Spotted: Emraan Hashmi, Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra

Shilpa Shetty with hubby Raj Kundra and parents, Sunanda and Surendra Shetty, at the Chinchpokli Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal.

Emraan Hashmi on the sets of Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega for the promotions of his film Crook It's Good To Be Bad.

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Spotted: Vivek Oberoi, Celina Jaitley, Emraan Hashmi

Ram Gopal Varma and Vivek Oberoi at the wrap-up party of their film Rakta Charitra held over the weekend.

Celina Jaitly released the music of Madholal Keep Walking which has bagged several awards on the festival circuit.

Emraan Hashmi visited a theatre in Bandra to judge the audience's reaction to his film Once Upon A Time in Mumbai.

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MOVIE REVIEW: Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai

The fascination with gangster movies has been immense worldwide. On this side of the Atlantic, several gangster films have left giant footprints on the sands of time. Films like DEEWAAR [Yash Chopra], DHARMATMA [Feroz Khan], NAYAKAN [Mani Ratnam], ANGAAR [Shashilal Nair], PARINDA [Vidhu Vinod Chopra], AGNEEPATH [Mukul Anand], SATYA and COMPANY [Ramgopal Varma], VAASTAV [Mahesh Manjrekar], GANGSTER [Anurag Basu], D [Vishram Sawant] and SHOOTOUT AT LOKHANDWALA [Apoorva Lakhia] have tremendous recall value to this day.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI recreates an era that so many of us have left behind and for those who arrived on this planet post 80s, I am sure, they must have visited the era through some medium or the other, mainly movies and internet or during their academic careers.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI is not part of history, but it attempts to portray on celluloid tales that are now considered legendary, that continue to make news to this date. Of course, the disclaimer claims that it bears no resemblance to a particular person, but you can't help but draw parallels with real-life characters. It could be a coincidence, though!

ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI is a fascinating story that talks of how the mafia came into force for the first time in Mumbai. A thriller that depicts the crime scenario in Mumbai during the 70s and 80s. The rise to power of two young boys, in different age-groups, who grew up to 'rule' the streets of Mumbai.

Since there's tremendous speculation in the media that ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI chronicles the lives of Haji Mastan and Dawood Ibrahim, the curiosity to watch the film increases manifold. Of course, I am no one to comment if it's actually based on their lives or merely borrows a few incidents from their lives or is pure fiction, but as a cinematic experience, I couldn't help getting transported to the bygone era, getting sucked into a world I had no clue of.

Besides the gangster chapter, one enjoys this film also because of its riveting drama and the power play. It could've been set anywhere, in the corporate world, in politics, in the film industry. Anywhere. The rise and subsequent fall of the King and the emergence of the Prince as the super power is what makes this film a compelling watch. The icing on the cake is the magical and lilting song compositions that are juxtaposed so beautifully in the goings-on. On the sidelines of the power play, a game of hearts is being played and that's what makes ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI a wholesome movie experience.

Final word? ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI is not to be missed. Set everything aside this coming weekend and watch this one. Strongly recommended!

The film, set primarily in 1970s Mumbai, follows the rise of Sultan Mirza [Ajay Devgn] and the conflict that ensues, when his protégé Shoaib Khan [Emraan Hashmi] challenges his supremacy and usurps power to rule the murky underbelly of Mumbai.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI is a power-packed drama that makes you thirst for more. You rewind to an era of romance, smuggling, cabaret and mafia, but director Milan Luthria and writer Rajat Aroraa ensure that there's no sleaze or bloodshed-n-gore. In fact, there's hardly any violent sequence in the movie, except for one when Ajay hammers a cop during a naaka-bandi.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI is not a biopic, but narrates the story through the eyes of a police officer [Randeep Hooda], who traces the changing face of the Mumbai underworld. The screenplay encompasses several moments that may compel you to draw parallels with real life, but talking strictly from the movie-going point of view, it satiates you completely. In fact, the writing is cohesive, smart and watertight and there's never a dull moment. Besides, there's no time to think whether it's factual or loosely based on someone's life or a work of fiction.

As I look back and recall the movie, a number of sequences flash across my mind. Note the sequence when Ajay divides the city amongst gangsters... The train sequence at the very start... The introduction of Emraan Hashmi's character... Randeep Hooda's landing on a film set and confiscating the equipment... The subsequent sequence, when Randeep is framed for accepting bribe... The romantic moments between Emraan and Prachi in the jewellery shop... Emraan starting his business and the confrontation that ensues between Ajay and Randeep... The showdown between Ajay and Emraan, with Ajay slapping Emraan in full public view... The conclusion to the story is equally novel. It stays in your memory and sets you thinking.

On the flipside, the story begins with Randeep attempting suicide, but the writer should've cited the reason that prompted him to take that drastic step. Sure, there's a mention at the start, but it doesn't register well. Also, you are keen to know the chain of events that drove Randeep to suicide. Also, the pace slackens in the middle of the second hour, but picks up dramatically when Ajay returns from Delhi and confronts Emraan. Besides, how I wish the film had a shorter, mass appealing Hindi title to attract more eyeballs and a big jump in footfalls [at single screens and smaller centres mainly] for a mass appealing subject like this.

This is director Milan Luthria's best work to date, no two opinions on that. Recreating the bygone era is tough and the director, the writer and the art director [Nitin Chandrakant Desai] deserve brownie points for giving the film that authentic feel. In fact, the film wears a chic retro look throughout. Even otherwise, Milan's handling of the subject material is exemplary. This film is sure to catapult him to the top league. Rajat Aroraa's screenplay is powerful and engaging. The writer marries heavy-duty drama and subtle and delicate emotions beautifully. I would like to make a special note of the dialogue, also penned by Rajat Aroraa, which are simply fantastic. In fact, the dialogue writing is such it elevates even an ordinary sequence to great levels. One rarely comes across such potent dialogue in today's times.

Pritam's music is another ace. Injecting songs and that too a terrific soundtrack in a gangster film is tough. He did it in GANGSTER. He does it again in ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI. 'Pee Loon', 'Tum Jo Aaye' and the remix of APNA DESH track are super compositions, which are also placed appropriately in the plotline. Cinematography [Aseem Mishra] captures the look to perfection. Akiv Ali's editing is sharp.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI is embellished with fantastic performances. Ajay Devgn is splendid as Sultan. The actor had enacted a similar role in COMPANY, but it must be said that his interpretation is so different in ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI. He adds so much depth to the character, which only goes to prove his range and versatility. This is, without a trace of doubt, Ajay's finest work so far. Emraan Hashmi is brilliant as the power greedy, wildly ambitious rebel. He plays the dark character to perfection. He's incredible in the penultimate moments of the film in particular. Besides carrying the look to perfection, Emraan is sure to break-free from the lover boy, serial kisser image with this film.

Kangna Ranaut is extremely natural and performs very well. Also, she brings so much of sensuality and glamour to her character [an actress of the 70s]. In fact, Ajay and Kangna make a wonderful on-screen pair. Prachi Desai is a bundle of talent who proves her mettle yet again. She's proficient in emotional scenes and sizzles in the BOBBY song-sequence. Besides, the chemistry between Emraan and Prachi is exciting. Randeep Hooda is top notch. Even though the film belongs to Ajay and Emraan, Randeep makes his presence felt with a powerful performance. This film should prove to be the turning point in his career.

Avtar Gill [as Home Minister] is good. Naved Aslam [as Patrick, Ajay's trusted lieutenant] is perfect. Mehul Bhojak [as Emraan's friend Javed] is competent. Ravi Khanwilkar [as Vardhan] is satisfactory. Gauhar Khan sizzles in the remix track.

On the whole, ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI is an extremely well-made film that lingers in your memory. The realism coupled with stellar direction, power-packed writing, exceptional performances and ear-pleasing tunes are its trump cards. An outstanding cinematic experience!

RATING: 4/5

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Don't call my toned muscles six-pack abs: Emraan Hashmi

When many actors would take pride in tomtoming their six-pack abs, Emraan Hashmi would take offence. He would much rather call his newly-acquired chiseled torso for forthcoming movie Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai toned and fit.

"I actually have an aversion to calling it a six-pack. I was told to be physically fit for the film. So I put on some muscles and gained some weight as the role demanded that. But I would still say instead of six pack, it was a slightly more toned physique that was required for the role," Emraan said.

"It was kind of an unreasonable task that I set for my trainer. I asked him to help me tone down in two to three months which was a very small time. The film was shot over a year and for the entire year, I kept training. In fact I am still training. I continued that," he added.

Considering that the movie is set primarily in the 1970s, toned bodies were not a regular at that time.

Asked about this, he said: "You had body building as a sport since in the 1930s. They might not have the gym and the equipments like today but they still did push ups and crunches the athletic way."

Directed by Milan Luthri, the movie releases July 30. It also stars Ajay Devgn, Kangna Ranaut and Prachi Desai.

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Emraan will make love in the afternoon

Emraan Hashmi will star in the remake of Warner Bros’ Love in the Afternoon which starred Gary Cooper and Audrey Hepburn. Coincidentally, the remake will also be produced by Warner Brothers.

Mohit Suri will direct the film which revolves around a man falling in love with a woman he has been hired to spy on. The Bhatts decided to use their in-house hero because he does the lover boy act pretty well. The heroine has not been decided but don’t be surprises if she is first-timer: a former model or beauty queen who has no qualms about revealing outfits and intimate scenes.

A source told us, ‘Mohit Suri wanted to make the film and took his idea to Warner Brothers in India. They liked the idea but soon realised that it was very similar to their 1957 film Love in the Afternoon. So they offered to produce it instead of just presenting it. They suggested that Vishesh Films could be the line producer. Mohit spoke to Mukesh and Mahesh Bhatt who agreed with the change of plan.’

Mohit Suri said that Vishesh Films was in talks with Warner to official acquire the rights to the title, Love in the Afternoon. He said that Mukesh Bhatt would have all the details on the latest developments surrounding the film.

His next film is based on the racial attacks against Indians in Australia. It will also star Emraan Hashmi. Suri is flying to Australia to finalize the Australian actors in his film. Shooting for the film will return in November while the official remake will begin next year.

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First Look: Tum Mile

Emran Hashmi and Soha Ali Khan find love whilst trapped in the 2006 Mumbai flood deluge in Mahesh Bhatt’s next offering Tum Mile.

Directed by Kunal Deshmukh of Jannat fame, the film boasts of some gripping flood sequences, trademark soulful Bhatt music but sadly Emran doesn’t get to pucker up in this flick. Yes, its true Soha refused to kiss the serial kisser himself and news were rife that Immi didn’t take it too well.

Rest assured, insiders can’t stop raving about the canvas of the film since the floods on the streets of Mumbai have been fantastically re-created.

Emran Hashmi confirmed to the press, ‘You should have been on the sets to believe it, Water level there was scary enough to actually drown people. Kunal (Deshmukh) wanted the situation to be an exact replica of the horrific flood situation that the city faced that fateful night. It was difficult to even imagine how commuters would have struggled with no support whatsoever.’

Tum Mile however isn’t the first film to be made on the deluge, a small budget film called 26th July at Barista starring newbies Kabier Sawhney and Simran Vaid was also made on the same issue. But the floods washed away the memories of the film and here's hoping Tum Mile doesn’t suffer the same fate too.

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Tum Mile - First Look

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In Pics: Stars at Climate Rescue Station launch

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In Pics: Emraan Hashmi at a Fashion Event

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“No 8 packs for me!” - Emraan Hashmi

For a change Emraan Hashmi is not making news for a smooching scene from his film but for the robust look he will be sporting for the character of a young underworld don from 70s for Milan Lutharia’s film Once Upon A Time in Mumbai .

Emraan says, “Yes, I am mounting a new look for this movie as stipulated by Milan because the movie is set in early 70’s and the character what am playing has not only to be sturdy but also robust and look healthy. He adds that am very excited about this gym whim as I am not at all a physique freak. I love to be simple and not work out routinely but as per my comfort. But Milan has given me only 2 months to get the mandatory look as the movie is programmed to start somewhere in June.”

Emraan is very solemn and stanch to all his characters as to what the script demands. It’s been proved from the fact that he had learned painting for Raaz the Mystery Continues and will now encompass this erudition in his new flick “ Tum Mile ” by Kunal Deshmukh. He is fretting his blood high to get the new-fangled look for which both he and his personal trainer is wearisome stiff.

Where other Bollywood biggies, especially the ruling Khans are incorporating 6 and 8 packs, why Emraan is just pounding for his sleek look in this movie, when even he could have gone for 6 or 8 packs. Emraan says, “I don’t like to be the fraction of throng. I have always alleged in hauling my best rather than replicating or following the ensemble. I don’t want to be the part of crowd...... so no 8 packs for me!”

He further adds “Though I am struggling hard to get this look but all thanks to my trainer that I am not at all on diet or starving. Instead I am eating 6 times with no fried food, that’s it. So am happy that at least am not barged from eating because it’s really hard-hitting for a person like me who is such a foodie to stay away from cuisine that I really find irresistible.”

His personal trainer is very impressed with the efforts being put by Emraan and have stated that Emraan by now can cart more than 90 kgs of weight and will conquer the look demanded very soon.

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What's happening in Bollywood!

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

Angry

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

Kisser and Painter

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

New Look

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

Almost Famous

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

Happy Mommy

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

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Emraan Hashmi's first intense love story

He played a painter in the thriller "Raaz - The Mystery Continues" and he will once again essay the role in "Tum Miley". But Emraan Hashmi (pictured left) will this time get to actually paint to look convincing on screen.

"This time I actually paint. In 'Raaz', I wasn't really able to do much of that. All the paintings were done beforehand and I didn't get a chance to paint on screen apart from a few strokes," Emraan told IANS.

In "Tum Miley", Emran's newly-discovered painting skills will go a lot further.

"I'm shown to be a far more intricate painter, doing not just brush painting but also charcoal, etc. Here I can't fake it. I'm using all the skills that I learnt as a painter in 'Raaz' for 'Tum Miley'," the actor explained.

Emraan says he now seriously intends to pursue his painting.

"And my character in 'Tum Miley' is helping me do that. It's my first intense love story," he said.

The film is based on the deluge in Mumbai on July 26, 2005. All the scenes depicting the coming together of the leading lady and him during the deluge were shot in one go on a studio set.

Asked if there were any kissing scenes in the film, he said: "It's my first film with Soha Ali Khan. Do I kiss her? Let that be a secret. I consciously moved away from the serial kisser's image in 'Raaz 2'. I don't want to be known for something so frivolous. I want to move on."

The actor seems to have moved on from filmmakers Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt in "Tum Miley", which has been directed Kunal Deshmukh of "Jannat" fame.

"This is a Percept (Picture) film. I won't say I've moved on. But, yes, I want to clear the misconception that I work exclusively for the Bhatts," said Emraan, who made it big with the Bhatts' "Murder".

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Emraan Hashmi robbed of Rs. 2 lakhs by credit card miscreant

Emraan Hashmi was in a for a rude shock when he received a call from his bank HSBC about some heavy-duty transactions made on his credit card on April 26th and 27th . The transactions amounted to nearly Rs. 2 lakh and a stunned Hashmi had no choice but to lodge a police complaint.

Apparently around 11 transactions were done on the above mentioned 2 dates and strangely Emraan had himself done none of them. Most of these transactions were for purchase of airline tickets said the bank authorities.

While the police are yet to figure out the person behind this crime, Emraan is surely not amused one bit. In fact the actor is very upset with this whole incident and wants the miscreant to be caught and punished as soon as possible.

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Now, Emraan’s heading to the gym

Emraan Hashmi who had claimed that he isn’t in the race for six-pack abs has been working out frivolously to get a lean look with chiselled abs for a character which loosely based on that of underworld don Dawood.

In fact we got to know that the look is based on the Spartan look from the Hollywood film 300. Looks like no one in Bollywood can get away from sweating it out in the gym these days.

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Prachi will not Kiss Emraan Hashmi

Prachi Desai, who is paired with serial kisser Emraan Hashmi in the Haji Mastan biopic Once Upon A Time In Mumbai, says she is against kissing scenes. She said, “I am against kissing scenes, and I will never even consider it. Even if the script demands it, I will not change my mind. Besides, there are so many different camera angles a director can use to keep from showing these scenes.”

Thankfully, Prachi’s role in this film does not require her to lip lock with anyone. “There are no such scenes in the movie as far as I know,” says Prachi. “Emraan is a great actor and Milanji is a superb director. And I am happy to be a part of this film.”

The film is based on Haji Mastan, the first-ever celebrity don of India. Apart from Prachi Desai and Hashmi (who plays Dawood Ibrahim), the film also stars Kangana Ranaut and Ajay Devgan, who essays the role of Mastan.

About her role in the film, she says, “It’s a very serious and dark character. I said agreed to do it because I wanted to do something different. I wanted to play something other than the jolly, chirpy, sensitive, understanding wife in Rock On!”

There are also rumours going round that Milan Luthria was inspired by Sergio Leone’s classic western Once Upon A Time In America. Prachi, however, says, “I am really not aware of the film you are talking about. I wasn’t even born then. But nowadays it hardly matters whether it’s a remake or not. All that matter is the movie. And I like the role, so it doesn’t matter whether it’s a remake or original.”

The film is still in the pre-production stage and Prachi has no idea when shooting will begin. “I haven’t been told when it will go on the floors.”

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Emraan Hashmi gets injured on the sets of Tum Mile on his birthday

Mahesh Bhatt likes to receive gifts from his nephew and favourite protégé Emraan Hashmi. Even on the young actor's birthday.

Says Emraan, "On my 30th birthday on Tuesday I called Bhatt Saab to ask what he's giving me. He turned around and made me gift him books. He makes me do that quite often. The only thing is he doesn't call it gifts. He calls it guru-dakshina. In fact after every hit film he takes a cheque from me. And every couple of months I give him money to buy books."

For his birthday all that Emraan got from Mahesh Bhatt was a long touching SMS, and a fractured finger. "I'm finally a true-blue member of the cast," puns Emraan Hashmi jokingly about the plaster cast on his finger.

Shooting scenes of torrential rain in Kunal Deshmukh's Tum Mile, Emraan broke his finger on Tuesday. "This is the second time I've injured myself during this film's shoot. Earlier I injured my eye. But I need time for it heals fast because we're shooting under several feet of water. We're re-living the torrential rains of 26 July 2005 for the past month."

And the on-camera deluge has been created in no ordinary studio. Says Emraan, "Since no studio could give us a floor large enough to submerge cars in rain water we've hired this disused scrap-metal factory in Mulund which has been filled up with water. It started with ankle-deep water. Now it's knee-deep. Now the water has gone up to the waist and stomach. Soha is much shorter so we just see her head popping out of the water. "

Wading through stagnant water for almost a month has taken its toll on Emraan and Soha's skin. "There're two recycling plants installed. But they haven't helped much. And on top of that we've cars underwater which we bump into regularly. The director Kunal Deshmukh should be happy he's got two co-operative actors. We don't demand mineral water instead of rain water to sink into."

A broken finger was the birthday gift he got when he turned 30 on Tuesday. "I and Soha Ali Khan have been literally shooting 16-18 hours a day. I couldn't even attend the birthday calls. When I went back home I saw more bouquets than I had ever seen in my life. Quite a change from how it used to be when I had debacles."

In his words, Emraan's birthday was chaotic. "The shooting went way beyond what we expected. So by the time I reached home we couldn't really go out. My wife and I just had a quiet dinner.

No gift from his wife because Emraan doesn't believe in giving or getting gifts. "My wife was with me and she made dinner for me. That was gift enough."

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A Very Happy Birthday Emraan!

In an industry that's ruled by the heavyweights like the Khans, the Kapoors, the Kumars and the Bachchans, here is a man who has single handedly taken the entire industry, not just by a mere storm but a lethal combo of tornado cum whirlpool! He is none other than Bollywood's eternal blue-eyed boy Emraan Hashmi, our today's Birthday Boy.

Having started his career with 'Uncle' Bhatt's Footpath, this dude with an attitude, soon earned the infamous tag of 'Serial-Kisser' courtesy his on-screen shenanigans in films like Murder, Zeher, Aashiq Banaya Aapne etc However, his last few films like Aawarapan, Jannat have portrayed the latent talent that this actor possesses. A recent survey revealed that almost 95% of the cinegoers flocked in to see his last release Raaz-The Mystery Continues, only for him! While other actors' career chart exhibit their Hits and Miss, Emraan is a man whose career chart boasts of Hits alongwith many 'Misses'! Today, he is undoubtedly one of the very few actors who can single handedly draw (read 'magnetize') the cinegoers towards the Box-Office windows!

So, what are you waiting for? Simply join Bollywood Buzz in wishing Emraan Hashmi as we cement the Kissing distance between you and Emraan Hashmi by posting your messages below:

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Emraan Hashmi shares his plans for 'Raaz 3' and fatherhood

His "Raaz 2" has got an encouraging opening and actor Emraan Hashmi (pictured left) is all set to work in the third installment of the spooky thriller. He also feels secure enough to start a family now.

"We're trying for a baby and we should be parents by next year. One is never prepared for fatherhood. And if I wait to be fully prepared, it will never happen. But I'm getting into the mindset now," Emraan, who is married to Parveen Shahani, told IANS.

Talking about "Raaz 3", he said: "Yes we're on," said Emraan. "The third part will also be directed by Mohit Suri and I'll play the lead. The rest of the details are yet to be decided. The cast of the second 'Raaz' film was totally new. And I think I'm going to be the only actor common to 'Raaz 2' and '3'."

Emraan feels vindicated by the audiences' response to "Raaz 2", which also starred Kangana Ranaut and newcomer Adhyayan Suman.

"My wife kept telling me I should try the genre. I had never done horror before. It's believed in the trade that horror films open well and then soon fizzle out. But then it was also believed that a film looking at the seamier side of cricket ('Jannat') would never do well.

"I like to walk the lonely path. That's why you don't see me at parties and functions. Maybe that's why I play the part of the loner and watch another guy take away the girl I love," Emran said, drawing attention to his loser-lover's role in "Awarapan" and now "Raaz 2".

Emraan, who has been lying low during the publicity of "Raaz 2" thanks to all the focus on real-life pair Kangana-Adhyayan, says he didn't feel left out.

"Kangana and Adhyayan were a real-life couple. I can't concoct an affair just to be noticed. I was confident my work would speak for itself. Sure enough I believe people clap when I come on screen the first time. I do have fan base, though it might be small," he said.

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Mohit Suri: After RTMC you won't walk in dark areas

Mohit Suri's much talked about horror film Raaz – The Mystery Continues hits theatres this weekend. Starring Kangana Ranaut, Emraan Hashmi and Adhyayan Suman, the film promises to give shivers down your spine.

We ask Mohit Suri to pick his five spookiest parts of the film:

5. The locations of this film are really very scary. We have shot in barren places like Mukesh Mills, Simla and ruins of Bhangarh and when you will see these places in the context of the film you will not want to go there alone ever again!

4. The strongest part of this film is the background score which is silent in its own way but will frighten everyone.

3. The paintings which are shown in the film which show the story of Nandita (Kangana Ranuat)

2. Kangana performance in the film will hold everyone's attention. She is really very scary. And similarly Emraan Hashmi's grey character is something to look out for

1 .There is a one scene where Kangana meets with an accident on the road and Emraan witnesses it.

The director on a parting note leaves us with one caution: This film will surely disturb your mind and whoever will watch the film will not walk alone in dark areas ever again!

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Raaz - The Mystery Continues - Movie Review

By Taran Adarsh

The team behind RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES have often clarified that it's not a sequel to RAAZ, one of the most interesting cinematic experiences, besides being the biggest Hit of that year. Yet, you cannot but draw parallels with the first film of the franchise.

Horror as a genre hasn't been tapped to the optimum in India. We've witnessed spooky fares in the past and some of them have succeeded in making you break into a cold sweat [BHOOT stands tall in this list]. Last year's PHOONK and 1920 were scary movies as well.

There's tremendous curiosity to watch RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES, but does it scare the living daylights out of you? Fortunately, yes!

The story [Mohit Suri] is absorbing and Mohit treats the subject like a veteran, as if he knows the genre very well. There're moments that make your heart beat faster, you watch the events with eyes and jaws wide open. Sure, there're blemishes as well, but they don't overpower the plusses or make you change your opinion about the film. While the beginning and the middle of the film is engrossing, it's the end that could've been better thought of.

Wanna get scared? Wanna get goose pimples? Buy the ticket for RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES pronto. It lives up to the hype and expectations completely.

A brooding artist Prithvi [Emraan Hashmi] experiences mysterious and distressing visions about Nandita [Kangna Ranaut], a woman he has never met, while he paints on canvas. Intrigued by these visions, Prithvi tracks her down and warns her that these are not merely paintings of her, but accidents that are waiting to happen.

At first, Nandita refuses to believe him and dismisses him as an eccentric stalker. However, the striking resemblance between Prithvi's paintings and the near-death incidents in her life is hard to ignore.

Now, one of Prithvi's paintings has revealed her as dead. The only way she can change her fate is to unravel this mystery with his help, at the risk of alienating herself from her boyfriend, Yash [Adhyayan Suman]. But he refuses to believe in Prithvi's premonitions. Will Nandita risk her love and her life to unravel this mystery?

Most of us have heard, witnessed or perhaps had a first-hand experience of supernatural. The present-day generation may, perhaps, term it as wild imagination or hallucination, while the believers may have their point of view. Mohit and screenplay writer Shagufta Rafique's characters in RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES are believers and non-believers, both.

Mohit smartly builds up the atmosphere. Sample these: Emraan and Kangna's first encounter at a mall and minutes later, inside an elevator; the New Year bash when Kangna is 'attacked' by spirits; Kangna's experience in her bathtub and also when she looks at the mirror; Kangna almost jumping off a cliff; the highpoint sequence, when angry bulls attack Emraan and Kangna. Incredible sequences all! Mohit has handled the most difficult portions with panache.

However, the entire flashback part, towards the pre-climax, is not as convincing. The ending too could've been better in terms of writing, although Mohit has filmed it exceptionally well.

Mohit's choice of the subject as also the actors is right. This is, without doubt, his finest effort to date. Shagufta's screenplay is watertight at most times. Like always, the Bhatts come up with a lilting musical score and at least two songs -- 'Soniyo' [Raju Singh] and 'Maahi' [Sharib-Toshi] -- are first-rate compositions. Ravi Walia's cinematography is up to the mark. The effects are impressive.

On the acting front, both Emraan and Kangna vie for top honours. Emraan is excellent. He conveys a lot through facial expressions and that's the sign of a proficient actor. He's just getting better and better with every film. Kangna is top notch. After FASHION, this one's another power-packed performance from the actress. Adhyayan Suman is super-confident and registers a strong impact, especially towards the climax. He shows promise. Jackie Shroff is quite okay in a brief role.

On the whole, RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is rich in the horror quotient and that is one of its major USPs, besides the highly competent performances by its principal cast and a lilting musical score. At the box-office, this one will continue the winning streak of Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt's Vishesh Films. The 4-day weekend [Monday, January 26 in a holiday] will only cement its status further. Go for it!

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