Trailers, Promos and Friends: Dhoom 3

I'll be honest I have never been a fan of the Dhoom franchise but two things to note:

1. Aamir Khan as a villain is going to be de-licious and reminiscent of Naseeruddin Shah in Krish. I suspect.
2. There's no denying this looks sleek as hell. 

Trailers, Promos and Friends: Rajjo

The small budget film stars Kangana, as you saw and yes that WAS Mahesh Manjrekar portraying a hijra/enuch. It's directed by debutant director Vishwas Patil and, the best part, music by Uttam Singh. In case you're scratching your head wondering who, he's the guy who composed for underrated sountracks like Pinjar, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Baghban among many more. 

The film is said to be about the gradual demise of Kotha culture in modern times set against1 a hindu-muslim love story. It will be interesting to see how a plot revolving around a mujrewali fares. It could go in any direction be it harsh, trashy or heartwarming. There's really no telling considering there isn't much background on the crew.

 I must say it is refreshing to see Kangana in a role unrelated to substance about. And is anyone else pleasantly surprised by her dancing? She's actually graceful? The boldest thing about this movie though, is not her or Mahesh's role, but the fact that it will release the same weekend against SLB's magnum opus Ram-Leela. What. Obviously the makers are not looking to overtake Ram-Leela, but surely they feel confident enough in their film to expect to make money the same weekend as SLB's film. That's incredibly incredibly confident. 

Remembering Yash Chopra

Yesterday/two days ago was Yash Chopra's B-day so in honor of it, I wrote a little tribute post

Yash Chopra, the master.

Here's a stunning montage of his heroines set to a monologue by him about the beauty of women.

The man was a craftsman. He was so skilled in creating a well balanced formula that yielded gorgeous, classic Bollywood cinema. Nobody did/does it like him.

Here's an example of what I, personally, believe to be Bollywood perfection. Spot on music, the melodious Lata crooning Sahir Ludhianvi's (what a master of words) beautiful lyrics poetically blended with great cinematography on the enchanting Rakhee subtly emoting. He encapsulated the beauty of Desi culture effortlessly. Perfection. Watch.

A while ago Yash Raj Films teamed up with Karol Bagh Saree House and created the label Diva'ni. In honor of the late showman's birthday, the label held a show where nine of his leading ladies walked the ramp with Shahrukh Khan as host. 

(source: Missmalini.com)

More pics and quotes from the event after the jump:

But Why

Whether you hate or love Indian films (particularly Bollywood) we all have an opinion, but irrespective we all secretly do wish  Oscar-worthy movies came along more often and finally we got a good chance with The Lunchbox, but India so wonderfully failed to nominate it. Waaaaah. Here is a rediff article written by Aseem Chhabra explaining the sad situation. It's lengthy, but worth the read. Before that, have a looksies at a social media snapshot of what everyone was saying about The Lunchbox.

 

(source: twitter.com/daftari)

Aseem Chhabra is heartbroken that India overlooked the acclaimed film,The Lunchbox, as its Oscar nominee.

Two weeks ago, I sat at the Starbucks coffee shop inside the Chapters bookstore on John Street in Toronto. Anne Thompson, the influential critic, columnist for Indiewire, was seated on the same table next to me. She had just seen Ritesh Batra’s The Lunchbox at a screening at the Toronto International Film Festival.

She liked the film so much that she wrote a piece in which she said: 'In all likelihood, India will submit yet another big-budget Bollywood film for the Oscar.' But she added that India would do well to pick The Lunchbox. 'It has heart, ' Anne felt.

On Saturday many film watchers in India and abroad were shocked to learn that the Film Federation of India did not select The Lunchbox as India's official entry, instead we heard that a Gujarati film, The Good Road, willrepresent the entire Indian film industry in the foreign language Oscar race.

But Why

Remember that one time when Rani Mukherjee's rendition of Happy Birthday in K3G was the worst/most comical thing ever? Well, something finally trumped it and it's not even fiction.



To quote VJ Juhi Pande, "Marilyn Monroe spins in her grave."

I can't.

P.S. This is what Narendra Modi (a candidate for prime minister) looks like.

Btw, this is the woman who (unfortunately) kind of successfully sold herself as the face of Bollywood in LA. I hope damage control has been done. I have had a(n almost irrational) distaste for Mallika since she debuted and this new debacle certainly doesn't help her case. Worst PR stunt ever.

Trailers, Promos and Friends: Ramleela

If Sanjay Leela  Bhansali (of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas fame) and Vishal Bhardwaj (of Omkara, Kaminey fame) had a baby, the world would get this:

You want old school colorful Bollywood? Check. You want nitty gritty non-flakey acting? Check. There is a lot of promise that comes with this trailer, but given SLB's last two films it will be hard to say if he manages to balance the drama and opulence. If anyone can, it's him. I guess the man heard me when I said I miss vintage Sanjay. This movie could really help bring him back into the game as long as he doesn't get caught up in trying too hard and if the "mature" content is handled tastefully-- very tricky terrain.

A long time ago when Kareena was signed for this role, I was very fangirl stoked to see her work under Bhansali and then she was replaced with Priyanka and I was still really stoked and then she was replaced with Deepika and then I got confused. Then future projects of Deepika began to surface and she was slowly building a strong resume and by 2012 it was very obvious that 2013 was going to be the year of the Deepika. Ramleela might just be the movie that confirms her position as a top actress. Ranveer Singh has done nothing, but well for himself and I have no doubt this film will only prove once again why he's the next big thing. Though Priyanka was replaced it's believed that she'll still be appearing in a song. Holla.

One thing is guaranteed though, as with all SLB films, this thing is going to be aesthetically flooring especially with the undeniable chemistry. We'll have to wait until November 15th to see. 

Bollywood Choreography

I'm back by popular demand and by popular demand I really just mean me (and a few lone supporters). Let's act like I never left and jump right in, shall we? We shall.

Every night I have been bumpin' and I mean bummmmpin' (more than it prob deserves) to this. It has all the flavors of classic Bollywood with the contemporary flair we've learned to accept and enjoy. This has "Shaadi Banger" (a phrase which has not been coined probably due to its suggestive content) written all over it. Deepika-Ranbir chemistry is so unmistakably good that I lament over their break up. But the thing that probably really  makes this video is Ranbir Kapoor. I. Mean. Swoon. 

Now for the complaining. That choreography? Remo D'Souza (known for hip hop) is the man behind this so what's he doing choreographing a Bollywood number? RK is given decent steps and he executes them super adorably/animatedly as the song calls for, but what about Deepika? She gets: strut, strut, matak matak, shimmy, matak matak, shimmy, strut strut.

Laaaazy choreography, I can't even. It hurts. It hurts me.

Listen, the girl can dance she just needs someone to polish her. She could easily be one of the best dancers in (current) Bollywood (I refer you to "Dhoom Tana" ) Actually, there are so many current actresses who could be polished/be given more challenging steps. Hell if Katrina can be fixed then, damn it, anyone can be. I don't know why choreographers aren't trying. Compare a good dancer from now to a bad dancer from the early '90s and there's hardly a difference. They tried so much harder. Maybe actor schedules just don't allow time for dance lessons. If you're going to have an industry that sells itself on "singing and dancing" then fix your dancing cause otherwise it's just embarrassing. To be fair there are those out there salvaging it like, ray of hope, Vaibhavi Merchant.

I'm not even going to start on the grave injustice done to Madhuri Dixit by overrated Farah Khan in this number becuase Madhuri can work any choreography, like this number. Or the whole influx of Russian dancers just to have fairer girls. GAG.

Choreo aside, enjoy the song! It's so addictive, fun, catchy and a jam through and through.

First Look: Tees Maar Khan

So director Farah Khan is the new kid on the Twitter block and it so happens that she has an upcoming film... coincidence? I thank not. Oh well, I don't care cause she dropped some awesome images of Tees Maar Khan.



Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in a Tees Maar Khan song


Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif and Akshay Kumar in a Tees maar Khan song
By the way, my stalking leads me to believe that this is a qawwali style song titled Wallah Re Wallah. Ve shall see.


Farah Khan with Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan on the sets of Tees Maar Khan

Katrina Kaif in a Tees Maar Khan song

Katrina Kaif in Tees Maar Khan

This totally looks like the female version of "Dard-e-Disco" it is the same director/choreographer after all!

[Photo Source: Twitter.com/TheFarahKhan]

Twitter, I love thee.

Among many, one of the reasons I'm madly in love with Twitter is because I get to see pictures like this straight from the stars themselves:

Arjun Rampal and Scarlett Johansson From, I believe, some European event

Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar in their childhood

I can't remember which sister posted this for the other sister's birthday, but OMG. Vintage! And kind of cute.

Hrithik with his son, awwww.

Cousins Kareena Kapoor and an adorable Ranbir Kapoor dancing at Riddhima Kapoor's birthday

Bipasha Basu, Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, Preity Zinta, and Rani Mukherji backstage at the Being Human fashion show

Priyanka is so dang adorable. Katrina seems like a wall flower, awww.

The ladies with the man of the hour, Salman Khan

[Photo Source: Twitter.com/rampal arjun, Twitter.com/ashabhosle, Twitter.com/mangeshkarlata, Twitter.com/sussannekroshan, Twitter.com/KareenaOnline, Twitter.com/priyankachopra, Twitter.com/bipsluvurself]

Ms. Elaine Eyus (Miscellaneous)

A bunch of random tangents I need to go on.


Dabangg is totally the 'it' movie right now. Well, I think the high is slowly dying down, but was reaaally well received by regular cine goers and critics alike and supposedly raked in more money than 3 idiots? Apparently Salman Khan returned to his old school hilarious comedic ways, Sonakshi Sinha is an absolute dollface and the music is nothing short of delicious. Supposedly it was the return of old school masala Hindi cinema. Hello, right up my alley!

While on his Dabangg high Sallu bhaisaab had his Being Human fashion show during HDIL Couture Week. He roped in EIGHT actresses to channel each decade. How badass is that, right? Right. Check out the star studded fabulousness here.

In completely unrelated news, the film Do Dooni Chaar is doing spectacularly. What? Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh on screen together after 30 years! (with the exception of her cameo in Love Aaj Kal). The critics are saying this is the year for starless casts. What with Udaan, Love Sex aur Dhoka, Peepli [Live](India's official entry for the Oscars) and now this film all doing well.

If you want to take a peek at Do Dooni Chaar here you go:


That is all for now... I think. :)

Trailers, Promos and Friends: Guzaarish

Woohooo we get a first look at Sanjay Leela Bhansali's awaited Guzaarish

Ethan Mascarenhas (Hrithik Roshan) is a magician who one day injures himself horribly while performing an illusion causing him to become a paraplegic. This is when Sophie D'Souza (Aishwarya Rai) enters his life as his nurse. The film focuses on what happens fourteen years after the two met.



Delicious. Absolutely delicious. A little disconcertingly dark, but I guess that's Sanjay's style now. I kind of miss his colorful (with dark undertones) days of Hum Dil De.. and Devdas, but that's okay this looks lovely. What really reeled me in was this song promo.



Seriously. Sanjay Leela Bhansali brings out the best in Aishwarya. And to quote a YouTube comment,

"Ash is a chameleon. Give her anything from traditional to modern she carries it off with such grace. She looks divine as well. Agreed she isn't the best most natural actress nor the best dancer but she is a competent one in both aspects and that adds the word 'versatility' to her cap."
-tonynaso

Loved it. You have to hand it to her... the new chickadees have nothing on her and it's pretty baller that she's still around post-marriage.

And can we talk about that song?? Soooo sultry. I found that I liked it more and more each time I listened to it. It's interesting to hear SLB as a music director. We all know he has an ear for it, especially with that whole story of how he heard Shreya Ghoshal on TV and roped her in for Devdas (sadly he didn't use her for this film). Every single one of his films has had a memorable song, if not the entire soundtrack. I really anticipate the soundtrack for this one.

The film is slated to release November 19, 2010.

Promos, Trailers and Friends: Break Ke Baad

So Break Ke Baad just dropped their trailer.



Two words: COOKIE. CUTTER. A typical, cynical, "different" take on the "modern" love story. Backdrop: Some delicious city outside of India. A hit Indian movie doesn't take place in India... duh.

Please note my sarcasm. I'm so annoyed. Okay so it looks cute. Cute as in let's watch this on Friday night when we're deathly bored. When did India's audience suddenly become the tweens of America? Remember in the '90s even early 2000s when Bollywood could do masala film, but have substance? I miss that. Okay, so like a few years ago I would have hope seeing a trailer like this I really would (think Salaam Namaste), but it just seems so overdone now. Just in the past few months we already have I Hate Luv Storys and Anjaana Anjaani. Those movies aren't bad, but they're just so... bleh like the status rom coms have in Hollywood and it shouldn't be that way because Bollywood IS rom com.

Watch, this movie will be like the next DDLJ after my rant haha.
This film is slated to release November 26, 2010.

Trailers, Promos and Friends: Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey

Do I waaaant to show you the trailer of Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey (KHJJS)?? After watching it... NO (but I will). Uprising against the British, folks talking about their playing field, Ashutosh Gowarikar directing. Oh hey, sounds like Lagaan. Too soon Ashutosh, too soon. It looks like all those other patriotic movies with a lot of Jai Hind, eff the Brits, bloodshed hoo ha. Okay so don't get me wrong there are good patriotic movies out there-- few, but they exist. I didn't really feel any sort of heart or soul in it. Maybe I'm just being a meanie because I wrote off the trailer 15 seconds in because of Abhishek's hilarious intro line. No seriously, I laughed out loud. Deepika might have a badass role though... enh I'm confused. Watch:



This film is slated to release December 3, 2010.

Trailers, Promos and Friends: Action Replayy

Remember when I was all "ohh Action Replayy might be cool, but not really, but maybe since it's a period film." Confession: After watching the trailer I'm aaaallll over it. I love me a good period piece irrespective of whether it's a satirical one or a serious/accurate one... this film being the former, obvs. Secondly it's totally spoofing old school '70s Bollywood (and who doesn't love '70s Bwood?). Sure it's a bit Om Shanti Om-esque, but I don't mind the overlapping. And like I said in my previous post, I'm kind of excited about seeing Aishwarya. Check it:



p.s. I like that Vipul Shah casts Neha Dhupia (Singh is King) she deserves a spotlight.
This film is slated to release November 5, 2010.

Marvel

Hold on.

Can we just stop and marvel at how marvelous some of the ladies in the industry today are? Firstly, Lady Deepika Padukone was a show stopper for Farah Khan Ali at India International Jewelry Week. Let's just gape, stare and try not to drool:



Secondly, if you missed Kareena Kapoor at the Indian Idol 5 finale, like yours truly did due to severe food coma, then you missed out on witnessing this beaut. She. Looks. Gorgeous. No? Yes.



[Photo Source: High Heel Confidential]

Trailers, Promos and Friends: Action Replayy

Action Replayy is an upcoming film directed by Vipul Shah and stars Akshay Kumar, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Neha Dhupia and Randhir Kapoor (what? Yes, Randhir Kapoor). Apparently based off a Gujarati play, the film centers around time-traveling. Mmm... the only thing reeling me is that it stars Aishwarya and it kind of falls under the "period film" category. Shah, who has a serious Akshay fixation, brought us films like Aankhen, Waqt, Namastey London, and London Dreams. The only film out of those I really loved was Aankhen... maybe this film could end his bad streak. When I say 'bad streak' I mean bad streak with me because I believe Waqt and Namastey London were successful though I can't really imagine why.

Trailers, Promos and Friends: Anjaana Anjaani

Promos for Priyanka Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor's upcoming film, Anjaana Anjaani, have dropped. I hate hate myself for saying this, but I'm... disappointed. I wasn't thinking it was going to be a jovial-youthful film. The whole trailer centers around two strangers falling in love. Okay? Give me more than just that! Disappointed with what I've heard of the music too. Vishal-Shekhar must be experiencing the composer's version of writer's block? I'm not noticing a difference from I Hate Luv Storys. BUT! on the upside, and let the bias kick in, Priyanka's comedic timing helps make the movie look a little bit hilarious and I'll admit I chuckled a couple of times in this trailer.

OF COURSE Eros won't let me embed. I need to write to them about this. Here's the trailer, enjoy!

Musical Madness: On Repeat

I'm back by popular demand! (I have always wanted to say that and it's actually true!)

I'm going to try out a new post titled "On Repeat" a.k.a what's on repeat on my iPod these days (Indian music-wise of course). *This post is dedicated to my music-soul-mate-of-a-cousin* (You know who you are). The list as follows, in no particular order, and why:

1) Song: Mehngai Dayain. Film: Peepli [Live]. Singer/Directors: Raghubir Yadav, Bhadwai Village Mandali and Brij Mandal & Bhawai. Why I love it: It's as authentic of a folk track you'll find in a Hindi film. It's raw and real, not to mention actor Raghubir Yadav sings himself. Also, the group jammed out to it on Indian Idol last week and Aamir Khan played the drums and it made me go "hai." Watch for yourself

2) Song: Munni Badnam Hui. Film: Dabangg. Singers/Director: Mamta Sharma, Aishwarya & Sajid-Wajid Why I love it: Well first off, look at that title, how do you not giggle with delight? (Er, the closest translation I can come up with is "Baby girl was defamed.") I assure you the lyrics get even funnier. Secondly, it's just a fun song full of zest and energy. No annoying English rapping portions, just a very celebratory song. Also, after watching the promo I fell even more in love (which rarely happens) cause it's picturized on India's hottest MILF, Malaika Arora Khan and dare I say it, Salman Khan reminds me of old Sallu in it. A few things to note: A) Is the whole Bhabi-Devar (sister-in-law/bro-in-law) dynamic awkward? B) Doesn't it look like Sonu Sood has Tourette's @1:00 min. mark? C) Malaika is so hot! If I look and can dance even 50% like that after two kids in my thirties I will be beyond joyous.



3) Song: Pee Loon. Film: Once Upon a Time in Mumbai. Singers/Directors: Mohit Chauhan and Pritam. Why I love it: Pritam and Mohit work really well in tandem and didn't fail to deliver this time either. It's sooooo romantic. Mohit voice is so suave and the music accompanies the feel perfectly. It's got a very My Name is Khan feel to it, which I loved and I enjoy the picturization of this too. Well, minus Emraan Hashmi. My mom always says he gets the best songs and it's so (annoyingly) true! But how cute is Bani?! I mean... Prachi Desai. Also love the homage to Bobby, but not so much the naked Emraan. GAG. Check it:



4) Song: Lehrein. Film: Aisha Singer(s)/Director: Anusha Mani, Neuman Pinto, Nikhil D'Souza and Amit Trivedi. Why I love it: A peaceful, contemporary number that you listen to in seclusion late at night.

5) Song: Aankhon Mein Neendein. Film: We Are Family. Singer(s)/Director(s): Shreya Ghoshal, Rahat Fateh Ali and Shankar Ehsaan Loy Why I love it: Because Shreya Ghoshal sings it. Because Rahat Fateh Ali sings it. Because there's a sargam. Because Shreya and Rahat sing a sargam. Yep.

6) Song: Tere Mast Mast Do Nain. Film: Dabangg. Singer(s)/Director(s): Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shreya Ghoshal and Sajid-Wajid. Why I love it: Omggg I can't explain how awesome this song is. Totally a romantic number, love the beat, not an ounce of Western influence. Rahat touches your soul and it's just composed beautifully.

7) Song: Gal Meethi Meethi Bol (The Bombay Bounce Dhol Mix. Film: Aisha. Singer(s)/Director(s): Tochi Raina, Amit Trivedi Why I love it: Okay, first off I usually hate when the films remix the song itself it's usually just a lot of unnecessary bass and kill the beauty of the song, but this remix does otherwise. It actually enhances. A fun wedding-esque song and the use of the dhol is perfect and consistent throughout without drowning out the original song.

8) Song: Humka Peeni Hai. Film: Dabangg Singer(s)/Director(s): Wajid, Shabab Sabri, Master Salim and Sajid-Wajid Why I love it: It's full of masti for lack of better word. It's soo fun! You can't find yourself not tapping your foot to it. The dholak beats are perfect and the harmonium just adds to the festive mood. Master Salim's voice is used awesomely in this. I particularly love the interlude that kicks in at 2:52-3:19.

9) Song: Behke Behke. Film: Aisha Singer(s)/Director(s): Anushka Manchanda, Raman Mahadevan, Samrat Kaushal and Amit Trivedi. Why I love it: It has the Spanish flavor which I usually find annoying in Hindi songs, but Amit Trivedi sprinkles his magic and adds an awesome beat. Anushka Manchanda does full justice to the sultriness of the song. A full on Amit Trivedi-esque song. I'm even willing to forget the line "...everyone knows you's a cutie..." oh God. I heard this is picturized awesomely too.

10) The rest of the Dabangg Soundtrack. The entire thing is so good! Full on Bollywood fun while keeping modern Bollywood music in mind. Sajid-Wajid are quickly becoming my favorite music director duo. They gave us the song "Jalwa", the Partner Soundtrack, the Veer soundtrack and now the Dabangg soundtrack. By the way, I can't believe their names rhyme. It's like when aunties are speaking and they randomly rhyme a word i.e: "table shable", "door shoor," etc.

Trailers, Promos and Friends

I'm so glad this movie hasn't been TOOO hyped up, so the trailer provides some what of a surprise element. I hope they dont' go overboard with the PR work like they do for every other movie. It's such an overkill and then there's no excitement left in actually watching the movie. Like 3 idiots, for example, they ran about two promos, both of which were very short and didn't reveal too much about the movie and look how successful that film was. Just a rant I've been wanting to go on... back to the film: We Are Family. Ugh, lame title... good stills and promo though, Look! (Oh and if you're wondering what the hell We Are Family is... jog your memory here)






How chilling is Kareena's expression? Chilling.

Here be the trailer:



Typical Dharma Productions. Can they PLEASE deviate from this NRI obsession they have going on. It's fun and all, but so sick of it. Do something Indian damn it. Whatever, the film looks fun and I think the casting is pretty brilliant. Well with the female leads anyway and I dont' think Rampal will disappoint. We'll just have to wait until Sept. 10 to reach a verdict.

Next in queue (queue?) is Lafangey Parindey. A Neil Nitin Mukesh and Deepika Padukone starrer, directed by Pradeep Sarkar (of Parineeta and Laga Chunari Mein Daag fame). The trailer pretty much explains the plot so have a looksie:



I mean... it's like, you want to laugh but you can't deny that you're curious, you know? Well, that's how I feel anyway. A blind roller skater named Pinky... have we trangressed back to the early '90s where something like that would be acceptable? Oh well, I like the director, like Deepika, and Neil's a promising kind of guy so I won't write it off.

Lastly, there's Aamir Khan's latest production venture: Peepli [live]. Yup. It's directed by newcomer Anusha Rizvi and stars a handful of really talented stage artists. According to our good ol' friend Wiki,

"It's a satire on the farmers' suicides and subsequent media and political response"

Seems kind of similar to Well Done Abba, which was also a satirical take on real-life situations that occurred in rural India. Just saying. If this film's successful, I feel like it will only be with a select crowd. Watch and judge for yourself.



...until next time! By the way, this is probably the first time in life I've actually blogged when people on my side of the world are awake.

Promos, Trailers and Friends

THE AISHA TRAILER! Watch, then we'll talk:



Definitely feeling it. Looks like a chick flick, not the kind you watch and forget about two hours later, but the memorable kind. You know?

Abhay Deol makes me drool.