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Subhash K Jha celebrates 19 Years of Karan Johar’s Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, which starred Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee, Abhishek Bachchan, Preity Zinta, Kirron Kher and Amitabh Bachchan in a new installment of This Day That Year.

Sometimes you hold a film close to your heart not because the characters embrace you, but for the opposite reason. The four protagonists who colonize Karan Johar quadrangular marital romance are so distanced from their spouses and their dormant desires, you wonder why they got married in the second place!

…Or why any two people decide to opt for what many would say is an obsolete institution in the first place!!

Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna (Kank) is indeed a definite sign of Karan Johar maturation as an artiste and a filmmaker. This is a film that derives its inspiration energy from Karan’s favourite filmmaker Yash Chopra’s interesting but abortive Silsila.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s debut as a director in 1996’s Khamoshi: The Musical was a triumph of artistry. But a box office disaster. Looking back at this sleeper classic one can see it was flawless in its storytelling almost to the end, when suddenly the tragic end was changed into a happy one.

Some say Slb’s first film about the beautiful vulnerable Annie (Manisha Koirala) trying to cope with the possessive demands of her deaf and mute parents is still his most honest work.

The truth is Khamoshi: The Musical fell prey to dishonesty when the original tragic ending of Annie’s death had to be changed on distributors’ demand. The dark passionate redemptive tale was rejected on the day it was released. Manisha immortalized herself with her porcelain looks and delicately nuanced performance. Salman sportingly slipped into a supporting role, just to give his friend a boost up in his directorial debut.

Deepika Padukone spoke about her brilliant performance and the making of Homi Adjania’s Cocktail, which clocks 13 years, in this Subhash K Jha throwback feature.

Cocktail is not high on surprises. The two main characters are prematurely jaded, bored out of their wits by an excess of hedonism. Into their lives arrives the timid golden hearted jilted bride who needs a home and a place to call her own.

The film is really about three unmoored characters finding their bearings. That it has been shot in London is a happy circumstance for the characters. Cinematographer Anil Mehta makes them look ravishing in their rain-washed lives with glimmers of sunshine peeping out in tantalizing scoops.

Unfortunately, Saif silhouetted against the London’s quaint bustle is a bit of a cliche. He brings nothing new to his role, and he isn’t entirely to be blamed for it. Saif’s is a thankless part.

Subhash K Jha revisits Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Hum… Dil De Chuke SanamHum… Dil De Chuke Sanam. Thereafter, my life as a cineaste underwent a complete change. Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying my friend Sanjay has made the best film ever. Or perhaps I Am saying that. And don’t let the “friend” before Sanjay’s name distort the truth. I became friends with the director only after he made Hum Dil what-have-you.

I still remember that morning after the devastating experience. Before Ho-ho-hum-dil-de-chuke-sanam, all I knew about Sanjay was through Khamoshi: The Musical, not to be confused with Khamoshi: The Super-Musical that Asit Sen had made thirty years earlier. I expected to encounter an arrogant, impetuous director completely conscious of his genius as a director. And I was prepared for it. After all, Sanjay was the most romantically enthused and sensitive filmmaker since...

To celebrate Iranian auteur Majid Majidi, Subhash Jha takes a look at his brilliant Indian film Beyond The Clouds.

Majid Majidi’s chronicles of humanism, whether it is Father (1996), Children Of Heaven (1997), The Color Of Paradise (1999), The Willow Tree (2005) or the Song Of Sparrows (2008), they all sing a melody of oneness and kinship. The kinship among the downtrodden is always shown to be special and indelible in Majid Majidi’s cinema. Here in Beyond The Clouds, it is the profound bonding between a brother and a sister that gives a centre to the plot.

Sibling bonding has been big in Bollywood since Choti Bahen in 1952 and Raakhi in 1959. We haven’t had a vital brother-sister bonding story since Pyari Behna in 1995 and Bandhan in 1998. In Beyond The Clouds, Majid Majidi’s protagonists are siblings, played by Ishan Khattar and Malavika Mohanan. And neither has a love interest in the plot.

Why Did The Filming Schedule Of Aamir Khan’s Lagaan Extend? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Apoorva Lakhia, a filmmaker who started his journey by assisting names like Mira Nair and Ang Lee, earned recognition in Indian cinema through his work on Lagaan as an assistant director. Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and produced by Aamir Khan, Lagaan is a milestone in Indian film history. Released in 2001, the period drama is celebrated for its unique storyline and its status as one of the greatest Indian movies ever made.

However, behind the cinematic glory lay an exhausting production journey, which Lakhia recently detailed. Despite being planned as an 80-day shoot, the film took nearly 300 days to complete. Extreme weather conditions, logistical challenges, and unforeseen setbacks led to this delay. From directing scenes from a hospital bed to financial hurdles that required Aamir Khan’s intervention, Lagaan faced many hurdles to complete.

Apoorva Lakhia Says...

Gunday is a kitschy pseudo-historical depiction of Bangladeshi migrants in Kolkata post the 1971 Bangladeshi war of liberation. Two boys, Bikram and Bala, crawl across the border into Kolkata and become some kind of messianic outlaws. The film glorifies a life of crime to a level of embarrassing exultation until we see the two ‘heroes’(ha ha) constantly on the run from the ‘the law’(as represented by the insanely sane and sensible Irrfan Khan).

But Bikram and Bala, who grow up to be two blobs of brainless brawn played by Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor, are no ordinary criminals on the run. They run in slow-motion, sometimes shirtless, most of the time brainless, their biceps and six-packs glistening in hairless glory. They are the Milkha Singhs of the internet generation, meant to eulogize wanton materialism by flaunting their physicality without inhibition or reservation.

They are the greedy generation from before greed was invented.

Continuing to shine the spotlight on the esteemed actress, Subhash K Jha revists Preity Zinta’s five finest films.

1. Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna (2006):

Sometimes, you hold a film close to your heart, not because the characters embrace you but because they do so for the opposite reason. The four protagonists who colonise Karan Johar’s marital romance are so distanced from their spouses and their dormant desires that you wonder why they got married! Or, why do any two people decide to opt for what many would say is an obsolete institution in the first place!! Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna (Kank) is indeed a definite sign of Karan Johar’s maturation as an artiste and a filmmaker. This is a film that derives its inspiration energy from Karan’s favourite filmmaker Yash Chopra’s interesting but abortive Silsila. Even more interesting is the casting… the role of the unfaithful...

What Did Malaika Arora Say In Her New Ig Post Amid Arjun Kapoor Break-Up? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Ever since Arjun Kapoor confirmed his break-up with Malaika Arora, the latter has shared several cryptic posts on Instagram. After posting an amusing story about her “relationship status,” the model and actress has now shared a quote about how she does not care if someone does not like her.

Malaika and Arjun dated for almost six years and often made headlines for their adorable romance. During their relationship, they did not shy away from expressing their love for each other on social media. However, Arjun announced he was single in October 2024.

Malaika Arora Shares Social Media Post About People “Who Don’t Like Her”

Malaika Arora recently shared a quote on her Instagram story, which read, “I don’t have time to worry about who doesn’t like me. I’m too busy...

Karan Johar’s most personal film Ae Dil hai Muskhil , a requiem to unrequited love, is eight years old. It is the film from his own repertoire that Karan Johar loves the most. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is an exceedingly Pure take on love, of the unreciprocated kind.

Ranbir’s Ayaan loves Anushka’s Alize. They have a lot of fun together and are constantly exploring the wild juvenile side to their personality. But she finds him to be just friendship material. It is enormously gratifying for the high level of visual aesthetics that Karan invests into his frames. Full marks to cinematographer Anil Mehta for shooting Karan’s location and actors with an intensity that frequently betrays their shallow interests in life. Though there are four pivotal characters in Johar’s capricious quadrangle, the focus is entirely on Ranbir and Anuskha. She finds him fun but no spouse material.

The recent death of Anil Kuldip Mehta, Malaika Arora’s father, has been a tragic and deeply emotional event. Anil Kuldip Mehta, 65, reportedly died by suicide by jumping from the balcony of his apartment in Bandra, Mumbai. Before the incident, he had called his daughters, Malaika and Amrita Arora, and reportedly expressed that he was “tired.”

His wife, Joyce Polycarp, noticed Anil’s slippers in the living room around 9 am on Wednesday. Concerned, she searched the apartment and then looked over the balcony railing, where she saw a commotion and a security guard calling for help. This led her to realize something was seriously wrong.

Anil Mehta’s remains will be cremated today. The ceremony is expected to be attended by close family members and friends. Pictures show Malaika’s mother, Joyce Polycarp, visibly distraught, being supported by her grandson, Arhaan.

-Malaika’s ex-husband, Arbaaz Khan, was one of the...

The passing of Anil Mehta, father of Malaika Arora, has been a deeply emotional and challenging time for her and her family. Here’s a summary of the recent events and responses surrounding this tragic incident:

Date and Location: Anil Kuldip Mehta died by suicide on Wednesday morning in Mumbai. He reportedly jumped from the balcony of his apartment in Bandra.

Cremation: The mortal remains of Mr. Mehta were cremated today. The last rites were attended by close family and friends.

Family and Friends at the Last Rites:

Family: Malaika Arora was accompanied by her mother, Joyce Polycarp, her son, Arhaan, and her sister, Amrita, during the cremation. Joyce Polycarp was visibly emotional and was consoled by her grandson, Arhaan.

Friends and Colleagues:

Close Friends: Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, and Karisma Kapoor, who share a close bond with Malaika and her family, attended the last rites.

Industry Peers: Arshad Warsi...

The update on Anil Mehta’s passing reveals that the post-mortem examination has identified “multiple injuries” as the cause of death. This development adds complexity to the case and will likely be a focal point of the ongoing investigation.

Post-Mortem Findings

– The post-mortem, conducted on Wednesday night, has revealed multiple injuries, though specific details about these injuries have not yet been released. This information may influence the direction of the investigation and could provide more insight into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Previous Reports

– Anil Mehta was initially reported to have died by suicide, with sources indicating that he had been observed regularly sitting on the balcony and reading newspapers. His ex-wife, Joyce Polycarp, found his slippers in the living room and later saw a distressing scene below, which led to the discovery of his death. Despite not having significant health issues beyond knee pain, the circumstances of his death are now under closer scrutiny.

The outpouring of support for Malaika Arora following the death of her father, Anil Mehta, reflects the deep bonds she has with her friends, family, and the wider entertainment industry. The presence of prominent figures like Arjun Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, and others at her father’s residence underscores the close-knit nature of the Bollywood community.

Support from Friends and Family

Arjun Kapoor: His gesture of escorting Malaika to her car and helping other guests highlights his support during this challenging time. In a video Arjun was seen exiting the gate with Malaika behind him. He then escorted her to her car. Arjun also helped Kareena and Karisma Kapoor to their car.

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Kareena Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor: Their presence, along with Arjun Kapoor’s, shows the strong friendships Malaika has within the industry.

Other Celebrities: Saif Ali Khan,...

The situation surrounding Anil Mehta’s passing is indeed very somber and complex. The details about his final phone calls to his daughters, Malaika and Amrita, and his statement “I am sick and tired” add layers of poignancy to the tragedy. It’s understandable that the police are investigating the context of his remarks to better understand his state of mind before his death.

Malaika Arora’s mother, Joyce, providing insights into Anil Mehta’s daily routine and the circumstances leading up to the incident adds further context to the situation. Her account indicates that while Anil Mehta was not reported to be suffering from a significant illness, he had been dealing with knee pain and had retired from the Merchant Navy.

Later, Malaika also issued an official statement and sought for privacy from the media and well-wishers during this difficult time. “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear father,...

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which turned 7 on October 28, is one good-looking film with actors who epitomize human beauty. True, they strive helplessly towards reaching the inner core of their being to obtain a spiritual centre to match that abundance of physical beauty. That synchronized connectivity between inner and outer beauty escapes the filmmaker as well as his characters who are heard mouthing some beautiful poetry that seems ordered online.

The film is enormously gratifying for the high level of visual aesthetics that Karan invests into his frames. Full marks to cinematographer Anil Mehta for shooting Karan’s location and actors with an intensity that frequently betrays their shallow interests in life. Karan Johar loves his films to look beautiful. He works towards gleaming polishing and grooming his locations and actors as though he were building a Taj Mahal for the gen-y to rest its reposeful romanticism.

Though there are four...

Dark comedies are a genre that can be rather rewarding and entertaining, as filmmakers like Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon-ho have exhibited time and time again. It takes, however, a very steady directorial hand to achieve the balance demanded, and, unfortunately, debutante Jasmeet K. Reen falls are at least partially short of retaining it. Let us see, however, if the presence of Alia Bhatt (also in the role of the producer for the first time) and the involvement of Red Chillies Entertainment (Shah Rukh Khan and his wife’s company) managed to salvage the film in the end.

The film begins with Hamza Shaikh announcing to his girlfriend, Badrunissa “Badru” Shaikh, that he has finally succeeded in an interview about a government job, subsequently proposing, to her intense joy. 3 years later, the couple is living in a small apartment over a hairdresser’s but

Hamza has succumbed to alcoholism,...

CinemaThe Telugu original had Nani and Shraddha Srinath in the lead.Digital NativeCourtesy..TwitterThe hit Tollywood film Jersey is being remade in Hindi, with Shahid Kapoor playing the lead role. Retaining the same title for the Hindi version as well, the makers have announced that the shooting has been wrapped up, but the film will be released later this year. Jersey is reportedly planned for a Deepavali release and is slated to hit the screens on November 5, 2021. Shahid Kapoor wrote on his Twitter handle, “Jersey releasing in theatres this Diwali 5th November 2021. The triumph of the human spirit. A journey I am so very proud of. This ones for the Team .... (sic).” Jersey releasing in theatres this Diwali 5th November 2021. The triumph of the human spirit. A journey I am so very proud of. This ones for the Team .... @mrunal0801 @gowtam19 @GeethaArts@theamangill @SVC_official @SitharaEnts pic.twitter.com/WvDz...

TollywoodThe actor pointed out that anyone would have wanted to lap up the offer but she being realistic had to let go off the opportunity. Digital NativeDigital NativeThe Tollywood flick Jersey is all set to be remade in Hindi and Shahid Kapoor has been roped in to reprise the role done by Nani in the original version. Mrunal Thakur will be playing the female lead. But did you know that Rashmika Mandanna was the first choice and that she rejected the offer? Yes, the actor revealed in an interview that right now, she is only interested in doing commercial movies. The actor pointed out that anyone would have wanted to lap up the offer but she being realistic had to let go off the opportunity. She had said, “Imagine doing something like ‘Jersey’ and not being able to pull it off.” Rashmika went on to add, “If I am a part of a film,...

Angrezi Medium

Starring Irrfan, Radhika Madan, Deepak Dobriyal,Kareena Kapoor Khan, Dimple Kapadia

Directed by Homi Adajania

In spite of a fractured prelude in mofussil Rajasthan which, like a herd of sheep in a grazing stretch , meanders all over, Angrezi Medium is a very strong relationship drama, anchored by a powerful performance by Irrfan. Though his illness has visibly ravaged him, he remains a force to reckon with.

Irrfan’s Champak Bansal (no relation to his Raj Batra in Hindi Medium) is a proud Rajasthani rustic mithaiwala who lives and breathes for his motherless daughter. He oils and combs her hair and monitors her moves with the single-mindedness of a human drone , and doesn’t mind being labeled an ‘over-possessive’ and a ‘paranoid’ parent . These labels don’t count for Champak. He wouldn’t even know what they mean. All he knows is how to be a father. The rest can go fly a kite.

Irrfan Khan has understood the true meaning of life, and importance of living in the moment after his health scare. While recuperating from a rare illness, the actor said he was restless to be fine, and now has resolved to put his health as top priority.

The actor, who is still under treatment from the disease, is taking baby steps back into the acting world. He was away from the big screen since the release of "Karwaan" in 2018 -- the year when he was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour. He will be back on the silver screen with "Angrezi Medium", a follow-up to his 2017 film "Hindi Medium". The film is slated to release on March 13.

Also Read:?Irrfan Khan and Deepak Dobriyal give sibling rivalry a delightful touch

Irrfan says he was not restless about getting back to work, but to get fit and fine.

"No work was never my anxiety.

Some love stories define the victory of love. Some define the value of love. Some define the underneath passion that make love last for ever. Some love stories end in desolation and only the melancholia remains. But “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil” tells a story of love where the loser is always the winner and it’s nothing but the narrative of “one sided love story”.

Ayan (Ranbir) meets Alizeh (Anushka) in a bar and falls for her. And it’s love at first sight for Ayan. They are new generation lovers, so both are into bed in a whisker. But Ayan is in pure love, he wants to extract more from the relationship, something that does not exist in Aliazeh’s mind. The mind of the lover and the thought of a friend collide and cause the break up.

Alizeh has a past and she goes back...

Actor Irrfan Khan, who had taken a break after his neuroendocrine tumour diagnosis last year, is back on sets. He started shooting for "Angrezi Medium" on Friday here. The buzz about Irrfan shooting for the film, which is a sequel to his 2017 movie "Hindi Medium", had started earlier this week when he was spotted at the Mumbai airport. On Friday, producer Dinesh Vijan released a photograph that confirmed Irrfan's return to work.

The image has Vijan, director Homi Adajania, actor Deepak Dobriyal, cinematographer Anil Mehta and Irrfan posing together.

In March 2018, Irrfan had announced his diagnosis and said that he was going abroad for treatment. He returned to India in February this year.

"Hindi Medium", one of the top grossers of 2017, revolved around a well-off Chandni Chowk couple in Delhi (played by Irrfan and actress Saba Qamar) who aspired to break into the elite society and give their daughter the best education possible.

The ace cinematographer talks about shooting the song which is centred around the villagers waiting for the rains. Mehta elaborates on why he had only 20 minutes to shoot an entire sequence, the challenges of creating a cloud cover, and how the use of a stylistic device originated from being faced with a practical problem

The post Anil Mehta On How He Shot The Song ‘Ghanan Ghanan’ From Lagaan appeared first on Film Companion.

In 1998, director Majid Majidi’s “Children of Heaven” was nominated for an Academy Award, establishing the Iranian auteur’s international reputation for weaving disarming power into uncluttered yet poetic, emotionally resonant human stories. Two decades and nine films later, Majidi revisits those themes, but this time, ventures beyond his native Tehran with his first India-based, Hindi language feature, “Beyond the Clouds.” The setting may be a first for the director, but the slum-laced margins of Mumbai also seem like an ideal backdrop for his comfort zone of poignant relationships laced with subtle social commentary.

At the epicenter of the city’s poverty-stricken underbelly is protagonist Amir (Ishaan Khattar). A street-smart twenty-something who has found a skill and some degree of success in drug-dealing for a brothel owner, Amir’s sketchy choice of profession makes for explosive verbal tussles with his concerned older sister, Tara (Malavika Mohanan), who works at a...

Iranian film director Majid Majidi has brought the essence of his incredible filmmaking to a Hindi film with Beyond the Clouds. Describing the film, the director said, “This is the first feature film I have made out of my country, an experience which I waited years to happen. Beyond the Clouds is an extension of my cinematic beliefs, the roots of which lie in human values, love, friendship and family bonding.” Beyond the Clouds, is certainly that but the path to get there is wrought with tragedy, anger and pain.

Releasing worldwide on April 20th, the film introduces Ishaan Khatter and Malavika Mohanan in unbelievable performances. The cast also includes Gautam Ghose, Gv Sharada, Dhwani Rajesh, Amruta Santosh Thakur, and Shivam Puj.

Set in Mumbai, the drama tells the story of Amir and Tara, two siblings that meet again after many years. Unfortunately, an action by Amir starts the unraveling of their lives.

Beyond The Clouds

Introducing Ishaan Khatter, Malavika Mohanan

Directed by Majidi Majidi

There came a time in this cyclonic tale of squalor, despair and redemption where I thought I’d simply be blown away by the shrillness of the drama. Majid Majidi pulls out all stops to show us the underbelly of Mumbai, warts, moles and all.

The camera pans the suffocating crowds with easy grace, embracing the bizarre bazaar of racketeering and low-living with a kind of sighing interjection that is the opposite of hopelessness. Admittedly cinematographer Anil Mehta does for Majid Majidi’s Mumbai what Subrata Mitra did to Satyajit Ray’s Pather Panchali.

Without romanticizing the despair he shoots the frames with a beam of optimism.

And Dhobi Ghat never looked more intriguing. There is a key scene of sexual violence silhouetted against the flapping white bed sheets spread out for drying. This would have looked laughably...

The International Indian Film Academy announced the list of winners in the Technical categories of India’s most prominent awards celebration that honors the very best of Indian Cinema with the highest level of achievement seen through the glamorous Iifa statuette. Set to be held at the iconic MetLife Stadium, New York on the 14th & 15th of July, the 18th Edition of Nexa Iifa Awards Powered by Vivo will witness the felicitation of powerhouse performances and films at the highly anticipated Awards night.

The Nexa Iifa Awards will air exclusively on Colors – the Broadcast Partners, with the Title Sponsor Nexa, and Powered by Vivo.

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil lead the winners list by walking away with 4 awards in the technical category including Background Score (Pritam), Best Engineer (Shadab Rayeen), Cinematography (Anil Mehta, Isc, Wica) and Costume Designing (Manish Malhotra).

Other winners in the Technical category features Pink’s Ritesh Shah...

Iranian director Majidi helming coming-of-age story with all Indian cast.

India’s Zee Studios International arrived at the Efm yesterday (February 13) to launch sales on Beyond The Clouds, the first Hindi-language feature from Iranian director Majid Majidi.

Currently shooting in Mumbai, the film is described as a coming-of-age story about the relationship between a brother and sister. Ishaan Khatter heads the cast.

“Majidi has always had a deep appreciation for Indian cinema and culture,” said Zee head of overseas distribution Vibha Chopra, who travelled to Berlin from the film’s Mumbai shoot.

“He told us he plans to show India in a completely different light to the way its been filmed previously. We’ve been stunned by some of the locations he has discovered – they have never been used in Indian films before.”

Zee is co-producing the film with Mumbai-based Eyecandy Films, founded by Shareen Mantri and Kishor Arora, who convinced Majidi to tell his first Indian...

Iranian director Majidi helming coming-of-age story with all Indian cast.

India’s Zee Studios International arrived at the Efm yesterday (February 13) to launch sales on Beyond The Clouds, the first Hindi-language feature from Iranian director Majid Majidi.

Currently shooting in Mumbai, the film is described as a coming-of-age story about the relationship between a brother and sister. Ishaan Khatter heads the cast.

“Majidi has always had a deep appreciation for Indian cinema and culture,” said Zee head of overseas distribution Vibha Chopra, who travelled to Berlin from the film’s Mumbai shoot.

“He told us he plans to show India in a completely different light to the way its been filmed previously. We’ve been stunned by some of the locations he has discovered – they have never been used in Indian films before.”

Zee is co-producing the film with Mumbai-based Eyecandy Films, founded by Shareen Mantri and Kishor Arora, who convinced Majidi to tell his first Indian...

Starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Fawad Khan

Directed by Karan Johar

Let’s get this straight. Karan Johar loves his films to look beautiful. He works towards gleaming polishing and grooming his locations and actors as though he were building a Taj Mahal for the gen-y to rest its reposeful romanticism.

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil(Adhm) is one good-looking film with actors who epitomize human beauty. True, they strive helplessly towards reaching the inner core of their being to obtain a spiritual centre to match that abundance of physical beauty. That synchronized connectivity between inner and outer beauty escapes the filmmaker as well as his characters who are heard mouthing some beautiful poetry that seems ordered online.

It’s all very designer-designer in Adhm. You know, like kitchen interior and living room walls in a home-decoration magazine. But nonetheless pretty to look at and enormously gratifying for...

Just a few days back, the teaser of Varun Dhawan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer Badlapur was unveiled and within no time B-town went gaga over it!

What we hear is that Varun Dhawan took special efforts to get into the character of the movie! The director Sriram Raghavan decided to take Varun on a train ride to Badlapur along with the Dop Anil Mehta.

Makers add that Varun got so deeply involved with his character that there was a massive change in his personality while shooting for Badlapur.

A source close from the production team reveals, “It was Varun’s birthday when he gave the first shot of Badlapur. The team decided to go to Badlapur in the train so that Varun could get into his character before giving the first shot. He spoke to few people traveling to Badlapur on his way in a disguised look and in fact...

Mumbai, April 9: The passing away of cinematographer V.K. Murthy signals almost the end of the golden phase of cinema represented by actor-filmmaker Guru Dutt. Cinematographers like Santosh Sivan, Anil Mehta and Ajay Bahl say Murthy inspired many people.

Murthy, Dada Saheb Phalke award recipient, died at the age of 90 in Bangalore.

Murthy was not a mere cinematographer. His black-and-white images in Guru Dutt's monumental masterpieces created a play of light and shade which cinematographers to this day are trying to analyse. It was Murthy who made actress Waheeda Rehman look so beautiful in "Chaudvin Ka Chand" that Shakeel Badayuni's.

Sajid Nadiadwala is a very happy man with Imtiaz Ali’s Highway turning out to be a super hit and profitable for all stakeholders. The Alia Bhatt-Randeep Hooda starrer, presented by Sajid was made at a cost of Rs 18.25 crore (including P&A). The movie has already clocked more than Rs 27 crore at the Indian box office and is still running successfully across theatres. What is even more incredible is that the film has garnered this collection from just 800 screens where it was released. That apart, the film had made Rs 15.5 crore revenue even before release and the international theatrical collection is more than Rs 8 crore till date and still counting, making the total revenue pie more than 50 cr.

Sajid says: “It was both an honor and a challenge when Imtiaz entrusted me with the big responsibility of Highway’s release. We worked with our distribution partners at...

Avinash Arun’s “Killa”

Avinash Arun’s debut film Killa, won the Crystal Bear at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival in the Generation KPlus section. Killa is about an 11 year old child who is coping with the death of his father and finds it difficult to adapt to a new place he has migrated to. Director Avinash Arun tells us more about the film.

You’ve been describing Killa as autobiographical. In what sense is it so?

I come from a small town called Solapur in Maharashtra. My father kept getting transferred from one place to another. It was very difficult for me to make friends in one place and suddenly, do it all over again. This went on and on. Later, I realized that it is necessary to explore. So this nostalgia resulted in the genesis of the idea of Killa while I was still at the Ftii.

Films capture journeys, but in Imtiaz Ali’s much-awaited Highway, the journey has made the film. Presented by Sajid Nadiadwala and starring Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda, the film traverses six states of north India and captures the landscape of the different regions as it goes along.

‘Highway Diaries’ are short video snippets that capture the journey of the film and all the exciting experiences that the cast and crew had during its making.

In the latest episode of ‘Highway Diaries’, we get a sneak peek of how Imtiaz and his crew actually shot the film hopping from one location to another. During the shoot in the outskirts of Delhi, Imtiaz shares how the director of photography Anil Mehta would choose a spot while travelling along the road and then the entire crew would camp there for the shot(s). “It (the film) makes you travel and it makes you go through many states,...

A girl on a railway station who croons Lata Mangeshkar songs with aching luminosity, a stoic gluttonous ostrich, a flirty cocky gay entertainment journalist, a closet actor, a little boy who likes to dance like Katrina Kaif and a man from Allahabad who just wants to meet Amitabh Bachchan for a few seconds…Such are the engrossing characters that populate the unforgettable world of Bombay Talkies. Such are dreams celluloid dramas are woven of.

So how is it that we rarely ever get to feel so good about the movie-viewing experience?

Bombay Talkies is that rarity which makes us thankful for the gift of the movies. What would life be without the stolen pleasures in the darkened auditorium where life’s truest notions are melted own to emerge in moving images that have defined lives for generations in one way or another.

Four stories directed by four of the most...

After Rockstar, director Imtiaz Ali and music maestro A.R. Rahman are coming together again for Ali’s next film Highway, to be presented by Sajid Nadiadwala. The romantic drama being shot in real locations across different parts of north India stars Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda in the lead.

“There’s a story in your heart for years, a world you can’t wait to get into – that’s Highway,” says Imtiaz. “The grace flowed in as soon as I decided to go on this journey- Rahman sir agreed to join. I feel this movie needs him more than ever before. Then we got the ideal cast – Alia and Randeep, and the ideal crew.”

Rahman echoes his director’s feeling. “It’s a highway journey this time; with the same good company of Imtiaz and lyricist Irshad Kamil,” says the double Oscar winner. For Sajid Nadiadwala, it was an association...

Starring Shah Rukh Khan,Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma

Directed by Yash Chopra

Flawed but fabulous, the pasha of romance Yash Chopra’s swan song – may God rest his rhapsodic soul—is a swoon-worthy ode to that achy-breaky feeling called love. Reams of poetry and volumes of prose have been written on it. But no poet no author has come close to unraveling the mystery of the heart.

Yash Chopra spent most of his adult years peering passionately into the heart. Jab Tak Hai Jaan(Jthj) is not his best work. The last 35 minutes when Shah Rukh Khan loses his memory is best forgotten. Miraculously the entire end-piece of this fractured symphony co-written by Aditya Chopra and Devita Bhagat, doesn’t take away from the sublime beauty of the work.

Jthj is like an elaborate work of art and a work that offers many different kinds of guilty pleasures for all...

Practical relationships, breakup parties, hookups, casual flings – the past few years has seen Indian cinema exposing its audiences to changing faces of urban relationships circa yesterday, today and tomorrow. Despite strong deja-vu the trailers emitted hinting a Love Aaj Kal sequel, the makers of Cocktail maintained that the movie a fresh take on the themes of loyalty and friendship.

Wild child Veronica (Deepika Padukone), damsel desi Meera (Diana Penty) and self-proclaimed characterless Gautam (Saif Ali Khan) make up our threesome. Without giving the story away, though most was obvious if you, like me watched the trailer repeatedly – A and B prefer keeping it no-strings-attached, sharing the bed and even a toothbrush as they do, until A and C fall in love a drunken kiss after, but it’s a twisted cause now B is in love with A too.

Saif in a ‘been-there will continue to do that’ role as...

Eros International and Illuminati Films have released the making of ‘Tumhi Ho Bandhu’ from their upcoming film Cocktail starring Deepika Padukone, Saif Ali Khan and newcomer Diana Penty.

‘Tumhi Ho Bandhu’ features debutante Diana Penty dancing to the song composed by Pritam on Maiden’s Cove beach in Cape Town. A special set was built on the beach for the song and around a hundred extras were hired with choreography by Bosco.

The song has been written by Irshad Kamil and sung by Neeraj Shridhar and Kavita Seth. Speaking about Tumhi Ho Bandhu, Diana Penty said: “The track is very cool. It’s catchy, peppy and fun. I had a really good time while doing it (filming the song). I am supper happy.”

Speaking about the shooting of the song, cinematographer Anil Mehta said: “We had bright sunshine, it was warm and it was overcast and chilly, all on the same day.

Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif have arrived in London to film Yash Chopra’s untitled next in the British capital. The film is a contemporary love story which also stars Anushka Sharma in a pivotal role.

The two actors began filming yesterday (22nd February 2012) and are currently shooting scenes outdoor at undisclosed Central London locations.

The film produced by Yash Raj Films is tentatively called ‘Production 45′ by the production house.

Yash Chopra has returned to direction after a gap of 8 years and has been joined by his son and well known Bollywood director/producer Aditya Chopra here, who will assists him on the film.

The film is being shot by cinematographer Anil Mehta, who directed Aaja Naachle for the production house. Manish Malhotra who is designing Katrina Kaif’s clothes in the film and production designer Sharmishta Roy are also part of this schedule.

Security on the closed film...

Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif have arrived in London to begin work on Yash Chopra's new film. The Hindi film actors spent Wednesday on the set of the untitled project with director Yash Chopra, producer Aditya Chopra, cinematographer Anil Mehta and costume designer Manish Malhotra. "Getting ready for a new journey...new film...old beautiful team at yrf. Let's see wot roads we travel this time...and where we will reach," Khan posted on Twitter before departing Mumbai. The production house is said to be shooting at four different locations across London on the first day of the film. Anushka Sharma, who plays (more)...

For our non-desi reader I would like to put in a disclaimer that I am not reviewing the Mark Wahlberg – Jennifer Aniston “Judas Priest” inspired rock classic, I know how disappointing this must be for at least… 7 people.

What we are reviewing this week is powerhouse triumvirate of 4 film old director Imtiaz Ali- music composer Ar Rahman- and most recent scion of the Kapoor Kingdom Ranbir Kapoor coming together to give us the fictional biopic of Steve Urkel look-a-like Janardhan Jakhar rise to trendy bohemian bourgeois and stadium rocker Jordan Negative. The movie is told in a nonlinear timeline starting with the final concert in Rome, flashing back to a young Jordan. This is quite refreshing although not unique for a Hindi film, it did however create quite a bit of confusion for the samosa auntie collective around me in the theater. But the movie weaves such a...

11-11-11, that is when Ranbir Kapoor’s Rockstar will hit cinemas everywhere. Ranbir says it has been an incredible journey from the first shot to promotions to getting ready to release the film to the world. Along the way he has shared some of his experiences on Facebook and we thought we would give you a few that we really enjoyed reading.

“Hellooo team Rockstar.. This is Jj Aka Jordan Aka Rk.. hope guys are well and rockin… firstly I wanna thank you guys frm the bottom of heart for all the love and support you guys have shown towards our movie…this film is as much yours as its ours… we’re en route frm Amritsar to Jalandar and tom we get to Chandigarh via Ludhiana…so hope to see all you lovely people around… stick around… next few days is gonna be palang todhh…and will try and post a msg everyday…...

With so much fervor surrounding Rockstar which is set to scorch the screens on 11.11.11, Ranbir and director Imtiaz came together for a press conference, indulging the audiences with spicy gupshups about working with Nargis, Rahman’s mesmerizing tunes, Bollywood’s true-blue Rockstar – Shammi Kapoor plus Ranbir bearing his heart open on his relationships and heartbreaks.

Read on for some excerpts from the press conference!

Ranbir on working with co-star Nargis Fakhri“I can say this with a lot of confidence and please don’t take this in a wrong way, but she is by-far the best actor I have worked with. Male-Female everyone included. She came into this film without any baggage, without any backdrop of acting, without knowing the language. When she came she worked so hard, she was dedicated, passionate. She learnt Hindi, used to do 6 hours of classes, she started writing Hindi. I really believe that she...

As the title suggests Ranbir Kapoor plays a rockstar in the upcoming Imtiaz Ali directed film. From what we have seen so far, Ranbir has captured and completely lost himself into the character of an epic star totally immersed in his music. Talking about the film and the music Ranbir said, “As you know, the title ‘Rockstar’, he is a Jat boy. He has a musical journey, a love story. What kind of journey it is, when you see the film on 11th November, you’ll will discover yourself. I’m enacting the character of a rockstar, Janardan Jakhar, who during the journey of his life becomes transforms into Jordan. More than me being a rockstar, working with Imtiaz Ali, who is actually the true rockstar of this film. A.R.Rahman, Mohit Chauhan who has sang the song (Sada haq), the team of Ashtavinayak, all the Ad’s who’ve worked on this film,...