Theatrical trailer of Run Bhola Run

Salman & Govinda at WAR!

I broke this news ageees ago HERE.  Finally Mid-day joins the party and arrives as late as Desi cops to crime scenes in our fillums.

According to the rag, Govinda is apparently pissed at Salman for not promoting his daughter Narmada while Salman is angry about Govinda turning down a film role in a movie titled Shikshanacha Aicha Gho.  Now who would accept a role in a movie they can neither pronounce nor spell? Be reasonable, Salman. 

For a change, they actually managed to get a quote from one party this time signaling that this story isn't totally fake and invented to fill space.  Govinda says, "I wasn't invited to the Dabangg party. It was a Dabangg party so why should I be invited?"  Midday added ghee to the fire and told him Midget Khan and Subhash Ghai were present without having any involvement in Dabangg.  We get another fine quote from Chi Chi, "David [Dhawan] has told me he's finalizing the script. When that's ready, I will do it. Friendship and work should be kept separately. Jo kho gaya hai woh rishte se talukat nahi rakhna chahiye."

Good to see a new brawl in town. I was getting bored of SRK vs. Salman anyway.

Raavan - My Review

In a religious country like India, where people have ended up fighting over Rama and Allah, it needs some courage to take up one of the two greatest epics written and show our worshipped Lord Rama having a grey side to him. It takes even more courage to start telling the story from the villain Raavan’s point of view and justify his actions. Mani Ratnam is his latest film does exactly that when he gives the mythological story a realistic setting in today’s world and twists the story a bit to make people sympathize for the villain of the epic.

Abhishek Bachchan plays an outlaw called Beera(Raavan) in the film. Though he goes against the law, the villagers believe in him, his actions, and his ideology which makes him a character like Don Vito Corleone or the Sarkar. The only difference is he is wilder than those. The wildness, ofcourse is to draw parallelism to Raavan’s character in Ramayana. He kidnaps Raagini(Sita) played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to kill her for reasons told later in the film. But instead of killing her, he starts falling for her beauty, her bravery. This is where we see the film getting similar to RGV’s Jungle where the lead bandit started falling for Urmilla Matondkar and starts taking wrong decisions.

Mani Ratnam goes back to what he is most known for and does the best, depicting violence and terrorism on screen. Though Raavan isn’t exactly a film about terrorism, its style is very similar to those. He might not have come back to his real best, but it seems like he is on his right way now after Guru where I thought he completely lost his way and like other directors got pulled and attracted by commercial brand of cinema. With Raavan, he seems to be coming back to his own.

The most pleasing thing in this film is the visuals, the cinematography. Santosh Sivan is really a master of camerawork. He has never disappointed me with his camera work. While Terrorist is his best piece of work for me, Raavan isn’t very far behind. Though shooting infront of the waterfalls, and naturally beautiful scenes makes it easier for him to make the picture look beautiful, he is equally good in indoor scenes and close-up shots. He and Manikandan make the film a visual treat and worth watching just for the visuals alone.

Read more from HERE

Raavan - My Review

In a religious country like India, where people have ended up fighting over Rama and Allah, it needs some courage to take up one of the two greatest epics written and show our worshipped Lord Rama having a grey side to him. It takes even more courage to start telling the story from the villain Raavan’s point of view and justify his actions. Mani Ratnam is his latest film does exactly that when he gives the mythological story a realistic setting in today’s world and twists the story a bit to make people sympathize for the villain of the epic.

Abhishek Bachchan plays an outlaw called Beera(Raavan) in the film. Though he goes against the law, the villagers believe in him, his actions, and his ideology which makes him a character like Don Vito Corleone or the Sarkar. The only difference is he is wilder than those. The wildness, ofcourse is to draw parallelism to Raavan’s character in Ramayana. He kidnaps Raagini(Sita) played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to kill her for reasons told later in the film. But instead of killing her, he starts falling for her beauty, her bravery. This is where we see the film getting similar to RGV’s Jungle where the lead bandit started falling for Urmilla Matondkar and starts taking wrong decisions.

Mani Ratnam goes back to what he is most known for and does the best, depicting violence and terrorism on screen. Though Raavan isn’t exactly a film about terrorism, its style is very similar to those. He might not have come back to his real best, but it seems like he is on his right way now after Guru where I thought he completely lost his way and like other directors got pulled and attracted by commercial brand of cinema. With Raavan, he seems to be coming back to his own.

The most pleasing thing in this film is the visuals, the cinematography. Santosh Sivan is really a master of camerawork. He has never disappointed me with his camera work. While Terrorist is his best piece of work for me, Raavan isn’t very far behind. Though shooting infront of the waterfalls, and naturally beautiful scenes makes it easier for him to make the picture look beautiful, he is equally good in indoor scenes and close-up shots. He and Manikandan make the film a visual treat and worth watching just for the visuals alone.

Read more from HERE

The King of Comedy - Govinda

A few funny scenes featuring Govinda. There are lots more and even more funnier ones like Govinda's imitation of SRK, Sunny Deol and his comparison of India and cow, but I could not find it on YouTube.









SLAP FEST -

The funniest one. -

The King of Comedy - Govinda

A few funny scenes featuring Govinda. There are lots more and even more funnier ones like Govinda's imitation of SRK, Sunny Deol and his comparison of India and cow, but I could not find it on YouTube.









SLAP FEST -

The funniest one. -

Govinda and Sanjay Dutt - a riotous combination

Be it Haseena Maan Jaayegi, Jodi Number 1, or Ek aur Ek Gyarah - these two were perfect foils for each others and made for some wonderful moments of comedy on screen!

I love you Bol Daal - Haseena Maan Jaayegi:



2. Ande ka Funda - Jodi number 1:


3. Jo Ranjha The Woh Chale Gaye - Ek Aur Ek Gyarah:

Govinda and Sanjay Dutt - a riotous combination

Be it Haseena Maan Jaayegi, Jodi Number 1, or Ek aur Ek Gyarah - these two were perfect foils for each others and made for some wonderful moments of comedy on screen!

I love you Bol Daal - Haseena Maan Jaayegi:



2. Ande ka Funda - Jodi number 1:


3. Jo Ranjha The Woh Chale Gaye - Ek Aur Ek Gyarah:

Raavan release news and your predictions

'Raavan' in 2200 Screens Worldwide Click here to add this article to My Clips

By Taran Adarsh, June 16, 2010 - 16:51 IST

Reliance BIG Pictures and Madras Talkies' forthcoming film RAAVAN will release in approximately 2200 screens worldwide on Friday, June 18, making it the first Indian film to release simultaneously in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu versions.

The Hindi version of the film RAAVAN is slated to release in 1250 screens in India and 325 screens overseas in over 35 countries, including India, U.S., Canada, U.K., U.A.E., Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, South Africa, Netherlands, France, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Sri Lanka etc.

The Tamil version RAVANAN will release in 225 screens in India, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka and also in Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Pune, Nasik, Surat, Baroda, Kolkata cities with English subtitles. It will release in 150 screens overseas in Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, U.S., U.K., Middle East Asia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa etc.

The Telugu dubbed version VILLAIN will release in 215 screens in Andhra Pradesh and in additional 25 screens in U.S., Australia and New Zealand.

LINK

Post your predictions on this thread!

Mine - Opening week 45 crores - end at 75 crores

Raavan release news and your predictions

'Raavan' in 2200 Screens Worldwide Click here to add this article to My Clips

By Taran Adarsh, June 16, 2010 - 16:51 IST

Reliance BIG Pictures and Madras Talkies' forthcoming film RAAVAN will release in approximately 2200 screens worldwide on Friday, June 18, making it the first Indian film to release simultaneously in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu versions.

The Hindi version of the film RAAVAN is slated to release in 1250 screens in India and 325 screens overseas in over 35 countries, including India, U.S., Canada, U.K., U.A.E., Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, South Africa, Netherlands, France, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Sri Lanka etc.

The Tamil version RAVANAN will release in 225 screens in India, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka and also in Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Pune, Nasik, Surat, Baroda, Kolkata cities with English subtitles. It will release in 150 screens overseas in Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, U.S., U.K., Middle East Asia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa etc.

The Telugu dubbed version VILLAIN will release in 215 screens in Andhra Pradesh and in additional 25 screens in U.S., Australia and New Zealand.

LINK

Post your predictions on this thread!

Mine - Opening week 45 crores - end at 75 crores

Govinda's Gems!

RL is dedicating an entire week in honour of Govinda and his amazing song and dance numbers! So, this is a post on all the crazy wacky songs of Govinda that can be put in the so-bad-its-good category. Please enjoy and add your faves to the collection!

1. Mera ghoosa bhi sexy mera thappad bhi sexy....Epic song from the 90s!



2. This one is dedicated to Shakti Kapoor's awesomeness !



3. It just doesn't get any better than this one!!



4. What lyrics! Unbeatable!!



5. And finally who can forget this one? Mere bhi dil ne kholi phir chahat wali file...aankhon aakhon mein matter...LMAO!



Enjoy!!

Govinda's Gems!

RL is dedicating an entire week in honour of Govinda and his amazing song and dance numbers! So, this is a post on all the crazy wacky songs of Govinda that can be put in the so-bad-its-good category. Please enjoy and add your faves to the collection!

1. Mera ghoosa bhi sexy mera thappad bhi sexy....Epic song from the 90s!



2. This one is dedicated to Shakti Kapoor's awesomeness !



3. It just doesn't get any better than this one!!



4. What lyrics! Unbeatable!!



5. And finally who can forget this one? Mere bhi dil ne kholi phir chahat wali file...aankhon aakhon mein matter...LMAO!



Enjoy!!

Twins times two - Bade Miyan Chote Miyan

This may have been the first Govinda film I saw. For some reason I had it in my head that I was not going to like his movies, they would be cheesy and silly. And they are, but how easy it is to get hooked on CHEESE! This David Dhawan gem has Govinda and Amitabh as police officers, with Govinda romancing Amitabh's sister. The epiphany came when I saw this on screen:



The dance moves were like nothing I had seen before, and the lyrics - sheer poetry :D Later I discovered that ChiChi specialized in such songs that had lyrics never heard of before. A trend was later discovered! Catch pharses from one song would become the title of a later film - hence a later film - Chalo Ishq Ladaye!

The cops find an eyewitness to a murder - and have to protect her from the baddies. This was Ramya in a hot avatar, the kind she specialized in. She falls for the senior cop and we have seduction attempts that Mr. Bachchan tries to escape:



Beardless, and aging, Amitabh is no match for Govinda is charisma, comic timing or dance moves in this film. His serious cop can barely keep up with the moves or the shenanigans that the junior cop gets up to, be it joking about Mr. B's age or dancing with Madhuri as she films by the seaside:



The plot thickens as two crooks who are doppelgangers of the two cops, and are known as Bade Miyan and Chote Miyan, arrive on the scene. The confusion is compounded as the robbers lead the cops on a merry chase and no one can tell who is who anymore:



Read more HERE

Twins times two - Bade Miyan Chote Miyan

This may have been the first Govinda film I saw. For some reason I had it in my head that I was not going to like his movies, they would be cheesy and silly. And they are, but how easy it is to get hooked on CHEESE! This David Dhawan gem has Govinda and Amitabh as police officers, with Govinda romancing Amitabh's sister. The epiphany came when I saw this on screen:



The dance moves were like nothing I had seen before, and the lyrics - sheer poetry :D Later I discovered that ChiChi specialized in such songs that had lyrics never heard of before. A trend was later discovered! Catch pharses from one song would become the title of a later film - hence a later film - Chalo Ishq Ladaye!

The cops find an eyewitness to a murder - and have to protect her from the baddies. This was Ramya in a hot avatar, the kind she specialized in. She falls for the senior cop and we have seduction attempts that Mr. Bachchan tries to escape:



Beardless, and aging, Amitabh is no match for Govinda is charisma, comic timing or dance moves in this film. His serious cop can barely keep up with the moves or the shenanigans that the junior cop gets up to, be it joking about Mr. B's age or dancing with Madhuri as she films by the seaside:



The plot thickens as two crooks who are doppelgangers of the two cops, and are known as Bade Miyan and Chote Miyan, arrive on the scene. The confusion is compounded as the robbers lead the cops on a merry chase and no one can tell who is who anymore:



Read more HERE

News and Gossip for the day

Salman Khan: I'm a difficult Boyfriend

Your fans may not want to see you as a corrupt cop in Dabangg.
He is the hero. If his salary is Rs 6,000 and he has a family of 15 to support, what will he do? You are bound to earn more money through other means. But if something kills your self-respect, then I don’t think you should do it. There is always a line yaar. I can go down to a level. But if you cross the level of your zameer (conscience), which a lot of people do, then it’s disgusting. To make money out of someone’s misery is the most disgusting thing ever. But if it doesn’t make much of a difference to you, then do it. Think of yourself as Robin Hood. He stole, but he stole from the rich and gave to the poor.

Stars often visit religious places before the release of a film. What about you?
Hmm. Na, na. Everyone has different beliefs.

What is your belief? Put in your work and forget about it?
Yeah pretty much. You want your film to do well but when you go to religious places to only pray for the success of your film, it’s selfish. Some people actually believe that when you want something you must go. That’s such a sho-sha (put on), just show. You should go there quietly.

Is that possible? Who does that?
Katrina (Kaif) actually believes in this. When she visits such religious places, she does it quietly. It’s not done just before a release. She goes to these places all the time. She goes because she really believes in them. My sister Arpita visits religious places too. So does my mother. I don’t go because a lot of disturbance is caused. There are people praying and when they see me there is chaos. I don’t like that. If I want to ask God for something, I ask wherever I am. And if I do go I make sure no one is aware about it.

What surprises you the most about life?
People surprise me every single day. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse.

Have you painted while shooting for Dabangg?
No. I have yet to do a self-portrait.

You are a very successful star, which naturally comes with a certain discipline. But your ‘bratty’ image precedes you.
I haven’t struggled, I haven’t worked hard. I have taken it lightly. But I have also gone and given it my best, which is about two or three or four per cent of my capabilities. I have just been fortunate. All the stuff that was written about me was no big deal. It was not like I was one of these terrorists who deserve to go through all that. And somewhere it’s now known that I was not the person responsible for all those things. So without me saying anything people understand that.

Are you a difficult boyfriend?
Yes, I’m a difficult boyfriend but now I am more patient in love.

How do you deal with depression and low moments?
I go down to the gate of my building and take a look at my watchman.

Any plans to write your autobiography or are you going to commission me to write it?
(Sighs) See, I will not be able to write any lies. And I won’t be able to write the truth either. So, a book on me is out of the question.

LINK



Govinda surprise package in Raavan?

After Govinda signed up for Mani Ratnam’s modern-day version of the Ramayana, speculations about what his character in the film would be like have been taking the rounds. The actor is reportedly playing a character, modelled on Hanuman. He will be seen playing a forest officer who helps Vikram’s character Dev to hunt for his wife, Ragini (played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), who has been abducted by Beera (Abhishek Bachchan).

Reportedly, Ratnam, miffed with Govinda’s tardiness, altered his scenes, and the actor was aghast to learn that his part had been abruptly chopped. The actor’s absence at the music launch in May, compounded the speculation that there was something awry between the actor and the director.
Ratnam denies trimming the actor’s role: “Govinda’s role has shaped up amazingly in context of the storyline.”

When asked why he cast the actor in the forest officer’s role, Ratnam explains, “Sometimes we cast faces against the image. When you’re putting the cast together, you realise that for a certain role with limited screen time, a star will be essential because he or she can add meat to the character. Govinda easily blended into his character.”

Ratnam points out that one has to see the film to understand his perspective behind his casting. “Govinda put in an extra effort and made the role interesting despite its screen duration. He makes a considerable impact with his performance,” the filmmaker adds.

A source close to the film says that since Raavan was shot approximately in 200 days and every actor’s role was reduced a little to maintain the flow and rhythm of the story. “Govinda is known to speak his mind. If he had to make an issue, he would have addressed it to Mani sir. But he seemed pleased.”

According to an industry source, Govinda was overheard telling his friends at the IIFA Weekend in Colombo that he had heard great trade reports of Raavan. “He had said that he was looking forward to seeing it. He even made statements there about his wonderful experience of working with ‘Mani Sir’,” adds our source.

LINK




Rockstar Kapoor

Other than his interview in Filmfare's latest edition, Ranbir Kapoor has been out of news for quite some time. So what has Ranbir been upto these days? The young star has been learning the guitar and preparing for his role in Imtiaz Ali's next venture, Rockstar. Ranbir is working hard at his residence in Bandra to get the basics right. He wants to get the attitude and nuaces of a rockstar in place. With such conviction we're sure he'll pull of the role of a Rockstar without pulling out any guitar strings!

LINK




What's with the Bandana?

Arjun rampal must be enjoying the success of his latest film Raajneeti. In fact he has also recived some rave reviews for the same. But, if you're wondering why he has been sporting a bandana to all the raajneeti promotional events it's because he has gone bald for his new look in Ra.One. He has been asked not to reveal the look and keep it a surprise for the audience.
LINK

News and Gossip for the day

Salman Khan: I'm a difficult Boyfriend

Your fans may not want to see you as a corrupt cop in Dabangg.
He is the hero. If his salary is Rs 6,000 and he has a family of 15 to support, what will he do? You are bound to earn more money through other means. But if something kills your self-respect, then I don’t think you should do it. There is always a line yaar. I can go down to a level. But if you cross the level of your zameer (conscience), which a lot of people do, then it’s disgusting. To make money out of someone’s misery is the most disgusting thing ever. But if it doesn’t make much of a difference to you, then do it. Think of yourself as Robin Hood. He stole, but he stole from the rich and gave to the poor.

Stars often visit religious places before the release of a film. What about you?
Hmm. Na, na. Everyone has different beliefs.

What is your belief? Put in your work and forget about it?
Yeah pretty much. You want your film to do well but when you go to religious places to only pray for the success of your film, it’s selfish. Some people actually believe that when you want something you must go. That’s such a sho-sha (put on), just show. You should go there quietly.

Is that possible? Who does that?
Katrina (Kaif) actually believes in this. When she visits such religious places, she does it quietly. It’s not done just before a release. She goes to these places all the time. She goes because she really believes in them. My sister Arpita visits religious places too. So does my mother. I don’t go because a lot of disturbance is caused. There are people praying and when they see me there is chaos. I don’t like that. If I want to ask God for something, I ask wherever I am. And if I do go I make sure no one is aware about it.

What surprises you the most about life?
People surprise me every single day. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse.

Have you painted while shooting for Dabangg?
No. I have yet to do a self-portrait.

You are a very successful star, which naturally comes with a certain discipline. But your ‘bratty’ image precedes you.
I haven’t struggled, I haven’t worked hard. I have taken it lightly. But I have also gone and given it my best, which is about two or three or four per cent of my capabilities. I have just been fortunate. All the stuff that was written about me was no big deal. It was not like I was one of these terrorists who deserve to go through all that. And somewhere it’s now known that I was not the person responsible for all those things. So without me saying anything people understand that.

Are you a difficult boyfriend?
Yes, I’m a difficult boyfriend but now I am more patient in love.

How do you deal with depression and low moments?
I go down to the gate of my building and take a look at my watchman.

Any plans to write your autobiography or are you going to commission me to write it?
(Sighs) See, I will not be able to write any lies. And I won’t be able to write the truth either. So, a book on me is out of the question.

LINK



Govinda surprise package in Raavan?

After Govinda signed up for Mani Ratnam’s modern-day version of the Ramayana, speculations about what his character in the film would be like have been taking the rounds. The actor is reportedly playing a character, modelled on Hanuman. He will be seen playing a forest officer who helps Vikram’s character Dev to hunt for his wife, Ragini (played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), who has been abducted by Beera (Abhishek Bachchan).

Reportedly, Ratnam, miffed with Govinda’s tardiness, altered his scenes, and the actor was aghast to learn that his part had been abruptly chopped. The actor’s absence at the music launch in May, compounded the speculation that there was something awry between the actor and the director.
Ratnam denies trimming the actor’s role: “Govinda’s role has shaped up amazingly in context of the storyline.”

When asked why he cast the actor in the forest officer’s role, Ratnam explains, “Sometimes we cast faces against the image. When you’re putting the cast together, you realise that for a certain role with limited screen time, a star will be essential because he or she can add meat to the character. Govinda easily blended into his character.”

Ratnam points out that one has to see the film to understand his perspective behind his casting. “Govinda put in an extra effort and made the role interesting despite its screen duration. He makes a considerable impact with his performance,” the filmmaker adds.

A source close to the film says that since Raavan was shot approximately in 200 days and every actor’s role was reduced a little to maintain the flow and rhythm of the story. “Govinda is known to speak his mind. If he had to make an issue, he would have addressed it to Mani sir. But he seemed pleased.”

According to an industry source, Govinda was overheard telling his friends at the IIFA Weekend in Colombo that he had heard great trade reports of Raavan. “He had said that he was looking forward to seeing it. He even made statements there about his wonderful experience of working with ‘Mani Sir’,” adds our source.

LINK




Rockstar Kapoor

Other than his interview in Filmfare's latest edition, Ranbir Kapoor has been out of news for quite some time. So what has Ranbir been upto these days? The young star has been learning the guitar and preparing for his role in Imtiaz Ali's next venture, Rockstar. Ranbir is working hard at his residence in Bandra to get the basics right. He wants to get the attitude and nuaces of a rockstar in place. With such conviction we're sure he'll pull of the role of a Rockstar without pulling out any guitar strings!

LINK




What's with the Bandana?

Arjun rampal must be enjoying the success of his latest film Raajneeti. In fact he has also recived some rave reviews for the same. But, if you're wondering why he has been sporting a bandana to all the raajneeti promotional events it's because he has gone bald for his new look in Ra.One. He has been asked not to reveal the look and keep it a surprise for the audience.
LINK

Who's who in Mani Ratnam's Raavan

By now everyone knows that Mani Ratnam's film Raavan is loosely based on Valmiki's epic Ramayana.

We all also know that Abhishek Bachchan's character is loosely based on Ravana, but what about the others?

Does the film script follow the original? Read on as this could also be a good chance for you to brush up your knowledge of the classic.

Abhishek Bachchan -- Ravana

Valmiki's version: In popular perception Ravana maybe the villain in the epic -- after all, he does kidnap Ram's wife, has an epic battle with him in which Ram kills him -- but Ravana was also a great king of Lanka, a famous Shiv bhakt, a veena virtuoso, and was famed for his physical prowess -- he once tried to lift Mount Kailash with Lord Shiv seated on it. Ravana's wife, the beautiful Mandodari, was one of the virtuous women of the time. Valmiki's epic shows that all virtue comes to naught when you let your senses run amok -- as Ravana did on seeing Sita.

Mani's version: Abhishek Bachchan plays Beera Munda, loosely based on Ravana. Beera is a tribal leader who cares for the villagers, is the voice of the underdog, snatches power from the rich and gives it to the poor. He rules a small village in Madhya Pradesh called Lal Maati where the police has no powers, only Beera does. So when his life is disrupted by a brave police officer, Beera carries off his wife Ragini into the jungle.

Vikram Kenni - Rama

Valmiki's version:Venerated as the maryada purshottam, Rama today is a pan-south east Asian phenomenon. In Valmiki's epic, Rama was the dutiful elder son of King Dashrath who sacrifices his crown to keep his father's promise to his stepmother. Embodiment of all virtues, Ram marries Sita but is forced to spend the next 14 years in the jungle -- from where Sita is abducted by Ravana, which sets off a tragic chain of events.

Mani's version: Vikram Kenni plays the character of Dev Pratap Sharma, loosely based on Rama. Dev, a police officer, falls in love with Ragini and marries her. Soon after Dev gets transferred to Lal Maati village which is under Beera's control. Beera and his accomplices face a few setbacks thanks to Dev, and Beera abducts Dev's wife to teach him lesson.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - Sita

Valmiki's version:Rama's wifeSita is kidnapped by Ravana from the forest before being rescued by her husband Rama following a bloody battle. After rescuing Sita, Rama asks her to prove her chastity by doing theagni pariksha, from which she emerges unscathed, and Rama accepts her.

Mani's version: Aishwarya Rai's character is called Ragini in the film and she is a dance teacher. Ragini gets abducted as her police officer husband makes local don Beera Munda's life miserable. She is taken into a forest and kept in captivity. As Mani sees it, when Dev doubts his wife's character, Ragini will sympathise with the other man.

Govinda - Hanuman

Valmiki's version: For devotion there's none like Hanuman, wrote the poet, and till date the bachelor-god remains a huge favourite among followers. He was the one who flew to Lanka to spot Sita in captivity, he was the one who carried the entire mountain while looking for the miraculous Sanjeevani herb to revive Ram and Lakshman in battle.

Mani's version: Govinda is called Sanjeevani Kumar in the film and his character is based on Hanuman. Sanjeevani is a forest guard who knows the region very well. He is a drunkard and therefore gets suspended all the time. Sanjeevani has great admiration for Dev but he also understands Beera and respects him, even though he does not agree with his unlawful ways.

Nikhil Dwivedi - Lakshman

Valmiki's version: The brothers were inseparable, and Lakshman accompanies Ram into the jungle. Hot-blooded, it is Lakshman who disfigures Ravana's sister Surpanakha when she takes a fancy to the handsome Rama, setting in motion Sita's abduction, the war, everything.

Mani's version: Nikhil Dwivedi's character is loosely based on Lakshmana. Younger brother to Dev Pratap, he too plays a cop, Laxmana Pratap.

Priyamani - Surpanakha

Valmiki's version:Surpanakhawas Ravana's sister who takes a fancy to Rama, whom she sights in the forest. She tries to entice him but Rama, celebrated for his commitment to Sita, rebuffs her. When she persists in her advances Lakshman steps in and chops off her nose, following which she goes crying to her brother Ravana.

Mani's version: Priyamani plays Beera Munda's sister Serena, a negative character in the film who is the cause of the entire drama.

Ajay Gehi - Vibhishana

Valmiki's version:Vibhishana is the younger brother of Ravana who, stricken by his conscience that his sibling has abducted a married woman, walks out just before war breaks out, when his calls for restoring Sita to her husband and avoid bloodshed are not heard. After the war Rama crowns Vibhishana as the king of Lanka.

Mani's version: Ajay Gehi plays Hari, Beera Munda's brother.

Ravi Kissen - Kumbhakaran

Valmiki's version: The mightyKumbhakaranis the younger brother of Ravana who, even though he doesn't agree with his brother's action in kidnapping Sita, goes to war on his behalf. Before he is felled, Kumbhakaran decimates Rama's army.

Mani's version: Ravi Kissen's character is called Siddharth, and is a trusted aide to Beera Munda.

LINK

Who's who in Mani Ratnam's Raavan

By now everyone knows that Mani Ratnam's film Raavan is loosely based on Valmiki's epic Ramayana.

We all also know that Abhishek Bachchan's character is loosely based on Ravana, but what about the others?

Does the film script follow the original? Read on as this could also be a good chance for you to brush up your knowledge of the classic.

Abhishek Bachchan -- Ravana

Valmiki's version: In popular perception Ravana maybe the villain in the epic -- after all, he does kidnap Ram's wife, has an epic battle with him in which Ram kills him -- but Ravana was also a great king of Lanka, a famous Shiv bhakt, a veena virtuoso, and was famed for his physical prowess -- he once tried to lift Mount Kailash with Lord Shiv seated on it. Ravana's wife, the beautiful Mandodari, was one of the virtuous women of the time. Valmiki's epic shows that all virtue comes to naught when you let your senses run amok -- as Ravana did on seeing Sita.

Mani's version: Abhishek Bachchan plays Beera Munda, loosely based on Ravana. Beera is a tribal leader who cares for the villagers, is the voice of the underdog, snatches power from the rich and gives it to the poor. He rules a small village in Madhya Pradesh called Lal Maati where the police has no powers, only Beera does. So when his life is disrupted by a brave police officer, Beera carries off his wife Ragini into the jungle.

Vikram Kenni - Rama

Valmiki's version:Venerated as the maryada purshottam, Rama today is a pan-south east Asian phenomenon. In Valmiki's epic, Rama was the dutiful elder son of King Dashrath who sacrifices his crown to keep his father's promise to his stepmother. Embodiment of all virtues, Ram marries Sita but is forced to spend the next 14 years in the jungle -- from where Sita is abducted by Ravana, which sets off a tragic chain of events.

Mani's version: Vikram Kenni plays the character of Dev Pratap Sharma, loosely based on Rama. Dev, a police officer, falls in love with Ragini and marries her. Soon after Dev gets transferred to Lal Maati village which is under Beera's control. Beera and his accomplices face a few setbacks thanks to Dev, and Beera abducts Dev's wife to teach him lesson.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - Sita

Valmiki's version:Rama's wifeSita is kidnapped by Ravana from the forest before being rescued by her husband Rama following a bloody battle. After rescuing Sita, Rama asks her to prove her chastity by doing theagni pariksha, from which she emerges unscathed, and Rama accepts her.

Mani's version: Aishwarya Rai's character is called Ragini in the film and she is a dance teacher. Ragini gets abducted as her police officer husband makes local don Beera Munda's life miserable. She is taken into a forest and kept in captivity. As Mani sees it, when Dev doubts his wife's character, Ragini will sympathise with the other man.

Govinda - Hanuman

Valmiki's version: For devotion there's none like Hanuman, wrote the poet, and till date the bachelor-god remains a huge favourite among followers. He was the one who flew to Lanka to spot Sita in captivity, he was the one who carried the entire mountain while looking for the miraculous Sanjeevani herb to revive Ram and Lakshman in battle.

Mani's version: Govinda is called Sanjeevani Kumar in the film and his character is based on Hanuman. Sanjeevani is a forest guard who knows the region very well. He is a drunkard and therefore gets suspended all the time. Sanjeevani has great admiration for Dev but he also understands Beera and respects him, even though he does not agree with his unlawful ways.

Nikhil Dwivedi - Lakshman

Valmiki's version: The brothers were inseparable, and Lakshman accompanies Ram into the jungle. Hot-blooded, it is Lakshman who disfigures Ravana's sister Surpanakha when she takes a fancy to the handsome Rama, setting in motion Sita's abduction, the war, everything.

Mani's version: Nikhil Dwivedi's character is loosely based on Lakshmana. Younger brother to Dev Pratap, he too plays a cop, Laxmana Pratap.

Priyamani - Surpanakha

Valmiki's version:Surpanakhawas Ravana's sister who takes a fancy to Rama, whom she sights in the forest. She tries to entice him but Rama, celebrated for his commitment to Sita, rebuffs her. When she persists in her advances Lakshman steps in and chops off her nose, following which she goes crying to her brother Ravana.

Mani's version: Priyamani plays Beera Munda's sister Serena, a negative character in the film who is the cause of the entire drama.

Ajay Gehi - Vibhishana

Valmiki's version:Vibhishana is the younger brother of Ravana who, stricken by his conscience that his sibling has abducted a married woman, walks out just before war breaks out, when his calls for restoring Sita to her husband and avoid bloodshed are not heard. After the war Rama crowns Vibhishana as the king of Lanka.

Mani's version: Ajay Gehi plays Hari, Beera Munda's brother.

Ravi Kissen - Kumbhakaran

Valmiki's version: The mightyKumbhakaranis the younger brother of Ravana who, even though he doesn't agree with his brother's action in kidnapping Sita, goes to war on his behalf. Before he is felled, Kumbhakaran decimates Rama's army.

Mani's version: Ravi Kissen's character is called Siddharth, and is a trusted aide to Beera Munda.

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