Aamir Khan starrer '3 Idiots' has surpassed his last year's release 'Ghajini' in terms of weekend collection with 30% more profit at the box office.
The Rajkumar Hirani directed film, which released last Friday, has grossed Rs93 crore worldwide till Sunday.
Even the paid previews have garnered over Rs9 crore gross worldwide in collection which is above 'Ghajini's collection of Rs7 crore gross worldwide.
"Response has been overwhelming from all over the world. Aamir, Raju and I knew from the responses earlier on that people liked the film but this is something else," said Vidhu Vinod Chopra, producer of the film.
'3 Idiots', which the producers claim is the most widely released Hindi film till date, opened in India with 1550 prints in over 1760 screens and overseas 342 prints in over 366 screens in over 40 countries.
The figures from USA and Canada show the biggest opening weekend ever for a Hindi film.
"We have got reports from places like Australia that they have reduced 'Avatar' shows and increased ours. '3 Idiots' is the highest grossing Hindi film ever in Australia on its
opening weekend. Similarly in US, I have been told that 3 Idiots would be highest ever for a Hindi film," Chopra added.
In the UK, '3 Idiots' is claimed to have surpassed all other Hindi films and reached just below Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna', even though all theatres were shut down for Christmas and business has been for two days.
Showing posts with label Aamir Khan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aamir Khan. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
3 Idiots is cinema at its best
Title: 3 Idiots (U/A)
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Cast: Aamir Khan, R Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor, Boman Irani, and others
Caution: The following review may strike you as gushy, overzealous, or exaggerated in praise. But films like these are made once in a while and, so, superlatives are in order.
Rajkumar Hirani is the best filmmaker Hindi cinema has produced in a long, long time. It's not that there aren't other mavericks, geniuses, and talented storytellers who give us some fabulous movies from time to time. But Hirani has, one film after the other, proved his mettle as a writer/director who does not believe in giving you entertainment the easy way -- he ensures that you take back home a few lessons about life, too.
Three Idiots has one of the most relevant issues of Indian society at its core, a heartwarming story woven around it and a narrative that takes you through the film effortlessly, leaving you happy, moved, and thoughtful in the end. Yes, the film has certain hard-to-digest moments -- like engineering students helping a woman to deliver a child in the campus with the help of some 'skills' -- but if the oft misused term 'cinematic liberty' has ever been put to apt use, it is here.
Ranchhoddas Chhanchad aka Rancho (Khan), Farhan Qureshi (Madhavan), and Raju Rastogi (Joshi) have got admission in ICE, the most prestigious engineering college in India. "You'll have to beat your competitor every step of the way if you want to be successful in life," dean Viru Sahastrabudhhe aka Virus (Irani) tells students on their first day in college.
While the others just follow orders, Rancho defies rules. He raises questions in class his teachers can't answer, refuses to complete assignments unless he really enjoys them, and infuriates the dean, who is a stickler for perfection. "You have the best college in the country, yet none of your students has ever invented anything of note," Rancho tells the dean straight-faced, enraging him further.
To make matters worse, he falls in love with the dean's daughter (Kapoor). The dean is out to make Rancho's life hell but is baffled how Rancho deceives him every time. The most laidback of all students, he surprises everyone by ending at the top of the class, year after year, confounding even his two friends. "We learnt an important lesson," says Farhan. "When your friend fails an examination, you feel bad. But when he tops it, you feel worse."
Rancho explains to his friends that the only reason he excels at everything he does is because he enjoys doing them. He coerces the two to follow their goals without worrying about the end result, and by the end of the four-year period, the two feel more confident of what they want to do in life than before they entered college and met Rancho. While the institute asked them to chase success, Rancho asked them to chase excellence, assuring them that success would follow.
But soon after teaching them life's most valuable lesson, Rancho disappears. Why does Rancho leave without telling anyone of his whereabouts? Where does he go?
The film starts with Farhan and Raju renewing their search for Rancho after five years, following a lead they get on his whereabouts from one of their closest competitors in college, Chatur. The movie then moves into flashback mode, returning to real time every now and then. Starting with the first scene, the screenplay moves in one fluid motion, interweaving scenes and sequences one after the other in brilliant, seamless fashion.
Writers Hirani and Abhijat Joshi (story, screenplay, and dialogues) and Vidhu Vinod Chopra (screenplay associate) have worked painstakingly on every sequence, each of which stands out for its brilliance. There are so many 'highlights' and scenes that impress you that pointing out a few would be unfair to the others. Three Idiots is, in every way, a complete film -- one that works in its entirety, be it storytelling, dialogues, acting, music, cinematography, art direction, editing, etc. At the helm of it all is the captain of the ship -- director Rajkumar Hirani.
Madhavan puts in a restrained performance and brings both the maturity and confusion that his character requires. Joshi is good. His character undergoes immense change in the film and the actor brings across those subtle differences beautifully. Kapoor, in a smaller role, does a good job. Irani's performance ranges from competent to caricaturish, but works with the mood of the film. Omi as Chatur aka Silencer gets ample screen space and performs well as the grades-hungry student everyone hates in class.
Shantanu Moitra's music blends into the film perfectly and the songs are extremely hummable. Hirani is impeccable with his editing and CK Muraleedharan's cinematography is easy on the eyes.
Aamir Khan and Rajikumar Hirani coming together was always going to be special. Three Idiots sure is. In fact, the film blends elements of Khan's Taare Zameen Par with Hirani's Munnabhai series, making a comment on the education system without going down the documentary route, but the film stands out on its own.
Even as you have come to accept Khan's genius at ensuring a good product for audiences every time, this one is a Rajkumar Hirani show all the way. And it becomes easy to say that because even if you take Khan out of the equation, the film would probably make a similar impact.
That is not to say having Khan doesn't help. The character of Rancho is the voice of the film, innocent yet intelligent, and the script demanded an actor of Khan's calibre to take across the film's message to audiences. As a younger man, Khan springs the kind of performance you associate him with. For the three hours that you are watching the film, Khan ceases to exist and Rancho takes over.
But the real hero of Three Idiots is the guy who gave us jaadu ki jhappi and Gandhigiri. Raju Hirani, you are the man! After all the terrible films and flops this year, you have ensured that in the end, Aall Izz Well.
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Cast: Aamir Khan, R Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor, Boman Irani, and others
Caution: The following review may strike you as gushy, overzealous, or exaggerated in praise. But films like these are made once in a while and, so, superlatives are in order.
Rajkumar Hirani is the best filmmaker Hindi cinema has produced in a long, long time. It's not that there aren't other mavericks, geniuses, and talented storytellers who give us some fabulous movies from time to time. But Hirani has, one film after the other, proved his mettle as a writer/director who does not believe in giving you entertainment the easy way -- he ensures that you take back home a few lessons about life, too.
Three Idiots has one of the most relevant issues of Indian society at its core, a heartwarming story woven around it and a narrative that takes you through the film effortlessly, leaving you happy, moved, and thoughtful in the end. Yes, the film has certain hard-to-digest moments -- like engineering students helping a woman to deliver a child in the campus with the help of some 'skills' -- but if the oft misused term 'cinematic liberty' has ever been put to apt use, it is here.
Ranchhoddas Chhanchad aka Rancho (Khan), Farhan Qureshi (Madhavan), and Raju Rastogi (Joshi) have got admission in ICE, the most prestigious engineering college in India. "You'll have to beat your competitor every step of the way if you want to be successful in life," dean Viru Sahastrabudhhe aka Virus (Irani) tells students on their first day in college.
While the others just follow orders, Rancho defies rules. He raises questions in class his teachers can't answer, refuses to complete assignments unless he really enjoys them, and infuriates the dean, who is a stickler for perfection. "You have the best college in the country, yet none of your students has ever invented anything of note," Rancho tells the dean straight-faced, enraging him further.
To make matters worse, he falls in love with the dean's daughter (Kapoor). The dean is out to make Rancho's life hell but is baffled how Rancho deceives him every time. The most laidback of all students, he surprises everyone by ending at the top of the class, year after year, confounding even his two friends. "We learnt an important lesson," says Farhan. "When your friend fails an examination, you feel bad. But when he tops it, you feel worse."
Rancho explains to his friends that the only reason he excels at everything he does is because he enjoys doing them. He coerces the two to follow their goals without worrying about the end result, and by the end of the four-year period, the two feel more confident of what they want to do in life than before they entered college and met Rancho. While the institute asked them to chase success, Rancho asked them to chase excellence, assuring them that success would follow.
But soon after teaching them life's most valuable lesson, Rancho disappears. Why does Rancho leave without telling anyone of his whereabouts? Where does he go?
The film starts with Farhan and Raju renewing their search for Rancho after five years, following a lead they get on his whereabouts from one of their closest competitors in college, Chatur. The movie then moves into flashback mode, returning to real time every now and then. Starting with the first scene, the screenplay moves in one fluid motion, interweaving scenes and sequences one after the other in brilliant, seamless fashion.
Writers Hirani and Abhijat Joshi (story, screenplay, and dialogues) and Vidhu Vinod Chopra (screenplay associate) have worked painstakingly on every sequence, each of which stands out for its brilliance. There are so many 'highlights' and scenes that impress you that pointing out a few would be unfair to the others. Three Idiots is, in every way, a complete film -- one that works in its entirety, be it storytelling, dialogues, acting, music, cinematography, art direction, editing, etc. At the helm of it all is the captain of the ship -- director Rajkumar Hirani.
Madhavan puts in a restrained performance and brings both the maturity and confusion that his character requires. Joshi is good. His character undergoes immense change in the film and the actor brings across those subtle differences beautifully. Kapoor, in a smaller role, does a good job. Irani's performance ranges from competent to caricaturish, but works with the mood of the film. Omi as Chatur aka Silencer gets ample screen space and performs well as the grades-hungry student everyone hates in class.
Shantanu Moitra's music blends into the film perfectly and the songs are extremely hummable. Hirani is impeccable with his editing and CK Muraleedharan's cinematography is easy on the eyes.
Aamir Khan and Rajikumar Hirani coming together was always going to be special. Three Idiots sure is. In fact, the film blends elements of Khan's Taare Zameen Par with Hirani's Munnabhai series, making a comment on the education system without going down the documentary route, but the film stands out on its own.
Even as you have come to accept Khan's genius at ensuring a good product for audiences every time, this one is a Rajkumar Hirani show all the way. And it becomes easy to say that because even if you take Khan out of the equation, the film would probably make a similar impact.
That is not to say having Khan doesn't help. The character of Rancho is the voice of the film, innocent yet intelligent, and the script demanded an actor of Khan's calibre to take across the film's message to audiences. As a younger man, Khan springs the kind of performance you associate him with. For the three hours that you are watching the film, Khan ceases to exist and Rancho takes over.
But the real hero of Three Idiots is the guy who gave us jaadu ki jhappi and Gandhigiri. Raju Hirani, you are the man! After all the terrible films and flops this year, you have ensured that in the end, Aall Izz Well.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Aamir Khan-Kareena Kapoor weave some magic
It was a call that Sabyasachi was definitely not expecting this Tuesday. On the other hand, both Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor were trying desparately to get across to the rest of the world from the remote village of Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh.
Both stars were camping in the village on Tuesday as part of their clandestine promotional tour when impoverished weavers of the village sought their help to help save their endangered traditional art. The weavers of this non descript village are synonymous with the famous Chanderi saree that is a dying art thanks to faulty marketing plans, numerous middle-men and no government support. Aamir in fact was the guest of a weaver couple Kamlesh Koli and Hukum Koli.
"Aamir discussed the matter with Kareena and they both agreed that it would be a good idea to get a known designer who speacialises in ethnic wear to lend synergy to market Chanderi sarees. It was Kareena who suggested Sabyasachi's name," says a source.
So after struggling with bad network, Aamir managed to speak to Sabyasachi. "On Aamir's insistence, Sabya will design these sarees and market them internationally.
Kareena, on her part, has promised to wear the hand woven saree at public events," the source added. It is understood that Sabyasachi is already planning his trip to the village with his close associates to get a first-hand idea of the handloom cloth and figure out how it can be used for creating designer ensembles.
Apparently Aamir and Kareena also tried their hand at weaving sarees. They managed to weave a little piece which will now be auctioned for charity to benefit the weavers there. Aamir is also reportedly going to start a trust for the local weaver community with a personal donation. When messaged, Kareena SMSed back, confirming the development.
Both stars were camping in the village on Tuesday as part of their clandestine promotional tour when impoverished weavers of the village sought their help to help save their endangered traditional art. The weavers of this non descript village are synonymous with the famous Chanderi saree that is a dying art thanks to faulty marketing plans, numerous middle-men and no government support. Aamir in fact was the guest of a weaver couple Kamlesh Koli and Hukum Koli.
"Aamir discussed the matter with Kareena and they both agreed that it would be a good idea to get a known designer who speacialises in ethnic wear to lend synergy to market Chanderi sarees. It was Kareena who suggested Sabyasachi's name," says a source.
So after struggling with bad network, Aamir managed to speak to Sabyasachi. "On Aamir's insistence, Sabya will design these sarees and market them internationally.
Kareena, on her part, has promised to wear the hand woven saree at public events," the source added. It is understood that Sabyasachi is already planning his trip to the village with his close associates to get a first-hand idea of the handloom cloth and figure out how it can be used for creating designer ensembles.
Apparently Aamir and Kareena also tried their hand at weaving sarees. They managed to weave a little piece which will now be auctioned for charity to benefit the weavers there. Aamir is also reportedly going to start a trust for the local weaver community with a personal donation. When messaged, Kareena SMSed back, confirming the development.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
I would love to do Rock On 2: Farhan Akhtar
He rocked through the hearts of the youth with his memorable act in Rock On!! and Bollywood actor-director Farhan Akhtar hopes that he will get a chance to reprise his role in future.
"I would love to do another Rock On!! if given a chance," Farhan told PTI.
Farhan, who made his directorial debut with Dil Chahta Hai in 2001 has come up a long way in Bollywood and has tried out his hands at everything coming his way being a script writer, actor, playback singer, lyricist, film producer, and a television host.
"Rock matches my identity, and I have over 18, 000 songs on my iPod. I listen to classics like Pearl Jam and Guns N' Roses for inspiration.
"My mind is open to everything and I do everything with equal amount of passion. I have tried acting and singing, maybe after one or two years you will see another asset of mine," Farhan said on the sidelines of his rock performance as the brand ambassador for Maruti A-Star on its first anniversary.
However, Farhan who followed up Dil Chahta Hai with Lakshya and Don is perturbed by reports that he is not interested in making films any more as his last movie Positive, a short film on AIDS starring Shabana Azmi and Boman Irani came way back in 2007.
"I feel bad about such reports; I was ready to direct Don 2 this year but Shah Rukh had to undergo a surgery so we had to postpone it. I am also also working on a movie called Sid but it is in a very initial stage and we are still putting it together," says the 35-year-old director.
The son of scriptwriters Javed Akhtar and Honey Irani, Farhan will next be seen in Karthik Calling Karthik opposite Deepika Padukone.
"It was an extremely enjoyable experience working with Deepika. My character in the movie plays with the Rubik's cube and now I am mastering it to solve it in minimum time," says Farhan who also learnt how to ride a bike for the film.
"As a kid, I was told by my mom that she will disown me if I ride a bike. So I was always into cars and I once covered my whole room with cuttings of sports cars," he adds.
Farhan, who also starred in his sister Zoya Akhtar's directorial debut Luck By Chance this year dismissed reports that she is making a film Gulel this year starring Hrithik Roshan and Abhay Deol alongside him.
"I have heard this name very often now but I have no idea what this is about. As far as I know there is no movie like this," he says.
Farhan is awaiting the release of his first movie as an actor The Fakir of Venice (2007) directed by Anand Surapur's which has not hit the silver screen yet.
"It is the first thing I worked in as an actor, but I am not the producer of the film. I hope it releases soon," he says.
Farhan feels there is no need to draw a line between realistic and commercial cinema.
"Look at Taare Zameen Par and Rang De Basanti; they are intelligent movies and yet they entertained the audience. You should not mix comedy and entertainment," he says.
"I would love to do another Rock On!! if given a chance," Farhan told PTI.
Farhan, who made his directorial debut with Dil Chahta Hai in 2001 has come up a long way in Bollywood and has tried out his hands at everything coming his way being a script writer, actor, playback singer, lyricist, film producer, and a television host.
"Rock matches my identity, and I have over 18, 000 songs on my iPod. I listen to classics like Pearl Jam and Guns N' Roses for inspiration.
"My mind is open to everything and I do everything with equal amount of passion. I have tried acting and singing, maybe after one or two years you will see another asset of mine," Farhan said on the sidelines of his rock performance as the brand ambassador for Maruti A-Star on its first anniversary.
However, Farhan who followed up Dil Chahta Hai with Lakshya and Don is perturbed by reports that he is not interested in making films any more as his last movie Positive, a short film on AIDS starring Shabana Azmi and Boman Irani came way back in 2007.
"I feel bad about such reports; I was ready to direct Don 2 this year but Shah Rukh had to undergo a surgery so we had to postpone it. I am also also working on a movie called Sid but it is in a very initial stage and we are still putting it together," says the 35-year-old director.
The son of scriptwriters Javed Akhtar and Honey Irani, Farhan will next be seen in Karthik Calling Karthik opposite Deepika Padukone.
"It was an extremely enjoyable experience working with Deepika. My character in the movie plays with the Rubik's cube and now I am mastering it to solve it in minimum time," says Farhan who also learnt how to ride a bike for the film.
"As a kid, I was told by my mom that she will disown me if I ride a bike. So I was always into cars and I once covered my whole room with cuttings of sports cars," he adds.
Farhan, who also starred in his sister Zoya Akhtar's directorial debut Luck By Chance this year dismissed reports that she is making a film Gulel this year starring Hrithik Roshan and Abhay Deol alongside him.
"I have heard this name very often now but I have no idea what this is about. As far as I know there is no movie like this," he says.
Farhan is awaiting the release of his first movie as an actor The Fakir of Venice (2007) directed by Anand Surapur's which has not hit the silver screen yet.
"It is the first thing I worked in as an actor, but I am not the producer of the film. I hope it releases soon," he says.
Farhan feels there is no need to draw a line between realistic and commercial cinema.
"Look at Taare Zameen Par and Rang De Basanti; they are intelligent movies and yet they entertained the audience. You should not mix comedy and entertainment," he says.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Kanchivaram wins best movie at National Film Awards
Filmmaker Priyadarshan's Tamil film Kanchivaram, a period drama about silk weavers of the south, was chosen as the best movie at the 55th National Film Awards announced here.
Tamil actor Prakash Raj beat off competition from Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan to bag the Best Actor award for his role in Kanchivaram, which depicts the lives of silk weavers of Kanchipuram during the pre-Independence era.
Raj had earlier won the Best Supporting Actor award for his Iruvar in 1998 and also a special Jury Award in 2003.
Veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan has got the Best Director's award for his Malayalam film Naalu Pennungal. This will be his seventh national award.
He was named among the host of other winners of the National Film Awards announced for the year 2007 by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting here today.
Actress Umashree has bagged the Best Actress award for her performance in Girish Kasaravalli's Kannada film Gulabi Talkies, which depicts the transformation of the people of a small fishing village after their exposure to colour television.
The Best Child Actor award has gone to Sharad Goyekar for his role in the Marathi film Tingya.
Actor Darshan Zariwala has won the best supporting actor award for his role in Feroz Abbas Khan's film Gandhi- My Father, which is the only Hindi film to bag two more awards for Best Screenplay for Khan and Special Jury award.
Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Chak De India bagged the national award in the Wholesome Entertainment Category, while Aamir Khan-directed Taare Zameen Par won the award in Family Welfare Category.
Playback singer Shankar Mahadevan won the award for the song Maa in the film Taare Zameen Par, while Prasoon Joshi won the award for the Best Lyrics for the same song.
Filmmaker Sai Paranjpe headed the jury for feature film category, documentary filmmaker Ashoke Viswanathan chaired the jury for the non-film category and writer Namita Gokhale chaired the jury for best writing on Indian films.
The winners were selected from among 102 films and 106 non-feature films.
Sources in the ministry said though the list had been finalised last week, the announcement was deferred due to the death of Andhra Pradesh chief minister YSR Reddy.
Among other notable winners was Hindi film Frozen, which won the Indira Gandhi award for the Best Debutante Director for Shivajee Chandrabhushan. The film also won the best cinematography award.
Another Hindi film Dharm won the Nargis Dutt award for Best Feature Film on national integration. The film was directed by Bhavna Talwar and starred Pankaj Kapoor.
Foto (Hindi) won the Best Children's Film award, while Inimey Naangathaan (Tamil) won the Best Animation Film award.
Actress Shefali Shah won the Best Supporting Actress award for English film The Last Lear and Shreya Ghoshal won the Best Female Playback Singer award for the film Jab We Met. The movie also won the award for best choreography for the song Yeh Ishq Hai....
Om Shanti Om won the award for Best Art Direction. Malayalam film Naalu Pennungal won the Best Editing award.
Hindi film 1971 won the best audiography award and the Best Film in Hindi under the language specified in schedule VIII of the Constitution category.
In the same category, Bengali film Ballygunge Court won the best film award, while Gulabi Talkies was named the best Kannada film.
Ore Kadal won the Best Malayalam film, Nirop won the award for Best film in Marathi. Periyar got the award for Best film in Tamil, while The Last Lear won the award for the Best film in English.
Tamil actor Prakash Raj beat off competition from Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan to bag the Best Actor award for his role in Kanchivaram, which depicts the lives of silk weavers of Kanchipuram during the pre-Independence era.
Raj had earlier won the Best Supporting Actor award for his Iruvar in 1998 and also a special Jury Award in 2003.
Veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan has got the Best Director's award for his Malayalam film Naalu Pennungal. This will be his seventh national award.
He was named among the host of other winners of the National Film Awards announced for the year 2007 by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting here today.
Actress Umashree has bagged the Best Actress award for her performance in Girish Kasaravalli's Kannada film Gulabi Talkies, which depicts the transformation of the people of a small fishing village after their exposure to colour television.
The Best Child Actor award has gone to Sharad Goyekar for his role in the Marathi film Tingya.
Actor Darshan Zariwala has won the best supporting actor award for his role in Feroz Abbas Khan's film Gandhi- My Father, which is the only Hindi film to bag two more awards for Best Screenplay for Khan and Special Jury award.
Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Chak De India bagged the national award in the Wholesome Entertainment Category, while Aamir Khan-directed Taare Zameen Par won the award in Family Welfare Category.
Playback singer Shankar Mahadevan won the award for the song Maa in the film Taare Zameen Par, while Prasoon Joshi won the award for the Best Lyrics for the same song.
Filmmaker Sai Paranjpe headed the jury for feature film category, documentary filmmaker Ashoke Viswanathan chaired the jury for the non-film category and writer Namita Gokhale chaired the jury for best writing on Indian films.
The winners were selected from among 102 films and 106 non-feature films.
Sources in the ministry said though the list had been finalised last week, the announcement was deferred due to the death of Andhra Pradesh chief minister YSR Reddy.
Among other notable winners was Hindi film Frozen, which won the Indira Gandhi award for the Best Debutante Director for Shivajee Chandrabhushan. The film also won the best cinematography award.
Another Hindi film Dharm won the Nargis Dutt award for Best Feature Film on national integration. The film was directed by Bhavna Talwar and starred Pankaj Kapoor.
Foto (Hindi) won the Best Children's Film award, while Inimey Naangathaan (Tamil) won the Best Animation Film award.
Actress Shefali Shah won the Best Supporting Actress award for English film The Last Lear and Shreya Ghoshal won the Best Female Playback Singer award for the film Jab We Met. The movie also won the award for best choreography for the song Yeh Ishq Hai....
Om Shanti Om won the award for Best Art Direction. Malayalam film Naalu Pennungal won the Best Editing award.
Hindi film 1971 won the best audiography award and the Best Film in Hindi under the language specified in schedule VIII of the Constitution category.
In the same category, Bengali film Ballygunge Court won the best film award, while Gulabi Talkies was named the best Kannada film.
Ore Kadal won the Best Malayalam film, Nirop won the award for Best film in Marathi. Periyar got the award for Best film in Tamil, while The Last Lear won the award for the Best film in English.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Bollywood on self-healing path with four hits
Energetic openings to Bollywood's four recent releases, 'New York', 'Kambakkht Ishq', 'Love Aaj Kal' and 'Kaminey', have succeeded in getting the business perk up. Wounded by a long strike earlier this year, the film industry is perhaps on a self-healing path now, say trade pundits.
The two-month-long stand-off between the producers-distributors and multiplex owners over revenue sharing, which was resolved June 5, led to a whopping Rs.300 crore (Rs.3 billion) loss to the Hindi film industry.
The dry spell was broken by Kabir Khan's 'New York' that released June 26 followed by the other three films -- 'Kambakkht Ishq' that came July 3, 'Love Aaj Kal' July 31 and 'Kaminey' Aug 14 -- raking in a net profit close to almost half the losses so far this year.
'These four films will do a net business of Rs.150 crore (Rs.1.5 billion) put together,' revealed an industry insider.
Said trade analyst Taran Adarsh: 'The industry is definitely on a recovery path... it is getting better now, but we do need a big number of hits to follow as even an A-list movie like 'Luck' bombed.
'Every movie has a luck of its own. For example, a small-budget film like 'A Wednesday' had a moderate release last year but proved to be a dark horse. At the end of the day it's the content that will win.'
Film critic Omar Qureshi had something similar to say.
'The industry is healing. Everyone was deprived of movies. There was a desperation to watch films and the audiences couldn't handle it. So they took multiplexes by storm once good movies hit the screens and the result is worth watching,' said Qureshi.
'But that doesn't mean mediocre movies will win the race too... it'll only take big-budget and big-banner movies with a good story to make up for the losses and bring in footfalls,' he added.
The stand-off between producers-distributors and multiplex owners started in February over revenue-sharing. While the producers demanded a flat 50 percent share of all film revenues irrespective of the stars, budget and box-office collection, the exhibitors stressed on sharing profits based on the movie's earnings.
As a result the producers declared a strike from April 4 onwards, which saw no big Bollywood releases in multiplexes across the country.
Now all eyes are set on an array of big releases after the lull.
The line-up includes Shahid Kapoor-Rani Mukerji starrer 'Dil Bole Hadippa', three movies of Salman Khan -- 'Wanted', 'Main Aur Mrs Khanna' and 'London Dreams' -- two Ranbir Kapoor-starrers 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani' and 'Rocket Singh - Salesman of The Year', and Aamir Khan's '3 Idiots'.
Apart from these, there are also Hrithik Roshan's much-talked-about action thriller 'Kites', Priyanka Chopra's 'What's Your Raashee?', two movies starring Amitabh Bachchan -- 'Aladdin' and 'Pa' -- Akshay Kumar's 'De Dana Dan', Govinda's 'Hook Ya Crook' and Neil Nitin Mukesh's 'Jail'.
The two-month-long stand-off between the producers-distributors and multiplex owners over revenue sharing, which was resolved June 5, led to a whopping Rs.300 crore (Rs.3 billion) loss to the Hindi film industry.
The dry spell was broken by Kabir Khan's 'New York' that released June 26 followed by the other three films -- 'Kambakkht Ishq' that came July 3, 'Love Aaj Kal' July 31 and 'Kaminey' Aug 14 -- raking in a net profit close to almost half the losses so far this year.
'These four films will do a net business of Rs.150 crore (Rs.1.5 billion) put together,' revealed an industry insider.
Said trade analyst Taran Adarsh: 'The industry is definitely on a recovery path... it is getting better now, but we do need a big number of hits to follow as even an A-list movie like 'Luck' bombed.
'Every movie has a luck of its own. For example, a small-budget film like 'A Wednesday' had a moderate release last year but proved to be a dark horse. At the end of the day it's the content that will win.'
Film critic Omar Qureshi had something similar to say.
'The industry is healing. Everyone was deprived of movies. There was a desperation to watch films and the audiences couldn't handle it. So they took multiplexes by storm once good movies hit the screens and the result is worth watching,' said Qureshi.
'But that doesn't mean mediocre movies will win the race too... it'll only take big-budget and big-banner movies with a good story to make up for the losses and bring in footfalls,' he added.
The stand-off between producers-distributors and multiplex owners started in February over revenue-sharing. While the producers demanded a flat 50 percent share of all film revenues irrespective of the stars, budget and box-office collection, the exhibitors stressed on sharing profits based on the movie's earnings.
As a result the producers declared a strike from April 4 onwards, which saw no big Bollywood releases in multiplexes across the country.
Now all eyes are set on an array of big releases after the lull.
The line-up includes Shahid Kapoor-Rani Mukerji starrer 'Dil Bole Hadippa', three movies of Salman Khan -- 'Wanted', 'Main Aur Mrs Khanna' and 'London Dreams' -- two Ranbir Kapoor-starrers 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani' and 'Rocket Singh - Salesman of The Year', and Aamir Khan's '3 Idiots'.
Apart from these, there are also Hrithik Roshan's much-talked-about action thriller 'Kites', Priyanka Chopra's 'What's Your Raashee?', two movies starring Amitabh Bachchan -- 'Aladdin' and 'Pa' -- Akshay Kumar's 'De Dana Dan', Govinda's 'Hook Ya Crook' and Neil Nitin Mukesh's 'Jail'.
After SRK, Deepika desires Salman Khan
Deepika Padukone might have kick-started her Bollywood career with Shah Rukh Khan and since then is known to be part of his inner circle, but she claims she is more than open to branch out and work with King Khan's arch enemy Salman Khan.
"I'm so new in the industry and I have been very lucky to have got the opportunity to work with the biggest names in the industry. I have worked with SRK, Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan and now I would like to work with Salman," says Deepika, who is currently basking in the success of Love Aaj Kal.
She adds, "I feel Salman is a very honest person. He is genuine about what he feels and what I have read and known about him, he seems to be very caring."
Deepika admires AamirKhan too. "He has been extremely selective and it has worked so amazingly for him. I don't know whether he does it purposely or things turn out to be like that but he is a perfectionist."
Deepika might be game to talk about Sallu but she is not cool when it comes to talking about his girlfriend Katrina Kaif with whom she's been apparently sharing bad vibes. It's been reported that Deepika didn't approve of beau Ranbir Kapoor and Kat's growing bond on the sets of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and that she is responsible for the duo being no longer on talking terms.
"I wouldn't want to comment on Katrina," was her short and snappy reply when quizzed. But was her relationship shaky when rumours about Kat were on the rise? "Ranbir and I trust each other and we are going well. I realise that when there is no movie releasing people focus on other things and that people will even talk about personal things. All this used to affect me a lot before, it doesn't anymore."
Post their box-office bomb Chandni Chowk to China, ironically Deepika is now teaming up with Akshay Kumar for a comedy called Housefull. "I love the passion and drive that Akshay has. With him around, you get to learn a lot on the sets. I know our first film together didn't work out but there's nothing called an unlucky jodi," she says.
"I'm so new in the industry and I have been very lucky to have got the opportunity to work with the biggest names in the industry. I have worked with SRK, Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan and now I would like to work with Salman," says Deepika, who is currently basking in the success of Love Aaj Kal.
She adds, "I feel Salman is a very honest person. He is genuine about what he feels and what I have read and known about him, he seems to be very caring."
Deepika admires AamirKhan too. "He has been extremely selective and it has worked so amazingly for him. I don't know whether he does it purposely or things turn out to be like that but he is a perfectionist."
Deepika might be game to talk about Sallu but she is not cool when it comes to talking about his girlfriend Katrina Kaif with whom she's been apparently sharing bad vibes. It's been reported that Deepika didn't approve of beau Ranbir Kapoor and Kat's growing bond on the sets of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and that she is responsible for the duo being no longer on talking terms.
"I wouldn't want to comment on Katrina," was her short and snappy reply when quizzed. But was her relationship shaky when rumours about Kat were on the rise? "Ranbir and I trust each other and we are going well. I realise that when there is no movie releasing people focus on other things and that people will even talk about personal things. All this used to affect me a lot before, it doesn't anymore."
Post their box-office bomb Chandni Chowk to China, ironically Deepika is now teaming up with Akshay Kumar for a comedy called Housefull. "I love the passion and drive that Akshay has. With him around, you get to learn a lot on the sets. I know our first film together didn't work out but there's nothing called an unlucky jodi," she says.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Aishwarya, Shah Rukh ‘Actors of the Decade’
Superstars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan were declared ‘Actors of the Decade’ at the IIFA awards here on Saturday night.
Aishwarya won two honorary awards for her work in Indian and international cinema, while Shah Rukh was honoured for his work in Bollywood.
The 35-year-old actress, who also performed on stage at the function, received both trophies while Shah Rukh missed the ceremony because he is shooting for his upcoming film ‘My Name is Khan.’
The 43-year-old actor, who began his career on the small screen, beat Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Abhishek Bachchan to the title.
Aishwarya won the ‘Golden Decade’ award for her memorable performances in the past 10 years, beating off competition from Rani Mukherjee, Preity Zinta, Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra.
While Aishwarya shot to global recognition with international projects like ‘Pink Panther’ and ‘Provoked,’ Khan too has a global following as the ‘Badshah of Bollywood.’
The former Miss World won the ‘Outstanding Achievement by Indian in International Cinema’ award which was bagged last year by musician A.R. Rahman who won the ‘Golden Decade of Music’ award for his contribution to Indian films.
Aishwarya won two honorary awards for her work in Indian and international cinema, while Shah Rukh was honoured for his work in Bollywood.
The 35-year-old actress, who also performed on stage at the function, received both trophies while Shah Rukh missed the ceremony because he is shooting for his upcoming film ‘My Name is Khan.’
The 43-year-old actor, who began his career on the small screen, beat Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Abhishek Bachchan to the title.
Aishwarya won the ‘Golden Decade’ award for her memorable performances in the past 10 years, beating off competition from Rani Mukherjee, Preity Zinta, Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra.
While Aishwarya shot to global recognition with international projects like ‘Pink Panther’ and ‘Provoked,’ Khan too has a global following as the ‘Badshah of Bollywood.’
The former Miss World won the ‘Outstanding Achievement by Indian in International Cinema’ award which was bagged last year by musician A.R. Rahman who won the ‘Golden Decade of Music’ award for his contribution to Indian films.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Shah Rukh Khan's party
After Priyanka Chopra it was Shah Rukh Khan’s turn to host a party for their common Hollywood pal Gerard Butler. Despite smoking a peace pipe recently with Aamir Khan, it was too much to expect him to attend a party at Mannat but filling in was Imran Khan with girlfriend Avantika. Also seen was Farhan Akhtar, who is said to be negotiating with King Khan for the lead role in their film by Reema Kagti after Aamir turned it down. Anyways, as per tradition, the party went on till the wee hours...
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Aamir Khan's found a new match
Aamir Khan says it was his mental match with director AR Murugadoss that has created the magic in Ghajini which has translated into a roaring box office success.
“Before I said a yes to the film, I was given a CD of the Tamil version. I found the film to be very interesting and gripping. But I thought the ending of the film, that is the last 30 minutes, could be different and improved upon and so when I met Murugadoss, before I expressed my opinion, he told me that he wanted to change the ending. I was very happy as I could see that we connect really well and that there is a mental match in how we approach cinema,” Aamir said.
He adds: “Then throughout the movie-making process, I could sense that our wavelengths are matching. Generally successful directors have a little air but here I met a man whose child-like excitement bowled me over. I have never seen so much energy and enthusiasm in any director.”
Aamir credits the content of the movie and clever screenplay to Murugadoss.
“The film has done well because it has got great content. You will remain glued to your seat as the thrill in the film is just too much. Murugadoss has got a clever screenplay in place too. The constant oscillation from present to the past has been handled really well. One time you see this beast and then you learn about his softer side and then again right when you were about to know how he got transformed into a killing machine, you are pulled into the present where this brutal force kills the policeman,” he says.
Aamir ends saying: “Then the 15 minute forgetfulness is also a twist. After every 15 minutes, there’s a new start like in the climax, he forgets the person who has killed his beloved and that he was chasing him thereby adding another twist to the plot. This has really worked as people have loved these elements.”
“Before I said a yes to the film, I was given a CD of the Tamil version. I found the film to be very interesting and gripping. But I thought the ending of the film, that is the last 30 minutes, could be different and improved upon and so when I met Murugadoss, before I expressed my opinion, he told me that he wanted to change the ending. I was very happy as I could see that we connect really well and that there is a mental match in how we approach cinema,” Aamir said.
He adds: “Then throughout the movie-making process, I could sense that our wavelengths are matching. Generally successful directors have a little air but here I met a man whose child-like excitement bowled me over. I have never seen so much energy and enthusiasm in any director.”
Aamir credits the content of the movie and clever screenplay to Murugadoss.
“The film has done well because it has got great content. You will remain glued to your seat as the thrill in the film is just too much. Murugadoss has got a clever screenplay in place too. The constant oscillation from present to the past has been handled really well. One time you see this beast and then you learn about his softer side and then again right when you were about to know how he got transformed into a killing machine, you are pulled into the present where this brutal force kills the policeman,” he says.
Aamir ends saying: “Then the 15 minute forgetfulness is also a twist. After every 15 minutes, there’s a new start like in the climax, he forgets the person who has killed his beloved and that he was chasing him thereby adding another twist to the plot. This has really worked as people have loved these elements.”
Aamir Khan's found a new match
Aamir Khan says it was his mental match with director AR Murugadoss that has created the magic in Ghajini which has translated into a roaring box office success.
“Before I said a yes to the film, I was given a CD of the Tamil version. I found the film to be very interesting and gripping. But I thought the ending of the film, that is the last 30 minutes, could be different and improved upon and so when I met Murugadoss, before I expressed my opinion, he told me that he wanted to change the ending. I was very happy as I could see that we connect really well and that there is a mental match in how we approach cinema,” Aamir said.
He adds: “Then throughout the movie-making process, I could sense that our wavelengths are matching. Generally successful directors have a little air but here I met a man whose child-like excitement bowled me over. I have never seen so much energy and enthusiasm in any director.”
Aamir credits the content of the movie and clever screenplay to Murugadoss.
“The film has done well because it has got great content. You will remain glued to your seat as the thrill in the film is just too much. Murugadoss has got a clever screenplay in place too. The constant oscillation from present to the past has been handled really well. One time you see this beast and then you learn about his softer side and then again right when you were about to know how he got transformed into a killing machine, you are pulled into the present where this brutal force kills the policeman,” he says.
Aamir ends saying: “Then the 15 minute forgetfulness is also a twist. After every 15 minutes, there’s a new start like in the climax, he forgets the person who has killed his beloved and that he was chasing him thereby adding another twist to the plot. This has really worked as people have loved these elements.”
“Before I said a yes to the film, I was given a CD of the Tamil version. I found the film to be very interesting and gripping. But I thought the ending of the film, that is the last 30 minutes, could be different and improved upon and so when I met Murugadoss, before I expressed my opinion, he told me that he wanted to change the ending. I was very happy as I could see that we connect really well and that there is a mental match in how we approach cinema,” Aamir said.
He adds: “Then throughout the movie-making process, I could sense that our wavelengths are matching. Generally successful directors have a little air but here I met a man whose child-like excitement bowled me over. I have never seen so much energy and enthusiasm in any director.”
Aamir credits the content of the movie and clever screenplay to Murugadoss.
“The film has done well because it has got great content. You will remain glued to your seat as the thrill in the film is just too much. Murugadoss has got a clever screenplay in place too. The constant oscillation from present to the past has been handled really well. One time you see this beast and then you learn about his softer side and then again right when you were about to know how he got transformed into a killing machine, you are pulled into the present where this brutal force kills the policeman,” he says.
Aamir ends saying: “Then the 15 minute forgetfulness is also a twist. After every 15 minutes, there’s a new start like in the climax, he forgets the person who has killed his beloved and that he was chasing him thereby adding another twist to the plot. This has really worked as people have loved these elements.”
Toyota Camry, a ring of body-guards, Asin is quite a force
South Indian actress Asin Thottumkal is doing something which no other Bollywood actress has done before! This svelte beauty travels with a convoy of no less than four cars whenever she’s out doing promotional campaigns or public appearances.
Asin’s convoy includes two cars which have Kerala number plates, including her personal vehicle — a Toyota Camry. There are two other Mumbai cars which insiders say carry bodyguards.
Asin confirms the news saying, “Calling it a convoy would be an overstatement. But yes, I have a car in which I travel with my dad who also manages me. In another car I have my hair dresser, make-up man and other assistants. They go with me wherever I go.
I’m a little bit of a perfectionist, so I like them being around and overseeing things for me.” As for the other two cars spotted? “I think you saw some other cars when I was travelling for Ghajini’s promotions…I didn’t get them,” says Asin.
When we probed for more information, a source told us, “This (convoy) has been with her since she was in Mumbai. She is a big star down South and she always has her personal assistants with her. But the hiring of bodyguards is most probably from the production front. She doesn’t know the city too well. Ghajini has brought her into the spotlight and she’s become quite a buzzword here. Maybe the film-makers are worried about her security.”
Asin’s convoy includes two cars which have Kerala number plates, including her personal vehicle — a Toyota Camry. There are two other Mumbai cars which insiders say carry bodyguards.
Asin confirms the news saying, “Calling it a convoy would be an overstatement. But yes, I have a car in which I travel with my dad who also manages me. In another car I have my hair dresser, make-up man and other assistants. They go with me wherever I go.
I’m a little bit of a perfectionist, so I like them being around and overseeing things for me.” As for the other two cars spotted? “I think you saw some other cars when I was travelling for Ghajini’s promotions…I didn’t get them,” says Asin.
When we probed for more information, a source told us, “This (convoy) has been with her since she was in Mumbai. She is a big star down South and she always has her personal assistants with her. But the hiring of bodyguards is most probably from the production front. She doesn’t know the city too well. Ghajini has brought her into the spotlight and she’s become quite a buzzword here. Maybe the film-makers are worried about her security.”
Monday, December 29, 2008
Ghajini: An action extravaganza that works
Welcome Hindi cinema's first no-holds-barred action extravaganza. We have had our romantic weepathons, our comic blockbusters, and masala entertainers. This one is three hours of all of those, with a strong undercurrent of action. Unpretentious, it goes all out to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
Ghajini, remake of the Tamil hit of the same name, which in turn was ‘inspired’ by Christopher Nolan's cult-and-confused Memento, is perfectly suited to Hindi film audience tastes.
So you have a revenge drama, which has always worked in Hindi cinema, from Sholay to Om Shanti Om. But this one is darker and more angst-ridden than anything you have seen before. Sanjay Singhania (Aamir Khan) is a man on the prowl. Having lost the love of his life (Asin) to an assailant, Sanjay suffers from short-term memory loss and cannot remember anything for more than 15 minutes. So he clicks pictures and makes notes to remember faces, places, names, and things to do. All he remembers from his past life is the name of the man who killed his love: Ghajini. Sanjay's obsession to get to Ghajini (Pradeep Rawat) and the obstacles that crop up in the form of his own lack of memory is what the film is all about.
Ghajini, remake of the Tamil hit of the same name, which in turn was ‘inspired’ by Christopher Nolan's cult-and-confused Memento, is perfectly suited to Hindi film audience tastes.
So you have a revenge drama, which has always worked in Hindi cinema, from Sholay to Om Shanti Om. But this one is darker and more angst-ridden than anything you have seen before. Sanjay Singhania (Aamir Khan) is a man on the prowl. Having lost the love of his life (Asin) to an assailant, Sanjay suffers from short-term memory loss and cannot remember anything for more than 15 minutes. So he clicks pictures and makes notes to remember faces, places, names, and things to do. All he remembers from his past life is the name of the man who killed his love: Ghajini. Sanjay's obsession to get to Ghajini (Pradeep Rawat) and the obstacles that crop up in the form of his own lack of memory is what the film is all about.
Ajay Devgan is a prankster: Asin
Working with Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan in Vipul Shah's London Dreams was an eye-opener for south Indian actress Asin.
"Working with Ajay Devgan has been a revelation. He is a prankster and not at all the quiet type of person," said Asin, who has just made her Bollywood debut in Aamir Khan-starrer Ghajini.
Asin says all of them gelled very well while shooting for the film. "The three of us including Salman (Khan) had great fun," she said.
London Dreams will be Asin's second Bollywood venture. It is about a music band formed by Asin, Salman and Ajay.
"Working with Ajay Devgan has been a revelation. He is a prankster and not at all the quiet type of person," said Asin, who has just made her Bollywood debut in Aamir Khan-starrer Ghajini.
Asin says all of them gelled very well while shooting for the film. "The three of us including Salman (Khan) had great fun," she said.
London Dreams will be Asin's second Bollywood venture. It is about a music band formed by Asin, Salman and Ajay.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Jiah Khan talks about Ghajini
Bollywood hottie Jiah Khan says though her character Chitra in Ghajini is very close to her personality in reality, she admits that playing that role of Jia in Nishabd was more fun and challenging.
“I play a medical student in Mumbai in Ghajini who has an adventure streak in her. She is kinda geeky but she loves thrills in life. I’m quite close to her in real life. Though I’m not a very thrill-loving person but the way she dresses up, the way she talks and her get-up is quite similar to mine. However, playing Jia in Nishabd was great fun. I’m nowhere close to that character in real life so it was all the more challenging to play her, a moderately sexy girl,” Jiah tells After Hrs.
And what about her character in Ghajini? How much screen space does she share with Aamir Khan?
“There are two halves in the film. One is a more personal and love and romance sphere and the other is the thriller and adventure zone. I come in during this thriller half. I’m a medical student who has to make a case study and Aamir is my patient. What I learn, how I get involved with his is my story in the film,” she adds.
Twenty-year-old Jiah’s debut Bollywood film saw her getting cast opposite Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir lapped her up for her second. Does she consider herself to be the blue-eyed girl of Bollywood?
“I have been extremely lucky to have worked with both Amitabh and Aamir. I have learnt a lot from both of them. Amitabh is more relaxed to work with as he has got lots of experience. He has done lots of great work and with Aamir since he’s such a perfectionist, you have to be on your toes as he is always trying to do something to better his performance,” she says.
With Jiah in a very candid mood to chat, we could not resist asking her about the rumours that she and Asin aren’t getting along with each other and that Jiah is also unhappy that Ghajini is promoting Asin more than her.
“I have heard these stories and I think the press and the audiences want to think that something is wrong between us. I can tell you one thing. I have done my job. Marketing is not in my hands and there are different stages of it. Asin needs to get a lot of publicity as it is her Bollywood debut while people know me a little here. Asin is very sweet and very beautiful. I have met her couple of times and I don’t have any problem with her,” she says.
Jiah, whose next two films will see her team up with Shahid Kapur and Akshay Kumar, goes on to admit that the film-makers of Ghajini have shot a promotional video just featuring her and that it will be on air.
“It is a very Jennifer Lopez kind of a video. It is a very high energy song. I’m like covered from head to toe but still the song is very pulsating and catchy,” she says.
Ghajini actress Asin is the new face of Tata Sky
Direct-to-Home operator TataSky announced the appointment of South Indian actress Asin as its brand ambassador, who is yet to make a Bollywood debut
in Aamir Khan's forthcoming film Ghajini.
Now, Asin who is set to conquer Bollywood with her much awaited release Ghajini opposite Aamir Khan will feature across all Tata Sky brand and product communication including advertisements on TV, print, radio and other mediums, said the company in a press release.
TataSky, a joint venture between Tata and media major Star has already signed Aamir Khan earlier July this year. Speaking on it chief marketing officer, Tata Sky Vikram
Mehra said Asin would be very influential for the brand of the company.
"Tata Sky and Asin have a lot in common. Both are young, energetic, achievers, and both enjoy a high degree of credibility with consumers. As our new face, she will be
influential in reinforcing the attributes of the Tata Sky brand and reiterate our positioning," said Mehra.
At present, TataSky with a three million subscriber base is at number two in the DTH market.
in Aamir Khan's forthcoming film Ghajini.
Now, Asin who is set to conquer Bollywood with her much awaited release Ghajini opposite Aamir Khan will feature across all Tata Sky brand and product communication including advertisements on TV, print, radio and other mediums, said the company in a press release.
TataSky, a joint venture between Tata and media major Star has already signed Aamir Khan earlier July this year. Speaking on it chief marketing officer, Tata Sky Vikram
Mehra said Asin would be very influential for the brand of the company.
"Tata Sky and Asin have a lot in common. Both are young, energetic, achievers, and both enjoy a high degree of credibility with consumers. As our new face, she will be
influential in reinforcing the attributes of the Tata Sky brand and reiterate our positioning," said Mehra.
At present, TataSky with a three million subscriber base is at number two in the DTH market.
Who is the bigger brand, Aamir or Shah Rukh?
The cold war between Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan over their films Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Ghajini just took a new turn with the former proclaiming himself as the biggest brand and saying there cannot be any competition with him. Do you agree with his claim? Who do you think is the bigger brand of the two stars?
POST YOUR COMMENT
SRK is scared to work with me: Aamir Khan
The infamous rivalry between the two superstars of Bollywood- Aamir and Shahrukh- is once again hogging the limelight with the former revealing that King Khan is "scared" to work with him.
On the eve of the release of Ghajini, starring Aamir Khan, the actor says he has no qualms about working with Shahrukh, however the actor kept saying no.
"SRK is scared to work with me what to do?" Aamir told Rajeev Masand in a television interview.
Masand had asked the actor on whether audiences could expect to see both the stars together in the near future. The Khans were supposed to work together for director
Rajkumar Santoshi who was apparently writing a script for both of them.
Even director Mansoor Ali Khan and Aamir's cousin wanted to make 'Josh' starring both the Khans but apparently Shahrukh had disagreed.
"He (Shahrukh) kept saying no" said Aamir. However the perfectionist actor Aamir said that he and Shahrukh might work together in future if there is a good script.
"If something interesting comes up and if the script is nice and both of us like our roles, I don't see a problem!" he said.
The Khans were embroiled in a tug-of-war earlier this year with Aamir revealing on his blog that he had named his pet dog as Shahrukh. Meanwhile, Shahrukh Khan had in a public function in Mumbai recently claimed that he was currently the biggest brand in the country and there was no other brand bigger than him.
Now as the year ends the rivalry between the Khans has once again become the talk of the town as Shahrukh's Rab ne bana de jodi which released recently is pitted against Aamir Khan's Ghajini that will hit theatres on Christmas Day.
On the eve of the release of Ghajini, starring Aamir Khan, the actor says he has no qualms about working with Shahrukh, however the actor kept saying no.
"SRK is scared to work with me what to do?" Aamir told Rajeev Masand in a television interview.
Masand had asked the actor on whether audiences could expect to see both the stars together in the near future. The Khans were supposed to work together for director
Rajkumar Santoshi who was apparently writing a script for both of them.
Even director Mansoor Ali Khan and Aamir's cousin wanted to make 'Josh' starring both the Khans but apparently Shahrukh had disagreed.
"He (Shahrukh) kept saying no" said Aamir. However the perfectionist actor Aamir said that he and Shahrukh might work together in future if there is a good script.
"If something interesting comes up and if the script is nice and both of us like our roles, I don't see a problem!" he said.
The Khans were embroiled in a tug-of-war earlier this year with Aamir revealing on his blog that he had named his pet dog as Shahrukh. Meanwhile, Shahrukh Khan had in a public function in Mumbai recently claimed that he was currently the biggest brand in the country and there was no other brand bigger than him.
Now as the year ends the rivalry between the Khans has once again become the talk of the town as Shahrukh's Rab ne bana de jodi which released recently is pitted against Aamir Khan's Ghajini that will hit theatres on Christmas Day.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Sachin Tendulkar to Aamir Khan: Buddy, what a body!
They are similar is several ways — both have grown up in Mumbai, are perfectionists, and are superstars in their respective fields, both with that elusive little thing called the X factor. But there’s another similarity between Sachin Tendulkar and Aamir Khan — they are both of average height and have a tendency to put on weight. More so Sachin, who is painfully conscious about gaining any extra bulk because he’s worried it will compromise his on-field agility.
So when Sachin saw Aamir’s beefcake look in Ghajini, he just couldn’t believe his eyes. Just a while ago, he’d met Aamir (at the IPL matches) and was convinced that the pictures were digitally enhanced. Incidentally, Aamir and Sachin are good friends — Aamir had invited the batting great and his wife for his very wedding to Kiran Rao.
“Sachin Tendulkar sent a text message to Aamir Khan last month saying that he was looking nice in the ‘digitally manipulated pictures’. Aamir was quick to point out that it was actually the result of a year’s rigorous training that helped him get a body like that,” says a source. So both the stars decided to meet up, once the shooting of Ghajini was over.
After Hours has learnt that the two had some rounds of ‘secret meetings’ to share fitness tips before Sachin flew off to Chennai for the ongoing Test series against England..
Apparently, Aamir had promised Sachin that he would be the first person to see the first cut of Ghajini. Immediately before Ghajini was sent to the Censor Board, Aamir invited Sachin to the editing studio in Bandra to see the film. Sachin — who was accompanied by wife Ajali — not only was floored by Aamir’s very real muscles, but also the film.
After several attempts to get Aamir’s version, he finally confirmed: “Sachin, along with Anjali, saw the film although there’s still some work left. They loved the film. And yes, Sachin finally believed that it was actually my body on the posters of the film.”
So are we going to see Sachin sporting the Ghajini physique and doing a Ganguly?
Aamir Khan shed tears to get eight-pack-abs in Ghajini
No pain, no gain. The saying couldn't be more true for Aamir Khan and the team that painstakingly sculpted those eight-pack-abs, snipped up four different hairstyles and designed the actor's varied looks in Ghajini that have become a rage among his fans.
"It took Aamir 13 months of workout, with a daily regime of about four hours, to achieve the next to impossible look for Ghajini," Satyajit 'Satya' Chaurasia, who trained the actor for the film, said.
"He used to get tired exercising and sometimes even used to shriek in pain and cry doing the stomach crunches, but he did not skip a single day. Every week his body used to show results and that kept him going," added Satya.
Getting eight-pack-abs was not a cakewalk for 'perfectionist' Aamir. Other than rigorous workouts, the actor also had to go through the pain of "a disciplinary regime of following a proportionate balanced diet."
"He had to give up on oil, sugar and alcohol consumption and late night parties as I strictly asked him to sleep for eight hours at a stretch before the workouts," said Chaurasia.
Releasing December 25, Ghajini is the much-hyped Hindi remake of director AR Murugadoss' Tamil hit with the same name. The film was simultaneously released in Telugu in 2005.
While the original Ghajini featured south Indian actor Surya along with actress Asin Thottumkal, Murugadoss cast Aamir to play the main lead in the Hindi remake and retained Asin as his co-star.
Apart from his physique, what has also been the talk of the town is Aamir's scarred and buzzed off hair in the forthcoming film.
"The buzzed hair style is given to suit both Aamir's character and him as a person. It's basically for the second half of the film where he has a situation that requires him to shave off his hair.
"It took us around an hour and a half to give him the look and get the scar lines on his head with thickness variations as per the director," revealed Avan Contractor, hairstylist for the actor in the film.
"We took liberty with the lines on his head and tweaked the look a little bit from the original Ghajini, where the actor has only one big scar," she added.
On being asked how she managed to give the actor numerous hairstyles for the song Behka behka, Contractor said: "The song was shot over a period of five days and we had to work with Aamir's hair, whatever he had at that time. We just dressed it up differently and played around with it."
To spice up Aamir's multiple avatars in the film, stylist Arjun Bhasin was roped in to design "realistic" but "fashionable" costumes for him.
"He plays a corporate executive who is very rich. So his corporate look is stylish. However, at the same time, it is very realistic. He sports a casual office look, but with a quirky edge to it," Bhasin said.
The stylist also predicts that Aamir's business look from the film will inspire people to change their wardrobe.
"There are many elements from Aamir's corporate look that people are going to adapt in their lives like short sleeves, slim ties and waistcoats with lapels," he said.
"His other looks in the film are only in a song that are fantasies," he added.
Bhasin also said the film didn't require much going into books for Aamir's dresses.
" 'Ghajini' is one of my few films where not much research has gone into the costumes. It was a very organic process that Aamir and I went through. We read the script and decided to just work upon it. All we knew was that his looks should be attractive and at the same time meaningful."
"It took Aamir 13 months of workout, with a daily regime of about four hours, to achieve the next to impossible look for Ghajini," Satyajit 'Satya' Chaurasia, who trained the actor for the film, said.
"He used to get tired exercising and sometimes even used to shriek in pain and cry doing the stomach crunches, but he did not skip a single day. Every week his body used to show results and that kept him going," added Satya.
Getting eight-pack-abs was not a cakewalk for 'perfectionist' Aamir. Other than rigorous workouts, the actor also had to go through the pain of "a disciplinary regime of following a proportionate balanced diet."
"He had to give up on oil, sugar and alcohol consumption and late night parties as I strictly asked him to sleep for eight hours at a stretch before the workouts," said Chaurasia.
Releasing December 25, Ghajini is the much-hyped Hindi remake of director AR Murugadoss' Tamil hit with the same name. The film was simultaneously released in Telugu in 2005.
While the original Ghajini featured south Indian actor Surya along with actress Asin Thottumkal, Murugadoss cast Aamir to play the main lead in the Hindi remake and retained Asin as his co-star.
Apart from his physique, what has also been the talk of the town is Aamir's scarred and buzzed off hair in the forthcoming film.
"The buzzed hair style is given to suit both Aamir's character and him as a person. It's basically for the second half of the film where he has a situation that requires him to shave off his hair.
"It took us around an hour and a half to give him the look and get the scar lines on his head with thickness variations as per the director," revealed Avan Contractor, hairstylist for the actor in the film.
"We took liberty with the lines on his head and tweaked the look a little bit from the original Ghajini, where the actor has only one big scar," she added.
On being asked how she managed to give the actor numerous hairstyles for the song Behka behka, Contractor said: "The song was shot over a period of five days and we had to work with Aamir's hair, whatever he had at that time. We just dressed it up differently and played around with it."
To spice up Aamir's multiple avatars in the film, stylist Arjun Bhasin was roped in to design "realistic" but "fashionable" costumes for him.
"He plays a corporate executive who is very rich. So his corporate look is stylish. However, at the same time, it is very realistic. He sports a casual office look, but with a quirky edge to it," Bhasin said.
The stylist also predicts that Aamir's business look from the film will inspire people to change their wardrobe.
"There are many elements from Aamir's corporate look that people are going to adapt in their lives like short sleeves, slim ties and waistcoats with lapels," he said.
"His other looks in the film are only in a song that are fantasies," he added.
Bhasin also said the film didn't require much going into books for Aamir's dresses.
" 'Ghajini' is one of my few films where not much research has gone into the costumes. It was a very organic process that Aamir and I went through. We read the script and decided to just work upon it. All we knew was that his looks should be attractive and at the same time meaningful."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
