I'm supposed to be violently in love with Shruti

By Subhash K Jha Ravi Kissan who has come in for lavish praise for his portrayal of the serial killer in Soham Shah’s Luck, says his next two releases Soham Shah’s Luck and Mani Ratnam’s Raavan have taken out the Bhojpuri-actor tag from his career. Not that he is giving up Bhojpuri films. “But I’m finally getting the kind of roles in Hindi cinema that I’ve waited for, ” Ravi said before heading to Kerala for the last schedule of Ratnam’s film. “It’s the climax of Raavan and I love climaxes. We’re all looking forward to it.Abhishek who plays my younger brother has really become like my brother. I play this guy who can kill for my bhai.’ For his role in Luck and Raavan Ravi lost 15 kgs. “Bhojpuri films require their men and women to look healthier than normal. I had to lose all those kilos for my return to Hindi films. But the effort has paid off.” When Ravi Kissan got to know that Kamal Haasan had watched his daughter’s debut film Luck he was petrified. In the film Ravi’s character is shown to be pushing his unwanted attentions on Shruti Haasan constantly. Says Ravi, “I’m quite an animal in Luck. And I mean that literally.I’ve taken cues for my character’s behaviour from jungle animals including hyenas, tigers, panthers…I behave like a creature from the wilderness. On top of that I’m supposed to be violently in love with Shruti. I’m a complete psycho.” Ravi was scared of how Shruti’s father would react. “Lekin jaan mein jaan ayee when he praised me for my performance. Coming from one of the legends of our industry it was a relief.I feel I’ve graduated from regional to national cinema.” Not that Ravi Kissan is giving up Bhojpuri films, God forbid! “I’ll be doing five Bhojpuri films per year. Out of these two will be my home production.”

Salman's dad comes to the rescues for John's film

By Subhash K Jha In an industry where creative minds are forced to work in tight-fisted isolation here’s a story of shared generosity that melts the heart. Just weeks before Abbas Tyrewala is to start shooting his second feature film 1:800 Love he was stuck in a crucial pre-climax sequence. It was then that Abbas though of the screen-writing phenomenon Salim Khan. Says Abbas, “The situation could’ve been potentially destructive for me. I needed a second opinion on my script. It’s easy to sit within your own creative circle and feel smug and sure.” That’s when Abbas remembered Salim Khan. “Salim Khan had sent me message after seeing Jaane Tu….Ya Jaane Na that he wanted to meet me. I had dropped in out of a sense of courtesy for a man who along with Javed Akhtar Saab had changed the way we look at screenplays in Hindi cinema. I spent almost the entire day with him discussing cinema and life.I came away enriched. He had said my Jaane Tu… was one of those very few films where after watching no change seems possible. And now when I needed a second opinion on my second film I naturally thought of Salim Saab.” The celebrated scriptwriter immediately invited Abbas over. But because of his pre-production work Abbas was unable to go personally. “He wanted to me to narrate my script to him. I’d have loved to. That didn’t happen. So I offered to send him the script of 1: 800 Love. He got back in no time at all. And suggested some changes here and there.” But the most radical change that Salim Khan suggested took Abbas completely by surprise. “He wanted me to make changes in the tone and dialogues of the pre-climax sequence. At the very moment when Salim Saab told me to make the change I was doing exactly that! At that very minute I was sitting down to change that scene. It’s amazing that he could ferret out that very weak spot in my screenplay that troubled me and suggest how to alter it.” Salim Khan has also suggested several changes in the dialogues that Abbas and his wife Pakhi (who also plays the female lead in the film) have gladly incorporated. “Now when I start my workshops with John and Pakhi I feel so much more confident about my characters and what they’ve to say and do.” Now Abbas has no problems billing Salim Khan in the credits of 1:800 Love. “In fact my wife Pakhi and I welcome Salim Saab’s name in the credits. What an honour!” It could be recalled that Ratna Pathak Shah was the ghost-consultant on the script of Abbas’ Jaane Tu….Ya Jaane Na. “I guess I’m just Lucky to have so many creative minds helping me out, ” sighs Abbas.

Priyanka Chopra drags down Shahid in Dirt!

When Shahid Kapoor rode pillion with Priyanka to shoot a song sequence in his Guddu avatar, little did he know that he will hit the ground and how! Priyanka had to ride the scooter and Shahid was to sit behind her. The shot was simple enough; they just had to ride till about 15 meters. However, it got complicated when Priyanka could not manage the balance of the two-wheeler. They did a couple of takes but the scooter seemed to not be in her grip, and as a result both she and Shahid went down with a thud on the mucky road. Neither of them was hurt, as the speed of the scooter was slow. The unit hands came rushing to help them both, but this got difficult as both Shahid and Priyanka had, by then, burst into a fit of spontaneous laughter, much to the units chagrin. Everyone joined in once they were sure that both the stars were safe and unhurt. However, the wet mud and dirt on the road didn’t go so easily and shooting had to be stopped for nearly an hour, while both the stars wiped themselves clean. Amazingly enough, the next take of the shot was Ok. Shahid still teases Priyanka about his fall, as this is the only time in his life that he had ever fallen off a scooter.

Saif plays younger Rishi Kapoor in Love Aaj Kal

Click above for more stills

This has got to be seen. Imtiaz Ali's third directorial venture Love Aaj Kal is already been talked about for various reasons including Kareena Kapoor's 'ghost appearance'.

But Kareena's ghost haunts not just Deepika Padukone's presence in the film. Saif's character in a bizarre so-far undisclosed way is also wedded to Kareena.

It now comes to light that in one segment of the film, Saif plays Rishi Kapoor who happens to be Kareena's uncle in real life. And when we say Saif 'plays' Rishi Kapoor, we mean Rishi Kapoor's character grows younger in the plot to become Saif.

This isn't the first time that two actors have played the same character. Smriti Mishra and Kirron Kher played two phases in the life of Shyam Benegal's Sardari Begum. But they were not connected the way Saif and Rishi are by Kareena.

Without giving away the plot a source discloses, "The same character is played by Saif in a flashback and then Rishi Kapoor in present times. Unfortunately, Chintuji has little screen time with his son's girlfriend Deepika. But he gets to bond for a major screen time with his niece Kareena's boyfriend and yes, they play the same character in two different time zones."

Without revealing much, let's just say Rishi's character plays the passionate lover-guy who believes love conquers all. "At the end we see him with his real-life love interest and soul-mate Neetu Singh who makes a one-shot appearance," says a source.

The Kapoors and the Khans couldn't have hoped for a better merger before Saif and Kareena's marriage.

Movie Review Luck

By Taran Adarsh Rating: *** Fasten your seat belts and get ready for hardcore stunts and thrills, Hollywood ishtyle. Come to think of it, Bollywood hasn't churned out stylised action movies as regularly as it churns out comedies and rom-coms. There's a vacuum for sure. But Luck fills that lacuna. Be rest assured, you haven't watched such thrills since DHOOM 2. Luck is more of a hi-concept film. Three decades ago, Krishna Shah's SHALIMAR narrated the adventures of a billionaire who assembles/invites criminals/gangsters from across the globe to perform the heist of a precious diamond that he possesses. The concept isn't similar here, but in this case too, a gambler assembles people from across the globe for a concept called human betting. Luck may not be high on story, but the concept and at least four stylised thrilling sequences make a big difference. Simply put, it makes Luck Lucky. Luck may have loads of thrills, but director Soham Shah ensures that the grand canvas and stylised thrills appeal to every strata of movie-going audience. Only thing, had screenplay writers Soham Shah and Rensil D'Silva worked doubly hard to come up with a watertight script, it would've only worked wonders. After weighing the pros and cons, it can be said that Luck rides on star power, its concept and adrenaline-pumping thrills primarily. If you're into thrillers or have been missing one, Luck holds the key. Luck tells the tale of mafia kingpin Musa [Sanjay Dutt], who has one obsession: To revolutionize the betting industry. For him, life is a gamble and what better way to skew the odds than play with those with Luck on their side. Different characters from different parts of the world, each with Lady Luck in their favour, are brought in to play the game of death. With millions at stake, how far will each of them go in courting danger and deceit? The very start of the film transports you to a different world. The viewer is drawn into a world where bets are placed on humans and death-defying stunts are the order of the day. The train sequence at the very start says it all. It's a sequence that not only introduces you to the plot, but also makes a hammer-strong impact. You haven't watched something like this on the Hindi screen before. The game of death is far more dangerous than those witnessed in the reality shows. The revolver sequence [the first challenge], the helicopter jump, the underwater sequence with sharks and the train sequence in the climax give you goose bumps and remain etched in your memory. There's a scene involving a lighter too, which is sure to draw whistles and claps. But the film slips due its ineffectual writing. It gyrates from engrossing to bas-theek-hain towards the second hour. The romantic track, to be specific, is flaccid. Also, the climax should've concluded the moment Imran wins the jackpot money of Rs. 20 crores. Wasn't that his motive when he entered the game with his eyes wide open? So why this sudden urge to confront Sanjay Dutt after the game is over? Had the prize money doubled to Rs. 40 crores, it would've made sense. Or, for that matter, if he had a personal score to settle with Sanju, the game of death would've looked plausible. There's no motive in the first place. Moreover, the sequence in the hospital, towards the end, may be true, medically speaking, but the question is, was it necessary in a film of this genre? Frankly, it robs the film of its seriousness and even compels you to break in a full- throated roar, a reaction that is completely unwarranted. Even Shruti Haasan's double role doesn't cut ice. Soham Shah has made a stylish film and the fact remains that he has an eye for visuals. But Soham should've stuck to the spirit of the film, instead of getting into diversions [romance and the penultimate scene]. Salim-Sulaiman's music is vibrant and 'Aasma' is easily the pick of the lot. The background score [Amar Mohile] is electrifying. Santosh Thundiyil's cinematography matches international standards. Ditto for the sound design by Dwarak Warrier. Allan Amin's stunts and thrills are a major USP. Sanju is perfect for this part and enacts it with natural ease. Actually, here's one role that only he could've portrayed so effectively. Imran is getting better with every film. Watch his helplessness at the start or his confidence when he takes to the stunts. Even towards the latter reels, he's very much in sync with his character. Shruti Haasan is a star, no two opinions on that. The confidence with which she carries off this role just cannot be overlooked. Ravi Kishan is another scene-stealer. You are under the impression that he may get lost in the crowd, but he stands tall. The masses will love him. Mithun Chakraborty is controlled and delivers a truly fine performance. Danny Denzongpa is, as always, so perfect. Very few actors have that ability to stand out in a crowd. He's one of them. Chitrashi is excellent. The sequence in the hospital is superb. Rati Agnihotri gets no scope. On the whole, Luck rides on star power, adrenaline-pumping thrills and a concept that's novel for the Indian screens. Despite some loose ends, these three factors primarily would ensure a Lucky journey at the box-office.

Shahid refuses Gowariker for Priyanka Chopra

After What’s Your Rashee, Ashutosh Gowariker has already started penning down a new script for his next film. Mobile Review He approached King Khan but Shah Rukh Khan turned down the offer. After all the ‘Swades’ debacle is still lingering in the puns of Awards functions! So SRK cited some date problems. Indeed once bitten, twice shy! Now next on Gowariker’s wish list was Shahid but to his shock, the actor too refused to work in his film. Not many people know that earlier Shahid had verbally committed to do his flick. Well what is the reason for Shahid backing out suddenly? Business Glossary Is it because of Gowariker’s statement on Piggy Chops at the IIFA? Ashutosh humiliated Piggy Chops at the IIFA ceremony by making a comment on stage that not her but Aishwarya deserved the best actress trophy. Did Ashutosh’s comment on Piggy Chops didn’t go down well with Shahid? Hmm... Seems like, camping with the Bachchans’ is alienating Ashutosh from the industry, first he creates ruckus at Film Awards, then humiliates Piggy Chops and now no actor is ready to work with him. After all, nobody likes a nagger!

Race 2: Bipasha kicked out for Kareena Kapoor

By Subhash K Jha Though for a while it seemed Abbas-Mustan would not be doing the sequel to Race, it seems the producers Tips and the Tauranis have been convinced by the film’s leading man Saif Ali Khan to rope in Abbas-Mustan again. Explains Saif, “They understand the pulse of plot. Race was a fast-paced action-adventure caper. Not too many filmmakers in Bollywood would’ve done such a wonderful job of it.” Apparently the producers and the usually-affable directorial duo had certain issues to be resolved. And if Saif had not intervened the film would’ve gone from Abbas-Mustan’s hands. But Saif is keen to revive the Race magic with Abbas-Mustan, not only because the first part of the film was a blockbuster, but also because lady-love Kareena Kapoor co-stars with him. Says Saif, “Yes Kareena will be part of Race. We’re yet to flesh out the details. But Race 2 has to be bigger and larger than Race. Otherwise no point in making it.” Apparently Race 2 will be more gadget and gizmo-friendly, as upwardly-scaled as Dhoom 2 was as compared with Dhoom. Bipasha’s character has been written out of the script to make way for Kareena.