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.

Darsheel's Farting gets him the main role in film

Suresh Menon and Juhi Parmar will now be seen parenting ‘the biggest farter’ the world has ever seen. Darsheel of TZP fame after portraying the trauma of a dyslexic child will now deal with flatulence aka fart troubles in the desi film aptly called ‘Padduram’. Bollywood Celebrities Wallpaper Film addresses the issue that we have known and relate to, but coyly overlook. Story revolves around a child having gas problem, which often puts him in an embarrassing situation. “Child is the protagonist of the film and as parents we are part of his life. We try to help him cope with this ‘paddu’ problem. I am playing a very protective father just like in real life, ” briefs Menon. He adds further, “I am already quiet plump but they have made me fatter for this film.” Mummy Juhi shares, “It’s a feel-good film; you will experience extreme emotions while watching the film. At times you will be rolling around laughing and then, the very next moment you feel your eyes well up with tears.” Bollywood FM She divulges further, “Film conveys a message across to the audience that such problems have to be dealt with immense sensitivity especially when it’s concerning a child.” We all know, we all understand... But every time when somebody breaks the silence with a loud ‘Poo…’ all sophistication goes for a toss!

Saif, Ranbir, Imran, Neil in 'The Italian Job' remake

By Subhash K Jha With American studios maintaining a hawk-eyed gaze over copyright infringement in Bollywood desi filmmakers are growing copyright savvy and looking for new ways of evading the floodlights. Health Care Tips Now Abbas-Mustan claim that their Italian Job won’t just be a remake of the the 2003 con caper directed by F Gary Gray but a “mix n match” version of both the 2003 film and the earlier 1669 film directed by Peter Collinson from which the 2003 film was remade. Explains Abbas, “Our producer Studio 18 have bought the rights of both the 1969 Michael Caine film and the 2003 film. We’re doing a mix n match job of Italian Job. We’re taking whatever elements we like from the two Hollywood films and putting them together in our own way.” In the past Abbas-Mustan have outright lifted Hollywood films like Consenting Adults (Kati Patang) like Disclosure (Aetraaz) and put them together without radical changes. Music Glossary “But this time we aren’t doing that, ” says Abbas currently scripting the Italy-dosa. “We want to turn the Italian Job into a total desi film.” Dental Glossary The vast cast is yet to be decided. But it’s reliably learnt that the director plans to cast Saif Al Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Imran Khan, Shahid Kapoor and Neil Nitin Mukesh, among others.

Unveiled - Leading lady of Aladin, Jacqueline

By Joginder Tuteja It's time for the red carpet to be laid out. Aladin is aiming for a Diwali release and as the film hits the screens, Bollywood would also see the arrival of its 'most exotic' import ever - Jacqueline Fernandes. All set to regale the audience with a lethal mix of cute persona and some sensuality, Jacqueline is finally being unveiled by the makers of Aladin. "Well, the journey has just begun. Last one year was quite happening but now it is going to be even more exciting times with Aladin being round the corner", she says. Over the last few months, Jacqueline was closely guarded for all the right reasons. 2008 had seen quite some noise being made around the number of newcomer girls (Asin, Anushka) while Aladin was still quite some distance away. Real Estate Glossarry Says Sujoy Ghosh, the film's director and co-producer, "There was no point for anyone associated with the film to gaga over Jacqueline because of two major reasons. First and foremost she had just stepped into the industry and she wanted to focus on doing a good job in her debut film. Secondly, it was felt that her being 'exposed' to millions out there so soon would have resulted in an over exposure." The protective director goes on to add, "Since Jacqueline is one of the four major protagonists of the film, other than Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt and Riteish Deshmukh, she has always been someone special. Now is the time for her to reach out to the world and I am sure Bollywood followers out there would be stunned with what they see of her." Jacqueline gets nostalgic while remembering the times she spent on the film's sets, "Playing Jasmine was all fun and frolic with just the right ingredients of quintessential Bollywood 'naach gaana' routine and countless romantic and dramatic moments. It couldn't have been a better start." Computer Glossary Considering the fact that 2009 is perking up now after a dry beginning, it only makes Jacqueline's arrival in the industry even more precious. An import from Sri Lanka who already has a beauty pageant crown in her kitty (she was Miss Sri Lanka 2006), Jacqueline has been academically inclined as well, as apparent from her degree in Media and Communications from Sydney, Australia. Ambitious to the core, she had once stated - "Being independent and accomplished was imperative to me and I always demanded the best of myself. Perfectionism is my strongest asset." That's something which is pretty much on display, as clear from her choice for her debut film Aladin which is a co- production of Eros and Sujoy's 'Boundscript' and stars none other than Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt along with Riteish Deshmukh. Says Jacqueline while spreading out that million dollar smile of hers, "The way Riteish's character is fleshed out in the movie, it was all rather cute. However, nothing can beat the excitement of working with Mr. Bachchan and Mr. Dutt. In a way, they were just the antithesis of Riteish. I couldn't have been luckier."

Kareena Kapoor to interact with her fans on Facebook

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Kareena has never been net savvy. But thanks to the clamor for her glamour on social-networking sites, she has decided to get on the net. But just for a bit.

Boiiywood News

This week Kareena plans to give her fans on a hugely popular social-networking website (Facebook) a big surprise.

Kareena plans to get on the networking site for about 30 minutes "to say hello" to her fans. She may even break her resolve not to become a member of the networking site. And who knows, she may even get over her reservations about starting her own website.

Bollywood Movire Review

Says Kareena, "I've been repeatedly told that I've the maximum number of fans and well-wishers on Facebook. I could never find the time to connect with them. More importantly, I was too shy. I can't bring myself to answer over-specific questions on my activities, where I am, what I do, eat, etc."

It was Saif Ali Khan and director Imtiaz Ali who informed Kareena of the massive fan following she has on Facebook and how imperative it was for her to reach out to those trying to reach out through social networking.

"I now realize it's a whole large global community out there on the computer. I can't blog about my life. But I need to understand and connect with the internet community. In fact," reveals Kareena, "It was Saif who introduced me to the computer. He does practically all his work on the internet. He coaxed me into understanding the basics. And then I got hooked, though not to social networking because I'm too private a person to share my day-to-day movements and activities even with my closest friends."

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It was Imtiaz Ali who pointed out the importance of reaching out on the social networking site. "Imtiaz said the number of people on Facebook who put up my pictures and messages about me had to be seen to be believed. I'll now be going on Facebook in a few days to interact with my friends there."

Not that Kareena wants to be regular on social networking. "That's not me. But I respect and love the thousands of people who want to reach out to me through the internet."

'Short Kut' okay in U.K., dull in U.S.

- By Taran Adarsh, July 15, 2009 - 08:17 IST
The new release, SHORT KUT, has done marginally well in U.K., but given the number of screens, it should've fared much, much better. However, the business is below the mark in U.S... KAMBAKKHT ISHQ is maintaining very well in the three major markets. The 10-day total from U.K., U.S. and Australia is approx. Rs. 11.65 crores.

Weekend: July 10 - 12, 2009.

U.K. BOX-OFFICE

• KAMBAKKHT ISHQ [last weekend: No. 8, this weekend: No. 10]: In its second weekend, the film has collected £ 97,388 on 52 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 1,873. Total: £ 5,43,833 [approx. Rs. 4.37 crores].



• SHORT KUT has debuted at No. 11 position. In its opening weekend, the film has collected £ 80,488 [approx. Rs. 64.64 lacs] on 34 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 2,367.



• NEW YORK [last weekend: No. 15, this weekend: No. 20]: In its third weekend, the film has collected £ 19,349 on 13 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 1,488. Total: £ 3,51,683 [approx. Rs. 2.82 crores].

Kambakkht Ishq glitters with Prime Focus' VFX

Riding high on its box office success, Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor starrer Kambakkht Ishq (KI), one of the biggest openers in the history of Indian cinema, has much more to it than Bollywood masala and a star studded cast including Hollywood stars like Denise Richards, Sylvester Stallone, Holly Valance and others.

KI is an example of the ever-growing trend of Bollywood films embracing visual effects (vfx) with some incredible (invisible) visual effects by post-production house Prime Focus.

Ask director Sabbir Khan about the film's success and he says, "I feel euphoric. Nearly 150 films release every year and yet only a handful can earn the tag of being a 'super hit'. So, yes, it makes me feel very special that I could do that, and that too with my first film."

Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Merzin Tavaria, Creative Director of Prime Focus and VFX Supervisor of KI shares, "Actually, if we look at KI, there is not much vfx in the movie but more of design elements and the effects which are required in the narrative of the film. These vfx shots helped us to manage the production and also to save the time of international starts while shooting,"

Real Estate Glossary

In this exclusive case study by Bollywood Hungama, we bring you some of the exciting shots executed by Prime Focus, courtesy Merzin Tavaria, Sabbir Khan and the producer, Sajid Nadiadwala.

Click on the thumbnails below to check out the shot breakdown:

Roadie Palak wants to Expose

Gurmeet Kaur aka Palak, one of the contestants of Sony Entertainment Television’s new reality show Iss jungle Se Mujhe Bachao wants to add skin-show to her infamous resume. The former Roadies participant was disappointed that she would not be able to wear short dresses or revealing clothes for Iss Jungle as they would be shooting in the Rain Forest. She also did not quite appreciate the tanned rugged look the participants are sporting in the promos. So it was no wonder that at a recent promotional photo-shoot Palak really freaked-out at the first chance she got to drop the drab clothes. Eager to show-off Palak got into the skimpiest dress she could lay her hands on, or should we say fitted into! The one opportunity Palak gets, she chose the shortest dress to wear. So much for being in a reality show! Will Palak the Punjabi fashion victim survive the ultimate challenge in the jungles of Malaysia??… We will soon know on “Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao’, Monday – Thursday @ 10 p.m. and Fridays @ 9 PM only on Sony Entertainment Television

Aamir-Katrina to sizzles as Guru Dutt and Waheeda

The most gorgeous lady, Katrina Kaif and the hottest stud, Aamir Khan come together to recreate the magic of Guru Dutt and Waheeda Rehman on silver screen. The duo will be seen in a Guru Dutt biopic by Rakesh Om Prakesh Mehra. The yet untitled film explores the life and love of Guru Dutt. The shooting for the same is expected to begin from October. Aamir Khan donned the classic look of Guru Dutt and draws a lot of similarities by his dressing and hair style, while Katrina is looking an elegant reminiscence of Waheeda Rehman. Recently, a magazine unveiled the first peek-a-boo of the film where Aamir-Katrina strike a pose similar to that of Guru Dutt – Waheeda, from the movie Kaagaz Ke Phool. Though Guru Dutt’s Kaagaz Ke Phool failed at the box office but it did left an indelible mark on the mind of audience. Let’s see whether this film is able to recreate the magic of the golden era and one of its most prolific legends.

"Short Kut will satiate the taste buds of movie buffs" - Anil Kapoor

Short Kut - The Con Is On releases today after a minor hassle around the title copyright issues. All is well that ends well though as this Anil Kapoor production has now hit the screens. Joginder Tuteja catches up with the man at the hot seat, Anil Kapoor, and asks him about his new role as a producer and what made him for go for casting Arshad Warsi as a wannabe turned superstar in the film.

How is the new role of a film producer treating you?
The way my acting career has been over the years, I have always been in the capacity of an actor and very rarely looked at the production affairs. On the other hand, as a producer I have more participation in how a project is shaped and look after the entire scale on which the film has been set. When I come on the sets of a film where I am just an actor, I am a thorough professional while staying within my boundaries. I don't interfere in any other aspect of film making. However as a producer, I have the luxury to choose my director, actor, distributor etc. I make all the decisions that allows me to play multiple roles.

You started off with Gandhi My Father and have now moved on to Short Kut - The Con Is On. Was it a conscious decision to begin offbeat and then move into mainstream?
It all basically depends upon the material that I am getting. If I like a script which is really dramatic, I go for it. I look at it as whether the subject would make for a good film or a bad film. I don't look at it as a commercial v/s non-commercial affair. This was the case with Gandhi My Father as well where I fell in love with the story and the script. Feroz Khan (the director) has been a friend and I have always admired his work as a theatre director. This is what made me go for Gandhi My Father and frankly I didn't worry much around whether it would succeed at the box office or not.

What made you announce Short Kut - The Con Is On as your immediate next film?
Juts like in case of Gandhi My Father, in case of Short Kut - The Con Is On too it was the script that did all the talking. I loved the original Malayalam film and decided there and then that I had to make it. It is a story which is very mainstream and comes with huge entertainment potential. It will satiate the taste buds of movie buffs all over the world because such films cater to majority of segments of audiences. Moreover, I truly believed in the film's concept and was sure that a refined treatment would make it a hit amongst the masses.

Akshaye (Khanna) and Arshad (Warsi) return after years. Time for some more 'hulchul'?
Frankly speaking I hadn't seen Hulchul and had only caught the duo in trailers. They looked great together and I was comfortable having them on board since their roles are so opposite of each other in the film. Actually, both of them compliment each other; something you would realize once you see the film.

Time and again you have been heard appreciating your film's cast.
That's because it has indeed gone really well. In fact the best thing about Short Kut - The Con Is On is it's casting. I am very proud of the people I have roped in because Akshaye, Arshad and Amrita have been just bang on. All of them are so correct and I can't imagine anyone else playing these parts.

Apparently you were quite vocal about Arshad's performance after watching Lagey Raho Munnabhai.
That's right; I congratulated him soon after I saw the film.

What was it that went in favor of him being roped in as 'Raju' a.k.a. King Kumar in the film?
I just felt that I needed someone who had an image of basically someone who wasn't a quintessential hero-hero. I wanted to have someone who wants to be a hero, someone who has the potential of becoming a hero one day. Of course Arshad's trademark comic timing went in his favour too.

You just said that you didn't want someone who was a hero in true sense. Why?
That's plays Raju is someone who wants to be a hero! It's the character that we had to sell because there have been only few character actors in the past who have become heroes. There have been exceptions but quite far and few. This is why if we had cast someone who was a conventional hero material; it would have gone against the essence of our film. I wanted someone who could not look like a conventional hero; someone who is a little odd and still desperate.

Arshad is also heard as saying that he is the 'villain of the piece' in the film?
Arrey nahi, he is a lovable rogue in the film. Terming him as 'villain' will be too harsh a word (laughs)!