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Posts tagged las vegas
Imran & Shakun fight over title of KJo’s next
Jul 21st
Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 21, 2010)
As we reported recently, producer Karan Johar has cast Imran Khan in his next, which is being directed by debutant Shakun Batra.
This romantic comedy will have Imran romancing Kareena Kapoor.
Turns out, Imran and Shakun can’t see eye-to-eye all of a sudden. Imran was apparently very keen on calling the film Short Term Shaadi, which had temporarily become the working title for the film.
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| Imran Khan | Kareena Kapoor | |
Director Shakun Batra has rejected Imran’s title despite the fact that Imran and the film’s writer Ayesha Devitre had strongly endorsed it.
You might wonder why Shakun should be obliged to take Imran’s suggestion anyway. That’s because Shakun and Imran actually go back a long way. The two became friends during Imran’s debut film Jaane Tu… in which Shakun was assisting Abbas Tyrewala. It was Imran who recommended Shakun to Karan Johar.
Clearly, the favour wasn’t unconditional because Imran’s now quite miffed with Shakun for turning down the title he had suggested.
Commenting on this, Karan says, “Yes Shakun didn’t like the title Short Term Shaadi. It was only a working title in the first place. Imran and my writer Ayesha were kicked about Short Term Shaadi.
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| Karan Johar |
But Shakun would hear none of it. We at Dharma go completely by the director’s vision. So we’re hunting for a new title now. What is decided for sure is that the film will be shot in Las Vegas.’
Meanwhile, Karan has left for an unknown part of the world to write his next script. “I’m tired of people asking me what I’m directing next. Even I want to know. I am not coming back this time without an answer.” We’re sure to get to know of it first
Movie Review: KITES by FENIL SETA
May 22nd
When talented personalities like Hrithik Roshan, Rakesh Roshan and Anurag Basu come together, you expect nothing short of an outstanding film considering their awesome track record. Expectations are bound to be skyhigh even if you are the one who go for any flick with negligible expectations. Hence, it is really feels disappointed to know that Kites fails and that too very badly in meeting the expectations. In other words, Kites is a turkey!
The story of the movie: J (Hrithik Roshan) is a young, carefree salsa teacher in Las Vegas. Orphaned at a young age, he has lived in utter poverty and hence is always trying to earn money by hook or crook. When he realizes that Gina (Kangna Ranaut), daughter of millionaire Bob (Kabir Bedi) has fallen for him, he realizes that this is the best thing that could have happened to him. He pretends to be in love with her although he is not. Unfortunately or fortunately, he soon falls in love, not with Gina but with Natasha aka Linda (Barbara Mori), fiancée of Tony (Nick Brown), Gina’s ruthless brother. Just like J, Gina is from a poor family and is marrying Tony only because he’s rich. In no time, J and Natasha fall in love, upsetting Tony, Bob and Gina. How they escape from Tony’s clutches and their journey thereafter is what the rest of the film is all about.
Kites begins very well and there are several scenes that are exceptionally handled by director Anurag Basu. The 1st half is fast and slick and one might expect 2nd half to be better. The story moves back and forth (reminds of Basu’s Gangster) and that was indeed impressive. Hrithik’s intro, his courtship with Kangna and meeting Barbara at Kangna’s place was very well treated. And the best part of the film was undoubtedly Hrithik-Barbara’s romance. Both J and Natasha didn’t know each other’s language and the way they fall in love is wonderfully executed and doesn’t look fake at all.
However, the 2nd half is what disappoints big time. There are numerous chase sequences which isn’t a problem since the action sequences are awesome and locales breathtaking. However, the way the couple manage to give the cops and the goons a slip each and every time seemed unbelievable and far-fetched. Also, the climax seemed lame. It was quite hatke but frankly, the writers could have come up with something way better. Also there’s no mention as to what happened to Barbara’s folks (the goons had entered their village), Kangna and also of Kabir Bedi, one of the villains.
Inspite of the flaws, what makes the film watchable is Basu’s direction and Hrithik-Barbara’s sizzling chemistry. Their conversations and scenes were a treat. They indeed seem excellent together!
Every actor pitched in a fine performance. Hrithik Roshan yet again comes up with a flawless performance. His smile, looks, dance and the way he has handled difficult scenes with utmost ease is commandable! This is Hrithik’s first film after 2 ½ years (his last was Jodhaa Akbar, if one doesn’t count his special appearance in Luck By Chance). If only the script was as good as his performance! Thankfully, Hrithik will soon be seen, in Guzaarish and Zoya’s next!
Barbara Mori is a stunning beauty and delivers a bravura performance. She was apt for this role and doesn’t disappoint. The Hrithik-Barbara jodi is amazing and one of the best of recent times! Kangna Ranaut as usual does a great job but she has a very limited role. In fact, the writers could have added some twist in the tale with emphasis on her character. Kabir Bedi shines as the villain although he is hardly there in the 2nd half. Nick Brown comes up with a mind-blowing performance. Great job! Yuri does fine while the actor who plays J’s pal was very good.
Rajesh Roshan’s music compliments the goings-on well. Fire, Dil Kyun Ye Mera and Zindagi Do Pal Ki are the best songs of the lot. When Salim-Sulaiman are handling the background score, it has to be amazing and Kites is no exception!
The film has been shot in some of the best breathtaking and visually stunning locations. Thankfully, cinematographer Ayananka Bose does total justice and an outstanding job. The film looks ever inch an international biggie thanks to his great work! Action scenes are a treat although some action sequences were plain nonsense!
Akash Khurana, Anurag Basu and Robin Bhatt have written the story. Damn surprising! A film which doesn’t have much of a plot has 3 writers! Anyways, they came up with a nice story but faltered with the climax. However, Anurag Basu’s direction saved the show to quite an extent. His creative brilliance can be seen in several scenes and he lifted the film with such a mediocre plot. Even the climax was very well executed although it wasn’t impactful. Overall, a nice job by Basu and a request to him and Roshans and all other filmmakers-when you are willing to spend huge amounts of money on a film, at least come up with a sensible script. Times have changed and people are now willing to shun a film which stars their most favorite celebs if the script is a letdown. So stop taking viewers for granted and hope to see you guys with a much better product next time!
Some of the best scenes:
1. The first scene
2. The songs Fire, Dil Kyun Ye Mera and Zindagi Do Pal Ki
3. J comes across Natasha at Tony’s place
4. J with Natasha a night before their wedding (watch out when J shares his mother’s death tale with Natasha)
5. Intermission point
6. J and Natasha rob a bank
7. J and Natasha at latter’s village
On the whole, Kites is plain disappointment all thanks to average stroryline and disappointing culmination. Watch it only for Hrithik and for Hrithik-Barbara piping hot chemistry. The film has arguably given the widest release ever (1198 shows of Kites running in 117 theatres of Mumbai daily!). This and the enormous curiosity will ensure the film gets adequate audiences for the 1st 3 days. But from Day 4, the film will surely fall big time. Very very very unfortunate!
My rating-** out of 5!
Ranbir-Katrina shoot extra scenes for Raajneeti
Mar 10th
By Subhash K. Jha, March 10, 2010 – 10:57 IST
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When Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif met for a shoot on Monday, it was just like old times when they shot for Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and Raajneeti last year.
The twosome was fiercely competitive when they shot for the two films. So it was when they shot again together on Monday.
The competitive spirit has taken over Raajneeti in a big way. Both Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif see the film as a passport to the National Awards. With stalwarts like Naseeruddin Shah, Manoj Bajpai, Nana Patekar and Ajay Devgn in the cast, the young stars of the show have decided to pull out all stops to ensure their performances are noticed at the right places.
All efforts are now on by Ranbir and Katrina to ensure optimum audience participation in Raajneeti. A music video, only a part of which will be included in the film and the rest used for promotion, is to be shot.
Says the director Prakash Jha, “We certainly don’t want to pitch Raajneeti as a dry political drama. Ranbir and Katrina are big commercial stars. We want their fans to see our film as an entertainer. At an edited length of about 3 hours’ playing-time, we want viewers to be glued to the edge of their seats. I wouldn’t call it a multi- star cast film .I’d call it a multi-actor film.”
With the Ranbir-Katrina jodi being hotter-than-July, a certain amount of spicing up is certainly the order of the day. And the hit jodi is more than willing to shoot extra days to ensure the product gets them maximum attention.
On Monday, Ranbir and Katrina did some additional shooting for Raajneeti at Mona Shourie’s Future Studios long after their dates for Raajneeti had dried up.
Ranbir Kapoor just back from Las Vegas rushed to the shooting. close-ups and continuity shots were shot with the two. A sizzling music video featuring Ranbir, Katrina and Arjun Rampal is also on the cards.
So who says politicians can’t dance? Says Prakash, “We did some patchwork shooting on Monday, close-ups, etc. Yes. It’s for the betterment of the end-product. We all want Raajneeti to be a big success. Katrina and Ranbir have surrendered themselves completely to the project and will do whatever is required.”
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
Ranbir-Priyanka-The Great Gamblers
Feb 11th
GAME FOR IT: Priyanka Chopra and (inset) Ranbir Kapoor
Ranbir and Priyanka play their cards right in Las Vegas
SUBHASH K JHA Times News Network (FEBRUARY 10, 2010)
It wasn’t part of the script of Anjaana Anjaani, but then there’s a bigger scriptwriter up there than the one who spins stories for characters in films. As producer Sajid Nadiadwala discovered in Las Vegas where he is shooting with Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. According to sources, the virgin pair (we’re talking strictly about their onscreen collaboration) have turned out to be closet gamblers not above enjoying a small flutter at the casinos of Vegas. They have the devil’s own luck at the tables and slot machines where both actors were frequently spotted during off hours with director Siddharth Anand and choreographer Ahmed Khan.
Encouraged by this trend and the fact that B-wood has never been to Vegas before, Sajid incorporated some impromptu scenes in Anjaana Anjaani showing Priyanka and Ranbir gambling. He’s playing his cards right, hopefully, because his film releases during Diwali… and Sajid is gambling on a good opening.
Ranbir ice-skates at NY Central Park in -6 degrees
Jan 13th
Ranbir Kapoor ice-skates for three consecutive freezing nights in Central Park for Anjaana Anjaani
By Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 13, 2010)
It was meant to be Priyanka Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor ice-skating together at Central Park in New York for Anjaana Anjaani… the first film couple since John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale in 2001’s Serendipity to be captured on camera gliding on ice at that location.
Alas, filmmaker proposes. Actress disposes. Priyanka had to return to India for four days to promote her new film Pyaar Impossible.
The ice rink was left clear for Ranbir Kapoor, who for three consecutive nights on January 4, 5 and 6, skated non-stop all night in Central Park. Not just that, Ranbir spent all of the New Year weekend in New York learning how to skate.
Says producer Sajid Nadiadwala, “Ranbir’s dedication to get it absolutely right just took our breath away. He is relentless. He had to skate alone because Priyanka had to return to Mumbai. He skated for three nights from 11 pm to 4 am in minus 6 degrees in Central Park.”
It was important to can all the footage in those three nights.
Says Sajid, “We were the first film unit since Serendipity to get permission to shoot in Central Park’s ice-skating rink. We had limited time and it was freezing cold. We were worried about how we’d manage it. We underestimated Ranbir’s passion for excellence. He skated non-stop all night for three nights. And after the night shoots, he also shot during the day for other scenes.”
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| Ranbir Kapoor |
It was only after those three grueling nights that Ranbir finally hit the bed with utter exhaustion. He’s gradually recovering from the marathon ice-sport.
Says Sajid, “The footage we’ve captured of Ranbir ice-skating shows his ballet-like elegance and precision. I don’t think we’ve ever got anything like this before.”
Apparently Priyanka had a sneak peek at the footage of Ranbir ice-skating and has expressed a desire to do some of it herself. In the film, they don’t just play a combative couple; they’re also ruthlessly competitive while shooting.
From New York, Anjaana Anjaani now moves to Las Vegas where Ranbir and Priyanka intend to out-gamble one another.
Reliance BIG Pictures' mixed bag of films in 2010
Dec 30th
After closing the year with films such as PAA and 3 IDIOTS, the year 2010 sure looks bigger and brighter for Reliance BIG Pictures with a mixed bag of films ranging from mainstream and masala to regional and art house.
With maverick directors such as Shyam Benegal, Mani Ratnam, Anurag Basu, Shaji N Karun, Rituparno Ghosh and Buddhadeb Dasgupta bringing the best out of Hrithik Roshan, Barbara Mori, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Mamootty, Boman Irani, Jishu Sengupta, Indraneil Sengupta, Kangana Ranaut amongst many others the Reliance BIG Pictures slate is sure to watch out for!
Have a sneak peek into Reliance BIG Pictures’ slate of films for the year 2010:
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| KITES |
KITES:
A truly international film KITES tells the story of a young con-man who lives ‘life’ in Las Vegas, always ready to make fast money in any way possible, always looking for the big score. Directed by Anurag Basu and produced by Rakesh Roshan the film stars Hrithik Roshan, Barbara Mori, Kangana Ranaut and Kabir Bedi. It is shot in Mumbai, New Mexico, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. The film will have and Indian and international version which will release simultaneously. Brett Ratner, best known for the RUSH HOUR series, FAMILY MAN starring Nicholas Cage and X-MEN THE LAST STAND is currently at work on the English version of KITES and tailoring it to appeal it to an international audience.
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| WELL DONE ABBA |
WELL DONE ABBA:
WELL DONE ABBA is the story of Armaan Ali, a driver working in Mumbai. He takes leave for a month to find a husband for his teenage daughter, who lives in a small locality close to Hyderabad. Armaan Ali returns to work only after 3 months. His young employer wants to sack him but is persuaded to listen to the reason why Armaan got so delayed.
Directed by Shyam Benegal stars Boman Irani, Minissha Lamba, Sammir Dattani, Ila Arun, Sonali Kulkarni, Ravi Kishen, Rajit Kapur, Ravi Jhankal and Yashpal Sharma.
RAAVAN:
Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan come on screen together in Mani Ratnam’s RAAVAN – a modern day adaption of the epic Ramayan, being readied in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.
MIRCH:
Directed by Vinay Shukla MIRCH revolves around the protagonist Maanav, a committed struggling filmmaker whose girlfriend Ruchi, a successful film editor, arranges for him to meet film producer Nitin, who is not very convinced about Maanav’s script. Maanav then suggests four stories on infidelity, woven together by a common story.
The film stars Konkana Sen Sharma, Raima Sen, Shahana Goswami, Shreyas Talpade, Rajpal Yadav, Boman Irani, Sushant Singh, Arunoday Singh and Prem Chopra with special appearances by Saurabh Shukla & Tisca Chopra.
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| CHALOO MOVIE |
CHALOO MOVIE:
The police raid a theatre where movie tickets of a very successful film are being sold in black. When Police Inspector Sher Khan interrogates Khoji, a man in his 20s, he claims that he is the director of the very film whose tickets he is selling in black. The cynical Sher Khan puts Khoji behind bars after which he receives two phone calls – one from the Police Commissioner and another from the dreaded don ‘WC’, both of whom support Khoji’s detention. A hilarious turn of events reveal who Khoji is, whether he is really the film’s director, why is he selling his film’s tickets in black and what do the Police Commissioner and don ‘WC’ want from Khoji.
Starring Rajpal Yadav, Shekhar Suman, Divya Dutta, Hrishta Bhatt and Sayali Bhagat, CHALOO MOVIE is directed by Vinod Pande.
Reliance BIG Pictures, the most committed motion picture company producing regional films in 8 Indian languages is working persistently towards taking them beyond the conventional Diaspora
The slate of films includes:
KUTTY SRANK: Shaji Karun’s Malayalam film KUTTY SRANK starring Mamooty, Kamilini Mukherjee, Padmapriya and Meenakumari brings out three distinct personalities of a dead boat-man from the perspective of three women each of whom claims to be his wife.
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| ABOHOMAAN |
ABOHOMAAN: Rituparno Ghosh’s Bengali film ABOHOMAAN starring Dipankar De, Mamata Shankar, Ananya Chatterjee, Jishu Sengupta and Ria Sen brings to the screen a sensational relationship between a film-director, a young actress and a wife who swears to ruin her husband’s life and career and a son who gets caught in the cross-fire in this extravagant drama.
JANALA: Buddhabed Dasgupta’s Bengali film JANALA starring Tapas Paul, Swastika Mukherjee and Indraneil Sengupta is the journey of a solitary man against the wrath of circumstances when he decides to pursue his little impulsive dream.
IJJODU: by the maestro M S Sathyu is a film about a photo journalist who finds an interesting girl who has been exploited on the name of religion. He succeeds in breaking her blind belief but fails to accept her to give her an alternative life. This Kannada flick stars Meera Jasmine and Anirudh.
GLAMSHAM.COM
Siddharth Anand's Ranbir-Priyanka starrer titled Anjaana Anjaani
Aug 25th
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, August 25, 2009 – 15:47 IST
After successfully directing three films namely Salaam Namaste, Ta Ra Rum Pum and Bachna Ae Haseeno for Yash Raj Films, director Siddharth Anand is all set to start his next venture this time for producer Sajid Nadiadwala’s banner Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. The film is titled Anjaana Anjaani, and will star Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra in lead roles.
Bollywood Hungama spoke to Siddharth to confirm the same. “Yes my next film is called Anjaana Anjaani. It’s a romantic comedy starring Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. We start shooting in October and the film would be shot in New York, San Francisco and Las Vegas.”
Music of the film has been composed by Vishal-Shekhar who have incidentally composed the music for all of Siddharth’s past three films.
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
