Forthcoming Films

So, this completely slipped my mind in my past 'Forthcoming Films' posts.

ANJAANA ANJAANI starring Priyanka Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor (definitely just wrote 'Priyanka Kapoor and Ranbir Chopra' it was awkward, but don't those names flow?, directed by Siddharth Anand of Salaam Namaste/Ta Ra Rum Pum/Bachna Ae Haseeno fame and produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.. Judging from his previously directed movies I guess it's safe to assume this is going to be another young, life as an 'NRI' flick. The only difference with this film compared to his previous ones is that it's under a different production camp, but what a difference that's made. When I think of his three previous movies I automatically imagine the title to be in bright yellow/blue/white colors (am I alone on that?), and the leading duo dressed in flamboyantly colored yet trendy clothes. I'm really digging this sleek monochromatic mature-clothing look. It really speaks volumes about the film.

The film is slated to release October 1, 2010. Hoo-wee. They just started shooting for it, so makes sense. Priyanka Chopra just recently returned from a shooting schedule in Bangkok for the film (Shahid Kapoor was also there for another film. They supposedly had din din... maybe for closure's sake). I have high hopes for this Priyanka-Ranbir jodi.

[photo source: HHC]

Trailers, Promos and Friends

Man, the promos just never stop dropping. I'm not complaining. They're not spectacular by any means, but I'll take it.

A lovey-dovey number from Chance Pe Dance titled "Pal Mein Hi":



I get a very "Bakhuda Tumhi Ho" vibe. You? Also, I must admit I didn't really think much of the Genelia-Shahid pairing, but it seems to be really cute in this video. I am horrified by one thing though and that is how at 1:50 it looks like Genelia is teaching Shahid how to dance. Come on... don't tell me she's a dance instructor! At least get someone who can dance! Okay, I'm being a drama queen she's not baaaad but she's not good either. Ugh.

The other promo is a song titled '10 on 10' from Pyaar Impossible:



So... I hate to say this. I really really do, but doesn't this whole thing (minus the last part w/ Uday's fantasy sequence) remind you of a climatic scene in a severely teeny bopper film like, "Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen" or some Disney Channel Original? Anyway, if anyone can pull off playing a young college 'rocker' chick without looking absolutely ridiculous it is Priyanka (or I could just be really biased). Anyhow, I'm still looking for that trailer because it was better than these song promos.

Also, I was asked what this movie was about so here's what little I can reveal: It's just a typical story about beauty and the geek. I think The Beauty may currently be in a dead-end relationship (with Dino Morea) or is confused and thinks that he's the one when it's, obviously, The Geek. Yeah, sorry there isn't much to be said. Oh, the film is directed by the masoom bacha from Masoom, the bhola naujavaan from Mohabbatein/Papa Kehte Hain, the director aadmi of Roadside Romeo, the guy who has KJO as a BFF but still can't seem to find success a.k.a Jugal Hansraj. He seems talented, just not doing the right thing at the right time.

That is all for now, I'm waiting for a new 3 Idiots promo to drop... I want more insight on that film!

Forthcoming Films

Okie Dokie Smokie.

Vere to begin?

Let me start with movies that have been talked about for a while:

*AISHA: Directed by Rajshree Ojha, starring Sonam Kapoor & Abhay Deol (hello, lovely combo), and Ira Dubey (Lilette Dubey's daughter), produced by daddy dearest Anil Kapoor and sister dearest Rhea Kapoor. The music is composed by Amit Trivedi (think Amir & Dev D.... disappointing? I think not.) It's expected to release in early 2010. The film is based on Jane Austen's Emma and if you haven't read that then think 'Clueless'- A young socialite who is obsesed with hooking people up. In Aisha, Sonam plays a Delhi socialite obsessed with match-making. Who better than Sonam to play that role? Seriously. I can't wait to see her clothes. Here's a picture of her on the sets of Aisha enjoying, what looks to be, gelato. I wish I could pull off blue linen shorts like her... alas, we're not all fierce fashionistas:



So... it's really hard not to be excited for this film, but I always do this to myself. I need to stop having any sort of expectations!

Next up we have yet another Sonam Kapoor starrer (hollaaa) and Imran Khan starrer (double hollaa) titled "I HATE LOVE STORIES" (though I've read "Luv" instead of "love" in some places. God help me, I hope it's not true!)The movie is directed by Bwood's favorite designer, Manish Malhotra's brother Punit Malhotra and produced by... any guesses? Dharma Productions. Surprise surprise. The film just started shooting this past October and not sure about a release date. Oh and Brazilian hottie, Bruna Abdullah, is to make a cameo in the film. Don't get confused, this isn't Gisele the Brazilian Hottie from Love Aaj Kal. Anyway, that's all we know for now. I'll keep you updated :)

Another KJo venture is the remake of Stepmom! We don't know the name yet, but I highly doubt it's "Sauteli Ma" except I wish it were 'cause that would be hilarious. I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that he got the rights to remake the film, but I'm not 100% sure. The film isn't directed by the man himself, though it is a Dharma Productions venture. It is directed by his protege Siddharth Malhotra. Damn, this Dharma camp is growing huuuuge. Is it even exclusive anymore? Any how since you're dying to know, the film stars Kajol, Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal. Eee, I see no flaws. Last time we saw the two leading ladies together was in K3G... oh how things have changed (mostly for Kareena):

I'm not done talking about Dharma Productions. Next we've got DOSTANA 2! Which, unfortunately, does NOT star Priyanka Chopra. Everyone, including her, keeps saying it's because she's happily married in the first one. So? Are married people not allowed in films? What is this injustice. So guess who they roped in to replace her? Katrina Kaif. I guess there's no such thing as overexposure for this one. Just kidding, that's something no Bwood star should believe in (except Amitabh Bachchan, OMG tone it down a notch already).

Okay so since we're on the topic of sequels... DON 2 is, in fact, going to be made. Same director, same hero, same heroine (I hope this is true, because I remember hearing she may not be in it), I hope Isha Koppikar-Narang. stars in the sequel too. They were supposed to start shooting in Berlin this coming April so the movie could be a Diwali release, but looks like they'll start shooting in September. Oi ve, that is too far off.

Yet another sequel which is technically a trilogy... KRRISH 2! There are only two things I can confirm for you, the rest are rumors. So here are the two facts: Papa Roshan will be directing the film and Hrithik will, obviously, be the star. Now for all the rumors. There have been murmurs that Deepika Padukone will star opposite of Hrithik. Now normally I wouldn't approve this. Replacing Priyanka? God forbid (and I am still a litte miffed), but maybe this movie will help Deepika. She's definitely at the same stage Priyanka was when she starred in Krrish, no? Rumor number two. I have read here and there that SRK may be playing the role of a villain. OMG... I love evil Shahrukh! It's so old school early '90s. Except, I'm kind of sad because Naseerudin Shah did a PHENOMENAL job in Krrish. Seriously, I felt like he didn't get enough credit for it.

And from one Hrithik starrer to another. It is reported that he will be starring in Zoya Akhtar's next... untitled venture along with Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol. I can't wait to hear more about this.

Looks like Hrithik saab is working over time these days because he is also set to star in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's all English film GUZAARISH with Aishwarya Rai. Aaah, all-English? Last time SLB had Aish speak in English we got this

Uhh... I remember thinking how that beautifully crafted movie was suddenly tainted by those few Angrezi lines. Okay, I'm being a snob. I'm sure it'll be done well. It's not like Hindi-cinema hasn't done all-English films before. [Oh also, I forgot to mention in my earlier post, but Delhi Belly is an all-English film too.] Rumor has it the leading two are to sing a song for the film. It's a pretty well known fact that Aish has a beautiful voice (Yes, hi, do you have any flaws?) it'll be interesting to hear Hrithik... assuming this is true.

Another Sanjay Leela Bhansali venture is CHENAB GANDHI. It is to be directed by Vibhu Puri, SLB's assistant director while the movie will produced by SLB himself. The film stars Rajeev Khandelwal, Amitabh Bachchan and Vidya Balan. What was that? Ah, yes that she's perfect for these rustic-period film roles. Chenab Gandhi is about the true story of a pashtun freedom fighter, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan. He shared many of the same ideas as Gandhi, such as promoting non-violence and he was also against the partition of India. John Abraham was to play the role (because he looks more the part) but failed the screen test. Sad. Rajeev is a talented guy, I think this movie will help unveil what a talented actor he is.

Alright, last two. Both are Farah Khan ventures. One stars SRK while the other stars Akshay Kumar. The Akki starrer is titled "TEES MAAR KHAAR." Katrina is to star opposite Akshay. What a cop out, Farah Khan. I would expect something original from you. That's about all I can find out about this movie oh and that it was, basically, blasphemous she didn't cast SRK instead. That's okay though because she has him casted in her other upcoming film HAPPY NEW YEAR (my God, that title makes me gag). It's set to start shooting in 2011. Lord, why do we know about it so far in advanced? I hope the title changes sometime in the next year.

OMG, that is all for now... there are two movies I haven't mentioned, but I'm too lazy. Dobi Ghat and Crooked. Watch out for more updates on those plus the films mentioned above. I will be surprised if you read this entire thing!!

Btw, on a non-Bolly and a more Hollywood note, The Hangover 2 is currently being scripted. What IS it with all these sequels?

[Photo Source: High Heel Confidential]

Promos, Trailers and Friends

This weekend we got the release of two new promos. Yippie ay oh ky yay! Sorry for the delay in putting them up but it was a busy Holiday-filled weekend.

First, we get a longer look at Shahid's dancing (drool) in a song title 'Pump It Up' from Chance pe Dance. Ughhhhh will this nasty English-titled song obsession die or is it only going to get worse?! Didn't something like this happen once in the '80s? I don't think it was this bad though. Bollywood Gods, do something please! Okay after ranting about how much I hate that, the song is actually alright... once the beat kicks in. I like techno-ish, but not when it's OD-ed which happens often in these 'club' (er disco?) numbers. I see nothing new aside from the fact that the guy can actually dance dance. Doesn't make me want to watch the movie any more, any less. Anyway, you decide:



Next up we have the first release of the Yash Raj Film, Pyaar Impossible
starring: Priyanka Chopra (yaaaay), Uday Chopra (I have hope) and Dino Morea (YUM). I swear I've seen a trailer somewhere, but now I can't seem to find it. Any how here is a song titled "Alisha." Typical Yash-Raj young-love looking film, which always catches my eye. Also, apply the English-in-songs rant from above to this song too:



Another Rocket Singh trailer! I like this one a lot:



That is all for now, expect a post mentioning movies that have just begun production/shooting soon. I'm going to take a break for now... So You Think You Can Dance is on! [btw, when oh when will India have a dance show of that stature. Dance India Dance was close... but I think we can have better. I KNOW there are talented dancers in that country... thank you Boogie Woogie.]

Bollywood Books

Cine Blitz (the magazine) launched Cine Blitz Gold, a coffee table book commemorating 35 years of the magazine's existence. The cover is a picture of Amir Khan and Katrina Kaif paying homage to Guru Dutt & Waheeda Rehman in Pyaasa (but I'm confused, because that movie came out way more than 35 years ago? Details shmetails, I'll take it.) The book launch was titled "Love & Longing in Hindi Cinema." Interesting. I'm still trying to figure out what this book is about, but I think it just touches upon Bollywood and its history? It includes guest writers such as Javed Akhtar, Karan Johar, Amir Khan, Vikram Bhatt and the works. I WANT THIS BOOK. So, even though my birthday is no where near and Eid has gone by... my half birthday IS coming up. Wink wink, nudge nudge. Okay, fail. I'll order it myself.

To launch the book we saw Amir Khan, Katrina Kaif, Karan Johar, and Vijay Mallya (aka the head honcho behind the operation):



[Photo Source: Hamara Photo]

More Weddings! W/ semi-Glitter-freakin'-ati

I guess 'tis the season for Konkani women to get hitched [btw, has anyone ever seen an unattractive Mangalorean girl? I haven't]. After Mrs. Shetty-Kundra, Lady Isha Koppikar got married to long time boy toy Timmy Narang (Last time I heard someone named 'Timmy' was the kid off of Fairly Odd Parents). As I mentioned in an earlier post, one of her sangeets was Barbie and Ken themed and I guess she had another (which, fortunately, had no theme). Throughout her entire wedding, there were a lot of pink hues. The woman is stunning (and totally underrated. Here are some pictures from each event, enjoy!:

This is from her engagement from a while ago, but I just HAD to post it because she's wearing a KHADA DUPATTA aka a traditional Hyderabadi outfit, hollla. Our culture is rarely presented via celebs so I had to flaunt this one :)



The Barbie & Ken Sangeet (I cringe every time I type that):



The (I believe) regular sangeet (TOTALLY digging the color combo):


Does anyone else think she resembles Deepkia Padukone??

At the wedding:



Is she crying? I can't tell:


At the reception:


Diggin' the cutout work at the bottom of her lehenga.


Haiii...

Some celebs and "celebs" who attended the reception include: Celina Jaitley, Aamir Ali & Sanjeeda Sheikh (when oh when will they get hitched?), Prem Chopra, Manoj Kumar, Shibani Kashyap, Rakshanda Khan, Naved Jaffery, Shruti Gera, Subhash Ghai, Tulip Joshi, Vishal Malhotra, and Chunky Pandey.

Congratulations to the couple. I hope she doesn't stop acting because I really like her and she should continue to act JUST FOR ME. Yes.

[Photo Source: Bollywood Hungama & Hamara Photos]

Glitter-freakin'-ati Cont'd

So, it's bad when us 'regular' people to go to a party and find someone wearing something similar to us or the same shade or something, but I bet that feeling is 100 x's worse as a celeb., but it still happens to them. Here are some celebs who accidentally trended at Shilpa Shetty's Wedding Reception

THE PINK POSSE


Aishwarya Rai Bachchan w/ Poppa Big B [this is actually very adorable]


Juhi Chawla and Kangana Ranaut


Rani Mukherjee (stunning much?) and Sameera Reddy


Queenie Dhody Singh (socialite) and Mehr Jessia Rampal [both are SUCH lovely ladies and I am totally drooling over Mrs. Rampal's outfit!]

And the lady who was probably the most pissed of them all...

Mummy Shetty!

Next trend: The Kanjeevaram Kweens (so, I thought I was original w/ this title but looks like HHC has it too. Damn.)

Rekha and Jaya Pradha

Next up isn't really a trend but more-so a melange of socilites, designers, or famous names that don't fall into a certain category (that considered a socialite?)

Kalyani Chawla and Haseena Jethmalani (LOVE THEIR CLOTHES)


Designers Neeta Lulla and Nishka Lulla (whose lehenga is too damn cute even if it is a tad gaudy)


Monica Bedi [Such a sweet face, such a dark past... she intrigues me.]

Suchitra Pillai with hubby Lars Kjeldsen

This photo is my absolute favorite out of the entire reception:

Director Duo Abbas-Mustan

One of my life's goals is to find out a) if they even own anything aside from whit eb) the reason behind this insanity (is it superstition taken to the next level?)

Well, there you have it. I hope you enjoyed the faux-journey through Shilpa and Raj's wedding :)

...oh and Happy Turkey Day my fellow Umrikans!

[Photo sources: Hamara Photos, Pink Villa and High Heel Confidential]

Glitter-freakin'-ati

Hoo-sa.

Shilpa Shetty...Kundra & Raj Kundra's wedding reception was held this past Tuesday and lordy lordy the who's who were present. The who's who minus an Akshay Kumar (draaaama). Anyway, no surprises as to who attended. The woman's been in the industry for some sixteen years she probably knows evvvveryone. Oh yeah, sure Raj does too....

Anyway, no words. Here is a visual treat. Enjoy!


Looks like Tarun created an outfit meant to flaunt her body. Lame, but she's the bride aka Queen of the World and if she likes it, then we'll deal w/ it.


Sister Shamita Shetty


Karan Johar & Bwood's fave designer Manish Malhotra


Gauri & Shahrukh Khan, Hrithik & Suzanne Roshan and Fardeen Khan and some unidentified people[This group rolled in a little after midnight. Sounds like my kind of time-schedule]


Javed Akhtar & Shaban Azmi and Neil Nitin Mukesh (fresh on bail)


Singer Sunidhi Chauhan and Choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant (I felt like putting up their pictures because we always hear their names but they rarely get any exposure).

Also in attendance were: Adnan Sami, Sanjay Kapoor, Ritesh Deshmukh,Vivek Oberoi, Amisha Patel, Jackie Shroff, Sanjay Khan, Govinda, Shekhar Suman, Sunil Shetty, Vashu & Jackie Bhagnani, Priyanka Kothari, Aadesh Shrivastav, Zayed Khan, Alka Yagnik, Rahul Dev, Ness Wadia, Madhur Bhandarkar and Rocky S

[Photo Source: Hamara Photos]

Promos, Trailers and Friends

I don't have a promo for "My Name is Khan" but I had to share this news with you, 'cause I'm pretty excited about this and you should be too. The theatrical trailer for MNIK is going to be released globally with James Cameron's AVATAR on December 18th. Oh Em Jee. Let it sink it, let it sink in. I do remember hearing K-Jo say somewhere how he felt it was about time Bollywood was put on the global map and rightfully so. Exciting ish, no? I think so. Well, I just hope it's actually a good movie. I mean, KJO, SRK, Kajol... it's such a beautiful formula it's scary. Oh and Tanay Chheda (think Slumdog Millionaire, Taare Zameen Par, and Don) is in the film too. I guess this post should have fallen under 'Forthcoming' huh? Well anyway, I couldn't contain myself. Onto an actual promo...

Salman Khan's anticipated VEER. Alright, before I say anything, remember back when "Lucky - No Time for Love" came out and it starred Sneha Ullal better known as "that chick who looked exactly like Aishwarya Rai" and everyone said Salman Khan picked her 'cause she looked like his ex. Well, there have been murmurs that his heroine for Veer, Zarine Khan, looks very much like Ms. Kaif. Now that we've seen the promo, I hereby declare those rumors to be true. It's actually kind of sick and weird because he's still with Katrina... awk. In his defense, after the disaster that was Yuvraaj he vowed never to work with his lady-love again... although I'm sure the casting for Veer was done before the release of Yuvraaj. Just sayin'. ANYWAY check out the promo, the movie is set to release in January 22nd.



Here's what my thought process was like upon viewing this:
"Ooh period film, yes! Aggressive gory Salman Khan, gross. His fans will eat this up though. Oh wait, this looks kind of powerful and promising. Love story?? Beautiful music? Score. Katrinaaaa?! Oops. Meh."

How do you feel about it?

Oh p.s. this has nothing to do with anything but I don't think it could be a post of its own. I was just on a website where they have actress' ratings every week and the top three are the usual Kareena, Katrina, Priyanka, etc. but today it was 1) Kareena Kapoor 2) KASHMIRA SHAH 3) Katrina Kaif. Urgh? Did I miss some controversy? Throw some theories my way, how do you think that happened. (btw, if my all caps wasn't enough of a hint, I'm referring to how Kashmira Shah is rated second)

Hitched!

**EDIT** I messed up... Papa Shetty couldn't make it out to the sangeet but was supposed to have been cured by the wedding day. It was also on his behest the girls go ahead and leave for Khandala while he was sick (how very filmy). Also, the family performed a skit as well, how cutee. **END EDIT**

Of course everyone and their mom knows Shilpa Shetty got hitched this weekend, but as a Bollywood blogger I feel it is only my duty to share what I can about the wedding so here it goes:

SHILPA SHETTY'S SHAADI (who doesn't love a good alliteration?)

Lady Shetty got hitched this weekend to long time boyfriend/co-owner of the Rajasthan Royals, Raj Kundra and as a man in the precious stones business (win) he gifted her a 20-carat diamond ring. Oh and toss in a mansion in The UK on the side but that's just for fun since they're living in Mumbai. Anyway, the wedding was done in true Konkani-Manglorean fashion and all the events took place in the beautiful Khandala (I act like I've been there, but if it's a 'hillstation' it should be pretty, right?). Papa Shetty couldn't make it to the wedding because he was hospitalized due to malaria. That has GOT to suck. First her sister was unable to attend the engagemnet and now NO DADDY AT THE WEDDING?! Why oh why is she in such a hurry to get hitched? Is her baby bump gonna show soon? You didn't hear me say that. I didn't say it... but it is an assumption. In her defense, Momma Shetty is supposed to be a strict astrologer so perhaps this was actually the best 'mahurat.' Hopefully he will be better by Tuesday when the reception takes place in Mumbai. Anyway, the sangeet invites were extended to 150 of the 1000 invited for the reception and since you're wondering, some of Bwood's finest, naturally, were invited such as KJO, SRK, Salman Khan, Farah Khan, and Amitabh Bachchan & Co. [Not sure how many of them made it out, but I'm pretty sure Karan was busy with his cousin's wedding this weekend.] Shilpa and Raj danced to 'Teri Ore' how very Bollywood (which means I love it) and the family danced to 'Ahun Ahun' at the sangeet. Both of those songs have, at one point, been an obsession for me so good job Shetty family (because pleasing me was obviously their intention). Kickass choreographer Ganesh Hegde (who I secretly find attractive... don't get confused this isn't the mota Ganesh choreo.!)was the man behind it all. All of her clothes were designed by Mr. Tarun Tahiliani and his by Shantanu & Nikhil. The jewelry was taken care of by Anmol Jewellers. Here are some pictures from the sangeet and the wedding.

Sister Shamita also wore a Tarun Tahiliani number too.




Even celebrities are blushing brides on their big day, I love it.




She is the epitome of The Indian Beauty. Is anyone else salivating over that peacock bajuband?! It is effin' beautiful.

Fun fact for the post: Raj has a three-year old daughter, Deleena from his previous marriage to Kavita (can't find her maiden name). I get a very media-whorey vibe from her so I'm going to choose to ignore all her "Shilpa broke my marriage" bs.

I will update this post as soon as reception photos are up and floating around.

Congratulations to the happy couple, I wish them all the best.

Oh P.S. Isha Koppikar had a sangeet this weekend too. It was Ken and Barbie themed. Um, still trying to digest that one. She's lucky Shilpa stole the spotlight because no one needs to know about a Ken and Barbie Sangeet. Btw, I really like Isha so I'm sad to write negative things about her.

[photo sources: India Cinema Gallery, Hamara Photos and Miday Masala]

Forthcoming Films

There's quite a few films lined up so I'll try to stick with those that are worth mentioning.

First, we have Rajneeti expected to release sometime in 2010. The film has quite a list of talented actors. We have Nana Patekar, Ajay Devgan, Ranbir Kapoor, Vivek Oberoi, Manoj Bajpai and Katrina Kaif. Whilst reading that list did that record halting noise (you know, the one that indicates a negative surprise) play in your head too when you came across Katrina's name? Get this, she plays Sonia Gandhi. Director, Prakash Jha is a talented man who only casts best of the best so maybe he sees potential or maybe he just likes the idea that he can actually cast a half-Indian half-Caucasian actress. I have faith. I want to like Katrina, which don't get me wrong, I don't hate the girl but she is definitely overrated. Maybe this will be her breakout role. Let's cross our fingers. Also, it's nice to see Ranbir (who plays an NRI) branching out and not sticking to one genre or one camp. I guess that's what happens when you're part of the Kapoor lineage (I think they're my favorite Bollywood family). Oh, fun fact for the post: Ranbir, Bebo and Lolo are the first generation in the Kapoor Khandaan to have all been successful. Woohoo, glad that happened in my lifetime.

Next up we have Delhi Belly. Produced by Amir Khan, directed by Abhinay Deol and starring Imran Khan, Kunaal Roy Kapoor, Vir Das, Poorna Jagannathan, Shenaz Treasurywala, Kim Bodnia, Vijay Raaz, Ravi Khaanwilkar, Monica Dogre. I'm going to shamelessly admit the only people I've heard of are Imran Khan (obvs), Vir Das and Shenaz Treasurywala. I'll research these other folks soon and get back to you. I don't know much about the movie except that the phrase "Delhi Belly" means you have an upset stomach... usually us NRI/foreigners get it. Gross. No idea if the film touches upon that metaphorically or what. It's also supposed to be a sex-comedy. We also know that Imran had to sport a jungli-disheveled look for the film. Have a looksies (be sure to look at his promotional shirt):
Lastly, Ranbir Kapoor and Chitrangada Singh were to have originally been casted. She opted out due to little acting scope but we're not sure about Ranbir. Maybe it was a 'dates issue', isn't it always?

There's Karthik Calling Karthik (which I'm pretty excited about) starring Farhan Akhtar, Deepika Padukone, Ram Kapoor and Shefali Chaya. What a lovely cast, I absolutely adore all four of them. It's directed by Vijay Lalwani and produced by Farhan A. and Ritesh Sidhwani and the music was composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. The film is about a man who recieves a call from himself. It's supposed to be a psychological-thriller sprinkled with some humor and a bit of romance on the side. It's slated to release February 26th and since it's so far, much information isn't out. All I know is that Deepika plays an unconventional role and I'm excited to see that.

There are more upcoming films that should be mentioned but I'll save it for another post.

Promos, Trailers and Friends

A couple of weeks ago we got a glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor's much awaited Rocket Singh-Salesman of the Year which is to be released on December 11th. The film is directed by Shimit Amin (of Chak De India fame), written by Jaideep Sahni, produced by Aditya Chopra and the music's by Salim-Suleiman. The movie stars Ranbir Kapoor (and people are claiming it's going to be his best role yet)Shazahn Padamsee, daughter of famed Alyque Padamasee (famous Indian-theater personality), Sharon Prabhakar, also a theater personality, a pop singer and co-star Shazahn's mummy-dearest and BEST OF ALL GAUHAR KHAN aka the love of my life. Gauhar is a model, sister of famous TV personality Nigaar Khan but probably most famous for being a contestant in Jhalak Dikhlaja (she placed second, though we all know she deserved first!).

Of course we can't have a hyped upcoming movie without a side dish of gossip so here's what's the latest for this film. Well, to be honest, whoever is doing the PR work isn't really generating anything interesting except that Shazahn and Gauhar are at loggerheads (did I use that properly?) over who plays the 'lead' actress. The film doesn't even call for a lead actress. Shazahn is opposite of Ranbir, but only shot for four days whereas Gauhar's role called for a four-month shoot. I hope somewhere in that shoot Gauhar got a badass dance number, though it's not likely.

Anyway, here is a theatrical trailer which released some time ago and a promo that released this past week. Enjoy!

The ending is so hilarious/cute.

I get a very "Jame Raho" from Taare Zameen Par feeling with the whole 'always on the run' angle.

Doesn 't Ranbir as a sardar ji look amazing? I'm a sucker for facial hair, maybe that's why.

Next we have Chance Pe Dance starring Shahid Kapoor and Genelia D'Souza, directed by Ken Ghosh (no wonder Shahid's in this film), produced by Ronnie Screwala, music by Adnan Sami, Sandeep Shirodkar and Ken Ghosh himself. It's expected to release on Jan. 15th. It's about the struggle to become a famous actor. Not in a 'Luck By Chance' sort of way but in a typical fun unrealistic Bollywood sort of way. I hope we get to see a lot of dancing Shahid and spared the horror of a dancing Genelia. Just check out the trailer (came out a few weeks ago so you may have already caught it):

Weekend Releases

...and by 'releases' I mean 'release.'


The much-hyped Kurbaan, released this weekend and as expected is doing well. Looks like the whole 'films-where-real-life-couples-play-a-reel-life-couple-never-do-well' theory falls flat with this film and thankfully so 'cause I'm really anxious to see it! I always fall for good publicity and pretty much take anything Karan Johar says with a handful of salt and if he produced this film, then by God, I will watch it (I know biases are bad, but I can't help it. I love the man.). Which, speaking of, it's nice to see that Dharma Productions is branching out from its Romantic forte (barring the disaster that was Kaal) and sprinkling it's magic on other genres. So all-in-all the movie is running succesfully and has repeatedly been stated that it's "the best Hindi film of 2009." (of course 3 idiots, Rocket Singh and Paa have yet to release) I sense film award nominations already. I wonder how Thackeray & Co. feel with the success of the movie or Dharma Productions in general.

Let me to shed a little bit of light on this Thackeray controversy (if you haven't already been enlightened):

#1) Before the release of 'Wake Up Sid' Raj Thackeray [nephew of Bal (leader of the Shiv Sena party)] made K-Jo come over and told him it wasn't cool that Karan used the word "Bombay" (instead of Mumbai) in the film and asked him to apologize. So Johar-saab threw in an apology at the beginning of Wake Up Sid and everyone was pissed that he caved, this includes the CM.

#2) About a week ago Bombay (yes, Bombay) woke up to find that Kareena had been covered in a sari in all of the Kurbaan Billboards. I wish I was lying. The Shiv Sena women felt 'nude' pictures (mind you, all you can see is her bare back) were too vulgar for the general public. I saw a picture of the draped sari, it was hilarious. [I can't remember where I saw it and now I'm going crazy searching for it] The ladies planned to gift her a sari at her home and when asked how she felt about the whole situation the ever so blunt Bebo just said she hoped it was a color she liked.

Anyway, can't say much about the film since I live in Oklahomie and won't get to see the movie until Nov. 29th (the perfect ending to my Thanksgiving-Eid-Bedlam weekend) so I'll get back to y'all then.

Promos, Trailers and Friends

Paa starring Jr. B, Daddy B, Vidya Balan and Paresh Rawal, directed by R Balakrishnan (think 'Cheeni Kum') produced by Sunil Manchanda, music by Illayraja and lyrics by Swanand Kirkire.

Yeah, I'm wondering where the flaw in that cast & crew is too (granted I'm not a Big B fan, but the man can act).

Abhishek Bachchan plays the father of Auro (Amitabh Bachchan) who suffers from Progeria aka Hutchinson–Gilford syndrome (my BFF Wikipedia tells me it's "...an extremely rare, severe, genetic condition wherein symptoms resembling aspects of aging are manifested at an early age..."). I'm not going to go into more detail. Here's a trailer for the film:


I know, right? I can't believe that's Amitabh either! I seriously seriously commend Christian Kifle and Dominic (of LOTR fame) for their make up job. The scene at the end where Jr. B is carrying Daddy B is quickly becoming iconic. I also like the scene where Vidya Balan (whose character in the film is her namesake) and Amitabh are jumping in the puddles. She's so ideal for these 'rustic' films ie: Parineeta and Guru. Also, before everyone is quick to jump and say that this is inspired by Benjamin Button or Jack the director himself said " Let me tell you that Paa is neither. First, Jack is a bad movie and you don’t ever want to make a bad film. Secondly, if I really want to spend so much money on a bad movie, I’d rather buy its DVD. As for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button , the only similarity is in the look of the characters and that too only in the shape of their heads." he also goes on to say that there are "ten other films" on Progeria and his focuses on the relationship between a father and a son.

The movie is slated to release December 4 and the music release for November 15 (today). A big music release was planned for Children's Day (November 14) but music maestro Illayraja couldn't be torn away from his work. Man, I love that man. What kind of genius do you have to be in order to be A. R. Rehman's mentor? Seriously. So now the music is going to release without any hullabaloo. Anyway, I'll leave you with this song promo, Mudi Mudi:


Fun fact for the post: It's been reported that Amitabh won't be attending any of the promo events, but his voice will be present in the form of 'Auro', his character. I find it kind of creepy? Maybe it'll set the mood up and make Auro more believable.

Old is Gold... Fo' Sho.

I'm an absolute lover of old school films. I'm a lover of old things in general, so to see history brought to 'life' on the big screen just warms my heart. To see the fashion, the dialogue (just re-spelled this word a good eight times and now it sounds so weird. Say it over and over 'dialogue' Ah!)just the way of life. It's also a joy to see how close they were or weren't to Western cinema/culture. According to me, beginning in the late '70s, all of the'80s (barring all the wonderful parallel films that released during this era) and the early '90s were all reallly off (that doesn't stop me from loving them).

Anyway, I got to thinking after watching the 'Zoobi Doobi' promo about how many films now have a song and dance number parodying old classic scenes/songs. Here's a list of them, which is your favorite??

Dil Chahta Hai's Woh Ladki Hai Kahan:


Om Shanti Om's Dhoom Tana:


Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi's Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte:


Though the full video isn't available here's the Zoobi Doobi (3 Idiots) teaser from my previous post:


As I posted these I found myself loving all of them, but I think 'Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte' is my favorite because each era is a direct tribute to an actress and the choreography just floored me (holla, I love Vaibhavi Merchant).

Here's a fun fact for the day. Did you realize that the chorus of 'Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte' alludes to all three Khans? Hum Hai Rahi Pyar Ke (Aamir's film) Phir Milenge (Salman's film) Chalte Chalte (SRK's film). Well done, Jaideep Sahni (lyricist), well done.

On that note... hum hai rahi pyar ke, phir milenge chalte chalte. Cheers.