| Om Shanti Om | - Page 33

A cracker for Diwali

September 12, 2007

The two Shahenshahs of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan, will lock horns this Diwali at the box office. Shah Rukh starrer 'Om Shanti Om' and 'Gangotri' with Amitabh Bachchan in the lead are set to release on the same day during Diwali.

It's been long in news that 'Om Shanti Om' would release around Diwali and now producer of 'Gangotri', Deepak Sawant has decided to release his film on the same day.

"I have no issues releasing it on the same day. Jaise Shah Rukhji ka naam hai waise Amit ji ka bhi naam hai. Amitji koi kam nahin," says Sawant.

"A multiplex can screen all three movies at the same time. It will be up to the audiences to watch the movie they like. If 'Om Shanti Om' and 'Saawariya' can run to packed theaters then the audience would definitely come to see my film or vice versa.

This had happened when 'Ganga' was released. Theatres screening 'Ganga' were filled up first and then people saw 'Don'," says Sawant. Interestingly 'Don' and 'Ganga' were released during Diwali last year. Sawant had decided to go ahead with his plan to make the sequel in two languages as there were huge demands.

"My film has audience from all sections of the society. But affluent people cannot go to theatres, which screen Bhojpuri films. I also found that people who speak other languages watched 'Ganga' too," explains Sawant.

It would be interesting to see, who wins the competition at the box office: Shah Rukh with his 'Om Shanti Om' or Amitabh Bachchan with 'Gangotri'. Or will it be Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Saawariya', playing the monkey as two cats fight!

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1120882

"Today, every superstar is removing his shirt" - Farah Khan

By Joginder Tuteja, September 12, 2007 - 13:54 IST

It's not even a week since the first look of 'Dard-E-Disco' was out and the song, especially due to 'perfect-six-abs' of Shahrukh Khan, is already the talk of the town. Composed by Vishal-Shekhar and written by Javed Akhtar, 'Dard E Disco' is a 'jump-on-the-dance-floor' number which has a Persian touch to it even as overall feel of the song stays on to be Western.

"I am thrilled with the kind of reactions the song is fetching. As the teaser suggests, this is my way of re-introducing Shahrukh Khan", quips Farah Khan, director of this year's most awaited film Om Shanti Om.

Re-introduction it certainly is, considering the fact that after 'Kaal Dhamaal' [Kaal] where he danced in designer sleeveless vests with Malaika Arora, Shahrukh Khan has shed his inhibitions further and gone the Monty route, even if it is only half the way!

"Well, full credit to Shahrukh for attempting something like this which showcases him in an altogether different 'avtaar'", talks Farah fondly for her superstar friend, "The idea was to give him a much leaner look, while refraining from making it all look artificial."

"Shahrukh has a good physique but when you are required to remove shirt for the camera and the entire world is expected to watch you, extra care has to be taken", explains Farah about the effort which went behind the makeover of 40 years plus King Khan.

She adds, "We never wanted a beefy look for him, that wouldn't have worked. Instead, what you see is a body which befits that of a swimmer. Also, it was not just the physique part on which we concentrated. Even his hair has been done differently to give him a real makeover."

A contemporary track with Sukhwinder Singh in his full elements and Marianne, Nisha and Caralisa coming together for backup vocals, 'Dard-E-Disco' is a true-blue dance number, as expected from Vishal-Shekhar. Still, one can't help but ask Farah whether a situation like this was absolutely required in the film?

Justifies Farah, who is dabbling between paying visits to doctors and supervising media campaigns for her November 9 release, "As we all know, the film has Shahrukh Khan as junior artist in the 70s followed by being a superstar of 21st century. These are the times when every superstar is removing his shirt with a physique to die for. It is imperative for the character played by Shahrukh Khan also to dabble in something similar", she smiles.

Meanwhile first promo of the film has reportedly settled down with the audience too. "It was always expected that it would be very well received across multiplexes. People were clapping and cheering aloud while it was played first. You have to be there to witness the noise level when the promo was on; one could barely hear what was being played on screen", informs Farah about the crowd reaction.

"What further thrilled me was the response from theaters across UP and Bihar. After being elated with the tremendous response, distributors have not stopped calling ever since", cheers Farah.

http://indiafm.com/features/2007/09/12/3025/index.html

Eros raided by Income tax

as it is distributing OSO and there's talk that has defrauded the IT dept of crores and crores of rupees and so OSO release apparantly could be in jeapordy though OSO release is safe. Ashtivinayak also being raided.

This is on HT.

IT inspection at Eros and Ashtavinayak

By Businessofcinema.com Team
12 September 2007, 04:53 PM

MUMBAI: Early Wednesday morning, Income Tax (IT) raids were conducted at Bollywood filmed entertainment companies - Eros Entertainment and Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd.

Businessofcinema.com team visited the premises of the above mentioned companies to find tax department officials. At Eros' office in Juhu, a lady inspector and Income Tax deputy director Shujit Kumar were present at the office. According to information available with Businessofcinema.com, approximately 25 IT officials were present at Eros' office this morning. However, Kumar refused to divulge any details and directed all queries to Eros officials.

At the time of filing this report, Eros International India president Sunil Lulla was unavailable for comment.

The Shree Ashtavinayak office in Andheri too had a lady inspector present. Businessofcinema.com tried to contact company officials on the premises but was told that the office was empty as the staff was attending the mahurat of a movie at Filmistan. However, sources inform that the officials had gone to their Malad office.

When contacted, Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision managing director Dhilin Mehta said he was busy in a conference and asked to contact him later. However, despite repeated attempts Mehta remained unavailable for comment.

http://www.businessofcinema.com/boc/?file=story&id=5139

OSO Music Launch in Mumbai

Farah needs some (Om) Shanti (Om)

Director Farah Khan is dealing with a lot of stuff right now and we don't mean only her film Om Shanti Om. While coping with the last minute details of her film she also has to deal with her pregnancy. So the numerous visits to the editing suits are being accompanied with as many visits to the restroom thanks to morning sickness.

"Farah is very sick these days. We really don't know how she is managing the film and her pregnancy. It's not easy pulling out a film in itself coupled with morning sickness," says a source close to the director.

He goes onto say that Farah is personally looking into every aspect of the film – from who should wear what at which event, to the promotions, the final look. "She has the energy of I don't know how many people. If she is not in a position to come into the suite then she will have people at home or on the phone. But she is never very far away from the film no matter how bad she is doing physically."

"Often she will be sitting in the editing suite or in a meeting and she will have to excuse herself to go to the loo. But she doesn't allow it to get her down… she doesn't make a big thing about it. She comes back in a few minutes and will be back to normal as if nothing has happened. But we can see how unwell she is. It's unbelievable. We don't know how she is managing it," he adds.

Farah is known for her straightforward ways. There have often been tales of the choreographer turned director losing her cool on the sets. "Any one close to Farah knows that she is very serious about her work. Whether it was when she was a choreographer or now as a director. She does get angry if things don't go as she wants them too. And now in this state everyone is walking on egg shells… as they don't want to upset her. There have been occasions when she has lost her cool and everyone has had to run for cover!" laughs off the source.

Although neither Farah nor hubby Shirish Kunder has openly acknowledged that they are going to become parents soon, the buzz does suggest that the news is in fact true. Khan is currently seen putting her last minute touches to Om Shanti Om which is expected to hit the cinema theatres on November 9.

http://news.indya.com/newsDetails.aspx?xfile=2007/September/ News_20070912_108

Taxing times for Bollywood biggies

Manish Pachouly, Hindustan Times

Mumbai, September 13, 2007
First Published: 01:08 IST(13/9/2007)
Last Updated: 02:16 IST(13/9/2007)

The Income-Tax Department has turned its attention to Bollywood. The department raided three leading production and distribution houses — Eros International, K Sera Sera and Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision — while investigating transactions related to overseas rights of big budget films.

Eros is mainly into overseas distribution, while the other two concentrate on production.

In follow-up action, the department also conducted a survey of accounts at the office of filmmaker Sanjay Gupta. "It was a routine matter," he told HT. Jyoti Deshpande, chief operating officer of Eros, confirmed the raid, adding: "Several companies were inspected."

Parag Sanghvi, a director of K Sera Sera, said he would talk about the raid later, but could not be contacted subsequently. Despite repeated attempts, the Ashtavinayak spokesperson was not available for comment.

Tax officials said 20 premises belonging to the three companies were raided. Though it was unclear till late at night whether there were any seizures, officials said on condition of anonymity that some documents were being inspected.

Officials said they had been tipped off that the companies were under-declaring profits from overseas markets. Officials added that overseas rights of big budget films are sold for Rs 5 to 6 crore per territory.

"We believe that, in some cases, 50 to 60 per cent of the payments were received in cash and unaccounted for," a senior officer said. "We are trying to ascertain how much these companies' films were sold for, the mode of payment and whether all the transactions are above board."

SSN Murthy, the Income-Tax Department's director-general of investigations, refused to comment.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/storypage.aspx?id=3b fb9378-bc68-4f41-bfc7-63c6ff49b368&&Headline=Taxing+times+fo r+Bollywood+biggies

Music Review: OSO

By Joginder Tuteja, September 13, 2007 - 13:13 IST

The much awaited music of Om Shanti Om finally arrives on stands this weekend. IndiaFM was invited for an exclusive preview for the film's soundtrack. Read on to know more about what the album has to offer. Also, tune in on Saturday to hear the songs - yet again, EXCLUSIVELY on IndiaFM.

Expectations. Expectations. And some more expectations. This is how one looks forward to the music of Om Shanti Om from which one expects nothing but the best. And why not? After all:

a) This is the biggest ever film starring Shahrukh Khan
b) This is the second directorial venture for Farah Khan who made a smashing debut with Main Hoon Naa c) The film has created huge buzz accompanied by immense hype ever since it was launched
d) Vishal-Shekhar and Javed Akhtar saab are expected to bring on table a massy popular score
e) Last but not the least, the film travels decades which makes one look forward to variety in the soundtrack.

Are these expectations met? Well, very much as each of the seven unique tracks bring on a variety that makes Om Shanti Om a winner all the way.

It is a truly unconventional beginning to Om Shanti Om as instead of an expected 'Beat-one-Beat-two' beginning from Vishal-Shekhar, one gets to hear a rather serene 'Aankhon Mein Teri' which turns out to be an extremely soulful hear. On hearing it initially, it is the sheer 'different' factor due to which it takes some time to follow the composition. But once you have heard it closely with lights switched off and no interference around you, 'Aankhon Mein Teri' turns out to be an irresistible piece of melody that lingers on for hours.

There are number of factors which go in making 'Aankhon Mein' a song that would be remembered for time to come. First and foremost it is the re-discovery of Vishal-Shekhar who create an unconventional tune that breaks the norms which they had themselves set for them. Furthermore, Vishal himself writes lyrics for this track which turns out to be a unique experience since it shows the sensitive romantic side of him. But the biggest of all is K.K. who showcases once again that he is THE most versatile singer who we have in the Bollywood musical scene today!

Well, those who love the dance numbers coming from Vishal-Shekhar don't have to wait for long with the arrival of 'Dard-E-Disco'. This is the very track which is much talked about for Shahrukh Khan's 'perfect-six-abs' and unlike 'Aankhon Mein' which grows immensely only after a few hearings, it is an instant hit from the GO. Reminding of the style, rhythm and the funk of 'Kaal Dhamaal' [Kaal], 'Dard E Disco' is a 'jump-on-the-dance-floor' number which has a Persian touch to it even as overall feel of the song stays on to be Western.

From the title of the song, one would have expected 'Dard-E-Disco' to belong to the 80s era with a Mithun hangover it but that's not the case as the song turns out to be pretty contemporary. Sukhwinder Singh is in his full elements for this track that has some spicy writing by Javed Akhtar saab. Marianne, Nisha and Caralisa come together for backup vocals who give the song a perfect disco feel. Later in the album arrives the 'remix version' which makes for a justified presence due to the song's theme and keeps the entertainment alive.

One would have expected the graph of the album to at maximum stay steady after 'Aankhon Mine' and 'Dard-E-Disco' but to one's pleasant surprise, it shoots up amazingly with 'Deewangi Deewangi' which hooks you on within first one minute itself. A sure shot chartbuster which could well have been the opening number for the film's promotion, 'Deewangi Deewangi' is what qualifies as a trademark number which could have been lapped up by Yash Raj Films or Dharma Productions.

Coming together of Shaan, Udit Narayan, Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan and Rahul Saxena (heard in Indian Idol) ensures that there is not a single dull moment in this instant-attention-grabbing track. Boasting of the innocence in melody that was witnessed in the 70s and now presented in the 21st century 'avtar' with a fusion of 'qawalli', 'bhangra' and western arrangements, 'Deewangi Deewangi' that also incorporates the sound of Om Shanti Om would definitely lit up the screen when it is played. It's 'Rainbow Mix' only confirms the thought as it helps in consolidating the sound of the song.

If you have ever been in love, you wouldn't have missed out the dancing-couple-on-a-glass-floor gift item that has a sweet sounding tinkling sound which compliments their moves! This is the sound that marks the beginning of 'Main Agar Kahoon' which reminds one of the 60s era when songs like these were in vogue. Picturised on the likes of Rajendra Kumar and Shammi Kapoor, they were mostly sung by Late Mohd. Rafi.

This is the very reason why Sonu Nigam has been roped in to croon 'Main Agar Kahoon' which required the kind of rendition which would succeed in getting you nostalgic about the music of the era gone by. With Shreya Ghoshal in tow who is just the right fit for a song belonging to this genre, 'Main Agar Kahoon' gives a completely different flavor to the album by bringing some 'thehrav' to it after a rocking outing experienced in last few songs.

Names like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Richa Sharma are good enough reasons to expect a quality offering from Vishal-Shekhar in the song 'Jag Soona Soona Lage'. Written by guest lyricist Kumaar, this painful yet mellow track about separation has it's beginning borrowed from the opening sound of 'Main Agar Kahoon'. Both the singers are highly competent in this beautifully written number that shows an altogether different facet of the composer-duo. A track which has a thorough Indian base to it and makes for a passionate outing, expect it to make multiple appearance during the film's narrative.

It's time for the world of 'Tohfa Tohfa Tohfa' [Tohfa] as 'dhols' and 'ghunghroos' come together in unison to create the sound of late 70s and early 80s. With a Lakshmikant-Pyayelal patent all over 'Dhoom Taana', it is only consolidated further as Shreya Ghoshal sings the song in a style that was made famous by yesteryear singer S. Janaki in Jeetendra-Sridevi-Jaya Pradha films. Roping in of Abhijeet too seems to be done with a purpose since it only brings the nostalgia of Kishore Kumar in spite of no conscious effort by the singer to do so.

All through this vintage song, the 'dhol' beats accompanied by the chorus of 'Dhoom Taana' is hard to be missed though there is a shift in mood mid-way with rock-n-roll. Just recently there was news around Deepika Padukone shaking a leg with Sunil Dutt, Jeetendra and Rajesh Khanna, courtesy SFX. Well, 'Dhoom Taana' seems to be just the candidate for that setting! A winner which should definitely have the house on fire as it unfolds on the big screen. Especially watch out for the crescendo towards the song's end.

Finally comes a track which seems to be set in accordance to the reincarnation theme of the film. Set as a tribute to 'Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha' [Karz] with even the lyrics taking a cue from the classic track by Lakshmikant-Pyarelal, 'Dastaan-E-Om Shanti Om' is set in exactly the same story telling mode. The styling of this Shaan rendered track follows the same mode as one expects a high voltage dramatic narration when the song is on.

High on orchestra, 'Dastaan-E-Om Shanti Om' is an elaborate number which has a lot to convey through it's lyrics by Javed Akhtar saab. With its 'mukhda' based on the film's theme music, the song makes an appearance again towards the end of the album. In it's 'remix version' as 'Dastaan - The Dark Side Mix', it is pepped up further with additional arrangements.

Another remix track which takes the album towards its completion is 'Om Shanti Om - Medley Mix' which basically is an amalgamation of all the tracks from the film presented in a 'club-mix' avtar. A good way to wind up the album. Finally comes a minute long theme piece which is titled 'Om Shanti Om - Themes'. Played on a piano, it leaves a lasting impact even as one can revisit the sound in at least half the tracks in the album.

Credit must go to Farah Khan who mixes the commercial elements of the movie with an inherent class which she wanted to lay out in the soundtrack for Om Shanti Om. This is why a fine balancing act is done in the album with hardcore massy tracks like 'Deewangi Deewangi' [best of the lot], 'Dhoom Taana' and 'Dard-E-Disco' presented along with touching tracks like 'Aankhon Mein Teri', 'Main Agar Kahoon' and 'Jag Soona Soona Lage'. And then there is always a 'Dastaan-E-Om Shanti Om' to bring the nostalgia of 'Ek Haseena Thi' [Karz'].

Om Shanti Om is easily one of the most complete scores by Vishal-Shekhar and Javed Akhtar.

Don't forget to log in this Saturday to listen to Om Shanti Om songs, exclusively on IndiaFM

4 Stars

http://indiafm.com/movies/musicreview/12950/index.html

cant wait to watch this movie!!!

Farah Khan: I am re-introducing Shah Rukh Khan

It's not even a week since the first look of 'Dard-E-Disco' was out and the song, especially due to 'perfect-six-abs' of Shah Rukh Khan, is already the talk of the town. Composed by Vishal-Shekhar and written by Javed Akhtar, 'Dard E Disco' is a 'jump-on-the-dance-floor' number which has a Persian touch to it even as overall feel of the song stays on to be Western.

"I am thrilled with the kind of reactions the song is fetching. As the teaser suggests, this is my way of re-introducing Shah Rukh Khan", quips Farah Khan, director of this year's most awaited film Om Shanti Om.

Re-introduction it certainly is, considering the fact that after 'Kaal Dhamaal' [Kaal] where he danced in designer sleeveless vests with Malaika Arora, Shah Rukh Khan has shed his inhibitions further and gone the Monty route, even if it is only half the way!

"Well, full credit to Shah Rukh for attempting something like this which showcases him in an altogether different 'avtaar'", talks Farah fondly for her superstar friend, "The idea was to give him a much leaner look, while refraining from making it all look artificial."

"Shah Rukh has a good physique but when you are required to remove shirt for the camera and the entire world is expected to watch you, extra care has to be taken", explains Farah about the effort which went behind the makeover of 40 years plus King Khan.

She adds, "We never wanted a beefy look for him, that wouldn't have worked. Instead, what you see is a body which befits that of a swimmer. Also, it was not just the physique part on which we concentrated. Even his hair has been done differently to give him a real makeover."

A contemporary track with Sukhwinder Singh in his element and Marianne, Nisha and Caralisa coming together for backup vocals, 'Dard-E-Disco' is a true-blue dance number, as expected from Vishal-Shekhar. Still, one can't help but ask Farah whether a situation like this was absolutely required in the film?

Justifies Farah, who is dabbling between paying visits to doctors and supervising media campaigns for her November 9 release, "As we all know, the film has Shah Rukh Khan as junior artist in the 70s followed by being a superstar of 21st century. These are the times when every superstar is removing his shirt with a physique to die for. It is imperative for the character played by Shah Rukh Khan also to dabble in something similar", she smiles.

Meanwhile first promo of the film has reportedly settled down with the audience too. "It was always expected that it would be very well received across multiplexes. People were clapping and cheering aloud while it was played first. You have to be there to witness the noise level when the promo was on; one could barely hear what was being played on screen", informs Farah about the crowd reaction.

"What further thrilled me was the response from theaters across UP and Bihar. After being elated with the tremendous response, distributors have not stopped calling ever since", cheers Farah.

http://sify.com/movies/fullstory.php?id=14526175