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Posts tagged Vishal Bhardwaj
The good, the bad and Amole
Sep 7th
Though much in demand for negative roles after his stint in Kaminey, Amole Gupte will be seen playing quirky roles in two films
Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 07, 2010)
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| Amole Gupte |
The coming year will see the actor in two very different avatars, in Sagar Bellary’s Bheja Fry 2 and Santosh Sivan’s Urumi. Says Amole, “I don’t know if they’re to be talked about. But yes, I’ve acted in these films, largely because I’ve known their directors Sagar Bellary and Santosh Sivan for years. But also because I need the money to make films with children.”
Having completed one children’s film Aansoon Bane Moti last year, Amole says he takes on acting assignments only so he can make films with children.
But the actor is in demand; especially post his bad man stint in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Kaminey.
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| Santosh Sivan |
Amole however says, “Kya karoon? I am only being offered kaminey roles. It’s ironical that I make films on tender lives but I play parts of scumbags.”
When quizzed if he has played another negative character in Santosh Sivan’s Urumi, Amole says, “I wouldn’t say I’m negative in Urumi. But I am quirky and wacky.”
Saif quits Vishal’s film?
Sep 7th
The director was miffed when the actor suggested changes in his script. Soon after, Saif walked out of the project
Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 07, 2010)
After Shahid Kapoor walked out of Vishal Bhardwaj’s film Dreams (working title), which will be produced by Ekta Kapoor, his role was offered to Saif Ali Khan. He accepted it graciously. The grapevine now has it that the actor demanded some changes in Bhardwaj’s script, which did not go down well with the director. On knowing this, Saif recently walked out of the film.
Earlier, when Shahid turned down the role, he told Vishal that he would prefer it if they worked together on Kaminey 2 instead. A source says, “During that time, Shahid also got a good offer to host a TV dance reality show, Dancing With Superstar. However, he did not accept that either.”
Dreams is a story, which is narrated in a dream. Added the source, “Though the plot resembles a bit with the recent Hollywood blockbuster Inception, Bhardwaj was ready with the script of Dreams much before Inception released.”
When Saif asked for changes, Bhardwaj put his foot down. Adds the source, “Bhardwaj is a director who sticks to his script and vision. Often, many actors are apprehensive and nervous before signing up for a character in Bhardwaj’s films.
Both Saif and Shahid took a long time to say ‘yes’ to Bhardwaj for Omkara as well as Kaminey. This time too, the role is very challenging but fruitful.”
All said and done, Saif’s exit from Dreams is rather shocking, especially because both he and Bhardwaj were reportedly again warming up with one another. Says the source, “Saif was miffed with Bhardwaj for casting Shahid, who happens to be Kareena Kapoor’s ex-boyfriend, for Kaminey.
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| Shahid Kapoor | Vishal Bhardwaj | |
Moreover, after Saif’s Langda Tyaagi character was lauded in Omkara, the actor was hoping Bhardwaj would cast him in his next.”
When asked if he is indeed not doing Vishal’s film for Ekta Kapoor, Saif said, “Yes I am not doing the film as of now.” When asked if it was the script of the film that put him off, the actor chose not to reply.
Bhardwaj remained unavailable for comment. As of now, Dreams stars Deepika Padukone. Another heroine will soon be finalised. Whether Bhardwaj will offer the hero’s role to Shahid again or not, is the million-dollar question.
Kunal Kohli miffed with Priyanka?
Sep 1st
Kunal’s unhappy that Priyanka cited date issues for his big project starring Saif
Prithwish Ganguly | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; September 1, 2010)
The industry is buzzing with the gossip of another huge fallout in Tinseltown. Filmmaker Kunal Kohli is apparently hopping mad with the sassy Priyanka Chopra. The actress, who is busy for over a year with approximately seven film offers, was supposedly approached by Kunal for a film in which he wanted to launch a new jodi — Priyanka and Saif Ali Khan. However, due to date issues, she could not give him a nod. But there’s also buzz that she’s doing Sajid Nadiadwala’s film with Saif instead.
Meanwhile, Priyanka’s deliberations about Kunal’s film apparently made the director very unhappy as he was chasing her for quite some time. Sources revealed, “Kunal has expressed his disappointment and anger to some industry professionals. We hear that Kunal’s words have also reached Priyanka’s ears and she was quite taken aback.”
The informer added, “Kunal isn’t ready to understand that Priyanka is neck deep into work. From finishing Vishal Bhardwaj’s Saat Khoon Maaf to Farhan Akhtar’s Don 2, Abbas Mustan’s Race 2, The Italian Job and several other film offers, Priyanka has no breathing space. Along with all this, she is also doing Khatron Ke Khiladi and many endorsements. Vishal wanted to cast her again but she is facing date issues with him too. Kunal has, however, taken it to heart.”
Since Priyanka is in Brazil shooting for her TV reality show, she could not be contacted for comment. However, when we contacted Kunal, despite the entire industry knowing about him planning a film with Saif and Priyanka and the internet too having hundreds of reports on his ambitious project, he said, “I haven’t approached her for any film. I’m doing a film with Saif. We haven’t locked the heroine yet, just finished the script. I’m told Priyanka’s doing Sajid Nadiadwala’s film with Saif. So, that’s why I haven’t approached her.”
Shahid wooing Vishal for Kaminey 2?
Aug 30th
After mending fences with the director, Shahid has been frequenting his Lokhandwala office to convince him to make a sequel
Mauli Singh (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 30, 2010)
If all goes well, Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj will team up again for the sequel of their much-acclaimed Kaminey. Earlier, this newspaper had reported that the actor and the director, who had parted ways during the making of Kaminey, have now patched up.
The latest on that patch up is that Shahid is now wooing Vishal to make the sequel of Kaminey with him in the lead role.
A source close to the actor said, “Shahid’s double role in Kaminey as the feisty Charlie and the soft-spoken Guddu was lauded by many. The actor has been sending the director feelers, so that he casts him in Kaminey 2.”
Apparently, post his patch up with the director, Shahid has been frequenting Vishal’s Lokhandwala office. He is making frequent visits to Vishal’s office and urging him to make the sequel of Kaminey. The actor strongly feels that the film is now a brand and has a lot of potential for a sequel.
The source added, “Though Vishal is excited about making the sequel, he is taking his time to make a clear decision on it, as he is currently busy with the post-production work of Saat Khoon Maaf, starring Priyanka Chopra as well as the pre-production work on his next project with Ekta Kapoor starring Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone.”
But the director’s commitment to Shahid stays strong nevertheless. Not too long ago, we had reported about Shahid’s long meeting with Vishal in London. The latter had gone there for work on Saat Khoon Maaf.
Not only did Vishal meet Shahid warmly, he also made it a point to meet Shahid’s father Pankaj Kapoor as well.
Clearly, the newfound camaraderie seems promising to Shahid. Though both he and Vishal remained unavailable for comment, Shahid’s official spokesperson said, “Shahid is very keen to work with Vishal again and take the Kaminey brand further. He enjoyed working on that film very much.”
Vidya Balan in Sanjay Gupta’s Milte Hain
Aug 23rd
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, August 23, 2010 – 14:35 IST
Sanjay Gupta may be busy casting for his remake of the Spanish film Ladron Que Roba Ladron but before that film goes on floors, Gupta will be producing another film Milte Hain to be directed by Meghna Gulzar.
Vidya Balan has been signed for the lead role while the hunt for the male actor is still on. Vishal Bhardwaj would be composing music for this flick while Gulzar saab would be penning the lyrics. Milte Hain is apparently based on an Australian play Double Act and Gupta has gone ahead and legally acquired the rights to remake.
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
Vishal-Ruskin – An unusual BOND
Aug 22nd
Hindi film director Vishal Bhardwaj and Anglo-Indian writer Ruskin Bond make for an unlikely working pair. But they think the world of each other
Anubha Sawhney Joshi | TNN (THE TIMES OF INDIA; August 22, 2010)
It’s not everyday that you hear Ruskin Bond sing. “But I was so bored and irritated with Mumbai’s traffic, I really considered breaking into song just to clear the cars,” says the 76-year-old Mussoorie resident only half in jest. The writer made the trudge from Colaba to Oshiwara to meet friend and fan Vishal Bhardwaj, who has based two of his films (The Blue Umbrella and Saat Khoon Maaf) on stories originally written by Bond. But more on that later.
“I’m a really bad singer but I quite enjoy singing. As a young man, I was fascinated by opera and would subject people to my baritone and tenor,” he says. But egg him on to sing and he surprises you with a song nowhere close to opera. Hawa mein udta jaaye, mera laal dupatta malmal ke.. err.. ka, Bond croons, sitting in the music room of Bhardwaj’s office. The music director nods approvingly.
Getting this duo together in Mumbai is a rarity. “But I’m happiest meeting Ruskinji in Mussorie,” says Bhardwaj, adding that he’s bought the house next to the author’s and they now share a wall. They actually share more than that. Both love the mountains. And enjoy a story well told, preferably over a couple of stiff drinks.
So who’s the better storyteller? “He is,” both say in unison. “There’s no debate there,’’ clarifies Bhardwaj, “I’m just a good re-teller.” He then confesses that he was introduced to Ruskin Bond’s writings by wife Rekha, the original Bond fan in the family.
Conversation flows effortlessly between these two. “I would go to Mussorie to play cricket; Ruskin Bond’s house was a landmark,” says Bhardwaj, who then indulgently lets Bond do much of the talking. “My opening dialogue in his film is a killer,” says the writer, referring to his cameo in Saat Khoon Maaf. “Am I allowed to talk about it?” The director gives his assent, and Bond launches into an elaborate explanation of the scene. “So Priyanka Chopra’s character is telling me how I make her feel calm and comfortable, and I say ‘It all comes down to love, sweetheart’,” Bond enunciates, thrilled at the dialogue and his delivery. As we applaud the first-time actor, he looks at Bhardwaj menacingly and says, “Don’t you dare cut that line out. If you do, I won’t write for you ever again.” Bhardwaj assures him that the line stays and a pleased Bond gleefully continues to tell us how he has two costume changes in the film. “And I look much better in those clothes than I do in my own,” he says, looking disapprovingly at his spotless white shirt.
He then gives Bhardwaj and his publicity manager some tips on marketing the upcoming film. While they both make mental notes, Bond wears the title of marketing guru quite lightly. “I’ve made a living by writing books in a country like India for 55 years—of course, I would know a thing or two about how to sell an idea,’’ he says nonchalantly. Does it bother him that the reading habit is slowly going down? “On the contrary, in fact. Despite no distractions like the internet, even in my time people hardly read. If anything, that minority of readers has swelled in the recent past. And I’m happy about that.’’
Bond writes in long hand. “When I was making Kaminey, the best time of the day would be after pack-up, when I would retire to my room and take out a chapter that he had written and lie back to read it,” says Bhardwaj. “I’m a lazy writer,” confesses Bond. “I would wait for him to read a chapter and say ‘Very good’ before I went on to write the next one.”
So does he still write every day? “I try to. I’m writing something else for him right now,” he offers. “We’re developing another project together,” says Bhardwaj. “But only if you don’t cut my opening line out from this one,”chuckles Bond.
Ruskin Bond in Saat Khoon Maaf
Aug 21st
Bharati Dubey | TNN (THE TIMES OF INDIA; August 21, 2010)
Mumbai: The name’s Bond. Ruskin Bond.
The media-shy and reclusive man from the hills will make his first appearance on silver screen in Vishal Bharadwaj’s Saat Khoon Maaf, which is based on Bond’s story Susanna’s Seven Husbands.
An Indian author of British origin, Ruskin Bond’s writing has inspired several filmmakers to translate them into films. His novel The Flight of Pigeons was adapted by Merchant Ivory films to make Shashi Kapoor-starrer Junoon. Bhardwaj himself is adapting Bond’s book for the second time. His critically acclaimed Blue Umbrella was also based on a Ruskin Bond story.
“When my casting director came up to me and said Ruskin Bond would suit the character, I told him that Bond would not agree,’’ said Bhardwaj. “After the script was ready, I sent him a copy. Then when I went to Mussoorie, I asked him about playing a role in the film and he laughed it off. I pestered him for three months before he finally agreed to do the role. He really thought I was joking, while I always thought it would be an honour to have him as part of my film.’’
Bond makes his movie debut opposite the gorgeous Priyanka Chopra. In one scene, he has to give her a peck on the cheek. The director says scene took quite a few retakes, “Because he is very shy.’’ Or maybe not. When Bhardwaj told the rosy-cheeked Bond that he would have to hold Priyanka’s hand in another scene, the writer replied with his trademark charm, “I may not let go of that hand then.’’
Chopra, on her part, is absolutely thrilled to be sharing screen space with the legendary writer. “I got all his books autographed as soon as I met Mr Bond on the sets,’’ Chopra says. “I grew up reading Ruskin Bond and even studied some of his stories as part of my school curriculum. Meeting him, acting in a film based on his story and finally sharing the screen with him is just too good to be true,’’ she adds.
This is not the first time a writer has appeared on screen. Bhisham Shahani, who wrote Tamas, played a vital character in Govind Nihalani’s adaptation of the story into a teleseries. “Though hesitant in the beginning, Sahni fit the part and gave a great performance. Besides, he is actor Balraj Sahni’s brother, so he has the acting gene in the family,’’ says Nihalani, adding that Bond’s debut is “fantastic casting.’’
Even Salman Rushdie has done a cameo in both Bridget Jones’ Diary as well as Then She Found Me. Urdu writer Ismat Chugtai featured in Merchant Ivory’s Junoon and Booker prize winner Arundhati Roy has featured in Massey Sahib, In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones and Electric Moon.
Movie Review: LAFANGEY PARINDEY by FENIL SETA
Aug 20th
Pradeep Sarkar carved a niche with his directorial debut Parineeta but his reputation took a beating with his second venture, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag. That was one of the two reasons as to why everyone is so skeptical about Lafangey Parindey. The second reason being, Lafangey Parindey seems so different from Sarkar’s kind of cinema. The promos showed Mumbai, its gritty streets, chawls, boxing, dance and skating…something which is surely isn’t his forte. But surprise! Lafangey Parindey turns out to be a neat film! Pradeep Sarkar handles it very well and is surely worth the 250 bucks ticket!
The story of the movie: Nandu (Neil Nitin Mukesh) is a street fighter who has a unique way of fighting with his opponents-blindfolded. Confident, charming and carefree…he lives a content life fighting and roaming with his chawl friends. In the same chawl lives Pinky Palkar (Deepika Padukone). She works at a mall but can wonderfully dance on skates and dreams of winning a reality show. One rainy night, hell breaks loose as Nandu has a dreadful experience. On the same night, Pinky loses her eyesight in an accident. Fate brings them together and how Nandu and Pinky teach each other lessons of life is what the film is all about.
You fall for Lafangey Parindey in the intro scene itself (Nandu explaining his fighting strategy). Nandu’s interaction with Anna (Kay Kay Menon) and the accident takes the film higher and higher! Especially the accident sequence was nicely executed (by showing it in 2 different ways). It also adds a nice surprise in the narrative. The scene thereafter right till the intermission keep you hooked thanks to interesting sequences and a fast-paced narrative! In short, the first half is just awesome!
Post-interval, the film tries to maintain the flow but gets dragging at places. Also Neil’s dance was weird in the elimination round sequence. Perhaps he could have worked better at his moves. The writer could have added some more turns towards the finale. But that would have not only increased the length of the film but also could have failed. Hence he kept it simple but at the same time predictable. Thankfully it works but also reminds you of the climax of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi! Nevertheless, overall the film turns out to be a decent attempt!
Neil Nitin Mukesh was a surprise for such a role. But he does total justice to it and although he doesn’t look like a chawl guy, his terrific performance compensates for it. The actor will soon be seen in 2 exciting films-Vishal Bhardwaj’s Saat Khoon Maaf and Abbas-Mustan’s The Italian Job remake! Way to go NNM!
Deepika Padukone is undoubtedly the best performer in the film! Her dance, mannerisms, expressions and her beautiful smile…everything about her shall leave you spellbound! Another amazing performance from an amazing actor! Piyush Mishra was great no doubt but he doesn’t leave a mark as he did in Tere Bin Laden and Gulaal. Manish Choudhary was decent as the cop. Namit Das who played Ranbir’s pal in Wake Up Sid was too good. So was Palomi. Kay Kay Menon has a special appearance in the film and nice to see him after a long time. Others were good.
M Anandh’s music wasn’t outstanding but made for decent listening. The title song was the best song of the lot followed by Man Lafanga and Nain Parindey. Zubin Balaporia’s background music was perfect. N Nataraja Subramaniam’s cinematography was as usual excellent. Sanjib Datta’s editing works especially in the beginning scenes. Sham Kaushal’s action was terrific and very realistic. Bosco Caesar and Sandro Guerra, the choreographers do a great job and they contribute in the film’s success considering that dance and skates have an important role in the film.
Newbie Gopi Puthran has written the story, screenplay and dialogues and has excelled in all 3! Story was novel but it’s the screenplay that is really terrific. Dialogues seem very real for the setting of the film.
Finally Pradeep Sarkar springs a surprise! He enters a new territory but does an exceptional job! Good to see that he’s back in form and hoping that his next film, too, would work!
Some of the best scenes of the film:
1. The first scene
2. Nandu with Anna
3. Pinky’s accident
4. The song Nain Parindey
5. Nandu trains Pinky
6. The intermission point
7. Nandu puts on the skates for the first time
8. The cop’s investigation
9. Nandu and Pinky watching movie (hilarious!)
10. The last 15 minutes
On the whole, Lafangey Parindey is a great attempt and succeeds in impressing. Surely worth putting your money for! At the box office, it has all the time upto the release of We Are Family (September 2) to rule and emerge as a hit!
My rating-*** ½ out of 5!
Shahid-Vishal end ‘tiff’, friends again!
Aug 14th
Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj, who were at loggerheads during the making of Kaminey over creative differences, are now chummy again
Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 14, 2010)
That Shahid Kapoor and filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj had developed creative differences during the making of Kaminey was much written about.
Apparently, the pair had had a serious tiff and was not on talking terms for quite some time after the film. But they have made up now. Shahid and Vishal are all set to work together again.
And it seems Vishal broke the ice. The director shared an interesting idea for a film with Shahid. Vishal wants Shahid to play the male lead in his film. Two weeks ago, Shahid and Vishal had a very long meeting in London.
Vishal, who was in London on some work associated with his forthcoming film Saat Khoon Maaf, met Shahid in a five-star hotel.
Says a source, “The two met very warmly. It seemed that nothing had happened between them during the making of Kaminey.”
On this London trip, Vishal made it a point to meet with Shahid’s father, Pankaj Kapoor, who is currently directing Mausam, his directorial debut. Vishal and Pankaj go back a long way professionally and have been very good friends.
Pankaj is one of Vishal’s favourite actors, which is why he had cast him in both Maqbool and The Blue Umbrella. And sure enough, both the films won him a lot of praise.
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| Vishal Bhardwaj |
Vishal thus has a lot of faith in Shahid, given his lineage. Adds the source, “The filmmaker considers Shahid to be a very accomplished actor. Both of them are very keen to join hands again.” Living up to his name, Vishal does seem to have a big heart.
Neil panics during love-making sequence with Priyanka
Aug 12th
By Subhash K. Jha, August 12, 2010 – 11:17 IST
When it comes to love-making scenes, Neil Nitin Mukesh has still a long way to go. So it was discovered when Neil landed up in Coorg last month to play the first of Priyanka Chopra’s seven husbands in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Saat Khoon Maaf. During the love-making scene, Priyanka had to put all her acting skills into action to get the shy Neil to perform on par.
Apparently, there are seven love-making sequences for the actress with her seven screen husbands, each of different moods and playing-time.
The love scene with Neil turned out to be somewhat more complicated than he had bargained for. That’s when Neil panicked.
Thorough professional that she is Priyanka, sailed through the love scenes with her other screen husbands. With Neil, there was apparently some awkwardness and much re-takes before, much to Neil’s relief, the shot was okayed.
Neil doesn’t deny the absence of an adequate comfort level with Priyanka. “But that’s because I hardly got to know her before working with her in Coorg. It was like …in and out. We didn’t get to know one another at all. I hardly had time to reach Coorg before we started shooting. There was no time for proper rehearsals.”
Neil can’t help compare his inadequate chemistry with Priyanka to his great rapport with Deepika Padukone during the shooting of Lafangey Parindey.
Lighting up like a cigarette in the dark Neil glows, “Oh, with Deepika it was different. It was just the two of us. We had ample time to know one another before we faced the camera. In Saat Khoon Maaf, I am just one of the seven men in Priyanka’s life. It was almost like Aadmi musafir hai aata hai jaata hai.”
Having said that Neil is all praise for Priyanka and Vishal Bhardwaj. “She is amazing on camera . I just loved watching her give her shots. As for Vishal Bhardwaj just being directed by him is a learning experience.”
Coming back to the love scene in Saat Khoon Maaf, Neil protests, “It isn’t as if I was camera shy. I just didn’t get enough time to get comfortable. I’ve done a love-making scene earlier with Rimi Sen in my first film Johnny Gaddaar.”
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
