Posts tagged america

I felt pressurized doing Haunted-Mahakshay Chakraborty

0
2 years ago
by Fenil Seta in

By Philip Bode, May 2, 2011 – 14:18 IST

You might know him better as Mimoh in the action flick Jimmy where he played a disc jockey, but today Mahakshay Chakraborty is all set make a come back with profound depthness, literally, in Vikram Bhatt’s latest stereoscopic horror film, Haunted. Haunted is the first Bollywood film made using, a 3D stereoscopic production pipeline with technicians from LA. Mahakshay is the son of a legendary superstar Mithun Chakraborty, his mother is renowned ’70s actress Yogita Bali and although he wanted to be an actor early in life, astonishingly his inception to the entertainment industry was through dancing… he was appreciated for his various dance performances. At one such performance a critic who witnessed Mahakshay perform, lauded and recommended the young lad to filmmaker Raj Sippy. Raj took an instant liking in him and signed him up for Jimmy; this was to be his debut film. Mahakshay has now come a long way since his days of Jimmy, with him losing his long locks, he is all set to grab a stock of Bollywood’s smoking barrels with his latest film Haunted. Bollywood Hungama gets Mahakshay to talk about his character Rehan, the switch on and off technique, and lot more about his upcoming film Haunted.

“I felt pressurized since it was a Vikram Bhatt film” My character’s name is Rehaan, who has just finished completing his education in America and he’s a skeptic when it comes to believing in ghost and demons. At some point in his More >

We’re more transparent than Americans-Sharmila Tagore

0
2 years ago
by Fenil Seta in

Sharmila Tagore is only the second person to chair the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for two full terms. A three-month extension enabled the I&B ministry to find a successor, giving Tagore the distinction of the longest tenure in that office. The legendary actress, who debuted 52 years ago in Satyajit Ray’s “Apur Sansar”, continues her film career with the just released “Life Goes On”. She spoke to Ratnottama Sengupta on her last day in office at the CBFC. Excerpts:

Ratnottama Sengupta (THE TIMES OF INDIA; April 3, 2011) What do you think you achieved as CBFC chief and what have you learnt? • I realized that we’re far more transparent than the Americans. We speak to the press whenever they want to discuss a decision; we’re not “all white”’ nor all of “a certain age”. Their debate is about “why X, not A”; ours is about “why UA, not U”. Except for “Ghajini” which fell through the net, we give ‘UA’ if there’s violence, item songs, expletives… Tell me honestly, is “Kaminey” watchable by a 12-year-old?

Sometimes a single dialogue tarnishes the dignity of women. One character in “Raajneeti” gave the impression that every woman sleeps around to get a ticket (in elections). Sometimes friendly relations with a country can’t be jeopardized. As an insider, I understand the compulsions of both the industry and the audience. I also know that some people take advantage of our openness and go to the press for publicity. Still, and More >

Irrfan’s worldwide web

0
2 years ago
by Fenil Seta in

The Amazing Spider Man’s Proto-Goblin straddles not just Bollywood and Hollywood but also juggles the art of Ang Lee with Hindi naach-gaana

Kunal Pradhan (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 27, 2011)

In the back seat of his Prado, Irrfan Khan slips off his chappals, and allows his long legs to straddle over the front seat.

He digs out a pouch of tobacco, and rolls himself a tiny, wrinkled, runt of a cigarette. To his right, sitting nonchalantly on a sheaf of papers is the script of Life of Pi, directed by Ang Lee and co-starring Gerard Depardieu.

Ten minutes ago, he was at a radio station, talking about his upcoming Bollywood release, Thank You, touted as a typical multi-star comedy that encourages viewers to leave their brains at home.

The irony of this contrast is not lost on Irrfan. He breaks into a sly smile, his eyes light up, and he puffs a little deeper the moment you start pointing it out.

Nilesh Wairkar Irrfan Khan at his home near Aksa beach; and (below) with Archie Panjabi, Dan Futterman, Angelina Jolie and director Michael Winterbottom at the Cannes film festival

Each day is a series of important conversations for Irrfan these days. He talks about the things he always wanted: phone calls from top directors; positive reinforcement from peers; interviews with the New York Times; fans saying they love him; and encounters with divas such as Angelina Jolie and Natalie Portman.

Along the way, he’s picked up adjectives. Everything is ‘wonderful’, More >

Why Do People Still Want Their Films to be Certified?

0
2 years ago
by Fenil Seta in

By Tehelka.com, February 7, 2011 – 09:45 IST

Sharmila Tagore tells RISHI MAJUMDER why the censor board is not running a popularity contest

Sharmila Tagore completes her tenure with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on 5 February. But she has been requested to stay on till the CBFC finds a suitable successor. During Tagore’s tenure, the CBFC has come into conflict with a radically changing film industry. Scenes have been cut, adult certificates doled out, and some films denied certification altogether. At her home in Vasant Vihar in New Delhi, the 64-year-old sits relaxed against a cushy sofa. Rugs line the floor. The walls are covered with art and family photographs. She sips a cup of tea as TEHELKA brings up the criticism levelled against her as chairperson of the CBFC. “I have been misquoted in the papers,” she says. “But we have to put our side there as well.” And she begins to reply – adamant at times, but never losing that calm. Edited excerpts:

The documentary Inshallah Football has been awarded an A certificate for a scene where a former militant spoke about being tortured. Now its main markets – TV broadcasting, satellite channels, cable and DTH are closed. No distributor will pick it up. Isn’t this a virtual ban? The CBFC is not familiar with the exhibition process of documentary films. The producer was invited to a meeting for his point of view but he didn’t come, citing personal reasons. This film, with that scene, had to be given More >

Jim Carrey’s supposed Indian gf speaks

0
2 years ago
by Fenil Seta in

Garima Sharma | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; February 6, 2011)

Anchal Joseph would have been like any 24-year-old Indian girl, had she not been spotted holding hands with Hollywood star Jim Carrey a fortnight ago in New York. Since then, she’s made it to the headlines of every major Indian daily. But she maintains a stoic “no comments” stand on Carrey.

The last time Anchal visited India was 12 years ago, when she was 12. She’s not been back since, but says she’s planning to visit soon. She says, “A lot of my friends do mention working in India and I’m not against working there.” India remains an integral part of her life. “I’ve managed to preserve my heritage through my very hard working and amazing parents. My sister and I were raised with values and discipline. We speak Hindi at home, we cook Indian food and watch Bollywood movies, which always gives me a sense of being back home in India. Besides that, we go about life like everyone else,” says Anchal.

Though she’s known for her stint in the TV show America’s Next Top Model, education is high on her agenda. “I plan on continuing my education. Education is vital, especially if you’re Indian. Modelling’s a great opportunity and is a stepping stone to other things. I truly don’t know what the future holds.”

However, she’s unhappy about being judged based only on her TV appearance and the popularity that came through it. Says Anchal, “I have to address one issue. Apparently, being More >

Movie Review: DHOBI GHAT by FENIL SETA

1
2 years ago
by Fenil Seta in

Films are being churned out ever since the dawn of the 20th Century. In these almost 120 years, obviously a zillion ideas, themes and various genres have been attempted by filmmakers across the world. Today we are at a time when the maker has to come up with something very interesting in order to arrest viewer’s attention. ‘Been there, done that’ idea nahi chalega! From this perspective, Kiran Rao’s debut feature Dhobi Ghat works like wonders! Even though shot in 16mm and Mini DV formats (not the ones used in regular feature films), Dhobi Ghat beautifully captures the essence of Mumbai. It made me fall in love with the city, its people, its vibrancy…all over again! A film that definitely deserves a watch, especially by art house cinema lovers!

The story of the movie: Munna (Prateik) is a washerboy (or dhobi) who washes and irons clothes at the famous Dhobi Ghat area of Mumbai. Shai (Monica Dogra) is an investment banker from America who’s on a sabbatical. She’s in the city doing what she likes the most – street photography. Arun (Aamir Khan) is a reclusive painter with a sad past. And Yasmin (Kriti Malhotra) is a newly wedded lady who has recently shifted to Mumbai from her hometown in Uttar Pradesh. All the 4 people are from different strata and backgrounds but somehow come in contact with each other. How everyone’s life changes post the contact is what the film is all about.

A few points to remember before venturing for Dhobi Ghat. It’s not a More >

Dhobi Ghat actor speaks

0
2 years ago
by Fenil Seta in

Monica Dogra, musician and actor, talks about the truth behind the NRI cliché of finding one’s roots

Kevin Lobo (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 09, 2011)

Monica Dogra’s decision to leave America is a stroke of genius. In four years, since she decided to discover the country of her ancestors, the NRI has been able to break through the cluttered indie music scene with Shaa’ir + Func.

The band has already made a trip to Glastonbury, has three albums under their belt and its fan base increases by the day thanks to India opening to new sounds.

Yet, this is small game compared to her cinema debut with Dhobi Ghat, the Aamir Khan production that will release on Friday.

Her foray into Bollywood, wait “Indian cinema” she corrects, is an extension of her journey of self-discovery. “When you are born to immigrant parents, you are constantly reminded that you are Indian, yet you don’t know what that means.

I studied the Bhagavad Gita and kathak in school, and yet I was interested in rock and electronic music. It was confusing as a kid. So I decided to come to India to understand where my roots lie,” says Monica.

Her character in Dhobi Ghat follows in a similar vein - an NRI discovering the city of Mumbai, the difference between reel and real is blurry, at least superficially.

And that’s perhaps what the casting team for the movie spotted. “We (the band) were touring the UK when I received a Facebook message from Kiran Rao’s team asking me to audition.

Apparently More >

2011 will witness a slew of 3D films

0
2 years ago
by Fenil Seta in

By Taran Adarsh, December 28, 2010 – 08:24 IST

More and more film-makers are jumping on the bandwagon. More than two decades ago, CHHOTA CHETAN [1984] triggered the trend of making 3D films in India. After the success of that film, almost every film-maker felt that they had found the formula to lure audiences in hordes. In fact, there was a mad rush to make 3D films then, but the failure of a few films put sudden brakes on the production of 3D films.

But this trend [3D films] seems to be on a revival. Vikram Bhatt’s next film HAUNTED is in 3D. Ramgopal Varma is making a 3D film as well. BLUE director Anthony D’Souza did a comprehensive course in America to get the 3D technique right, while Shirish Kunder has officially announced JOKER in 3D. An actor/film-maker, who’s making an ambitious project right now, is also planning to convert it to 3D. Besides, a slew of 3D projects are in the pipeline. Let’s hope the bubble doesn’t burst faster than expected this time.

BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM

UK, US update: TMK maintains speed, TKS slow

0
2 years ago
by Fenil Seta in

-By Taran Adarsh, December 24, 2010 – 20:28 IST

The Thursday numbers of the Christmas releases, TEES MAAR KHAN and TOONPUR KA SUPERRHERO, have come in. Despite bad weather, TEES MAAR KHAN seems to be galloping at a good speed, while TOONPUR KA SUPERRHERO continues to remain on the lower side in U.K., despite a strong word of mouth. In America too, TEES MAAR KHAN has started on an impressive note. Here are the numbers:-

U.K. BOXOFFICE

TEES MAAR KHAN Tuesday previews – £ 14,416 [limited screens] Wednesday – £ 57,207 on 52 screens Thursday – £ 40,595 on 52 screens

TOONPUR KA SUPERRHERO Wednesday – £ 1,165 on 17 screens Thursday – £ 588 on 11 screens

U.S.A. BOXOFFICE

TEES MAAR KHAN Wednesday – $ 90,000 + on 100 screens

Phas Gaye Re Obama & Bach Gaye Re Kapoor

0
2 years ago
by Fenil Seta in

Now that Phas Gaye Re Obama (PGRO) is a certified hit, here’s a profile of its multitasking maker – Subhash Kapoor

Satyen K. Bordoloi | MM Online Bureau (December 17, 2010) Subhash Kapoor, a multitasking maker, is content with the success of his movie Phas Gaye Re Obama (Pic: Satyen K. Bordoloi)

He is the second journalist who has successfully released a satire this year in Bollywood. And his film, like Anusha Rizvi’s ‘Peepli Live’ is set in rural India. But that’s where similarities end. No mighty Khan was backing Subhash Kappor’s Phas Gaye Re Obama (PGRO). Neither was he remotely connected to the Bollywood mega-clan that shares his surname. Yet he managed to pull off a miracle, backed by a good script.

And it is a backing that has helped. But like anyone without a godfather inside the fortress of Bollywood would tell you, he has had a tough, arduous journey.

After working as a journalist in Delhi, this MA in Hindi Literature, decided to make films after a short film he had made in 2001 went places. He began making commercial short films, documentaries and ad films and shifted to Mumbai in 2006.

In 2007 he made and released his first film, ‘Salaam India’ – on cricket. Sadly the fail-safe gamble to release the film during the world cup backfired as it coincided with India’s humiliating ouster from the series. The film sank worse than the titanic.

“Yet I thought that since I had already made and released a film, it would be easier to find funds More >

Go to Top