B.O. update: 'Ajab' takes ghazab start; 'Jail' gets sidelined

AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI took the nation by storm by fetching one of the biggest starts at the box-office. The start was at par with LOVE AAJ KAL at several screens, although LAK had more shows than APKGK, since LONDON DREAMS has retained some screens, while JAIL, the other new release, has also opened quite wide.

The trends were evident on Thursday night itself, when the paid previews of AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI were held. The response was fantastic. The early morning shows opened to an overwhelming response and the film was maintaining the tempo during the subsequent shows. The opening is at par with any superstar's film, the various distributors/exhibitors this writer spoke to, echoed in unison.

The youth has taken to AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI in a big way and the first weekend numbers of the film should be incredible. It's easily Ranbir Kapoor's biggest opener to date and catapults him to the 'Prime Club'. Besides, the Ranbir - Katrina jodi seems to be the new flavour of the season. Rajkumar Santoshi too has bounced back with renewed vigour, while Ramesh Taurani, its producer, has yet another Hit to his credit.

On the other hand, JAIL has been sidelined due to the AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI wave. The film carries favourable reports, so let's hope its numbers show a jump on Saturday and Sunday.

MORE HERE >>>

Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani - Movie Review

Rajkumar Santoshi has changed lanes. Known for intense, hard-hitting movies [with the sole exception of ANDAZ APNA APNA], Santoshi now attempts a rom-com in AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI, his new endeavour. That's something we all know by now, right?

But not many of us know that Santoshi is equally at home handling a comedy. And AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI proves it.

If you're attempting a rom-com, you need to get a few things right...
One, the romance should be livewire. Ditto for the chemistry between the on-screen pair.
Two, the film should make you laugh. As simple as that!

In AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI, the romantic moments are endearing. Most importantly, the on-screen chemistry is electrifying. Ranbir and Katrina look great together!

I've often said that comedy is serious business and the audience has moved over from banana peel humour in movies. The comedy in AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI - though it borders on absurdity - is funny in most parts. Sure, there're times when you feel that the humour looks forced [climax fight especially], but you don't grudge it since Santoshi's intentions are crystal clear from Scene 1 onwards: Entertainment ke liye kuch bhi karega.

Another factor that goes in its favour is Pritam's music, who belts out a couple of lilting tracks.

On the flip side, the film could've done with a fresh plotline. When you talk of 'Ghazab Kahani', it has to be ghazab by all means. It shouldn't fall prey to predictability, but the second hour succumbs to mediocrity occasionally.

Yet, despite the blemishes, AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI is a full-on entertainer. One thing is for sure, you'd fall in prem with Prem and his antics. An ideal date movie that should connect with the youth.

Prem's [Ranbir Kapoor] fundas in life were very simple - be happy, make others happy. A case of mistaken identity leads Prem to almost kidnap Jenny [Katrina Kaif], who was brought up by indifferent and uncaring foster parents.

Prem falls in love with Jenny, but realizes gradually that Jenny is in love with someone else [Upen Patel], the son of a conniving politician [Govind Namdeo]. Prem decides to sacrifice his love and get the lovers married.

In the first sequence, Santoshi makes it loud and clear that AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI is very unlike his previous ventures; this one harbours on illogical situations. Right from the time Ranbir sets his eyes on Katrina [the yellow outfit episode], the film is a roller coaster ride.

A few sequences entertain you thoroughly. Sample these: Katrina slaps Ranbir when he stammers as well. She feels he's imitating her; Ranbir's sequence in the church; Salman Khan's cameo; the love-hate relationship that Ranbir and his father [Darshan Jariwala] share; the sequence at the party; the interval point when Ranbir falls on the ground literally... the first hour of the film simply rocks!

But the second hour makes you a little grumpy. The third angle of the triangle [Upen Patel] isn't convincing, while his father's [Govind Namdeo] track is beaten to death. Even the villain [Zakir Hussain] is a sore point.

Watching the second hour makes you feel that the film may've had a longer running time and in order to bring down the length, a number of scenes must've been chopped off, which, in turn, must've resulted in continuity lapses. For instance, Katrina's kidnap by the villains looks too sudden. When and how did it occur?

Yet, there're two sequences in this hour which are remarkable and which should bring the house down. One, when Ranbir wears Katrina's top to hide her presence in the house and the climax fight, when Katrina mistakenly bangs Ranbir a couple of times.

Directorially, Santoshi proves the naysayers wrong and bounces back with a film that the youth would relate to. You can't write off the maker and AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI proves it. Pritam's music has 'Hit' written all over it. S. Thiru's cinematography is first-rate.

Ranbir Kapoor is the next big thing and AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI proves it yet again. He's charismatic, emotes exceptionally well and tickles your funny bone without making faces. It's a fantastic performance all the way. Katrina Kaif continues to surprise. She surprised you in NEW YORK. She surprises you again in this film. She scores in both emotional and light scenes. Also, Ranbir and Katrina make a wonderful on-screen couple.

Darshan Jariwala is exceptional. Smita Jaykar is very good. Upen Patel is decent. Govind Namdeo is getting typecast. Zakir Hussain is fair. Navneet Nishan is alright.

On the whole, AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI entertains majorly. At the box-office, the fantastic pre-release campaign coupled with the terrific chemistry between Ranbir and Katrina, excellent music by Pritam and tremendous appeal for youth should ensure a big start for the film at the ticket window. The business prospects seem excellent, thus ensuring handsome returns for its investors.

MORE HERE >>>

Ajab Prem: Katrina and Ranbir

Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor walked the ramp at the Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week in New Delhi for designer Rohit Bal.

Katrina is going all out to promote the film with Ranbir, and she isn’t very keen on promoting De Dana Dan, her other film with Akshay. She has been frank about the fact that she did the movie because Akshay requested her to be part of it and she cannot say no to him.

The Brit-Indian likes spending time with Ranbir during the promotions and has said that she likes him because they connect with each other and he is her age. Now which ‘old actor’ is she making a dig at?

Like most other co-stars, they sing praises of each other. Katz recently said in an interview, “Ranbir is a very cool, chilled-out guy and a terrific actor, who helped me in my scenes. He is pretty different from my other co-stars, and I connect with him.”

Meanwhile, Katrina refused to walk the ramp with Gudda’s original munda and opted for Ranbir instead. We are referring to Katz’s Rajneeti co-star Arjun Rampal (Rohit Bal’s prodigy), who had requested her to walk the ramp with him at the Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week but she turned him down in favour of Ranbir. Katz fancies Ranbir and, like a love-struck teenage girl, she is making it quite obvious. In the film, Katz’s character Jennifer doesn’t care much for Prem, but she is making up for it in real life. The two make a good-looking pair and have great chemistry.

If Katz has the hots for Ranbir, it is obvious that there are cracks in the Ranbir-Deepika relationship. Deepika hasn’t taken very kindly to Ranbir’s friendship with Katz and their hectic schedules have affected their relationship.

Sources inform us that the Salman-Katrina relationship is over though they both are very good friends. That is why Katrina was seen hanging out with Karan Johar at the GQ Awards and Pinky Roshan’s party. She was also chatting with SRK at the birthday party.

It will be interesting to see how this ajab prem ki ghajab kahani progresses. Is the romance just a publicity stunt or is something actually brewing between the two hotties?

MORE HERE >>>

In Pics: Katrina Kaif promote Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani in NDTV

MORE HERE >>>

In Pics: Katrina Kaif promotes “Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani” in Kolkota

MORE HERE >>>

Why Katrina loves Ranbir

Katrina Kaif’s New York revived the box office. She will be seen in full-fledged roles in two films this year, Ajab Prem Ki Ghajab Kahani and De Dana Dan and a special appearance in Blue. The gorgeous actress tells us about her latest film, director Rajkumar Santoshi and working with Ranbir Kapoor who is the next big thing.

“It’s been a great honour to work with Rajji. I have done most of my films with Akshay and Salman. I asked them who is the best director for an actor to work with and both of them answered that it was Rajkumar Santoshi. I had an amazing time working with him. I had a great time shooting the songs in Turkey and am grateful to Ahmed Khan for the fantastic choreography and Pritam for the wonderful music, as always,’ smiled Katrina.

Katrina has usually played the glam doll in most of her films except New York and, in APKGK her character seems to be more than just a pretty face. How does she feel about that? ‘I think I am very privileged that I keep getting fresh new chances with every film to better myself as an actress. In my opinion, Rajji has s reputation of not being just a fantastic director but also a fantastic director for actors and their performances. He has taught me a lot about improvisation. He has given my character and persona a new angle. It’s not anything like you have seen in New York or Singh is Kinng. It’s a completely different interpretation of Jenny, my character. Ranbir and I followed his guidance. We were always on the sets because being around Rajji, because you get to understand how he envisions the scene. Before every shot, he would enact my part and then enact my part. And we both would just stare at him in amazement. Then the two of us would have a competition as to who can copy him best. We just needed to follow his direction,’ she replied.

She and Ranbir are being touted as the best-looking on-screen pair of the year. About working with Ranbir Kapoor, she said, ‘He is a very talented actor and a very sweet guy. He is always lively and he fills the set with energy and enthusiasm. He makes sure everyone is having a good time. He is a positive force to be around. He is fantastic actor and dancer.’

MORE HERE >>>

In Pics: Media Meet Of 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani'

MORE HERE >>>

Ajab Prem ki Ghazab Kahani - First Look

MORE HERE >>>

In Pics: Ranbir Kapoor and Arshad Warsi at Emipire Audio Centre for dubbing of ‘Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani’

MORE HERE >>>

May 29 onwards, flims to releases at single screens

The United Producer and Distributor Forum (UPDF) have finally decided that they won't wait for the multiplexes to meet them mid-way on the revenue-sharing issue. The UPDF has now released a series of notifications through a trade magazine in the past week telling the producers that the new movies will be all set to release as early as this month-end.

A trade source reveals, "The UPDF and multiplexes have been at loggerheads for a while now. Last week, it had seemed that the deadlock between the two parties would be called off. But after both parties couldn't get to an agreement on the profit-sharing issue, the meeting was called off abruptly. After the meet, the producers had an informal get-together and decided that they would be releasing films May 29 onwards."

The source further adds, "All the films will be released in single screens and the promotions of the film which had come to a standstill will start once again soon. Another major thing the producers have decided is that there will be only solo releases and every film will have a two-week breathing time and no new film can release two weeks after a film has released. This will allow all the films to grow on the audiences and will showcase the unity of the producers."

The first film, which will release after the suspension is Vashu Bhagnani's Kal Kissne Dekha and from then on, films like New York, Hadippa, Shortkut, Luck, Jashn, Love Aaj Kal, Kambakkht Ishq, Kaminey, Agyaat and Main Aur Mrs Khanna and finally, Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani will make their way to the single screens till the UPDF doesn't reach an agreement with multiplexes.

MORE HERE >>>

Kat & Ranbir: Dance Pe Chance

Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif had a tough time on the sets of Rajkumar Santoshi’s Ajab Prem Ki Ghajab Kahani, which also stars Salman Khan in a cameo. Trouble started when Ranbir and Katrina found it difficult to perform a few complex dance steps by choreographer Ahmed for the song Follow me.

Both Ranbir and Katrina asked Ahmed to change the steps, but Ahmed stood his ground. Director Santoshi didn’t interfere. A source on the sets said, “While Ranbir was not getting a large part of his steps right, Katrina had trouble with a few steps given to her. Although Ranbir and Katrina put in a lot of effort, they failed to follow the instructions.”

“To be fair, the steps were not at all easy as the song is a fast one,” our source added.Ahmed confirmed the story and said, “I didn’t want to change a single move. Rap songs primarily have close-up shots but this song mostly has long shots.”

Ahmed isn’t the first choreographer to have differences with actors. Fortunately, after practice over three long days, Ranbir and Katrina eventually got their steps right. Ahmed said, “Finally, Ranbir and Katrina came out with flying colours. You will see the results on-screen.

MORE HERE >>>

Katrina and Ranbir’s rocking chemistry!

Finally the ‘it’ and ‘hit’ girl of Bollywood, Katrina Kaif has been paired opposite someone her age.

Kats is in Ooty shooting with Ranbir Kapoor and the two apparently, get along very well. On the sets of Raj Kumar Santoshi’s Ajab Prem ki Ghazab Kahani , their chemistry is something to look out for, say sources.

“It’s the first time Kat is opposite a hero of her age. So obviously with two young, good looking people together on screen, the chemistry is bound to be awesome. Everyone who was present on the sets of the film couldn’t stop raving about how good they look together!” informs the source.

MORE HERE >>>