Will it rain hits in 2010?

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Considering that the film industry lost a huge chunk of money in 2009 courtesy the strike, IPL and the swine flu scare, B-town folks are hoping that 2010 will ensure more hits and moolah at the box office. And why not?


Not considering January 1, big banner films open in the cinemas next Friday onwards, starting with Yash Chopra’s Pyaar Impossible, directed by Jugal Hansraj. It’s the story of a geeky hero who’s crazy about the drop-dead gorgeous heroine. Never mind if it features Uday Chopra. Priyanka Chopra is hoping to pull it off single-handedly. If can make it possible remains to be seen. It’s another thing that the Shah Rukh Khan-Sushmita Sen-Fardeen Khan starrer, Dulha Mil Gaya, also opens on the same day.


Here’s a first look at the films that the audience and critics are waiting for in the next 12 months...

Chance Pe Dance

Starring: Shahid Kapoor and Genelia D’Souza

Director: Ken Ghosh

What’s it about? According to the promos, it’s about the hero, played by Kapoor, who aspires for stardom, and the struggle he goes through to realise his ambition. D’Souza plays his love interest and emotional support, after Jiah Khan was ousted halfway through the film. Besides, it’s said to be full of Kapoor’s real life struggle to become a star.

Status: Releasing on January 15

Veer

Starring: Salman Khan, Sohail Khan, Mithun Chakraborthy, debutantes Zarine Khan and Lisa

Director: Anil Sharma

What’s it about? A period film set in the late 1800s, about the Pindari community and their fight against the British Raj in

pre-Independence India.

Status: Releasing on January 22

Rann

Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh

Director: Ram Gopal Varma

What’s it about? RGV’s take on the electronic media. Bachchan plays the founder of the country’s first private 24x7 news channel. Any reference to Prannoy Roy of NDTV is purely coincidental.



Status: Releasing on January 29

Striker

Starring: Siddharth, Vidya Malavade

Director: Chandan Arora



What’s it about? A carrom player, Surya, lives on the fringes of a criminal existence but struggles to not succumb to it. Set in Mumbai of the mid-’80s, it’s said to be based on the true accounts



Status: Releasing on January 29

My Name IS Khan

Starring: Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol

Director: Karan Johar



What’s it about? It doesn’t matter what it’s about, when these three talented giants come together for a project. Add to it the fact that Star Fox Studios has bought the worldwide distribution rights of the movie. This time round, Johar takes a look at the impact of 9/11 on Muslims in the US. SRK plays the autistic Rizwan Khan while Kajol plays his love interest in his journey of winning love all over again.

Status: Releasing on Feburary 12



Prince – It’s Showtime

Starring: Vivek Oberoi, Nandana Sen and Aruna Shields

Director: Kuki Gulati



What’s it about? Oberoi plays a small-time crook. When he’s not conning people, he’s romancing the sexy Shields, who’s already being touted as the desi Bond babe. Besides the Taurani brothers, Oberoi is also looking forward to it, hoping it will click, and undo the damage done by the flop Kurbaan.

Status: Releasing in February



Karthik Calling Karthik

Starring: Farhan Akhtar and Deepika Padukone

Director: Vijay Lalwani



What’s it about: Farhan Akhtar plays a lovable loser whose chance meeting with his namesake, Karthik, changes his life forever.

Status: Releasing on February 26



Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge

Starring: Ajay Devgn, Konkona Sen Sharma and Paresh Rawal

Director: Ashwini Dheer



What’s it about? Devgn and Sen Sharma play a happily married couple, till their relative, played by Rawal, arrives. As if that’s not bad enough, he even extends his stay and postpones his departure from their house every time under some pretext or the other.

Already, the poster featuring the trio reminds us of License To Wed. After their disastrous One Two Three, producer Kumar Mangat and director Dheer must be desperately hoping that they don’t have to say, “Audience tum kab aaoge.”

Status: Releasing on February 26

Teen Patti



Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, R Madhavan, debutante Saira Mohan and Sir Ben Kingsley

Director: Leena Yadav



What’s it about? Supposed to be inspired by the Hollywood hit, 21, this one features Bachchan as a mathematics professor while Maddy plays a gambler. Sir Ben Kingsley features in a very special appearance and Saira Mohan adds the required glamour quotient to this film, that’s directed by Leena Yadav and produced by Ambika Hinduja.

Status: Scheduled to release on February 26

Road, Movie

Starring: Abhay Deol, Tanishtha Chatterjee and Satish Kaushik

Director: Dev Benegal

What’s it about? Vishu, played by Deol, refuses to be involved with his father’s

faltering hair oil business and hits the road with a travelling cinema company. During his journey across a tough and rough terrain, he brings us in contact with issues like police corruption, corporate culture, a desert warlord’s philosophy, ethnic stereotyping and a passion for cinema.



Having already won the heart of the audiences at film festivals, as well as critical acclaim, it’s waiting to exhale at the domestic box office.

Status: Scheduled to release on February 26



Milenge Milenge

Starring: Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor.

Director: Satish Kaushik



What’s it about? A love story that’s inspired by Serendipity. Producer Boney Kapoor chose to produce this film when the two stars were in a relationship. First scheduled to release in 2005, the film has been delayed, at times because of Kapoor’s financial problems, and later, because the lead pair got too busy.



No prizes for guessing that Kapoor will be saying ‘milenge milenge’ to the audiences when it finally makes it to the cinemas.

Status: Scheduled to release on Feburary 26

Kajra Re

Starring: Himesh Reshammiya, Mona Laizza and Amrita Singh

Director: Pooja Bhatt



What’s it about? Bhatt’s most commercial venture is a love story set in Jordan. There have been reports of how she screamed at Reshammiya when he couldn’t deliver emotional scenes. Of course, the composer-singer is hoping to prove himself as an actor, after his last release, Radio, had no takers.

Status: Scheduled to release in March



Kites

Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Kangana Ranaut and Barbara Mori

Director: Anurag Basu



What’s it about? A love story between an Indian man and a Mexican woman, which reportedly turned into reality when rumours of Sussanne Khan walking out of the Roshan household because of hubby Hrithik’s alleged affair with Mori, did the rounds. Of course, all’s well that ends well, because she returned soon, attributing her days at her maika to a termite problem at the three-storey Roshan home.



Hollywood filmmaker, Bret Ratner, is overseeing the English version while producer Rakesh Roshan will look after the Hindi version. So what is Ranaut doing in this film? We’re waiting to watch.

Status: Scheduled to release in May



Housefull

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh and Deepika Padukone

Director: Sajid Khan



What’s it about? Hopefully, this time Khan hasn’t been inspired by any Hollywood film, unlike his directorial debut, Heyy Baby. We only know that it’s a comedy, and the once-upon-a-time funny man on the small screen will give us many reasons to laugh. The film is also important for producer Sajid Nadiadwala and Akshay Kumar, who had a bad run at the box office in 2009.

Status: Releasing on May 20



Rajneeti

Starring: Ajay Devgn, Nana Patekar, Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, and Manoj Bajpai

Director: Prakash Jha



What’s it about? Obviously, politics! Besides, it’s also said to be Jha’s adaptation of the Mahabharata, against the backdrop of Bihar politics, which the filmmaker is so well versed with. However, this time, given the magnanimity of the canvas and the scale of the subject, Jha preferred to shoot in Bhopal, rather than his old favourite – Satara. The film has been in the news because Katrina’s role is said to be inspired by Sonia Gandhi.



Status: Releasing on May 28



Raavan

Starring: Abhishek Bachchan, Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Govinda

Director: Mani Ratnam



What’s it about? A modern day Ramayana, but told from the perspective of Raavan, essayed by Abhishek. Vikram plays aaj ka Ram and Sita is played by Aishwarya. Believe it or faint, Govinda plays Hanuman and Nikhil Dwivedi plays Lakshman.



Status: Scheduled to release this summer



No Problem

Starring: Akshaye Khanna,

Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kapoor, Bipasha Basu and Kangana Ranaut

Director: Anees Bazmee



What’s it about? That shouldn’t be the question, when a reliable writer-director like Bazmee is at the helm of affairs. But for the uninitiated, it’s a comedy and producer Kapoor, having learnt from his previous dud, preferred saying No Problem this time round.

Status: Release date yet to be announced



Hook Ya Crook

Starring: John Abraham, Genelia D’Souza and Ashutosh Rana

Director: David Dhawan



What’s it about? A cricketer is sentenced to prison, where he encounters a jailor who has a problem with him from day one. Produced by UTV, this desi version of The Longest Yard meets The Shawshank Redemption climaxes in a cricket match between Abraham and Rana’s teams. If you thought Abraham’s team will predictably win, Dhawan promises plenty of surprises.



Status: Patchwork shoot pending



Delhi Belly

Starring: Imran Khan, Kunal Roy Kapoor, Vir Das and Shenaz Treasurywala.

Director: Abhinay Deo



What’s it about? A contemporary youth film in English, which is believed to have engrossed producer Aamir Khan so much that he couldn’t leave it without completing it, when he picked it for a cursory look. But it will be a while before we watch this dark comedy set in Delhi, as nirmata Khan wants to release it abroad first.



Status: In post-production stages



Love You Maa

Starring: Kajol, Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal

Director: Siddharth Malhotra



What’s it about? An official remake of the Hollywood hit Stepmom, whose rights, producer Karan Johar acquired, before they started shooting a major spell in Australia in late 2009. Kareena replays Julia Roberts, a woman who marries Rampal, but has to deal with his ex-wife, Kajol (enacting Susan Sarandron’s part) who’s still a part of his children’s lives.



Status: Under production

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Action Replay

Starring: Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Director: Vipul Shah



What’s it about? Time travel. Kumar is getting his make-up done by an international artist. Shah, whose London Dreams gave nightmares to the distributors and theatrewallahs, is hoping that his jodi with Kumar will hit the bull’s eye at the box office like their previous outings — Namastey London and Singh Is Kinng.



Status: Under production, releasing in May or June



Guzarish

Starring: Hrithik Roshan,

Aishwarya Rai and Monikangana Dutta

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali



What’s it about? Roshan plays a paraplegic in the movie and for a considerable part, is restricted to moving about in a wheelchair. Rai plays his Florence Nightingale, while Datta plays his ex-love interest in flashback mode. Never mind if Saawariya gave the blues to the distributors and co-producers at Sony Pictures. Bhansali is hoping to strike gold at the box-office with this Hrithik-Aishwarya starrer.



Status: Under production



Tees Maar Khan

Starring: Akshay Kumar

Director: Farah Khan



What’s it about? A con-man played by Kumar, whose name is Khan in this action comedy. Farah’s third film as a director doesn’t have best friend, producer and actor of her first two movies, Shah Rukh Khan. Will she score a hat trick with this film, which is written and co-produced by her hubby Shirish Kunder, remains to be seen.



Status: Pre-production



Anjana Anjani

Starring: Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra

Director: Siddarth Raj Anand



What’s it about? But naturally a love story, since Siddharth comes from the Yash Raj school of filmmaking. But after Ta Ra Rum Pum, he has moved out of the Chopra camp and is directing this romance for Sajid Nadiadwala.



Status: Currently being shot



Khatta Meettha

Starring: Akshay Kumar

Director: Priyadarshan



What’s it about? Yet another comedy helmed by the director with one of his favourite actors. But this time round, South actress Trisha has been signed on to make her Hindi debut. She’s playing a character who belongs to two different time periods.

Needless to say, Akki and Priyan are hoping that the audience doesn’t give Khatta Meetha the de dana dan treatment when it releases in theatres later this year.



Status: Shooting in progress



Dhobi Ghat

Starring: Aamir Khan and Prateik Babbar

Director: Kiran Rao



What’s it about? Still too early to say, because Khan doesn’t like to reveal anything about his movies to the media. His wife, Kiran, is also producing the film, which was shot in guerilla style under her banner, Cinema 73. But if the perfectionist actor-filmmaker has chosen to be a part of it, there’s no doubt that it is one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year.



Status: Post-production



1-800-Love

Starring: John Abraham and Pakhi

Director: Abbas Tyrewala



What’s it about? A romantic story set in London. Madhu Mantena, who produced Ghajini, and Abbas Tyrewala, who directed Jaane Tu.. Ya Jaane Na.., come together for this one, toplining Abraham and Pakhi aka Mrs Tyrewala. Buzz is that the makers might change the title.



Status: A few days’ shoot pending

Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey

Starring: Abhishek Bachchan and Deepika Padukone

Director: Ashutosh Gowariker



What’s it about? Undeterred by the failure of What’s Your Raashee?, Gowariker turns to history once again, after Jodhaa Akbar. However, this time he has material in the form of Manini Chatterjee’s book, Do And Die, based on the Chittagong Uprising of 1930. AB junior and Padukone play historical characters for the first time in their careers.



Status: Shooting in progress



Rakta Charitra

Starring: Vivek Oberoi, Surya and Sudeep

Director: Ram Gopal Varma



What’s it about? Based on the political rivalry between Paritala Ravi and Madalchhevuru Suri, RGV swears that this two-part film will change people’s perception about Vivek Oberoi and make Surya a Bollywood star. While Oberoi plays Ravi, Surya essays Suri.



Status: Still under-production



I Hate Love Stories

Starring: Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor

Director: Puneet Malhotra



What’s it about? A different kind of love story from Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. This is the vision of Puneet, nephew of celebrated designer Manish Malhotra.



Status: Under-production

Robot/Enthiran

Starring: Rajnikant and Aishwarya Rai

Director: Shankar



What’s it about? A sci-fi thriller with a good dose of romance and action in true Rajnikanth style. He plays dual roles, of a professor who makes robots, as well as his creation, a humanoid.



Aishwarya plays the professor’s ladylove in the film, that is said to be India’s most expensive. Oscar-award-winning sound engineer Resul Pookutty will use Hollywood’s path breaking sound processing software to create the voice of Rajnikanth’s humanoid.



Status: Post-production



Toonpur Ka Super Hero

Starring: Ajay Devgn and Kajol

Director: Kireet Khurana



What’s it about? An animated world called Toonpur, where Ajay Devgn enters as a super hero. Said to be India’s answer to Hollywood’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit, this film boasts of extensive graphics, animation and visual effects. Probably that’s why it’s taking the film so long to reach the finishing line. Producer Kumar Mangat and presenters, Kishore and Sunil Lulla, are hoping to make profit.



Status: Post-production



Aditya Chopra’s next production

Starring: Shahid Kapoor and Anushka Sharma

Director: Parmeet Sethi



What’s it about? Yet another romantic flick from the Yashraj stable, directed by first-timer Parmeet Sethi. Yes, Archana Puran Singh’s husband, who reportedly, declined Shah Rukh Khan’s brother’s role in My Name Is Khan, will make his directorial debut with this film.



Status: In post-production

Patiala House

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Anushka Sharma, Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia.

Director: Nikhil Advani



What’s it about? An extended family living in Southhall, London, with a good dose of the country’s favourite game, cricket. Akshay has already been taking bowling lessons from Pakistani pacer, Wasim Akram, who will also make his acting debut with this film, as a coach. Besides, Anushka steps outside the Yashraj banner for the first time. Advani and Kumar are keeping their fingers crossed and hoping to salvage their lost reputation with Chandni Chowk To China.



Status: Pre-production, releasing Diwali 2010

Agent Vinod

Starring: Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor

Director: Sriram Raghavan



What’s it about? A spy thriller on the lines of the Bourne films of Hollywood, with Kareena also doing her fair share of stuntbaazi with beau and hero-producer Saif. While Raghavan is looking at doing a hat trick after the successes of Ek Hasina Thi and Johnny Gaddaar, Saif-Kareena are hoping to break the Kurbaan jinx.



Status: Shooting to start soon

It’s A Wonderful After Life

Starring: Shabana Azmi, Mark Addy and Senthil Ramamurhty

Director: Gurinder Chadha



What’s it about? A comedy film, centered around an Indian mother, played by Azmi, who takes her obsession with marriage into the world of serial murder. Known to be a perfectionist, Azmi put on weight to get into her character.



Status: Releasing some time this year



Hopefuls and Maybes

RA1

Starring: Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor

Director: Anubhav Sinha



What’s it about? A sci-fi film.



Status: The shoot will begin some time this year



Golmaal 3

Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tusshar Kapoor, Arshad Warsi and Shreyas Talpade.

Director: Rohit Shetty



What’s it about? Apparently, even Shetty is yet to fix the subject of his third Golmaal film for Shree Ashtaviyanak Cine Vision. However, he’s keen to rope in Kareena Kapoor to play Devgn’s leading lady, the dates and money matters having been agreed upon. Nonetheless, Shetty is planning to start filming on April 1, so he can release it during Diwali. Hope he’s not joking.



Status: Yet to be updated



Hera Pheri 4

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal.

Director: Anees Bazmee



What’s it about? Raju (Akshay), Shyam (Suniel) and Babu Rao (Paresh) take their hera pheri international, that producer Firoz Nadiadwala has been planning ever since the second managed to earn profits. It’s another thing that for some strange reason, he’s insisting on calling, what is actually the third film of the series, as Hera Pheri 4.



Status: So soon?



Double Dhamaal

Starring: Sanjay Dutt, Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi and Aftab Shivdasani

Director: Indra Kumar

What’s it about? Now that’s something even Kumar and co-producer Ashok Thakeria probably won’t be able to tell you now.

Status: Must you still ask?