady and politely asked her to calm down.

An onlooker said, “The lady looked very upset but when she saw Sanjay, she immediately calmed down. Things definitely got better after Sanjay spoke to her and politely explained the situation to her.”

Commenting on the incident, Dharam Oberoi, CEO of Sanjay Dutt Productions, said, “The lady is a lawyer. She was getting disturbed due to all the noise outside the building. Everything was eventually sorted out.”

When asked if she had called the policemen who were seen outside the building, Dharam replied, “I don't know anything about that.”

Ayesha Takiya to quit film industry

February 12th, 2009

Ayesha Takiya’s decision to get married and quit the film industry has inconvenienced only those filmmakers who had not started their projects with her.

She has served a notice to all the filmmakers who haven’t started work with her saying she’d like to opt out.
One such director who’s left in a panic situation is Jagmohan Mundhra whose Indianized version of The 40-Year Old Virgin is now heroine-less. This is the second film in a row after Rumi Jaffrey’s Life Partner when Govinda is stranded without a proper leading lady even after shooting extensively.

Says Mundhra, "That’s because we can’t sign any and everyone opposite Govinda. He’s a a huge star and a brilliant actor. And his co-star needs to match his comic timing. Ayesha Takia fitted the bill in every detail."

The role required an innocent chulbuli, totally Indian girl oblivious of the facts of life.

Says Mundhra, "It’s almost the role of a child-bride…. innocent and tomboyish, like Jaya Bhaduri in Uphaar or Moushumi Chatterjee in Balika Badhu . I could only think of Ayesha Takiya… Even Amrita Rao who would seem like a natural choice for innocent characters is now turning into a glamorous entity on magazine covers. So I guess we’re really short of innocence in Bollywood these days. I don’t know what to do because Govinda has given us dates in November. I’ve less than a month before I shoot the Indian portion of the romantic comedy. We shot the British portion of Govinda’s romantic comedy in September with a French actress Lucia. "

With no sign of the childbride for Govinda among the established actresses, Mundhra has now decided to cast a newcomer.

"Javed Akhtar has recommended Aditi Sharma. She was featured in Subhash Ghai’s Black & White. I’ll watch the film and take a final call. But, in principle, Aditi is on."

Censor Board clears Shahrukh's Billu

February 12th, 2009

Well, if you are thinking that we are referring to the self censoring of Shahrukh Khan's upcoming Friday release Billu Barber to just Billu, you are wrong! What we are talking about here is the real censoring of the film by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

As per our trade sources, Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.'s Billu, starring Irrfan Khan, Lara Dutta and Shahrukh Khan (in an extended special appearance), has been rated a social and given a 'U' censor certificate (C.C. No. CIL/1/12/2009) that is a universal certificate, with zero cuts. The length of the film is 3914.87 metres in 16 reels.

That Billu has been given a universal certificate by the censor board comes as no surprise as the movie is an out and out healthy entertainer with lots of emotional contents thrown, which makes it a perfect family fare, like most of Priyadarshan's films. Trade predicts a good to decent opening for Billu, which should pick up by good word of mouth, but a lot will depend upon the length and placement of Shahrukh's portions in the film.

Akshay Kumar to work for free!

February 12th, 2009

Akshay Kumar will be working free of a fee for the first time.

And it’s thanks to Priyadarshan’s father who has provoked Priyan into getting gritty.

Priyadarshan broke down and wept when his academician-father K.V. Nair , a severe critic of his son’s work now ailing in hospital, saw his son’s work in Kanjeevaram.

“My father never liked any of my films. Never. Not one. When he saw Kanjeevaram he told me for the first time he was proud of me. It was the most liberating moment of my life. I felt I had achieved all I had set out to as a filmmaker.”

And now Priyan intends to make one film every year that will come straight from the heart.

Akshay Kumar won’t charge the prolific Priyadarshan a single rupee for the film on AIDS that they will be collaborating over in August.

This is the first time that Akshay has agreed to work gratis. Could it have something to do with recession and the way the superstar’s latest film has fared at the boxoffice?

“None of the above!” quips the prolific Priyan. “Recession has certainly hit Bollywood. My sequel to Malaamal Weekly has been shelved because it’s no longer commercially viable. But a film with Akshay Kumar or Shah Rukh Khan is certainly not endangered by recession. Akshay has no cause for worry. His fee, like mine, has to vary according to the nature of the project.”

Priyan whose directorial charges are selfadmittedly Rs 11 crores, has opted for a voluntary cut in future projects . “The price factor will depend on the project. A film directed by me starring Darsheel Safary like Bam Bam Bhole can’t be sold at the sane price as a film with me and Akshay. At the same time when when Akshay and I are doing a stark film on AIDS we both leave our negotiating abilities behind. But when we work on a big project De Dana Dan none of is buying the recession theory. I think a lot of producers are using recession as an excuse for underpayment.”

The AIDS film which Priyan will direct in August is that one mandatory from-the-heart film that director has decided to make every year. “I’ve to do those films that I believe in alongside the ones that the audience wants from me. The AIDS film will be a songless 1 hour 50 minute presentation . It’s for a cause and therefore worthy of a cut Even Paresh Rawal is not charging any money for this film.”

Valentine weekend looks bright!

February 12th, 2009

Three Tamil films- Siva Manasula Sakthi, Perumal and Kudiyarasu are releasing for the Valentine weekend (Feb 13 to 15).

Then there is Kalanithi Maran's Sun Pictures first English film distribution Outlander and Priyadarshan’s Kuselan remake Biloo.

Among the lot Vikatan Talkies Siva Manasula Sakthi looks ideal for Valentine weekend. A boy Jeeva meets girl Anuya love-hate relationship, super songs by Yuvan and urban feel about it. But without the backing of Sun Pictures can it work at the box-office?

Sundar.C's long delayed Perumal is due for release this Friday after repeated postponements. A typical B and C kind of mass masala, with Namitha and Meenakshi for glamour. Nothing much is known about Kudiarasu, said to be inspired by the Watergate scandal!

Sun Pictures is promoting the new action hero Jim Caviezel's Outlander and its dubbed Tamil version aggressively through their channels. It's a decent action movie and provides solid entertainment and is sure to be lapped up by our audiences who likes this kind of films.

Biloo, Priyadarshan's remake of Kuselan has been lukewarm with the theatres in Tamilnadu. It is only releasing in Chennai and there is no hype around it.