Posts tagged i me aur main

How govt officials, BMC employees create nuisance during film shoots

1
1 month ago
by Fenil Seta in

Filmmakers reveal how often government officials, by sheer dint of position, demand to be humoured on film shoots

Soumyadipta Banerjee (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 29, 2013)

 

Call it a professional hazard but if you are a filmmaker who has to avail a public utility for his film, you just can’t afford to offend the government official (s) in charge, overzealous or interfering as they might be.

Sujoy Ghosh is a case in point. While shooting at the Kolkata Metro for Kahaani, the director was forced to lend his ear to the official in charge, who insisted on composing the lyrics for the filmmaker’s next. Recalls Sujoy: “The man came to me with the lyrics he had written while I was shooting. I listened to all his poems and even praised him. He was eager to compose the lyrics for my next project and I told him I would definitely consider him. I had to continue with my shoot then. I didn’t want to give anyone false hopes but there is no plan to rope him as the script of my next is still not in place.”

Like Sujoy, Sudhir Mishra too was left with little option but to humour a ‘budding poet’, who also happened to be a railway employee based in Lucknow.

Says Mishra: “He was reciting his poems while my shots were on. Imagine the situation: my eye was in the viewfinder, I was waving to my DOP to continue the shot and there, he was reciting his intense poem. Had I offended him at the time, my shooting would have stopped.”

In another such instance, “an entire family landed up on the sets simply More >

Budget of John Abraham’s Madras Cafe slashed by 10 cr?

1
2 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

Mehul S Thakkar (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 8, 2013)

 

In a recent interview to this newspaper, John Abraham had indicated that he was unhappy with the way his latest dud, I, Me Aur Main, had been positioned in the market. There was a buzz that the fate of the film would affect his upcoming venture, Madras Café. In fact, co-producer of the political thriller, Viacom18 Motion Pictures, summoned the actor-producer to their office for some serious plainspeak. You could blame it on the economic downturn, or just collateral damage, but the producers have decided to revise the budget for Madras Café amid concerns that they will not be able to recover the investments.

According to a source, the meeting started off on a convivial note, with John briefing his investors on the progress on the keenly anticipated film. “But once done, the producers told him that they were going to cut the budget for his film by Rs 10 crore.”

The film was initially planned on a budget of Rs 32 crore and considerable amount of work has already been done.

John, on his part, was not one to give in without a fight. “He argued passionately about how his fans will stand by him and how important it was for the film to be made on the kind of budget initially allocated to him. However, the producers were not convinced,” said the source, adding, “Times are bad for every filmmaker. For John, it was some kind of a wakeup call.”

Fenil’s Bollywood Talk # 246

0
2 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

WILL SAHEB BIWI AUR GANGSTER RETURNS MEET EXPECTATIONS LIKE ITS PREDECCESOR?

I wasn’t very confident of Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster before its release in September 2011. But the fabulous response compelled me to go for the film and thankfully, I wasn’t disappointed. Most importantly, it’s the songs that took me by surprise! Brilliant tracks and I am still listening to it! The dialogues, the old-world setting and of course, the twisted characters…all made for a great watch. And it was a pleasant surprise to hear that the makers were planned a sequel, called Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns, that releases tomorrow. The film retains Jimmy Sheirgill and Mahie Gill. Randeep Hooda obviously won’t feature since his character is killed (although the makers planned to feature him in a dream sequence). Irrfan Khan and Soha Ali Khan are latest additions. Like the first part, the dialogues are sharp and whistle and clap worthy. Part 1 was highly sensuous and it seems the sequel isn’t high on that front. However, the makers have assured that the film has some highly interesting twists and turns. Most importantly, the director of the film is Tigmanshu Dhulia who has finally got his due with the success of Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster and Paan Singh Tomar. Also, his acting debut in Gangs Of Wasseypur was much loved too. However, buzz for the film is limited. A good response is imperative for the film to succeed. The film is lucky to have no competition as such and hence, if it’s a good product, it More >

We made lot of mistakes with I Me Aur Main-John Abraham

1
2 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

Now that his latest solo venture has tanked, the actor goes for an unsparing post mortem

Soumyadipta Banerjee (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 4, 2013)

 

Look carefully, and you are likely to spot worry lines criss-crossing his handsome face. John Abraham, who has just about established himself as a sharp producer and a veritable eye-candy in multi-starrer projects, is in a delicate situation right now. I Me Aur Main, his solo project, has fared less than badly at the box office, casting a shadow of doubt on his ability to carry a film entirely on his robust shoulders. There are whispers that the co-producers of Madras Café, his ambitious political thriller featuring him, are in a huddle. And the stakes on Shootout at Wadala, in which John stars as Manya Surve, just got higher.

Mirror caught up with the actor-producer in a surprisingly combative and seriously introspective mood. Not willing to be hemmed in by the poor performance of I Me Aur Main, John tackled our questions head on, telling us how he is keen to learn from his mistakes.

Response to I, Me Aur Main has been very poor. Are you aware of it? I was very clear from the start that it was a very niche film. It had a very restricted appeal. It was an ode to the modern woman, so to say. My target audience was different.

What do you mean by target audience? At the end of the day, it was a John Abraham film… I get the feeling that ‘Action Abraham’ is far more popular than any other type of Abraham. My action films are mass More >

Prachi and Chitrangda are the heroes of I Me Aur Main-John Abraham

0
2 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

Kashika Saxena (BOMBAY TIMES; March 1, 2013)

 

John Abraham has repeatedly described his latest film, I, Me Aur Main, as an ode to women. So, when we ask him how the two leading ladies of the film — Prachi Desai and Chitrangda Singh — have made a difference to his life, John says, “After working with them, my belief has been reinforced that women shape how men come into their own. Chitrangda has a sense of stability. She is a strong, independent woman who will tell a man ‘it’s either my way or the highway’ and she won’t keep making compromises. She’s an emotional person, but she puts on a strong exterior.”

At this point, Chitrangda says, “Oh God, go on. I’ve never heard him talk like this.”

For Prachi, John says, “I’ve never met anyone with so much clarity. She’s like a hawk, so focused. She’s taught me how to answer questions.” Chitrangda adds, “Oh yes, the questions! She’s so specific and so correct. I start here and I’m trying to get to the point and nobody has the time for me, but Prachi is specific.”

John adds, “And that’s what Prachi does in the film too. She tells my character, Ishaan, ‘Listen buddy, it’s time to get up and re-educate yourself’.” Prachi, on her part, says, “Every woman has dealt with men who take them for granted. So you can go and watch it with your guy friends.” John interrupts, “And you can elbow the guys and say this is you!”

Prachi continues, “This is one of John’s most honest performances. You see him coming out of the water in his trunks and More >

Fenil’s Bollywood Talk # 245

0
2 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

WILL RGV RECONSOLIDATE HIS POSITION WITH THE ATTACKS OF 26/11?

 

Ram Gopal Varma has had a bad phase off late with most of his films failing at the BO. It was unfortunate to see that a well-made film like Not A Love Story was outright rejected by audiences and the media as ‘anything-made-by-RGV-has-to-be-bad’ syndrome has spread like wild fire everywhere. The maker himself is to be blamed too as he has delivered some forgettable and disastrous films like Department, Agyaat etc in between. However, all’s hopefully set to change for RGV for the better with The Attacks Of 26/11.

The title is quite self-explanatory that it’s based on the attacks that took place in Mumbai in November 2008. While the carnage lasted for over 60 hours (26-29 November), RGV reportedly has focused on the first night of the attack in the film. The actors who play terrorists are all newbies while Rakesh Maria has been essayed by Nana Patekar. Varma was gutsy enough to approach CST and Hotels Taj and Trident to shoot. But he was turned down. The filmmaker had to finally erect a set to shoot the hotel portions while CST sequence was filmed at Mumbai Central station. On the other hand, he acquired permission without much of a hassle to shoot at Leopold Café and also at Girgaum Chowpatty, where Ajmal Kasab was finally nabbed by the cops. Promotion has been low-key and maybe, it’s intentional. Promos give out the correct vibe about the film. RGV organized quite a few screenings for friends in industry– More >

Check out John Abraham giving interview in washroom

0
3 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

MID-DAY (February 21, 2013)

 

Now that his film I Me Aur Main is releasing, John Abraham has crawled out of the biggest rock he hides under normally and has been talking about everything under the sun including his girlfriend Priya Runchal. It appears that Johnny boy does not even take a breather in the washroom. He was spotted at an event on Tuesday giving an interview in the loo of a South Mumbai hotel! John certainly has lots to say just about everywhere!

What attracts me most to a woman is her simplicity-John Abraham

0
3 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

By John Abraham (BOMBAY TIMES; February 20, 2013)

 

“Being a woman is a terribly difficult task, since it consists principally in dealing with men” — Joseph Conrad

I would like to talk about my perception of what I believe a woman is to me and I hope this template stands true for most of you who read this.

My life has always been defined by the relationship I share with the wonderful women who are part of my life. I’ve been asked on several occasions what attracts me most to a woman and the answer is always the same — her simplicity! The most beautiful makeup of a woman is her simplicity… cosmetics are easier to buy. There is nothing more attractive than a woman being understated as well as understanding her power to attract but still maintaining that sense of dignity through her calm demeanour. In fact, this picture of mine has been clicked by a woman and it was her first photo shoot.

I believe that feminism has a radical notion that women are human beings. I believe that women are way beyond that. And also, believe me my friends, taking a woman for granted for too long is like drinking too much alcohol. It may be fun for a short time, but the hangover is like hell.

At the risk of sounding uncharacteristic, sex is highly overrated. I do not say it’s not important. A man today, like every woman, is looking for a sense of something deeper… a real relationship with a real woman. He is looking for support and a deeper connection.

When women look at me they see John Abraham More >

I’m not a possessive boyfriend-John Abraham

0
3 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; February 18, 2013)

 

In John Abraham’s words, “the movie promotion of I, Me Aur Main was just an ‘excuse’ to have a heart-to-heart chat with a few ladies from the media over a cup of coffee.” No men were allowed to be part of this informal conversation. No cameras were allowed either. The actor truly dropped his guard and became a relationship guru for the ladies, who blushed in his presence.

About his love life, there was no clichés such as ‘we are just best friends’ or ‘talk about it later’. Talking about girlfriend Priya Runchal, he revealed, “Priya and I met through common friends. Definitely there was attraction, but it takes much more than physical attraction to be in a relationship. I am in a happy space right now. She is extremely supportive and prefers to be away from the public eye. If she calls me at 11.30 in the night and I am caught up with something or am tired, she says I should take rest or go to sleep once I am done with work. It means a lot to me. She gives me space and I give her space. She is currently in London to pursue her two-year full-time MBA, so ours is a long-distance relationship. We will get married when I take a break from work.”

Loyalty being an integral part of a long-distance relationship, the actor added, “It’s important to be loyal. Loyalty, to me, is to be with the one person that you are in love with. I am not a possessive boyfriend though.”

When asked about former girlfriend Bipasha Basu, the actor More >

Four music directors join hands for I Me Aur Main

0
3 months ago
by Fenil Seta in

Parag Maniar (BOMBAY TIMES; February 18, 2013)

 

Four music directors — Sachin-Jigar, Falak Kabir, Gaurav Dasgupta and Raghav Sachar — all representing various genres of music, have composed songs for Goldie Behl’s I Me Aur Main.

Interestingly, the makers have also paid an ode to one of Bollywood’s most loved songs, Na Jaane Kahan Se, from Sridevi’s Chaalbaaz (1989). The song was originally composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Says producer Behl, “We bought the rights of the song and revived it.”

He adds, “The feedback has been positive and we are glad that the music is resonating with the youth across the country. It fulfills our intention — to create a versatile album with distinctive sounds that has something for everyone.” Some of the songs in the movie, Saajna, Darbadar and Cappuccino, have already made it to the charts.

I Me Aur Main, by Reliance Entertainment, Rose Movies and Pollen Entertainment, releases March 1.

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