Directors pick Rani's best

Rani Mukerji turns 31 today. As she celebrates her birthday, we spoke to some of the directors she has worked with and they are well, (almost) unanimous in their decision that Black is her best performance so far. Read on to find out.

Vikram Bhatt, Director, Ghulam: Black would be my favourite performance of Rani Mukerji. It takes a lot of courage for an actress to de-glamorize herself and makes faces. It is very important for actresses to look pretty all the time and for an actress to sell all that for a performance that it noticed in mainstream Bollywood is commendable

Goldie Behl, Director, Bas Itna sa Khwaab Hai: I think everyone’s favourite performance if Rani would have to be Black and there are no two ways about it. I was awestruck by the way she carried herself and communicated without saying a single word. It was a sensational performance right from the first frame where she walks towards the Church.

Tarun Mansukhani, Assistant Director on Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Paheli and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna: I loved Rani in Black. My favourite scene in the movie is when she calls her mother to tell her she has failed. It is am amazing piece of work to say so much without speaking a word. She makes you cry and feel your own failures and then realize that we are all the same and go through the same emotions in life.

Aziz Mirza, Director, Chalte Chalte: Rani is a very fine, natural actress. No matter what the roles, she shines in all her performances. I can’t pick a favourite performance. She was brilliant in Black and very good in Chalte Chalte.

Ravi Chopra, Director, Baabul: Black has to be Rani’s best performance. She was terrific, she made me believe she was the character she was playing and not anyone else. You felt for her character. My favourite scene was the last scene in which she gets her degree.

Kunal Kohli, Director, Hum Tum, Mujhse Dosti Karoge and Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic: My favourite Rani film and performance would have to be Hum Tum. It was the first film with which I got success and she got her first best actress awards at all the functions. More importantly, she was a big support to me during the making of the film and I will always remember her very warmly for that.

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B.O. Update: 'Kismat Konnection' opens well, 'Contract' poor

The well-publicized KISMAT KONNECTION caught the industry by surprise by fetching a good start in the morning shows at multiplexes. Generally, most films open in the 25% - 35% range in the early shows, but KISMAT KONNECTION had a 70% start and at some places, even 85% +. The multiplexes maintained very well during the course of the day. With this film, Shahid Kapur moves into the top bracket vis-à-vis the number of prints in circulation [720 screens in India and 200 in the overseas market, according to a press release distributed by UTV]. Saturday and Sunday are expected to be strong at multiplexes again.

On the other hand, CONTRACT had a poor start -- between 10% and 15% -- at several screens. The reports are negative and the film is not likely to sustain.

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Kismat Konnection - Movie Review

Simple stories, told in the simplest manner, have been the hallmark of all Aziz Mirza films, right from RAJU BAN GAYA GENTLEMAN to CHALTE CHALTE. KISMAT KONNECTION, the veteran's new outing, is no exception.

The characters we watch on screen are relatable, their problems are the type that we've either heard of or experienced ourselves, the love story and the conflict in the tale also comes across so real. Like Mirza's previous films, KISMAT KONNECTION is also not heavy on your senses. It's a simple, feel-good fare that charms its way into your heart.

Since Mirza has only worked with the Numero Uno star, SRK, in the past, the first question that crosses your mind is, does he get it right with Shahid? And the second question is, is the chemistry between the lead pair interesting? Thankfully, the answers to both the questions are in the affirmative.

But there's just one hitch. KISMAT KONNECTION takes its own sweet time to reach the finale [yes, it's lengthy in the second hour]. Besides, it gets slow-paced as well. Yet, all said and done, KISMAT KONNECTION is a film that makes you smile and that is its biggest triumph.

The last word. KISMAT KONNECTION is a pleasant experience, sunshine cinema that lingers in your memory even after the show has concluded.

Raj [Shahid Kapur] was numero uno. In academics, sports, dramatics. But four years after winning the best-student-of-the-year trophy from his architectural college, he's wondering why a brilliant architect like him, with designs to set the Canadian landscape on fire, is still struggling to find that one big chance to showcase his mettle.

It's almost as though some negative kismat is following him around because whenever something good is about to happen, it seems doomed to fail.

Desperate to get rid of the bad phase in his life, Raj meets a quirky oracle, Hasina Bano Jaan [Juhi Chawla]. She tells him that soon his stars will change and make everything work in his favour; but for all this to happen, Raj has first to find his lucky charm and never let go of it. But she tells him no more, leaving Raj mystified, trying to figure out what this charm could be.

Suddenly, his life seems to be on the right track. He's managed to impress top builder Sanjeev Gill [Om Puri] into giving him a prestigious project.

Priya [Vidya Balan] is a tough-talking, tough-decision taking girl with a heart of gold. She is an idealist who is intent on making the world a better, more humane place and is quite willing to fight a lone battle for it.

Raj succeeds in persuading Priya that he's the Messiah who can save her beloved Community Centre from destruction. And also opens her eyes to her philandering fiancé [Amit Verma]. Raj even manages to thwart the evil designs of old-college-foe-turned-deadly-professional-enemy Dave [Manoj Bohra]. Does this mean that Raj has unwittingly discovered his lucky charm?

Recall Aziz Mirza's movies. In practically all his films, the protagonist is aspiring to make it big in life. There's a constant struggle on both levels, personal and professional. KISMAT KONNECTION is no different. Sure, KISMAT KONNECTION isn't entirely original. It bears an uncanny resemblance to JUST MY LUCK [2006; Lindsay Lohan, Chris Pine], but it has been adapted quite well in the Indian milieu. What also sets apart is that Mirza's films have a subtle message and KISMAT KONNECTION is no exception.

KISMAT KONNECTION is primarily a love story that viewers may have visited several times in the past, but let's not forget, romance can never ever go out of fashion. Mirza and co-director Haroun Mirza succeed in presenting the highs and lows in a relationship with maturity. The situations are simple, there's no place for melodrama here. But Mirza should've taken care in maintaining its pace and length in the second hour. The film could've easily done away with a number of scenes.

Pritam's music is ear-pleasing. 'Aai Paapi' and 'Bakhuda Tumhi Ho' are haunting compositions, while Ahmed Khan's choreography in the former takes your breath away. Binod Pradhan's cinematography is top notch and the icing on the cake is the breath-taking locales of Canada.

Shahid is a complete natural, very likable, very believable. Post JAB WE MET, the actor has attained that rare confidence which shows in his performances. Watch him get the emotional moments right and you know that the actor has only matured with time. You may have pre-conceived notions vis-à-vis his pairing with Vidya, but let's tell you that they look perfect. The trimmed hair and minimal makeup make Vidya look pretty. Acting-wise too, she pitches in a fine performance.

Juhi tends to go over the top, but that's the demand of the role. Om Puri is first-rate. Himani Shivpuri is fantastic and her Punjabi accent will bring the house down. Vishal Malhotra is efficient. Manoj Bohra acts very well.

On the whole, KISMAT KONNECTION is a simple film that has its own charm. It's no path-breaking cinema, but it works. At the box-office, its kismet should be strong at multiplexes and the wide release, coupled with no opposition, will help its distributors reap a benefit. Business in Overseas, where it has been given an extensive release, should also be good.

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I have no issues about working with Kareena, says Shahid

So what if his Kismat did not do well on the personal front. Professionally, Shahid Kapur is having a ball of a time. With his biggest release and his highest grosser Jab We Met behind him, this energetic actor is giving all he can in his next venture titled Kismat Konnection to portray what he calls is his best role till date. All the way from London, Bollywood Hungama's Devansh Patel has a detailed chat with the shy guy who is difficult to catch hold of when it comes to giving interviews. And look at our kismat, we not only got hold of him but also managed to ask him a question which he would have avoided. But we did, and it was about his Kismat, his Konnection with Vidya and wait...Kareena!

Well, after a long one-week wait, I've finally managed to get hold of you. Shall I say it's my Kismat?
(Laughs) Of course, yes. It is your Kismat and mine too for talking to you in London.

You did change your Kismat with Jab We Met. What's going to change with Kismat Konnection?
To begin with, it's a new film, it's a different film and a very new character for me. I think in Jab We Met, my character was very quiet and introvert kinds. Here it is loud, vociferous, and talkative. So I'm hoping that it'll be a change for the audiences to see me doing something different here. Apart from that, my Kismat is in the hands of my fans. If they love the film and my role, I have no complaints. If they don't, I still have no complaints.

It's Aziz Mirza coming back after a long time, its Vidya Balan with you for the first time and above all, Sanjay Chhel who is the scriptwriter of Kismat Konnection. How did the Konnection workout with all of them?
Well. Aziz uncle hasn't made a film since five years. And then he came across a story which he really liked and wanted to make a film with it and contacted me. This is the first time that Aziz uncle is working with someone besides Shahrukh. So, it's a huge compliment. I really liked the subject because it was very different from what I've done in the past. Then he told me that he wanted to cast Vidya. The cast was decided and we started shooting soon. Sanjay Chhel as we all know is a brilliant scriptwriter and his screenplay has always done well. So I hope this film changes a lot of Kismats.

Were you surprised when you first heard that Vidya Balan was going to be paired opposite you?
Not really. As I said that when I met Aziz uncle, he had already told me that he wanted to cast Vidya. He thought that Vidya was just the right actor for the part, and I had full faith in him. Yes, it's Vidya and my first film together so I hope the chemistry works. I think it has worked out really well and we both are looking very nice on screen together. She's a great girl and we had fun working together. A lot of people had certain reservations because people had seen me in boyish roles and Vidya in serious roles. But right now, people are reacting very well to the promos and so I guess it's all good.

Now that we have seen your solo release JWM do really well. Will Kismat Konnection finally establish you as an actor who can carry a film on his own shoulder?
I don't know whether Kismat Konnection will establish that or not. But it's not only Jab We Met which has established me as a solo actor. I've also been a part of two other solo films - Ishq Vishq and Vivah. They both did really well for me. Eventually it's about doing good films and a director coming up to me with a role which I'd like to do regardless whether or not it has another lead actor or not. But I am proud of the fact that few of my solo hero films have done well and it's a good and happy feeling for me. Hoping that Kismat Konnection will also follow on the same track.

Shahid and Vidya in 'Kismat Konnection'

Tell us something about your new long hairstyle. Who recommended it to you? Or was it your own decision?
I am trying to do something new in every film. I don't want to sport the same look in every film and I've just started a new film with Vishal Bhardwaj for which I needed a different look. So the long hair style is for that. But I guess after a couple of my new releases, I'll do something drastically different by cutting my hair really short. I'm tired of the long hair already.

Aziz Mirza has always given hit numbers in all his films. We know he loves his music. What strikes a chord here? I mean, we've never seen such groovy tracks in an Aziz Mirza film before?
Aziz uncle was and is very clear about the fact that Kismat Konnection is a very young film and wanted me to dance in the film. He knew that the USP of KK lies with it's connect with the youth. So we roped in Pritam who is going through the best phase of his career right now. That's one of the reasons why the music is very upbeat and also because he is making a film about a character settled in Toronto. So the music should be made keeping in mind the location and should sound like that. Keeping all those things in mind, I think Kismat Konnection's music is going to rock.

You're also working with directors who are debutants for you. Vishal Bhardwaj and your own father Mr. Pankaj Kapur. But keeping in mind the genre which both these celebrities are fond of, are these two films going to be very contemporary, rural or dark? And will it show a new Shahid?
Absolutely, I am really excited about both these films but it's a bit premature to talk about them right now. I've just started shooting for Vishal's film and dad's film is being scripted as of now. But yes, both the films will showcase a new Shahid and a different side to me which the audiences will be surprised to see.

Your father has worked with Vishal Bhardwaj in the film Blue Umbrella, which won a few awards in prestigious film festivals. Any tips or advice you got from your father since you were a part of Vishal's film.
Dad wants me to discover myself as a person and as an actor. He gives me a lot of space. Yeah, both have done great work together in the Blue Umbrella and there have been conversations, which have happened where I've asked him, and he said that he was really happy that I was working with Vishal. I am my own person and I will take as much advice I want to from my dad. But at the same time he is also somebody who wants me to find my own way and to understand what works good for myself.

Which is your favourite track from Kismat Konnection?
I really like the song 'Bakhuda Tumhi Ho' sung by Atif.

In films, you've held too many beautiful ladies in your arms. When are we going to see you hold a gun?
(Laughs) Very soon man! Very soon.

Your biggest success has been with Kareena Kapoor. Professionally, are we going to see both of you together sometime?
It's not really up to me. It depends on my director who approaches me with such a script and if he thinks that Kareena is right for the part opposite me, I'll have no issues about working with her because at the end of the day we are professionals. If my director thinks that Kareena will be a part of the film then I will support my director all the way.

What's cooking between you and Vidya off the sets?
You had to ask this, didn't you? What can I say? She is a good co-actor and a great person with whom I've shared some fantastic 80 days of shoot for the film. Everything else you want to hear can be found in the gossip mills. Do I have to be linked with all my female actors just because we get along very well on and off the sets? (Laughs)

Has Imtiaz approached you with a fresh script?
Let's see. Imtiaz is one of the best talents that we have in our industry right now. He has just started out. We've had great fun working on Jab We Met and if he feels that something comes along which he thinks is right for me, he'll come to me and I'm always looking forward to work with him.

You've said earlier that you've done enough boyish roles. But the promos of Kismat Konnection aren't very different from what you've mentioned earlier.
To say that I won't be doing any boyish roles is not what I have in mind because people have really liked me in a certain space. So I'm not going to lose that. I am 27 years old, I connect with the youngsters, connect with the youth, I am going to do young roles which I feel are my USP. I will never let that go and at the same time, I'd like to discover new areas and try something different as well. It's going to be a healthy balance of both.

Tell us a bit about your Toronto experience while filming for Kismat Konnection.
I loved it. It's a beautiful city. We spent nearly 60 days there and were really lucky to go there in the summer because it's terribly cold in the winters. We shot downtown which reminds you of Manhattan, New York. There are lot of Indians there and time felt pretty much at home because if you wanted an Indian meal, you'd just drive down ten minutes to a restaurant and you'd find nice tasty Indian food.

Did the first time with Vidya make her or you forget your lines, steps taken wrong, etc?
(Laughs) The first day we were shooting, Vidya came up to me because she wanted to break the ice. So she took the paper and pen out and asked me for my autograph and the whole unit started laughing. There was a good atmosphere on the sets generally. Everyone was chilled. Aziz uncle is someone who likes the work to happen not very seriously and likes to have fun on the sets. That's what reflects in his films and that's why his films are so light hearted and easy to watch. Vidya is a very good actor and it is always good to work with somebody who is talented.

Besides giving interviews, have you guys planned any other ways to promote this film? Any merchandising, etc?
Yeah, we will do everything in our capacity to promote the film. I don't think that this film requires merchandising and there are certain subjects which do not justify merchandising. But we will be going out on television shows and do press conferences to make as many people aware about the film as we can because we are all happy with the way the film has turned out. We will be giving our best shot.

Any message for your fans who want you to shoot a film here in London.
I'd love to come to London and shoot my film. I love the city, the weather, and the people. It is one of my favourite cities in the world. If given a choice to spend my holiday in a city, it will definitely have to be London. I hope something comes along the way so we can come to London and shoot. I want to give all my love to my fans and thank them because Jab We Met really did well in U.K and would like to thank each and every one who went and saw the film. Kismat Konnection is the first film I'm doing which is a NRI film. I hope that all the people living abroad will connect to my character, and you know, in Hindi films NRIs are always shown as rich, affluent people. I think there is a huge section of NRIs who are just like regular people, trying to make ends meet, who work hard and live a normal life. That's Raj Malhotra for you in Kismat Konnection. Indians abroad have that kind of life and find a place for themselves with hard work and dedication. I hope my audience will accept me in this new role.

Describe Kismat Konnection in one sentence.
If I had three hours to kill, I'd go and watch this breezy, feel good, young, fun and worth-your-time film.

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"Juhi and Shah Rukh are like my own children" - Aziz Mirza

Though considerable time has elapsed since Aziz Mirza made his last film Chalte Chalte, nothing seems to have changed in his life. He first-and-foremost remains a thinking individual with working-class leanings, a filmmaker later.

"But my new film, for which we've found no suitable title as yet, is set in a foreign city. I made a conscious decision to move out of Mumbai this time. Since I last made a film, the process of globalization has been accelerated. I want to see how it affects my protagonist. But yes I'll continue to be taken up with the problems of the have-nots."

There's much speculation in the movie mart about how Aziz and his protégé Shah Rukh have drifted apart. Aziz is genuinely surprised. "Not at all. Juhi and Shah Rukh are like my own children. How can I move away from them? The only reason why Shah Rukh is not in my new film is because this role required a young boy, just out of college. In fact, the minute Juhi heard the role she said she could see a younger Shah Rukh in it. That how Shahid Kapoor came in."

Aziz Saab lapses into a flashback about Shah Rukh. "It's wrong to say I helped his career. Everyone has his destiny. Shah Rukh became an overnight star with Deewana. I remember they had shot half the film with another actor. Shah Rukh came into the project at that tale stage. If that isn’t destiny, what is? I've done four films with Shah Rukh. One doesn't have to continue working constantly with the ones whom one loves. Some relationships go beyond the professional. Shah Rukh is certainly one of them."

Ever since his wife Nirmala's death, Aziz Mirza has been in a state of seclusion. "Not really. It always takes me time to make my next film. Writing a film isn't an easy process. After Chalte Chalte I had to do a film that I was comfortable with," says the soft-spoken director.

Subash K Jha, TNN

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