Agent Vinod

Agent Vinod Marketers Turn From Twitterattis to Replicattis
After a very interesting trailer and a song promo which sent all the fans in frenzy, Agent Vinod seems to be in the limelight again, this time for all the wrong reasons.

Agent Vinod has now grabbed the attention of the Twitter world, after Mihir Fadnavis, a well known film critic in Bollywood tweeted on the micro blogging site, “GHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!! The ‘Agent Vinod’ FB page stole my tweet and is passing it on as SAIF’S QUOTE! http://on.fb.me/xrCSrw (via@masalaomllete)” The tweet spread like wild fire as other prominent figures in the Twitter world wasted no time in re-tweeting Mihir. In what appeared to be a sarcastic comment towards the social media agency handling the social media properties of Agent Vinod, Mihir tweeted, “hahahahahahahhaha … who is handing the social media content for Agent Vinod? Anyone knows? Tell him/her I’m flattered”.

Checking the official Facebook page of Agent Vinod to see if the claims were true, our sources saw that the social media agency had not only claimed the quote but had also put it in Saif Ali Khan’s mouth. Now who could have ever imagined that Agent Vinod would resort to such cheap tactics of movie promotion in order to get a loyal fan following?

On further probing the sources also figured that Digit 9 a well known social media agency was probably behind the promotional gimmick of Agent Vinod. Digit 9 remained silent about the alleged tweet before realizing that Agent Vinod would soon trend – for all the wrong reasons! Finally, @FollowAV, the official twitter handle of Agent Vinod, replied to Mihir’s tweet, “@mihirfadnavis Apologies for taking your quote. Big misunderstanding. Thanks for the tweet would have not known otherwise about the mistake”.
With social media agencies struck in a cut throat competition to gain prominence, this plagiaristic goof-up by Digit 9 could cost the company and how. Now that the first goof up in the Agent Vinod promotions have come to light, the entire industry will have their eyes on the AV campaign. Here’s to hoping that Agent Vinod doesn’t slip off the road any more…

Masters Release Date

Masters Malayalam Movie Starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Sasi Kumar,Piaa Bajpai, Ananya, Salim Kumar, Biju Menon, Manikuttan, Siddique, Mukesh, Sadique, Vijayaraghavan, Anil Murali, Shammi Thilakan, Jagathy Sreekumar, Mithra Kurian, Nazria, Saikumar, Parvathy

Husbands in Goa

Kochin, February 24, 2012 Following its first Malayalam film Grand Master starring Mohanlal, UTV Motion Pictures’ next Malayalam multi-starrer Husbands in Goa went on the floors in Kochin today.

Directed by Saji Surendran, the film revolves around four husbands – Lal, Jayasurya, Asif Ali and Indrajit, who take a trip to Goa, followed by their three wives Ramya Nambesan, Rima, Bhama and Praveena. The director has teamed up with writer Krishna Poojappura, music director M G Sreekumar and cinematographer Anil Nair for this film, which is slated to release in July 2012.

Azmi Seema

There is a buzz in this industry for the much awaited TV serial Upanishad Ganga that will air from March 11th, every Sunday at 10 am. Produced by Chinmaya Mission, this Sunday morning serial promises to get the entire family together and entertain and educate them on our nation’s rich culture, heritage and history which are our pride. It has everything for everyone who is looking into meaningful cinema. Directed by the famous Chanakya of DD, Dr. Chandra Prakash Dwivedi, once again etches out a TV serial to remember.
The sutradhar of Upanishad Ganga, Seema Azmi, who is more famous as the hockey player from the film Chak De, talks to us about this serial and her journey from Chak De till now.

• When were you approached for Upanishad Ganga?

I had just come to Bombay in 2006 after completing my training at National School of Drama in Delhi, from where I belong. I met Dr. Chandra Prakash Dwivedi, who called me for an audition for a sutradhar, at this magnificent set of Upanishad Ganga. And right then I knew I wanted to be a part of this fine serial where everything was perfectly organized. And soon all went well and I was selected to play the role. This infact, happened even before I started Chak De.

• What exactly is your character required to do in this serial?

I am playing the role of a sutradhar, that is of a narrator, who acts as the intermediary between the actors, story and the audience. Since Upanishad Ganga is made up of various stories of our predecessors that represent Indian culture and heritage, I guide the audience taking them through the story, directly talking to them.

• Since you are new in this industry, how do you find working with director Dr. Chandra Prakash Dwivedi?

Personally, I knew very little about Upanishad, I remember reading on them when I was really small. And about Dr. Chandra Prakash ji, I think not everyone can do what he has done. He got into the nitty gritties of each and everything that made up Upanishad Ganga. Even if a small object did not belong from that era it would be removed from the set. Nothing was compromised. So working with such a systematic and intellectual director was certainly a boon for me. Also, Chinmaya Mission, the production behind Upanishad Ganga, have worked tremendously to make this serial.

• What are your views on Upanishad Ganga?

Upanishad Ganga is very good to educate anyone about our vast history and culture. The whys and whats have all been answered interestingly in detail. It can also be a great documentary. Till today people talk about Chanakya, only because Chandra Prakash ji had dedicated himself totally into it. Upanishad Ganga too is going to be a cult. If you wish to know about the Upanishad you should watch this serial.

• What do you have to say about the audience who doesn’t watch such shows anymore?

I think the audience will love this show instead, because I feel people are bored of watching the same old saas bahu stories. I’m sure they have matured and like to take something from everything they do. So Upanishad Ganga is a great platform for education along with entertainment. You read about Upanishads and forget it a while later. But when you watch it which has been made very carefully, keeping all the facts authentic and true, the audience will grasp it better. The parents too will find it helpful for their kids. This is one serial after a long time, that the entire family would love to watch every Sunday mornings!

• Upanishad Ganga is also being known as the most expensive show on television!

I’m not surprised. The moment I entered the sets, I knew this was something very great and prodigious. Right from the set to the costume, jewelry, make-up, objects and property, the study research that must’ve gone into its making, all seem very striking and huge! This is one serial that will be used and re used for references. Its like a video library!

• Any memorable experience that you take away with you from this serial?
Oh yes, the very first day turned out to be an experience for me! I was given 2 scripts much in advance and I somehow thought that the smaller one was for me! It was only a night before the outdoor shoot I confirmed about the script and it turned out I had to learn both of it! And to my horror, the other script was 5 pages long! I didn’t sleep a bit and the shoot was a nightmare! I went completely blank in front of the camera. Somehow we winded up with my scene and since then I check and re check before taking anything! Luckily for me, Dr. saab was very patient.

• Everyone knows you as the Chak De hockey girl. Tell us a little about your journey into this industry.

The beginning was very tough. My family did not want me to get into this industry. But I was secretly doing theatre and taking NSD training. At one point in time I was planning to even run away! But after clearing NSD in the first attempt, I told my parents and what followed was a big drama at home! My dad did not talk to me for 5 years. I came to Bombay anyway, worked in Deepa Mehta’s film, Water and then was called for an audition for Chak De and eventually got selected. Working with Shah Rukh Khan too was a very great experience. He is so sweet and friendly! We took early morning trainings for hockey which was very straining. But all the effort was met with sweet success of the film. I am very grateful for having my career started with a Shah Rukh Khan film! I have a few projects in hand that I am working on now. Mohalla Assi, Threat Detected, Bumper Draw and an English film, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel are my upcoming films.

• Will we see you in glamorous roles now?

I would love to do glamorous roles. If the character requires it, I will not shy away from it. I know a lot of people say this, but I really mean it. I’d like to do total justice to my character. I am ready for it.

Mandy Takhar In Bumboo

Mandy Takhar has taken a lot of effort to ensure that ‘Bumboo’ her debut movie as a lead actress becomes a success at the box office. In order to look good, and add glamour to the movie, the talented actress has shed all her extra weight.

Mandy is a true Punjabi girl in every way and more so with regards to her eating habits. She weighed around 65 kgs and had a waist size of 34 inches, and is a complete fast food freak. However at the audition of Bumboo when asked if she was willing to wear a bikini in the film, she accepted and took the offer as a challenge where she had to prove herself.

After consulting a nutritionist and following a strict vegetarian diet, she enrolled herself for kick boxing classes and dutifully managed to knock off 15 Kilos in just a month and a half so that she could look stunning in a bikini. It paid off as she stands out for being the only lady in an all male star cast.

After watching the dedication and seeing all the hard work the stars have put to make this film, we can wish them luck and hope that the movie ‘Bumboo’ becomes a huge hit at the Box Office. RCL Motion Pictures will be releasing the movie on March 30, 2012. This movie will also be Jagdish Rajpurohit’s debut directorial.

Bumboo

Actor and Comedian, Sanjai Mishra has proved himself to be quite the multi-tasker. During the shoot of the movie Bumboo, not only was he playing one of the main characters, but he was also busy shooting his directorial debut ‘Pranaam Walekum’.

Sanjai Mishra, the recipient of the Star Screen Award in 2011 as the Best Comedian, started off in the Bollywood industry in 1995. His first movie was ‘Oh darling! Yeh Hai India’. Since then, he has done some recommendable projects like ‘Golmaal 3’, ‘Atithi Tum Kab Jaaoge’, ‘Tashan’ and ‘Crazzy 4’. His most memorable work was probably ‘Phas Gaye Re Obama’ which was a serious comedy based on recession.

Mishra is a very talented person. Though he has proved that with his memorable roles, his eagerness to outshine the lot, has led him to do his first Directorial Debut. ‘Pranaam Walekum’ his first movie on the director’s chair will be released shortly.

In the movie ‘Bumboo’, Sanjai Mishra plays the role of Vincent Gomes, a hotel waiter, who is the main link between the two protagonists. Now that ‘Pranaam Walekum’ has already been released, we are all eagerly waiting for the movie ‘Bumboo’ to release and have a hearty laugh.

Bumboo – Official Theatrical Trailer

Ghanchakkar

UTV Motion Pictures gets the super successful Emraan Hashmi and Vidya Balan pairing for their quirky next to be directed by Rajkumar Gupta of No One Killed Jessica fame

Mumbai, 20 February, 2012: UTV Motion Pictures has signed Emraan Hashmi and Vidya Balan for the mad, quirky comic-thriller titled Ghanchakkar. Emraan, who has carved a niche for himself in Tinseltown with his back-to-back commercial blockbusters, and Vidya, who is being referred by the industry as the ‘hero’ among heroines for her brave, award-winning performances year after year, will be directed by Rajkumar Gupta of No One Killed Jessica and Aamir fame. The film is expected to go on the floors in August this year.

Announcing the movie and the pairing, Siddharth Roy Kapur, CEO of UTV Motion Pictures, says, “It is a pleasure to announce Ghanchakkar, our third film in a row with Rajkumar Gupta, one of the most talented writer-directors in the industry today. With Emraan and Vidya in the lead roles, we have managed to get our dream cast for roles that were virtually written with them in mind. Rajkumar and Pervez Sheikh have written a fabulously quirky comic-thriller that will surprise audiences with its many twists and turns. We are confident that this explosive combination of Emraan, Vidya and Raj Kumar will take audiences by storm in Ghanchakkar.”

Ghanchakkar narrates the story of the protagonist (Emraan) who is an ex-conman named Sanju. He is laid back and has a taste for finer things in life. The problem is – he has an ambitious wife (played by Vidya) with her own notions of the world and therefore gets sucked into a ‘chakkar’ and has to suffer two thugs in the process – one with a bad ailment and one with a bad sense of humour, leading to madness, confusion and chaos and unleashing some mad cap characters in his life. Will Sanju survive the madness and prevent himself from turning into a Ghanchakkar? is the plot of the film.

After No One Killed Jessica, this is Vidya Balan’s next with UTV. She says, “As an actor, all you want to do is reach out to the audiences with diverse yet entertaining roles. Having said that, the story, the director, the co-actors, producer, play an extremely critical role while selecting a film. With Ghanchakkar, it all just fell in place. The story is definitely creativity at its best and I can’t think of a better director than Rajkumar Gupta to bring this story to the audiences. He has a very new age and quirky but massy humour. Having worked with him before in No One Killed Jessica, I know he’ll push me to give it my best. When you have worked with an actor before, there is a certain amount of comfort that is brought to the table. Emraan, is a brilliant co-star and together, we hope to rock it!”

This is going to be Emraan Hashmi’s first film with the UTV Motion Pictures. He says, “It’s great to be associated with UTV and Rajkumar Gupta for the very first time. As a production house, UTV is known for some path breaking cinema and I loved both of Rajkumar Gupta’s film – No One Killed Jessica and Aamir. Ghanchakkar is definitely one of the best scripts I’ve heard in recent times and I jumped on board when Rajkumar offered it to me. It’s a brilliant story factoring all the essential components – comedy, thrilling, edgy and entertaining, which is sure to connect with the audiences. It is undoubtedly going to be a challenging role for me, something that I haven’t attempted before, but as an actor, I am always looking forward to push the bar so I can’t wait to get into the skin of the character. And now to add to the excitement, me and Vidya will be seen on screen together again and am sure, under Rajkumar’s apt direction, we will recreate the magic on screen.”

The film’s music is being done by the acclaimed music composer Amit Trivedi (Dev.D, Udaan fame) and noted lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya is writing the songs for this quirky movie. Rajkumar Gupta, who teams up with Vidya for the second time after NOKJ, says, “Ghanchakkar is a comic thriller and definitely one of my best projects till date, and since I haven’t attempted this genre before I am looking forward to working with UTV yet again. To stay true to the script, signing the ideal cast was of utmost importance. As a director, you always visualize certain actors for the roles and if you are not required to compromise on the casting; you have won half the battle. This is the first time I am going to be working with Emraan, who I think, will do complete justice to the role that has been sketched out for him. He is one of the most bankable stars today and this is the first time the audiences will see him essay a role of an eccentric man. The film also has a strong female lead and having worked with Vidya before, she was definitely my first choice for the role. It’ll be a delight to get her to work in an entirely new genre in a totally different avatar and in a quirky, mad, out of the box role. The two leads and the crackling chemistry between them will take the viewers on a laughter ride.”

Sofia Hayat with Ganesh Acharya - Jeena hai toh Thok Daal

The sultry British-Asian model Sofia Hayat known to dress up in outlandish outfits is all excited for an Item number in the upcoming movie “Jeena Hai Toh Thok Daal”. This is the first time Sofia will be doing an item number in Bollywood. She expressed her delight today on a popular social networking site. The song will be by choreographed by none other than Ganesh Acharya who is behind some of the most popular dance numbers of our generation.
Sofia tweeted “So excited. Tonight my first rehearsal with ganesh for my item number”.

She later tweeted “First rehearsal with Ganesh Achareya for my first ever itm number, how excited am I!!”

Rash Productions’ “Jeena Hai Toh Thok Daal” is a hard hitting gangster movie set in Bihar and Mumbai. It will be a great to see if she can live up to Ganesh Acharya’s expectation who has previously given us massive hits like Chikni Chameli and Beedi.

Sophia Hayat is also starring in a Hindi movie, Diary of a Butterfly which releases in March this year.

Jeena Hai Toh Thok Daal is a movie which shows horrid realities of the underworld crime as well as the changing times of Bihar state. The movie stars Ravi Kissen, Hazel, Sharat Saxena, Murali Sharma, Rahul Kumar and Yashpal Sharma. The movie is directed by the first time director Manish Vatsalya.

Abhimanyu Singh

Well-known for his villainous roles actor Abhimanyu Singh is all set to change the mindset of the audience as he dons 33 different mythological characters. The photo feature unveils his different looks as lord Krishna,Lord Indra,Emperor Ashoka,Mughal Kind Aurangzeb etc.