John turns producer

Considering nobody’s ready to put money on him, John Abraham is turning producer for his untitled dream project.

Whether its recession or John being no longer bankable, Studio 18 has backed off from producing his dream film. The film was to be directed by John’s good friend Sabal Shekhawat and at the last moment the production house backed out citing financial reasons. A source close to the actor revealed, “When John heard the script he was completely in awe, the film is a spy thriller and Sabal wanted the film to be on the lines of Mission Impossible. This, however, had the production costs hitting the roof.”

Sabal Shekhawat is a renowned ad filmmaker and is the man behind John’s break in the modelling industry. “Studio 18 wanted Sabal to cut down some of the costs, but Sabal did not want to compromise with the quality of the film. This being the reason behind them backing out of the project. They’ve termed it as a recessionary decision, saying during such times, it’s impossible for them to put in such finances for a film,” the source added.

A friend of the actor said, "John wants to do a franchise film, like The Bourne series by Matt Damon- an intelligent spy thriller. He has not been given a chance to explore this genre, and as everybody from Neil to Saif are doing such films, he does not want to miss the bus."

John, however, wasn’t going to let of such as opportunity considering his contemporaries are all raking in international recognition with multi-budget flicks. John has decided to produce the film himself and confirmed to the press, ‘Studio or no studio, the film will be made. I have complete faith in Sabal and at no point, will I let him down. I will always stand by him like I do with my directors. There is no question of the film not happening; it is very much on course.’

Let's hope the optimistic John has a good first innings in the producing world!

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Wanted - Movie Review

This is for fans and foes of Salman Khan...
Fans, rejoice, Salman is back with a vengeance with WANTED. This is his deadliest performance to date. Yes, you read it right!
Foes, sorry, you won't be able to lash out at him or pick on him or launch a vicious tirade this time. The spate of flops should come to a grinding halt with WANTED.

Let's get this straight. WANTED rides on Salman Khan's star power. He may not be the best actor in town, but in a film like WANTED, in a role that seems like an extension of his personality, you can't think of anyone else enacting this role with flourish.

A remake of POKIRI [made in Telugu and Tamil versions], WANTED is a full on masala film. Recall the successful potboilers of yore. Recall how the good guy would reduce 10 hoodlums to pulp in a fraction of seconds. Recall how heroism prevailed in the end, no matter how adverse the circumstances were or how powerful the villains would be. Recall those movies in which logic took a backseat since the focus was on entertainment... You relive those moments as reel after reel of WANTED unfolds.

A departure from candyfloss movies and diabetic-sweet characters that most Hindi movies boast of, WANTED takes you back to those days when popular cinema reigned supreme, when the sole motive of the film-maker was to entertain.

The daring hero and his herogiri, the naïve girlfriend, the corrupt cop, the dreaded don, the don's moll, the fist-clinching henchmen... WANTED is for those who seek unabashed entertainment and relish masala films. Damn the indomitable critics, pseudo intellectuals and connoisseurs of parallel cinema, this one's not for them. WANTED is for the aam junta.

Radhe [Salman Khan] is a hardcore gangster. A sharpshooter with a sharp brain, he works for Gani Bhai [Prakash Raj], the dreaded Mafioso, but on his own terms. Totally fearless, Radhe single-handedly eliminates Gani Bhai's enemies one by one; making more enemies in the process.

He's astounded when the young and pretty Jahnvi [Ayesha Takia Azmi] professes her liking for him. Inspector Talpade's [Mahesh Manjrekar] lustful eyes fall on Jahnvi. He doesn't know that Jahnvi has developed a soft corner for Radhe.

Whether it's the Golden Gang or Data Pawle's Gang, everybody wants the biggest piece of the lucrative cake that is Mumbai and the only way to get it is to eliminate whoever gets in the way. As Mumbai reels under bloody gang wars, Commissioner Ashraf Khan [Govind Namdeo] vows to make the city crime free.

Director Prabhu Dheva serves a hardcore masala fare that's not inventive or path-breaking by any standard, but the execution of several scenes as also of stunts takes the graph of the film Northward. In fact, if at all there's any film that competes with GHAJINI as far as raw appeal goes, it's WANTED. Every action/stunt/chase here is choreographed with aplomb.

Watch out for the action sequence at the interval point or the penultimate half-an-hour. The climax is sure to send scores of action lovers in frenzy, as Salman bashes the evil forces black and blue. It wouldn't be erroneous to state that the climax is worth the price of the ticket, samosa, sandwich, popcorn, nachos and cola put together.

Not that this 18 reeler abounds in mindless action. As mentioned earlier, this one's a hardcore masala film and the narrative has its share of light moments and romantic sequences. Even the bad man here makes you laugh intermittently [when he's not spewing venom], especially in the sequence when the Commissioner of Police holds him captive in the middle of the sea. Even the romance between Salman and Ayesha charms its way into your heart. It's very likable.

But WANTED is not without its share of flaws. The film stands on a thin storyline and the viewer can guess what's in store next, which means that there's not much novelty in the plot. Besides, WANTED could've done without a song or two, thereby keeping its length in check.

Director Prabhu Dheva has presented Salman like never before. Most actors have drifted away from roles that hold tremendous mass appeal, that cater to the desi audience, like they did in the 1980s. SRK did it in OM SHANTI OM, Aamir Khan did it in GHAJINI and Salman does it so effortlessly in WANTED. The screenplay [Shiraz Ahmed] may not be foolproof, but it has its share of shining moments. Dialogues are clapworthy, especially those delivered by Salman.

Sajid-Wajid's music is of a mixed variety. 'Jalwa' is the best of the lot and the star presence of Anil Kapoor, Govinda and also Prabhu Dheva in this track will send the viewers into raptures. The remaining tracks oscillate between good and strictly okay. This review would be incomplete without the invaluable contribution by the action director. It deserves brownie points. Cinematography too is top notch.

Salman is like a ferocious lion who roars with all his might. The show belongs to the actor, who scorches the screen every time he displays the manic anger. Without doubt, Salman gives the power to WANTED. It's his best work to date.

Ayesha Takia Azmi is very good and the pairing with Salman looks wonderful. Vinod Khanna is sidelined. He deserved more footage. Mahesh Manjrekar is excellent. He's only getting better with every film. Prakash Raj is first-rate. The accomplished actor adds yet another feather to his cap. Govind Namdeo is perfect.

Mahek Chahal radiates oomph. Aseem Merchant is alright. Raju Mavani is effective. Inder Kumar and Sajid are okay. Manoj Pahwa tries hard to make you laugh. Prateeksha Lonkar is as usual.

On the whole, WANTED rides on Salman, Salman and only Salman Khan's star power. A masala film that's aimed at the masses, WANTED is backed by tremendous hype and hoopla, which will result in the film taking an earth-shattering start at the ticket window. The Idd celebrations in the coming days will only enhance the business of the film, which means that the film will have a solid Week 1. The holidays in Week 2 should also be bountiful, thereby ensuring a strong place in the 'Hit' category.

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In Pics: Salman Khan launches gold coin range to aid his charitable organization

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Mallika's lips get Hollywood fame!

Famed celebrity photographer Patrick McMullan has crowned Mallika "most beautiful actress"!

While attending New York City's Fashion Week recently, Mallika Sherawat, the first Bollywood star officially recognized by Hollywood honored with a Resolution in her name from the City of Los Angeles, may have added another "first" to her resume.

Famous American photographer Patrick McMullan immortalized the lips of the bombshell, whose activities in America have brought her international recognition well ahead of the release of her newest film, "Hisss", the highly anticipated Indo-American production.

Mr. McMullan is known throughout the world as the preeminent photographer of A-list celebrities and the power elite. His collection is one of the largest archives of famous people in existence, including Salma Hayek, Angelina Jolie, Penelope Cruz, Julie Roberts, Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and more recently, Mallika Sherawat.

Miss Sherawat was the special guest of McMullan for his Fashion's Night Out event and spywitnesses say the celebrated industry insider "gave an incredible public welcome" to the global glam gal with a "special introduction in front of celebrities and socialites as the
'Marilyn Monroe of Bollywood'", before taking "a very large number of photos" of Mallika to the delight of the crowd, even going so far as to comment in public, "Mallika, you are not only the most beautiful Indian actress, you're the most beautiful actress. Period!"

Our Fashion Week NYC spywitness said Mr. McMullan capped off the evening by asking Mallika if she was once referred to as "Bollywood's kissing queen" and upon seeing her smile, said "Let me capture those luscious lips on my camera" before he proceeded to take a close-up shot of the star's acclaimed kissing instruments, pictured below.

Mallika was then spotted downtown at NYC club Sutra for a friend's birthday party, where Guiness Book of World Record hip-hop artist Chaz Kangas serenaded Mallika with a custom-made freestyle rap in honor of the star.

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Kareena and Preity get grooving...

Preity Zinta shot for a song with Kareena Kapoor for Main Aur Mrs Khanna.

Now, there may be nothing new about two actresses sharing the screen space, but it was different this time around because both these ladies shared pretty cold vibes sometime back. It was Kal Ho Na Ho that had sparked of a war of words between the two. However, there were no fireworks when the two shot for a song for the movie. In fact we hear Preity, who was down with high fever, refused to stall the shooting. On the sets the two got along fine and danced their hearts out.

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Rani: Dark-Eyed Beauty

For her red carpet event at the Toronto International Film Festival to promote her film Dil Bole Hadippa, the actress turned up wearing dark, smoky eye make-up. We think she didn't quite pull it off.

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Kangana's Lips still tip scales

Here is yet another snapshot of Kangna Ranaut and her swollen lips! These pictures of the actress were taken recently in Hyderabad.

As reported, the Woh Lamhe actress's pout appeared different. At the time, her publicist had claimed that it is a shellfish allergy.

But it seems the allergy does seem to subsiding. Kangs is in need of urgent medical attention maybe another cosmetic surgeon?

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Katrina denies being on Twitter

My life is not an open Facebook, she says

She is planning to launch her official website by the end of the year, but Katrina Kaif denies being on the social networking site Twitter and says someone has been impersonating her.

"Something has to be done to stop this sort of vandalism. I am not on Twitter or any other social networking website. I plan to start my own website by the end of the year," Katrina told IANS.

Katrina doesn't believe in half-measures. It comes as no surprise to know that she intends to start her own website after months of research, preparation and build-up before the internet's most 'hit' girl delves deeply into her own domain.

"I don't want this to be something I start and then leave to others to take care of. Of course, there will be professionals employed to oversee my website. But I'll pick and choose all the material and pictures that will on the site," said the actress.

Katrina's website will be called katrinakaifofficial.com and the actress wants it to be a one-stop all-purpose stopover for all her fans.

"My website will be comprehensive. It will have my exclusive pictures. In fact, I'll be doing photo sessions done specially by me. It will also have pictures taken by me on my sets and on location."

But the website won't carry reports on her day-to-day activities.

"I don't think it's cool to let people know where I am or what I'm doing throughout the day. I'm not on any of the social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook. I guess my life is not an open Facebook," she puns.

The design, colours and format for her website are ready. It has been designed by her sister's boyfriend and two professional designers from Britain.

"I looked at several designs presented to me. Then I saw a British actress' website which I quite liked, though it was too dark for my personality. My website will be fun, feisty, bubbly and colourful, to go with my image.

"There's nothing haphazard and everything official about it," she said.

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Aditya Chopra’s holds private film screening for Rani’s family

Raja Mukerji is raving about his sister in ‘Dil Bole Hadippa’

Aditya Chopra recently hosted a special screening of “Dil Bole Hadippa” for the Mukerjis.

“ Dil Bole Hadippa” is a very special movie for Aditya – it stars lady love Rani and has been directed by one of his closest friends, Anurag Singh. And hence he held a special screening for his very special lady and her family at the Yash Raj Studios.

This clearly shows Adi’s feelings for Rani Mukerji. Even thought the couple denies being in relationship this special gesture says it all.

Present at the screening were Rani, her mom and dad, her brother Raja and his wife Jyoti.

Aditya, who is known to stay away from the limelight, does not believe in seeking any media attention by holding such screenings. But he did this for his Rani and her family.

After the screening Raja was heard telling everyone, how rocking his sister is in the movie and went on praising her looks and her performance.

Looking at the promos, we cannot help but agree with him.

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John Abraham loves collecting helmets

I take care of them as my babies, he says

Bollywood heartthrob John Abraham's passion for motorbikes is well-known. But very few know that he loves collecting helmets too.

"Bikes are my passion and I take care of my helmets as my babies. Like people go and buy clothes, I go shopping for helmets. I have different helmets for different days," John told reporters in New Delhi on Wednesday (Sept 16).

"People feel I'm crazy, but I love shopping for my helmets and I have all major brands," he added.

The 36-year-old actor who is the brand ambassador of Yamaha, was in the capital to launch three new bikes - Vmax along with limited edition of Fazer and FZ series.

After launching the motorcycles, John talked about safety measure that bikers should keep in mind while riding.

"Safety is very important and that's why helmets should be a biker's priority. Safety of pillion riders is also important and they should also wear helmets," he said.

"Indian roads, mainly Mumbai is not very conducive for two wheelers. There are riders who don't take any precautions and are very irresponsible. On the other hand, there are people who walk on the road without thinking and taking care," said the actor who will be next seen in films like "Hook Ya Crook" and "1-1800 Love".

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'Dil Bole Hadippa' is so contrasting to 'Kaminey', says Shahid

It is ‘very much in the space of commercial genre'

The promos of "Dil Bole Hadippa" are centred on Rani Mukerji, giving an impression that the film mainly tells her story, but Shahid Kapur maintains that it's not a woman-centric film.

"Honestly, I don't think 'Dil Bole Hadippa' is a woman-oriented subject. Of course, Rani has a very, very important role in the film and when you see it you will realise yourself how both of us actually fit into the storyline," Shahid told IANS.

The actor, who had hectic schedules before and after the release of dark thriller "Kaminey", is now busy promoting Anurag Singh's "Dil Bole Hadippa". But he admits that he could let down his hair more often during the shooting of "...Hadippa" when compared to Vishal Bharadwaj's "Kaminey".

"Seriously, 'Dil Bole Hadippa' is so contrasting to 'Kaminey'...in terms of genre, setting, performances, space, treatment and audiences. The film is very much in the space of the commercial genre. It is an out-and-out entertainer with a Punjabi background to it. Playing Rohan was not as challenging as enacting the role of Charlie or Guddu. After a 'Dhan Te Nan', it was a lot of fun to be indulging in some 'bhangra shangra'!" Shahid said.

Made under the Yash Raj Films banner, "Dil Bole Hadippa" also stars Anupam Kher, Rakhi Sawant and Vrajesh Hirjee. The movie premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Sunday (Sept 13) and is set to hit screens in India on Friday (Sept 18).

Shahid, who will also be seen in Ken Ghosh's "Chance Pe Dance", is happy to be playing a young lover boy.

"By god's grace I have been accepted by audiences in my romantic avtar; so why let that go? A movie like 'Kaminey' or a 'Dil Bole Hadippa' only helps further in getting a contrast. Your value as an actor is realised due to the contrast you bring in," he said.

"Now look at 'Jab We Met'. I was an introvert there and the role was so different. Audiences gave me a thumbs up there and they did so for 'Kaminey' as well. But, frankly, after a point in time I don't want to start gauging audiences' reaction too much. Instead I wish to follow my instincts and give them what I feel could be a real value add," Shahid said.

Doesn't the actor in him now look out for only performance-based roles after "Kaminey"?

"Honestly, I would love to do different kind of films. I can't be getting or doing 'Kaminey' all the time. To even think in that direction would be unfair. After all such a role can come to any actor may be once in a couple of years," Shahid said.

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Prediction: Wanted v/s Dil Bole Hadippa

It’s Shahid versus Salman at the box office this week. Which film will rule and which will sink? Celebrity astro-numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi helps us decode the fate of these films.

About Dil Bole Hadippa, Bhavikk says,

This film will be a treat for all Rani Mukerji fans that have been yearning to see her in an author backed role since a long time. The title adds up to Number 53 – that means number 8 of Shani (Saturn). The planet of two extremes, it gives instant success or failure. There is nothing in between.

Rani Mukerji (21st March, 1978) is currently running through her 32nd year which is one of her weakest numbers. But Shani (Saturn) generally favors people or places vibrating on Numbers 1, 3, 5 or 6. In that case, Rani’s performance in this film will once again be appreciated by one and all. But since Rani’s stars are not up to the mark, the box office performance of this film may suffer and shall remain on the edge. Also the current year 2009 belongs to the Moon (Number 2) which does not support anything even remotely connected with Number 8 as both Numbers 2 and 8 do not form a good combination. This further dims the chances of this film hitting the boundary line.

But on the other hand, the man currently in form after Kaminey, Shahid Kapoor (25th February, 1981) is passing through his 29th year which is one of his best phases. The year also adding up on the same number acts as a bonus. For that matter, Shahid’s luck quotient should rub off on the film to an extent. All in all, Dil Bole Hadippa may turn out to be a good film but the ‘star power’ (read luck factor) is missing!

For Wanted, Bhavikk Sangghvi’s predictions are:

The title adds up to Number 25 which represents Neptune – Number 7. It is one of the most creative planets giving inspiration but it does not necessarily translate into a commercially successful venture. However the compound number 25 benefits in the long run. There is no doubt about that.

Salman Khan (27th December, 1965) is currently running in his 44th year which is one of his weakest numbers. The year 2009 adds up to Number 2 which is in direct contrast with Salman’s Number 9. The film is releasing in the month of September which is primarily ruled by Mercury (Number 5). Numbers 5 and 9 do not gel well at all. In that respect, a long run success of Wanted is ruled out.

The silver lining in the dark cloud is the release date of the film which is September 18 – Number 9 is Salman’s birth number and so the film will take a flying start thanks and there will be an element of euphoria which will settle down soon.

In short, Wanted – will do average business. Nothing spectacular but not bad as such.

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Sushmita brings Sexy Back!

Sushmita Sen who has had immensely forgettable films like Karma, Confessions and Holi, Zindaggi Rocks and Chingaari in the recent past is back with a bang. She is all set to sizzle in back to back films like Do Knot Disturb, Dulha Mil Gaya and No Problem.

The leggy lass is svelte again. She had gained weight for her role of a healthy wife in Do Knot Disturb so that Govinda would feel less insecure and conscious in front of her! She was upset that the producers of the film didn’t stand up for her when she was being attacked for her weight gain. ‘Sexy, sensuous and gorgeous is all about what’s up here,’ says Sushmita touching her head. She is very happy doing comedy, which is her forte.

‘I don’t want to be bound by genres. Yes, I am really tired of getting consolation prizes and want to do more commercial films. I am done with the experimenting where I gave up a lot of roles to do films that would bring out the actress rather than the heroine in me but now I want to go in for the kill,’ admits the dusky babe. Well, someone’s finally woken up, we say! Commercial and glamourous is the way to go in Bollywood.

The Bong bombshell remains tightlipped about her relationship with Dulha Mil Gaya director Mudassar Aziz and rubbishes stories of all not being well between her and SRK. ‘I am very vocal but not reactive. I don’t believe in feeding rubbish stories. Sometimes being the silent puppy is the ultimate diva act,’ she asserts.

About her pet projects, Rani Laxmibai and a film on the departed Benazir Bhutto, the diva says, ‘I am happy that Rani is being revived on TV. The project is on hold and will be till I don’t get to make it the way I want to. For the other film, we need to get clearance from the Pakistan People’s Party. Only after that will the project commence.’

Right now, the doting mom is all ga-ga over her daughter Renee. ‘She is a very sharp girl. I learn something new from her everyday,’ she says. And what about getting her a daddy? ‘Renee would like a father but she doesn’t miss one yet. Renee keeps teasing me about getting married. I am not revealing the name of the man who will be her father or when I will marry him,’ she signs off cleverly.

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Kareena pips Priyanka for Benegal film

Shyam Benegal has extracted career best performances from Karisma Kapoor in Zubeidaa, Amrita Rao in Welcome to Sajjanpur and Well Done Abba is Minissha Lamba’s best performance since her debut Yahaan. Now the acclaimed filmmaker wants Kareena Kapoor as his next heroine.

If he gets his way, Kareena Kapoor will star in Chamki Chameli, the Indian adaptation of French opera Carmen, which is Benegal’s dream project. The opera plays in different languages everyday across the globe yet Benegal hasn’t found takers for the subject here.

‘Generation after generation has responded to the magic and madness of the hedonistic gypsy in Carmen. It’s like Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and it cannot fail. Yet, in India I’m not getting the kind of money a canvas like this requires. Also some of the stars I thought and was hoping to say ‘yes’ actually said ‘no’ but I haven’t given up hope.

Priyanka Chopra, Urmila Matondkar and Kareena Kapoor have been in the running for Chamki Chameli. The film needs a star who is not only beautiful but also a fabulous actress and a natural dancer. After Karisma, Benegal is very keen on working with Kareena Kapoor. About the beauty, he said, ‘She is a beautiful woman, a terrific dancer and a proven dancer. She would make a great Chameli.’

A source told us that Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra were the prime contenders for the movie. Kareena was very keen to work with Benegal because Zubeidaa is one of the finest movies and performances of Karisma’s career and she thinks working with Benegal in an author-backed role would be a landmark film in her career, like Chameli and Jab We Met.

Kareena is currently busy with KJo’s Stepmom remake so we hope she dishes out time for Benegal to act in one of the most important films in her career that will re-instate her as an actress after Jab We Met.

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