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Adlabs backs 3 Harry Baweja projects

By IndiaFM News Bureau, July 27, 2006 - 04:30 IST

Filmmaker Harry Baweja and Adlabs have joined hands for his forthcoming films. Adlabs will be supporting Harry Baweja to make three films for them. Adlabs has allotted a budget of Rs. 50 crores for the same.

These three films include Harman Baweja's launch pad with Priyanka Chopra – Love 2050, Urmila Matondkar and Aftab Shivdasani starrer Speed and another big project.

Harry Baweja has confirmed the news and is all set to start shooting from August onwards.

Priyanka Chopra and Dino Morea to perform in Fiji concert

By IndiaFM News Bureau, July 27, 2006 - 04:31 IST

After working together for the first time in Dharmesh Darshan's Aap Ki Khatir, actress Priyanka Chopra and Dino Morea will team up once again. They are going perform in two concerts in Fiji in September.

While in movie Aap Ki Khatir, Dino will be seen as Priyanka's boyfriend. According to organizing spokesman Vinesh Kumar of VS Promotions, the duo would be accompanied by singer Abhijeet Sawant and comedian Jimmy Moses. He informed that shows would be held in Suva on September 13 and in Lautoka on September 14.

Shahrukh Khan also roped in for a cameo in Arjun's film

By IndiaFM News Bureau, July 27, 2006 - 04:39 IST

We all know Hrithk Roshan is doing a special appearance in Arjun Rampal's first home production 'I See You'. Now the bonus attraction just gets bigger with even Shahrukh Khan being roped in for a cameo. The film is currently being shot in London. Shahrukh recently shot for his part though he won't be seen together with Hrithik in the film.

Arjun plays the main lead in the film which also stars Chunky Pandey, Sonali Kulkarni and Boman Irani.

'Mr. Fraud'

By Taran Adarsh, July 27, 2006 - 23:34 IST

The title of a film should be an indicator of its content. And Abbas-Mustan are extremely choosy when it comes To choosing the title of their films. Be it AGNEEKAAL, BAAZIGAR, TAARZAN or their last release, 36 CHINA TOWN, the director duo have, most of the times, believed in opting for offbeat titles for their films.

Although the talented directors had commenced shooting of Ashtavinayak's Sanjay Dutt-Ajay Devgan-Bipasha Basu starrer in London, the title of the film was still undecided. But the title has been confirmed and so is the release date. The title is MR. FRAUD and the release is planned for January/February 2007.

But the question is, who among the two is 'Mr. Fraud' in the film -- Sanju or Ajay?

Katputtli' eyes 'K.A.N.K.'

By IndiaFM News Bureau, July 27, 2006 - 23:58 IST

At a time when producers are vary of releasing their films in the same week as Karan Johar's KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA, actress Mink and her brother Punnu have decided to target their first production, KATPUTTLI, on the same day as Karan's film. KATPUTTLI, starring Mink and Milind Soman in the lead, was initially slated for release on August 4, but the brother-sister duo has decided to postpone the film by one week and release it on the same day as K.A.N.K.

Aren't they scared that a mighty opposition like K.A.N.K. will 'swallow' a low-budget film like KATPUTTLI? "We shifted KATPUTTLI from August 4 to 11 because there are three films slated for release on August 4 [ANTHONY KAUN HAI?, SHAADI KARKE PHAS GAYA YAAR and DARWAZA BANDH RAKHO] and we didn't want KATPUTTLI to get lost in the crowd. Also, we weren't getting the right chain of theatres for our film," Mink reasons, "With K.A.N.K. as an opposition, we will be assured of getting the overflow crowd at least. If moviegoers don't get tickets for Karan's film, they might be tempted to watch KATPUTTLI. We are keeping my fingers crossed on that."

Meanwhile, Mink and Punnu are on a promotional tour, spreading the word about their film. "We've been to Delhi, Chandigarh, Moga, Ludhiana and Karnal in the North, had a press meet in Mumbai on Tuesday [July 25] and would be heading for Kolkata and Hyderabad soon," Punnu says.

Together!

By Taran Adarsh, July 28, 2006 - 00:26 IST

Imagine Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar under one roof? That would send the paparazzi in a tizzy, you'd agree. It's a rarity to have three of the biggest names in film business chatting and mingling with one another, without any discomfort whatsoever.

Last night [Thursday, July 27], the crme de la crme of the film industry had assembled at Yash Raj's sprawling studio for a sneak peek into one of the keenly anticipated movies of the year: OMKARA. SRK came with wife Gauri, while Aamir walked in with wife Kiran.

Wait, the names that attended the screening of OMKARA is not complete yet. Karan Johar was amongst the first to arrive, while Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani [DON] trooped in a few minutes later. Ronnie Screwvala, the head honcho of UTV, was present with Zarine Mehta and Ram Mirchandani.

Mani Ratnam made heads turn as he arrived for the screening. The normally reticent Mani rarely makes an appearance in the social circuit in Mumbai, so that indeed came as a pleasant surprise.

The glam quotient at the screening would put any Page 3 party to shame. Kareena Kapoor personally looked after her guests, which included Shahid's father Pankaj Kapur and wife Supriya. Beau Shahid Kapoor joined them later. Priyanka Chopra arrived with her family – father, mother and brother.

Konkona Sen Sharma, Arbaaz Khan and Malaika, Sanjay Kapoor and Maheep, Neelam, Amrita Arora, Soham [KAAL], Bunty Walia [EK AJNABEE], Ramesh Taurani [of Tips], Ken Ghosh, choreographer-director Ahmed Khan, Niranjan Iyengar [writer of Karan Johar's films] were there as well.

The intermission was like one big party, with the guests having a feast. Like a prominent film-maker commented, "We could breathe easily and watch the film at peace because [thankfully] no mediaperson was invited for the screening [barring this writer]. Otherwise, could you ever imagine SRK and Aamir at their natural best?"

OMKARA received a standing ovation after the screening concluded. In fact, both SRK and Aamir remained seated till the very last frame of the rolling titles.

OMKARA producer Kumar Mangat and director Vishal Bhardwaj played perfect hosts.

David Dhawan to do a non-comic film

By IndiaFM News Bureau, July 28, 2006 - 03:00 IST

The moment you hear the name David Dhawan, the only thing that comes to your mind are crazy comedy films. But surprisingly, Dhawan has said that he has planned to make a film which will be non-comic. It is a story by Renzil D'silva, the co writer of Rang De Basanti. David Dhawan just loved the subject and decided to do the film the moment he heard the script. The film will be produced by UTV which will go on floors in November.

Besides this, he will also be remaking Amar Akbar Anthony starring Salman, Sohail and Arbaaz Khan which will be shot next year. But currently, David Dhawan is busy shooting Partner starring Govinda and Salman Khan.

Saroj Khan and Shravan to make appearance in Sanu's film

By IndiaFM News Bureau, July 28, 2006 - 03:12 IST

Ujjwal Chatterjee's Utthan was recently in the news when the producer Kumar Sanu had a poster of the film released where Neha Dhupia had a wardrobe malfunction. After that, she dissociated herself from the film. .

We bring you some exclusive details about the film. The main lead of the film Priyanshu Chatterjee will be seen in a negative role probably for the first time in his career. Apart from that there will be a beauty contest held in the film where there will be celebrity judges. The first judge will be the producer Kumar Sanu himself. The next judge will be Saroj Khan who recently made her debut in Naseeruddin Shah's Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota and finally we will be seeing music director Shravan of Nadeem-Shravan fame.

Akshay to become Upen's martial arts 'guru'?

By Abid, July 28, 2006 - 03:21 IST

According to the buzz, model-turned-actor Upen Patel has requested Akshay Kumar to teach him a few martial arts tricks. The duo will be appearing together in Vipul Shah's Namaste London. Apparently, Upen requested him by way of an SMS, while Akshay was shooting for Priyadarshan's 'Bhagam Bhag' (with Govinda) in London recently.

Akshay called back Upen and promised him all help in the matter.

Music director Shravan's new film

By Taran Adarsh, July 28, 2006 - 07:55 IST

Music director Shravan has announced his new film…

Shravan Films International in association with Bollywood Calling have teamed Sneha Ullal and newcomers Kumar Sahil and Sanaa Mirza in KAASH… MERE HOTE!. Directed by B.H. Tharun Kumar for producer Shravan Rathod, the film also stars Anupam Kher, Hemant Birje and Johny Lever.

Music by Sanjeev-Darshan, lyrics by Sameer and Satya Prakash, story-screenplay by Prakash Pange, scenario by Surender Bhatia, dialogue by Smita Kapoor, cinematography by Sanjay V. Malkar, editing by K. Ravi Kumar, styling by Pankaj Arora and action by Mehmood Bakshi are the major credits.

Three songs have already been recorded by music directors Sanjeev-Darshan. The film will mount the sets with a month-long stint in Mauritius.

Interview : Karan Johar gets the best out of you: Shankar Mahadevan

Shankar Mahadevan, the singer-turned-music director of the Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy trio, is full of praise for the eagerly awaited 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' (KANK) of filmmaker Karan Johar, with whom they are working once again.

'Karan gets the best out of you. He is very sure about the kind of music he wants and the kind of music he doesn't want,' Shankar said.

In an interview with us, the singer with a silky voice defended the trio's music for KANK, saying criticism is a part of the game.

'At first critics said the entire KANK album is not up to the mark. After 'Mitwa' started ruling the charts, they started saying that it is the only good song in the film. So, criticism is a part of the game,' he said.

Excerpts from the interview:

Your music for 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' was listed in a recently conducted poll on 50 timeless melodies.

We feel extremely proud and happy to be part of that list. With the kind of hard work and dedication we put into our projects, it was an encouragement for the work we do.

Your current track 'Mitwa' from KANK is ruling the charts. You roped in Pakistani singer Shafqat Amanat Ali to sing for you. How was it working with him?

I heard a song from one of Amanat's albums on radio almost a year back. I liked his voice at that time and gathered details about him. Nothing happened for the next one year. When we composed 'Mitwa', we had two options - either I lend my voice to it or get someone else. Since we wanted the song to be different, we decided to ask Amanat because he has a splendid voice.

KANK is your second film with Karan Johar. Is he too demanding as a director?

Yes, Karan gets the best out of you. He is very sure about the kind of music he wants and the kind of music he doesn't want.

What about the criticisms that KANK music received from some quarters?

We have got used to criticisms. It's a part of the game. At first, they said the entire album is not good. After 'Mitwa' started ruling the charts, they started saying that it is the only good song in the film. Now that the title track is doing well, they will soon say that it's a good song. So, it keeps on happening and is a common phenomenon.

Tell us about the new song 'Rock and roll soniye' from the 'KANK' album. Are you expecting another 'Kajra re'?

The song is going to do extremely well. I saw the picturisation of the song just a couple of days back. It has Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan together again after 'Kajra re' and will definitely rock the listeners.

Recently you had also composed a jingle for Anil Ambani's firm? Any other non-film project you are working on?

We are working on a song for AIDS awareness called 'Haath se haath mila', the lyrics of which have been penned by Javed Akhtar. The video of the song will feature many celebrities and will soon be out.

We also run a group called 'Shakti' along with Ustad Zakir Hussain, Mandolin Srinivas, Jean and Selva Ganesh. We are planning something new soon.

Who was your Guru?

It was Mrs. P.R. Balamani. She trained me in Carnatic music.

Your dream song you wish you had sung?

It's very difficult to choose from a huge collection of songs that I wish I could have sung, especially the songs from yesteryears. But still, if given a chance, it would be 'Abhi na jao chhod ke'.

The music director you would love to worked with?

It is one and only R.D. Burman saab.

Any message to the people who were victims of the Mumbai bomb blasts?

It was one of the most horrible incidents. We have got to be strong and united in this hour of crisis and fight these acts of terror.

Interview : Hrithik on the top of the world with Krrish!

Hrithik Roshan talks after the super success of 'Krrish' that has hailed him as the superhero of Bollywood and is also on its way to become a blockbuster. The film has appealed to one and all, and Hrithik has been catapulted to new heights for his efforts and immense ability to carry the film on his shoulders. Today where he stands - he has become children's icon. The film has also been academically greeted by a B-school.

Excerpts from the Interview:

How do you feel today turning into children's icon?

It is a great high to feel myself in that position. They have appreciated me as a mentally challenged Rohit and also in the superhero image of Krrish. I'm overwhelmed by audience's compassion and love towards the character. It's really a great compliment from them to me. Thankfully as I veiled the role of super-hero after playing the vulnerable Rohit, they didn't reject me. It would have been a great fall for me have I failed as a super hero.

How did you feel with the arrival of Superman Returns just a week after the release of Krrish?

When the watched the film Superman in Durban, I loved it. In true sense of the term there could be no competition between the two. I know that they fall under the same genre of films, but filmmaking of the west and India is different. Also I loved Christopher Reeve more and didn't think Brendan Routh matched up with him.

So will there be another sequel following it?

We're pondering over it. I'm planning my next super-hero film to have more of what was presented this time. I intend to take the film to a different level completely. There will no budget constraints this time. It'll be made with state of the art technologies and we'll get the technical help from all over the world to our desk. The film will have all it seeks.

How do you feel that Indian Institute of Management Indore, has selected Krrish for an international case study?

Our efforts are reaping good result and this shows. I knew that the film would go to new heights. But I didn't expect that it would go to such high limits. The excitement about the success of Krrish doubled up after hearing the news. Academic endorsement is exceptional to Indian cinema. It's the second film after Sholay to get such honour. It's truly an achievement of sorts. Dad's insight as a business strategist gets acknowledged with such honour. Truly he has a great sense how to pack a movie and present it. Only a good story and great ensemble of cast is not enough for a film. Packaging and marketing is also necessary.

Interview : I'm very excited about the film: Vivek

After going through equal amount of ups and down is professional and personal front, Viveik Oberoi at last looks at peace with himself. The past few years had been pretty tormentous on this young man. Now with everything back on the track, we catch up with him in happy spirit. He is doing some good work and people are talking more about it than his personal life. As he searches for his true passion again he is cherishing this welcoming change. Playing the role of Kesu Firangi in Vishal Bharadwaj 'Omkara' releasing this Friday, we catch up with him to hear his version of it.

Excerpts from the Interview:

What's your character in the film?

I'm very excited about the film because this is something that I've never done before. I play the role of Kesu Firangi. He is a truthful and upright character. He is powerful but also has self-pity. He is Omkara's successor. University students love him but people fear him. He has a volatile temper and is fearless. But he is also emotional and vulnerable. When people hurt him he breaks down. He is a musician and plays guitar. He is also lady charmer and is popular among girls. He loves Billo (Bipasha Basu). One of the striking aspects in the character is that he speaks English lot and also knows local language well. For his elocution of English he is nicknamed Firangi. Kesu Firangi had different shades in his character and I had a tough time going through it.

Which is your favourite character from the film?

All three of them, Omkara, Langda Tyagi and Kesu Firangi! If I would have my way I would have played all the three characters in the film.

It's for the first time you'll be doing an item number in the film Omkara.

Yes the track is called 'Bidi Jalaike'. I've never demonstrated my dancing ability and the song gives me enough opportunity to gyrate. For this number I'm supposed to be completely sloshed and loved doing this rustic and energetic track. Choreographer Ganesh Hegde guided me with the jhatkas and latkas.

Tell us how did you feel working with Vishal Bharadwaj?

My film with Vishalbhai called Baraf would have been the debut film of both his and mine. I got the offer to work in that film even before Company released. Ajay Devgan was producing the film and I was in the lead. It is one of my favourite scripts but it didn't work out. I had always wanted to work with Vishalbhai. He came to me with Omkara, and somehow I didn't wanted to play the role of Cassio. I had gone through the play before and I didn't like the dull and colourless character at all. I said him that I didn't want to play Cassio. He said me that he didn't want me to play Cassio, he wanted me to be Kesu Firangi. The narration hooked me and there were tears in my eyes, I hugged him. Kesu Firangi is a gift for me from Vishalbhai. I lived with the character. My character is his vision and I molded myself according to him. I want to work with him again.

How about getting to work together again with Ajay Devgan?

I love to work with him. I feel I'm his lucky mascot. All our films together have a success story. This is for the fifth time we come together after Company, Masti, Kaal and Yuva. In my four years of career, I've done a film with him every year. We share a great relation. I hope this film does well too.

You're paired opposite Bipasha Basu in the film. How was it work with her?

Bipasha is truly very sensuous and off screen too she is very beautiful, strong and funny. We had a great time shooting and I had known her since the days of Kaal. We were doing a scene on the giant wheel and as it started moving she felt so scared as she has height phobia. I too got scared seeing her. But despite of her fear she gave a perfect shot for the scene. I truly respect and admire her. I also liked working with Kareena and I have some very good scenes with her.

EMRAAN TO MARRY BY YEAR-END

By S. Kumar - Eye TV India Bureau

In the News

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Bollywood's serial kisser Emraan Hashmi who has a mix of sex and drama, has announced that he will marry with his long time girlfriend Parveen Sahani by the end of this year. His marriage will, however, not stand in his onscreen work. After all, his fiance has never objected to his serial kissing in all his movies, except the recently released 'The Killer'. Emraan was asked if erotica isn't synonym with him. And, he admits that he cannot detach himself from his career, what may come.

He claims that his fiance understands the needs of his profession. In his latest movie, 'The Killer' of Mukesh Bhatt, he has spared his heroine, a bar dancer played by sex bomb Nisha Kothari. Maybe it is accidental as all his movies in the past have had plenty of lip lock scenes. Hashmi is always prepared to work with his mentor -- the Bhatts who have not only launched him but made him famous in the industry. In spite of his loyalty to the Bhatt camp, Hashmi has made his niche in other banners too. He will soon be seen in 'Dil Diya Hai' of Aditya Dutta besides several movies of Subhash Ghai - 'Good Boy Bad Boy' and 'Awarapan', to mention a few.

BOLLYWOOD'S SEN SISTERS

By Kaydee - Eye TV India Bureau

In the News

Rimi is cool, hot

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Rimi Sen has shot to fame in a short time in the industry. Her fame is attributed to the courtesy of director Priyadarshan who is too kind and is always trying to make her a star. Though Rimi's debut was B.R.Chopra's 'Baghbaan' yet Priyadarshan's comedy 'Hungama' shot her to fame. Luckily for her, soon she got an opportunity in the most popular 'Dhoom' of the Yashraj banner. Industry circles have noted that Rimi hasn't crossed her limit of decency in spite of her glamour show in Yashraj's 'Dhoom'. Rimi doesn't mind being described as a hot actress but in the category of Madhuri Dixit and certainly not as Mallika Sherawat.

Ria denies face surgery

Ria Sen is just back home from her foreign visit. A section of the press has attributed her visit to Bangkok to her face surgery. But the actress denies it and calls it rubbish. She wonders how she could resume shooting of her Hindi movies just after one and a half week's break if she had undergone the face surgery. Usually, surgeons advice at least a month's complete rest after face surgery, she adds. She claims that she had been to Bangkok for removing the extra fat from my body as per her doctor's advice. "I have been eating chocolates since my childhood. As a result, I have added a lot of fat. Now, I have given up chocolates though with regret, as there is no alternative. "

BOLLYWOOD BANTER

By Naresh Kumar - Eye TV India Bureau

Bipasha in different roles

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Sexy bomb Bipasha Basu is capable of playing any role whether of a glamorous or that of a village girl. We have recently seen her excellent performance in the role of an top business executive in Madhur Bhandarkar's 'Corporate'. On the other hand, she will soon be noticed in the character of a village girl in Vishal Bhardwaj's forthcoming movie 'Omkara'. These two roles are just opposite. But, Bipasha has justified her characters in both the movies; in 'Corporate' as a top fashionable and glamorous business executive and in 'Omkara' as an aggressive, abusive and chirpy girl playing as a nautanki dancer.

Will Karisma help Kareena?

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Kareena Kapoor has already traveled a long way in the industry and therefore charges comparatively high professional fee for his work . This is another thing that most of her films so far have flopped. In spite of it, her performance has been widely acclaimed by the viewers as well as the critics. She has already played all types of roles, including serious and art genre ones. However, she has an unfulfilled wish; she wants to work with her elder sis Karisma Kapoor. It is wondered how she would be able to succeed in it as Karisma has already been out of films since her marriage and the birth of her child. Hopefully, Karisma will find a way out to fulfill her younger sis' wish to work with her. Shiney dates Sush

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Of late, Sushmita Sen is noticed with Shiney Ahuja. They began mixing with each other during and after shooting of their movie. After the shoot, Shiney took Sush out for dating but entertained her with a roadside vendor's ice-cream followed by chocolates. Doesn't Shiney need to learn as how to date a former Miss Universe?

Muhurt of 'Danger Lover'

The Dreamland Films has recently launched 'Danger Lover' under its banner. The movie's director Dharmendra Choudhry has claimed that his 'Danger Lover' is based on a true incident. As the title mentions, the movie is a love story in which a lover commits suicide following the separation with his beloved. The movie is full of comedy, too. The movie has already been shot in Delhi and NCR besides Jaipur, and will be completed in September this year.

Mumtaz bathes in milk!

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Sex siren of South India actress Mumtaz is teaming up with her mentor director Vijya T Rajender in the latter's movie 'Veerasami'. Rajender plays the character of a ruffian and Mumtaz that of a Sarasu. Mumtaz has shed ten kilos to play this character of a dancer in this movie. Interestingly, the movie has a song called 'Vanna Vanna Aadai…' that has been shot at seven different sets. Mumtaz sings this song where she has to bathe in a tub full of milk. According to reports one thousand liters of milk has been used. Besides, the sets have cost Rs three million. Mumtaz wonders if her tag of a glamour girl will change into that a performing artist in this movie. Meghna Naidu is also starring in it though in the role of a college student. The movie is likely to release next month.

VIDYA BALAN AVERSE TO BE CALLED SEXY

By S. Kumar - Eye TV India Bureau

Tete-a-Tete

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Vidya Balan, a sociology master's - turned - model - turned- actress, hates to be called sexy girl and wear scent clothes. She doesn't mind to be placed in the category of heroines of 60s and 70s. The favorite of Pradeep Sarkar since her video albums with him she shot to fame in the character of Lolita in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's production 'Parineeta'. Since then she has not looked back and has signed several movies like Vidhu's ''Eklavya' and 'Munnabhai Meets Mahatama' besides several others. Some movie contracts are under negotiation, she adds. Our team met and chatted with her about her future plan.

Excerpts of chat with her:

Aren't you doing glamour roles though you represent a traditional Indian women image?

Yes, I have acted in 'Parineeta' and have been doing several other movies in this genre. On the other hand, I am also acting in 'Salam-E-Ishq' and 'Munnabhai Meets Mahatama'. I play a modern girl in both these movies. However, it doesn't mean that I have worn scent clothes. I don't want to do roles, which require scent outfits. However, I am not allergic to most modern roles.

Don't you feel proud of being called sexy?

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No, I don't like it at all. I believe that by wearing scent clothes one does not become a star. If it were so all such girls would have become stars by now. I believe that one can prove a hit even by wearing sari and salwar -kurta. In fact, a covered body looks more sexy and handsome. I don't want to be called sexy though.

So, are you an admirer of old heroines?

Yes, I am sure that today's heroines are not as beautiful and sexy as we had during 60s and 70s. Those heroines were more polite. I wish I had worked with them.

Would you like to work in regional language movies?

Yes, I want to do regional films and I have already done some.

What's your future plan - career or marriage?

I am doing very well as far as my career is concerned. I have lot of films on hand. I have to do something big. I cannot think of marriage now. At present, I am fully devoted towards my career.

What are your forthcoming movies?

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I am doing Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 'Eklavya' and 'Munnabhai Meets Mahatama'. I am also doing Sudhir Mishra's 'Bahut Nikle Mere Armaan', Rituparno Ghosh's 'Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam', Nikhil Advani's 'Salam-E- Ishq' and 'Yagna' and Mani Ratnam's 'Guru'. Apart from these, there are certain movies, which are under negotiation.

OMKARA IS A GOOD FILM BUT A BAD ENTERTAINER

By Pankaj Shukla - Eye TV India Bureau

Critic's I-view

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To make film on literature and still be loyal to cinema is not an easy task. Lyricist Shailendra put his all money on the story 'Maare Gaye Gulfam' of Fanishwar Nath Renu to make 'Teesri Kasam', the only film he made as a producer and died of heart attack after it collapsed at box office. But, Sanjay Leela Bhansali won accolades worldwide when he just took the characters of 'Devdas' by Sharat Chandra and made them look modern in his film of the same name.

And, now music director-turned-film director Vishal Bhardwaj attempts the litmus test by trying his hands on 'Othello', the famous drama by none other than Shakespeare. And, this is his second take on Shakespeare after the famous 'Maqbool' that he made on Macbeth. Many people in India as well in the West have tried to build a bond between literature and cinema, but after watching 'Omkara' claimed to have been made on Othello, one feels that the directors better leave literature for its identity, if they are going to make films like these.

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First, it's a warning for those who are planning to watch 'Omkara' at the weekend with their families to refrain from doing so. 'Omkara' is agood film if you watch it in the absence of your family members. It's like 'Bandit Queen' revisited where expletive words and dialogues pour in and cross all the limits of decency. For me, I never expected this from Vishal Bhardwaj. And, if Vishal thought that adding these kinds of words is the only way to attract public attention, then he is letting down the entire cast.

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'Omkara' moves around Ajay Devgan in the title role. He is 'Othello' of Vishal. He runs a gang of hooligans who control the mob with their muscle power. Omi referred as Omkara in the entire film has two trusted lieutenants: one is Kesu Firangi (Vivek Oberoi), the Casio, and other is Langda Tyagi (Saif Ali Khan), the Iago. As Othello does in the original novel, Omi awards number 2 position in his gang surpassing Langda Tyagi. Tyagi is too devoted to Omi. He cannot digest the fact that Keshu has beaten him in the race of loyalty.

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From here Tyagi changes completely and he plans to make life of Omi and Keshu hell. Enter Emilla alias Indu (Konkana Sen Sharma), Tyagi's wife, and he hatches a plan that will sow the seeds of mistrust and jealousy between Omi and Keshu. And for this he makes Desdemona alias Dolly (Kareena Kapoor) his target. Tyagi makes Omi believe that something is cooking on between Keshu and Dolly. The chosen target is hit with a right bang and Omi's anger is about to erupt as a volcano, but he puts a lid on this and the anger seeps out in parts but more dangerously.

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As a film 'Omkara' is a masterpiece, but as an entertainer it is not. The film is worth watching for its craftsmanship but not many in the cities of Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata will co-relate with the language of the happenings. Vishal Bhardwaj has worked hard on the script with the help of Robin Bhatt and Akash Khurana, but the end result is not as encouraging as it could have been. Maybe the trio was very much influenced by 'Bandit Queen', but they must know how the gang lords of western Uttar Pradesh talk.

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They do abuse each other but not like this and women do not use such a filthy language at least with their near and dear ones. Minus the filthy language, 'Omkara' could have been a treat to watch. Having scored already on music tracks, the film got very good opening in the first show, but the word of mouth bad publicity brought the attendance down to nearly sixty percent in the evening shows. 'Omkara' also scores at the creative level in art department and the costume section too needs to be appreciated. Each character in the film is given a different look and the feel. Costumes are apt too.

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'Omkara' will also be remembered for fine acting by its cast. This is rare that the entire cast works in tandem and supports each other. If Ajay Devgan shows the vulnerability and task mastery in the role of Omi, it's Saif Ali Khan who in the role of Langda Tyagi complements Omi's character with his evil designs. Saif and Ajay have worked before in 'Kachche Dhage' too, and this pair can be deadly on screen for sure. Vivek Oberoi after a long gets a role that suits his personality and reminds of Chandu Nagre while doing Keshu in 'Omkara'. Kareena Kapoor as a village belle who performs well and looks ready to do everything to get a place in the different cinema. Bipasha Basu is there as a bonus for the viewers.

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However, the lady who lasts even after the film is over is none other than Konkana Sen Sharma. She is just superb, be it making the cow dung cakes or taking part in the evil works of her husband. The film has all the north Indian ingredients to make it work in at least in U.P and Bihar. But why the people will come to theatres to see what they watch daily is a question Vishal should have posed to himself before attempting on the look and feel of 'Omkara'. On the whole, 'Omkara' will be remembered as another good work by a brilliant director, but it may not find a place in the hit films of the year. Take care, Vishal if you attempt to make 'King Lear' in future!

MALLIKA WOOS JOHN AND RAHUL BOSE

By Kaydee - Eye TV India Bureau

In the News

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Is Mallika Sherawat riding on two boats these days? Yes, it looks like this. On the one hand, she is luring macho man John Abraham and on the other Rahul Bose, a gentleman and a Gandhian thinker-cum-actor. While John represents commercial movies, Rahul belongs to the art genre. Do you know that Mallika Sherawat has presumably broken the film industry's golden pair of Bipasha Basu and John Abraham. This pair is considered stronger than the Kareena Kapoor and Shaahid Kapoor's. John has reportedly come closer to Mallika during their recently concluded world tour. Bips has confidence in her boyfriend John, but not in Mallika who can do anything to win her love.

According to reports, Mallika has already charmed a socialite like Rahul Bose during the shooting of ''Pyaar Ke Side Effects' , and is stated to have entered into the life of Rahul Bose . The industry has come to know about plenty of their off screen and on screen affairs. Rahul has confessed it too by professing that he has enjoyed working with Mallika. As a result, Mallika is heard talking about Rahul and about the roles he should or should not do. The industry is puzzled if Mallika would like to ride on commercial or offbeat boat.

'BAS EK PAL' FAILS TO CONVINCE

By Tarun Revoo - Eye TV India Bureau

In the News

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'Bas Ek Pal' which is directed by Onir of 'My Brother Nikhil' fame was screened in the Indian Competing Category at a special show in New Delhi. This is slated to release on August 25th. The film boosts of an impressive star cast which includes Urmila Matondkar as Anamika, Sanjay Suri as Nikhil, Juhi Chawla as Ira, Jimmy Shergill as Rahul and Rehan Engineer as Steve. The film also has special performances by Yashpal Sharma, Purab Kohli and Chetan Pandit, and deals with five main characters, their complex relationships and how an incident changes the lives of these characters. Besides, it talks about a lot of sensitive issues but the way these issues are handled can be questioned. The film has a very urban feel to it. The characters are very stylish and glamorous. But is it enough to attract audiences to theaters? For 'Bas Ek Pal' it might not be enough. There are some powerful performances by the characters but the plot in the end becomes a clichd one.

The film starts with Sanjay Suri who plays the role of Nikhil Kapoor, a single and arrogant person. He works with an MNC after graduating from a management school in Boston. After the death of his parents in a road accident he comes back to India where his childhood friend Rahul Kher played by Jimmy Shergill is based. Rahul is also single and an introvert. Rahul loves playing basketball and before the interval there are very few times when he is seen anywhere except the basketball court. Nikhil meets Anamika Joshi played by Urmila Matondkar. She is a civil contractor, and falls in love at first sight for Nikhil.

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Anamika or as her friends call her Anu, is an intelligent and a vibrant person. Steve O'Brien played by Rehaan Engineer is a builder by profession. He has been married for five years. He loves his wife Ira Malhotra played by Juhi Chawla but their marriage is going through a bad phase. Ira Malhotra is a former Miss India who gave up her glamorous life to get married with the person she loved, Steve. Steve always threatens to kill himself if she mentions about moving out. Steve is also a friend with Nikhil and Rahul. They decide to visit the same pub where Nikhil and Anamika had met. Anamika is there with a friend, who is a son of a big shot cop. There is a brawl in the bar and Nikhil accidentally fires at Rahul. This incident changes the lives of these five characters forever.

The music of the film is pretty ordinary. The songs are average. The music does not add anything to the film.

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If you have seen Onir's first film be ready to be disappointed by this waste of an effort. If you have seen 'My Brother Nikhil' you would have expected a lot from the director and the film as I did but it failed to convince me. There are so many points being made in the film that you wonder what is happening. If I have to put so much of my grey matter in trying to understand a film, I would rather not want to watch it.