Where Bollywood Comes Alive
Posts tagged akshay kumar
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
Akshay enters Hollywood
Jul 26th
TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 26, 2010)
At a time when the chaska for Bollywood stars to act in Hollywood films is slowly dying down, comes the news that Akshay Kumar is ready take a step in that western direction by co-producing an Indo-Canadian film called Break Away.
The Khiladi, who enjoys an enviable reputation in Canada, recently played host to a dinner meet between the premiers of both countries, our Dr Manmohan Singh and their Stephen Harper. His film will have the Canadian-born Emily Van Camp (who shot to fame with the television series Brothers and Sisters) and be directed by Robert Lieberman who recently completed The Tortured. According to a source, Akshay had plans to step into Hollywood as a producer with his banner Hari Om Productions for a while now. This is his first western production but his banner intends to continue scouting for more suitable collaborations in the West. Akshay himself is not acting in Break Away. But who knows about the future?
Sunny’s back problem delays Yamla Pagla Deewana shoot
Jul 24th
By Subhash K. Jha, July 24, 2010 – 10:27 IST
There seems to be no end to Sunny Deol’s troubles. He’s back again in bed for a prolonged rest with his chronic back problem. And to compound his woes this time stones in his kidney were also detected.
Director Samir Karnik who’s making a family film for and with the Deols entitled Yamla Pagla Deewana is in a fix. Just when he needed to shoot a high-voltage action sequence with Sunny, the actor with a chronic back problem is laid up with a back problem thereby putting a question mark on the action sequence.
Now Karnik has no choice but to push forward the action sequence indefinitely and proceed with the post-production of the film.
Informs Karnik, “Everything except the action sequence is done. Now I’m going ahead with the post-production. I’ll wait for Sunny to recover.”
That is easier said than done. Along with his back problem, Sunny also had stones in his kidney which he has currently gone to the US to get removed.
Says Karnik, “But for his back problem there’s no remedy except complete bed rest. So even after the stones were removed by injection in the US, Sunny is still bedridden until his back is completely healed.”
Even then would Sunny be able to perform the stunt for Karnik’s film? Says Karnik, “I’ll wait. I’ve planned Ghayal kind of stunts for Sunny with the Ghajini action director Peter Heins. And if he is not up to it, I’ll cancel the action sequence. But I’m told after bed rest, Sunny’s back will be as good as new.”
Sunny Deol’s back problem can easily be considered chronic. For many years he has quietly and not so quietly suffering from a chronic back problem.
On many occasions in his career recently, Sunny has been laid off because of his back. This is his fourth enforced holiday due to his back. How long it lasts depends entirely on Nature.
Incidentally, Akshay Kumar also has a chronic back problem which he recently solved with water- therapy treatment in Germany. Shah Rukh Khan too suffers from a bad back.
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
B.O. update: Metro plexes khatta, single screens meetha
Jul 24th
- By Taran Adarsh, July 24, 2010 – 08:50 IST 
The opening response of KHATTA MEETHA was extremely mixed across the country. While the film opened to a below average response at multiplexes of metros, the opening numbers of the film at single screens ranged from good to very good. The occupancy at multiplexes was in 40% to 50% range, while single screens were 70% to 80%, which is good, but not excellent. The not-too-happening response at multiplexes of metros isn’t good news, since a major chunk of revenue comes from plexes mainly. Will the single screens compensate that business, is to be seen.
Akshay Kumar’s previous release HOUSE FULL had embarked on an electrifying start across the nation. In comparison, KHATTA MEETHA is approx. 60% of HOUSE FULL. One key factor that has gone against the film, besides the lack of solid content of course, is the fact that the makers had publicised the film as a full-on comedy, while KHATTA MEETHA is a satire, with emphasis on drama. The misleading promotion seems to have sent out wrong signals, with several moviegoers feeling dejected.
KHATTA MEETHA has to fare exceedingly well on Saturday and Sunday [at plexes as well as single screens], if it has to collect a hefty total in its opening weekend.
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
SRK refuses Bigg Boss 4?
Jul 24th
Due to a clash of dates with his shooting schedule for Don 2, King Khan refuses to host Bigg Boss 4. The channel is trying to get Akshay Kumar now, or even a non-film celebrity
Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 24, 2010)
Though the fourth season of Bigg Boss is around the corner the host for the show is far from being finalised. After hosting season 3 of Bigg Boss, Amitabh Bachchan will not be able to anchor the show again because the channel does not repeat hosts on this show.
Says a source, “Unfortunately the channel has a weird policy not to repeat hosts on Bigg Boss. Moreover, by the time the channel officials realised that it was difficult to get a replacement it was too late.
Big B had already committed himself to hosting season 4 of Kaun Banega Crorepati. So they consciously decided to look for another host.”
The channel then started wooing Shah Rukh Khan since he is viewed as one of the very few people who can fill Big B’s shoes.
But despite all their efforts, the channel’s deal with King Khan has now fallen through.
Says the source, “The channel went all out to get Shah Rukh to host Bigg Boss 4. They even offered him a larger remuneration than Big B. But SRK could not agree to play host because of lack of time.
The dates for Bigg Boss 4 clashed with Shah Rukh’s shooting schedule for Farhan Akhtar’s Don 2 with Priyanka Chopra in Bali.”
Channel sources confirm that SRK won’t do Bigg Boss, as he will be shooting in Bali at that time.
The latest buzz is that the channel is now trying to get Akshay Kumar to play host on Bigg Boss 4. If he doesn’t agree, the channel will opt for a non-film celebrity to host the show.
Can’t wait to know who this will be…
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| Amitabh Bachchan in Bigg Boss 3 | |
Movie Review: KHATTA MEETHA by FENIL SETA
Jul 23rd
The Akshay Kumar-Priyadarshan combo has worked wonders in the past and hence a lot was expected from Khatta Meetha. Although it surely engrosses in those 2.30 hours, the film falters as it is promoted as a comedy and satire and both of which the film is not! Moreover, the film has a nice story to tell but doesn’t offer anything new. It throws light on the corruption that is rampant everywhere, something that is seen umpteen number of times in our cinema. Nevertheless, Akshay’s performance and Priyadarshan’s direction ensures that the film keeps you hooked from the first scene to last and doesn’t let you leave the theatre dissatisfied even with a flawed product!
The story of the movie: Sachin Tichkule (Akshay Kumar) is a road contractor in Phaltan taluka of Maharashtra who’s struggling to make ends meet. The municipality isn’t delivering him the cheque for his services while Sachin has to pay the due to his workers and owes money to every tom, dick and harry. To make matters worse, the new municipal commissioner Gehna (Trisha Krishnan) turns out to be his ex-girlfriend with whom he had an ugly break-up in college. His father (Khulbhushan Kharbanda) is ashamed of Sachin while his brother-in-laws laugh at him. Still, Sachin dreams big and hopes that he’ll be successful one day. Will he?
Khatta Meetha begins wonderfully with Akshay Kumar singing bhajan that sets the mood. In the next 20 minutes, almost all the important characters are introduced and frankly, this is done in a decent and not haphazard manner. The entire bridge collapse accident episode deviate the film from its actual plot but was well treated. Funny scenes, although not many, stand out and provide ample laughter. The entire road roller-Johny Lever sequence was howlarious and brings the house down. Equally funny was Asrani talking to multiple people simultaneously…damn funny sequence! However, as mentioned before, the film isn’t completely comical and deals with lots of serious issues in a, well, serious manner. The film could have given a strong message which unfortunately doesn’t happen. What you get in the end is a film that’s partly-funny as well as thrilling, action-packed and dramatic! In short, a bhelpuri of various genres!
Most of Priyan’s films are replete with a madcap ending with characters running helter-skelter and funny things happening to them. Well, nothing of that sort is to be seen in Khatta Meetha! The climax, instead, consists of an action-packed chase sequence! Luckily, it works and you come out of the theatre with some satisfaction, if not fully!
The film belongs to Akshay Kumar! All those who feel that Akshay is doing the same kind of comedy and roles should watch Khatta Meetha and experience what this talented actor is capable of! The film may not be a success but Akki’s performance as Sachin Tichkule will be remembered surely for a long time! Be it funny or a confrontational sequence, Akshay was its best! Great work!
Trisha looks charming but she could have surely done a better job. Her role required her to act fiery and strict which couldn’t do properly. In fact, it is bewildering as to why Priyan opted for a Southern actress when any seasoned Bollywood actress (Tabu preferably) could have pitched in a much better performance! Urvashi Sharma, as expected, gives a brilliant performance! There’s no doubt that she’s talented and deserves to be seen more! Rajpal Yadav was perfect for such kind of a role. Johny Lever was funny as usual and his sequence turns out to be the film’s best! Tinu Anand leaves a mark in a small role. Khulbhushan Kharbanda performs with elan. Manoj Joshi was flawless. Jaideep (one who marries Urvashi) was terrific! It was great to see Neeraj Vora after a long time. Makrand Deshpande, Milind Gunaji, Aruna Irani, Asrani and the rest do a fine job.
Pritam’s music was alright and nothing great. There were 4 songs, 3 of which hampered the pace of the film while the 4th (Bull Shit) is shown during the end credits. Ouseppachan’s background score was marvelous. Dialogues were very witty and funny.
Priyadarshan, besides directing, has written the story and screenplay. Story, as mentioned above, isn’t new but nevertheless, is well-written. Screenplay was appropriate while Priyan handles the direction with expertise. However, where Priyan fails completely is in the flashback scenes where Akshay was shown as a college student and obviously, he doesn’t look like one at all! Also, 2 scenes were prominently shown in the promos-Akshay breaking a flower pot on his feet accidentally and secondly, Akshay being chased by people who assume he was trying to molest. Well, both these scenes are missing from the film! If they were edited from the film, why feature them during promotion?! Anyways, hoping to see Priyadarshan in his former glorious form in his next, Aakrosh!
Some of the best scenes:
1. The first scene
2. The bridge collapse incident
3. Rajpal Yadav is kicked out by Neeraj Vora
4. All scenes of Asrani
5. The Johny Lever-road roller sequence (funniest)
6. Urvashi is married off
7. Akshay’s confession to Trisha in the hospital
8. Urvashi’s flashback
9. The climax
On the whole, Khatta Meetha fails to meet expectations but still manages to give a good time. It is neither fully funny nor satirical as promoted but is surely worth watching for Akshay Kumar’s outstanding performance. Don’t regret if you miss it in theatres…you can catch it later on TV/DVD! The film’s title is justified…the overall experience is indeed ‘khatta-meetha’!
My rating-*** out of 5!
SRK wants to catch Akki’s Khatta Meetha
Jul 23rd
King Khan requests a special preview of Akshay Kumar’s latest Khatta Meetha. Clearly, the two archrivals are softening up to each other now
Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 23, 2010)
Seems like the monsoons have brought the onset of a new season of friendship. The surprising bit is that these friendly alliances are developing between the unlikeliest of types. After Mumbai Mirror reported about the blossoming camaraderie between Karan Johar and Aamir Khan, here’s another cracker of a story.
There was a time when Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar apparently couldn’t see eye to eye, professionally that is. There were several stories doing the rounds in the industry of their professional rivalry. Being two of the biggest stars in Bollywood today, both Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay did all in their capacity to occupy the number-one-star position.
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Turns out, the rivalry between the actors has suddenly simmered down. SRK met Akshay a month ago on a flight to London. The actors might have interacted with each other on that flight. The result is that King Khan is now very keen on watching Akshay’s latest release Khatta Meetha.
Our source said, “Shah Rukh Khan is in London working on his film RA.One. He will be taking a couple of days off to come to Mumbai next week. During the break he wants to catch up with Akshay’s film Khatta Meetha.
Shah Rukh’s office has requested the producers Ashtavinayak for a print, which he will be watching at the recently-built preview theatre at his residence.
The producers have also agreed, but are asking for a particular date in the coming week for this purpose. This is yet to be finalised. The reason is that SRK is not sure about his plans. He has no clue as to when he would come back to Mumbai. But one thing’s for sure. The day he returns will definitely be booked for watching the film.”
Another source said, “This is a newfound friendship; Akshay and SRK are known to be rivals. A while ago SRK landed up on the sets of Patiala House in Film City, where Akshay was shooting. They chatted for quite long. Now SRK is keen to watch Akshay’s film. That means the two archrivals are getting friendly.”
There are after all no permanent friends and no permanent enemies.
You’ll love Tichkule-Akshay Kumar
Jul 23rd
Akshay Kumar is super confident that his film will strike a chord with every Indian in the crowd
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOBMAY TIMES; July 23, 2010)
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar and National Award-winning director Priyadarshan have tickled a funny bone many times. While films like Garam Masala and De Dana Dan have sailed through comfortably, Hera Pheri had broken box office records.
As far as the trade goes, this is a formidable combination. And therefore their Khatta Meetha that releases worldwide today, is expected to get a heartwarming response. Based on the travails of the common man who lives his life dealing with everyday traumas like pot-holed roads and traffic congestion, the film touches on how the aam Indian can be lured into corruption by a failing system.
Such is Akshay’s faith in this satirical comedy produced by Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd (SACVL) and Cape of Good Films Private Limited, that he is actually co-presenting it under his banner Hari Om Entertainment Company in association with SACVL. Says Akshay, “The film has innumerable things going for it. It is not your regular slapstick comedy. It has a very strong emotional base and the right dosage of drama. It isn’t a happy-go-lucky film. It cleverly combines emotions and entertainment.’’
While trade consultant Amod Mehra maintains that Khatta Meetha will take a very strong initial, especially so in Maharashtra, Akshay says that Sachin Tichkule, the character he plays in the film, will knock on the doors of every Indian with his goofy charm. Will Tichkule’s charms work mainly in Maharashtra? “I don’t think so. If Singh Is Kingg could win India over and not just Punjab, there is no reason why Sachin Tichkule’s reach can’t be pan-India,’’ he says.
Akshay re-iterates that the film in the genre of pure family entertainer also has other aces to throw up. It has South superstar Trisha making her Hindi film debut. It has terrific music, especially in the numbers Bull-shit and Nanachi Taang, that are currently the favourite downloads.
“And more importantly, it has Priyadarshan — who is as deft at handling emotions as he is with comedy, tackling a sensitive subject based in a small-town set up,’’ he adds. Akshay is confident that the backdrop may be slightly rustic and the setup may lack the gloss, “But if you have heart, you’re bound to fall in love with this film,’’ he says.
Movie Review: KHATTA MEETHA by TARAN ADARSH
Jul 22nd
By Taran Adarsh, July 23, 2010 – 12:02 IST
When Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar join hands, you expect the cineplex to reverberate with laughter. Let’s not forget, the team has regaled us with some terrific entertainers in the past. Naturally then, you expect KHATTA MEETHA to take the legacy forward.
Unfortunately, KHATTA MEETHA is noise [the actors scream a lot in this movie], more noise [the great promotion] and only noise, while the content takes a complete backseat. Although KHATTA MEETHA shouldn’t be compared to this combo’s earlier works, since this one’s a satire, I have to add that this is their weakest film to date.
| BY BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM |
The first question I asked myself once the movie got over was, what’s the story? Okay, okay, neither did Priyadarshan’s last few films had a story to tell, but when you attempt a satire, when one talks of the hardships faced by the common man, when one talks of corruption in society, there HAS to be a story in place. That goes without saying!
KHATTA MEETHA raises a finger at the corruption in government establishments, but what it tries to say, or expose, has been witnessed over and over again. In fact, it’s the writing — sorry, the absence of it — that makes matters worse. The beginning is good, the middle falters and the end is exasperating.
Final word? This one’s far from being meetha. It’s a khatta experience!
Struggling road construction contractor Sachin Tichkule [Akshay Kumar] is doomed. There is no chance that his dreams will ever come true, simply because he has no money to bribe. To make matters worse, the new Municipal Commissioner turns out to be his ex girl friend [Trisha], who now hates him.
The film reveals the extent of corruption and bribery rampant in the system and the ingenious means you have to adopt if you want to survive in today’s times.
KHATTA MEETHA attempts to say a lot many things in those 2.40 hours. Oh yes, its running time is a problem, more so because the narrative lacks the power to keep you hooked to the proceedings. Okay, coming back to what I wanted to say, KHATTA MEETHA is more of a collage of isolated incidents encompassed in those 2.40 hours. The collapse of the bridge, the consequent murder of Tinnu Anand, the constant bickering in the house, the tu-tu-main-main between Akshay and Trisha, the sister’s track, the corrupt netas and government babus, the payment issue of workers… several sequences are a repeat of what’s you watched barely minutes ago or an hour ago.
While the romantic track is the weakest link [half-baked; the songs are forced down your throats, without valid situations whatsoever], the flashback portions, depicting Akshay Kumar as a college student [!!!], is just hard to digest. Even the end is worn out and doesn’t give the feel of contentment that one expects at the conclusion of a film.
Priyadarshan’s handling of the comic sequences is noteworthy, especially in the first half of the film. The repair-and-paint sequence at Asrani’s mansion is sure to bring the house down. Ditto for the conversation that Asrani has with multiple people, in person and also on phone. Also, the road roller sequence is a laugh-riot and prior to that Johny Lever’s sequence of repairing the road roller is truly funny. But a few isolated sequences aren’t enough. The veteran storyteller ought to know the importance of a watertight screenplay by now.
Cinematographer V. Manikandan’s lens captures the exteriors with flourish. Pritam’s music is easy on the ears and at least two songs are extremely popular as well, but the placement of songs in the narrative acts as a roadblock. Dialogues are funny at times, especially the one-liners.
Akshay Kumar plays the common man with gusto. He looks his part and more importantly, not once do you feel that he’s repeating himself. However, he goes over the top in a few sequences. Trisha carries the Plain Jane look well, but fails as an actress. The fiery attitude, so vital when you’re enacting the role of the Municipal Commissioner, is missing. Rajpal Yadav is in terrific form yet again. What a splendid actor!
Urvashi Sharma is awkward. Makrand Deshpande is wasted. Tinnu Anand is hardly there. Even Aroona Irani is sidelined. Kulbhushan Kharbanda is first-rate. Asrani is excellent. Manoj Joshi screams so much. Ditto for Neeraj Vora. Milind Gunaji is okay. The actor playing the role of Urvashi’s husband does a good job.
On the whole, KHATTA MEETHA is a major letdown from the accomplished director. It’s not a full-blown comedy. It’s not a full-scale satire either. Hugely disappointing!
Action Replayy-Patiala House clash averted
Jul 22nd
By Taran Adarsh, July 22, 2010 – 08:18 IST
The showdown has been averted! ACTION REPLAYY and PATIALA HOUSE, both starring Akshay Kumar, were supposed to release in the same month – November. While Vipul Shah had confirmed ACTION REPLAYY for 5th November, Nikhil Advani and Mukesh Talreja were keen on bringing PATIALA HOUSE on 19th November. However, the film-makers of these two films had left the decision on Akshay Kumar, who was supposed to take a call after completing his shoot in Manali.
Well, the suspense is finally over. While ACTION REPLAYY is confirmed for Diwali [5th November], thus clashing with GOLMAAL 3, PATIALA HOUSE has been shifted to next year. The film will now hit the screens on 11th February 2011.
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
