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Posts tagged MANOJ BAJPAI
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.”
Ranbir patches up Prakash Jha, Nana Patekar
Jul 2nd
By Subhash K. Jha, July 2, 2010 – 10:40 IST
You’ve seen Ranbir Kapoor give sterling performances in film after film. But Ranbir the peace-maker is a new role he adopted to bring Prakash Jha and Nana Patekar together after their very public fall-out.
Apparently, Ranbir who got along like a house on fire with Nana during the shooting of Raajneeti in Bhopal didn’t quite relish the uneasy silence that prevailed between “two of my most favourite people”. He decided to end the cold war between Nana and Prakash when on an impulse; he dialled Nana’s number from Hong Kong when Ranbir, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpai and Prakash had gone for a Raajneeti event.
When Nana answered the phone, Ranbir quickly handed over the phone to Prakash.
Says a source, “On Ranbir’s urging, Prakash and Nana spoke when Prakash was in Hong Kong. That’s how the ice thawed between the two.”
Nothing succeeds like success. After the public bickering and open display of hurt anger and resentment between the two, Nana Patekar and Prakash Jha have sorted out their differences.
And now Nana is in constant touch enjoying the heady success of Raajneeti and sharing his joy with the director.
Prakash admits the cold war with Nana is over. “We are once again connected. Nana is delighted by the success of Raajneeti and is keeping tabs on the film’s progress. He didn’t come for the Raajneeti celebration on Wednesday night. But he called to say he wouldn’t come because he never attends functions.”
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
Anurag Kashyap signs Manoj Bajpai for Gangs of Wasseypur
Jun 16th
By Devansh Patel, June 15, 2010 – 17:24 IST
It’s the re-unite season of sorts I guess. Ram Gopal Varma re-united with his long lost friend Vivek Oberoi after a gap of eight years to create Rakth Charitra. And if that’s called a big coming together of lost mates, try this. Remember Bollywood’s one of the most loved villain Bhikhu Mhatre? Well, the time for Anurag Kashyap to re-unite with his friend Manoj Bajpai is here. The eccentric director who gave birth to Manoj Bajpai’s character in RGV’s most talked about film Satya is planning to direct his most ambitious project till date, titled Gangs of Wasseypur.
Anurag Kashyap’s adaptation, Gangs of Wasseypur, based on the coal mine mafia is all set to roll in a month’s time. What’s more shocking is the fact that Anurag is trying to create The Godfather on celluloid once again. So after RGV’s Sarkar and Prakash Jha’s Raajneeti, here is one more in the making which may well shock us with its treatment. That’s the trait of Kashyap. He does magic in every film of his.
Manoj Bajpai quotes, “Yes, it is true that I have been recommended for Gangs of Wasseypur by Anurag. It’s a pivotal role for me. I haven’t read the final script yet but will in a few days from now. I am so thrilled that the same person who wrote Bhikhu Mhatre’s role in Satya is not only writing my character in this film but is also directing it. We re-unite after twelve long years. That’s quite something.”
About the Godfather story in Gangs of Wasseypur, Manoj said, “There are talks that my role in the film is what Marlon Brando’s was in The Godfather. As I said before, I haven’t read anything yet but am eagerly waiting to read the script.”
All said and done, but the question still asked by many from the industry is – When will Ram Gopal Varma re-unite with Manoj Bajpai? And will Sarkar 3 be made?
The answers to the above question remains a mystery.
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
Manoj Bajpayee-From Bhikhu to Veeru…
Jun 13th
…it’s been a chequered journey for Manoj Bajpayee. But even as he savours his latest success, the actor tells Lekha Menon, his priorities remain unchanged
Lekha Menon (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 13, 2010)
The star trappings seem to be in place. A well-appointed, ninth-floor apartment in a Lokhandwala high-rise. Man Fridays to slap the greasepaint and set things in order for a shoot.
And a star who’s agreed for an interview just after stepping off the plane post a whirlwind promotional drive. But Manoj Bajpayee is quick to point out that vanity is not one of his defining traits. “Hey, don’t go by the house,” he laughs. “I am as rooted as one can be. I still don’t relate to glamour.”
Rooted he may be, but for now Manoj can fly high on the Raajneeti wave. The gripping yet flawed take on Hindi heartland politics might have got mixed reviews with its Mahabharata-meets-Godfather masala mix, but is a certified blockbuster.
“Even we are surprised by the reaction,” says Manoj, checking out the congratulatory smses pouring in, the relief of being part of a hit, evident. “I never thought I’d get a character that would surpass Satya’s Bhiku Mhatre. But this one (of Veerendra Pratap aka Duryodhan) has proved to be just that. Now I can boast of two characters that have left an indelible mark.”
Indeed, as many observers have commented, the brilliance of Bhikhu Mhatre ironically proved to be Manoj’s undoing for it was such a tough act to follow. Add to it a clutch of box office duds that did little justice to his talent. But Manoj disagrees. “I’ve not had too many hits. But every actor goes through that patch. Perhaps it’s only Aamir who gives regular blockbusters. But now even I have two of them!” he chuckles, “Such hits are rare for my kind of actor.” His kind of actor? “Those who are known more for their performance,” he says elaborating how some of his good films - 1971, Swami, Acid Factory etc - went unnoticed because of lack of promotion.
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| Pic: Rana chakraborty |
Thankfully, the tide seems to have turned for the better. For one, two of his long-pending films including Chittagong (based on the Chittagong uprising which Junior B is reprising in another film) is getting released.
Secondly, there is the renewed audience interest in him. “Yes, now I have two super-hit dialogues. First, ‘Mumbai ka raja kaun…’ from Satya and now ‘Karara jawab…’ that are people are raving about,” he grins.
Does this mean he will now be more careful of the films he signs? “Will that guarantee I will never have a flop?” he counters. “I have done many small films…but yes, maybe now I will think twice about doing a small film for it’s heartbreaking when you work so hard and a movie doesn’t get released,” he says.
Box office vagaries apart, Manoj insists the frills do not attract him. “I pat my back for a 16-year-old journey,” he says, “Hailing from theatre, I never even expected to reach this far. What gives me a kick is to be part of films that have a shelf-life,” he says. “At least I’ve achieved that with Satya, Road, Aks, Pinjar, Kaun, Zubeida etc.”
And he pins down this Zen-like approach in an industry that worships commercial success to his attitude towards life itself. “For me, life’s about sitting with my friends and abusing each other. Visiting Bihar or Delhi. It’s also about going to some small joint to eat Chicken Masala or visiting a friend’s house to make mutton…As for hits and flops, it’s just wise to enjoy the good times as long as they last.”
Raajneeti gets huge opening, Arjun, Manoj and Prakash Jha in seventh heaven
Jun 5th
By Devansh Patel, June 5, 2010 – 14:34 IST
One film scholar says, “Friday will decide the fate of Raajneeti.” A distributor says, “I don’t think the film will last because of its political backdrop.” An overseas marketing head of a production house says, “Raajneeti is a dicey film. Its chances of not connecting to the overseas audiences are many.” All this jazz and then this – Raajneeti receives a thunderous 90% opening. All the above then doesn’t make sense, does it? It all boils down to ‘The film opened well. People bought the tickets. Audiences got sold to Raajneeti. Job done and everything else is history, and the guy who is very much responsible for the thunder this summer is Mr. Prakash Jha. A director of his calibre confesses this morning, “I have now realised that I can make and take risks in terms of commerciality. I will be open to new ideas for my next film. Raajneeti‘s opening has taught me that good work never goes unnoticed. It’s the goodness which has stood out so far. Now it’s time to see how the goodness gets transformed into greatness in the coming days.” Jha continues, “Raajneeti had everything working against it if you see the commerciality in terms of business of Bollywood. But the opening proved me wrong. I am in seventh heaven.”
A very jovial, excited and shocked Arjun Rampal said this morning, “It’s a shock to know that Raajneeti has not only opened with a great percentage but the crazy fact is that I’ve just got a call from Prakash who told me that Raajneeti has opened very well in the U.K and Australia. It has got a bigger opening than 3 Idiots. Now that’s a shocker.” He continues, “We have got the most unexpected start and now looking for the snowball effect. Raajneeti, if it works for a few days more, will have a fate like Rock On. The word of mouth is the key here. The time has come to hit the last hammer. I am so happy with the opening the film has got. My weekend is going to be great (laughs).”
Manoj Bajpai too was in a shock but confident when he quoted, “I know that any good product gets sold quickly. Raajneeti is facing the same fortune. The news of the opening comes to me as a shock because we never thought that a film of this scale will get a big jump start. Somewhere, people had faith in our film and that’s a victory for me and our team. Faith in any film decides its fate too, I think.”
You never can tell what works, why it works, how it works but the fact is that it works…and how. Now the question asked is, ‘Will Raajneeti be able to sustain its opening?’
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
Katrina touches Manoj Bajpai’s feet
Jun 5th
Bowled over by his stellar performance, the actress touched the thespian’s feet; Incidentally, Tabu had done something similar years ago during the Satya premiere
Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 05, 2010)
Manoj Bajpayee is on cloud nine after Raajneeti. On Thursday night, at the premiere of the film, people could not stop praising him and Manoj was elated to say the least. However Manoj was embarrassed when he was called to click pictures with the entre cast and the moment he stepped out, Katrina Kaif came out and touched his feet.
An embarrassed Manoj immediately hugged her and then Arjun and Ranbir lifted him on their shoulders. Katrina told Manoj that ‘aap to superb actor hain’ and Manoj could not stop smiling after that.
Incidentally when Satya released some 12 years ago, Tabu had done the same thing, touching the thespian’s feet, saying that he is a brilliant actor. Well given that Bajpayee has had a rather choppy ride with his filmography since Satya, this newly found adulation is surely a welcome sign.
Manoj Bajpayee said, “It very embarrassing for me. Katrina herself has performed so well in the film. I told her, ‘Please don’t embarrass me.’ After that both Ranbir and Arjun lifted me on their shoulders. It was a nice gesture from them as it showed the chemistry we all had during the making of the film.”
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| Katrina Kaif and Manoj Bajpayee at the Raajneeti premiere (Pic: Yogen Shah) |
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When asked about the incident with Tabu, he said, “Yes that time Tabu did touch my feet. It is like history is repeating itself. Tabu was such a senior actress at the time. I was shocked and didn’t know what to say.
As far as Raajneeti is concerned, I don’t have words to thank the people who have sent me messages and called me since Thursday night.
Prakash Jha gave me the role of a lifetime. I am looking forward to work with him in Arakshan.” Well, good luck with handling Devgn, Manoj. Be ready for some hardcore ‘Raajneeti’ during that one…
Movie Review: RAAJNEETI by FENIL SETA
Jun 4th
The present-day Indian political scenario is infested with corrupted netas and mantris with goondaism, rigged elections and dynastic partiality a regular feature of it. Raajneeti deals with all this and much more. However, let me break the myth that Raajneeti is not only for the intelligentsia or for serious cinema lovers. This is a complete entertaining film and those having no interest in politics will also love the goings-on. There’s so much happening in the film and the turn of events at each and every point is so sudden and unexpected that one won’t get a chance even to blink. This and the award winning performances are the strengths of Raajneeti and enough reasons to go and watch the film ASAP!
The story of the movie: Prithvi (Arjun Rampal) is the heir apparent to the throne of the Rashtrawadi Party. His ultimate rival is his cousin Veerendra (Manoj Bajpai), a fierce and impatient man who can do anything to reach the top. On the other hand, Sooraj (Ajay Devgn), born and brought in a Dalit area has strong political ambitions and wishes to secure the election ticket from his constituency. Veerendra uses him to thwart Prithvi. Soon, a family tragedy forces Prithvi’s younger brother Samar (Ranbir Kapoor), a person miles away from politics, to enter the corruption-infested waters of his family conflict. He’s pursuing a Ph.D from US and even has a girlfriend (Sarah Thompson) there. Indu (Katrina Kaif), Samar’s childhood friend loves him to death. However, fate proves treacherous for her as well. She’s used in this game as a pawn and has to face tragic and unforeseen situations. Brij Gopal (Nana Patekar) proves as a guide and mentor to Samar and Indu and helps them fight this nasty political battle.
Raajneeti begins wonderfully with the Naseeruddin Shah track. The film then gets little confusing when too many characters and their aspirations is put forward to the viewers. However, the film gets on the right track as soon as Ranbir and Ajay (excellent entry!) enters the narrative. And then, you are immediately sapped into the family v/s family battle. The best part of this conflict is that at every step, some character or the other is playing a dangerous double-crossing game that is a treat to watch on screen. Every character has shades of grey and the dangerous game they indulge in make it a brilliant cinematic experience!
Every character is very well written and sketched. The film is treated with aplomb perfection and it is evident that people with the right sense, knowledge and expertise has handled it. And the unique part is that the film has beautifully seamed Mahabharata with Indian political system! Truly brilliant!
In this supremely multi-starrer flick, every actor stands out, leave a mark and doesn’t disappoint. Ranbir Kapoor has the biggest role and yet again comes up with a sparkling performance. His role here is something that he hasn’t done before but he comes out with flying colours. Watch out how he speaks so much without saying a single dialogue in several scenes! Ranbir’s fan base will surely increase after Raajneeti! Great going!
Manoj Bajpai is the surprise of the film! After Ranbir, it’s Bajpai who leaves a tremendous mark. In every film, he has honestly come up with brilliant performance but unfortunately, he never got the justified fame and appreciation. It’s high time this performer gets his due! Arjun Rampal amazes once again and this time he has undoubtedly silenced all his critics who cry that he is a ‘woodden actor’! He infuses life in several scenes! And watch out when he suddenly breaks into ‘Ankhiya milayi tune ankhiya churayi’ in one of the scenes! YOU JUST ROCK DUDE!!
Ajay Devgn as usual comes up with a brilliant performance. Although relegated to the backseat most portions of the 2nd half, he gets maximum scope in the first hour. Nana Patekar was perfect for his role and comes up with a flawless performance! You can’t help but start admiring the character of Brij Gopal that he essays! Naseeruddin Shah is there only in the beginning but leaves a mark as the leftist leader.
Katrina Kaif surprises one and all. She gives a sincere performance both in her neta and non-neta avatar as well! In fact, the scene where she delivers a speech in front of packed audience is the best portion of the film! Although it is difficult to predict whether she’ll bag a National Award, she would be loved for her performance as Indu Pratap by one and all! And for those who were creating problems with the film by saying that she defames Sonia Gandhi, my only advice: just go watch the film and don’t complain about the product without consuming it! Sarah Thompson gives a honest performance. Nikhila Trikha (Ranbir’s mother) has an important role and does well. As for the supporting cast, Dayashankar Pandey (Ajay’s father), Kiran Karmarkar (corrupt cop), Chetan Pandit (Ranbir’s father), Vinay Apte (Babulal), Shruti Seth and Darshan Jariwala all come up with a brilliant performance.
There are only 3 songs in the film and are only half-played and that too in the background (Thank God!). However, Bheegi Si and Mora Piya are the best tracks.
Sachin Krishn’s cinematography deserves special appreciation. It must have been difficult capturing the election campaign scenes involving a huge crowd but the lensman does a great job. Jayant Deshmukh’s art direction was topnotch. The interiors of Ranbir’s political party office were brilliant!
Dialogues are sharp and deserve brownie points. Anjum Rajabali and Prakash Jha come up with a terrific screenplay. Only the beginning introductory portions were little confusing and the action-packed climax looked a little forced in the narrative. But these are very minor hiccups and overall the script can be termed as flawless!
Finally, Prakash Jha shines this time as the director! Making a film with such a huge star cast and on such a level is a real challenge and Jha successfully passes the test! The scenes involving the political twists-n-turns are nicely executed no doubt but it is the way he has neatly handled the romantic and confrontational scenes between Ranbir-Katrina, Ranbir-Sarah and Arjun-Katrina is what is truly appreciating! In fact, it won’t be wrong to say that this is Jha’s best film so far! Great work and keep rocking!
Some of the best scenes:
1. Beginning scene of Naseeruddin Shah
2. Sooraj and Prithvi come face-to-face for the first time
3. Veerendra’s father suffers a paralytic attack
4. Sooraj demands ticket at the Party Central Committee meeting
5. Samar with his dad and later confronted by the cop at the hospital (marvelous scene!)
6. The intermission point
7. Samar convinces Indu for marriage
8. Babulal gets used in the game
9. Prithvi seeks revenge from the cop
10. The bomb blast in the car scene (shocking)
11. Indu enters politics (best scene of the film!)
12. The climax
On the whole, Raajneeti is surely the best film of the year so far! Award-winning performances, tight script, unexpected twists and turns, scenes that gives goosepimples…the film has everything to give you a brilliant thrilling time! Although dealing with a boring theme like politics, the film has enough of interesting and entertaining sequences to keep you hooked. With no Hindi film next week, the film has a two-week window to accumulate profits which it’ll surely do! As for the viewers, just go and grab your ticket! This is something not to be missed!
My rating-**** ½ out of 5!
Nana dissociates himself from Raajneeti
Jun 1st
Nana Patekar refuses to associate himself with his former friend Prakash Jha’s Raajneeti any further after their fall out
Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 01, 2010)
Nana Patekar has decided that he has had enough of Prakash Jha and his film Raajneeti. He had walked out of the shooting after a fall out with the director and it doesn’t look like the two are making up in a hurry. Jha’s hurt and rejection has pushed Nana to the limit.
On Sunday night, the cast of the film including Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Arjun Rampal and Manoj Bajpai saw the film for the first time. Nana Patekar was conspicuous by his absence.
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When asked about it, Prakash Jha admits that matters between the two have come to a head, “When my assistant rang up to invite Nana for the Raajneeti screening on Sunday, Nana refused pointblank. He said he didn’t want anything to do with the film. He won’t attend any premiere or events. He won’t see the film at all. That’s what he said.”
Prakash has no intention of cajoling Nana into changing his mind. He says, “Why should I ask him? I won’t call him or send him any message. It’s me who has reason to be upset with Nana’s behaviour, and not the other way around.”
Nana is known to be hot-headed and the outspoken liberties come at a price. About the screening of Raajneeti, Prakash says, “Ironically, the youngsters are very happy with their own and each other’s performances. It’s the oldies who are upset.”
Manoj, Anurag friends again
May 28th
Manoj Bajpai and Anurag Kashyap to work together again after falling out ten years ago
Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 28, 2010)
Manoj Bajpai and Anurag Kashyap had clicked when they were working with Ram Gopal Varma. Anurag wrote three films for Manoj – Satya, Shool and Kaun. They both quit working with Ram Gopal Varma after they aired their differences with their mentor. Both the friends also fell out over a misunderstanding, but now they are set to work together after almost ten years.
Our source said, “After they fell out, they didn’t speak to each other for almost eight-nine years. They were extremely close until then. They recently caught up and Anurag offered him not one, but two films. Manoj is quite kicked and is looking forward to acting in both.”
Manoj Bajpai said, “All I can say is that I am doing two films with Anurag but I can’t share details. I have had a long standing relationship with him and he gave me some of the best films of my career. Finally, he will be directing me.”
Anurag is just as happy with the reconciliation. He added, “When I was writing the script, the first person I thought of was Manoj and I just called him. He was very happy and I asked him if he could come over right away and he agreed. After that, I narrated the script, he said yes, we got drunk and became emotional. It is a gangster film set in Bihar, but I can’t give you other details of the second film. The misunderstandings are a thing of the past and I want to do justice to him after our three films together.”
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| Anurag Kashyap | Manoj Bajpai | |
Manoj inspired by Chiranjeevi for his role in Raajneeti?
May 27th
Manoj Bajpai’s character in Raajneeti is inspired by South star-turned-politician Chiranjeevi
Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 27, 2010)
Manoj Bajpai, who will be seen as an ambitious, power hungry politician in Prakash Jha’s Raajneeti, seems to have found inspiration from an unlikely source: actor turned politician Chiranjeevi. The look and the mannerisms appear to be styled on the South icon.
Our source said, “When you see Manoj in the film, especially during the election campaign scenes and notice his oratory style, it bears a striking resemblance to Chiranjeevi. Even his look and his moustache are absolutely similar. The striking resemblance can’t be avoided.”
However, Manoj Bajpai did not agree with the theory. He said, “Not at all. I have never observed Chiranjeevi when he was campaigning. It might be a coincidence or some postures might be similar, but there is no deliberate attempt to copy him.
I have based my character on someone from my village in Bihar, who I have known since childhood. His name is Brijesh Singh. I wanted to capture his charisma as I play the eldest brother in this family saga. He is extremely ambitious and can go to any extent to fulfill his political ambitions. At the same time, he is a great friend and an interesting character in the film.”
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Speaking about the scenes where he resembles Chiranjeevi, he said, “Those are the sequences where I am trying to raise a debate. I was trying to look active and speak my mind. In the scene, I speak aggressively so that people who are listening to me should believe in me. I guess that’s why people find this similarity.”
