PURE CINE MASALA

Actress Mallika Sherawat's 'Hisss' gets the Princess of Travancore

noreply@blogger.com (Pure Masala Blog) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 02:33:00 +0000

Actress Mallika Sherawat's forthcoming film "Hisss" has been making quite a buzz and the latest is that Lakshmi Bai, the erstwhile princess of Travancore, will make an appearance in the movie.

"Akka" as she is affectionately called by close friends and family, met "Hisss" diector Jennifer Lynch through family friend Govind Menon, who is producing the film.

When Lynch was casting for the role of Divya Dutta's mother, she offered the role to Lakshmi Bai who initially refused. But after much convincing and cajoling, she finally agreed to be part of the film.

"Akka is a natural storyteller. Her intelligence and grace are matched only by her incredible instinct about people and their character. It was an honour to be her director, " Lynch said in a statement.

"Akka will provide a healthy amount of comic relief in the film, and her character's storyline is crucial to the plot. "

According to sources the princess might be accompanying Mallika during her trips to some cities down South. "Hisss" is slated for an Oct 22 release.

Kareena Kapoor to do hips shake in Shakira style!

noreply@blogger.com (Pure Masala Blog) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 02:32:00 +0000

In the title track of the much awaited Golmaal 3 we will see Kareena Kapoor swaying her hips Shakira style!!

Kareena will be seen belly dancing in this hot new number. Sources from the sets revealed that Kareena was quite a pro when it came to learning these steps. She picked up the steps quickly and gave excellent takes without much rehearsal.

People who have seen the song are raving about her look in it. In Jab We Met Kareena made the harem pants a popular trend and with this song she has brought the trend back with a twist! She is sporting harem pants with ganjis and a lot of bangles.

Whatever Bebo does she does it with her very own magic touch and with this song we are sure she will bring back the charisma of belly dancing!

ROBOT (ENDHIRAN) Movie Review From Bollywood Hungama

noreply@blogger.com (Pure Masala Blog) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 06:54:00 +0000

Two things...
One, it's difficult to conceptualize and execute a film like ROBOT.
Two, when Rajinikant's name comes in the credits, one cannot hear anything for the next two minutes. His name is greeted with a thunderous applause, whistles yells and cheers. Such is the charisma of this superstar. Rajnikant is the Boss. The real Badshaah.

ROBOT, directed by Shankar, is a Rajnikant Express that transports you to a world you can't envision. Rajnikant's feats are legendary by now. In ROBOT, he goes a step further. The Robot in ROBOT not only follows orders of his creator, but also cooks, fights, romances and wonder of wonders, has a lengthy conversation with a mosquito and scan loads of books/magazines and an entire telephone directory in a second. Yes, you read it right!

That's not all, this Robot is Superman + Spiderman + Terminator + Godzilla, all rolled into one. There's more to this Robot. It can replicate itself, wage a vicious battle, turn into an Anaconda or a monster ball and wipe off an entire army. Whew! Known for larger than life canvas, ROBOT is Shankar's most expensive and if I may say so, his most imaginative film thus far. And who better than Rajnikant for the pivotal role!

Final word? A Rajnikant film is an event and this combo's [Shankar - Rajnikant] new outing ROBOT is sure to strike like Tsunami. Let me make it short-n-sweet. If you miss ROBOT, it's YOUR loss!

Location: Chennai 2010. Mission: Creating a robot Chitti. Purpose: To help the society. Development time: 10 years. Special Features: A human who is not born, but is created. He can dance, sing, fight, is water and fire resistant. He can do all that a human can and more. He feeds on electricity. He takes instructions literally. Where a human can lie to save himself, this robot cannot lie.

Where he has a razor sharp memory and can memorize an entire telephone directory by just running through the pages, he cannot understand human emotions. Dr. Vasi upgrades Chitti's processor and simulates human emotions without realizing the repercussions. Chitti gets transformed. He can now feel and the first feeling that he discovers is Love. Will this love come in the way of Dr. Vasi's purpose of creating Chitti? Will Dr. Vasi's own creation destroy him?

A title like ROBOT automatically puts tremendous responsibility and pressure on the director's shoulders. And ROBOT is not merely a display of VFX, but it also has soul, a story to tell. At first, ROBOT comes across as a clash between the virtuous [Rajnikant] and wicked [Danny Denzongpa]. But ROBOT changes gears in its post-interval portions as the focus shifts to the creator [Rajnikant] and his creation [Rajnikant].

It's a Rajnikant film and it would be incomplete if his loyal fans don't get to watch his stylish actions and feats. Thankfully, ROBOT showcases it all. He can glide on the railway tracks, run horizontally on a moving train, transform into an Anaconda, can swallow helicopters and even fire at people with his fingers, without using a pistol. These are truly clap-trap moments!

Even otherwise, the screenplay is really well penned and absorbing. While the film is a super ride from start to end, it's the penultimate 25 minutes that leaves you awe-struck and speechless. You can't imagine a Hindi film having such an out of the world climax. There will be pandemonium inside theatres when the climax unfolds, I am sure. Let me confess, it's the mother of all climaxes!

Only thing, Shankar could've controlled the length of the film. It could've been shorter by at least 10 to 15 minutes, which includes doing away with a song or two. Of course, like all Shankar movies, the songs are filmed most imaginatively on exotic locales, but what's the point of having songs if they act as speed breakers?

That Shankar ranks amongst India's best directors is well known by now and ROBOT only cements the fact. His vision and execution of the difficult subject deserves the highest praise, in fact distinction marks. He not only dreams big, but the outcome is incredible too. A.R. Rahman's music doesn't compliment the content of the film, but like I pointed out earlier, every song has been filmed exquisitely. The action and chase sequences are outstanding [Yuen Woo Ping, action choreographer in the MATRIX and KILL BILL sequels, was the stunt coordinator]. Visual effects are spectacular [Stan Winston Studio, the studio behind JURASSIC PARK, PREDATOR, TERMINATOR, IRON MAN, AVATAR, provided the animatronics technology]. Cinematography captures the grand production values with precision. The locations of Austria, Machu Picchu in Peru, U.S.A. and Brazil only enhance the visual appeal of the film. The sets are mind-blowing. Dubbing is near-perfect.

ROBOT is a Rajnikant show from start to end. And no other actor, not from Bollywood at least, would be able to do what he does with such amazing ease. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan looks stunning and acts most convincingly. Danny Denzongpa is efficient, as always. The remaining actors enact their parts well.

On the whole, ROBOT is a crowd-pleasing and hugely mass appealing tale of android revolution with a thrilling plot, rich and imaginative screenplay, super action, astounding effects and most importantly, Rajnikant, who is the soul of the film. It's the Big Daddy of all entertainers. Miss it at your own risk!

ROBOT- ENDHIRAN Rajni Kanth Latest Movie Review

noreply@blogger.com (Pure Masala Blog) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 01:52:00 +0000

Robot the film was a person, it would be diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Parts of the film are superbly entertaining – the scale is spectacular, the story is ambitious and the special effects are impressive. But parts, especially in the second half, are so needlessly stretched and cacophonous, that you’re just waiting for it to end. Still, I strongly recommend that you see Robot, to partake in writer-director S Shankar’s prodigious imagination and to revel in the sheer force of nature that is Rajinikanth.

When you buy a ticket to a Rajinikanth film, you enter into a pact with the actor. The only rule in a Rajinikanth movie is that there are no rules.

Rajinikanth, whose contract specifies that he be credited as superstar, reigns supreme.
In Robot, he plays a double role – Dr. Vaseegaran, who creates an andro-humanoid robot named Chitti, also played by Rajinikanth.

As pure machine, Chitti functions well enough but trouble starts when Dr. Vaseegaran imbues human emotions into him. Chitti falls in love with his creator’s girlfriend, Sana played by Aiswariya Rai Bachchan, creating a singularly unique love triangle.

When Chitti’s feelings aren’t reciprocated – Sana thinks of him as a ‘toy-friend’ instead of a boyfriend - all hell breaks loose.

Robot’s most compelling feature is the character of Chitti. Deriving from sources ranging from Blade Runner to Frankenstein, Shankar uses Chitti to make a comment on the human condition.
Like us, Chitti wants to live, he wants to love but like us, he is also tragically flawed, capable of blinding hubris and horrific destruction. Of course these sub-texts are buried under masala so extravagant that your jaws drop. There are several gorgeously shot songs, including one in Machu Picchu, that has several llamas in the frame with a swaying Aishwarya.

In another, Chitti walks through his kingdom with two robotic beasts on a leash.
Sadly however, AR Rahman’s music is singularly unmemorable. As is the character of Sana who is essentially a Barbie doll required to look either gorgeous or afraid.

Let me also warn you that it takes some time to get used to the film’s supremely over-the-top sensibility. Robot doesn’t have an under-stated moment in its three-hour running time.

Everything is thunderously larger than life in an almost cartoonish way. At one point, Chitti has an extended conversation with mosquitoes. And it took me a good ten minutes just to get past the wig that Rajnikanth wears as Dr. Vaseegaran.

But once you’re in the flow of things, the plot gives you no time for pause. Of course the scale moves to another level with the special effects that have been done by George Lucas’ Industrial Light and Magic and some of the same technicians who worked on Jurassic Park.

In the climax, an army of Chittis transforms itself into a snake and gorges on the enemy. But through all these fantastical, futuristic images, Shankar keeps the flavor strictly home-grown.

The robot is given his name by Vaseegaran’s mother and even though Chitti menacingly abducts Sana, it never gets too risqué.

Robot rides on Rajnikanth’s shoulders and he never stoops under the burden. Aided by snazzy Manish Malhotra clothes, make-up and special effects, he makes Chitti endearing.

Robot is exhausting. You won’t have much energy left when it’s done. But this roller-coaster ride should be experienced.

Read more at: http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_review.aspx?id=551&albumname=Review:%20Robot&cp

KHICHDI - THE MOVIE Review By Taran Adarsh

noreply@blogger.com (Pure Masala Blog) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 02:31:00 +0000

I must admit, I am no couch potato. I find it difficult to stay glued to television for hours, surfing channels randomly. Perhaps, that's one of the reasons why I never watched an episode of this hugely popular TV show called KHICHDI. But, of course, I had heard of its popularity, about its comic quotient, about the zany characters...

KHICHDI - THE MOVIE borrows the characters from the show, but the movie has a new story to offer. In the West, popular shows are adapted on the big screen, but the trend is in nascent stages here. For someone like me, who was absolutely clueless about what to expect from the big screen adaptation, I'd say KHICHDI - THE MOVIE vacillates between absurd and ridiculous, but the fact remains that it makes you laugh at most times. KHICHDI - THE MOVIE may not push the envelope as far as the written material is concerned, but you exit the auditorium with a radiant smile, which most laughathons promise, but don't deliver.

Final word? I haven't laughed as much in weeks as much I did in those 2 hours. Do pay a visit to this mad family if laughter is what you seek in a movie. This khichdi is appetizing, for sure.

Hansa's [Supriya Pathak] brother Himanshu [J.D.] has a ridiculous ambition: to have a memorable, legendary love story. Parminder [Kirti Kulhari], Himanshu's neighbour, falls in love with Himanshu for no logical reason and the two get engaged to get married. That's when this ridiculous story takes a ridiculous turn. Himanshu realizes on the eve of the wedding that the impending ceremony would mean impending doom to his desire to have a legendary love story. For, nothing interesting ever happened in his love story to make it memorable.

No resistance, no conflict, no separation, no sad song, no climax, nothing. So the dumb family sets out to stall the wedding. Thus begins their journey to create all those missing stages in Himanshu's love story in order to make it legendary.

Even if you're clueless about the characters in the story - like I was - it doesn't take time to know that the family has its brains in its knees. At the very outset, the Almighty [Satish Shah, in a cameo] arrives at the doorstep to distribute akal ke laddoos, but the family will have none of it. From this point onwards, the characters get into weird and outlandish situations and the humour gets bizarre and wacky.

There's hardly any serious moment in the film. Humour has been injected even in serious situations, like the death of a parent [Supriya and J.D.'s father] and the condolence meet thereafter, where a parody of 'Beedi Jalaile' and 'Bheege Honth Tere' are rendered for the grieving family members.

However, writer-director Aatish Kapadia's screenplay has its share of potholes. The love story isn't convincing at all. Also, the crime angle [the suicide portions] doesn't cut ice. However, the courtroom sequence in the climax salvages the show and is, in fact, the highpoint of the enterprise. The entire sequence is so funny that you've to see it to believe it. It's nothing short of a mirthquake!

Aatish Kapadia, the writer may not be in complete form, but Aatish Kapadia, the director knows his job well. His choice of actors, who've the right comic timing, comes handy at most times. Also, like I said, his handling of the courtroom sequence especially is noteworthy. Music is a sore point, but I am not complaining. I was not expecting musical gems either. Sanjay Jadhav's cinematography is full of vibrant colors.

Every actor works in tandem with each other, instead of trying to have a game of one-upmanship and that's what makes every single character stand out. Supriya Pathak is splendid. Anang Desai is top notch. Rajeev Mehta [as Supriya's husband] is fantastic. Nimisha Vakharia is first-rate. J.D. is excellent. Kirti Kulhari looks good. Girish and Keith are alright. Kesar Majethia and Markand Soni are cute. Farah Khan, Satish Shah, Deven Bhojani and Paresh Ganatra are lovely in cameo appearances.

On the whole, KHICHDI - THE MOVIE is a fun-ride that tickles your funny bone from start to end. Do visit this mad Indian family and get thoroughly entertained. Logic be damned, laughter is what matters. This one's a great stress buster!

Akshay, Salman & Katrina Kaif 'qawalli' number From Tees Maar Khan

noreply@blogger.com (Pure Masala Blog) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 02:29:00 +0000

After two blockbusters Main Hoon Na and Om Shanti Om, Farah Khan is ready with her next directorial venture Tees Maar Khan starring Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif and Akshaye Khanna in lead roles. One of the highlights of the film is a special dance number filmed on Akshay, Katrina and Salman Khan (in a special appearance). The song was recently shot at Mumbai's Film City and by the looks of it has all the makings of a chartbuster.

Speaking about this song, Farah says, "This is a special dance number called 'Wallah Re Wallah'. It's a full-on qawalli set in a typical Muslim mohalla though I have also incorporated certain Moroccan elements. In the initial script, this song was to be set in a club but when Salman agreed to do the song, I thought of changing the setting. Salman, Akshay and Katrina are all seen in typical Muslim attire and we had a blast shooting for the song. I had done a qawalli in Main Hoon Na too but that was more of a Disco-qawalli, this one however is a full- on proper qawalli. The song is composed by Vishal-Shekhar and sung by Shreya Ghoshal, Raja Hassan and newcomer Kamaal Khan (Sa Re Ga Ma contestant)."

Farah also says that initially there were no plans of having Salman in the song but it was the media which kept putting up stories of Salman making a guest appearance in Tees Maar Khan so much so that Farah actually gave it a serious thought. "Yes...when Salman came on the sets of 'Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega', I asked him if he would do a special dance number in my film and he instantly agreed. He shot with us two full days and it was a complete blast on the sets. Salman and Akshay went completely mad dancing during the shoot and at times even started choreographing their own steps. They were like two small boys let loose from a boarding school. During one shot they removed their scarves and started using it as a towel to do Salman's famous towel dance steps from Mujhse Shaadi Karoge. It was a total riot on the sets. Katrina has also never looked so pretty before. I've tried to dress her in a get up similar to that of Meena Kumari in Pakeezah with a sharara et al. She is looking really gorgeous."

When we quizzed Farah about Salman cooking food for the unit, Farah says, "No...Salman didn't cook food but he did get some yummy food for all of us. Even I got some Parsi delicacies for the entire unit during one day of the shoot. Like I said earlier, all of us had a complete blast."

Going by what Farah says, this one indeed seems like one song, worth looking forward to.

Aishwarya and Hrithik Roshan's "Guzaarish" dealing with a very sensitive and controversial issue of ' mercy killing'

noreply@blogger.com (Pure Masala Blog) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 02:28:00 +0000

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is trying to recreate the crackling screen chemistry between Aishwarya and Hrithik Roshan through his upcoming film Guzaarish, which is reportedly dealing with a very sensitive and controversial issue of ' mercy killing'.

The pairing of these two actors created two big hits Dhoom 2 and Jodhaa Akbar. Both the films were very different from each other as in Dhoom 2 both of them donned very stylish look and Ash had given some most sizzling performance in her career. Again in Jodha Akbar, they donned royal look and gave a very graceful performance.

Bhansali has revealed the first look of his much talked movie on Thursday and it indicated the wonderful onscreen chemistry between the two stars again.

The teaser of Guzaarish has been very impressive as the director himself has done the brilliant cinematography and music in this film. Hrithik's long hair and beard look of Kites continue with this film too and Ash looked full of elegance.

As the trailers suggest, Hrithik will be seen playing a magician, who suffers from paraplegia and takes to wheelchair-bound and Ash will don the role of a nurse, who has separated from her husband. She is also working as his assistant and takes care of him.

The character of Hrithik asks for euthanasia as he gets tired of his sufferings. Hrithik claimed that his perspective on life has changed after working on this movie.

The film is set to release on November 9 and it is rumored to be inspired from the movie The Sea Inside, which was again based on a true story.

ANJAANA ANJAANI Movie Review By Taran Adarsh Bollywood Hungama

noreply@blogger.com (Pure Masala Blog) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 02:27:00 +0000

Till a few years ago, if a director approached a producer with a script that had just two characters from Scene A to Z, the producer would scoff at him and show him the door. After all, devoting an entire film on merely two characters is nothing short of a risk. That's not all, for the two characters aren't friends, acquaintances or lovers. They are strangers who meet accidentally on a bridge, since both have decided to commit suicide. If that's how your film begins, it's akin to taking another [giant] risk by Bollywood standards.

Okay, okay, before I begin dissecting ANJAANA ANJAANI, I need to clear a few misconceptions pertaining to this film. It's not a copy or adaptation or remake of Patrice Leconte's 1999 French film LA FILLE SUR LE PONT/GIRL ON THE BRIDGE, which starred Daniel Auteuil and Vanessa Paradis. The Twitterverse is also crammed with tweets speculating that ANJAANA ANJAANI bears a striking resemblance to the Telugu film ITLU SRAVANI SUBRAMANYAM [2001]. The only similarity between these three films is that two strangers meet on a bridge to commit suicide, that's it! ANJAANA ANJAANI is as diverse from these films as mangoes, apples and peaches. Now let's move ahead...

With ANJAANA ANJAANI, director Siddharth Anand accepts a big challenge. This one's a love story, but it doesn't follow the beaten path. It doesn't follow the rules laid out by the romantics in Bollywood. And that's where its strength lies. Generally, couples in love commit to die for each other, but in this film, romance blossoms much, much after the two meet at the bridge for the first time, when they are about to commit suicide. From strangers to lovers to strangers again is how the film explores the relationship between this couple.

ANJAANA ANJAANI works for two major reasons. The first being the powerhouse performances by its lead pair. Having watched their careers from the very onset, I would like to state that the two actors deliver career-best performances in ANJAANA ANJAANI. The second reason why ANJAANA ANJAANI works is due to the terrific moments in its second hour.

Final word? ANJAANA ANJAANI is worth a watch. If you are a romantic, or even if you are not, ANJAANA ANJAANI is a must-see for its interpretation of modern-day romance. Recommended!

ANJAANA ANJAANI is the story of Kiara [Priyanka Chopra], based in San Francisco, while Akash [Ranbir Kapoor] is a New York City boy. Akash has had a failed business, while Kiara has had a failed relationship. Fed up, they both decide to commit suicide by jumping off a bridge. However, both land up on the same bridge at the same time.

One thing leads to another and Akash and Kiara decide to end their lives on 31st December. With 20 days to go, they decide to fulfill their unfinished wishes and thus begins their journey.

Director Siddharth Anand has a fine sense of story and how to present his characters well. ANJAANA ANJAANI is no different. Of course, you don't take to the film instantly, primarily because it's not the usual prem kahani. In fact, there's hardly any movement in the story in the first hour. It's a collage of some wonderful, some okay moments, frankly. The sequence at the bridge and the various attempts at committing suicide stay with you and so does the sequence in the sea, when they go sailing and decide to swim. Also, the first hour unwinds at a leisurely pace and that's bothersome.

However, story writer Mamta Anand and screenplay writers Advaita Kala and Siddharth Anand reserve the best for the post-interval portions, when the story moves from New York to Las Vegas to San Francisco. The road trip and the varied experiences and emotions they share make it a compelling watch. Of course, the story tends to get a bit predictable towards the end, but come on, don't we like our love stories to have happy endings?

Siddharth Anand has handled the subject with flourish. Besides, the film is not merely rich in substance, but is equally alluring when it comes to style and overall look. The DoP [Ravi K. Chandran] plays a major role here. The film bears a magnificent look all through and the panoramic and exotic locales of America only make every frame stand out. The costumes - Mamta Anand for Ranbir and Manish Malhotra for Priyanka - are trendy.

Vishal-Shekhar's music has a lot of heart. Again, it won't be wrong to state that their compositions take the movie forward. The background score [Salim-Sulaiman] is top notch. In fact, the rich score compliments the mood of the characters beautifully. Dialogues are wonderful.

When two of the film industry's finest actors meet, it puts more pressure on the film. Ranbir is an actor with an infinite range and his dedication to his work is evident in every film. I have often stated that he is the finest actor of his generation and the fact comes alive yet again as you watch him donning a new character in ANJAANA ANJAANI. Priyanka sinks into the role beautifully, so much so that she forgets herself and starts becoming Kiara. When an actor kills his or her eminence and surrenders completely to the role is when the film really takes off. Priyanka has this unique quality. Zayed Khan is likable in a cameo. Tanvi Azmi is wonderful.

On the whole, ANJAANA ANJAANI is an unpretentious romantic saga that revels in the exuberance of newly found love. The film has everything going for it: top notch performances by two super-stars, good music, a sensitive director with a good track record, a simple yet absorbing story and of course, terrific moments [emotional as well as humorous]. Don't miss this one!

Mock Fight Between Salman and Akshay Kumar over Katrina Kaif

noreply@blogger.com (Pure Masala Blog) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 02:25:00 +0000

Here's a sneak peek at the song featuring Salman Khan in Farah Khan's Tees Maar Khan starring Katrina Kaif and Akshay Kumar.

An item number, Walla Walla, was shot at Film City over two days. Sources reveal that it's a fun song which has the two actors engaging in a mock fight over Kat. Choreographed by Farah, the song is said to be a major highlight of the film, apart from the raunchy Sheila ki Jawani number.

A source reveals, "Despite tensions between Salman and Kat, they both had a great time shooting the song. Katrina's look has been modelled on Meena Kumari from Pakeezah. Salman and Akshay wore tapori style colourful shirts and vests. In the song, the actors get into a skirmish and fling scarves at each other. Farah has also incorporated their famous towel dance move from Mujhse Shaadi Karoge in the song. "

Sachin Tendulkar in Bollywood

noreply@blogger.com (Pure Masala Blog) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 11:24:00 +0000

Cricket and Bollywood have a long running relationship since decades. Several Indian cricketers starting from veteran like Syed Kirmani, Sandeep Patil and Sunil Gavaskar to new generation cricketers like Salil Ankola, Vinod Kambli and even Ajay Jadeja have acted in Bollywood films.

Now, the latest entry to Bollywood from Indian cricket team is our master blaster Sachin Tendulkar. The leading cricketer of the decade will be seen in Vidhu Vinod Chopra film called Ferrari Ki Sawari, which will be directed by Rajesh Mapuskar.

The record breaking cricketer will be seen in an important role in this movie and his co-stars will be comedy specialists like Sharman Joshi and Boman Irani, as quoted by a crew member.

However, producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra is in no mood to disclose anything about this movie. While in Lage Raho Munnabhai, the filmmaker kept the term 'Gandhigiri' a well wrapped secret, here in this film, he is keeping the length of Sachin's role a secret.

Earlier this year, the cricketer had tweeted about this movie of Vinod Chopra and said that he found the script awesome. Later, he also posted a photo of him with Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

There is a buzz that leading Bollywood stars like Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Ranbir Kapoor were also considered to essay a part in this movie.

The dialogues of the film will be written by director Raj Kumar Hirani and the script will be penned by Chopra and Mapuskar.

The film tells the story of a boy, who dreams to play at the Lord's cricket ground after watching the Ferrari of a cricket legend.

Mallika Sherawat is all set to scorch the silver screen by October 'Naagin'

noreply@blogger.com (Pure Masala Blog) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 11:23:00 +0000

Split Image Pictures brings, in association with Venus Records and Tapes; India's first ever creature - feature film with the most stunning, never-before seen effects!

Come October, Mallika Sherawat is all set to scorch the silver screen by respiring one of the most mystical and fascinating characters of Bollywood – the 'Naagin' in the riveting thriller 'HISSS'!

Directed by renowned Hollywood filmmaker Jennifer Lynch, 'HISSS' has created quite a stir across the globe for its interesting amalgamation of the superstars of Bollywood and top technicians of the west.

Produced by Split Image Pictures Pvt Ltd and presented by Venus Records and Tapes Pvt Ltd, the film also stars renowned actor Irrfan Khan and the very versatile Divya Dutta along with American actor Jeff Doucette in prime roles.

As the story goes, the movie is about the Vengeance of Naagin, the Snake Woman whose mate is captured from the jungles of India by a ruthless American George States (Jeff Douchette).

She transforms into a stunningly attractive woman (Mallika Sherawat) with absolutely no clue about contemporary civilization or the ways of mankind, and ventures into the city in desperate search for her lover with vengeance on her mind and venom in her fangs.

What follows is a chase at breakneck speed, with horrifying deaths, narrow escapes and special effects never before seen in India!

Irrfan Khan, known for his power packed performances plays a detective on the hunt for the ruthless Naagin. Robert Kurtzman, make-up and special effects expert from Hollywood whose previous works include films like Predators, Vanilla Sky, Spy Kids, Hulk, etc has worked his magic on the 'Naagin' to create the most magnificent creatures of all time!

Packed with gripping performances and thrilling twists and turns, HISSS not only revisits the popular Naagin saga but also reveals the untold truth about this centuries old legend in the most fascinating manner!

What's more - the film's soundtrack is as exciting as the film itself; with pioneering collaborations between the east and the west! Besides having compositions by talented musicians like David Kushner, Panjabi MC, Alexander Von Bubenheim and LA Hip-Hop mogul Craig Nobles, Mallika Sherawat herself has lent her sexy voice to a song composed by Julian Lennon, a famous musician in his own right besides being the first son of the late Beatle founder John.

Renowned Bollywood music composer Anu Malik has also composed a special 'Holi' number for the film!

Produced by Vikram Singh, Govind Menon and William Sees Keenan and Co-Produced by Ratan Jain, 'HISSS' is slated for release on 22nd October' 10.

John Abraham Strips Again

noreply@blogger.com (Pure Masala Blog) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:15:00 +0000

Usually it is the girls who fall for actor John Abraham's good looks, but the launch of the karaoke CD for his upcoming film "Jhootha Hi Sahi" saw men asking him to take off his shirt.

John unhesitatingly complied to their demands at the event here Sunday, but said: "I am too shy for all this. "

As it happened, men gathered there were overwhelmed by his presence and wanted to see his chiselled body. They started screaming and asking John to strip off his shirt.

The actor, who seemed to be enjoying the attention, joked: "Already ek 'Dostana', Abhishek bhari padh raha hai. . . aur kitno ko sambhaaloonga. (I am already burdened by my friendship with Abhishek Bachchan in 'Dostana'. How many more will I handle?)"

John and Abhishek had posed as gays in Karan Johar's super hit movie "Dostana". The joke around their friendship has existed ever since.

Meanwhile, John was at his spontaneous best at the event and even sang two songs from "Jhootha Hi Sahi" along with the other cast members.

The Karaoke music CD for the film, launched by Saregama India Ltd. , will be available in a premium music pack, containing one song CD, one karaoke CD, an eight-fold lyrics booklet and one 'lie detector card' apart from two postcards, said a press statement.

Salman Khan recommending SONAKSHI SINHA

noreply@blogger.com (Pure Masala Blog) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 03:06:00 +0000

The female casting for Shirish Kunder's Joker starring Akshay Kumar has been caught in a game of musical chairs.

Deepika Padukone (who seems to be suffering from amnesia) says she was never approached for Joker! Akki, who is also co-producer, was keen to have her in the project.

He should perhaps jog Dippy's memory. Meanwhile Salman Khan has been recommending his Dabangg co-star Sonakshi Sinha.

Apparently, Sallu has been trying to convince Akki to take Shotgun Jr in Joker. The newbie is already part of Sajid Nadiadwala's Kick (at Sallu's insistence).

He feels she is the next best thing. Maybe he should leave the casting to the directors, no?

Soha and Maria walked the ramp for Archana Kochhar

Soha Ali Khan and Maria Goretti Warsi walked the ramp for Archana Kochhar at a fashion showing in a Juhu hotel over the weekend. Proceeds from the show will go to war widows.

Kangna Ranaut action scene shooting escaped from accident..

noreply@blogger.com (Pure Masala Blog) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 15:55:00 +0000

The Bollywood actresses are turning bolder these days, not only in the sense of doing intimate scenes but also doing the stunts themselves without taking the help of a body double.

But such boldness turns very risky sometimes and such an incident happened to actress Kangna Ranaut recently when she was shooting for Sanjay Dutt and Irrfan Khan Starrer movie Knock Out.

The accident took place while shooting a scene where Ranaut was reporting on Irrfan’s character, who was not coming out of a telephone booth after repeated requests thus creating a suspicion among the law enforcing authorities. The scene required to show a speeding truck go up in the air and then come crushing down.

Director Mani Shankar sensed the risk involved in the scene and asked Kangna to opt for a body double. But Kangna showed her confidence to perform the scene herself.

A source associated with the film was quoted saying that when the shooting was conducted, the truck went up in the air but when it came crushing down, it caught fire and went spinning towards Kangna.

Speaking on this, Kangna said that she could not realize the risk involved with the scene when the director briefed her but she was shocked to see the truck on fire coming towards her.

The actress used her presence of mind and moved away from the way of the truck and survived from this dangerous situation. However, later Shankar decided to keep the entire shot for the drama involved with it.

Kangna was quoted saying that she could experience the dangerous situation faced by the real journalists when they go for reporting such risky events.

Co-producer of Knock Out, Nagraj praised the actress for using her presence of mind. He added that Kangna had not only saved herself but also him by giving a perfect shot.

We must say that Kangna has got a new life!

RANBIR KAPOOR fan says she kill herself if the actor doesn't autograph her back

noreply@blogger.com (Pure Masala Blog) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 10:15:00 +0000

Star's security beefed up after girl in Delhi mall threatens to kill herself if he doesn't autograph her back; fiance watches helplessly

Ranbir Kapoor's female fan following is growing by the day. And growing more insane, may we add. Fans from out of town have been spotted outside the Kapoor residence, Krishnaraj, carrying suitcases.

The scene is reminiscent of the clamouring crowds outside Rajesh Khanna's bungalow when he was a superstar.
While Kapoor shrugs off the unwanted attention, it's left to his mother Neetu Kapoor to be kind to the hysterical fans who have nowhere to go.

However, the star mom was not around on Thursday, when an exceptionally crazed female fan threatened to jump off the first floor of a mall in Delhi if Kapoor didn't autograph her, err, bare back. The actor was at a loss when he saw a girl in white, at a crowded mall in New Delhi, waving frantically from the floor above, threatening to jump down to be near him.

Says an eyewitness, "At first, Ranbir waved and smiled at her. But when he saw that she was trying to jump off the balcony, he sent someone from his team to fetch her down. He thought he would sign an autograph and send her packing."

What followed was pure melodrama with the girl threatening to strip her clothes if Ranbir didn't click a picture with her. Says the eyewitness, "All along, the girl named Anuradha, kept yelling that she'd kill herself if Ranbir didn't oblige. The funniest bit was that her fianc © was with her, and the poor guy didn't know how to handle her. Ranbir panicked. He did whatever he could to make her happy and decided to beat a hasty retreat. But the girl, with her fianc © running frantically after her, chased Ranbir to his car and insisted on getting in with him."
That's when the security guards took charge of the situation and led her away.

More than Ranbir, the incident has left mother Neetu shaken. The family has decided to employ bouncers to accompany the star to out-of-town events.

Aishwarya and Hrithik Roshan's "Guzaarish" dealing with a very sensitive and controversial issue of ' mercy killing'

noreply@blogger.com (Pure Masala Blog) — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 17:40:00 +0000

The character of Hrithik asks for euthanasia as he gets tired of his sufferings. Hrithik claimed that his perspective on life has changed after working on this movie.

The film is set to release on November 9 and it is rumored to be inspired from the movie The Sea Inside, which was again based on a true story.

From : www.santabanta.com

Malaika Arora becomes beneficiary of settlement between her husband's production company and a brand named "ZANDU BALM" in the Munni track

noreply@blogger.com (Pure Masala Blog) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:22:00 +0000

The standoff between Arbaaz Khan Productions (AKP) and a company that produces balms, has come to an end.

Says Khan, "It's all been amicably sorted, out of court, thanks to adman Prahlad Kakkad. He knew both parties very well and initiated discussions."

He adds, "It was always a win-win situation for both sides. We will have tie-ups with their company. Malaika will be their brand ambassador." Incidentally, Kakkad is expected to shoot the first balm ad with Malaika.

That said, AKP was ready to take the fight to the other party. Says a source from Arbaaz's company, "We were in consultation with lawyers. If the balm company so desired, we were ready to take them on. This was just an attempt to latch on to Dabangg's success."

The source adds, "According to statistics, the business for the balm company multiplied substantially since the song came out."

Arbaaz and his team have learnt a lesson from a previous legal wrangle when someone had objected to the use of the use of the word 'Hindustan' just before the release of the film. "We panicked because we had a delivery date staring us in the face. We changed the word to 'Gulistan' in the song. This time we were not pressured by deadlines. We were ready to go to court."

Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham cant say no to Dostana 2

noreply@blogger.com (Pure Masala Blog) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:20:00 +0000

Here's the thing. Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham whose Dostana goes back to Karan Johar, are both up for the same part. Neither actors seems inclined to say no. Not when two very special ladies are asking.

Abhishek Bachchan's is being made an offer he can't resist…not for long anyway. He has been asked by two of his most favourite girl pals Vidya Balan and Meghna Gulzar to play the lead in Milte Hain, the film featuring Vidya Balan that Meghna is directing for producer Sanjay Gupta.

Apparently Gupta has met John Abraham for the same role. But the two ladies are hellbent on on Abhishek doing the role.

Says a source, “Abhishek's mother Jayaji and Meghna's father Gulzar Saab go back a long way. Jayaji calls Gulzar Saab her 'Bhai'.

Abhishek treats Meghna like a sister. There's no way he can say no to her. On top of this, there's Vidya who has repeatedly expressed a desire to work with Abhishek after Paa. It's unlikely that Abhishek can say no to two such persuasive ladies.”

There is a new twist in the tale, though. Apparently the producer Sanjay Gupta has met John Abraham for the same part. And let's not forget, John is an old buddy of Vidya too from the time they did Salaam-e-Ishq together.

Is Gupta more keen on Abhishek than John for the part?

Says Gupta, “Yes I've met John for a part.Beyond that I am not revealing anything. Abhishek too is very dear to me. I leave the decision on whom to sign to Meghna.”

Last heard Abhishek had apparently shown a keen interest in Milte Hain. John's loss is Abhishek's gain?

Ref : Santabanta.com

Smiley Suri of Kalyug fame is going to make a special appearance in Emraan Hashmi starrer movie Crook

noreply@blogger.com (Pure Masala Blog) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:18:00 +0000

Actress Smiley Suri of Kalyug fame is going to make a special appearance in Emraan Hashmi starrer movie Crook, which is being directed by Mohit Suri. It is known to all that Smiley is Mohit's sister and Emraan's cousin, so this one might be doing for her brothers.

The movie is set to release on October 8. The character played by Smiley leads the story of the film, which is set in Australia. The story of the movie revolves around the much talked racism against the Indian students.

Speaking about her role, Smiley said that she has a short role, which is very significant to the story. However, she won't be romancing Emraan as it would be incestuous, added Smiley, who was not in a mood disclose much about the story.

Smiley further said that she was convinced to play the role easily as Emraan also made a special appearance in her debut movie Kalyug. She said that Hashmi agreed in a moment to do the cameo in her film, which became a hit.

The actress said that all the big names in Bollywood to Hollywood have done such cameos then why can't she do the same? Smiley said that she has got a meaty role and is very happy to work with her two brothers in a socially relevant movie.

She further said that it is right that her brother considers her to be his lucky mascot. Smiley informed that she had assisted Mohit on his film Zeher, which became a huge hit so her brother owes it to her if Crook does well.

From : Santabanta.com

Neighbours angry at King Khan for allegedly restricting entry to an access road

noreply@blogger.com (Pure Masala Blog) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 02:34:00 +0000

Residents irked at King Khan for allegedly restricting entry to an access road; cops claim that they put up the barricades only for Bandra Fair
Shah Rukh Khan, may have a fewer fans after citizens who reside in and around Mount Mary Church and Bandstand, are angry at him for allegedly blocking the cement road behind his bungalow at Bandstand.
According to the residents, security guards employed by the actor have blocked the lane adjacent to Mannat, the road behind his bungalow and restrained access to the cement road lane.

Angry residents
Residents complained that barricades had been erected at the entrance leading to the lane and the security guards and police authorities did not allow residents to use the road, even though the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) maintains the road.

"The police say that they have erected the barricades for the Bandra fair, but even on other days, access to the road is restricted by Khan's security guards," said Khalid Qureshi, president of the NCP Bandra Taluka.

Echoing the same resentment was 58-year-old Ruby Fernandes. She said, "I am running a candle shop and the shop has been in existence for over 40 years. However, after they restricted the use of the road, I don't have any customers as no one travels by this road." Vivek Angre, who resides near the Church, said, "I am staying here for the last 47 years and it is a fact that residents of the area are troubled because the road has been cordoned off."

Police speakHowever, officials from Bandra police station claim that restrictions on usage of the road have been imposed only for the Mount Mary Fair and that the security guards of the actor have nothing to do with the issue.

Senior Inspector Prakash George said, "It is the police, which have imposed temporary restrictions on the road on Saturday and Sunday because of the Mount Mary Fair. The restrictions have been imposed keeping in view the benefits of the pedestrians and also the motorists, who approach the church from the main road and the road from Mehboob studios. People have a habit of using a short cut from the Caine Road via this road adjacent to Shah Rukh's bungalow Mannat."

Despite several attempts and messages to Shah Rukh Khan and his secretary Karuna, they were unavailable for comment.

Akshay Kumar into a verbal spat with his Tees Maar Khan co-star Katrina Kaif

noreply@blogger.com (Pure Masala Blog) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 02:28:00 +0000

Tees Maar Khan co-producer and lead actor Akshay Kumar recently had a verbal argument with his co-star Katrina Kaif. He needed dates from her to shoot a music video for TMK and she flatly refused.

Sources reveal that the actress's dates were blocked for her Yash Raj film with Imran Khan and she was unable to change her schedule.

Says a source, "This is the first time Akki and Kat got into an actual fight. Her saying no got him all worked up. He reminded her of past adjustments he had made for her. Kat, on her part, said that she wouldn't be able to share dates till mid-October as the YRF banner was important to her and that the schedule was locked."
Moreover, Farah Khan is in a hurry to wrap the film in time for a Christmas Day release. She has managed a smooth schedule so far. Akshay, meanwhile, wants Kat to complete the music video before she busies herself with other commitments.

Adds the source, "Things really soured between Kat and Akshay over the date imbroglio. They stopped talking to each other for a while. But then, Farah stepped in. The duo is shooting a qawalli in Mumbai with Salman Khan and FK didn't want their cold vibes to spoil the song."

The director spoke to her heroine and everything has been sorted out. "The video will be shot on October 15. Katrina managed to get YRF to allow her to shoot for the title track video featuring the entire star cast. In any case, Kat is very fond of Akshay and will not allow their relationship to sour."

Sajid Nadiadwala Upset with Ranbir Kapoor

noreply@blogger.com (Pure Masala Blog) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 02:05:00 +0000

Actor had said that the Sept 24 release date of Anjaana Anjaani should be delayed as the Ayodhya verdict will also be delivered then

BARELY a week before the release of Anjaana Anjaani (September 24), producer Sajid Nadiadwala and lead actor Ranbir Kapoor appear to be heading for a confrontation over the release date of the film.

"It all started when Ranbir gave a statement at a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday and said that if he had his way, he would postpone the release of Anjaana Anjaani by a week as September 24 was a crucial date with the verdict on the Babri Masjid being delivered.

It is a very important day and the nation will come to a standstill with central forces being deployed in many places as the Ayodhya issue is a sensitive one. Ranbir feels that it will be more practical to postpone the film by a week or so as some audiences may not be able to go watch it, " says a source, who is also part of the film.

The source added that Ranbir's statement upset Sajid as he hadn't taken the producer into confidence before talking to the media about it. "Sajid felt that Ranbir should have kept him in the loop about it.

Though Sajid hasn't said anything to Ranbir yet, he's waiting for the correct moment to talk to him. The release date is nearing closer and he doesn't want to jeopardise the film and create a controversy by getting into a fight with his hero."

"He, of course, agrees with Ranbir too as September 24 is an important date for the country and is proud of Ranbir's sensible stand. As of now, Sajid is undecided about what he wants to do, " the source added.

The actor, meanwhile said, "It is very unfortunate that the movie is releasing on September 24 as the big hearing is on the same day. Right now my only wish is to postpone the release of the movie. It's not in my hand but I will be talking to the producer and the director about it."

Sajid Nadiadwala remained unavailable for comment.

Salman - Kareena Starrer In Remake of Malayalam hit BODYGUARD

noreply@blogger.com (Pure Masala Blog) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 02:01:00 +0000

It's confirmed! Kareena Kapoor will star opposite Salman Khan in brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri's next project, a remake of the Malayalam hit BODYGUARD. There was speculation that Katrina Kaif would essay the lead role, but Atul clarifies, "See, we have already decided to release our film during the Eid week next year. Since Katrina has committed her dates to other projects, we decided to cast an actor whose dates would match with Salman's and would facilitate the release of the film during the festive week next year."

However, this combo - Salman and Kareena - hasn't delivered a Hit in the past. "It all depends on the film and how the audience takes to it. Why blame a pair for its failure? Besides, they may be third time lucky with my film," Atul smiles. Meanwhile, Atul is keen on calling his film BODYGUARD, not MY LOVE STORY or MERI LOVE STORY. Directed by Siddique, the film has music by Pritam.

Actress Vidya Balan to do a voluptuous South Sensation Silk Smitha

noreply@blogger.com (Dolphin) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 02:38:00 +0000

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan is going to enact the late South Indian sensation Silk Smitha. Now, if everything goes well, she will be accompanied by another Bollywood star Ajay Devgn in this forthcoming film, which deals with Smitha's life.

The movie is being made by television queen Ekta kapoor's Balaji telefilms. The officials from the production house are likely to discuss with Ajay on this topic very soon. Ajay has recently worked with Balaji in his latest release Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai.

A sourced was quoted saying that Ajay is supposed to essay the role of a renowned filmmaker, who was involved with the actress Silk Smitha in her glory days. The source added the movie won't deal with the entire life of Silk Smitha, rather it will concentrate more on her relationships.

However, Vidya is also yet to sign the papers to finalize her inclusion in this project. But the director Milan Luthria is very much interested to sign Vidya to play the role.

The source further said that a Malyalam girl with a very Indian type of body is required for this role and Vidya fits the bill perfectly. If both the actors sign the project, it will be their second film together. The first was Halla Bol.

Sonam Kapoor and Abhay Deol reunite after AISHA

noreply@blogger.com (Dolphin) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 02:34:00 +0000

The Sonam Kapoor-Abhay Deol jodi finds another taker. Dibakar Banerjee has cast the two in his next, Shanghai

Sonam Kapoor and Abhay Deol might well make their second coming in Dibakar Banerjee's next titled Shanghai.

While casting for the film is still on, well-placed sources inform us that that the Love Sex Dhokha (LSD) director has locked in the Aisha jodi as his lead pair. The two will be seen romancing each other in the political thriller despite having creative differences in their first film together.

Abhay was the director's first choice. The two had worked together on Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! and share a great camaraderie. Reveals a source, "Apart from having a great work equation, the two are also good friends off the set."

Shanghai is a thriller that follows a particular incident that happens in Abhay's character's life and its repercussions on everyone around him."

The lukewarm response to Aisha didn't stop Dibakar from considering Abhay and Sonam as his lead pair. The source says, "Even though that film didn't work, it hasn't stopped film makers from approaching the two as leads for future projects", adding, "Dibakar has spent the last nine months working on the concept and ideation for the film. Unlike his previous films, this one will have violence as the core theme."

However, when contacted, Dibakar denied he has cast Abhay and Sonam as the leads.