FK's Movie Zone

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader Movie Stills

2010-12-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

"The Fighter" Los Angeles Premiere Photo Gallery

2010-12-07T07:56:00.000-08:00

Premiere of 'Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey'

2010-12-03T01:58:00.000-08:00

Priyanka, John and Karan at Indian Telly Awards 2010

2010-12-03T01:55:00.000-08:00

Dino and Ayesha Takia grace 212 Restaurant launch

2010-12-03T01:51:00.000-08:00

Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli Bash

2010-12-03T01:46:00.000-08:00

Deepika spotted at High Street Pheonix

2010-12-02T06:16:00.000-08:00

Aamir Khan snapped with his new hair style and moustache

2010-12-02T06:13:00.001-08:00

Aamir Khan snapped with his new hair style and moustache

2010-12-02T06:13:00.000-08:00

Is this SRK actually kissing a dude?

2010-12-02T06:12:00.000-08:00

Shahrukh Khan has appeared in quite a few movies where he has acted in jest of being attracted to a man, just for the fun of it. However, one really never knows when certain gestures in real life become hot topic for discussions and create havoc.

Thus when a certain picture of SRK in a smick and smack gesture with another man started doing the rounds on the web, there began speculations of all kinds.

The picture that is doing the rounds is of Shahrukh Khan and John Barrowman giving each other a peck on the lips!

The image was taken some time back when the two had appeared on the Jonathan Ross show. Perhaps there's nothing much there, except for some formal greeting, but then considering some of the movies that are being made this gesture has incited a lot of excitement.

Shahrukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan have enacted the role of being attracted to each other in reel life but not in real life, ever since then the enactment became so popular that they started coming at awards functions as anchors with the same trait of attraction.

They were given such dialogues which had some very funny double meaning and thus the two became extremely popular as the guys who simply couldn't avoid each other- well on screen of course!

All that just for fun. But with this new picture of SRK on the internet, the excitement seems to have been re- kindled in real life.

Revealed: The new man in Priyanka's life

2010-12-02T06:09:00.000-08:00

Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra is a very agile person, who believes in moving ahead in life no matter what happens and she has done the same thing after breaking up with beau Shahid Kapoor. It did not take much time for the lady to get a new man of her choice!

There is a buzz that the new man in Priyanka's life is none other than her Don 2 co-star Sahil Shroff.

This name may leave you surprised because hardly anyone has heard this name before. Sahil is a Mumbai based model and he is debuting in Bollywood with Farhan Akhtar's Don 2. He has a supporting role in the movie, in which Priyanka plays the main female protagonist.

Earlier, Sahil has modeled for various leading commercials and participated in a reality show called 'The Amazing Race Asia'.

As per the sources on the sets, Priyanka and Sahil are like a house on fire on the set and their on-screen chemistry indicates the comfort level they share off-screen. Sahil is still a struggling actor so Priyanka is reportedly giving her tips on how to improve his acting skills.

Well, when he has a top lady of the industry as a girlfriend, Sahil should not worry about his career, at least, till the time, he can keep her happy with his charms.

Celebrity Style: The Best of Natalie Portman

2010-12-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

Guess who just got an ad with Salman Khan?

2010-12-01T08:46:00.000-08:00

Uttaran actress gets a lucky break, to feature in an ad with Salman Khan

Salman Khan is known to give breaks to promising newcomers. He has given his stamp of approval to many actors, composers, singers etc.

After Rahul Bhatt from Bigg Boss, now it is Rashmi Desai (Tapasya of TV serial Uttaran) who is the latest beneficiary of the actor's penchant for promoting young talent.

Rashmi met Salman during the promotion of Dabangg when Salman was invited as a guest on the show, India's Got Talent.

The producer of the show, Siddharth Basu, had asked the actress to perform live to Munni badnaam hui. An ardent Salman fan, she confirmed immediately when she heard he would be there.

Jiggy does it

Rashmi danced her heart out and Salman appeared highly impressed with her act. Later, he joined her on stage to do a jig. A source close to Rashmi adds, "In the evening Rashmi met Salman backstage and told him that it was her dream to work with him sometime in the future.

The actor told her it would be his privilege and that he would keep her in mind whenever something suitable came up. He kept his word by recommending her name for a commercial starring him. "

A few weeks ago, Salman was offered a new endorsement deal for a soap ad. The ad required a fresh female face and he decided to give Rashmi an opportunity.

He told the agency about her and they were more than willing. "She is very well-known on television and they too felt she would look good alongside Salman. When the actress first got the call, she thought someone was joking with her. But once the creative team came and met her to finalise the deal, she knew it was for real. "

The shoot was eventually canned at ND Studios in Karjat. Rashmi says, "Working with Salman was a very good opportunity and like a dream come true for me. Ever since I was in school and college Salman has been my dream guy.

When we first shot for the ad, I was very nervous because he's such a big star but he made me very comfortable. I really appreciate it that he pushed me for his ad.

The day I was shooting I didn't know how he would be as there's a huge difference between TV and film stars but I found Salman to be very down to earth and sweet. He treated me like a princess and was very warm with my family.

I felt no difference with him as he made me feel comfortable in a few minutes. I respect him tremendously today. Now I understand why people are crazy for him. Thank you so much, God!"

Pehli bhi

When Prachi Desai had told a few friends that she was keen to work with Salman, he went out of his way to make her a part of a washing powder commercial he was to do.

Bahut Ho Gaya! I've made enough money: Rajinikanth

2010-12-01T08:43:00.000-08:00

Rajnikant on life and films after Robot, missing friends in Mumbai and sometimes being embarrassed by his age

A polite query at the god's gates: "Are you from Mumbai?" "Yes". The gates swing open quickly, the security guards relax and Man Friday in a crisp white dhoti comes forward.

A tray with hot filter coffee and cool moru (buttermilk) is offered. Latha, who is recovering from a lousy bout of flu, keeps you company.

Minutes later, you climb up a wooden staircase with Nanda the family Dalmatian trying to follow and you're in Rajnikant's Chennai comfortable cane-and-white den with a huge Sai Baba on the wall.

The actor is spiritually inclined in sharp contrast to the testosterone star on celluloid. Rajni even has his Guru Raghavendra Swami on the dial of his watch.

It's been 15 years since Rajni The Affable turned his back on Hindi cinema, returned home to Chennai and became Rajnikant The Inaccessible. Read on for what he has to say...

When Robot/Endhiran was released, fans in Matunga even did a palabhishekam (bathing an idol with milk) for your cutout. How does that feel?
(Humbly) Come on. It's their love and affection.

Why have you become the reluctant interviewee?
No, it is the same Rajni. Now since I'm not giving interviews, everybody wants an exclusive. If I give one person, the others feel bad. Better to say 'no' to everybody. Otherwise, the media is too powerful today.

With over Rs 130 crore riding on your name, relieved that Robot/Endhiran did so well?
Oh yes, very relieved. It was very tense, naturally, first time so much money being invested in a regional language film. It's not a joke. Hats off to Kalanithi Maran's guts, he had complete faith, he believed that yes, these people won't make a mistake, it's a responsibility. By God's grace (it worked).

It's said that you didn't take a rupee during the making of the film?

(Dismissively) I told them, and you give it to me later. Of course, I took it later (laughs). I told them, I don't need money now. If I need money, I'll definitely ask for it. Otherwise why take unnecessarily when so much money is already being spent? I know Maran well, he's a good friend.

You didn't take a rupee during the making but took a part of the profit?
Yes.

Which makes you the highest paid star in India?
(Laughs) Is that correct? I don't know how much the others take. (Laughs again)

You once told me that if you hadn't become an actor you'd have become a smuggler because you wanted to make money.
(Unabashedly) Yes, that is correct, an underworld don. That phase is over, I've made enough money!

And Endhiran was released, you went to the Himalayas?
I go to the Himalayas after every film. I go alone without anybody.

You have two daughters. Ever miss having a son?
No, no. I'm very happy, by God's grace. We're in the 21st century, gender doesn't make a difference. Look at my two grandsons, Yatra and Linga.

You do something other stars wouldn't. You go out as you are, in a kurta, balding hair as it is without dyeing. And your fans are all right with it?
No. It is important to them how you look on celluloid. They're paying for that. There they feel that my hero should look like a hero. Outside, it doesn't matter. People are intelligent, they know everything. Why unnecessarily give yourself discomfort?

They probably appreciate you for being the way you are...

Naturally. I told you. On celluloid if you come like that they will hate it. Reality, okay. On celluloid, no, they want the hero.

And this hero gives the audience what they desire an action man who romances, fights and looks invincible. Incredibly, he is also very fit.
I do yoga, I exercise. I have to be fit. That is my investment. An artiste can only invest his body. For the mind, good writers and good directors are there.

Do you feel the pressure, as you're growing older? In Robot you did everything, including dance, action and romance.
(Laughs heartily) Sometimes, when I do action scenes, I do feel the age... or when I dance. Age is age. But technicians, directors, they know and they manage. When doing a romantic scene now, I feel awkward. Even if I say it's just acting, I do feel a little embarrassed.

Are you careful that it has to be dignified now?
You have to be very, very choosy.

After Robot, what?
An animation film called Hara. Partly live action, partly animation like Avatar. But a straight out-and-out Rajnikant film has not been decided yet.

There were rumours that Yash Chopra has approached you for Dhoom 3?
"They're all rumours. No, (I have) not been approached. Anyway, after Hara, I will need a six-month break. If I get a good character, a suitable role, a good producer-director, only then will I do a film. Otherwise, bahut ho gaya. I'm 61 years old, yaar.

Amitabh is still going strong...
He's my inspiration. Actually Dilipji (Dilip Kumar) is the centre for all of us. Amitji, me, Shah Rukh, Aamir... for all of us Dilipji has been the inspiration.

Do you miss the Mumbai air?

I was lucky to interact so closely with a person like Amitji, how many get an opportunity like that? We did three films, all super duper hits. Andhaa Kanoon, Giraftaar and Hum. Sometimes, I feel like going to Mumbai and meeting my friends. I had a good circle of friends: Subhashji, Guddu, Rishi, Jeetendra.

You didn't feel that you are God in Chennai and you're doing only multi-star cast films in Mumbai?
Oh, no, no, no. Actually, I was so relaxed. Here I had to carry the whole show on my shoulders. There we shared it, did so many multi-starrers. And with what persons! Dharmendra, Vinod Khanna, Amitji.

Multi-starrers, nice fun, big films, multi-crore projects, going to good locales, good friends. It was good fun and I enjoyed it. Mumbai, mayanagiri. Really cosmopolitan.

You met Balasaheb Thackeray this time in Mumbai?
Yes, I met him.

You said he's like God?
Yes, yes. He loves me like his first son. I have met him before too.

Things didn't work out with my boyfriend Kanav Puri: Ameesha Patel

2010-11-30T21:10:00.000-08:00

'I'm loving every minute of being single', says Ameesha Patel on her relationship with ex Kanav Puri, on seeing Deepika-Imran starrer Break Ke Baad, brushing aside speculations about any parallels

Ameesha Patel was spotted recently coming out of a suburban multiplex showing Break Ke Baad.

Considering the film deals with after break-up behaviour and the actress has recently split with her boyfriend Kanav Puri, I was curious to know her reaction to the film.

Also, recently there were reports of her being seen at his birthday bash.

The actress however maintains that it was a case of mistaken identity and that she is just friends with her ex. Here she sportingly answers queries about all things break-up.

What did you think of the film?
I quite liked it. It was sweet. Also Danish (Aslam, the director) has worked as an assistant on my film with Kunal (Kohli), so I wish him the best. Both Deepika and Imran are good in the film. I feel a lot of people might identify with the relationship between their characters. There are some moments in the film that real-life couples will relate to.

Did you relate to Deepika's character who puts her career above love in the film?
Not really. I don't think there is anything similar between the two of us. Things didn't work out between Kanav and me because of certain reasons. There aren't any parallels between the film and my life.

Recently, there were reports that you attended Kanav's b'day bash...
People have asked me this multiple times. But it isn't true. I had gone for my friend Kunal's birthday. He looks similar to Kanav, so people thought it was him. Kanav is in London and I haven't spoken to him in months.

Are you friends with Kanav after the break-up?

Well, I wouldn't say friends, but we aren't enemies either. The break up was mutual so there isn't any bad blood between us. He did call a while back congratulating me on an award I had won. But we aren't in touch on a regular basis.

So you are enjoying your single girl life?
I am loving every minute of being single. Life has been good post break up and I have nothing to complain about. We all go through situations in life that are challenging, but eventually everything works out for the best.

Shahid - PC Break ke Baad

Buzz is that ex-lovers Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra will be seen together in Kunal Kohli's next. Initially Saif was to do the film, but he backed out citing date problems.

Shahid and Priyanka who met on the sets of Kaminey and fell in love separated recently but have decided not to let their past affect their work equation. In fact PC was heard telling friends how she would have a better chemistry with Shahid than wit

The Daily Shuffle:Kim Kardashian's In Hot Water

2010-11-30T21:08:00.000-08:00

Kim Kardashian may be the most searched person on Bing, but the credit card venture she and her sisters tried to start up is already hitting a wall and shattering into a million plastic shards. Their prepaid debit cards – dubbed “Kardashian Kards” – venture is under fire for “predatory” fees (and improper spelling). Wisely, the trio has promptly decided to GTFO. -Popeater

Word has it that John Mayer almost derailed the Katy Perry-Russell Brand mega romance. The night before Perry met her British hubby, she was slinging back drinks with the Don Juan of the music world and get this: she was actually really into it. She was even exchanging texts with Mayer on that fateful VMA night when she threw that water bottle of love at his bed-head. -E!

Well this is one way to pay your respects…to your favorite whiskey. Pink spilled the beans about her unborn child’s name – if it’s a boy, he’ll be named Jameson after the delicious amber elixir. Pink’s hubby, Carey Hart is not loving the name, but dude at least she’s not naming him Audio Science or Jermajesty. -Popeater

Can’t a guy wear some leather pants to a movie premiere? Apparently once you near 50, even if you’re as sexy asBrad Pitt, leather pants are no longer okay. After rocking the look at the Paris premiere of Megamind, the internet is in an uproar about the aging (gracefully) actor’s wardrobe. Here’s what’s up: he’s Brad-freaking-Pitt and he can wear whatever he wants. -Us

Harry Potter isn’t exactly synonymous with scandal, but that’s changing pretty quickly. One PostSecret.com user is accusing a Harry Potter cast member of fathering her child. Last week an anonymous postcard featuring Harry Potter stars like Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Jason Isaacs, Tom Felton, Alan Rickman, Oliver Phelps andJames Phelps read "One of these men is the father of the most amazing little girl in the world. He's never met her. He never will. He probably can't even remember my name." Felton and the Phelps brothers have denied the rumors, but the other stars still remain mum. Does anyone else notice that one of these things is not like the others? -Celebuzz

Johnny Depp told Vanity Fair that Disney was worried about Jack Sparrow being too “gay.” Depp even said that they “couldn’t stand” Sparrow and even went as far to ask if the character was meant to be gay. Chill out Disney, I’m sure that the of millions of moviegoers’ dollars that Depp’s flamboyant pirate allowed you to plunder should be enough hush money. -Huffpo

And Charlie Sheen will have to adopt a new strategy to get out of this pickle. Deny, deny, deny doesn’t work when investigators subpoena your medical records from the night of your rumored coke binge. You should go ahead and set up the plans for rehab now. Sorry, Charlie. -RadarOnline

A Different Riya Sen

2010-11-30T20:59:00.000-08:00

Break Ke Baad Movie Review

2010-11-29T07:35:00.000-08:00

It's complicated' - sighed Himesh Reshammiya when he turned lover boy for 'Radio'. A film about relationships between urban couples, the film went unnoticed. The film's cast as well as its overall set up was blamed for that. Hence, one did have good expectations from 'Break Ke Baad', which again deals with complexities in relationships between urban couples, since the film boasted of a good set up [Kunal Kohli as a producer] and has a far more happening cast in the form of Imran Khan and Deepika Padukone.

Does it work? Partially and that too mainly due to a very good first half and career best performances of it's lead pair.

While Deepika proposes a 'break', Imran sticks on her side, well literally as he stays put at her place with bag and baggage intact till she 'gets back to normalcy'. At this point, one expects some funny incidents to follow that would reunite the lovers. However, this is where 'Break Ke Baad' falters as instead of turning funny, the story turns out to be a huge drag. For 30 odd minutes after the interval point, there is one boring scene after another that actually makes you sink down your seat inch by inch.

Frankly, the movement of storyline here, despite a story being told with a passage of one full year, is hardly interesting and only leads to restlessness and impatience. In addition to that, a subtle side track of Shahana Goswami and Yudi, friends of Deepika and Imran, only turns out to be a distraction. In fact during this entire duration, the lovers do turn into friends but the way their chemistry returns almost to normalcy only makes one kick the floor harder and wonder that why aren't the two reuniting yet.

Thankfully, things perk up towards the last 15 odd minutes from pre-climax onwards. Realisation of true love takes a done-to-death approach with clichés written all over. Add to that some good dialogues mouthed by Deepika and you know what you were missing all this while.

Really, if not for Deepika's terrific act as a young 20 something girl who loves taking risks in life and wants to try out everything before crying that it is all too late, 'Break Ke Baad' by debutant director Danish Aslam wouldn't have been half as enjoyable as it ultimately turns out to be. She gets the best dialogues, the best scenes and the best moments that bring an altogether different facet of her acting capabilities.

While Deepika gets brownie points for her performance, Imran isn't much far behind either. His role required him to stay far more subtle and patient than his beloved and in this regard, he is happy to take a back step without being overtly greedy about trying to get the best lines. As for the others, Sharmila Tagore is just about okay, Lilette Dubey is as usual, Shahana natural but overconfident at places and Yudi irritating to begin with but settling down eventually.

The film has a rich look throughout and one has to compliment the art direction, cinematography and costumes team for that. Background score is good while music by Vishal-Shekhar, though good on ears, brings down the pace of the film at a few junctures, especially in the second half when the going is anyways not as interesting.

This is why one is led to believe that 'Break Ke Baad' could have been a much better film if there would have been some more energy in the second half. No wonder, 'Break Ke Baad' would go down as a film which was a good entertaining watch till the 'break', its very USP, actually happened.

‘Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji’ First Look Launch

2010-11-29T07:30:00.000-08:00

Shahid to be lovey-dovey for Kunal Kohli

2010-11-29T07:26:00.000-08:00

After donning various shades in acting, Shahid Kapoor will come back to what he is best for – romancing….

The chocolate faced star will soon do a romantic project for Kunal Kohli, whose production ‘Break Ke Baad’ released recently. The man behind heart whelming love stories like ‘Hum Tum’, ‘Fanaa’ and ‘Mujhse Dosti Karoge!’ has shared to sources that although he didn’t get to direct ‘Break Ke Baad’, the movie gave him ample time to work on his forthcoming project.

He confirmed that Shahid will be the protagonist in the romantic movie while they are yet to finalise the leading lady, who will surely be a top actress in the industry.

The untitled film is expected to start its shooting schedule from April 2011.

So people, after a short ‘break ke baad’ get ready to watch Shahid as lover boy again….

Shocker:Hrithik spends Rs 10.5 lakh to promote himself

2010-11-28T09:26:00.001-08:00

The Guzaarish star spends on full-page ads featuring himself following producer UTV's decision not to shell out money on post-promotions

If the producer won't, the star will.

Yesterday, Hrithik Roshan shelled out Rs 10.5 lakh to release a full-page ad in a daily that screamed 'Experience Ethan's magic'.

The spread contained tweets from fans who watched his latest release Guzaarish and loved his character, Ethan, a paraplegic.

The 'voices' raved about the movie and in particular, his "amazing acting". Talk about self-promotion!

With producers UTV clamming on the publicity budget as box-office collections are not in the pink of health, the star took on the onus of advertising his character in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's project. Expect more ads in coming weeks.

In bad taste

Moreover, Hrithik decided to use a snapshot of Ashutosh Tiwari, a paraplegic who passed away on November 21 by describing him as a 'true Ethan'. UTV has found it in bad taste and has decided to be totally disassociated from it.

B-Town buzz is that the star is desperate to tell the world that the film may have not worked but he has been loved.

Says a source, "On Monday, there was a sharp decline in collections and UTV was not keen on spending megabucks after the film's dismal opening.

Hrithik decided to pay from his own pocket for the film's post-release publicity centered around his acting skills." Considering he took home a Rs 15 crore fee for the film, this expenditure is loose change.

Adds the source, "The general perception was that the production house released the ads. But they were unaware of his personal publicity gameplan."

As reported (It's possible; HiTLIST, November 16), UTV head honcho Ronnie Screwvala had sent an email, inviting leading B -Town producers for a meeting at Yash Raj Studios to decide the best means to curb rising expenditures while making movies.

Screwvala's main area of concern was the spiralling expenditure on marketing a film which he thinks "is money being splurged on assuaging ourselves (the producers' fraternity) rather than money being spent to enlarge a market and grow the theatrical audience."

What Roshan says

This is ridiculous. How can anyone say I have paid for the ads? Who is saying this? Ashutosh passed away recently and the page will be a beautiful memory for his loved ones. It's an ode to the spirit that he was which changed my life. He was the true Ethan. I attended his chautha last evening and I've received so many blessings from his family.

What UTV says

Siddharth Roy Kapur of UTV states, "Hrithik's performance as Ethan Mascarenhas has been lauded by critics and audiences worldwide. The objective of the ad was to convey the tremendous appreciation the film has received and to recognise the heroism of a real-life 'Ethan'. We are all part of one team and it is irrelevant who has borne the cost of the ad."

Shocker

In the CP-Berar territory, after estimating the total business of Guzaarish, distributors expect it to be less than that of the Mallika Sherawat-starrer Hissss!

Deepika's nasty condom comment deciphered

2010-11-28T09:25:00.001-08:00

Bitchy actress called to say, "When Deepika Padukone stated on Koffee with Karan that she would like to see Katrina Kaif's passport, it was not only to decipher her age like most people thought.

She wanted to see the immigration stamps on her passport to confirm that she had travelled to the US to meet Ranbir Kapoor when he was shooting there for Anjaana Anjaani!"

When she said that Ranbir Kapoor should endorse a condom brand, she wasn't referring to his libidous nature.

Says an actress in the know, "RK isn't fond of using protection, and she was making a dig at that."

Bipasha being pampered at the Palazzo Versace

2010-11-28T09:24:00.000-08:00

The actress gets pampered at the Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast, Australia

Bipasha Basu is being pampered on the sets of her English film Singularity directed by Roland Joffe and co-starring Josh Hartnett.

The actress has been put up at the Palazzo Versace on the main beach of the Gold Coast a hotel with the signature style and design from the House of Versace.

Bips is housed in a condominium in one of the world's first fashion-branded hotel, known for its luxurious surroundings and beauty. According to a source, the actress asked to be put up at this particular hotel.

Getting her way

Says an insider, "Everyone from the cast and crew are staying at different places.

Roland and Bipasha are in condos while Josh is at a place on the Broad Beach, as he didn't want to be at the hotel. Bips made her preference known and she got her way."

Her condo includes a living room, master bedroom, attached guest room and guest bathroom.

The source discloses, "It has all the amenities of an apartment including a kitchen and enjoys the hotel facility of house keeping as well. Through the day, Bips is on sets and only has dinner at the condo.

There's a chef to cook special meals for her. Though she is not on any particular diet, she is particular about what she eats."

Apart from her luxurious surroundings, the actress is slogging it out on the sets, "It's a hectic as the day starts from 5 am and goes on till 6 pm.

Tuesday was her first day of the second schedule. She is enjoying the new experience. She is training for horse-riding and swimming at the moment and has to start to learn sword fighting and fencing."

Hits or Flops Aishwarya Rai is forever

2010-11-28T09:22:00.000-08:00

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is one of those stars who has carved a niche in the Bollywood film industry in such a way that no matter what her critics have to say about her she always manages to come out of every tight spot with grace and aplomb.

Not very long ago there was some news about most of her movies not doing well at the box office, yet she was considered one of the most bankable stars in a movie, which just goes on to say that she is a very popular star that cannot be avoided even with our eyes closed.

However there are still many who believe that Aishwarya has more of her starry good looks than her acting talent to prove her worth in the industry.

But then if that was the case then how come she still holds the position amongst the top A -grade actresses when many of her contemporaries have laid down their arms and taken a back seat to give the newbies a chance?

Well the fact remains that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has stood the test of time and is now placed on a pedestal where she just cannot be questioned about her star status, irrespective of the fact that any or all of her films fail at the box office or not. Thus her popularity never seems to die down amongst her devoted fans.

'Allah Ke Banday' makes it a point not to glorify crime (Movie Review)

2010-11-27T08:38:00.000-08:00

Film: "Allah Ke Banday"; Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Sharman Joshi, Faruk Kabir, Anjana Sukhani, Atul Kulkarni and others; Writer-Director: Faruk Kabir; Rating: ***

A feeling of foreboding and damnation builds up in the narration from the first frame itself. Here's a gloriously gutsy film exploring the underbelly of Mumbai through the lives of two slum kids who grow up in identical circumstances, but with somewhat disparate values.

First-time director Faruk Kabir displays remarkable skill in creating a pastiche of mammoth crime and little punishment. The pace leaves meagre space for grace. And yet "Allah Ke Banday" creates a world filled with acute aggression, repression and damnation with a reasonable amount of paciness to the edgy narrative.

The world that Faruk Kabir's characters inhabit is reminiscent of Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire", Irrfan Kamal's underrated "Thanks, Maa", Mahesh Manjrekar's "City Of Gold" and Chandan Arora's "Striker". Deriving its lingering study of juvenile delinquency from these sources "Allah Ke Banday" moves forward and acquires a life of its own.

The gripping narrative takes us through the world of petty crime and underage lawlessness non-judgementally. Faruk Kabir's deeply-felt concern for children who dodder dangerously on the edge of society is never overdone. The director creates a world of uncertainties with unwavering confidence.

The nervous anxiety of the characters is rather aptly replicated in the film's rough and unvarnished look. Kabir's cameraman Vishal Sinha goes through the rugged merciless slums searching for only Allah-knows what. The actors wear their unwashed demeanour casually, so much so that at times we forget the existence of the camera. At the same time, there are uneven sections in the narrative that mar what could otherwise have been a standout exposition on the genesis of social outcasts.

Sharman Joshi and Faruk Kabir play the two driving forces of the plot with a deep understanding of their characters and the milieu. Both seem to have got right their characters' physicality and then proceed to explore their inner worlds. For a first-time actor and director, Faruk Kabir handles both his jobs with more than a reasonable amount of compelling confidence.

The others in the cast merge into the relentless milieu. As usual, the extraordinarily brilliant Naseeruddin Shah is under-used. Whenever he shows up on screen, an extra dimension is effortlessly added to the proceedings.

Notches above the run-of-the-mill entertainer is the genuine concern for juvenile delinquency. The lives on the streets never looked more dangerous and less glamorous. This time, crime is not glorified. Thank god for small mercies.