Where Bollywood Comes Alive
Posts tagged AJAY DEVGN
It’s a tough life for most Bollywood beauties
Jul 29th
WHERE’S THE MONEY, HONEY? (Clockwise) Jacqueline Fernandez, Ameesha Patel, Celina Jaitly, Dia Mirza and Lara Dutta
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 28, 2010)
Blame it on recession, blame it on male superstars who’ve decided to become choosy. Blame it on the reduced number of films Bollywood now makes. Whatever the reason, the fact is that three-quarters of the film industry’s beauties live life in the shadows. Filmmaker Priyadarshan, who gets a knock on his door from many of these actresses, says he feels helpless but there is “only those many actresses who I can accommodate in my movies… and though I’d ideally like to create roles for the number of actresses I meet, it isn’t possible”. A leading producer confirms that when he spread the word that he is auditioning for his new film starting this September, he got calls from a dozen actresses. “Such is the paucity of good projects that when you announce one film, at least 10 good actresses turn up for the same role,” says he.
Sanjay Bhattacharya, a film financier, says that since medium budget movies have become fewer, roles for the middle-order guys and girls have completely dried up. “We’re either making top-order projects done by the A-list actors like the five Khans (Aamir, Shah Rukh, Salman, Saif and Imran), Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan, Ajay Devgn and Ranbir Kapoor, or we are making arthouse cinema like Udaan, Tere Bin Laden and Love Sex Aur Dhokha. The typical medium-budget film has become so rare.”
Whether it’s the himbos or the bimbos, with the exception of the top seven guys or girls in Bollywood, most of the others are sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring. Priyanka Kothari admits that after her beneficial stint with Ram Gopal Varma films — James, Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, Sarkar and Agyaat — she is still to find the right break. She admits that post Agyaat she has only shot for regional cinema and a couple of commercials because she is still waiting for a good Bollywood film to materialise. And though many of the other actresses aren’t as candid as her, the fact is that life in the movies has become arduous for many.
It is no exaggeration that the girls who show up in pretty clothes at premieres, survive mainly on dance shows in smaller cities, ribbon cutting, commercial endorsements refused by the more-in-demand actresses, ramp-walking, catalogue shoots and appearances at events. What’s more is that unlike in other professions, where the wait invariably takes its toll on their patience, here in Bollywood, waiting for movies also takes its toll on their pockets. Just check out the list of expenses even the “in-waiting” actresses have to definitely spend on.
COMPULSORY EXPENSES:
Driver
Valet
EMIs for House & Car
Trendy wardrobe
Latest accessories
Beauty Parlour visits
Spa treatments
Gym
Dance class
Net-working lunches
Gifting key people
PR expenses to stay in news
MONEY MATTERS: Neetu Chandra, Priyanka Kothari and Neha Dhupia
Movie Review: ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI by TARAN ADARSH
Jul 26th
By Taran Adarsh, July 26, 2010 – 13:29 IST
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.
| BY BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM |
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!
Devgn smokes his way past censor board
Jul 26th
Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 26, 2010)
Once upon a time not so long ago (in 2002) when Ajay Devgn played Dawood Ibrahim in Ram Gopal Varma’s Company, he was shown smoking or holding a cigarette throughout the film.
No one objected. Now when Devgn plays another underworld character in Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, he’s again shown chain-smoking. Much water has flown since the time Company was released. Until very recently, the censors clamped down on any character holding a cancer stick.
In fact, censor chief Sharmila Tagore was at her wit’s end when in April this year the government sent the censor board a circular stating that if any character in any film lights up a cigarette, the film automatically gets certified for adult viewing.
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| A still from Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai | |
Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai has been awarded a ‘UA’ certificate. How did the film get away with it? Director Milan Luthria says, “Ajay’s character in Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai smokes less than he did in Company. We had to put a disclaimer at the beginning of the film in both Hindi and English saying, ‘Smoking is injurious to health’. I think this shows a sign of maturity on the censor board’s part. It’s the character not the actor who’s smoking.”
Kangna in Salman’s next?
Jul 24th
The actress will star opposite Khan in his maiden production, to be directed by Mahesh Manjrekar
Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 24, 2010)
For Kangna Ranaut, year 2010 is proving to be rather experimental. After being oddly paired with Ajay Devgn in Ekta Kapoor’s Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, Kangna has now been paired with none other than Salman Khan.
According to sources, Salman Khan has cast Kangna Ranaut in his first maiden production. The film will be directed by Mahesh Manjrekar and will have Salman playing the lead. It’s surprising that instead of casting Katrina Kaif or perhaps her look-alike Zarine Khan, Salman has chosen Kangna.
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| Salman Khan | Kangna Ranaut | |
From her days at Vishesh Films (Gangster, Woh Lamhe), Kangna has indeed come a long way. A few days ago, as we reported, she signed the Sanjay Dutt production Rascals. Her latest catch, Salman Khan’s untitled production, is definitely a big accomplishment.
Talking about Salman casting Kangna, the source said, “Salman and Manjrekar wanted someone who could emote very strongly and look glamorous too.” Her 12 different hairdos in Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, should take care of the glamour part.
When contacted, Mahesh Manjrekar confirmed that he is working on a film, which will be produced by Salman. “The film will have a lot of elements. It will be a hard-hitting film with its fair share of comedy,” he said.
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| Mahesh Manjrekar |
The film is a remake of his recent Marathi film, Shikshanacha Aaicha Gho.
Hesitant about divulging more details on the film, Manjrekar clarified that the project is at a very nascent stage right now. He said, “It is too early to talk about it since we are still working out a few details. The picture will be clear in the next five days.”
Salman and Kangna remained unavailable for comment.
Ajay to play a terrorist in Priyan’s next
Jul 22nd
Devgn’s character will plant a bomb in a train in Priyadarshan’s remake of Speed
Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 22, 2010)
Ajay Devgn will be romancing Kangna Ranaut in Priyadarshan’s next film, that too in a speeding subway train from London to Glassgow. Novel, isn’t it?
Well, actually, Jan de Bont’s 1994 thriller, Speed, inspires Priyadarshan’s film. De Bont’s film was about a bomb in a speeding bus that would go off if the bus lost speed.
“But the difference in my film, says Priyan, “is that we’ve shifted the terror attack from a bus to a train.” The untitled thriller goes on floors on September 1.
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| Ajay Devgn | Priyadarshan | |
On choosing a train in London for shooting his film, Priyan says, “We’ve got permission to shoot at one of the London stations and inside a train. It took some effort but we did it. I don’t think it would’ve made sense to shoot the film without actual locations and the train.”
The most unusual part of the film is the casting. While Manoj Bajpai (a first for Priyan) has been cast in a positive role as the engineer trying to control the train’s speed, Ajay Devgn plays the terrorist. The last time he was cast in a negative role was in Raj Kumar Santoshi’s Khakee.
Apparently Devgn recommended Kangna to Priyan. Says the director, “I’ve just signed Kangna opposite Ajay. I’ve never worked with her or Ajay before. Tusshar Kapoor and Sameera Reddy have also been cast as terrorists. My other favourite Suniel Shetty is also there in a special role.”
David Dhawan’s son in KJo’s film?
Jul 22nd
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 22, 2010)
It is set to be a dream launch. Varun Dhawan, younger son of former Bollywood box office pasha David Dhawan, has been signed by Karan Johar for a project that will take off in 2011.
Trade sources say that David was always clear that his older son Rohit will be a director and younger son Varun an actor. Rohit is meant to be directing Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, Chitrangadha Singh and Deepika Padukone in Desi Boyz. And Varun was waiting in the wings till KJo discovered him.
Karan says, “The banner will launch two new boys in the same film. The details of the boys and the director are still in the process of finalisation there are no confirmations as yet.”
However, it is almost certain that Varun will be one of those boys. Incidentally, the director too will be a Dharma faithful. There was a time when David could have been the ideal filmmaker to launch his own son. He was ruling the BO with super-hits like Biwi No 1, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Coolie No 1 and many of those critically-spurned puerile super-hits. However, post Partner (again a huge hit) David is in semi-hibernation. In fact, after his Do Knot Disturb fiasco, the trade has been sceptical about DD’s box office prowess. The filmmaker has been signed for Sanjay Dutt’s Rascals with Sanju and Ajay Devgn in the lead.
Kangna to romance Ajay, Sanju in Rascals?
Jul 19th
Kangna Ranaut will be seen romancing both Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Dutt in the David Dhawan directed Rascals
Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 19, 2010)
For Sanjay Dutt’s first home production Rascals, the female lead needed to be sexy, glamorous and funny. And Kangna Ranaut has bagged the coveted part. Kangna, take a bow, for you’ll now be rubbing shoulders with Sanjay Dutt as well as Ajay Devgn.
While one more hero is likely to be added to the cast, Kangna will be romancing both Sanjay and Ajay in the film.
A source from the unit of Rascals says, “ Sanjay and David Dhawan wanted someone very sexy for this role. In addition to being very glamorous, the character is also required to be very funny.”
This will be Kangna’s second film with Ajay after Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai.
Apparently, director of Rascals, David Dhawan, had spoken with Kangna at a recent award function and had told her that he would like to work with her in the near future.
The source adds, “At that time, Kangna had no clue that David was referring to Rascals. Eventually, when she received the offer from him a few days ago, she was pleasantly surprised. She loved the role and agreed to do it.”
We sent a text message to David Dhawan, who shot back saying, “No heroine has been finalised yet.” But our source maintains, “Kangna is doing Rascals. She will start shooting for it very soon.”
Kangna’s real life role model in OUATIM revealed
Jul 17th
By Joginder Tuteja, July 16, 2010 – 11:24 IST
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There is no denying the fact that Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai has fast turned out to be one of the most awaited films of the season. Credit it to the Ajay Devgn factor as he seems to be walking in straight from the days of Company, the charm of Emraan Hashmi who seems to be on a role reversal of sorts after Gangster, the music by Pritam which has everything going right for it, the Bobby nostalgia that has been created by Prachi or the mystery called Kangna Ranaut which seems to follow her film after film.
Kangna Ranaut – a mystery, something that led to names like Madhubala and Meena Kumari being thrown around as the reference points for the role of an actress that she plays in this Milan Luthria directed film. Still, there was no concrete information coming in from any quarters. Now that the film is just a few days away from release, a couple of shocking truths have been revealed.
First and foremost, it has been declared that Kangna’s character is indeed based on an actual heroine from the 70s. Secondly, the actress in picture is neither Madhubala nor Meena Kumari but a small time actress whose name was Sona. A girl who had actually acted in a couple of Bollywood films in the 70s, Sona was also the love of Haji Mastan on whom Ajay Devgn’s role in the film is based. Since Kangna plays the female lead opposite him, it was obvious that the reference point was Sona.
“Well, I have been told that Haji Mastan was in love with this girl called Sona”, Kangna says in a hush-hush tone, “She was a Madhubala look-alike and a struggler during the 70s. When the two came together, they became romantically involved. He even went on to make a movie for her.”
A quick Google search assures that Kangna’s claims were indeed true. Sona did actually work in a couple of films though the one which was notable was Raj Khosla’s Kuchche Dhaage where she had Vinod Khanna, Moushumi Chatterjee and Kabir Bedi for company. Incidentally, another striking factor about this casting and the film was that Moushumi’s screen name here was, as you guessed it right, Sona.
Cut to 2010 and there are obvious similarities in Kangna’s characterisation. As Rehana – an actress, she plays the love interest of Sultan (played by Ajay Devgn) who is a don in the Mumbai of 70s. “Rehana is basically a cross between Madhubala and Sona. She is really desired and is madly loved by Sultan”, confirms Kangna.
Unlike Sona though, Kangna gets the perks of playing a superstar instead of a struggler in the film. “Ajay’s character feels connected to her because he knows her only through the big screen. Once the two fall in love, Rehana becomes really vulnerable. You can say that while Ajay is the positive force of the film, Emraan is the negative force and I am the romantic force.”
Of course Kangna, we would like to believe that!
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
Ajay to learn Salsa
Jul 14th
Madhur Bhandarkar convinced the grungy Ajay Devgn to learn Salsa for his next
Sonal Chawla (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 14, 2010)
The seemingly shy Ajay Devgn is changing for the better. Besides sporting new hairstyles, the actor is now learning Salsa for Madhur Bhandarkar’s film Dil Toh Bacha Hai Jee with Shazahn Padamsee.
A source reveals, “Madhur’s film is a romantic comedy. In one such sequence Ajay Devgn is supposed to have an intimate moment with his co-star Shazahn Padamsee, where both actors are dancing to salsa music.
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| Ajay Devgn |
Madhur wants them to dance like professionals and has now got the pair a salsa teacher to learn the dance.”
Apparently, Shazahn has already started her training and Ajay is soon to join her. Initially, when Ajay was told about the salsa act, he got cold feet, but Madhur convinced the actor.
Madhur confirms, “A mall sequence in my film requires Ajay Devgn and Shazahn Padamsee to do the salsa.”
‘Kangna’s costume is classic black on porcelain white’
Jul 13th
… that’s how Archana Kochhar describes her costumes on Kangna Ranaut in a forthcoming film
Nimisha Tiwari | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 13, 2010)
The promos are already on air — diva Kangna Ranaut seducing Ajay Devgn with a song and dance while batting her kohl-lined eyes in the film Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai. Looking dolllike with her big hair stylishly done-up, and her slim 26-inch waist sexily clad in a shimmery black gown, the actress has played her cards right with this underworld-based flick.
And one person who’s banking on Kangna’s costumes going down well with the audience is Juhu-based designer Archana Kochhar. “I was floored when Kangna chose my design over many oth-Archana. ‘I loved it’ were Kangna’s words on seeing the black number she wore in the film.
Archana has designed two outfits for Kangna in Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai. “One is a gold shimmery number and the other the classic black which has a deep neck and backless appeal. Kangna’s skin is porcelain white, so the outfits look stunning on her,” revealed Archana. Riding the Bollywood wave, this designer has her hands and dates full in the fashion calendar too. “This month’s been super busy. I did the finale at the Cairo Fashion Week on July 2, and then had eight South stars including Sada, Sarat Kumar, Radhika and others walking the ramp for me at the Chennai International Fashion Week presented by Gitanjali on July 10. And now, I am gearing up for the opening of the Dubai Fashion Fiesta on July 22 from where I will rush to showcase at the Bangalore Fashion Week on July 24. Fashion-wise, God’s been kind to me,” added Archana.
