Shah Rukh is ready to make a sequel to "Don"
It seems Shah Rukh Khan's irresistible charm and the incredible slickness and style used by Farhan Akhtar in "Don - The Chase Begins" have not been able to save the film from biting the dust.
Just like Karan Johar's infidelity drama "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna", this action thriller has been given the thumbs down by the audience, going by the upsetting drop in collections since it released Oct 20, a day before Diwali.
In the first few days, "Don", a remake of the 1978 Amitabh Bachchan starrer of the same name, garnered good profits mainly due to its pre-release publicity and slick television promos. Critics have since panned it as a weak film.
"Any film which has a good star cast and proper media hype does well in the first week in terms of collections. It happened with 'Don'. It had big names like Shah Rukh and director Farhan Akhtar and it was marketed smartly. So the initial collections were good," said Deepka Gupta, a New Delhi-based media consultant.
According to a report on boxofficeindia.com, the film did exceedingly well in the first week in spite of discouraging reports. It earned hit status in Mumbai, east Punjab, West Bengal and Mysore. The first week box office collections were 75-80 percent. However, the eighth day registered a drop in collections at many centres. It stood at about 55 percent.
However, Shah Rukh prefers not to take the critics seriously or the viewpoint of moviegoers, many of whom have not liked the modern "Don" at all.
"It is a waste of money. I couldn't sit through the movie after the interval," said Kanat Jain, a 60-something movie buff, who wasn't floored by the film's slickness.
Many others found the film stylish, but beyond that they had nothing good to say about it.
"The title song was shot nicely. Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra were looking good and sexy. But the script was very bad, and it appears that the director has focused only on the action scenes.
"Shah Rukh was nowhere close to Amitabh Bachchan, especially in the 'Khai ke pan Banareswala' number. I felt like closing my eyes and visualising how Amitabh had done the dance scene," Annie Mathew, a young professional working in Singapore, told.
"Shah Rukh was not at all exuding confidence. Maybe he should not do remakes any more. It seems to make him extra conscious," added Mathew, who got tickets easily for the film on the fourth day.
"In terms of style the original 'Don' was more stylish, despite this film being more technically advanced. It had a better script and cast. Amitabh had more style compared to Shah Rukh. Each character stood out in the cast," said Arundhati Chowdhury, a radio journalist.
"Other than that, the film was confusing... The pace is too fast, and it does not register. It's just an average film. One can go and watch this out of curiosity. I prefer Amitabh Bachchan as Don. Zeenat Aman was notches above Priyanka," said Chowdhury.
There is no denying that Farhan emphasised on the film's looks and ignored content, a key factor that plays a major role in the success of any film. In contrast, low-budget hit film "Khosla Ka Ghosla" did very well, a good example of content being king.
"The film's direction is very slick and the locales great. It has a very good background score, something like 'Mission Impossible'. It has a well-directed stunt scene - a drop from an aircraft and a mid-air fight scene - something like a Bond movie. It has a twist in the storyline, which leaves scope for a sequel. But the film cannot compete with the original," said Simi Gandhi, a chartered accountant and a movie buff.
Maybe Shah Rukh has hit a rough patch. After Farah Khan's directorial debut "Main Hoon Na" (2004), he has given a string of flops - "Veer-Zaara", "Swades", "Paheli and "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna". He was banking heavily on "Don" to give a boost to his sliding career graph.
Right now Shah Rukh is aggressively promoting the film. After lambasting critics for panning his film, he launched the "Don" collection of clothing for Louis Philippe - it displays clothes worn by Shah Rukh in the film. It was followed by the launch of a mobile game of "Don".
"Gaming is a very good way of marketing. It is a skill, which everyone should use. My next film is 'Chak De India' which is again a sports-based film. That lends itself to games and all. I would be game if Yashji or Adi (Yash or Aditya Chopra) bring in a game on that theme," Shah Rukh told mediapersons at the game launch.
Though the film has been given a flop status in India, it is doing well in the overseas market. In the US it raked in $1.2 million and in the Gulf grossed above 3.45 million dirhams.
In spite of its bad reviews, Shah Rukh is ready to make a sequel to "Don".
"I would love to make a sequel. If Farhan does not make it, I will definitely do so," he is quoted as having said.
Shot stylishly in Malaysia, this action thriller will appeal mainly to hardcore Shah Rukh fans.
Just like Karan Johar's infidelity drama "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna", this action thriller has been given the thumbs down by the audience, going by the upsetting drop in collections since it released Oct 20, a day before Diwali.
In the first few days, "Don", a remake of the 1978 Amitabh Bachchan starrer of the same name, garnered good profits mainly due to its pre-release publicity and slick television promos. Critics have since panned it as a weak film.
"Any film which has a good star cast and proper media hype does well in the first week in terms of collections. It happened with 'Don'. It had big names like Shah Rukh and director Farhan Akhtar and it was marketed smartly. So the initial collections were good," said Deepka Gupta, a New Delhi-based media consultant.
According to a report on boxofficeindia.com, the film did exceedingly well in the first week in spite of discouraging reports. It earned hit status in Mumbai, east Punjab, West Bengal and Mysore. The first week box office collections were 75-80 percent. However, the eighth day registered a drop in collections at many centres. It stood at about 55 percent.
However, Shah Rukh prefers not to take the critics seriously or the viewpoint of moviegoers, many of whom have not liked the modern "Don" at all.
"It is a waste of money. I couldn't sit through the movie after the interval," said Kanat Jain, a 60-something movie buff, who wasn't floored by the film's slickness.
Many others found the film stylish, but beyond that they had nothing good to say about it.
"The title song was shot nicely. Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra were looking good and sexy. But the script was very bad, and it appears that the director has focused only on the action scenes.
"Shah Rukh was nowhere close to Amitabh Bachchan, especially in the 'Khai ke pan Banareswala' number. I felt like closing my eyes and visualising how Amitabh had done the dance scene," Annie Mathew, a young professional working in Singapore, told.
"Shah Rukh was not at all exuding confidence. Maybe he should not do remakes any more. It seems to make him extra conscious," added Mathew, who got tickets easily for the film on the fourth day.
"In terms of style the original 'Don' was more stylish, despite this film being more technically advanced. It had a better script and cast. Amitabh had more style compared to Shah Rukh. Each character stood out in the cast," said Arundhati Chowdhury, a radio journalist.
"Other than that, the film was confusing... The pace is too fast, and it does not register. It's just an average film. One can go and watch this out of curiosity. I prefer Amitabh Bachchan as Don. Zeenat Aman was notches above Priyanka," said Chowdhury.
There is no denying that Farhan emphasised on the film's looks and ignored content, a key factor that plays a major role in the success of any film. In contrast, low-budget hit film "Khosla Ka Ghosla" did very well, a good example of content being king.
"The film's direction is very slick and the locales great. It has a very good background score, something like 'Mission Impossible'. It has a well-directed stunt scene - a drop from an aircraft and a mid-air fight scene - something like a Bond movie. It has a twist in the storyline, which leaves scope for a sequel. But the film cannot compete with the original," said Simi Gandhi, a chartered accountant and a movie buff.
Maybe Shah Rukh has hit a rough patch. After Farah Khan's directorial debut "Main Hoon Na" (2004), he has given a string of flops - "Veer-Zaara", "Swades", "Paheli and "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna". He was banking heavily on "Don" to give a boost to his sliding career graph.
Right now Shah Rukh is aggressively promoting the film. After lambasting critics for panning his film, he launched the "Don" collection of clothing for Louis Philippe - it displays clothes worn by Shah Rukh in the film. It was followed by the launch of a mobile game of "Don".
"Gaming is a very good way of marketing. It is a skill, which everyone should use. My next film is 'Chak De India' which is again a sports-based film. That lends itself to games and all. I would be game if Yashji or Adi (Yash or Aditya Chopra) bring in a game on that theme," Shah Rukh told mediapersons at the game launch.
Though the film has been given a flop status in India, it is doing well in the overseas market. In the US it raked in $1.2 million and in the Gulf grossed above 3.45 million dirhams.
In spite of its bad reviews, Shah Rukh is ready to make a sequel to "Don".
"I would love to make a sequel. If Farhan does not make it, I will definitely do so," he is quoted as having said.
Shot stylishly in Malaysia, this action thriller will appeal mainly to hardcore Shah Rukh fans.
The recent press conference of the movie Sirf, directed by Rajaatesh Nayar saw some high-voltage drama. A journalist posed a question about Koirala to the director when the stars were on stage, which upset the actress so much that she immediately left with her Australian boyfriend.
It's a common knowledge that actress Kajol shares a very good rapport with filmmaker Karan Johar. Recently we got to see a glimpse of their sweet camaraderie at Malaika Arora Khan's 31 st birthday party, where the duo partied till the wee hours of the morning.
Priyanka Chopra to play lead in Kalpana Lajmi's next. The yet-to-title film will be on the Devdasi culture of Southern India . Kalpana Lajmi recently said in an interview that she has approached Priyanka for playing lead in the movie.
Abhishek Bachchan broke down into tears on the sets of ‘Umrao Jaan' . There was a scene in the film, where he needed to cry and Abhishek, as per director J.P. Dutta cried without glycerin. Director Dutta said in a recent interview, “You have to watch Abhishek's performance in ‘Umrao Jaan' to believe what he's capable of. Abhishek was so involved in the scene and not only did he cry without glycerin, he was completely broke down and tears rolled down his cheeks.”
Actor Saif Ali Khan has the flexibility in his character that he can easily seek apology to a lay man if he realizes what he has done is wrong.
There is no doubt that John is the new brightest star in Bollywood and his brightness is increasing day by day. Already his popularity is too high especially for the young generation. From his debut film ‘Jism' he has been changing himself rapidly. In ‘Dhoom' he has done even a role with a negative shade. However John has no qualms admitting that his number comes much below than the Khans. “The Khans are right up there while my number comes much below and my flop rate is higher than the Khans.” But he feels that he still has a long way to go.
It's the 'Baadshah of Bollywood' Shahrukh Khan's birthday on 2nd November. His enthusiasm for work only intensifies as the superstar turns 41 this Thursday. Star Gold will telecast his films all through the week from 30th October - 3rd November.
Priyanka Chopra to launch her official website, trying to work out a deal with the present owner of the domain www.priyankachopra.com
Look, who's sitting cozy behind Salman on his bike. The pretty gal is none but Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera, who has been in India for last couple of days for an AIDS awareness campaign. As per source, Salman Khan had invited Zuleyka for an Eid party at his home. And being a huge fan of all the beautiful ladies (his split with Aishwarya Rai however is a different matter), Salman decided to give her a lift home on his bike at around 3 in the morning. Do we need to say the thing they talked on at that time?
Actor Aamir Khan has been summoned for questioning by the Gujarat Forest Department in connection with the filming of an endangered species deer, chinkara in film ‘Lagaan' some eight years back during shooting in Gujarat .
Refuting the current rumours that her marriage with Abhishek Bachchan is scheduled to take place in February next year, Aishwarya Rai told media persons that she has no plans for marriage in the near future. “Who's doing all these shaadi soap operas with my life? I don't know. Maybe you can enlighten me,” said Aishwarya in a mere embarrassed tone. “I've absolutely no plans for marriage in the near future,” she said in a clear-straight voice.
Hrithik Roshan has started shooting for Ashutosh Gowariker’s Jodha-Akbar. And we all know about his 3 film deal with Adlabs. But before the Adlabs film, he will be starting shooting for another film with Zoya Akhtar, sister of Farhan Akhtar. Zoya will finally make her directorial debut with this film titled Kismat Talkies. Kareena Kapoor will play the female lead in this film produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under their Excel Films banner.
Last night Adlabs hosted the launch of a book on ‘The Making of Umrao Jaan’ on Sunday evening. The book gives details about the making of the film. What’s interesting is that this book is not available in any bookstore for sale. It will be exclusively available at the chain of Adlabs Cinemas (nationally) where patrons can browse through the book.
Saif Ali Khan: I think you get things only when you are ready for them. When I wasn’t successful, I had many fantasies about how things would be like when I become successful. I think one of the best things about being successful is the lack of pressure in terms of competition from other actors.
Saif Ali Khan: I like both and I’m very fortunate that either I adapt very quickly or my work suits what I happen to want. We were in New York for about a month and half. Just as it was getting crazy, we were shifted to Bedford, which is just an hour away from the New York City. It is full of lakes and trees.
Saif Ali Khan: I spoil both of them equally. Its weird because both my kids Sara (daughter) and Ibrahim (son) have such distinct natures. Sara came first by a couple of years. She is six years elder to my son. She is already a young lady now. Right now Ibrahim is obsessed with Count Dracula.
People change and so do their equations with others. Initially, the mere presence of Aishwarya Rai intimidated actress Vidya Balan. But this is a thing of the past. While shooting for Mani Ratnam's Guru, earlier Aishwarya would never talk to Vidya. But, more recently when a particular shot was in progress, Aishwarya realised that Vidya did not have her hairpin on (required to maintain the continuity in a scene). Both Ratnam and Vidya didn't notice the slip. But, Ash being the perfectionist that she is noticed and immediately went back to her make-up van and sent the hairpin to Vidya. "Just before Vidya would deliver the shot, Ash's hair dresser went up to Vidya and gave her the hairpin," says our source. Vidya was flummoxed at this gesture extended towards her. That's the smart Ash we know of - trying to change an equation depending on the box-office success of the person.
Amitabh Bachchan is humming a new tune in Baabul. "It's a tune I remember. I just thought I'd use it in Baabul because it fit perfectly. I played with the notes and came up with this song for Baabul and recorded the song just a few days ago. In Ravi Chopra's Baghban I had sung four numbers. In Baabul, I've recorded two. But they are rather pensive numbers which I've composed," he says.
Her last release ‘Jaanemann' is doing well at the box office and actress Preity Zinta is now looking forward to sign a new film very soon.
Men are not as strong as they look. They are very fragile and so need to be handled with care – as thinks actress Priyanka Chopra. In a recent interview, when asked about her love life Priyanka said she's single and she has no regret for that. Doesn't she feel the need of someone special in her life? She said, “Men are essential sure, but not indispensable.” According to her, men are very confused souls. “They are like kids. They are also very fragile and so need to be handled with care,” she gushed.
According to Mallika, a man's sex appeal lies between the ears. Surprised? Actually Mallika can't resist herself from making such surprising quotes. In a recent interview, when asked what sort of a man does she prefer – metrosexual or retrosexual, Mallika raised an eyebrow and said, “Metrosexual? I think they are mere clone to women. They go to beauty parlors to get a manicure, pedicure, facial ….that's called being a metrosexual? Then they wear colors like orange, pink and red, the way women do; go into kitchen and call themselves chef. Is that it?”
Yet another controversy has surfaced regarding Mallika Sherawat and this one concerns her age. The tabloids insist that she cannot be 25 years old as claimed by her mother. Instead, she could well be 35 years old.
Admittedly she couldn't match up to the appeal of Helen, but Kareena is the flavor of this festive season. With her ‘Yeh mera dil pyaar ka diwana' number in ‘Don', she is blazing the screen with her look- the golden gown and seductive kohl-lined eyes, and thunder thighs. This remixed version packs in some extra beats while the Kareena (read K-bomb) burst on screen this Diwali.
Celina Jaitley has no qualms to be called sexy, and finds nothing wrong if directors present her as a sex-idol on screen. In a recent interview, when asked to comment on the buzz that most of the directors tried to exploit her on screen to present her as seductress, she was quick to quip, “Well, I am sexy, so why not!”
The Abhishek Bachchan-Aishwarya Rai chemistry rocks – that's the unanimous view. Whosoever has seen J.P. Dutta's ‘Umrao Jaan', including the members of the Censor Board (the three hour long film has been passed without any cut), has been raving about the jodi. “The tension in the air was palpable and both have done a great job,” an insider present during the screening says. The screening for the censors was on October 24. Censor Board members praised the film sky high. Aishwarya's performance also came in for praise and her image as a non-actor will die a natural death after that. ‘Umrao Jaan' will be the first Abhishek-Aishwarya release after rumour of their affair made headlines. The film is scheduled to release on November 3.
Jaan-E-Mann has hit back strongly. As expected, post Eid the collections of Jaan-E-Mann have gone up. The advance booking report for the second week are very positive. Well Jaan-E-Mann was steady all this week till Eid but post Eid it is a completely different story. Jaan-E-Mann can safely be declared as a hit now.
Amitabh Bachchan as Balraj Kapoor
Bhagam Bhag is produced by Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Ltd and Popkorn Motion Pictures Private Limited, and is directed by Humor king Priyadarshan. The story goes as follows.
As a journalist, one has attended innumerable parties over the decades. You have sweet memories of some. Most of them are as forgettable as the potholes during monsoons.
Although the media is having a field day with the conspicuous absence of Abhishek Bachchan for the promotional appearances for Umrao Jaan, Aishwarya Rai is quick to jump to his defence. "He doesn't have free dates. He's busy shooting for his films, but director J P Dutta has already spoken with the producers of his films to give him dates to promote the film with us."
As the release date of upcoming ‘Dhoom 2' is coming closer, the curiosity for the film is increasing and so the buzzes about the film. The latest buzz is that sultry Bipasha Basu is playing double role in ‘Dhoom 2'; the rumour also has it that with her double role Bipasha is all to beat Aishwarya Rai as she's getting more footage than Aishwarya in the film. Aishwarya playing a con woman in the film, Hrithik Roshan, who also plays a role with negative shades, accompanies her, whereas Bipasha, as per rumour, will play a cop's role as well as a con woman's role. The film also has Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra playing cops.
‘Munnabhai MBBS' director Rajkumar Hirani, at the beginning, selected Shah Rukh Khan for Munnabhai's role. However it couldn't work out as Shah Rukh was then in abroad for his back surgery. In a recent interview Shah Rukh said he loved the script very much but he had to give up the film because he could not have asked them to wait for him till his recovery. 
For the first time actress Rani Mukherji will be seen on ramp. Rani always seen in the frontline in the fashion show however agreed to walk ramp for the first time on the occasion of music release of Ravi Chopra's forthcoming film ‘Baabul' on Thursday night. Rani plays lead role in the film. As per reports, not only Rani, the film's almost all the leading stars including Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Salman Khan and John Abraham will be doing rampwalk on the evening.
The real life couple John-Bipasha have shared great onscreen chemistry in films like Jism and Madhoshi. But surprisingly ever since then they never appeared together in any film. Finally after a gap of two years audiences might get to see them together in Vivek Agnihotri's Goal.
Some months back we had informed you that Sanjay Dutt is planning to revive his father Sunil Dutt’s production banner Ajanta Arts with his brother-in-law Kumar Gaurav. Milan Luthria was to direct the banner’s first film and Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgan were to star in the film. Now there is more news on the project.
The ‘Parineeta' duo – Saif Ali Khan and Vidya Balan to be seen together again on screen, however not for a feature film, as per reports director Mira Nair of ‘Monsoon Wedding' fame will direct Saif-Vidya for an ad film on AIDS, titled ‘AIDS Jagao'. Besides Saif and Vidya the ad film will also star actor Shiny Ahuja. Based on Zoya Akhtar's script, the short film will be shot in Mumbai next month. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is making the film. Besides Mira Nair, there are Kamal Hassan, Vishal Bhardwaj and Santosh Sivan will be making their films on AIDS under same banner. The four ad films will be screened in theatres all over the country before the main feature is screened.
