Salman Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, Sonakshi Sinha at the Friday Moviez Portal Launch Bash - Photos

Salman Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, Sonakshi Sinha at the Friday Moviez Portal Launch Bash

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In Pics: Amrita Arora at the launch of the footwear brand’s Fall-Winter ‘09 ‘Be a Flirt’ collection

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B.O. update: 'Short Kut' has poor start, reports negative

The new release, SHORT KUT, started on a dismal note, fetching a 20% - 25% start at several screens. While a few single screens in Maharashtra were in the 40% range, the overall start is way below expectations, given the fact that some of the biggest names in the business are associated with the film. Also, the reports are outright negative and the film is not likely to show an escalation in business.

The other two releases, SANKAT CITY and MORNING WALK, also opened to extremely poor houses, although SANKAT CITY is expected to show an increase in business since the reports and reviews, both are positive.

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Short Kut - The Con is On - Movie Review

Till quite some time back, remaking a successful film was considered a safe bet. In fact, the most reliable, foolproof way at hitting paydirt. But let's not forget, not all stories have the potential to strike gold.

SHORT KUT, a remake of the Malayalam film UDAYANANU THANAM, written by Anees Bazmee and directed by Neeraj Vora, arrives a bit too late. Actually, it should've hit the screens a couple of years ago. That's because it abounds and relies completely on clichés and which, in turn, makes you break into a big yawn.

Write your own movie review of Short Kut - The Con Is On
Sad, since the basic story of SHORT KUT had the potential to keep your attention arrested. It even starts off well, but runs out of breath soon after. In fact, the graph of the film only goes down as reel after reel unfolds.

Seriously, you want to ask something vital to Anees Bazmee and Neeraj Vora, who have penned, even directed laughathons successfully: What kind of cinema is this? Did Bazmee and Vora lose interest while writing this one? Or did they decide to take the viewer for granted?

In short, SHORT KUT is meant to be a comedy, but is actually a tragedy for the viewers.

Set in Bollywood, SHORT KUT - THE CON IS ON tells the story of two strugglers, one who makes it big as a superstar [Raju - Arshad Warsi] after stealing a script and the other whose struggle as a director [Shekhar - Akshaye Khanna] continues after his script gets stolen.

There's a twist in the tale when reigning actress Mansi's [Amrita Rao] romantic involvement with Shekhar gets culminated into marriage. To add to the chaos, destiny again brings Raju and Shekhar face to face, when Shekhar is set to direct his first film with Raju. What follows now is a clash of egos.

As mentioned at the very outset, SHORT KUT could've turned out to be an insider's view on the film industry. The two aspirants, their struggles, the hardships that they face to get their first break... SHORT KUT could've explored all that and more beautifully. In fact, a few moments do try to capture that at the very start.

But the moment the romantic track sets in, things go for a toss. The plot, suddenly, makes you feel you're watching a diluted version of ABHIMAAN [Amitabh, Jaya]. Then, suddenly, another unexciting track surfaces -- of the superstar throwing his weight on the sets. The film starts losing grip.

The post-interval portions are simply unbearable. You expect things to brighten up, but the writing is so pathetic and the climax so childish and absurd that you're shocked. Looks like the writers must've gone on a vacation and entrusted the responsibility of writing the climax to some amateur types who has zilch knowledge of screen writing. It's the worst climax undoubtedly!

Director Neeraj Vora gets its wrong completely. The writing as also the execution are archaic and outdated. Mr. Vora, which era do you belong to? As for cinematography, the DoP tries hard to make the bad product look enticing. Musically, nothing to hum about.

Akshaye Khanna puts up a sincere act, but what can the best of actors do when saddled with shoddy scripts? Arshad gets better lines, also gets a role that the masses would take to instantaneously, but he's getting typecast. Amrita Rao exposes her anatomy freely. Chunky Pandey manages to make you smile at places. Ali Asgar looks fake. Haider Ali is alright. Siddharth Randeria is theatrical.

On the whole, SHORT KUT - THE CON IS ON is a poor show all the way. A major disappointment.

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In Pics: Amrita Arora with Shakeel Ladak at the first anniversary lunch at Olive

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Kambakkht Ishq - Movie Review

Bizarre has a new meaning and it's called KAMBAKKHT ISHQ.

Of late, Akshay Kumar has earned the reputation of making you laugh in film after film. You expect KAMBAKKHT ISHQ, his new outing, to transport you to ha-ha-land, given the smart-n-chic promos of the film.

KAMBAKKHT ISHQ belongs to the same family of films which have wooed the masses, such as MUJHSE SHAADI KAROGI, WELCOME, SINGH IS KINNG and GOLMAAL RETURNS. The prime motive is to entertain you for the next 2 hours, logic be damned.

Yet, KAMBAKKHT ISHQ is different because it depicts the battle of the sexes, a theme that's rarely depicted on the Hindi screen. The lingo is poles apart, so is the attitude. In fact, this is a modern take on relationships, with the two hours divided between laughter and emotions, frivolous and reality.

Let's get this straight. KAMBAKKHT ISHQ works in most parts thanks to the kind of star power and energy that the two actors pack in -- Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor. It would've been difficult to hold the film from falling apart had the two actors not been competent enough to carry off their respective parts. Also, the presence of Hollywood stars -- Sylvester Stallone, Brandon Routh and Denise Richards -- the first on the Hindi screen, is an added bonus. 1 pe 2 ka offer; Bollywood stars ke saath Hollywood free!

The focus is on the entertainment quotient. There are moments when you laugh so uncontrollably that it gets embarrassing and there are times when you continue smiling, even during the most ordinary scenes.

But KAMBAKKHT ISHQ dips in its second hour because you expect it to be as frivolous as the first hour, but it changes tracks and gets emotional. Things would've gone wrong had the end stumbled and fumbled, but it doesn't. The finale, in fact, takes the film back to the level that one expects from a film of this magnitude.

To sum up, KAMBAKKHT ISHQ offers you value for time and also, value for money. It offers loads of entertainment in those 2 + hours, loads of glamour in those 130 odd minutes, from start to end. Sure, there are blemishes, but they're trivial when you look at the larger picture.

KAMBAKKHT ISHQ explores the relationship between two individuals who are as different as chalk and cheese. Viraj [Akshay Kumar] is a stuntman in Hollywood, who lives by the mantra 'women are only good for two things'. Simrita [Kareena Kapoor] is a firebrand who is more than able to stare down the most arrogant male with her caustic wit and sardonic tongue.

So what happens when the two people who hate each other the most meet at Simrita's best friend Kamini's [Amrita Arora] and Viraj's brother Lucky's [Aftab Shivdasani] wedding? A wedding that both Viraj and Simrita are violently opposed to and desperate to stop. Sparks fly... the battle of the sexes in on.

Director Sabbir Khan's motive is simple: Entertain for the next 2 hours. The entire first hour moves at a lightening speed, making you enjoy the war of words between Akshay and Kareena at regular intervals.

The first half abounds in terrific moments, but I'd like to single out at least three...

* One, the church wedding of Aftab and Amrita. When the battle lines are drawn.

* Two, the sequence at the operation table, when Akshay spots Kareena.

* Three, the interval point. The pendant connection. Howlarious sequences all!


The post-interval starts with a bang, with Akshay hearing the 'Om Mangalam' chant just about everywhere -- while sleeping, in the shower, in the rest room, even at an award function. The award function sequence is a double whammy. You get to watch Stallone and also the scene is superbly structured, executed and enacted.

Things are smooth sailing till the emotional angle comes up. The narrative dips in those 20 odd minutes. The mood suddenly shifts from laughter to sadness. The makers may argue that a twist in the tale is justified from the writing point of view, since the emotional track is vital for any love story, but the fact remains that one does miss the entertainment quotient here. In fact, the dip in the second hour erodes, to a large extent, the impression that the first half had built so magnificently.

Director Sabbir Khan picks up a theme that may catch you by complete surprise, but marinates it in entertainment, garnishes it well and presents it like never before. The review would be incomplete if we failed to highlight the grandiose look and the lavish production values thanks to the no-holds-barred expenses by producer Sajid Nadiadwala. Each frame looks ostentatious and glitzy.

Music is up to the mark, with three interesting tracks -- 'Om Mangalam' [RDB], 'Lakh Lakh' and 'Bebo' [Anu Malik]. Cinematography [Vikas Sivaraman] is magnificent, with the DoP doing complete justice to the production values.

KAMBAKKHT ISHQ belongs to both, Akshay and Kareena. Akshay is dynamic this time. He received a lot of flak for CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA and there was this nagging feeling that the negativity would spill over to KAMBAKKHT ISHQ. But Akshay is in terrific form here and delivers, without a shred of doubt, a bravura performance. If you loved him in NAMASTEY LONDON and SINGH IS KINNG, you'd fall in love with Akki and his comic timing all over again this time.

Kareena left an indelible impression in JAB WE MET and creates a similar impact, albeit in a different role. Her role has shades of 'Poo' in K3G, but the glam looks combined with that rare confidence takes this performance to dizzy heights. Clearly, Kareena is miles ahead of her contemporaries as far as talent goes and this film proves it yet again.

Aftab and Amrita are perfect for their parts. Vindu Singh supports well. Javed Jaffrey doesn't make a mark because the role has no connection with the main plot. Kirron Kher is getting typecast. Boman Irani is hilarious in that lone sequence. Stallone, Brandon Routh and Denise Richards are well integrated in the narrative.

On the whole, KAMBAKKHT ISHQ will strike a chord with the youth and those who relish zany and madcap entertainers. The first half is tremendous, while the second half takes a dip, with the film picking up towards the climax. At the box-office, the film will see an earth-shattering opening weekend and a historic Week 1. It remains to be seen how this film fares in its second weekend/week, given the massive number of screens it has opened globally [2,000 +]. However, the timing is most appropriate [the viewer is thirsting for a biggie] and the hype is tremendous, which should prove very advantageous for the film.

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What's happening in Bollywood!

The electronic media disgusts Amitabh Bachchan, Emraan Hashmi turns painter, Tanushree Dutta has a new haircut and more

Angry

On his blog, Big B has said that the electronic media behaved irresponsibly at Prakash Mehra’s funeral.
He wrote, “Abhishek and I attended it, but the behavior of the electronic media at the crematorium was just disgusting. No respect shown for the sensitivity of the occasion. No regard for the moment, and no ethics at all in maintaining some decorum for this very private and sombre ritual. All they were interested in was in getting that ‘bite’ or shoving their cameras inches away from your nose, at a moment when one desired peace and quiet. Shameful. But what of some of the mourners, if they can be called that ! They were no less. Pushing and shoving to get a position behind or near about the celebrity, so the cameras can catch them.
I shall not dwell on this anymore ; I may just burst a blood vessel.”

Kisser and Painter

After pretending to paint in his movie Raaz - The Mystery Continues, actor Emraan Hashmi has decided to paint for real in his next venture, Tum Mile. In the movie directed by Kunal Deshmukh, Hashmi is playing the role of an artist painter. He reveals that while he first started painting a little during Raaz, he has taken it to a higher level in Tum Mile.
Fans can see Hashmi wielding the brush as well as charcoal and churning out authentic creations. Apparently, the actor is so in love with painting that he intends to take it up seriously. Tum Mile will be Hashmi’s first movie with Soha Ali Khan and is based on the 26 July, 2005 Mumbai floods. Soha and Emraan have a few kissing scenes in the
movie

New Look

Like Rihanna and Bipasha, Tanushree Dutta has also opted for a bob now. She recently got a new hairdo from hairstylist Guy Kremer in Calcutta, and the reason behind this is to beat the scorching heat in her own way. “I like experimenting with my hair, and after getting this haircut, I am getting lots of compliments from near and dear ones. Hope my
fans like it as well,” says Tanushree. We like her new chic hairstyle!

Almost Famous

Newlyweds Amrita Arora and Shakeel recently got back from their honeymoon in Europe. Just when the lovely couple thought that they could enjoy their holiday without revealing their identity, they were overwhelmed by a huge group of Indians in transit at Venice airport. It didn’t stop there! To Amu’s surprise, she ended up encountering some great Hindi film buffs among her hotel staff as well. When contacted, Amrita said, “It was a pleasant to see my fans in European cities. My work and dedication towards my career is being recognized and benefited me with a fan following all over the world.” Exactly what dedication and career is she talking about? She is known as Bebo’s best friend and Malaika’s baby sis.

Happy Mommy

Tara Sharma has managed to stay slim and trim even at 7 months' pregnant. Take a look at the smiling and glowing mommy-to-be.

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Amrita Arora's fitness mantra

The hotties of B-town can do anything, absolutely anything, to look ultra-glam (and stick around the size-zero mark).

Recently we were surprised to see pictures of mommy-to-be, Tara Sharma, looking stunning and perfectly preggers fit with her hot-bod and cute baby bump. Other than the tummy, she looked as toned as the rest of the tummy-less babes. Now if preggy Bollywood babes can look so hot, the just married ones have no excuses, na? And after the honeymoon is over, not a chance, hah! Amrita Arora risked some deep waters too... all for a fab body. She’s into ‘water aerobics’. Yeah, it’s like a workout in the water.

The newlywed babe excitedly tells us, “I have started water aerobics. You can’t believe how good it is for toning the body. It’s funny that I didn’t even know how to swim; only recently Shakeel taught me. Now I love swimming in our pool.” Oh lovely Ammu, we can’t wait to see the water-effect... we’re talking about your hot bikini-act in Kambakht Ishq, of course. It’s as good as water-therapy for us. Isn’t it, dearies?

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In Pics: Shahrukh Khan's Party For Hollywood Actor Gerard Butler

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Amrita Arora's dream honeymoon in Europe

'Matches are made in heaven!'

How perfect is this saying in the case of the recently wedded Bollywood lass Amrita Arora. After a three day wedding ceremony, Amrita and her hubby Shakeel Ladhak have set off on the blissful path of a married life. we came across these images that shout out the idyllic life these two are currently enjoying.

Amrita and Shakeel are back from their three-week honeymoon in Europe. The ever shimmering lass describes her honeymoon as nothing but a fantastic road trip. The couple had originally planned to go to Mexico, but had to change the venue because of the civil strife there. The trip, which was entirely planned by Shakeel, started from Barcelona to Spain, Paris, Italy, Capri, Venice, Florence and London.

Amrita, who is known for being a shopoholic was for a change subdued as the trip was aimed more at exploring the cities and locals they visited. Though most of the destinations are prime shopping spots, Amrita managed to hold her resolute, and by the look of the images, we are certain that she enjoyed herself.

One thing is for sure, at the end of their honeymoon, the couple is soaring on cloud nine and we wish them all the luck for the years to come.

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Itsy bitsy

Kareena Kapoor and Amrita Arora are all set to burn the screen with their hot bikinis in Kambakkht Ishq

Producer Sajid Nadiadwala's Kambakkht Ishq has Kareena Kapoor, Amrita Arora and Denise Richards wearing hot bikinis. They play supermodels living in Hollywood and so, have a sexy wardrobe. Sajid says, “It was mesmerising to work with Denise as I remember her when I was in college and she had done Wild Things and James Bond's The World Is Not Enough.”

While Denise Richards has been styled by Shabina Khan, Kareena's styling has been done by Aki Narula and Amrita Arora's by Ashley Rebello.

Amrita says, "Ashley Rebello styled me. I worked out like a beast to wear that bikini! I wasn't awkward or uncomfortable wearing it as I was informed earlier what I was to wear. I said yes because the scene demanded it." Apparently her husband Shakeel Ladhak also loved the bikini pictures. "Shakeel has seen them all. He was with me in LA when we shot the scene."

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What's happening in Bollywood

Check out Jackky and Vaishali at the music launch of Kal Kissne Dekha, Eesha Koppikhar without make up and how being Bebo's BFF has helped Amrita Arora professionally.

Launched
Vaishali Desai, Zayed Khan, Vashu and Jackky Bhagnani, Abbas Mustan and Sameer launched the music of Kal Kissne Dekha last evening.


Future Stars?
Jackky Bhagnani keeps it simple in black and denims. Vaishali has a pretty face and hot body but the hot pink is a tad too much to handle. Both of them will evolve, hopefully.


Jail-ers
Neil Nitin Mukesh, Mugdha Godse and Madhur Bhandarkar at the mahurat shot of Jail, held yesterday in Bandra, suburban Mumbai.


Desi for Videsh
Preity Zinta looks pretty in a black kurta with denims and blue sandals at the launch of Videsh: Heaven on Earth.


Secret Notes
Director Deepa Mehta exchanges notes with cinematographer Giles Nuttgens. All of them, from Preity to Deepa to Giles and Ravi Chopra, were exchanging notes during the press conference.


Kaun Hai Woh?
Can you recognize Sushma Reddy and Eesha Koppikhar (with beau Timmy Narang) without make up? Looking at her hands, Sushma sure had a blast on Holi. Eesha, on the other hand, looks fat in her all-velvet track suit which isn’t nice at all.


Cover Up
Sangeeta Bijlani looks lovely for her age but she should avoid wearing knee length dresses because her legs aren’t the slimmest!


Useful Friend
Being Bebo’s best friend has really helped Amrita Arora. Bebo helped her bag supporting roles in Golmaal Returns and Kambakkht Ishq, lose weight with the help of her Yoga trainer Payal Gidwani and becaus of her friendship with Bebo, her wedding was made a big deal of. Now she is seen in an Airtel commercial alongside Kareena, Saif and A R Rahman. We wonder what Amu’s achievements are that she deserves to be on the same platform as Rahman, Saif and Kareena.

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