Classification of films 2008 - January to June Releases

Super Hit
Race
Jodhaa Akbar
Jannat

Hit
---

Commission Earner
Aamir
Krazzy 4
Mithya
Sarkar Raj [Mumbai-Maharashtra, South only]

Coverage to Commission Earner
Mere Baap Pehle Aap

Coverage
Bhoothnath [some circuits]
One Two Three
Sunday [some circuits]
Shaurya
U Me Aur Hum [some circuits]

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'I go with the script'

After U Me Aur Hum, the lovely Kajol wants to be seen with her husband Ajay Devgan all over again.

“I’m afraid I’ll be seen maybe once a year, if not less, but I’m starting a new film with my husband very shortly. It’s actually an animation film with human characters called Toonpur Ka Superhero, something like Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

We’re actually playing ourselves, yes, we’ll be Ajay and Kajol. But the cartoon characters get the main roles. It will be healthy competition for me,” Kajol joked.

She’s more full-time mother and part-time-actress now, but Kajol loves being a mother. “I was born to be a mother. It’s my niche in life. And I don’t mind if it sounds a little syrupy in this day and age.

Whoever I’ve worked with, Aditya Chopra in Fanaa or my husband in U Me Aur Hum, knew that my baby comes at numbers 1 to 10, everything else comes later,” said a much mellowed Kajol. According to her, the secret of her staying power is that she does little work. “I like to do less work. No, seriously, I’m lazy. So is my husband. But if I get any more choosy, I won’t be working at all. It’s not that I’m extra selective, but I look at a project in its entirety. I won’t just grab an offer because it comes from a big banner. I believe in the power of the story more than the storyteller.”

All of Kajol’s films have featured her in pivotal parts but, the actress said, she wouldn’t mind doing a small, meaty part as well. “Give me six juicy scenes and I’ll do the role. But those don’t really exist in our cinema. Frankly, even the full-length roles that are offered to me aren’t so great,” Kajol added. What about Fanaa? “Earlier I didn’t do my friend Karan Johar’s Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna because I had no time. But then, when Fanaa came to me, it sounded really good. But as it usually happens, it turned out better on paper. Like I say, the script is always better than the film. The book is better than the film.” Not true in the cases of Man Woman & Child and The Godfather. Kajol said defensively, “I haven’t read those books.”

She now wants to work only with people she’s comfortable with. “Not necessarily friendly, but yes, who I’m comfortable with. I do so little work, I’d rather do it with people whom I can relate to. I’m not talking about bum-chum friendship, just a basic comfort level is essential.” And suppose she has to choose between doing a film with her husband and her friend Karan Johar? “They both understand me very well as a human being and an actor. So I’d go with the better script.”

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Me and Pearl

Pearl.. a one year old baby proved to be my nemesis in U, Me aur Hum. She was essential for the shoot as I am shown as a mother during the course of the film.

Now I get along with all children. Being a mother, I can relate well to children and they in turn, like me. But when it mattered most, I was unable to win the love of this child.

As luck would have it...Pearl, the one year old baby took an instant dislike to me. Everytime I would take her in my arms, the little tyke would start howling. And to make matters worse, the scene required the baby to look lovingly up at me.

To get that perfect shot, Jay and our team had to toil very hard. The cameras would be kept rolling and the mother would very slowly put Pearl in my arms. Now Pearl loved chocolate. So now the mother and the chocolate were conveniently placed next to the camera so that Pearl could look up lovingly towards the camera.

I am serious. That scene took ages to shoot. There would be pin drop silence on the set. Thank God for chocolates. If Pearl had not loved chocolates, we would have still been shooting for that one scene.

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You, me aur Kajol

Kajol’s is anything but accessible. But even those 25 phone calls and 40 messages seem worth the five-day wait when you actually make it past the barriers.

The spunk in her Hiii... as she picks up the receiver, no matter how tired she may have been promoting her home production, puts you at ease with this so called ‘fiery’ Leo, setting the pace for a comfortable chat ahead.

Mention her upcoming movie and an excited Kajol takes off: “It’s been fantastic. More, because the work went off so smoothly that none of us realised when we started and when we touched the end.”
But what everybody’s really curious about is how easy was it being directed by hubby Ajay Devgan? “He’s so good at his work, I rarely ever needed to question him. Besides, we went on the sets with a bound script. Even then Ajay gave me enough leeway to improvise on scenes. That way, we share a superb working relationship.”

But isn’t that unlike Kajol, who’s known for not bowing down if she's not convinced about something? “That way, it's tough to get me to like a script in the first place. I'm very choosy. But once I'm confident of the director and the script, I don't make a fuss.”

No wonder then that the actor still hasn't said a yes to Karan Johar’s I Am Khan “where I'll again be seen with SRK, if I sign the movie.”

But movies or not, Kajol's never been out of the scene. So what has kept her busy? The home videos shot by Ajay ( a fact very few know)? Kajol laughs it off, “No, no. He's shot no video on Nysa and me. And those 30-40 videos being talked about are the ones he shot when he was some 15 or 16 years old.”

So, does her talented hubby (he acts, directs, produces and can do stunts) also inspires her to take an interest in any of these fields? “No way,” she laughs, “I'm happy being in front of the camera.”

Married for all of nine years now, we wonder how much has her lively and spunky nature rubbed off on the reclusive Ajay? “Ajay’s become more open to things now,” she offers, “But his basic character has not changed. He's still a man of few words and always will be.”
But on her relationship with mom Tanuja, Kajol shoots, “Oh, we're so alike in everything – from our priorities, to our principles to even our beliefs. Though yes, being a mom, she's 20 times more evolved than me.”
Family conversation is not complete without a mention of sister Tanishaa, and we wonder who’s a better mentor to the younger sibling? “Mom has instilled in us the need to be responsible for the decisions we make. Tanishaa does talk to us about her projects, but we never influence her decisions. And I think she's done well for herself,” she says, adding that she hopes to be seen with her on the big screen soon.

One last question before she hurries to leave...having reached a stage where scripts are written keeping her in mind, does she ever feel cheated, with Bollywood still being referred to as male-dominated industry? “I've done ample work and get even more to not feel like that at all. In fact, directors have told me countless times that their movie requires me...and that says enough!”

Arunima Srivastava, TNN

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Kajol: I haven’t signed Karan’s movie

“Life is treating me well. I’m a bit stressed out, but otherwise, I am fine,” says Kajol, who has been busy with the promotions of her soon-to-be-released home production, U Me Aur Hum.

“It is a romantic, positive movie. We have tried to make a positive movie and it also says that man always creates his own problems,” she explains.

Kajol plays the role of a waitress in this film. “Pia is very naughty. She has a good sense of humour and is a normal girl. The most special thing about her is that she is absolutely normal and I think that also made it harder to play her character.”

It was surprising to know that Ajay, who really loves to dance (doesn’t he?), made himself dance in his movie. “Oh yes, we know how much Ajay loves to dance. We had to practice a lot because we were doing salsa. Though I must confess that it was a little scary on the cruise. Every time he would turn me around, I would keep wondering where I’m going to land-up. But it was fun.”

The two have been married for nine years now and for Kajol, life has changed quite a bit. “Gradually, I think, my life has changed for the better. We have had a baby, we have gone through a lot together... but there are no complaints,” she smiles.

The one very obvious thing that changed after her marriage was the number of movies she chose to do. Since marriage, Kajol has done only three films. “I would rather do one movie in two years than do four trashy films together,” she says.

Kajol will soon be working on her first animation movie, Toonpur Ka Superhero. On the other hand, Karan Johar has been going around town talking about his movie I Am Khan, which stars Kajol and SRK. “I have been approached for this movie by Karan, but I haven’t signed it yet. The script is not ready as yet and I am waiting for a narration. Only then can I decide,” she says.

Another movie that Ajay and Kajol were supposed to do together was Raj Kumar Santoshi’s Ramayan. “Well, that has been delayed because Rajji is still working on it. But that will also happen soon,” she explains.
Kajol’s plans for the future? “I can only talk about tomorrow. I am not the kind who plans for years ahead,” she says. And guess what has been her last bizarre incident? “Giving all these interviews. Bizarre for sure!” she concludes with a laugh.

Mandvi Sharma, TNN

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‘I've no right to comment on Rani's life’

“The thing is that Ajay and I are too busy with our individual lives and we don’t socialise much. So, Shah Rukh and Ajay don’t end up crossing paths,” says Kajol.

Why is it usually so tough to get you to do an interview? But when your film is releasing...
I have done interviews even when my films aren’t on the verge of a release. I should have something to talk about na?

Do you see the media as an evil necessity?
Hmmm... I see it as a necessity for sure especially when I want to promote my upcoming films. But otherwise, it’s very evil (laughs). We are bound to have paparazzi, and we shouldn’t hide our faces in the sand to run away from reality.

Does Ajay have a problem with Shah Rukh?
The thing is that Ajay and I are too busy with our individual lives and we don’t socialise much. So, Shah Rukh and Ajay don’t end up crossing paths. Since neither of them has denied or confirmed anything, these rumours haven’t died down.

Are you working with Shah Rukh in Karan Johar’s My Name is Khan ?
Karan has approached me for the same and we are talking about it.

Rajkumar Hirani wanted you to do his next film, Idiot ?
Yes, but I didn’t think I was the right choice however much I love Hirani as a director.

You are said to be short-tempered. Have you changed?
Yes, I have learnt to control my temper. I think it all began when I conceived my daughter. I haven’t exactly achieved nirvana but I have changed from what I was when I began my career at the age of 16.

Is your cousin, Rani Mukerji getting married to Aditya Chopra?
I have no right to comment on Rani’s personal life. Frankly, I have no idea if they are getting married or not.

Have you been in touch with her? We last saw you together in Karan’s chat show, Koffee with Karan.
Please! There is no cold war between us. What do you think we are? America and Iraq? I meet Rani during Durga Puja and she is a sweet girl and a fine actor.

Vickey Lalwani, TNN

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All eyes on KRAZZY 4 v/s U ME AUR HUM clash

While RACE has come close to superhit status and ONE TWO THREE too is finding it's share of audience, all eyes are now set on next Friday's twin releases of KRAZZY 4 and U ME AUR HUM.

Though both the films belong to distinct genres, it is turning out to be an intense battle of sorts since KRAZZY 4 as well as U ME AUR HUM has a lot riding on them.

Apart from the fact that each of the two has big names associated with it, is has also become a matter of prestige for both Rakesh Roshan and Ajay Devgan. Reason? None of the two budged from the release date and were willing to get on a clash path rather than change their release plans and hence the promotional campaign.

With comedies doing well, especially over last few months, with hardly any film belonging to this genre failing at the box office, KRAZZY 4 is expected to open decently. On the other hand U ME AUR HUM does seem to have an edge since it brings with a different air to it, courtesy some of the best promos designed for a film in recent times.

U ME AUR HUM looks like a handy mix of drama, love, romance, tears and light hearted moments which would make family audience, especially ladies, warm up to the film. Music too is certainly going to play a major part in the film taking a good opening since Vishal Bhardwaj's tunes have been performing consistently well at the charts ever since the music hit the stands.

On the other hand KRAZZY 4 does have an Ace in the form of Hrithik's performance on the title song, something that should keep his fans interested in the film, especially since the promotional music video arrives towards the end credit rolls.

However, with an overall classy treatment, which Ajay Devgan seems to have given to his directorial debut, it certainly is advantage U ME AUR HUM as of now!

Joginder Tuteja

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Kajol holds forth on UMAH

On hubby Ajay Devgan’s birthday yesterday, Kajol spent a greater part of the day at his production office at Juhu promoting his directorial debut U Me Aur Hum (UMAH). “There won’t be time later,” she says.

“The next few days until the film’s release on April 11 will get even busier. We are waiting for the first print to arrive. Then there is the pre-release stuff,” she points out as we ask her…

What did you gift Ajay?
I haven’t, yet. I have to check what he has and what he doesn’t. It also depends on the time I have and where I can go to pick up a birthday gift. But Nysa gave him a Dear Papa birthday card and she wrote in it herself. He was extremely touched by it. His birthdays are always a strictly family affair.

So there were no celebrations?
Just a family dinner at home with his folk and mine that’s always the way. He never cuts his birthday cake it is the kids at home who do it for him.

Is there anything special you do before the film releases? Seek divine intervention?
We are extremely cosmopolitan when it comes to that. We have done the rounds of temples and gurudwaras.

How have your B-Town pals reacted to the UMAH promos?
Karan Johar SMSed to say the promos were looking good. I haven’t met Shah Rukh for a very long time now. He is busy with his IPL team and his new TV show. I have not caught up with Aamir too; I have yet to watch Taare Zameen Par. In fact, I have not seen a film for almost a year. I have a lot of things to catch up on after UMAH.

Were you the natural choice to act in UMAH?
When Ajay narrated the script to me, he said no one else but me could do justice to the role. I thought it was very sweet of him and I found the story to be fab; so it was like I’d love to be part of his directorial debut.

Having watched him as a director, do you harbour aspirations of being one yourself?
Not at all. I don’t have that passion for direction. I will never be a director not now or even at a later stage.

Have you said yes to Karan Johar’s next film with Shah Rukh Khan?
Karan spoke to me about it; it was just casual talk. I have not even heard the script so it would be unethical to say anything about this project at this stage. And anyway, Karan has now delayed the film.

Why did you refuse Rajkumar Hirani’s Idiot?
I was approached by Hirani and after the narration, I didn’t think I suited the character. He needed someone younger. That is the reason I had to say no! The buzz about me checking with Shah Rukh whether I should take on the role and SMSing him was someone’s vivid imagination at work.

Are you part of Rajkumar Santoshi’s Ramayan?
I had given my consent to play Sita. But at the moment, I have no clue what is happening to the project.

There is speculation that U Me Aur Hum is inspired by the Hollywood flick The Notebook?
I haven’t seen The Notebook but the film is not inspired by it. UMAH is based on an uncharted idea which we believed in and I have loved the entire journey.

Author: Shaheen Parkar

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What’s predicted for UMAH?

Astro numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi predicts what’s in store for Ajay Devgan and his directorial debut film U Me Aur Hum, which releases about a week after his birthday on April 2.

Says Bhavikk, “Though the year 2008 is amongst his best numbers, Ajay still needs to remain cautious.

He is likely to go through increasing amount of stress levels all through the year.

Wearing a yellow sapphire set in gold will help him avoid unnecessary mental worries,” advises Bhavikk.

“The release date for U Me Aur Hum on April 11 is apt but the title of the film adds up to Number 39.

This number is neither totally auspicious nor inauspicious for him.

The film should achieve moderate success,” predicts Bhavikk.

Bestaluck Ajay!

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Ajay's growing a moustache

As his directorial debut U, Me Aur Hum (UMAH) nears release (April 11) Ajay Devgan is growing more and more superstitious.

Says a source close to Ajay, “Ajay was never this superstitious but with UMAH nearing release, he’s willing to do what’s best for the film. A few days ago, a friend of his told him that whenever he sported a moustache for a film, the film had garnered commercial and critical success.

The examples the friend gave were Ram Gopal Varma’s Company, Harry Baweja’s Qayamat, Prakash Jha’s Gangaajal and recently Vishal Bhardwaj’s Omkara.”

Though Ajay is not superstitious by nature, he was willing to try out the friend’s suggestion that he grow a moustache before the release of UMAH to better the film’s prospects.

The friend adds, “Ajay is very keen that people from all sections of society watch his directorial debut as he’s poured his heart out in the film.”

When we quizzed him about it, Ajay preferred to shrug it off. “I’m growing a moustache because I felt like it.” Is it for the look of a film? “No.”

Devgan will be seen sporting his new fuzz in today’s episode of Zee TV’s Rock 'N' Roll Family.

Upala KBR, Mid-Day

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Kajol: I work at my own speed

The actress chats about family, fans and of course, her film

She is one of the most talented actresses in Bollywood, but Kajol, who graces the screen after a gap of two years in her home production U, Me Aur Hum, says her priority is her family.

"I am not going to do four films a year. I will work, but at my own speed," Kajol told IANS on phone from Mumbai.

After marriage with Ajay Devgan in 1999, the actress cut down her film roles and was occasionally seen in hits like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Fanaa.

For U, Me Aur Hum, she teams up with hubby Ajay Devgan. The film, which releases April 11, marks Ajay's directorial debut and he has written the script too.

Asked how different this film is from her other movies, the ebullient actress says, "Well, I hope it is not so different that it becomes a bad film (laughs). I won't say it is different, but it is a very special film for me."

"While working in the film I never felt constrained. In fact, it was the other way round. I felt very comfortable and at home."

Her debut film, Bekhudi, in 1992 did fairly well, but it was Baazigar with Shah Rukh Khan a year later that was her first blockbuster. She later went on to deliver some of the biggest Bollywood hits like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham opposite Shah Rukh.

Juggling multiple roles of a wife, mother, actress and judge of a TV show, Kajol is neck deep in work. "Time management is a huge issue. I'm doing it with difficulty. Even a 15-minute delay makes a lot of difference. But I think it is not impossible to manage all this, you can do it."

Commenting on the changes in the film industry in the last one decade, Kajol says this evolution is vital.

"It is very important that things should change. We should change. You will die if you don't change. In the last few years viewers have changed, their demands have changed, the business of cinema has changed, and with so many changes the parameters of Indian cinema has changed."

On rumours that she has signed Karan Johar's next venture, Kajol said, "I have not signed the film, but I am discussing it with him. When I sign, I will certainly let everybody know about it."

She is having a ball as judge on Zee TV's new reality show Rock n Roll Family along with her husband and mother, actress Tanuja. "I'm really enjoying the reality show. There is so much positive energy," she said.

She has a high opinion of her fans. "I think we underestimate our fans. They are so level-headed and know where to draw the line. Only a very small percentage of fans go overboard."

IANS

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Ajay Devgan, Kajol turn old!

Ever imagined Ajay Devgan and Kajol with white streaks of hair? Well, it is your chance to see them in such a get up on screen in their home production U ME AUR HUM.

In the film, Ajay and Kajol play old characters when they meet for the first time. This is where Ajay narrates the story about three couples - Sumit Raghavan - Divya Dutta, Karan Khanna - Isha Sharvani while the third couple is imagined to be younger Ajay and Kajol.

After the song and dance routine, the theatrical promo of the film is out and there are two words to describe the experience - classy and dramatic! Devgan's hold behind the camera is extra strong as he fills the frames with several interesting moments, which promise to make U ME AUR HUM and engaging cinematic outing.

U ME AUR HUM hits the screen on 11th April.

Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

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Kajol's dance stunt for U, ME AUR HUM

Everybody knows that Ajay Devgan and wife Kajol performed a lovely salsa for Jee le in U, ME AUR HUM but nobody knows that Kajol displayed heights of professionalism while shooting for the song, despite an injury!!!

Says a unit member, "We shot the song 'Jee le' on the cruise liner. Ashley Lobo has done the choreography. Once while performing the number in the evening Kajol had to leap down from the upper deck and during the leap she badly sprained her ankle and fell down injuring herself, thanks to her five-inch heels! But despite that, she took some pain-killers and shot the very next day for the same shot with full bravado!"

The source adds, "Kajol is very professional and always listens to the director. Plus Ajay too was very calm and composed and encouraged Kajol to give her best"

Ajay says, "I wanted a salsa for the song and the steps because that was the requirement of the script. It was an expensive shoot - more than 100 dancers and we had a crowd of about 600 people on the cruise. First we decided what the requirement of the script was and then Vishal made the salsa number. Once Kajol is convinced about the script and the screenplay you don't need to convince her about anything else. It was highly brave and professional of her to finish he shoot despite her bad leg injury."

Well, we always knew Kajol was a director's actress!

Bollywood Trade News Network

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Countdown begins for Kajol's big screen foray

It's a little over two months to go for the release of U ME AUR HUM and the countdown has begun for the much awaited return of Kajol on the big screen.

In a main lead, Kajol was last seen alongside Aamir Khan in FAANA (May 2006). Now it would be exactly after a couple of years that die hard Kajol fans would be cheering aloud on the lady's comeback. In between she was seen in a guest appearance in KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA and OM SHANTI OM though. Both the films have one common factor - Shahrukh Khan.

In U ME AUR HUM, her home production which has hubby Ajay Devgan making his directorial debut, Kajol would be seen as Piya. The film sees her making a transition from a girl to woman as she meets Ajay Devgan, marries him and later sees ups and downs of marriage hood.

U ME AUR HUM also stars Karan Khanna, Isha Sharwani, Sumeet Raghavan, Rituparna Sengupta, Sarika and Divya Dutta. Vishal Bhardwaj is the composer for the film and the soundtrack is expected to hit the stands late February.

Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

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A busy year ahead for Kajol ?

The year 2008 has brought with it a busy schedule for Kajol. Besides doing U, ME AUR HUM with hubby Ajay Devgan, Kajol will also be seen with Shah Rukh Khan in Karan Johar's next film MR KHAN. And now, the actress has bagged the female lead in Rajkumar Hirani's next film IDIOTS. In all, it seems to be a very busy year ahead for Kajol.

According to reports, IDIOTS is based on Chetan Bhagat's story - 'Five Point Someone' - dealing with three IIT students. The film also has Aamir Khan in the male lead and it is learnt that Hirani has approached Saif Ali Khan and John Abraham for different roles in the film that is to begin shooting in a few months' time.

Sampurn, Bollywood Trade News Network

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