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Debutante Thomas Sebastian who fetched the dates of Mammootty for the new film has named it 'Mayabazaar'. Thomas who plans to present the star in a novel theme is also introducing another scriptwriter Govind Vijayan, through this film. To be produced by Sachi S Mangalam in the banner of Aakhil Films, the shoot for this film will start by the end of next March. Thomas Sebastian has been a long time associate of mainstream directors like Sibi Malayail, Blessy and Sundardas.
Shafi has got one more reason to celebrate other than the stupendous success of his new film 'Chocolate’. According to latest reports, he has been selected to direct the new film starring Mohanlal which is to be shot entirely in United States. The film will also be scripted by Rafi -Mecartin after their recent hit with Lal 'Hello'. The movie will be produced by Thara Arts and Aashirvaad Cinemas. Shafi, who has got special abilities to create hits, had been in the company of big hits for a long time. His recent two films with Mammootty- the other superstar of Malayalam, 'Maayavi' and 'Thommanum Makkalum' were the biggest hits of his career. Now that, he is going to associate with the biggest star of Malayalam, every filmgoer will be necessarily expecting another big hit from the young director.
She was recently seen in Happy Days. Then, she was signed opposite Sushant for his forthcoming film Dev. But what has Tamanna really excited these days is her film opposite Allu Arjun. She has just signed the dotted line and is looking forward for the big break.
Shooting is on at full swing for ITA film's 'Rameswaram' is directed by Selvam. Starring Jeeva and Bhavana, the movie is about the tale of a Lankan refugee who falls in love with an Indian girl. The director said,’ It was a love story with a difference. Jeeva has acquired a tan, especially for the film. The story is set in Rameswaram, hence the title. It is about a young Sri Lankan refugee in the Mandapam camp. The daughter of a landlord in the area is in love with him. Initially, he is hesitant to reciprocate her love, but later on develops an interest in her. The various incidents that bring them together will make the audience sit through the film.' One of the major high lights of the film, the director said, 'South African singer Shaliqb Khan who lives in France has sung a song for the film tuned by music director Niru,' he said.
Raza Murad is geared up to wear the character of Mohinder Singh Pandher, the dreadful murderer in Nithari killings in a film titled D5. The film is being directed by Yoginder Gupta and Sushil Gupta former builder, makes his debut as a producer.The idea is the brainchild of the director, Yoginder Singh with whom Raza had worked earlier in a comedy flick Tamboo Ka Bamboo. Nithari killings had brought shivers to the spines of every Indian earlier this year. Raza Murad along with Yoginder Gupta has taken an initiative to bring up the root cause of such a frightful incident to which Raza says, “The film is an eye opener with a purpose of making the people aware and cautious of misdoings in the world and also teaching their children to remain guarded when it comes to strangers.” Gopal Singh who had appeared in Madhur Bhandarkar’s Traffic signal as a beggar will be seen playing the servant, Surinder’s role in the film. As far as Raza is concerned, he already is done with his share of research on the subject and says, “I remember Mohinder Singh very distinctly. I have observed him very minutely. His appearance, mannerisms, body language and expressions even when he was taken to Ahmedabad for brain mapping test. However, not even in my wildest dream did I think I would play this character in future.” He also adds, “I have been to the homes of the killed children and have seen Mohinder Singh’s bungalow with my own eyes.” The film will be shot in Mumbai with some exterior shots taken in Noida. D5 went on floors on October 15 and the shoot is expected to be wrapped up in 15 days.
'Katha Parayumpol' which started its shooting last week at Thodupuzha is all about Balan and his intimate relationship with the filmi star. Balan is the first person to start a Barber shop in the village. But on changing circumstances, every youth from the village flocks to the city to beautify themelves in air conditioned barber shops with modern amenities. Balan too finds a need to change his shop and its facilities. Even though in financial crisis, he starts off to bring in revolving chairs and electric shavers to make his shop look modern . It is at this junction he meets a filmi super star Ashokraj, who also happens to be his old friend. Directed by debutante M Mohan, the film has Sreenivasan as Barber Balan while Mammootty appear as Ashok Raj. Meena is the wife of Balan in the film while Mukesh dons the character of a parallel college teacher. The film is all set to reach the theatres as a Christmas release.
The Prithviraj - Jayasuriya starrer 'Chocolate' has emerged as the dark horse among the Ramzan releases. The film which opened last Friday in 39 theatres was declared an instant hit, as the growing mouth publicity will ensure the a safe run of the film for another couple of months. The film has gathered more than one crores from the first three days. Completed in a moderate budget of around two crores, the film is likely to break even by a three week run.
Prithviraj, who didn't have a hit although 2007 will also be relieved with the film's run. Shafi who delivered a big hit in the earlier months of the year with 'Mayavi' is celebrating with his successive second hit of the year. Salimkumar and Roma have contributed equally to the success of this film which is sure to gather more momentum in the coming weeks.
As expected and predicted by the trade pundits ‘Nasraani' - the Ramzan release from Mammootty witnessed bumper initials in the first week end. It registered hundred percent in almost all the centres. The film has come in as a solace to the fans of the star who were waiting for long for a film which has all the ingredients of a commercial hit. Script writer Ranjith and director Joshy has managed to make a formula film that uses Mammootty's larger-than- life image in the role of a Kottayam Achayan , with proper mastery. The film which was released in 50 centres en masse around one and a half crores from its three days run.
The Tamil Film Associations including Producers Council, Directors Association and Nadigar Sangam jointly held an inquiry on the tiff between actress Padmapriya and director Samy in Chennai on Monday. The director slapped actress on the sets of 'Mirugam'. After the inquiry, it was unanimously agreed to impose a one-year-ban on director Samy from making movies in any language. However he was allowed to complete 'Mirugam'. The director also sought an apology from the actress. The meeting was attended by the honchos of all the association.
A lot has been spoken and written about the Shahid – Kareena break-up. Initially, there was talk that it was a publicity stunt to get free mileage for the film JAB WE MET, which teams them again for the fourth time. But, gradually, it came to light that the couple has indeed gone separate ways. With JAB WE MET slated for release on October 26 [not too far away], the question on everyone’s lips is, will the estranged couple promote the film together? “Of course, we will,” Shahid tells me, “The film is at a crucial stage right now. Also, professionally speaking, if there’s a job you need to do, you can’t shy away from it.” Alright, what if JAB WE MET works [we pray, it does!]. Will we see them together [on screen] again? “Sure, why not? If an interesting project comes by, I wouldn’t mind working with her again,” he states. That’s the spirit!
Kunal Kapoor gave his first on-screen kiss to Konkona Sen Sharma in his just released "Laaga Chunari Mein Daag" and the actor, who dabbles in poetry, is pretty happy with the lip-lock.
"My first on-screen kiss, and Konkona and I did it well, considering we did it in below-zero temperature in Switzerland with 50 people gawking," Kunal told IANS.This was Kunal's first family drama as well and he shared screen space with Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan in the film.His next is "Aaja Nachle". After that he doesn't have any films in hand, but the actor is chilled out. Kunal says films or no films, he is always occupied."I was supposed to do a play 'Baghdad Ka Ghulam' with Barry John. Unfortunately, it got postponed. I'm hearing scripts. I write poetry and I like to jot down my thoughts. And I'm a passionately inquisitive person. So there's never a dull moment in my life."
Q: You do a lot of dancing in "Laaga Chunari Mein Daag" (LCMD)?
A: I love dancing. But I'm not very good at it. I was intimidated by who I was dancing with. Abhishek and Rani are good dancers. Finally, they made it easier for me. But you know what? You don't necessarily have to be a pro at dancing to enjoy it. You've to be shameless before the camera.
Q: You have a kissing scene with Konkona in LCMD?
A: My first on-screen kiss and Konkona and I did it well, considering we did it in below-zero temperature in Switzerland with 50 people gawking.
Q: Are you making excuses for bad kissing?
A: Ha! No. Actually, I got good reactions to it.
Q: You are a huge fan of Jaya Bachchan?
A: Oh yes, and I couldn't believe it when I got to work with her. Jayaji fed us the best lunches on the sets. She used to bring lunch for 15 people. I eat enough for five people. When you grow up watching and admiring someone and then you get to work with her, the feeling is unbelievable. I got the same feeling when I worked with Aamir Khan. When we worked with him, we became friends. But even today when I look at the posters of "Rang De Basanti", I can't believe that's me with him.
Q: LCMD is your first family film.
A: Yeah, I guess my films so far have been unorthodox with me cast as a loner. But you know what? I'm a very family-oriented person. I've grown up watching the family films of Sooraj Barjatya and Yash Chopra. I haven't done a conventional family film before. Here the sharp editing and other technique add rather than take away from the main drama. Dada (Pradeep Sarkar) brings in a lot of technique without taking away from the main drama.
Q: Good boy, that's you what you are supposed to say.
A: No seriously. I wouldn't endorse a product I didn't believe in. If I don't like one of my films I'd keep quiet.
Q: Like "Hattrick"?
A: I don't know why this belief went around. I liked "Hattrick" and so did some people.
Q: You're paired with Konkona again in "Aaja Nachle".
A: Yeah. Konkona makes me feel like Salieri while she's Mozart. A third film with Konkona? I don't know...
Q: Are you admitting Konkona is superior to you?
A: That's an understatement. You know I'd come on the sets, do my rehearsals, get my lines right, be fully prepared. She'd just come on the sets, casually inquire about the scene, then read a book, and give a perfect shot.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: Nothing after "Aaja Nachle". I go by my instincts. It took me just a couple of minutes to say yes to LCMD and "Aaja Nachle". If I've to convince myself to do a film then it's not worth doing. Maybe I'm being naïve. But I really see no point in doing a film just to be busy.
Q: What will you do in the coming months?
A: I was supposed to do a play, "Baghdad Ka Ghulam", with Barry John. I had worked with Barry earlier and this play had Raghuvir Yadav in it. Unfortunately, it got postponed. I'm hearing scripts. I write poetry and I like to jot down my thoughts. They never seem to end though. And I'm a passionately inquisitive person. So there's never a dull moment in my life.
Q: What are you looking for?
A: I'll know when I get the next good offer. But whatever the role, lead or otherwise, it has to help me grow as an actor.
Writer Ranjit and director Joshy mixes all essential ingredients to make a formula film- Mammootty’s larger-than- life image, this time that of a Kottayam Achayan, a rich laid back planter with a fancy name David John Kottarathil, who spends most of his time at the Cosmo club boozing and cracking jokes with friends (Lalu Alex, Bharath Gopi, Manian Pillai Raju, Janardanan, Baburaj etc). He could not marry his lady love a college lecturer Sara Eapen(Vimala), as his father (Captain Raju) accidentally shot her dad (Riza Bava) on the engagement day 10 years back!
David is still very much in love with Sara, and Mammootty’s introduction scene has him landing his helicopter in her college and whisking her away to celebrate 10 years of their love atop a mountain and cutting a huge cake in the presence of his driver cum ‘Man Friday’ Suku (Kalabhavan Mani). Then there is Annie (Mukta) a medical student, Sara’s half sister who is looked after by David, and she is accused by the cops of having taken revenge and killed Benny, a politician in the making for having ditched her best friend who committed suicide!
Benny is the son of M.C Paul,(Vijayraghavan) the powerful kingmaker and former Revenue Minister who runs his own political outfit Malankara Congress ( a take-off on K.M Mani & P.J Joseph) and is a schemer and manipulator par excellence. Earlier due to his machinations, Paul is able to bring down his own minister Ummachan (Jagathy), so that Benny could contest in Kadathuruthy by-election. Benny’s death upsets Paul’s carefully laid out plans, so he along with the cops and the other villainous son Xavier (Biju Menon) bay for Annie’s blood. But our Achyan David John is her protector and one-man army who takes on the might of Kerala Police and Malankara Congress to expose the police- politician-goonda nexus “Live” on Kairali TV and the real killer is also exposed in the climax!
Nasarani reminds you of Joshy’s mass masala multi-starrers of the late 70 and 80’s. The film lacks a tight screenplay and is disjointed, as Ranjit has mixed old wine with recent happenings in Kerala politics, to churn out a sugar-coated family trifle pudding. The film drags towards the climax, and there is even continuity jerk as too many characters are there for no real reasons. Ranjit and Joshy presents their protagonist as a macho man riding on Mammookka’s image, and to be honest that is the only thing that saves the movie.
Mammootty as the wise-cracking Nasrani gets all the plum lines and is quite wacky. He melds effortlessly from casual comedy, soft romance to utter seriousness with consummate ease. Mammookka as Nasarani is the only reason for investing in a movie ticket for this film.
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan says he is not cut out for politics as he is "too materialistic and too good looking". "I really appreciate the youngsters who make a decision to join politics because it is a very self-sacrificing job. I'm too selfish and too materialistic to be a politician. I can't sacrifice my personal gains. I'm also too good looking to be a politician," King Khan said at the HT Leadership Summit held at Mumbai. "I would also take this opportunity to apologise on behalf of the entire industry that caricatured politicians in their films. They are not as self-centred as shown in our films," he added. Talking about his vision for future India, he said: "I would like see a more educated India because I feel there is no alternative to education. I would like to contribute to education of children." The superstar is touched by the pitiable condition of Indian women who can't afford even the basic amenities. "I respect women a lot and I feel ashamed when I am driving down in a remote area and see women don't have their privacy. I would like to build the basic utilities for them," said Shah Rukh. He is quite media savvy. And unlike many, he doesn't think that media have been prying too much into celebrities' personal lives. Shah Rukh said: "Sometimes media exaggerate things like my so-called rivalry with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. But I cannot deny that I use media for my gains time and again. So, I cannot complain when they use me. "We have a synergy here. I respect media, as it is a huge marketing device. For example, I don't have the Rs.300-400 million like Sony Pictures (who is producing and marketing Saawariya) to market my film, so I depend on the media for that."
When asked about things he is not comfortable doing on screen, SRK said: "The ban on on-screen smoking and drinking was narrow-minded. I don't like dark films, I don't feel comfortable playing a mean guy and using abusive language, especially after (I have had) my children."
The actor, who has starred in this year's biggest hits and does a lot of endorsements, has become one of the super brands of India. However, he says that he never worked consciously to achieve that. "Brands are made by the conventional way of working hard. I never worked in a special manner to build my brand. I just worked hard."
When Lal united with his favorite director Sathyan Anthikkad for last year's Rasathanthram, it resulted in becoming the biggest hit of the director. The film which ran for more than hundred days collected around 15 crores from the box office. And when the news arrives about the next project in which both the master talents unite once again, film goers will naturally expect another big hit, which tells the story of ordinary men. According to the latest schedules Mohanlal will start acting in Sathyan Anthikkad's new project from the mid of January. The scripts of the film which is planned for next Vishu, is in its last stages of completion. The film will feature Meera Jasmine-another Sathyan regular in the female lead. Sathyan has been repeating her fourth time in a row, the previous three like Achuvinte Amma, Rasathanthram and Vinodhayathra becoming big hits. The other cast and crew of the film are being finalized. And as usual this time too, Sathyan will give a title to the film only when the shoots are complete.
Director Samy, who reportedly slapped actress Padmapriya in the sets of Mirugam, is in soup now. The director reportedly assaulted Padmapriya for not getting her act right in the shooting at Madurai. The actress filed complaints with Tamil Film Producers Council, Directors Association and Nadigar Sangam. She alleged that the director tried to misbehave with her and when she resisted, he slapped her. The Producers Council has decided to enquire the director in this regard.
DHOL is a success and everyone from Priyadarshan to Rajpal to Tusshar to Sharman to Kunal has benefited immensely from the film. What has gone missing though is the fact that the film marks a hat trick of successes for Kunal Khemu. Yes, Kunal is now probably one of the rare lead actors who has seen success, though to varied degree, in each of his released films. A child actor who rose to fame with films like HUM HAIN RAAHI PYAAR KE, RAJA HINDUSTANI, BHAI and ZAKHM, his first stint as a lead man was KALYUG which was a surprise success. Immediately after KALYUG, he was signed by Madhur Bhandarkar for TRAFFIC SIGNAL which was an earner as well at the box office. Now with DHOL, Kunal sees the biggest money spinner of his short career as the film has found acceptance across the country.
What next Kunal?
His "Om Shanti Om" is pitted against "Saawariya", which has Sony Pictures splurging big money on its publicity. But Shah Rukh Khan says no amount of money can surpass the goodwill he has created. "After this film people will love me. And nobody is going to use the money to oust the goodness that I have created," Shah Rukh told IANS in a chat. "The filmmaking business is already an expensive thing but then there is a market that is getting you that money back. I don't think you need to spend money to make money. Having said that, yes, outside players like Sony Pictures and Columbia Tristar are hugely moneyed," Shah Rukh added.While "Om Shanti Om" has been produced under Shah Rukh's own banner, Red Chillies Entertainment, Saawariya" has Hollywood studio Sony Pictures as co-producer. Both are releasing Nov 9.But Shah Rukh is all ready for the competition."You have to compete. And by god's grace after this film, I will have enough money to compete with them on money terms also."He candidly described his much talked about six-pack abs in the eagerly awaited "Om Shanti Om" as a marketing trick."The film is meant to be more celebrative and fun... I will not put it beyond the fact that it is a part of marketing to attract attention but it is also an inherent part of the story. It has a character that requires that kind of physique."But the superstar believes that more than marketing and stars it is content that dictates the success of a film."There is no denying that content is king. If you have good content in a film and you present it in whatever manner... whether it is 'Chak De! India', 'Om Shanti Om', 'Don' or 'Swades', I think at the end of it all, people only like good content," said Shah Rukh, who was in the capital for the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit."There is nothing beyond content - no stars, no marketing."Director Farah Khan has roped in 31 stars, including Jeetendra and Rekha, for a special song in "Om Shanti Om"."The film required a sequence with film actors because the film is about filmmaking. It makes it look more authentic. On the lighter side, it is very helpful if people like to come and see some items and stuff."The actor has plans to build his own studio. However, he will have to wait. "There is no place and nobody gives me the land! (Smiled)"

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