Hrithik plays magician for kids

Over the decades, actors have learnt various skills to get into the skin of their characters. Dilip Kumar learnt to play the sitar for Azad and Shabana Azmi learnt Carnatic sangeet for Morning Raga. While Ranbir Kapoor will learn to play the guitar for Imtiaz Ali’s Rock Star, Hrithik Roshan has recently learnt a skill which no other Indian actor (barring Kamal Haasan in the South) has learnt.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Guzaarish features Hrithik in the role of a magician. A Ukrainian magician has been specially called to teach Hrithik magic tricks to make him look convincing.

A source says, “Bhansali did not want Hrithik to fake the magic. Nor did he want the usual rabbit-from-the-hat kind of tricks. The director wanted the magic scenes to look authentic, so a hunt was launched for a magician who would fit the bill. The yardstick was to find an expert who will give Guzaarish ample time and establish a comfort level with Hrithik.”

Finally, the man was found. The director has put aside the shoot of the magician scenes for the very end. Now with the rest of the shooting over, the Ukrainian magician is arriving next month to, well, work his magic.

“However, the interesting part is that the Ukrainian magician was in Mumbai for a brief spell, to work with Hrithik. He taught the actor some of the coolest tricks, never seen in these parts. Now the star keeps his two sons (Hrehaan and Hridhaan) entertained all the time, so much so that the elder one, Hrehaan, expects his father to be the official magician of the evening on his next birthday. If Hrithik wants an alternate career he can easily become a magician and give our PC Sorcars a run for their money,” adds the source.

While choosing to remain mum over the ‘magical’ schedule next month, Bhansali confirmed, “A magician’s participation is needed in the film. Beyond that Hrithik and I are hoping to create magic together.”

LINK

Hrithik plays magician for kids

Over the decades, actors have learnt various skills to get into the skin of their characters. Dilip Kumar learnt to play the sitar for Azad and Shabana Azmi learnt Carnatic sangeet for Morning Raga. While Ranbir Kapoor will learn to play the guitar for Imtiaz Ali’s Rock Star, Hrithik Roshan has recently learnt a skill which no other Indian actor (barring Kamal Haasan in the South) has learnt.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Guzaarish features Hrithik in the role of a magician. A Ukrainian magician has been specially called to teach Hrithik magic tricks to make him look convincing.

A source says, “Bhansali did not want Hrithik to fake the magic. Nor did he want the usual rabbit-from-the-hat kind of tricks. The director wanted the magic scenes to look authentic, so a hunt was launched for a magician who would fit the bill. The yardstick was to find an expert who will give Guzaarish ample time and establish a comfort level with Hrithik.”

Finally, the man was found. The director has put aside the shoot of the magician scenes for the very end. Now with the rest of the shooting over, the Ukrainian magician is arriving next month to, well, work his magic.

“However, the interesting part is that the Ukrainian magician was in Mumbai for a brief spell, to work with Hrithik. He taught the actor some of the coolest tricks, never seen in these parts. Now the star keeps his two sons (Hrehaan and Hridhaan) entertained all the time, so much so that the elder one, Hrehaan, expects his father to be the official magician of the evening on his next birthday. If Hrithik wants an alternate career he can easily become a magician and give our PC Sorcars a run for their money,” adds the source.

While choosing to remain mum over the ‘magical’ schedule next month, Bhansali confirmed, “A magician’s participation is needed in the film. Beyond that Hrithik and I are hoping to create magic together.”

LINK

US-India: If a picture is worth 1000 words

US-India: If a picture is worth 1000 words

Ishqiya - A fun watch

Like other Vishal Bhardwaj films, Ishqiya too is a very bold film. No surprise, as it is directed by Abhishek Chaubey who used to assist Vishal Bhardwaj in his earlier films. Set in the rural areas of UP, near the border of UP- Nepal, it hardly shows any good thing about UP. Instead UP is shown as a state where most of the criminal and terrorist activities take place like manufacturing guns and selling them.

The narrative of the film is based on multiple story lines coming together in the end. We see two thieves played by Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi trying to escape their boss after stealing money. They take asylum in Vidya Balan’s home, she is a widow after her husband died in a fire explosion in their house. Both Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi fall in love with Vidya Balan. But their boss finds them and to add to their problems, the money too is stolen. Vidya Balan then proposes a plan where they can steal money from a rich person by kidnapping him. And both of them are left with no option but to accept the plan because of their problem and love for Vidya Balan. Once they agree to the plan, the entire thing showed prior to it becomes a MacGuffin. What is a MacGuffin? –

A MacGuffin (sometimes McGuffin) is “a plot element that catches the viewers’ attention or drives the plot of a work of fiction.”
Sometimes, the specific nature of the MacGuffin is not important to the plot such that anything that serves as a motivation serves its purpose. The MacGuffin can sometimes be ambiguous, completely undefined, generic or left open to interpretation.
The MacGuffin is common in films, especially thrillers. Commonly, though not always, the MacGuffin is the central focus of the film in the first act, and later declines in importance as the struggles and motivations of characters play out. Sometimes the MacGuffin is even forgotten by the end of the film.

It is very much similar to Psycho directed by Alfred Hitchcock where a girl steals money and tries to run away from the boss, but that is hardly something to do with the basic plot of the film. Similarly in Ishqiya, the two thieves running with the money has hardly anything to do with basic plot.

The problem in Ishqiya is that the plot of the film was very paper thin and is based on one word – ‘TWIST’. The entire film is constructed around that very word. Of course, I can’t reveal the twist here as it would spoil the film for those who haven’t seen it yet. Although a few smart things, like the old woman with a fire torch and every room having a cylinder, that are very significant in the end were added in the film, but overall the plot wasn’t very well handled and I felt the director should have made more effort in developing the plot if twist was the word Abhishek Chaubey had in his mind.

Set in a rural background like Omkara, Ishqiya is yet another very bold film from Vishal Bharadwaj’s camp. Though it isn’t directed by Vishal Bharadwaj, Abhishek Chaubey ensures that just like Vishal Bharadwaj, even Ishqiya doesn’t make any compromise in the language or the scenes to make it a family watch commercial film. However, this time unlike Omkara, the cusswords are added to the film for the purpose of comedy rather than them actually suiting the film and the situations. In Omkara, the abusive words sounded apt according to the situations, but here in Ishqiya, we see them just to add the shock value to the film. It was slightly disappointing to see that happen. But the film had some genuinely good funny moments apart from the abusive humor which they relied on a lot.

Read more from HERE

Ishqiya - A fun watch

Like other Vishal Bhardwaj films, Ishqiya too is a very bold film. No surprise, as it is directed by Abhishek Chaubey who used to assist Vishal Bhardwaj in his earlier films. Set in the rural areas of UP, near the border of UP- Nepal, it hardly shows any good thing about UP. Instead UP is shown as a state where most of the criminal and terrorist activities take place like manufacturing guns and selling them.

The narrative of the film is based on multiple story lines coming together in the end. We see two thieves played by Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi trying to escape their boss after stealing money. They take asylum in Vidya Balan’s home, she is a widow after her husband died in a fire explosion in their house. Both Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi fall in love with Vidya Balan. But their boss finds them and to add to their problems, the money too is stolen. Vidya Balan then proposes a plan where they can steal money from a rich person by kidnapping him. And both of them are left with no option but to accept the plan because of their problem and love for Vidya Balan. Once they agree to the plan, the entire thing showed prior to it becomes a MacGuffin. What is a MacGuffin? –

A MacGuffin (sometimes McGuffin) is “a plot element that catches the viewers’ attention or drives the plot of a work of fiction.”
Sometimes, the specific nature of the MacGuffin is not important to the plot such that anything that serves as a motivation serves its purpose. The MacGuffin can sometimes be ambiguous, completely undefined, generic or left open to interpretation.
The MacGuffin is common in films, especially thrillers. Commonly, though not always, the MacGuffin is the central focus of the film in the first act, and later declines in importance as the struggles and motivations of characters play out. Sometimes the MacGuffin is even forgotten by the end of the film.

It is very much similar to Psycho directed by Alfred Hitchcock where a girl steals money and tries to run away from the boss, but that is hardly something to do with the basic plot of the film. Similarly in Ishqiya, the two thieves running with the money has hardly anything to do with basic plot.

The problem in Ishqiya is that the plot of the film was very paper thin and is based on one word – ‘TWIST’. The entire film is constructed around that very word. Of course, I can’t reveal the twist here as it would spoil the film for those who haven’t seen it yet. Although a few smart things, like the old woman with a fire torch and every room having a cylinder, that are very significant in the end were added in the film, but overall the plot wasn’t very well handled and I felt the director should have made more effort in developing the plot if twist was the word Abhishek Chaubey had in his mind.

Set in a rural background like Omkara, Ishqiya is yet another very bold film from Vishal Bharadwaj’s camp. Though it isn’t directed by Vishal Bharadwaj, Abhishek Chaubey ensures that just like Vishal Bharadwaj, even Ishqiya doesn’t make any compromise in the language or the scenes to make it a family watch commercial film. However, this time unlike Omkara, the cusswords are added to the film for the purpose of comedy rather than them actually suiting the film and the situations. In Omkara, the abusive words sounded apt according to the situations, but here in Ishqiya, we see them just to add the shock value to the film. It was slightly disappointing to see that happen. But the film had some genuinely good funny moments apart from the abusive humor which they relied on a lot.

Read more from HERE

Shah Rukh and Kajol to ring the NASDAQ bell

 

Bollywood stars Sharh Rukh Khan and Kajol are all set to ring the NASDAQ bell as the American stock exchange opens for business on Monday morning.

This is the first time that Indian stars have been invited to ring the opening bell for the exchange as an act of promotion for their upcoming film 'My Name Is Khan'.

SRK and Kajol would be ringing the bell on behalf of Fox Searchlight Pictures which is distributing the film in the US market, a NASDAQ spokesman said.

With over 3,700 companies listed, the NASDAQ has more trading volume than any other stock market in the world.

"This prestigious event is usually reserved for CEOs of major corporations and is broadcast live on many television networks across the globe," Indian promoters of the movie in the US said.

Khan and Kajol have starred together in many successful films over the years including 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' and 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' which are both modern classics in Hindi cinema.

Read the rest HERE.

Shah Rukh and Kajol to ring the NASDAQ bell

 

Bollywood stars Sharh Rukh Khan and Kajol are all set to ring the NASDAQ bell as the American stock exchange opens for business on Monday morning.

This is the first time that Indian stars have been invited to ring the opening bell for the exchange as an act of promotion for their upcoming film 'My Name Is Khan'.

SRK and Kajol would be ringing the bell on behalf of Fox Searchlight Pictures which is distributing the film in the US market, a NASDAQ spokesman said.

With over 3,700 companies listed, the NASDAQ has more trading volume than any other stock market in the world.

"This prestigious event is usually reserved for CEOs of major corporations and is broadcast live on many television networks across the globe," Indian promoters of the movie in the US said.

Khan and Kajol have starred together in many successful films over the years including 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' and 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' which are both modern classics in Hindi cinema.

Read the rest HERE.

Jackie Chan might make his Bollywood debut with SRK's Ra1

If Shah Rukh has his way, Jackie might make B-Town debut in Ra1

Martial arts legend Jackie Chan will make his Bollywood debut with Shah Rukh's Ra1. Sources from Red Chillies reveal they are in talks with Chan for the superhero action film.

If Chan comes on board, expect to see major action scenes featuring him and SRK in the action-thriller directed by Anubhav Sinha.

Hollywood crew
Ra1 will be based in Miami and Hollywood crew will being used for the film. Cinematography is by Ueli Steiger ("The Maiden Heist"), while David Benullo ("Shadow Man") is screenwriter. According to the buzz, Jackie will play the role of a scientist who helps Shah Rukh fight off the bad guys. A source says, "They are hoping Jackie agrees to be part of the film. The production house has sent him a detailed script with the action scenes and a brief synopsis of his character.

Read more from HERE

Jackie Chan might make his Bollywood debut with SRK's Ra1

If Shah Rukh has his way, Jackie might make B-Town debut in Ra1

Martial arts legend Jackie Chan will make his Bollywood debut with Shah Rukh's Ra1. Sources from Red Chillies reveal they are in talks with Chan for the superhero action film.

If Chan comes on board, expect to see major action scenes featuring him and SRK in the action-thriller directed by Anubhav Sinha.

Hollywood crew
Ra1 will be based in Miami and Hollywood crew will being used for the film. Cinematography is by Ueli Steiger ("The Maiden Heist"), while David Benullo ("Shadow Man") is screenwriter. According to the buzz, Jackie will play the role of a scientist who helps Shah Rukh fight off the bad guys. A source says, "They are hoping Jackie agrees to be part of the film. The production house has sent him a detailed script with the action scenes and a brief synopsis of his character.

Read more from HERE

Chandan Arora's Striker makes its debut on YouTube on February 5.

Chandan Arora's Striker makes its debut on YouTube on February 5. Mind you, this isn't a leak but an official release of the film on the site making it the first Bollywood release to premiere on the portal.

However, the catch is that the movie will be available on rent for the US audience, and online visitors from India won't be able to watch it.

Those outside the US will be able to see it for free on www.youtube.com/studio18. However, we think it won't be too long before the film leaks and makes its way to other sites.

Striker is directed by Chandan Arora and stars Siddharth Narayan, Padampriya, Anupam Kher, Aditya Panscholi and Vidya Malavade.

LINK

Chandan Arora's Striker makes its debut on YouTube on February 5.

Chandan Arora's Striker makes its debut on YouTube on February 5. Mind you, this isn't a leak but an official release of the film on the site making it the first Bollywood release to premiere on the portal.

However, the catch is that the movie will be available on rent for the US audience, and online visitors from India won't be able to watch it.

Those outside the US will be able to see it for free on www.youtube.com/studio18. However, we think it won't be too long before the film leaks and makes its way to other sites.

Striker is directed by Chandan Arora and stars Siddharth Narayan, Padampriya, Anupam Kher, Aditya Panscholi and Vidya Malavade.

LINK

"I love SRK to death...." - Farah Khan

"I love SRK to death...." - Farah Khan

Ishqiya movie review by Nikhat Kazmi

Film: Ishqiya
Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Arshad Warsi, Vidya Balan
Genre: Crime
Direction: Abhishek Chaubey
Duration: 2 hours

Critic's Rating:

Story: Two crooks, Mamujan and Babban are on the run from another crook they have duped. They seek refuge with a friend's widow who turns out to be as crooked as them. The threesome hatch a plot to get rich quick. But, do they succeed?  

Movie Review: Ishqiya is a zany little black comedy that may be completely desi in its idiom, its lingo, its landscape. Yet, when it comes to drama, it is totally Hollywood. Debutant director Abhishek Chaubey tells his story with a panache that falters only in the end. Ironically, if he hadn't faltered in winding up this delectable little tale of a wicked trio, with nothing to lose not even their morals -- he would have created a masterpiece. But the last few reels are so much of a rumble-tumble, they leave you both confused and somewhat dissatisfied.

But till you reach the slipshod resolution of the story, Ishqiya is pure delight. Both in terms of the narrative that moves from one tangy twist to another; and in terms of the performances, which are so zippy, they fill you with beans. Naseeruddin Shah lives and breathes the role of the wily and somewhat wizened Mamujan who doesn't balk at falling on his would-be assassin's feet, begging for mercy. Nor does he see anything amiss in colouring his beard black, when the wily widow, Krishna (Vidya Balan) sets his testosterone in play with her seductive song and guile. But Arshad Warsi doesn't want to be left behind as Babban, the rustic rogue and matches him crooked step for step. And the duo are totally bindaas as rivals in love, ready to beat each other to pulp for the charms of Krishnaji. As for Krishnaji: Vidya Balan truly deserves another wow after her scintillating show in Paa. This time, she does a complete volte face to her Parineeta image, flashing her eyes, sucking thumbs and setting out the details for a kidnap plot, with unbridled glee. Truly, this ones a magical threesome that sets the explosive backdrop literally on fire with their everything's-fair-in-love -- and petty crime -- principles.

 

Read the rest HERE.

Ishqiya movie review by Nikhat Kazmi

Film: Ishqiya
Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Arshad Warsi, Vidya Balan
Genre: Crime
Direction: Abhishek Chaubey
Duration: 2 hours

Critic's Rating:

Story: Two crooks, Mamujan and Babban are on the run from another crook they have duped. They seek refuge with a friend's widow who turns out to be as crooked as them. The threesome hatch a plot to get rich quick. But, do they succeed?  

Movie Review: Ishqiya is a zany little black comedy that may be completely desi in its idiom, its lingo, its landscape. Yet, when it comes to drama, it is totally Hollywood. Debutant director Abhishek Chaubey tells his story with a panache that falters only in the end. Ironically, if he hadn't faltered in winding up this delectable little tale of a wicked trio, with nothing to lose not even their morals -- he would have created a masterpiece. But the last few reels are so much of a rumble-tumble, they leave you both confused and somewhat dissatisfied.

But till you reach the slipshod resolution of the story, Ishqiya is pure delight. Both in terms of the narrative that moves from one tangy twist to another; and in terms of the performances, which are so zippy, they fill you with beans. Naseeruddin Shah lives and breathes the role of the wily and somewhat wizened Mamujan who doesn't balk at falling on his would-be assassin's feet, begging for mercy. Nor does he see anything amiss in colouring his beard black, when the wily widow, Krishna (Vidya Balan) sets his testosterone in play with her seductive song and guile. But Arshad Warsi doesn't want to be left behind as Babban, the rustic rogue and matches him crooked step for step. And the duo are totally bindaas as rivals in love, ready to beat each other to pulp for the charms of Krishnaji. As for Krishnaji: Vidya Balan truly deserves another wow after her scintillating show in Paa. This time, she does a complete volte face to her Parineeta image, flashing her eyes, sucking thumbs and setting out the details for a kidnap plot, with unbridled glee. Truly, this ones a magical threesome that sets the explosive backdrop literally on fire with their everything's-fair-in-love -- and petty crime -- principles.

 

Read the rest HERE.

Stills from Karthik Calling Karthik

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stills from Karthik Calling Karthik