Shahrukh Khan cozying up with Katrina Kaif

ENGLISH ROMANCE!

By now you all know that Shahrukh Khan and Katrina Kaif are in London shooting for Yashraj Films’ untitled project, but do you know that the two stars recently shot for an intense romantic scene? Wonder what Salman Khanhas to say about this.  Some images from the romantic-passionate scene have already started doing the rounds of the internet. For those trying to smell something steamy, let us tell you the scene was shot outdoors and not indoors. Shahrukh Khan and Katrina Kaif are in a lane in London, and the romantic scene features SRK getting close to Kat, while she resists. These kind of scenes are typical of Shahrukh Khan starrers; the actor has done similar scene with Madhuri Dixit in Dil Toh Pagal Hai, and also with Kajol in Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. This time it’s Katrina Kaif’s turn. In the picture, one can notice that Shahrukh is staring deep into Katrina’s eyes, but the actress is trying to avoid an eye contact, but she is wrested in Shahrukh’s strong arms. The intensity between the two is palpable. We are sureYash Chopra will once again give the audiences their favourite Khan as the romance king. Shahrukh looks best when he is romantic, and his female fans swear by this. The film also has Anushka Sharma. A few days back her carefree look from the film was revealed to the fans. Anushka was seen enjoying the bike ride with Shahrukh Khan. However, in these pictures, catch Shahrukh as the love-struck man trying to coax Katrina Kaif, but for what?

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Emraan Hashmi is USP of 'Jannat 2': Esha Gupta

Model-turned-actress Esha Gupta, who is set to make her Bollywood debut with Jannat 2, says her co-star Emraan Hashmi is one of the main attractions of the film. 

"It's a Bhatt camp (Mukesh and Mahesh Bhatt) film. You know, the film is going to be amazing because of the music. Thanks to Pritam (Chakraborty), we have got amazing music already and the star already, you know, Emraan Hashmi! What else do you think is the USP of the film," the 26-year-old said in Mumbai. 

"Jannat 2" is a sequel to the 2008-film "Jannat" and is set to hit theatres May 4. 

According to earlier reports, actress Jacqueline Fernandez was supposed to play the role, which ultimately went to Esha. But the debutante says she is lucky to have bagged the film, directed by Kunal Deshmukh. 

"Yes, that's what even I read that Jackie (Jacqueline) was supposed to do it (the film). But for some reason of hers or the director, it didn't work out. As I say... whoever gets it, it's their good luck," said Esha Gupta who was crowned Miss India International in 2007. 

She also featured in the Kingfisher calendar. 


Randeep sidelined from 'Jannat 2' promos 

"Jannat 2" features Randeep Hooda in a prominent role. He has, however, been sidelined during the promotions of the film, which is set for a May 4 release. Director Kunal Deshmukh says it was a conscious decision not to focus on him. 

The crime thriller, a sequel to the 2008 movie "Jannat", also features Emraan Hashmi and Esha Gupta. The plotline revolves around illegal arms. 

"I completely understand if Randeep is upset that he has not been promoted as much, but a conscious decision was taken that the film should be helmed by Emraan Hashmi," Deshmukh, who directed 'Jannat', told IANS. 

"At the end, there is only one hero and I don't want to pitch my film as a double-hero movie as it would give a wrong idea about the film. I don't think Randeep should feel bad because when people will watch the film, they will see what he is and how important he is for the film," he added. 

The director says explaining promotional strategy of a film to any actor is not required. 

"I don't see why an actor has to be explained the promotional strategy of a film before he signs it. An actor should be happy if people come to watch the film," said Deshmukh.

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Kareena Kapoor’s cameo for Akshay Kumar’s 'Rowdy Rathore'!

Kareena Kapoor is busy making special appearances in films nowadays, it seems. Besides the item song in Dabangg 2, Bebo will also be seen making a guest appearance in the Akshay Kumar starrer Rowdy Rathore. 

The actress recently shot for her portions in the film, directed by Prabhu Deva. However, Kareena did not charge any fee for her cameo. Rather, she says she did the cameo for the film’s producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali and co-producer Shabinaa Khan. 

Kareena Kapoor has been on friendly terms with Shabinaa Khan for years. The two first became friends when Shabinaa Khan, as a designer, used to design clothes for Shahid Kapoor. Even though Kareena broke up with Shahid she kept her friendship with Shabinaa intact. And doing a cameo for free for Shabinaa only goes to show Kareena’s love for her. 

However, a source tells us that Shabinaa Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali might reciprocate to Kareena Kapoor’s favour by giving her an expensive gift. 

Watch this space for more.

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Emraan Hashmi chew tobacco for 'Shanghai'

Emraan Hashmi bid adieu to smoking a long time back but little did the actor knew he would have to chew tobacco soon. To play a foul-mouthed reporter in Dibakar Banerjee's Shanghai, he had to re-start the habit.

On the first day of the shoot, Emraan Hashmi was asked to chew tobacco for a scene and it was not a pleasant experience. Tobacco left him with such a distaste that Emraan almost threw up and felt giddy.

The director insisted that since his role required him to do it, there was no other way out. After a lot of discussions, Banerjee and Emraan Hashmi came to the conclusion that the actor should chew tobacco.

Meanwhile, check out the trailer of ‘Shanghai’ below: 

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Titanic 3D' more magnificent after 15 years - Review

Film:Titanic 3D 

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet and Billy Zane 

Director: James Cameron 

Since "Titanic" originally released in 1997, the first question that comes to one's mind is of reasons to 'revisit' the film. The second question is about a film that may have won maximum Oscars, but whether 3D is good enough reason to not buy a DVD instead?

Vivacious Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) travelling third class on Titanic falls for the beautiful but lonely Rose (Kate Winslet). As the ship hits an iceberg, a battle for survival is waged even as the jealous, industrialist fiancé Cal (Billy Zane) bays for the blood of the two lovers.

Titanic, the film, as the ship in 1914, has become stuff of legends so it's pointless to recount the obvious. Let's try and see the invisible.

The most striking thing about 'Titanic' is the immaculate and almost painful detailing. Like Stanley Kubrick, James Cameron delights both the novice and discerning viewers with the detail in every door knob, every headgear, every marking on every china-plate and every expression on actors faces.

It is thus the mother of all disaster movies not because it is based on a real incident but because of this attention given to so much detail. That is perhaps the reason why, among many other probables, Titanic became first among the classics to gain a 3D restoration.

The already immaculate detailing is enhanced by 3D, increasing engagement and thus the viewer's experience.

Beyond its technology though, 'Titanic' is literally a masterpiece of metaphors. The most obvious and overarching is that of the class segregation in society. Titanic becomes a microcosm of our planet earth and its social, structural divisions.

Even physically the ship represents a class pyramid, with the majority in the lower decks filled with the have-nots, aspirational class forming the base while the higher decks of rich, hedonist and have-all class forming the pyramid's small but affluent, tip. Cameron scathingly points out the hypocrisy of the latter even as he celebrates the giving, caring and sacrificial spirits of the lower class.

"Titanic" is also a very feminist film. Set at a time where women were thought to be nothing better than decorative pieces, it pits two perspective: one where the woman has everything physically at the cost of her freedom and the second where she may not have any worldly riches but has love, beauty and freedom. Rose vacillates between the two perspectives, till finally going with her 'heart'.

Thus the story of 'Titanic' might seem linear and juvenile, but like his later film 'Avatar' Cameron hides layers and layers inside its deceptively simple, sugar-coated shell. And though the acting of our lead pair may not be up there, but their chemistry and youthful and innocent exuberance carries the film through.

Oscar-winning producer of Titanic Jon Landau had told IANS two week back when he was in India to promote the film, that James Cameron had himself supervised every one of the nearly half a million frames that had to be converted to 3D and $18 million and over a year spent in the same. The effort shows as 3D enhances the brilliant detailing, adding an extra shine to an already bright film.

In 1997 people had gone to watch 'Titanic' multiple times. Watch it in 3D on the large screen - on the 100th anniversary of the ship's sinking - and you'll go see it another time for the magic is not only still there, but is enhanced by 3D. 

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Katrina Kaif taking personal interest in film with Shahrukh Khan!

Katrina Kaif is beginning to show the qualities that Aamir Khan is known to display. That is: taking personal interest in a film rather than just do-you-job-and-go-home kinda attitude!

We hear that Katrina Kaif has taken over the responsibility of styling for her character in the Yash Chopra film she’s shooting for with Shahrukh Khan in London.

A source says: “Katrina feels she’s understood the character so well that she’s taking it on herself to go out and shop for the clothes, accessories and other trinkets for her character. Katrina knows London very well and knows from where to get the stuff she needs”.

A confirmation of this has come from Katrina Kaif’s spokesperson, who is quoted as saying: “She (Katrina) personally has been shopping for accessories and clothes for the film. Katrina has envisioned her character and knows that she is the only one who can do justice to it. The song they are currently shooting in London will make other romantic songs in the industry sound and look mediocre.”

Katrina Kaif and Shahrukh Khan recently shot a song at Canary Wharf. On the sets she was seen in a short black skirt and a black top, probably chosen by herself.

This is Kat’s first film with Shahrukh Khan.

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Is 'Agent Vinod' banned in Pakistan?

Saif Ali Khan’s much awaited spy thriller Agent Vinod has reportedly been denied a clearance by the Pakistani censor board and the film may not release in Pakistan this Friday. 

Agent Vinod, which stars Saif Ali Khan as the agent of the Indian intelligence services RAW, has several references to Pakistani army and Pak’s intelligence agency ISI. Those references have apparently not gone down well with the country’s censor board. 

According to an online update by Atrium Cinemas, a popular multiplex chain in Pakistan, Agent Vinod won’t release this Friday because it has apparently been banned by the censor board of Pakistan. However, we must point out here that there is yet no official confirmation of it yet from either Saif Ali Khan or from any member of the Pakistani censor board. 

A good part of Agent Vinod is set in Pakistan. It has Gulshan Grover playing a character named Tehmur Pasha who is an international criminal hiding under state protection in Karachi. A part of the film also shows Saif in the uniform of Pak army. 

Indian films form a major part of the revenue of cinema theatres in Pakistan. Almost all of major Hindi releases are simultaneously released in Pakistan, but a few films (like Tere Bin Laden) were banned in Pak. Even The Dirty Picturedid not release in Pak on time because of the film’s explicit content.

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Aamir Khan is not ‘mentally’ prepared for ‘Dhoom 3’!

Aamir Khan wants to prepare forDhoom 3! That goes without saying, but Aamir wants some more time before he starts shooting forDhoom 3. Wondering what’s wrong with the Khan? His decision has even affected the dates of actress Katrina Kaif.

The tinsel town is abuzz with this latest development on Dhoom 3. Though the movie was announced last year, its shoot was supposed to start by January this year, which later was shifted to March. Now, since Aamir has already expressed his hesitation to start off with the film, the delay in the release of the film is inevitable. So the fans ofDhoom franchise and Aamir, the movie won’t roll until April. YRF has also confirmed the news.

But what could be the reason? Aamir had ample time as Yash Raj Films declared the movie with Aamir Khan way early in February 2011. According to the reports, the actor has told the producers that he is not “mentally prepared” for the role of a villain in Dhoom 3.

Also last year had been hectic for the Khan. After his home production Delhi Belly released in July, he started the shoot of Talaash. Then in December he and his wife Kiran Rao were blessed with a baby boy, and Aamir chose to spend more time with his family.

Aamir Khan has also postponed the release of his movie Talaash to November 30 because he’s been busy with his upcoming TV show. However, amidst all these, Katrina Kait is likely to suffer. With the delay in the shoot of Dhoom 3, it’s learnt that the actress’ film schedule for the year has gone for a toss.

Already she’s looking at three films this year: Kabir Khan’s film Ek Tha Tiger,Yash Chopra’s untitled film with Shahrukh Khan, which is up for Diwali release, and Vijay Krishna Acharya’s yet-to-start Dhoom 3.

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Now Catch Salman Khan as Chulbul Pandey shooting for ‘Dabangg 2’

Salman Khan has started shooting for the sequel of Dabangg in Mumbai. Now Chulbul Pandey is a married man who has shifted along with his wife Lajjo, played by Sonakshi Sinha, from the small town to a bigger city in UP. The film is set in Kanpur. We noticed a few images of Salman Khan from the sets of Dabangg 2 that have already started doing the rounds on the web.

Dabangg 2 is planned for a December 2012 release and is helmed by Salman’s brother Arbaaz Khan. If the original Dabangg featured Munni Badnaam Hui, the sequel has an item song on Salman Khan. Yes, Dabangg’s most popular Chulbul Pandey will be doing an item number named Pandeyji Mare Seeti in the sequel.

The song is created keeping in mind the naughty and adorable character of Chulbul Pandey from the film Dabangg. Salman is all set to show off his dance mettle and will match steps with ‘Munni’ Malaika Arora in this song. Yes, Malaika is not shying away from the item song in the sequel as well.

While those who are thinking, what about Kareena Kapoor’s item song in the film, let us inform you. Kareena has a song in the film and Salman wants it to be very special. According to a source, Salman shot down the proposal of remixing an old cabaret hit. “Salman personally sat for the 'music sitting' to conceptualise the item song. He’s got music directors Sajid-Wajid to compose a track that will make Kareena dance like a dream,” claims the source.

According to Wajid, the song will have a rustic setting like Munni Badnaam Hui and Kareena will rehearse with either Farah Khan or Ganesh Acharya for the song.

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Watch Akshay Kumar and Asin groove to ‘Right Now Now’ from 'Housefull 2' Video

Akshay Kumar and Asin make a fantastic couple in the upcoming movie Housefull 2, as is evident from this new song “Right Now Now”. 

The song features the three leading men -- Akshay Kumar, John Abraham and Riteish Deshmukh -- along with their ladies, played by Asin, Jacqueline Fernandez and Zarine Khan, respectively. Missing from the song is the fourth goofball in the bratpack, Shreyas Talpade and his lovely squeeze Shazahn Padamsee. Instead we have a dilated-eyed Johnny Lever gawking at the three couples grooving to the peppy number set in a palatial house. 

In the song we see the three ladies dressed in their nighties and knickers. This apart, a few more things catch your attention: firstly, the signature dance step involving a wiggle of the hip; secondly, Akshay Kumar and Asin’s dance moves that stand out among those of the others; thirdly, a decidedly uninterested Zarine Khan trying hard to come up with sensuous expressions; and an annoying Johnny Lever even shaking his booty by the end of the song. 

Though not the best number we have seen in a while, “Right Now Now” is indeed an entertaining, engaging song with some interesting moments. 

Check out the song below: 

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Kareena Kapoor: 'Respect our choice'

Kareena Kapoor has three films with three Khans coming up over the next five months -Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu with Imran on February 10, Agent Vinod opposite Saif on March 23 and Talaash co-starring Aamir on June 10.

Quiz her on her favourite Khan and she says, “I am a huge Aamir fan and it’s an honour doing back-to-back movies with him. Imran was the biggest reason for doing Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, he’s a cool guy who, even after seven films, still looks so natural and fresh on screen. I share amazing chemistry with both these Khans, but I know that I’ll make the best ‘jodi’ (pair) with Saif in 2012.”

Agent Vinod has taken its time coming but, she points out, it’s a big-budget action movie. “We’ve finally locked on a release date. The reactions to the first poster and promo have been overwhelming,” she smiles, adding, “Saif and I look great together, I know Agent Vinod will be the film for us." Post its release, Saif and she are supposed to announce their marriage date.

A jeweller in Rajkot claims he’s got an order for a Rs. 40 lakh royal necklace for her. Kareena retorts, “From India to Pakistan to Los Angeles, everyone’s planning our wedding. It’s discussed more than the Lok Pal Bill. Imran’s the only co-star who hasn’t asked me when I’m getting married. I respect him for that, and wish others wouldn’t too. When two people are in love, it’s obvious that they’ll take the relationship forward when they think the time is right.”

Right now, she says, both their energies are focused on ensuring the best launch for their movie: “After that we’ll decide what to tell the world. I understand everyone is curious but it’s our choice. They should respect that.”

In her Valentine’s Day release, Kareena and Imran get married in a drunken stupour. “Most films end with a marriage, Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu starts with one, even though my character, Riana Braganza, is not interested in getting married. She’s lost her job, is alone in Vegas, but she’s no ‘bechari’ (damsel-in-distress). Rather she’s a sunshine girl like me,” says Kareena. “Only I’m far more conservative when it comes to marriage and I will do it right.”

Soha hasn’t told us
According to a recent press report, Saif’s younger sister, Soha Ali Khan, and her steady date Kunal Khemu are getting engaged this year. The news was apparently confirmed by a ‘source’ close to the couple. Prod Kareena on the subject and she says, “I would really like to meet these ‘sources’. I have no idea about an engagement. Soha hasn’t mentioned anything to Saif or me.”

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Agneepath remake to be remade in South?

If remaking a legendary film can turn your box-office fortunes, what would remaking a remake do for you? South filmmakers are apparently making a beeline to buy the rights of Agneepath and Karan Johar is okay with the idea, reports Mumbai Mirror.

“The Dharma Productions’ office has been buzzing with activity, ever since Agneepath hit theatres. In fact, Karan has met with some of them, who flew down to Mumbai last weekend. However, he is yet to decide who he will ultimately relinquish the rights to,” a source told the tabloid.

KJo's friend confirmed to the tabloid, “Yes, Karan has had many filmmakers from the south approach him to discuss acquiring permission to remake Agneepath.”

Johar is apparently okay about the new remake. “Karan has absolutely no problem as long as his family’s project is handled by capable filmmakers.”

Wonder who'll step into Hrithik Roshan's shoes as Vijay Dinanath Chauhan.

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Sanju to produce film for Salman!

Actor Sanjay Dutt is planning to produce a film starring buddy and Bigg Boss 5 co-host, actor Salman Khan.

"Me and Salman have been buddies for most of our lives, but have had few opportunities to work together. So I think its about time I produce a film with my bhai in the lead. I'm looking for a subject and script that goes with his personality. It could be a comedy or a romantic film or even a commercial potboiler," says Sanjay.

"I don't know if I'd work on that project as an actor. Once I finalise a project and he approves of it, I'll let him take a call on the music, leading lady and the director." adds the 52-year old actor. Meanwhile, Dutt who has bought the rights of Telegu film Badri, is waiting to hear from another friend, actor Ajay Devgn.

"I was extremely disappointed that Rascals didn't work. I found the concept of Badri interesting and something that went well with Ajay's body of work. So, I've sent him the film's DVD," says Sanjay.

He goes on to add that he hopes Ajay likes the idea. "If he does, he can take a call on who should direct the movie and the other details," he says.

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Rockstar has lot of anger: Imtiaz Ali

His stories happen in a world where there is no evil but in his latest film Rockstar, director Imtiaz Ali has taken a detour to explore the "vulnerability and anger" that come with love.
The director, who has given lovable, relatable characters like Viren-Aditi (Socha Na Tha), Geet-Aditya (Jab We Met) and Jai-Meera (Love Aaj Kal), is himself surprised by the anger in Rockstar, which stars Ranbir Kapoor and Nargis Fakri.
"I have also asked this question to myself. It is an angry film but the anger does not come from me. It is not autobiographical in that sense, it must have come from my environment. It was an emotional and cathartic experience," Imtiaz told PTI in an interview.
Another thing that is very unique to Imtiaz's direction is that his characters are mostly in transit and the director, who has a fascination for travelling to remote corners, says the physical journey in his films are indicative of the journey within.
"The physical journey in my films is indicative of the internal journey that my characters take. Rockstar is again about Jordan's journey from being a gawky Hindu College student to becoming the rockstar. Coming from a small town, he later goes from place to place. From the mundane, the regular, he discovers what is spiritual and uplifting."
Imtiaz, 40, first tried to make the film in 2005 with John Abraham but when he picked up the story again, everything had changed and he wanted a younger lead. The director says he found his perfect rockstar in Ranbir.
"He (Ranbir) is very receptive. I was thrilled to notice the emotional depth that he brought to this character. Ranbir was always the first choice because, he has this emotional vulnerability. He brought new nuances to the role. Praising him feels like I am praising myself," said Imtiaz.
The film's music, especially songs like Sadda Haq, Kun Faya Kun and Tum Ho, are being hailed as A R Rahman's finest compositions since Delhi 6 but Imtiaz feels that the Oscar-winning musician's full potential is yet to be realised.
"He was the most approachable and easy to work with colleagues. Rahman has amazing range and I feel that his true potential is only half exposed."
Relationships and marriages are quite pivotal in Imtiaz's plots and the director says the confusion of his characters stems from his own experience.
"There is lot of emphasis on marriage in our culture. I myself got married at a very young age. It has always intrigued me because marriage is very synthetic in an otherwise natural world," said the director.
Another thing that he is not ready to part with in his cinema is the middle class world that he comes from, which often forms the backdrop of his movies.
"I come from a middle class background. I have travelled a lot by trains and have lived in the world. It is a world I cannot get away from, I would not even want to.

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Rockstar opens well at box-office

Ranbir Kapoor starrer Rockstar has got off to a flying start with the film managing to earn Rs 11 crore plus on the opening day itself.
Directed by director Imtiaz Ali, known for making films like Jab We Met and Love Aaj Kal, the story revolves around a Jat boy who aspires to become a famous rockstar like Jim Morrison.
The interesting pairing of Ranbir and Nargis Fakri topped with melodious music by AR Rahman has managed to draw in the crowds.
According to a press release, the film has managed to earn Rs 11.25 crore plus on the opening day on Friday, across all cinemas in India.
Even though the film has received a mixed response at the box-office, Ranbir's performance has been appreciated by everyone - audience and the critics.
Co-produced by Eros International and Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision, the film was made on a budget of more than Rs.60 crore and has been extensively shot in Delhi in locations like St Stephen's College, Connaught Place and Nizamuddin, among others.

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Don 2 sued for copyright infringement

Producers of Amitabh Bachchan starrer Don are crying foul over Excel Entertainment's decision to remake Don 2. While the makers had bought the rights of the first installment of the SRK starrer, they never approached Nariman Films for the sequel of the film, reports Mid Day.
The production house of the original Don has now sent a legal notice to Don 2 makers for copyright infringement, according to the tabloid.
Producers at Nariman Films told Mid Day, "We have raised our objection through our advocates Digvijay Chopra and Iva Bansal."
Confirming that a legal notice has been sent to Excel Entertainment, Red Chillies Entertainment, Reliance Entertainment, Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Shah Rukh Khan and Baba Arts, Digvijay Chopra told the tabloid, "The remake rights were given only for the film Don - The Chase Begins Again, starring Shah Rukh Khan, by an agreement, which expired in 2009. Thereafter, they never renewed it or even take any prospective rights from Nariman films."
Now the lawyers have decided to drag Don 2 - The Chase Continues to High Court as well as criminal courts, as per the paper.
"We will be approaching the courts for stay on the release and promotions as well as confiscating all the Infringed Copies under the Copyright Act," Chopra and Bansal were quoted by the daily.
Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment however told the tabloid, "Whatever we are doing is legal and their charges are false."

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First Information Report: Rockstar

A month-long promotional campaign that included a houseful promotional concert in Mumbai with Oscar winner AR Rahman for the first time promoting a film live, didn’t reflect on advance booking sales of Ranbir Kapoor’s new movie Rockstar.
“The advance was not encouraging,” admits tradesmith Komal Nahta, editor of koimoi.com and Film Information, “but the morning shows on Friday registered about 60-90 per cent occupancy in multiplexes and 40-50 percent in single screen cinemas.”
However, at the time of going to press, tickets for the other shows on the first day were easily available at several theatres. Nahta, though, is confident that sales will pick up over the weekend. So too is Gautam Datta of PVR Cinemas, who is equally sure that it will get a further boost from Monday when ticket prices drop.
“A huge segment watches films between Monday and Thursday. Today, the first Monday is as important as the opening Friday,” he asserts.
Sanjay Ghai, a Delhi-based distributor of Mukta Arts, describes Rockstar as “complete paisa vasool” (your money’s worth) and believes it will strengthen Ranbir’s market: “Eros, who bought the film from Ashtavinayak, will definitely not run into losses, but movies like Rockstar take time to grow. With no other biggies competing for attention, it has a definite advantage.”
Tradesmith Amod Mehra, and Manoj Desai, owner of the G-7 screens and Maratha Mandir cinema, are not as optimistic given the film’s slow-paced storyline and two-hour-forty-minute running time.
“It’s an excellent movie, but not meant for a family audience,” says Mehra, who feels its appeal will remain restricted to only the class audience at multiplexes and thereby mar the film’s overall business.
“Great performances can never guarantee a hit. Take the case of Guzaarish that was a colossal flop. Here the target audience is the youth but they don’t have the patience to sit through 14 songs spread across two hours and 40 minutes,” adds Mehra.
Desai endorses Mehra’s views that the film should have been at least 15 minutes shorter, given that it is not a typical “commercial entertainer”.
Ranbir's Report Card
Saawariya (2007)Rs. 23.4 crore
Verdict: Flop
Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008)Rs. 32.6 crore
Verdict: Average
Wake Up Sid (2009)Rs. 27 crore
Verdict: Average
Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani (2009)Rs. 64 crore
Verdict: Hit
Rocket Singh —Salesman Of The Year Rs. 18.4 crore
Verdict: Flop
Raajneeti (2010) Rs. 94.9 crore
Verdict: Hit
Anjaana Anjaani (2010) Rs. 48.2 crore
Verdict: Flop

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Prateik does desi stunts in Issaq

Actor Prateik is leaving no stone unturned to get into the skin of the character he is playing in his next film Issaq, an Indian adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, against the backdrop of Varanasi. This being his first action film, he learnt Parkour and fire-fighting before starting the shoot.
"I learnt Parkour since there is lots of running around the ghats of Varanasi, and other desi stunts that you generally see in small towns," says the actor. "I have grown up in Mumbai and the film is based in Varanasi. So, it was important that I understood my character well. Manish (director, Manish Tiwary), who is familiar with Varanasi and the people in this amazing city, gave me a perfect brief, " says Prateik, adding "The film has lots of other elements like romance, politics and violence, since there is naxal backdrop in the story. We had a lot of rehearsals before starting the shoot."
Tiwary is all praise for Prateik. He reveals that the actor has shot sequences without a body double. "Prateik has been working really hard for the film. I was surprised to see the kind of dedication he has for his work. We would have easily got a body double to shoot those action scenes, but I wanted him to do them to make it look more real and authentic," he says, adding,
"The film has a naxal background and Prateik's character had to be really violent for some scenes. He enacted those tough sequences by himself." The enthusiastic actor shot a dangerous fire-fighting sequence by himself, and even performed a stunt that required him to jump off a six-storey building. Produced by Shailesh Singh and Dhaval Gada, the film is slated to release early next year.

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Ranveer, Anushka in Ladies vs Ricky Bahl

Yash Raj Films is finally out with the theatrical trailer of upcoming rom-com Ladies v/s Ricky Bahl featuring Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma in the lead. Ranveer can be seen flaunting his chiselled body and Anushka raises the hotness quotient in her swimming pool act.
The film will also mark the return of the hit Band Baaja Baraat jodi as Ranveer will be seen romancing Anushka Sharma again. It also stars Dipannita Sharma, Aditi Sharma and Priyanka Chopra's cousin Parineeti Chopra.
Ranveer plays casanova Ricky Bahl who cons girls for a living but finally meets his match, played by Anushka.
Ranveer Singh seems to have beefed up for Ladies v/s Ricky Bahl as the first poster of the film shows him flaunting his six-pack abs and the tagline reads - Ladies Beware! Ricky Bahl is coming.
Recently, YRF had also launched film's track Aadat Se Majboor.
It's being directed by Maneesh Sharma and produced by Aditya Chopra.
The music is composed by Salim-Sulaiman and Amitabh Bhattacharya is the lyricist.
Ladies v/s Ricky Bahl will hit theatres on December 9, 2011

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IIFA funding lands Canadian govt in soup

The figures released through a freedom of information request show that funds much as around Rs 520 crore (10.5 million Canadian dollars) was spent on the Bollywood extravaganza, IIFA 2011.
The media in Canada has reacted fiercely when the numbers were revealed, questioning the necessity of spending the taxpayer’s money on hosting a Bollywood award’s show.
The documents, received through a freedom of information request, show the government gave $10.5 million to Wizcraft, a dollar figure that includes $5.1 million for producing the actual show and a number of different events related to the film awards," reports Ottawa Citizen.
"The other half — about $5.2 million — covered the costs of hotel bills, hospitality costs, airfare, ground transportation and travel visas to ferry workers between Canada and India," the report continues.
The event was organised amidst fanfare and political support. Dalton McGuinty had his photos taken on the green carpet giving credence to the sentiment that he was wooing immigrant voters.
The government defended the spending of money saying: "This was the first time this prestigious event was hosted in North America and it drew tens of thousands of visitors to Ontario," said Mukunthan Paramalingham, a spokesperson for Minister of Tourism and Culture Michael Chan," reports Ottawa Citizen.
"Our preliminary research shows that earned media coverage of the event reached hundreds of millions of people worldwide, helping to raise Ontario's profile as an international tourist destination. That was valuable exposure for our province," the reports quotes Paramalingham as saying.

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