Ranbir teams up with Shammi; John in trouble, Aamir in Bombay Velvet?

The team of Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar is all ready to start shooting in July. Ranbir Kapoor, as always, is taking his role very seriously and has been prepping for months. So much so, he is even learning to play the guitar for the role. Grand uncle Shammi Kapoor will also be working in the project and but naturally Ranbir is super excited about it. In the past, Shammi has worked with Ranbir’s father Rishi Kapoor and now it’s the young scion’s chance to face the camera with the dancing star of yesteryears.

LINK

John Abraham has been facing a lot of bad luck where his movies are concerned. Three of his completed films Hook Ya Crook, 1-800-Love and Aashayein are stuck with no sign of imminent release. What John is really banking on is Race 2 and Dostana 2 to resurrect his career. We know it won’t be long before the hunk bounces back.

LINK

Aamir is sole lead in Bombay Velvet according to the latest from Anurag Kashyap in DNA!!!

Faridoon_S

"We feel Aamir has the intensity and the depth to shoulder the movie all alone":Anurag Kashyap in 2day's DNA on Bombay Velvet 22 minutes ago via mobile web

Faridoon Shahryar Faridoon_S

"Shahrukh is a nice actor but this film is tailormade for Aamir":Anurag on rumors of Aamir n SRK both being in Bombay Velvet. 19 minutes ago via mobile web

Ranbir teams up with Shammi; John in trouble, Aamir in Bombay Velvet?

The team of Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar is all ready to start shooting in July. Ranbir Kapoor, as always, is taking his role very seriously and has been prepping for months. So much so, he is even learning to play the guitar for the role. Grand uncle Shammi Kapoor will also be working in the project and but naturally Ranbir is super excited about it. In the past, Shammi has worked with Ranbir’s father Rishi Kapoor and now it’s the young scion’s chance to face the camera with the dancing star of yesteryears.

LINK

John Abraham has been facing a lot of bad luck where his movies are concerned. Three of his completed films Hook Ya Crook, 1-800-Love and Aashayein are stuck with no sign of imminent release. What John is really banking on is Race 2 and Dostana 2 to resurrect his career. We know it won’t be long before the hunk bounces back.

LINK

Aamir is sole lead in Bombay Velvet according to the latest from Anurag Kashyap in DNA!!!

Faridoon_S

"We feel Aamir has the intensity and the depth to shoulder the movie all alone":Anurag Kashyap in 2day's DNA on Bombay Velvet 22 minutes ago via mobile web

Faridoon Shahryar Faridoon_S

"Shahrukh is a nice actor but this film is tailormade for Aamir":Anurag on rumors of Aamir n SRK both being in Bombay Velvet. 19 minutes ago via mobile web

Sonia Gandhi is not a character in our film - Prakash Jha

LINK

It's a huge star cast that Prakash Jha handles in his forthcoming Raajneeti, and sticky situations are absolutely unavoidable. As the minutes tick away, delaying a press conference he has called for the film's promotion, the director anxiously tries reaching out to his ensemble cast.

An hour later, he is the lone ranger, talking about his latest labour of love.The film, loosely based on the epic Mahabharata, talks about politics and beyond. “I am very happy with the way the film has turned out,” says Jha, adding: “For once, as a filmmaker I can say that there is nothing I have not done that I should have. Be it the special effects, technical aspects, or the scale of the project, I have not spared any effort.” And yes, “All actors have worked with complete dedication,” he says, as part of his cast, including Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Manoj Bajpai and Arjun Rampal, walk in. 

Ugly side of politics

A story about the ugly side of politics, Raajneeti centres around the political Pratap family: the three men — Veerendra (Manoj), Prithvi (Arjun) and Samar (Ranbir), and Prithvi's wife Indu (Katrina). Nana Patekar plays a political mentor (Brij Gopal); Ajay Devgn (Sooraj) is a backward classes' leader, and Naseeruddin Shah is Bhasker Sanyal, a firebrand Leftist leader. “Politics is not a linear thing. Just so, my film is also not only about the politics of the state, but it deals with personal aspirations, greed, loyalty and betrayal,” says Jha. 

Jha and his team started working on the film, reported to have cost Rs. 45 crore, six months prior to shooting it in Bhopal. The cast, if surprising in parts, is also very impressive. Naseeruddin, Nana, Ajay, Manoj and Arjun are all National Award-winning actors, with Nana and Ajay having worked with Jha on his previous projects. The surprises are Arjun, Katrina and Ranbir. The three actors have transformed themselves to fit into what could be their most demanding roles till date. “My actors may maintain that I have mentored them through their roles, but the truth is that they have worked very hard. Take Katrina, for instance. She is not a natural with Hindi, but worked to deliver her dialogues with perfection,” says Jha. 

Asked how close Katrina's character is to Congress President Sonia Gandhi's, and Jha denies any resemblance, even though the draping of the sari and the accent seem inspired. “Please see the film and find out for yourself. Sonia Gandhi is not a character in our film,” he says. 

While Ajay's absence at the press conference is justified as he is shooting for Golmaal 3 in Goa, Nana giving the event a miss raises a few eyebrows, especially following reports of a fallout between the two friends. Ask if Nana gave him grief on the sets of Raajneeti, and Jha laughs it off. “Nana never troubled me. He is like that. We have no problems.” 

Social activist

Jha, who'd rather be referred to as a social activist than a politician (he had contested the 2002 and 2009 elections from Champaran, Bihar, on the ticket of the Lok Janashakti Party), says that he contested because he wanted to help contribute to the betterment of his constituency, and cannot be likened to any of the hardened politicians in his film. “You haven't seen me at the rallies of any party, have you?” he asks. “I don't believe in ideology or politics. I just wanted to be part of the process and be close to the resources, so I would be able to use them for the people. But now, I've no intention to be in active politics,” he adds. 

Despite his turnaround on politics, Jha maintains that the field requires professionalism. “I am very serious about the issue, and am using my film as a platform for discussing the engagement of professionals in politics. I feel that till professional-thinking people join politics, the future is not too bright,” says Jha. 

Jha's intentions may be serious, but he clarifies that he has made a commercial film for all to enjoy. “First of all, I want people to be entertained; then, definitely, I wish to be rewarded and awarded,” he candidly admits. “After that, if there is any change that my film brings about, I'd say it is purely unintentional.”

Sonia Gandhi is not a character in our film - Prakash Jha

LINK

It's a huge star cast that Prakash Jha handles in his forthcoming Raajneeti, and sticky situations are absolutely unavoidable. As the minutes tick away, delaying a press conference he has called for the film's promotion, the director anxiously tries reaching out to his ensemble cast.

An hour later, he is the lone ranger, talking about his latest labour of love.The film, loosely based on the epic Mahabharata, talks about politics and beyond. “I am very happy with the way the film has turned out,” says Jha, adding: “For once, as a filmmaker I can say that there is nothing I have not done that I should have. Be it the special effects, technical aspects, or the scale of the project, I have not spared any effort.” And yes, “All actors have worked with complete dedication,” he says, as part of his cast, including Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Manoj Bajpai and Arjun Rampal, walk in. 

Ugly side of politics

A story about the ugly side of politics, Raajneeti centres around the political Pratap family: the three men — Veerendra (Manoj), Prithvi (Arjun) and Samar (Ranbir), and Prithvi's wife Indu (Katrina). Nana Patekar plays a political mentor (Brij Gopal); Ajay Devgn (Sooraj) is a backward classes' leader, and Naseeruddin Shah is Bhasker Sanyal, a firebrand Leftist leader. “Politics is not a linear thing. Just so, my film is also not only about the politics of the state, but it deals with personal aspirations, greed, loyalty and betrayal,” says Jha. 

Jha and his team started working on the film, reported to have cost Rs. 45 crore, six months prior to shooting it in Bhopal. The cast, if surprising in parts, is also very impressive. Naseeruddin, Nana, Ajay, Manoj and Arjun are all National Award-winning actors, with Nana and Ajay having worked with Jha on his previous projects. The surprises are Arjun, Katrina and Ranbir. The three actors have transformed themselves to fit into what could be their most demanding roles till date. “My actors may maintain that I have mentored them through their roles, but the truth is that they have worked very hard. Take Katrina, for instance. She is not a natural with Hindi, but worked to deliver her dialogues with perfection,” says Jha. 

Asked how close Katrina's character is to Congress President Sonia Gandhi's, and Jha denies any resemblance, even though the draping of the sari and the accent seem inspired. “Please see the film and find out for yourself. Sonia Gandhi is not a character in our film,” he says. 

While Ajay's absence at the press conference is justified as he is shooting for Golmaal 3 in Goa, Nana giving the event a miss raises a few eyebrows, especially following reports of a fallout between the two friends. Ask if Nana gave him grief on the sets of Raajneeti, and Jha laughs it off. “Nana never troubled me. He is like that. We have no problems.” 

Social activist

Jha, who'd rather be referred to as a social activist than a politician (he had contested the 2002 and 2009 elections from Champaran, Bihar, on the ticket of the Lok Janashakti Party), says that he contested because he wanted to help contribute to the betterment of his constituency, and cannot be likened to any of the hardened politicians in his film. “You haven't seen me at the rallies of any party, have you?” he asks. “I don't believe in ideology or politics. I just wanted to be part of the process and be close to the resources, so I would be able to use them for the people. But now, I've no intention to be in active politics,” he adds. 

Despite his turnaround on politics, Jha maintains that the field requires professionalism. “I am very serious about the issue, and am using my film as a platform for discussing the engagement of professionals in politics. I feel that till professional-thinking people join politics, the future is not too bright,” says Jha. 

Jha's intentions may be serious, but he clarifies that he has made a commercial film for all to enjoy. “First of all, I want people to be entertained; then, definitely, I wish to be rewarded and awarded,” he candidly admits. “After that, if there is any change that my film brings about, I'd say it is purely unintentional.”

After Raavan Mani ropes in Ranbir for his next film

Both Mani Ratnam and Ranbir Kapoor are busy these days, as Mani Ratnam makes a hat-trick with Abhishek Bachchan with the release of Raavan, and on the other hand, Ranbir is busy with the post-production work and promotion of Prakash Jha film Rajneeti, after which he will get busy with Imtiaz Ali's Rock Star in the coming months.

In the post-production stage Raavan is slated for a June 18 release after that Ratnam will rope in RK to enact the role of an NRI who lives in London for his next film. Rensil D'Silva, who has written Raavan, will also be doing the script for this NRI based film. According to sources "Ranbir is presently busy with the promotion of Raajneeti, and once it's over, the meeting with Mani sir is likely to take place,”. Mani Ratnam wanted Ranbir to enact the lead role of a contemporary Muslim
LINK

After Raavan Mani ropes in Ranbir for his next film

Both Mani Ratnam and Ranbir Kapoor are busy these days, as Mani Ratnam makes a hat-trick with Abhishek Bachchan with the release of Raavan, and on the other hand, Ranbir is busy with the post-production work and promotion of Prakash Jha film Rajneeti, after which he will get busy with Imtiaz Ali's Rock Star in the coming months.

In the post-production stage Raavan is slated for a June 18 release after that Ratnam will rope in RK to enact the role of an NRI who lives in London for his next film. Rensil D'Silva, who has written Raavan, will also be doing the script for this NRI based film. According to sources "Ranbir is presently busy with the promotion of Raajneeti, and once it's over, the meeting with Mani sir is likely to take place,”. Mani Ratnam wanted Ranbir to enact the lead role of a contemporary Muslim
LINK

News of the day!

Hurt Locker,' 'Nine' top Satellite Awards

Summit's "The Hurt Locker" and the Weinstein Co.'s "Nine" were named best drama and musical, respectively, at the International Press Academy's 14th Satellite Awards.

The event, held Sunday at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, handed out its top dramatic acting honors to Jeremy Renner ("Locker") and Shoreh Aghdashloo ("The Stoning of Soraya M."). Comedy/musical acting laurels went to Meryl Streep for "Julie & Julia" and Michael Stuhlbarg for "A Serious Man."

Rounding up the usual suspects, the group hailed supporting players Christoph Waltz for "Inglourious Basterds" and Mo'Nique for "Precious."

Kathryn Bigelow was named best director for "Locker."

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i1002148bbd34e1b56ce59767cc88d49f?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+thr/news+%28The+Hollywood+Reporter+-+News%29

OUR TAKE - Christoph Waltz you rock!


Balki-Tabu fall out

All's not well between the mentor and his muse. Balki and Tabu never got along during the making of Cheeni Kum, and now are not even on talking terms.

It seems that Tabu was upset that Balki didn't have even inform her he was working with Vidya instead of her.

Tabu was under the impression that he would be repeat her in his next going by the success of their first film.

However, not only did Balki opt for another actress, we hear she wasn't even on his guest list for the film's premiere until someone pointed out the anomaly.

Despite being invited, Tabu ditched the event and decided to head to the US for the holidays instead. Last heard the actress hasn't watched Paa and has no intentions to do so either!

http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2009/dec/221209-informer-2.htm

OUR TAKE - Balki who?


'Avatar' poised to earn several Oscar noms

Since June, when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences opened up the best picture race to 10 nominees, Oscar has been waiting for a knight in shining boxoffice armor -- preferably a "Dark Knight": a boxoffice powerhouse with strong critical credentials.

A large part of the rationale for opting for an Oscar Top 10 was the hope that Academy voters would embrace mainstream hits, thereby expanding the potential audience for the broadcast while avoiding the cries of protest from jilted fanboys who felt robbed when "The Dark Knight" failed to earn a best picture nomination last time around.

But then another "Dark Knight" failed to immediately materialize.
......

But just when it appeared that a whole host of smaller, specialty films were lining up to fill the available slots -- in the process, undermining the Academy's attempt to reach out to a wider audience -- Fox's "Avatar," with a veritable flourish of trumpets, has ridden to the rescue.
.......

Since 1977's "Star Wars," only 1982's "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial" and the three "Lord of the Rings" movies at the beginning of this decade have made that select list of nominees. A movie like 1993's "Jurassic Park" -- groundbreaking in its day -- had to settle for visual effects and two sound noms, all of which it won.

Right now, "Avatar" is looking like it will join that club -- and potentially attract lots of self-proclaimed Avartards to the March 7 Oscar broadcast as well.

Adam Shankman, who's producing the show with Bill Mechanic, certainly was jazzed when he tweeted early Monday: " 'Avatar' is not only brilliant but has the most powerful environmental message of the year. Amazing. Game-changer."

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i1002148bbd34e1b5d8c0e8f768154290?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+thr/news+%28The+Hollywood+Reporter+-+News%29

OUR TAKE - yet to see if it is all that!

Fox going yellow for 'Simpsons' anniversary

Fox is going yellow for the home stretch of its "Simpsons" 20th anniversary celebration.

For the week beginning Jan. 3, graphical elements across Fox properties will turn yellow in honor of Matt Groening's iconic characters. That means on-air graphics, Fox's Web sites, social network pages and special on-air promos -- all in yellow, along with a range of other stunts (such as local Fox news anchors wearing yellow ties).

The move is part of the final push of what's been an extensive "Simpsons" marketing push to honor the series, which concludes with a Jan. 10 one-hour documentary special on the show directed by Morgan Spurlock. Right before the doc, "Simpsons" will air its 450th episode.

"We always knew at the end of the campaign we'd go yellow," said Fox executive vp marketing Joe Earley, who has led the year-and-half campaign. The effort has included on-air scavenger hunts, contests for viewers to create their own posters and "couch gag," and even the "Simpsons" receiving their own postage stamps.

It's rare for a network to put such an extensive marketing effort behind a veteran series. It's not as if "Simpsons" is even Fox's highest-rated program on Sundays (that honor goes to "Family Guy). Earley points out that any uniqueness in the campaign is matched by the show's accomplishments.

" 'The Simpsons' is not only a Fox icon, it's a cultural icon worldwide," Earley said. "For a show to hit its 20th anniversary in today's universe is such a feat, and it still has such a resonance in the zeitgeist. The show has viewers who have viewed it for three generations. Besides, it's such a creative property that it's fun to come up with ideas for it."

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i1002148bbd34e1b576f351d5034be72c?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+thr/news+%28The+Hollywood+Reporter+-+News%29

OUR TAKE - I am pulling out my yellow shirt for the event!

Starz renews 'Spartacus' before it premieres

Starz is renewing its upcoming action-drama "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" -- and the series hasn't even premiered yet.

Starz called the move "a bold vote of confidence."

"We couldn't be happier with the first season," said Starz Entertainment EVP, Programming, Stephan Shelanski. "'Spartacus' delivers on all levels – action, characters, intrigue, romance and excitement. 'Spartacus' is the most ambitious original project we've ever undertaken, and speaks to the commitment to our subscribers to provide truly original programming along with our unmatched lineup of theatrical features."

The network is debuting the bloody spectacle, which uses the graphic novel style of films like "300," on Jan. 22. The second season will be titled, "Spartacus: Vengeance."

This isn't the first time a network has renewed a show before its series debut. Showtime made headlines by ordering a second season of its Hank Azaria drama "Huff" before its debut (and the series only lasted two seasons). Though such a move does indeed show confidence, it can also reduce costs by preventing a break in production.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i1002148bbd34e1b57de1b731633f5405?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+thr/news+%28The+Hollywood+Reporter+-+News%29

OUR TAKE - men in skirts? Sadly it is NOT BRAD PITT :-(

TRADE TALK – ‘My Name Is Khan’: First Look Unveiled

The first look of My Name Is Khan, which was shown to the media at 9.45 p.m., was unveiled to the public in India on all the channels of Star TV at 10 p.m. the same day. The first trailer of one of the most expensive films of Bollywood was thereafter beamed in 70 countries, at 10 p.m. in each of them. The simultaneous worldwide release of the promotional trailer (it was viewed in 70 countries in a matter of 24 hours, due to variations in time in the different countries) was planned because the worldwide distributors of the film, Twen­tieth Century Fox, will release …Khan the world over on 14th February next year. In other words, a host of countries where Hindi films are not released traditionally, will see Khan hitting their cine­mas on the same day as it is relea­sed in India and the traditional Over­seas markets like the USA and the UK.
Twentieth Century Fox was repre­sented at the party by Uday Shankar, CEO, Star India, and Vijay Singh, CEO of Fox Star Studios.
Indeed, the trailer was appreciated so much by those present at the party and similarly by the public later that it seems, the film will get an unprecedented opening when it hits the screens next year.

http://www.thefilmstreetjournal.com/2009/12/trade%E2%80%88talk-‘my-name-is-khan’-first-look-unveiled/

OUR TAKE - AMEN BABY!

RANBIR LAUNCHES THE WUS DVD AND CREATES A HUNGAMA!!

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/broadband/video/Parties-and-Events/JRQpeE93/3/Ranbir-Launches-Wake-Up-Sid-DVD.html

OUR TAKE - SID ROCKS TOO!!

The Turkey awards 2009!

http://www.filmfare.com/articles/the-turkey-awards-2009-291.html

OUR TAKE - Lots of categories and AKKI a winner more than once – way to go!

BOND 23 to have a shocking story!

I’m still reeling from the crushingly disappointing Quantum of Solace, but I’m continuing to hope for the best regarding future Daniel Craig Bond outings. And if we’re to believe Bond 23 (the film is still untitled) scribe Peter Morgan (The Queen, The Last King of Scotland), the next entry in the franchise may be different than the typical Bond film. Speaking to Bond fansite MI6, Morgan said that the next Bond film has a “shocking story.” It’s easy to read a lot into such a short statement, but as the first real bit of news about the next Bond film, it’s making me hopeful that it’ll resemble Casino Royale more so than Quantum.
Morgan is writing the script along with Bond regulars Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, but it’s Morgan’s involvement in particular that’s making me hopeful about Bond 23. While Purvis, Wade, and Paul Haggis succeeded in writing one of the best action films of the past few decades with Casino Royale, they sort of missed the mark with Quantum’s script. (To be fair, much of the blame regarding that film’s failures should go to director Marc Forster.) Morgan is undoubtedly a better writer than Haggis, which makes prospects for Bond 23’s script good overall.

http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/12/20/bond-23-to-have-a-shocking-story-says-screenwriter-peter-morgan/

OUR TAKE - anything would be better than Quantum of Boredom!

'Love Aaj Kal' bags 15 nominations at Apsara awards

Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone starrer "Love Aaj Kal" has bagged 15 nominations for the 5th Apsara Film and Television Producers Guild Awards to be held here Jan 8 next year.

"Love Aaj Kal" has been nominated for awards in various categories, including best film, best director (Imtiaz Ali), best actor in a leading role (Saif), best actress in a leading role (Deepika), best female singer, best male singer, et al.

The film is about the essence of love that never changes despite time and space difference. It raked in Rs.8 crore (Rs.80 million) on its opening day.

A total of 24 films have been nominated in various categories, including "Kaminey", "Wake Up Sid", "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" and "Ghajini" for the Apsara awards.

The awards ceremony will be held at the Chitrakoot Grounds, Andheri, here.

http://movies.indiatimes.com/News/Love-Aaj-Kal-bags-15-nominations-at-Apsara-awards/articleshow/5340651.cms

OUR TAKE - Apsara what? Do they make up news like this?

News of the day!

Hurt Locker,' 'Nine' top Satellite Awards

Summit's "The Hurt Locker" and the Weinstein Co.'s "Nine" were named best drama and musical, respectively, at the International Press Academy's 14th Satellite Awards.

The event, held Sunday at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, handed out its top dramatic acting honors to Jeremy Renner ("Locker") and Shoreh Aghdashloo ("The Stoning of Soraya M."). Comedy/musical acting laurels went to Meryl Streep for "Julie & Julia" and Michael Stuhlbarg for "A Serious Man."

Rounding up the usual suspects, the group hailed supporting players Christoph Waltz for "Inglourious Basterds" and Mo'Nique for "Precious."

Kathryn Bigelow was named best director for "Locker."

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i1002148bbd34e1b56ce59767cc88d49f?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+thr/news+%28The+Hollywood+Reporter+-+News%29

OUR TAKE - Christoph Waltz you rock!


Balki-Tabu fall out

All's not well between the mentor and his muse. Balki and Tabu never got along during the making of Cheeni Kum, and now are not even on talking terms.

It seems that Tabu was upset that Balki didn't have even inform her he was working with Vidya instead of her.

Tabu was under the impression that he would be repeat her in his next going by the success of their first film.

However, not only did Balki opt for another actress, we hear she wasn't even on his guest list for the film's premiere until someone pointed out the anomaly.

Despite being invited, Tabu ditched the event and decided to head to the US for the holidays instead. Last heard the actress hasn't watched Paa and has no intentions to do so either!

http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2009/dec/221209-informer-2.htm

OUR TAKE - Balki who?


'Avatar' poised to earn several Oscar noms

Since June, when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences opened up the best picture race to 10 nominees, Oscar has been waiting for a knight in shining boxoffice armor -- preferably a "Dark Knight": a boxoffice powerhouse with strong critical credentials.

A large part of the rationale for opting for an Oscar Top 10 was the hope that Academy voters would embrace mainstream hits, thereby expanding the potential audience for the broadcast while avoiding the cries of protest from jilted fanboys who felt robbed when "The Dark Knight" failed to earn a best picture nomination last time around.

But then another "Dark Knight" failed to immediately materialize.
......

But just when it appeared that a whole host of smaller, specialty films were lining up to fill the available slots -- in the process, undermining the Academy's attempt to reach out to a wider audience -- Fox's "Avatar," with a veritable flourish of trumpets, has ridden to the rescue.
.......

Since 1977's "Star Wars," only 1982's "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial" and the three "Lord of the Rings" movies at the beginning of this decade have made that select list of nominees. A movie like 1993's "Jurassic Park" -- groundbreaking in its day -- had to settle for visual effects and two sound noms, all of which it won.

Right now, "Avatar" is looking like it will join that club -- and potentially attract lots of self-proclaimed Avartards to the March 7 Oscar broadcast as well.

Adam Shankman, who's producing the show with Bill Mechanic, certainly was jazzed when he tweeted early Monday: " 'Avatar' is not only brilliant but has the most powerful environmental message of the year. Amazing. Game-changer."

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i1002148bbd34e1b5d8c0e8f768154290?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+thr/news+%28The+Hollywood+Reporter+-+News%29

OUR TAKE - yet to see if it is all that!

Fox going yellow for 'Simpsons' anniversary

Fox is going yellow for the home stretch of its "Simpsons" 20th anniversary celebration.

For the week beginning Jan. 3, graphical elements across Fox properties will turn yellow in honor of Matt Groening's iconic characters. That means on-air graphics, Fox's Web sites, social network pages and special on-air promos -- all in yellow, along with a range of other stunts (such as local Fox news anchors wearing yellow ties).

The move is part of the final push of what's been an extensive "Simpsons" marketing push to honor the series, which concludes with a Jan. 10 one-hour documentary special on the show directed by Morgan Spurlock. Right before the doc, "Simpsons" will air its 450th episode.

"We always knew at the end of the campaign we'd go yellow," said Fox executive vp marketing Joe Earley, who has led the year-and-half campaign. The effort has included on-air scavenger hunts, contests for viewers to create their own posters and "couch gag," and even the "Simpsons" receiving their own postage stamps.

It's rare for a network to put such an extensive marketing effort behind a veteran series. It's not as if "Simpsons" is even Fox's highest-rated program on Sundays (that honor goes to "Family Guy). Earley points out that any uniqueness in the campaign is matched by the show's accomplishments.

" 'The Simpsons' is not only a Fox icon, it's a cultural icon worldwide," Earley said. "For a show to hit its 20th anniversary in today's universe is such a feat, and it still has such a resonance in the zeitgeist. The show has viewers who have viewed it for three generations. Besides, it's such a creative property that it's fun to come up with ideas for it."

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i1002148bbd34e1b576f351d5034be72c?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+thr/news+%28The+Hollywood+Reporter+-+News%29

OUR TAKE - I am pulling out my yellow shirt for the event!

Starz renews 'Spartacus' before it premieres

Starz is renewing its upcoming action-drama "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" -- and the series hasn't even premiered yet.

Starz called the move "a bold vote of confidence."

"We couldn't be happier with the first season," said Starz Entertainment EVP, Programming, Stephan Shelanski. "'Spartacus' delivers on all levels – action, characters, intrigue, romance and excitement. 'Spartacus' is the most ambitious original project we've ever undertaken, and speaks to the commitment to our subscribers to provide truly original programming along with our unmatched lineup of theatrical features."

The network is debuting the bloody spectacle, which uses the graphic novel style of films like "300," on Jan. 22. The second season will be titled, "Spartacus: Vengeance."

This isn't the first time a network has renewed a show before its series debut. Showtime made headlines by ordering a second season of its Hank Azaria drama "Huff" before its debut (and the series only lasted two seasons). Though such a move does indeed show confidence, it can also reduce costs by preventing a break in production.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i1002148bbd34e1b57de1b731633f5405?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+thr/news+%28The+Hollywood+Reporter+-+News%29

OUR TAKE - men in skirts? Sadly it is NOT BRAD PITT :-(

TRADE TALK – ‘My Name Is Khan’: First Look Unveiled

The first look of My Name Is Khan, which was shown to the media at 9.45 p.m., was unveiled to the public in India on all the channels of Star TV at 10 p.m. the same day. The first trailer of one of the most expensive films of Bollywood was thereafter beamed in 70 countries, at 10 p.m. in each of them. The simultaneous worldwide release of the promotional trailer (it was viewed in 70 countries in a matter of 24 hours, due to variations in time in the different countries) was planned because the worldwide distributors of the film, Twen­tieth Century Fox, will release …Khan the world over on 14th February next year. In other words, a host of countries where Hindi films are not released traditionally, will see Khan hitting their cine­mas on the same day as it is relea­sed in India and the traditional Over­seas markets like the USA and the UK.
Twentieth Century Fox was repre­sented at the party by Uday Shankar, CEO, Star India, and Vijay Singh, CEO of Fox Star Studios.
Indeed, the trailer was appreciated so much by those present at the party and similarly by the public later that it seems, the film will get an unprecedented opening when it hits the screens next year.

http://www.thefilmstreetjournal.com/2009/12/trade%E2%80%88talk-‘my-name-is-khan’-first-look-unveiled/

OUR TAKE - AMEN BABY!

RANBIR LAUNCHES THE WUS DVD AND CREATES A HUNGAMA!!

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/broadband/video/Parties-and-Events/JRQpeE93/3/Ranbir-Launches-Wake-Up-Sid-DVD.html

OUR TAKE - SID ROCKS TOO!!

The Turkey awards 2009!

http://www.filmfare.com/articles/the-turkey-awards-2009-291.html

OUR TAKE - Lots of categories and AKKI a winner more than once – way to go!

BOND 23 to have a shocking story!

I’m still reeling from the crushingly disappointing Quantum of Solace, but I’m continuing to hope for the best regarding future Daniel Craig Bond outings. And if we’re to believe Bond 23 (the film is still untitled) scribe Peter Morgan (The Queen, The Last King of Scotland), the next entry in the franchise may be different than the typical Bond film. Speaking to Bond fansite MI6, Morgan said that the next Bond film has a “shocking story.” It’s easy to read a lot into such a short statement, but as the first real bit of news about the next Bond film, it’s making me hopeful that it’ll resemble Casino Royale more so than Quantum.
Morgan is writing the script along with Bond regulars Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, but it’s Morgan’s involvement in particular that’s making me hopeful about Bond 23. While Purvis, Wade, and Paul Haggis succeeded in writing one of the best action films of the past few decades with Casino Royale, they sort of missed the mark with Quantum’s script. (To be fair, much of the blame regarding that film’s failures should go to director Marc Forster.) Morgan is undoubtedly a better writer than Haggis, which makes prospects for Bond 23’s script good overall.

http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/12/20/bond-23-to-have-a-shocking-story-says-screenwriter-peter-morgan/

OUR TAKE - anything would be better than Quantum of Boredom!

'Love Aaj Kal' bags 15 nominations at Apsara awards

Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone starrer "Love Aaj Kal" has bagged 15 nominations for the 5th Apsara Film and Television Producers Guild Awards to be held here Jan 8 next year.

"Love Aaj Kal" has been nominated for awards in various categories, including best film, best director (Imtiaz Ali), best actor in a leading role (Saif), best actress in a leading role (Deepika), best female singer, best male singer, et al.

The film is about the essence of love that never changes despite time and space difference. It raked in Rs.8 crore (Rs.80 million) on its opening day.

A total of 24 films have been nominated in various categories, including "Kaminey", "Wake Up Sid", "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" and "Ghajini" for the Apsara awards.

The awards ceremony will be held at the Chitrakoot Grounds, Andheri, here.

http://movies.indiatimes.com/News/Love-Aaj-Kal-bags-15-nominations-at-Apsara-awards/articleshow/5340651.cms

OUR TAKE - Apsara what? Do they make up news like this?

In 2010, Ranbir and Rishi Kapoor will be seen on screen together

Father-son duo Ranbir and Rishi Kapoor will only be seen together in a film that Ranbir will direct late next year. Not only does the young actor want to create roles that would do justice to both his father and him, Ranbir also wants to ensure that the pair is presented in the best way possible.

Ironically, the two almost came together in roles that cast them in mutual conflict. If all had gone well, Rishi and Ranbir Kapoor would have come together for the first time in Shimit Amin's Rocket Singh, though not as father and son. Everyone at Yash Raj Films was keen that Rishi play Ranbir's scheming boss, (eventually played by the lesser-known Manish Choudhary).

Read more from HERE

In 2010, Ranbir and Rishi Kapoor will be seen on screen together

Father-son duo Ranbir and Rishi Kapoor will only be seen together in a film that Ranbir will direct late next year. Not only does the young actor want to create roles that would do justice to both his father and him, Ranbir also wants to ensure that the pair is presented in the best way possible.

Ironically, the two almost came together in roles that cast them in mutual conflict. If all had gone well, Rishi and Ranbir Kapoor would have come together for the first time in Shimit Amin's Rocket Singh, though not as father and son. Everyone at Yash Raj Films was keen that Rishi play Ranbir's scheming boss, (eventually played by the lesser-known Manish Choudhary).

Read more from HERE

News of the day!

Actors tripping on sets is a sign of good luck for KJo

Stars tripping on film sets are a common occurrence in B-Town. It is a source of both amusement (to see how the mighty can collapse) and horror (when there is no one to catch the falling star in the nick of time).

For Karan Johar, however, it is a sign of good luck. He believes that if one of his actors trips and falls during the making of the film, then it will be a hit at the box-office. Those in the know say that deep within his heart he hopes (and perhaps silently prays) that one of his stars accidentally trips -- perhaps in the maze of wires criss-crossing the sets or on one of the props. Because once the actor falls, the producer-director is convinced that his film will be a winner!

MORE

Ken Ghosh admits there were differences with Shahid

Director Ken Ghosh admits he had arguments with Shahid Kapoor on the sets of his forthcoming film "Chance Pe Dance". He said it had to do with the actor's saturated schedules.

"For the first time in his career, Shahid was doing three films at the same time - 'Kaminey', 'Dil Bole Hadippa' and my film 'Chance Pe Dance'. Naturally, there was a conflict of interest," Ghosh said.

"I'd ask for three days. He would have only one day to spare. I'd naturally be upset. Then understandably, Shahid wanted time off. He couldn't be seen on my set straight after shooting for one of the other two films. This naturally led to heated arguments."

MORE

Ranbir fails to charm audiences with 'Rocket Singh'

Ranbir Kapoor's attempts to highlight a salesman's life through his latest outing "Rocket Singh - Salesman of the Year" have gone awry, as the film has fallen flat at the box office.

Produced and distributed by Yash Raj Films (YRF), the film has been directed by Shimit Amin and written by Jaideep Sahni of "Chak De! India" fame.

Made at a shoe-string budget of around Rs.5 crore, "Rocket Singh...", however, couldn't bring in anticipated footfalls, say experts.

MORE

It's official, Ranbir and Katrina are in love

Exchange of text messages and gifts, constant phone calls and Kaif's visits to the Kapoor house...

Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif have taken their so-called friendship to the next level. The two bonded instantly when they first met on the sets of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani last year. And later on the sets of Prakash Jha's Rajneeti.

When their closeness was reported last year, they were both in relationships and they restrained themselves. But now that they are both single, they are rediscovering each other without looking over their shoulders and minus any guilt. Close friends reveal that they are totally into each other and find it extremely hard to keep their growing fondness for each other under wraps.

MORE

Shruti Hassan will perform for the first time at an awards event

After her thanda debut flick Luck, Shruti Haasan disappeared from the B-Town scene. The singer-actress is now back and will be performing at a films awards gala for the first time.

Kamal Haasan's daughter gets jiggy for the Sabsey Favourite Kaun awards at a suburban hotel tonight.
While rehearsing for the Star Gold event she says, "I have performed as a singer in front of a live audience. But dancing is something new. I don't want to rate myself on how well I can do it but I try and improve with every step."

MORE

News of the day!

Actors tripping on sets is a sign of good luck for KJo

Stars tripping on film sets are a common occurrence in B-Town. It is a source of both amusement (to see how the mighty can collapse) and horror (when there is no one to catch the falling star in the nick of time).

For Karan Johar, however, it is a sign of good luck. He believes that if one of his actors trips and falls during the making of the film, then it will be a hit at the box-office. Those in the know say that deep within his heart he hopes (and perhaps silently prays) that one of his stars accidentally trips -- perhaps in the maze of wires criss-crossing the sets or on one of the props. Because once the actor falls, the producer-director is convinced that his film will be a winner!

MORE

Ken Ghosh admits there were differences with Shahid

Director Ken Ghosh admits he had arguments with Shahid Kapoor on the sets of his forthcoming film "Chance Pe Dance". He said it had to do with the actor's saturated schedules.

"For the first time in his career, Shahid was doing three films at the same time - 'Kaminey', 'Dil Bole Hadippa' and my film 'Chance Pe Dance'. Naturally, there was a conflict of interest," Ghosh said.

"I'd ask for three days. He would have only one day to spare. I'd naturally be upset. Then understandably, Shahid wanted time off. He couldn't be seen on my set straight after shooting for one of the other two films. This naturally led to heated arguments."

MORE

Ranbir fails to charm audiences with 'Rocket Singh'

Ranbir Kapoor's attempts to highlight a salesman's life through his latest outing "Rocket Singh - Salesman of the Year" have gone awry, as the film has fallen flat at the box office.

Produced and distributed by Yash Raj Films (YRF), the film has been directed by Shimit Amin and written by Jaideep Sahni of "Chak De! India" fame.

Made at a shoe-string budget of around Rs.5 crore, "Rocket Singh...", however, couldn't bring in anticipated footfalls, say experts.

MORE

It's official, Ranbir and Katrina are in love

Exchange of text messages and gifts, constant phone calls and Kaif's visits to the Kapoor house...

Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif have taken their so-called friendship to the next level. The two bonded instantly when they first met on the sets of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani last year. And later on the sets of Prakash Jha's Rajneeti.

When their closeness was reported last year, they were both in relationships and they restrained themselves. But now that they are both single, they are rediscovering each other without looking over their shoulders and minus any guilt. Close friends reveal that they are totally into each other and find it extremely hard to keep their growing fondness for each other under wraps.

MORE

Shruti Hassan will perform for the first time at an awards event

After her thanda debut flick Luck, Shruti Haasan disappeared from the B-Town scene. The singer-actress is now back and will be performing at a films awards gala for the first time.

Kamal Haasan's daughter gets jiggy for the Sabsey Favourite Kaun awards at a suburban hotel tonight.
While rehearsing for the Star Gold event she says, "I have performed as a singer in front of a live audience. But dancing is something new. I don't want to rate myself on how well I can do it but I try and improve with every step."

MORE

Exclusive Review -Rocket Singh : Salesman of the Year

Who is Shimit Amin? The one who directed Ab Tak Chhappan or the one who directed Chak De! India and Rocket Singh. After watching Rocket Singh, I began to think is Ab Tak Chhappan more of a RGV Factory product than a Shimit Amin film? Is Chak De! India and Rocket Singh more of Jaideep Sahni films than a Shimit Amin film? Does Shimit Amin adapt himself to the company he works for? When he was associated with RGV factory he gave Ab Tak Chhappan that always looked like a factory product. When he moves out and teams up with Jaideep Sahni, his style of making film completely changes. I am not blaming Shimit Amin for making himself look adapted to the company he works for, I am just trying to figure out how much is Shimit Amin, the director, involved in making films? I wouldn’t call Chak De! India or Rocket Singh as regular Yash Raj films but yes, they have Jaideep Sahni written all over them. And I appreciate Shimit Amin not taking the credit for the film alone. Instead he has made sure that Rocket Singh is as much his film as it is of Jaideep Sahni. The first stills that came out of Rocket Singh had Ranbir Kapoor, Shimit Amin and Jaideep Sahni in it which is quite surprising. That itself showed Shimit Amin respects Jaideep Sahni for his contribution to the film. I haven’t seen such immense respect given to a writer before in Indian Cinema. Gulzar and Anurag Kashyap have got recognition for their writing too but then they probably got it once they entered the field of direction. Jaideep Sahni on the other hand is getting himself recognized only because of his writing skills and capabilities. We never heard the name of Shimit Amin alone whenever there was talk about Rocket Singh. We always heard Rocket Singh is from the makers of Chak De! India or Jaideep-Shimit duo are back.

Rocket Singh, one of the awaited films of the year, especially because of the fact that it is from the makers of Chak De! India, is about a fresh graduate Harpreet Singh played by Ranbir Kapoor, who trying to adapt himself to the job of a salesman. It isn’t a stylish film that shows the extraordinary capabilities of Harpreet Singh as a salesman, nor does it glorify the job of a salesman. Harpreet Singh is very much like a common man working in an office, and about a man whose ethics do not synchronize with the company he is working for.

The story of the film can well be compared to the silent era comedies especially the ones of Charlie Chaplin where he played the honest person forced to take the wrong way due to the situations in his life. And Rocket Singh references it very well with a transition effect which was used in the silent films. We can see the reference in the image below.



The script written by Jaideep Sahni is really the true winner of the film. The subtleness and the realism he gives to his characters and situations should be applauded. The atmosphere shown in Rocket Singh is very much real and how well Jaideep – Shimit have shown the atmosphere in different places (HOME, PARTY, OFFICE) and distinguished them is commendable. The best part of Jaideep’s writing is he is very honest to his work and no doubt in the fact that Shimit Amin does complete justice to Jaideep’s script. Through his work, one can see the effort he makes to make a scene look very much real. The characters in the film do small things that work like wonders in giving the film look real. Like right at the start, we see Ranbir Kapoor winking to his God and then apologizing right after that and then Harpreet Singh (Ranbir Kapoor) giving body massage to his father. Jaideep – Shimit establish the character so well in the film through their mannerism and dialogs they speak. Characters in the film speaking regional lines like “Nakko Re” for “No”, Harpreet Singh’s(Ranbir Kapoor) father calling him ‘Sardar’ in a informal way, speaking regional language while at home, etc makes the film look real.

Read more from HERE

Exclusive Review -Rocket Singh : Salesman of the Year

Who is Shimit Amin? The one who directed Ab Tak Chhappan or the one who directed Chak De! India and Rocket Singh. After watching Rocket Singh, I began to think is Ab Tak Chhappan more of a RGV Factory product than a Shimit Amin film? Is Chak De! India and Rocket Singh more of Jaideep Sahni films than a Shimit Amin film? Does Shimit Amin adapt himself to the company he works for? When he was associated with RGV factory he gave Ab Tak Chhappan that always looked like a factory product. When he moves out and teams up with Jaideep Sahni, his style of making film completely changes. I am not blaming Shimit Amin for making himself look adapted to the company he works for, I am just trying to figure out how much is Shimit Amin, the director, involved in making films? I wouldn’t call Chak De! India or Rocket Singh as regular Yash Raj films but yes, they have Jaideep Sahni written all over them. And I appreciate Shimit Amin not taking the credit for the film alone. Instead he has made sure that Rocket Singh is as much his film as it is of Jaideep Sahni. The first stills that came out of Rocket Singh had Ranbir Kapoor, Shimit Amin and Jaideep Sahni in it which is quite surprising. That itself showed Shimit Amin respects Jaideep Sahni for his contribution to the film. I haven’t seen such immense respect given to a writer before in Indian Cinema. Gulzar and Anurag Kashyap have got recognition for their writing too but then they probably got it once they entered the field of direction. Jaideep Sahni on the other hand is getting himself recognized only because of his writing skills and capabilities. We never heard the name of Shimit Amin alone whenever there was talk about Rocket Singh. We always heard Rocket Singh is from the makers of Chak De! India or Jaideep-Shimit duo are back.

Rocket Singh, one of the awaited films of the year, especially because of the fact that it is from the makers of Chak De! India, is about a fresh graduate Harpreet Singh played by Ranbir Kapoor, who trying to adapt himself to the job of a salesman. It isn’t a stylish film that shows the extraordinary capabilities of Harpreet Singh as a salesman, nor does it glorify the job of a salesman. Harpreet Singh is very much like a common man working in an office, and about a man whose ethics do not synchronize with the company he is working for.

The story of the film can well be compared to the silent era comedies especially the ones of Charlie Chaplin where he played the honest person forced to take the wrong way due to the situations in his life. And Rocket Singh references it very well with a transition effect which was used in the silent films. We can see the reference in the image below.



The script written by Jaideep Sahni is really the true winner of the film. The subtleness and the realism he gives to his characters and situations should be applauded. The atmosphere shown in Rocket Singh is very much real and how well Jaideep – Shimit have shown the atmosphere in different places (HOME, PARTY, OFFICE) and distinguished them is commendable. The best part of Jaideep’s writing is he is very honest to his work and no doubt in the fact that Shimit Amin does complete justice to Jaideep’s script. Through his work, one can see the effort he makes to make a scene look very much real. The characters in the film do small things that work like wonders in giving the film look real. Like right at the start, we see Ranbir Kapoor winking to his God and then apologizing right after that and then Harpreet Singh (Ranbir Kapoor) giving body massage to his father. Jaideep – Shimit establish the character so well in the film through their mannerism and dialogs they speak. Characters in the film speaking regional lines like “Nakko Re” for “No”, Harpreet Singh’s(Ranbir Kapoor) father calling him ‘Sardar’ in a informal way, speaking regional language while at home, etc makes the film look real.

Read more from HERE

REVIEWS - Rocket Singh - Salesman of the Year (Taran Adarsh, Raja Sen, Rajeev Masand, Nikhat Kazmi, Khalid Mohd., Baradwaj Rangan)

Taran Adarsh -


Some films absorb you instantly, from the very outset. But it takes time to get into the world of a salesman who thinks from his heart.

Come to think of it, ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR is about a simpleton, but the story of his struggle and accomplishment isn't the kind that would charge you or make you charter a similar path in life. Also, the story of an underdog who comes up the hard way should make you feel euphoric in the end, right? But ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR doesn't.

Frankly, ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR is more of a documentary on the life of a salesman. It's a decent film, no two opinions on that, but the question is, [a] Is the story powerful enough to excite you and [b] Does it grab your attention in entirety? Sadly, the answer to both the questions is in the negative.

There's another problem and this is strictly from the point of those seeking entertainment. A Yash Raj film with Ranbir Kapoor [after AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI] essaying the title role, coupled with fun-filled promos ['Pocket Mein Rocket Hain'] might make you assume that it would offer loads of entertainment, but this has barely a song or two, as good as no romance and hardly any comic moments - the recipe for most Hindi movies.

In a nutshell, ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR is a dull and dry experience.

Harpreet Singh Bedi [Ranbir Kapoor] has just graduated and his marks are, well, let's say a little embarrassing. But marks never stopped him from dreaming of an exciting and adventurous career, and they never will.

He takes a deep, positive breath and dives into the world of sales, rumoured to be an ultra cool career. It's everything he dreamt of, with its smooth dressing, smoother talking men and women who can sell ice to an Eskimo, dreams to an insomniac and a lifetime mobile connection to a dying man. But soon, his idea of success begins clashing with the strange ways of these 'professionals' and 'bosses' he looked up to.

ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR may be based on a simpleton's life, but the viewer gets a hang of things only towards the second hour. The entire first hour is devoted to establishing the characters and also getting used to the way sales persons go about their business.

There's not much excitement in the first hour, barring a few attention-grabbing scenes that pop up intermittently. The story just flows, with the viewer not reacting much to the proceedings. But things change for better towards the post-interval portions when the protagonist and his colleagues' lives get complicated.

Read rest from HERE

REVIEWS - Rocket Singh - Salesman of the Year (Taran Adarsh, Raja Sen, Rajeev Masand, Nikhat Kazmi, Khalid Mohd., Baradwaj Rangan)

Taran Adarsh -


Some films absorb you instantly, from the very outset. But it takes time to get into the world of a salesman who thinks from his heart.

Come to think of it, ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR is about a simpleton, but the story of his struggle and accomplishment isn't the kind that would charge you or make you charter a similar path in life. Also, the story of an underdog who comes up the hard way should make you feel euphoric in the end, right? But ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR doesn't.

Frankly, ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR is more of a documentary on the life of a salesman. It's a decent film, no two opinions on that, but the question is, [a] Is the story powerful enough to excite you and [b] Does it grab your attention in entirety? Sadly, the answer to both the questions is in the negative.

There's another problem and this is strictly from the point of those seeking entertainment. A Yash Raj film with Ranbir Kapoor [after AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI] essaying the title role, coupled with fun-filled promos ['Pocket Mein Rocket Hain'] might make you assume that it would offer loads of entertainment, but this has barely a song or two, as good as no romance and hardly any comic moments - the recipe for most Hindi movies.

In a nutshell, ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR is a dull and dry experience.

Harpreet Singh Bedi [Ranbir Kapoor] has just graduated and his marks are, well, let's say a little embarrassing. But marks never stopped him from dreaming of an exciting and adventurous career, and they never will.

He takes a deep, positive breath and dives into the world of sales, rumoured to be an ultra cool career. It's everything he dreamt of, with its smooth dressing, smoother talking men and women who can sell ice to an Eskimo, dreams to an insomniac and a lifetime mobile connection to a dying man. But soon, his idea of success begins clashing with the strange ways of these 'professionals' and 'bosses' he looked up to.

ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR may be based on a simpleton's life, but the viewer gets a hang of things only towards the second hour. The entire first hour is devoted to establishing the characters and also getting used to the way sales persons go about their business.

There's not much excitement in the first hour, barring a few attention-grabbing scenes that pop up intermittently. The story just flows, with the viewer not reacting much to the proceedings. But things change for better towards the post-interval portions when the protagonist and his colleagues' lives get complicated.

Read rest from HERE

Rocket Singh B.O Report - Opens to shockingly low response

B.O. update: 'Rocket Singh' opens to shockingly low response - Bollywood Hungama

Everyone was expecting ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR to start with a bang, given the fact that Ranbir Kapoor's last two films, WAKE UP SID and AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI, had fetched a flying start. Also, the fact that Aditya Chopra, Shimit Amin and Jaideep Sahni had teamed up with Ranbir, only raised the expectations from the film. But the poor start of ROCKET SINGH sent shock waves within the industry. The film had a 20% to 40% start at certain plexes and at places, 10% to 15% start.

Read more from HERE

Rocket Singh Has Dull Start Paa Decent First Week - Box Office India

Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year had a dull start as it opened to around 30-40% and evening shows did not show major improvement at around 50-55%. Single screens had a low response. The film has fairly low costs so recovery is not a major problem but it remains to be seen what sort of theatrical business it can do. Delhi/NCR showed best improvement yesterday evening but not the sort of jump that makes a big difference.

For updated reports on Paa, De Dana Dana, and Radio click HERE

Rocket Singh B.O Report - Opens to shockingly low response

B.O. update: 'Rocket Singh' opens to shockingly low response - Bollywood Hungama

Everyone was expecting ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR to start with a bang, given the fact that Ranbir Kapoor's last two films, WAKE UP SID and AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI, had fetched a flying start. Also, the fact that Aditya Chopra, Shimit Amin and Jaideep Sahni had teamed up with Ranbir, only raised the expectations from the film. But the poor start of ROCKET SINGH sent shock waves within the industry. The film had a 20% to 40% start at certain plexes and at places, 10% to 15% start.

Read more from HERE

Rocket Singh Has Dull Start Paa Decent First Week - Box Office India

Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year had a dull start as it opened to around 30-40% and evening shows did not show major improvement at around 50-55%. Single screens had a low response. The film has fairly low costs so recovery is not a major problem but it remains to be seen what sort of theatrical business it can do. Delhi/NCR showed best improvement yesterday evening but not the sort of jump that makes a big difference.

For updated reports on Paa, De Dana Dana, and Radio click HERE

'Rocket Singh will be worth the wait' - Shimit Amin

Chak De! India team Shimit Amin, director, and Jaideep Sahni, writer, are back with their new film, the curiously titled Rocket Singh Salesman Of The Year.

Starring Ranbir Kapoor and newcomer Shazahn Padamsee, the film is set for release on December 11.

Shimit tells Patcy N what it's all about.

Why was it necessary for Ranbir's character to be a sardar?

No, it was not. But this is how the character first came to me when I was thinking of the story. There is no reason why every protagonist in every Hindi film has to look like a hero.

Why is there no buzz about the film even though it is a Yash Raj project. Why is the marketing and publicity of the film so low-key?

Chak De did not have any buzz either. In fact, I am experiencing a sense of deja vu as people asked the same thing -- that why we weren't promoting Chak De when it had Shah Rukh Khan.

Why a film on the life of a salesman? What aspect of his life does the film stress on?

We have always made films about college life but never about life after college. This film is about life after college. When you are in college, you are always wondering what your office, colleagues or boss would be like.

We just found this phase very fascinating as one gets to discover a whole new world, and that is why we thought of making a film which explores this new world.

What made you select Ranbir for the film?

Ranbir was our first choice though we thought of him only after the script was ready.

It is actually a process where you think of everyone to make this film work. We wanted a young actor to play the part of a fresh graduate, and since only a handful of people in our industry fit in that group, we thought of Ranbir.

Plus, we wanted a person who could understand this kind of character better.

Read more from HERE

'Rocket Singh will be worth the wait' - Shimit Amin

Chak De! India team Shimit Amin, director, and Jaideep Sahni, writer, are back with their new film, the curiously titled Rocket Singh Salesman Of The Year.

Starring Ranbir Kapoor and newcomer Shazahn Padamsee, the film is set for release on December 11.

Shimit tells Patcy N what it's all about.

Why was it necessary for Ranbir's character to be a sardar?

No, it was not. But this is how the character first came to me when I was thinking of the story. There is no reason why every protagonist in every Hindi film has to look like a hero.

Why is there no buzz about the film even though it is a Yash Raj project. Why is the marketing and publicity of the film so low-key?

Chak De did not have any buzz either. In fact, I am experiencing a sense of deja vu as people asked the same thing -- that why we weren't promoting Chak De when it had Shah Rukh Khan.

Why a film on the life of a salesman? What aspect of his life does the film stress on?

We have always made films about college life but never about life after college. This film is about life after college. When you are in college, you are always wondering what your office, colleagues or boss would be like.

We just found this phase very fascinating as one gets to discover a whole new world, and that is why we thought of making a film which explores this new world.

What made you select Ranbir for the film?

Ranbir was our first choice though we thought of him only after the script was ready.

It is actually a process where you think of everyone to make this film work. We wanted a young actor to play the part of a fresh graduate, and since only a handful of people in our industry fit in that group, we thought of Ranbir.

Plus, we wanted a person who could understand this kind of character better.

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