Abhishek is more blessed than parents: Rakeysh Mehra

Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, who directed Abhishek Bachchan for the first time in "Delhi-6", says he is a "pedigree" actor and is far more "blessed" than his parents Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan.

"In terms of balance, Abhishek is far more blessed than both his parents. He is a thoroughbred and a pedigree. He has styles from both his mother and father but possesses the sensitivity and softness of his mother," Mehra told IANS.

Mehra, who worked with Amitabh in "Aks", was also all praise for Abhishek's acting style.

"Abhishek is in his nascent stage as an actor but he has got a whole lot of experience as an actor. He delves into the character and lately he's started doing that more often. I remember while shooting for 'Delhi-6', I couldn't believe that it's Abhishek when he completely got into the character of Roshan (the protagonist).”

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Triple failure of CC2C, Billu, D-6 alienating audience from Bollywood

I am pained. First quarter of 2009 is turning out to be one of the worst seasons for Bollywood in the current decade. At least in the earlier years, there weren't too many movies releasing at the beginning of January (Bollywood jinx factor) and then late February/early March (school/college examinations). However, 2009 has been an exception with not one, not two but multiple films releasing practically every week. Not worrying at all about the Board examinations being underway and the target audience i.e. youth keeping away from the theaters, Bollywood is witnessing dozen odd releases practically every month.

I am pained because the result has been hardly heartening, as evidenced in the fate of five films that released over the weekend gone by - Firaaq, Aloo Chaat, Barah Aana, Straight and Lottery. None of the films has done well at the box office and performance of some of these films has been pathetic to say the least. Collective theater occupancy of these five films has been less than 50% if one looks at the opening and poor reviews and reports have further marred the prospects.

I am pained because Firaaq got some good critical response coming its way but collections were shocking all over. The film has hardly been seen by the audience which otherwise could have helped it grow with word of mouth. Other than Firaaq though, none of the other films could even gather any good reviews. While Straight and Aloo Chaat have been ripped apart by most, Barah Aana has seen somewhat better response from the critics but equally poor response from the audience. Frankly, there were hardly any out there who had even heard of this Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Raaz and Arjun Mathur starrer. As for Lottery, it didn't see a decent multiplex release and worse, wasn't even reviewed by the critics.

I am pained because there is something really going wrong with the film releases this season. And there is one simple reason for this - 'Money saved is money gained'! Audience is looking at saving money for a film that seems promising from the very onset. On a regular weekend, at least a couple of these five films could have taken a favorable start. However, complete disinterest of audience in movies is stemming from the fact that they are just not in mood of watching small films at theaters.

I am pained because based on my conversations with 'aam junta' as well as industry insiders, I have realized that the absolute turnaround amongst audience when it comes to Bollywood flicks has stemmed from the triple failure of highly hyped films like Chandni Chowk To China, Billu Barber and Delhi 6. 'Aisa lagta hai jaise sabka Bollywood films se vishwas hi uth gaya hai' - is the sentiment amongst all. When one film is a hit, audience loves to visit theaters and watch the next one in subsequent week. And so on and so forth. This was evident in August/September last year when success of Singh Is Kinng followed by Bachna Ae Haseeno had made way for multiple small and medium budget films week after week like Rock On, Welcome To Sajjanpur, A Wednesday, Phoonk, 1920 etc. The free for all run of hits was too good to be true but that was a fact. Of course each of the films, were well made as well but the fact is that audience was 'willing' to spend money in theaters week after week even as the term 'recession' was making a loud announcement all over.

The subsequent months saw a dip with the failure of Karzzzz but 2008 end saw a grand revival with huge blockbusters like Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Ghajini. Audience was willing to give Bollywood another chance but as stated earlier, the biggies in Jan/Feb 2009 spoilt the show and it was back to square one.

It's not the audience to be blamed, it's the films!

Junta has given its verdict loud and clear. It has to be really very high quality films that have to arrive at theaters to entice audiences back. And it won't suffice to see just one or two good films coming in; there have to be a line up of interesting projects. No wonder, the months of May/June become crucial because there is a lot riding on films like Kambakkth Ishq, Kaminey, Luck, Love Aaj Kal, Life Partner, Shortkut - The Con Is On and Kal Kissne Dekha, each of which would be arriving one after another.

Here is looking forward to a better season ahead with some quality projects that would make the audience wake up to the magic of Bollywood. Once again!

Fingers crossed!

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Delhi 6 - Movie Review

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra thinks out of the box and it's more than evident now. First AKS, then RANG DE BASANTI, now DELHI 6. A two-liner of the story may give you an impression that it's similar to UTV's earlier outing SWADES, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker: An American of Indian origin returns to his roots and decides to stay back in India. But DELHI 6 bites more than it can chew.

Set in old Delhi, the screenplay [Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Prasoon Joshi, Kamlesh Pandey] takes its own sweet time to come to the point. In fact, the entire first half is dedicated to the sundry characters in the bylanes of old Delhi, where several stories run parallel with the main plot... The two warring brothers [Om Puri, Pawan Malhotra] and the wall that divides the two; the daughter of the house [Sonam Kapoor] aspires to be an 'Indian Idol' contestant; a moneylender's [Prem Chopra] wife has an illicit relationship with one of his lecherous debtors [Cyrus Sahukar]; an 'untouchable' [Divya Dutta] makes more sense than the so-called thekedaars of samaj; a friend of the family [Rishi Kapoor] has still not forgotten his first love [Tanvi Azmi]. Oh yes, there's also a 'Kaala Bandar' who spreads havoc in the locality. Really, Rakeysh tries to pack in multiple stories in those 2.18 hours.

But, alas, the problem is that barring a few individualistic sequences, you don't carry the film home. The film is engaging in bits and spurts. Worse, it tends to get monotonous, preachy and boring and the end is so bizarre, you actually want to ask the writers, 'Hey guys, you okay?'

Let's cut a long story short: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra misses the bus this time.

DELHI 6 tells the story of a young American boy Roshan [Abhishek Bachchan] of Indian origin, who comes to India for the first time, to drop his ailing grandmother [Waheeda Rehman]. She wants to retire and spend the last leg of her life back home; dissolving into the soil she was born in.

In America, having led a very western lifestyle, Roshan is not familiar with the sites and smells, the food and culture, the religion and beliefs, this huge melting pot that India is. He believes that Dadi had left her family and loved ones back in America, only to realize that how wrong he was.

The warmth and affection of the neighbourhood embraces him with open arms. Amidst all this he meets the beautiful Bittu [Sonam Kapoor], who wants to break free from the typical Indian social structure, to whom Roshan is destined to lose his heart.

That Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is an accomplished storyteller is evident in several individualistic scenes. Note the scene when Vijay Raaz slaps Abhishek and Abhishek slaps him back. Also, portions in the second hour, when a Baba [Akhilendra Mishra] triggers off the Mandir-Masjid talk and divides the two communities, is very well structured. The sequences are disturbing and the writers and director succeed in exposing the fickle-minded people residing in the locality.

But the screenplay isn't foolproof. The romantic track is the weakest link in the enterprise. The love story falls flat. Also, the ending is so abstract that an average moviegoer would find it difficult to comprehend what the actual culmination is. The sequence in the end, when Amitabh and Abhishek have a conversation, looks weird. In fact, ridiculous. What was the need to have this sequence? It makes no sense. Even the Ram Leela sequences, interspersed at regular intervals, are forced in the screenplay.

Rakeysh's handling of the subject is exemplary at places. But the writing [faulty at times] as also the execution of the material isn't the type that would appeal to all sections of moviegoers. A.R. Rahman's music is outstanding; it's easily amongst his finest works. 'Masakali', 'Ye Dilli Hai Mere Yaar', 'Rehna Tu', 'Maula' and 'Genda Phool' are amazing tracks. Ditto for Prasoon Joshi's lyrics; they're gems. Binod Pradhan's cinematography is brilliant. Watch the Jama Masjid sequence [breath-taking] or the camera movements in the bylanes of old Delhi. Just one word to describe the output: Incredible!

Abhishek doesn't work. Also, his American accent looks fake. Sonam is likable. Waheeda Rahman enacts her part well. Rishi Kapoor is wasted. He deserved a better role. Amongst supporting actors, Om Puri [powerful], Pawan Malhotra [flawless], Vijay Raaz [tremendous], Deepak Dobriyal [genuine], Divya Dutta [admirable] and Cyrus Sahukar [likable] leave a mark.

Prem Chopra is alright. Atul Kulkarni looks like a buffoon. And what is Raghvir Yadav doing in this film? Supriya Pathak, Tanvi Azmi, K.K. Raina, Akhilendra Mishra and Dayashanker Pandey are passable. Amitabh Bachchan's presence in the penultimate minutes fails to evoke any reaction.

On the whole, DELHI 6 has a terribly boring beginning [first hour], an absorbing middle [second half] and a weak end [climax]. At the box-office, the business is bound to be divided. The film may record bountiful collections at multiplexes in its opening weekend. The popular music as also the fact that there's no major opposition will benefit the film in the initial days. But the business at single screens as also the mass belt will be a shocking contrast. However, the cracks will start appearing sooner than expected, even at plexes. Thumbs down!

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AB’s baby on Delhi-6

Abhishek Bachchan is on a whirlwind tour of the world to promote his film. First he was in the US with his wife, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, at the Pink Panther 2 premiere.

Then he flew to London to promote Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Delhi-6. After that Bachchan Jr. came to Mumbai to talk all about playing Roshan Mehra in Delhi-6. Wearing a big black velvet coat, Abhishek got chatty with us on the sets of Indian Idol, where he was a celebrity guest, and got talking about his latest character, working with Sonam Kapoor and why he took so long to sign grab the opportunity to work with Rakeysh Mehra.

Rakeysh Mehra offered you this role almost six years ago. Why did it take you so long to agree to it?

Rakeysh is a brilliant director and he and I have been trying to work together for almost 12 years now. Nothing worked out before because of date problems but then we finally worked hard to start shooting for this film and here we are.

You have worked with various directors. How is Rakeysh different from them?

It was great working with him; Rakeysh is a man who knows what he wants. He is perfect. He will let you work as long as he feels that you are in character. The moment he feels you are slipping, he will stop everything at once and correct it. He taught me many new techniques such as how to control my body language, how to look at the camera. Reel life is quite different from real life so we have to learn each time we work on a project.

What can we expect from this film that we haven’t seen before in your films?

Almost all of my films are different. This one is different too. I guess in this I have Sonam paired opposite me which is also new. As for my character, I play Roshan Mehra, a boy who comes to India from the US to drop his Dadi, who wants to spend her remaining days in Delhi. When I arrive, I try to convince my grandmother that she should come back with me and stay with her family. But then I end up finding Delhi very interesting – even your neighbours are like family. After that, the film is about how certain things go wrong.

Sonam is a newcomer who has only one film to her name. How do you find her as a co-star?

Very interesting. She is a sweetheart- a very good actress who easily got into her character. I think that her character is quite similar to her real personality, very chulbuli and mastikhor. She has worked backstage earlier so she knows better than experienced actors about shots, camera angles and other things.

Sonam said that you played many pranks on her on the sets.

I am what I am. I’ve been a prankster from my childhood, girls would run away from me! Many of my co-stars are also very frightened of me. Jokes apart, it’s very important to get along with your co-stars. That’s the way you develop chemistry. If the only thing we did on the sets was act then we would all get bored. So I joke around for time pass. But even Sonam used to do a lot of masti on the sets. We had a great time.

Does your film Delhi-6 have shades of Samjhauta Express in it?

No, because Samjhauta was more of a thriller and Delhi-6 is not. But I believe that there are a lot of influences from Samjhauta Express in Delhi-6.

Which is your favorite song from the soundtrack?

I love all the songs; the music is seriously good. And the entire credit for them goes to Prasoon Joshi. He has written all the lyrics as well as the film’s dialogues. Rahman too has once again given great music. The dialogues are great too. 'Burger Chhap' is a common phrase in India which is used to refer to Americans. Then there is Kala Bandar, which also a known phrase.

Promotion these days is extremely important. What is your take on this?

It's very important to publicise your product. That is why we advertise. It's very important to promote your film so that the audience knows what it is all about. But sometimes a film’s publicity goes overboard and then, when the product is launched, it is bad. Your marketing strategy is very important.

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Abhi: Sonam was a revelation

After the runaway success of Dostana, Abhishek is back in one of the most anticipated releases of the year, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Delhi 6.

Although it’s set in Delhi, just as Rakeysh’s previous mega hit Rang De Basanti was, it’s not only about the city. “Delhi 6 is a story about India. If it was set in any other Indian city, it would have had the same charm. I play a guy from New York who comes to India and discovers it,” says Abhishek.

Starring opposite Abhishek is the still-new-on-the-scene Sonam Kapoor. “Sonam was a revelation,” says Abhishek, “She’s a wonderful person and actress. She brings a fresh feel to the film. I’ve known her for a long time. She’s a great co-artiste too.”

Abhishek says Rakeysh and he were always looking for an opportunity to work together. “We were waiting for the right script,” he adds.

Then there’s Mani Ratnam, with whom Abhishek has done two films — Yuva and Guru — and has another, Ravana, in the making. Does he like working with the director? “I don’t work with Mani Ratnam; Mani Ratnam works with me,” he says as a matter-of-fact.

Rumour has it that there will be a follow-up to Drona, but Abhishek clarifies, “There is no sequel.” But he won’t say as much about the Feroz Nadiadwala-Rob Cohen Hollywood venture that his father is supposed to be part of. “Talks are still on,” is all he’ll say.

What about Aishwarya’s role in Pink Panther 2? “She was fantastic. It wasn’t just about getting a Hollywood break but about doing a movie in another language,” he says. As for whether he’s looking to head to LA, he says, “I’m happy doing good movies here. If something comes along, I’ll do it.”

So, how big a fan or critic is Ash of his films? “I always ask my family for their opinion. They give their honest views and I take them,” says Abhishek.

When asked what he feels about his marriage to Ash being followed so closely, he says, “We are public figures. It’s natural to be in the news and I’m okay with it.” Who is his fave B-town actress? “I’m married to my favourite actress,” he signs off.

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CC2C is last big movie till summer

CC2C is one of the biggest releases of the year. Starring Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone in a double role and having been shot extensively in India and China on a big budget, it is being premiered around the globe and promises to be a fun, masaledaar roller coaster ride; a quintessential Bollywood masala blockbuster.

But unfortunately for Bollywood the next big release after CC2C is the other Akki starrer on May 29.

January end will see films like Luck By Chance, Raaz – The Mystery Continues and Slumdog Crorepati releasing. And while no one doubts the story line or success chances of the film, the fact still remains that none of them star big A –list actors.

Slumdog is a brilliant film, no doubt, but it is not a Bollywood film. Luck By Chance stars Farhan Akhtar and Konkona Sen Sharma in the lead. They both are brilliant actors but don't fall in the superstar bracket. Raaz – The Mystery COntinues has Kangana, Adhyayan and Emraan but they aren't A-listers yet. The film, like most Emraan Hashmi films will probably be a hit because it has been made on a small budget and the music is chartbusting. And ending the months is Ajit Pal’s Victory. Harman Baweja and Amrita Rao are not stars. The film might draw in people because of its cricket theme but not for the stars.

The films of February veer on the arty, indie, experimental and small budget side. There is Devdas' modern version, Dev D starring Abhay Deol who is a critically acclaimed actor but hasn't sparkled at the BO yet. Billu Barber has Lara Dutta and Irrfan in the lead. SRK is there only to add star.

Delhi 6 is very intriguing and appealing but AB Jr. hasn’t yet made it into the superstar bracket. Next is Nandita Das' Firaaq which has been applauded at festivals but it isn't a commercial film and boasts of super actors like Paresh Rawal and Naseeruddin Shah and not Bollywood’s masala superstars. Ketan Mehta's biopic on Raja Ravi Verma, Rang Rasiya starring Randeep Hooda and Nandana Sen, has also got standing ovations at festivals but its release keeps getting postponed. Not everyone knows Randeep and Nandana and the film is likely to click with only a niche audience.

March maybe a very hot month but it doesn't have any hot releases. There is Anil Kapoor's Shortkut: The Con Is On which has been in the making for a very long time. Amrita Rao isn't a hottie who sets the BO on fire even if she sports a bikini and Sanjay Dutt hasn't had a hit since Shootout at Lokhandwala in 2007. It is a thriller. This genre seldom draws in the crowds (A Wednesday is a brilliant exception) and recent thrillers like Kidnap and Maharathi have been disappointments.

Deepak Tijori's Fox stars Arjun Rampal and Sunny Deol. Deepak has made awful films like Khamosh, Fareb and Oops in the past so it isn't wise to bank on this film.

April fares even worse than March in terms of sizzling hot releases. Dharma Productions' romantic comedy Wake Up Sid starring Konkona Sen Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor is the only flick that merits a mention. Revolving around a young guy falling for an older woman, it may be a fantastic film but it is a small film that might just become a surprise hit.

Finally, the big Bollywood blockbuster will arrive on May 29 in the form of Kambakht Ishq. It has superstar Akshay Kumar playing a romantic and an action hero, queen bee Kareena Kapoor plays a model in the film and it has been shot on a lavish budget (courtesy producer Sajid Nadiadwala) across USA, Italy and France with certain segments shot in Mumbai.

Hollywood heavy weight Sylvester Stallone has a cameo in the flick along with bombshells Carmen Electra and Denise Richards. Hip hop sensations Beyonce and Sean Kingston will feature on the soundtrack of the film. With an international cast and locations, premieres across the globe are bound to happen. So, it promises to be your quintessential, leave-your-brains-at-home-and-have-a-Bollywood-blast kind of blockbuster.

And so it looks like Bollywood fans will have to wait for the Khiladi Kumar to return to big screen once again to entertain us!

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Abhi sizzles and Sonam goes brown in Dubai

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Delhi 6 starring Sonam Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan was showcased at the Dubai International Film Festival.

Take a look at the trio.

Gain Some, Lose Some: Sonam, who has put on some weight and Abhishek, who has lost some weight make a perfect picture


Honeymooning Couple: Co-stars Abhishek and Sonam pose against the grand Burj-Al-Arab hotel. They look like a couple on honeymoon


Hair Story: Abhishek's wearing a cap to hide his new Ravan look. He has probably gone bald for the film. Sonam has colored her tresses a deep brown


Stolen Whispers: Abhishek talks to Sonam as director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra looks on.


We're Here: The Delhi 6 trio is proud be at the 5th Dubai International Film Festival.

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2009 to be Abhishek Bachchan's year!

Year 2008 may not go down as a memorable one for Bachchan junior, what with his DRONA being declared a box office disaster and his destined to succeed SARKAR RAJ proving to be an average show. The only silver lining was Karan Johar's Tarun Mansukhani directed DOSTANA, which has done very well at the turnstile. With DOSTANA inching towards an above average status from India (already a super–hit in the Overseas) good luck seems to be back in Abhishek Bachchan's life. And it appears from the superb promos of Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's DILLI 6 that lady luck is here to stay with Ab's Baby for a while.

Yes, the promos of DILLI 6 (or DELHI 6?) are out on all leading satellite channels and portals and going by the response that it has generated, it appears that Abhishek has another winner on hand. Music maestro A.R. Rahman's lilting background musical score on the harmonica and ghatam enthralls the senses and once again expectations surmount that Rahman will create magic, just like he did with RANG DE BASANTI. Sonam's pretty, innocent looks, Abhishek Bachchan's brooding, intense visuals and the historic old Delhi, all conjure up a beautiful picture and build up the audience's curiosity.

Looks like Rakeysh is continuing from where he left off in RDB. And in the process we feel that 2009 may well be Abhishek's year, especially now that Mani Ratnam's RAVANA is progressing at a brisk pace towards completion and Rohan Sippy's next with Abhishek is on the anvil from January!

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Delhi 6 - First Look

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