gossip artis HOLLYWOOD~BOLLYWOOD~MALAYWOOD

JOHN ABRAHAM'S DEBUT PROVES A HIT

Who doesn't know John Abraham now? John traveled to films via modeling like many others, but rose to a great height in a very short time. He joined the Bhatt camp for his debut movie, and luckily this proved a hit of the year. Soon after his debut 'Jism', John bagged another Bhatt movie titled 'Saaya'. The latter flopped but it didn't affect John's career growth. Rather John is reported to have been booked for next two years. Now he is doing Vikram Bhatt's 'Aetbaar'. Regarding his role, he started his filmi career in the role of a young man flirting with a married woman. This role was completely negative, still John was admired for his talented performance. In 'Aetbaar' he plays the character of a college student though suffering mentally. In Mukesh Bhatt's 'Naastik' he acts as a doctor. On the other hand, in Sanjay Gupta's 'Musafir' he is a rough and tough guy. Besides, he has signed 'Mumkin' with Bipasha in the cast.

Don't you aspire to be a super star since you are a star already?

I am where I was before 'Jism'. The question of a star or a superstar is no more relevant now. The position changes every Friday. Stardom has ended with Amitabh Bachchan. He is the last star of Bollywood.

Didn't the audience's appreciation of 'Jism' make you a star?

I am aware of the audience's appreciation of my performance in 'Jism'. I am all the more happy that they have liked my performance and not my look. Looking good is nothing. I have passed that first test.

What's your specialty that has floored the audience?

I am grateful to the public for accepting me as an actor. I was afraid the public might write me off as a model. But the audience liked me because they don't expect much from a model like me.

Is it that 'Jism' had to be dubbed because you could not speak Hindi well?

I am well versed in Hindi. But 'Jism' was dubbed to avoid any delay in submitting it to the Censor Board. If I were unable to speak Hindi well, then why my other movie 'Saaya' was not dubbed.

Who of the two Bipasha Basu in 'Jism' and Tara Sharma in 'Saaya', you found more comfortable to work with?

I know Bipasha too well, so I felt more comfortable with her. It is natural. I met with Tara Sharma only at the set, and didn't know her before that. So both of us were hesitant for a long time during the shoot of 'Saaya'.

Aren't you marrying with Bipasha since you admit your close relationship with her?

Yes, I am very close to Bipasha. But this is not to drive any benefit from it. In fact, we like each other very much. So far as the marriage is concerned, we have never given a thought to it.

How do you evaluate Bipasha's role in 'Jism' opposite you?

It's indeed wonderful. She deserves an award for her performance in 'Jism'. I regret that the media has termed the movie as a sexy one. Bipasha's acting in 'Jism' is much better than in 'Raaz'.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 30-8-2006 01:14 PM ]

DIYA BANKS ON 'TEHZEEB' TO BE A HIT

Diya Mirza's career graph is not very high at present. Although she has worked with big directors and the producers, it seems that luck has not favored this Bollywood girl. Her movie 'Rehna Hai Tere Dil Main' with Madhvan and 'Dum' with Vivek Oberoi fared well at the box office, but unfortunately credit has gone to other artistes. Diya is still waiting for a hit. Right now she is anxiously waiting for the release of Khalid Mohammad's forthcoming movie 'Tehzeeb'.

Tell us some thing about 'Tehzeeb'?

'Tehzeeb' is a story about the relationship between a mother and her two daughters. Shabana Azmi, who is a ghazal singer, plays the role of the mother. And Urmila and I play the role of daughters. The movie has many ups and downs. Shabana ji is alleged to be a culprit in her husband's murder, but the court had given clean chit. Urmila still believes that Shabana had killed her father. Urmila marries with a novelist Arjun Rampal and lives separately.

Doesn't Urmila overshadow your role?

No, It is not right. It is true that Urmila is playing the lead and my role is small. But it doesn't matter. I am sure that the audience will appreciate my character. I am very sure that this movie will be a hit.

Aren't you repeating what you said before the release of your last movie 'Pran Jayee Par Shaan Na Jaye'?

I am an actor and it is obvious that I have lots of expectations from every film in which I am acting. But the final decision is audience's. As an actress I am trying to do full justice to my character though.

What are your other movies?

After 'Tehzeeb' my next movie that is ready for release is Deepak Ramse's 'Koi Mere Dil Mein Hai', where I am playing a central character.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 1-10-2005 11:43 PM ]

POOJA BHATT'S 'PAAP' MAKES HER DIRECTOR

The bubbly and cherubic young girl who stole everybody's heart with her smile and charisma has graduated into the driver's place. Guessed it right, it's Pooja Bhatt. The shy and innocent Pooja who started her acting career with 'Daddy' under the tutelage of her father Mahesh Bhatt blossomed into the director's seat in her first directorial venture 'Paap', which is about to release any time now. 'Paap' comes out with the smashing and dashing Udita Goswami making her debut pair opposite John Abraham. After the success of 'Jism', Pooja has repeated John in her project, as the role demanded it. She said this during a recent encounter with the Indian media. She also clarified her stand on why she chose Udita. She says, "The role demanded a new innocent face that could justify the character". Presumably she meant that Bipasha's oodles of oomph got her accolades, as she was the key factor in the success of 'Jism'. "But Udita has done a splendid job", she added.

When the media inquired about the title of the movie, she said that 'Paap' germinated from the fact that the orthodox father considered love as sin as he advised her daughter to abstain from her worldly desires. Regarding the shooting of the movie in Himachal, she said, "I have shot the film in the beautiful locales of Himachal Pradesh." It was indeed a great effort as the film was shot at about 17,000 feet above the sea level! 'Paap' is the first Hindi film, which is shot extensively in Spiti, a beautiful place in Himachal Pradesh, she claimed.

Pooja has tried to generate a feeling of cultural warmth between India and Pakistan as she has offered two major contemporary singers to render their compositions. Ali Azmat, the lead vocalist of the Pop group "Junoon", made his name in India through his popular number "Sayonee". It will be exciting to watch how these compositions are choreographed. The surprise elements are the musical compositions from the contemporary Pakistani singers in 'Paap'. The highlight being 'Garaj Baras' sung brilliantly by Ali Azmat. The Indian media wondered why she got the songs sung by Pakistani artistes in her Indian movie. She explained at length that this is not the first occasion when Pak singers have sung in Hindi films. She was very excited to inform that 'Paap' was well received at the Kara Film Festival in Karachi where the people showed great interest in the film. Thus she justified why 'Paap' was premiered there.

When asked about her experience while directing this film, she said, " I have had a great experience as I explored new dimensions of film making with it. "I used my acting experiences and my father's guidelines during the direction of 'Paap'. Would she be directing films in the future too? She replied in the affirmative. Similarly, she would not quit acting. " I am always prepared to act if I am offered with roles of substance." Regarding launching of his brother in movies, she said, "Yes, I have a plan to launch my brother Rahul in the film industry, but only after the release of 'Paap' in India."

SUNNY DEOL: ACTION HERO RETURNS

Bollywood's top slot actor Sunny Deol is making a deadly appearance in Ahmed Khan's 'Lakeer-The Forbidden Lines'. Dare devil Sunny Deol's acts in films like 'Gadar', 'Arjun' and 'The Hero' are still considered as indomitable as he returns in another action- packed thriller. It also marks the directorial debut of choreographer Ahmed Khan. Ahmed has picked action theme though he has a flair in dancing. Sunny's performance might shape the first big hit of the year. Last year it was rather a low-key affair for him as his films were not big hits. This year seems to be a special one for his home productions 'Kabhi Socha Na Tha' and 'Deodhar Gandhi'. Besides, 'Lakeer' will be hitting theatres too.

Unlike his other films 'Lakeer' is a multi -starrer, and has an action oriented theme. Here he plays the elder brother of Sohail Khan. His character of "Arjun Rana" loves his younger brother dearly. Suniel Shetty and John Abraham are also playing important roles in the film. According to reports, the character of Sunny Deol has the shades of earlier super hit film 'Arjun'. Newcomer Nauheed Cyrusi is the only female in the flick. Music by A.R.Rehman has already hit the chartbusters.

How come you do a film with four heroes, whereas you act solo mostly?

The length of the role does not matter, but the quality does. Ahmed has been very close to me from 'Angrakshak'. He was an assistant to Saroj Khan. Ahmed narrated the story to me and I was thrilled. Everybody has sufficient role in the film. I am happy because what has been narrated to me has been depicted on celluloid.

Have you portrayed an action hero in the film?

The word "different" has lost its meaning in today's scenario. I have portrayed the characters offered to me with honesty. If people offered me similar types of roles how can you blame me for it? An actor has to do what his director wants; he has no choice. Ahmed has done a fine job by giving everybody sufficient footage.

Do you have shades of 'Arjun' in 'Lakeer-The Forbidden Lines'?

I did 'Arjun' 15 years back and this character has shades of it. If the character of "Arjun" were to exist today it would have been in the mould of the character I have played in this film. Ahmed has given us definite characters. I have a definite character too. My character has its own dimensions, but he is not a Robin Hood. Sohail Khan plays my younger brother and I love him immensely. Suniel Shetty is a car mechanic and John Abraham plays his younger brother. The film is filled with human emotions and every character lives for the other. As there are many young artistes, my character is that of an elder brother.

What about your home productions?

My younger brother Abhay Deol's debut film 'Kabhi Socha Na Tha' is almost complete and will be released soon. The date of the release is not yet decided. Another film 'Deodhar Gandhi' is under production. This film is to be released in June.

Why havn't you directed any film after 'Dillagi'? Would you do one?

Not now as I would continue with acting for some years. After my pending assignments I might think about it.

Will you, Bobby and your father Dharamendra work together in a film?

We have been hoping for this for quite a long time, but haven't succeeded as yet. We need a good script. Anil Sharma might come up with some script. However, at present he is very busy. The script should justify three of us to act together. Let's hope we get it soon.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 19-8-2005 09:47 PM ]

AAMIR, HRITHIK IN NEW AVATARS

Aamir appears in a new avatar this summer in a cold drink ad to promote sales of Coka Cola India's soft drink. He plays an NRI who visits a home in connection with a marriage proposal. Aamir plays double role; he looks for a bride and secondly he acts as the bhabhi of the housewife.

The ad tries to prove that coke is the only soft drink that serves the best purpose in everyone's life. It is said that this ad was completed in three days after its crew worked for 14 hours a day. For the first time any ad has been given on TV screen in the form of a TV serial.

Another cold drink following in the footsteps of coke is Rasna. Though it claims 93 per cent of the market, yet it has roped in actor Hrithik Roshan to act its brand ambassador for further promoting its sales. The owner of Rasna says that Hrithik and Rasna believe in the same principles; love for children and the traditional family values. The famous ad personality Prahlad Kakkar has directed the two ads of Rasna juice and Rasna coke. Hrithik is seen along with the young and chirpy smart kid Anuj Pandit, promoting the drink.

Aamir Khan


Hrithik Roshan

Salman enjoys head massage

Salman Khan likes to get head massage in Mumbai's small saloon rather than visiting a foreign country during his off shoot time. This is contrary to the lifestyles of top stars, who go out of the country on a holiday even on the smallest pretext. But Sallu never discloses this top secret to his family or even his girlfriend. Recently, Salman was off shoot for few days. He was advised by his family and friends to go out to Singapore on a brief visit to take rest there. Salman decided otherwise. He would get up early and go out and then return in the evening. Nobody knew his whereabouts; yes not even Katrina Kaif. Everyone got inquisitive. One day, his brother Sohail followed Salman for a few kilometers and found out that his brother visits a small salon near their home for his head massage followed by a quiet sleep for few hours there. This put at rest all the fears in the family and the gossips taking round in the industry.

SALMAN HAPPY WITH SNEHA

Salman Khan is a man of determination. He did find a look alike of his past love Aishwarya Rai. Finally, he got one in Sneha Ulllal, and both acted in 'Lucky -No Time For Love' based on Russian culture. Sohail Khan, Salman's brother, produced it in cooperation with T-series. Now, Ullal will be seen opposite Sohail himself in their next 'Aryan' directed by actor-turned-director Abhishek Kapoor. Let's see how far Ullal succeeds like Aishwarya on the screen. Salman is busy these days in promoting Sneha, who has acted with him in 'Lucky' his first film of the year.

This is to recall that Salman found this new girl named Sneha Ullal after a long and tedious search. Salman chose her for his new movie, as Sneha is a look alike of Aishwarya Rai. Incidentally, Salman came to a Mumbai theatre recently along with Sneha Ullal to assess the public response to their movie. While Salman was standing with Sneha in the theatre's lobby, the local manager rushed and complimented him for coming there with Aishwarya Rai. He wondered if their desire of watching the Salman-Aish pair again would be fulfilled soon. Salman must have felt very excited with her new find!

Salman Khan


Sneha Ulllal


[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 31-8-2006 05:17 PM ]

SHAH RUKH DECLINES POLITICAL OFFER

Super hit actor Shah Rukh Khan who has been recently to New Delhi to receive Padma Shri award, was hosted by Gandhis-Priyanka ( daughter of Sonia Gandhi) and her husband Robert Vadra. Besides the Gandhi visited SRK in Mumbai where he was shooting for his home production 'Paheli' directed by Amol Palekar. These reports led to strong rumors that Gandhis want to rope in SRK in Congress Party. There was news that he has been offered nomination to the Rajya Sabha. In fact, the Congress has been missing a person of the eminence of Dilip Kumar or later Amitabh Bachchan in Indian Parliament.

Since Amitabh Bachchan has distanced himself from the Gandhi family, the Congress Party led by Sonia Gandhi is very keen on some top star joining the party. However, Shah Rukh has denied all this calling it 'rubbish'. He feels that he needs five more years to stay in the tinsel world. Moreover, he wonders why the media doesn't think the other way round that the Gandhis would join films? Anyway, the Congress Party doesn't mind allowing Shah Rukh to stay in films for some more time. That will serve the party's purpose in influencing the film industry in the party's favor. This will put a stop to the exodus of more stars in rival parties!

FARDEEN KHAN TO MARRY MUMTAZ'S DAUGHTER

The superstar of the seventies Mumtaz made blast in her movie titled 'Apradh' with Feroz Khan when she gave a shot in 'bikkni' at a time when it was considered too revolutionary in Bollywood. Much water has flown since then. This is no wonder that Feroz's son Fardeen Khan has announced now to marry with Natasha, the daughter of his father's one time heroine. After taking a break with the Bollywood industry, Mumtaz had been living in the USA with her husband. As the luck would have it, she flew to Mumbai in the recent past, incidentally to get her daughter tie a wedding knot with Feroz's son.

The latest announcement of Fardeen Khan has set at rest all the filmi gossips about Fardeen having an affair with Celina Jaitley or some other heroines. Both Fardeen and Natasha are being spotted together these days either at some quiet hotels or some social gatherings. According to reliable sources, Mumtaz has given green signal for the proposed marriage. Fardeen Khan is also confident that his father would agree to the proposal of getting the old families turn into relations.

Fardeen Khan


Mumtaz


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 3-9-2005 07:05 PM ]

HOT KAREENA KAPOOR HAS COOLED DOWN

The 'hot' Kareena Kapoor, who is the younger babe of the Bollywood's oldest and largest family, has melt down a lot and turned 'cool' now. She has changed completely during the past few months, presumably to win her boyfriend actor Shahid Kapoor. She says, " I have given up non-vegetarian food and spicy meals even. I eat salad, soup, greens and beans in stead. I have abandoned non-veg for the sake of Shahid. I eat veg food only as Shagid likes it. I have done it on my own. Shahid never asked me to do it." She adds, " I feel very comfortable now while eating with Shahid otherwise we used to sit quite apart from each other." When asked if she has no taste for non-veg now, she said, " I haven't forgotten my earlier dishes though. I am missing my prawns etc." How does Shahid feel about her new recipe, she quips, " Oh, he is very happy though he doesn't express it in so many words.

Kareena confesses that the New Year has not been so good for her though the last year proved too good. She has been left behind by Priyanka Chopra. " Yes, I know that those girls who expose their skin and play sexy roles fare better these days. This is the trend today. There is nothing wrong in it though."

Kareena also talks about on screen and off screen relationships. Viewers like her pair with Akshay Kumar more than with Shahid on the screen. Similarly, she looks better with Fardeen Khan in movies. She tries to justify this by saying that "the script plays a more important role on the screen than the love between a pair."

Regarding friendships, Kareena says that any two persons can become friends provided they share views about certain matters. "Sushmita Sen and I have become good friends after working together in 'Bewafa'. Our screen chemistry was better than the heroes'. I enjoy more with Sushmita Sen. So, we have become good friends." Speaking bout her quarrel with Amisha Patel, she reminds us that she has risen above these petty matters now. She doesn't bother about it any more.

However, she is grateful to God for having born in the Kapoor family. " I wonder if I shall be born in an ordinary family next time." She continues, " Lolo (Karisma) tells me that after my marriage and having children I shall forget about these quarrels and also my foes. I am sure after my marriage I shall be a happy wife and would not even remember these petty things." Yes, Kareena has cooled down, and is not hot any more. " We should forget the past and think of a brighter future. Eat, drink and be merry".



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 19-9-2005 02:49 PM ]

Rani creates panic!

Rani Mukherji is quite free these days because she is refusing all films for which any actress can delay her date schedule. She has decided in her mind to work for character in the film. Thus, she got some time for her brother's serial shooting 'Kkusum'. She went on the shooting location where her bhabhi was reading her script. Rani screamed and shouted 'snake', creating panic. Those present tried to run away. Rani placed the snake round her neck and laughed it was not the real one. The naughty Rani doesn't forget to do such bubbly things even with her bhaiya and bhabhi.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 27-8-2005 11:31 PM ]

Aamir plays prankster

Actor Aamir Khan played a prankster on April one with his most loving friends and some directors and actor colleagues. He asked his secretary to send messages to all inviting them to a special screening of his much-awaited 'The Rising'. Most of the invitees turned up and looked for him but in vain. Later, Aamir sent his secretary to the venue informing them that it was April Fool. This annoyed many a senior director and some of Aamir's friends. They didn't enjoy the joke and rather turned angry with Aamir.

Bips to play Parveen Babi

Mahesh Bhatt's proposed movie on late actress Parveen Babi will be titled ' Actress', it is learnt. However, it is still a secret with Bhatt if he would disclose his relations with the actress in the movie. As reported earlier, Mahesh Bhatt had a very, very close relationship with Parveen. Bipasha Basu will play Parveen Babi and Mahesh's favorite actor and nephew Imraan Hashmi will act as the hero. Pak actress of the 'Nazar' fame Meera's younger sister Apara besides Deepal Shaw will be among other key artists.

Bipasha Basu


Parveen Babi


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 3-9-2005 07:06 PM ]

Karisma' memorable loss

If Karisma Kapoor has lost a great opportunity to be the grand marshal at the Independence Day parade at Madison Avenue in New York, her husband Sanjay Kapur has gained nothing. The Federation of Indian Associations in New York had invited Karisma Kapoor for this memorable function. However, the Delhi high Court restrained her from going abroad on the plea of her estranged husband Sanjay Kapur. The husband urged the court not to allow Karisma to go out of the country along with their four-month-old daughter. The court gave an interim order restraining her from going abroad. Incidentally, Karisma's grandfather and actor-producer Raj Kapoor had a graced such a celebration on 25th Independence Day in New York.

Akshay's religious music video

Khiladi Akshay Kumar has acted in a music video of T-Series. However, the music video is completely religious, based on bhajans. Yes, it's not new for Akshay. He has picturized two religious songs in his movies. In 'Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi', he had picturized the memorable song Maan Sherawali" and in 'Arjoo' the bhajan was "Jaya Maata Di". Besides, Akshay did a tandav (Lord Shiv) dance in Bipul Shah's 'Waqt'.

BOBBY DEOL FOR END TO PIRACY

Bobby Deol who visited New Delhi recently in connection with his 'Barsaat' releasing next Friday (August 19th) strongly pleaded against the evil of piracy pervading the society. He warned that the cine industry would face ruin if the privacy continued as at present. Director Sunil Darshan and the two female actors-Bipasha Basu and Priyanka Chopra -- accompanied Bobby. Bobby also appealed to the viewers to watch movies in cinema halls by buying tickets. The actor insisted that Sunil's 'Barsaat' is certainly different from his earlier 'Barsaat'.

He also disclosed that his earlier 'Barsaat' was named 'Badal', meaning cloud. But the name wasn't cleared. So, it was titled 'Barsaat'. He appreciated the boldness of the Mumbayites who first suffered the tragedy of unprecedented rains this year, but soon turned towards normalcy. Referring to the pleasant season of barsaat (rains), he said that his movie would soon change the mood of the viewers for the better. Bipasha Basu shared Bobby's thought that the movie would usher in a new era of pleasant environment. Priyanka Chopra called the movie a " feel good" one. Sunil Darshan claimed that the movie's music has already been appreciated by the people even before 'Barsaat's release.

Aamir Khan Press Conference

Aamir Khan addressing press conference held for his newly released megaventure Mangal Pandey- The Rising.

SUNNY PROMOTES HIMSELF FROM INSPECTOR TO COMMISSIONER

It was nearly five years back that the idea of making a film on the subject of patriotism first struck Sunny Deol. He did start the film, titled 'Indian', with Aishawarya Rai as its heroine. This was the time that Kamal Haasan was also involved in making a film with the same title down south. When Sunny came to know of this, he delayed his project, leading to Aishwarya walking out of the film as she could not spare fresh dates. To add to the miseries of Sunny, Kamal Haasan's film was released as 'Hindustani' in Hindi.

So, when Sunny revived the project about an year back, he decided to make a remake of the hit Tamil film, 'Vallrasu', and roped in almost the entire technical team of the original, including director N. Maharajan. Trade pundits vouch that Tamil remakes do not work in the Hindi belt and their argument was given further credence when last week's release, 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein', a remake of the Tamil hit 'Minnale', failed to set the cash counters ringing. If anything, 'Indian' will strengthen their argument.

At best, Sunny's venture might attract the front benchers. But even then, it will just about do average business.

The film revolves around a cop trying to unmask the evil elements in society which are connected to terrorist groups. Raj Shekhar Azad (Sunny Deol) is the cop who is doing battle against the evil elements. Raj is proud of his uniform and his country. His heart flutters when the tricolor is unveiled. His mission is to put paid to every terrorist in the land. He has a motivated team to help him in his mission. He has a wife who always sides by him, but the father-in-law is in league with those who would carve up the country for their own ulterior motives. But Raj is made of stern stuff. He does not hesitate to polish off the father-in-law even though this leads to some complications.

One of the weak links in 'Indian' is its music. It does not match the mood of the film. Anand Raj Anand has failed to build the tempo a film like this requires. The action sequences remind one of Sunny's earlier films. 'Indian' looks like an updated version of Sunny's last film, 'Farz', in which too he played a cop. The only difference is that from an Inspector in the previous film he has risen to the rank of Commissioner in this one.

Journalist turned dialogue writer Sanjay Masoom needs a mention for his punchy dialogue. He has improved a lot since his last film, 'Zor', which also starred Sunny. The cinematography by A. Ramesh Kumar is eye catching and he excels particularly in the song sequences.

The film revolves around Sunny. The story progresses with his character. Every other participant in the drama, be it heroine Shilpa Shetty or villains Raj Babbar and Danny, are there just to fill in the blanks. The film primarily sports an urban look while Sunny's fans are found mostly in the interiors and small cities of the country.

SHAH RUKH REDUCES KING TO A COMMONER!

After all the hype and the build up surrounding Shah Rukh Khan's 'Asoka', the cat must sadly be let out of the bag. The film runs more in the realm of fiction than history. While reading 'The Making of Asoka' by Mushtaq Sheikh, one had felt that that it would be interesting to see Shah Rukh in the role of the great king of yore who abjured violence to take to the spreading of Buddha's gospel. Disappointingly, he comes across not as the great monarch but as the little lover boy singing 'hum tum ek kamre mein band hon aur chaabi kho jaaye'.

To boost the film's prospects, Shah Rukh went on a nationwide tour, where he is supposed to have commented that very little material was available on Asoka before he became a Buddhist monk and that history started when Asoka's reign ended. Sorry, Shah Rukh, the audience is not going to swallow this line when they look for authenticity in your film.

The film is an "attempt to showcase the human side" of King Asoka, who started out in life with a palace coup and then had a lot of blood on his hands in various battlefields, including Kalinga. But our screen Asoka is mostly seen romancing with princess Karuvaki (Kareena Kapoor) from the neighboring state of Kalinga. After witnessing the carnage of Kalinga, Asoka feels great remorse and has a change of heart. He becomes a monk and spends the rest of his life spreading the teachings of the Buddha. The film ends with the message that war can never lead to peace. It is a coincidence that this message is especially relevant today, with all the violence and terrorism around.

The film fails to grasp one's attention as it lacks drama. The screenplay by Saket Chaudhary (with some help from director Santosh Sivan) has no rhythm and is devoid of any interesting twists and turns. The dialogue too is insipid. To have kept the film's treatment modern is another shortcoming. The music too is not authentic and seems made for one of the run of the mill commercial films.

The person at whose door all the blame lies is director Santosh Sivan, for whom 'Asoka' represents his first commercial film. His earlier films, 'Hello' and 'Terrorist' fell into the category of "art films". With Sivan making such a hash of things, Shah Rukh's career both as a producer and actor seems in peril. Shah Rukh himself cannot escape blame. He does not fit into the role of a historical character. What one sees see is Shah Rukh on the screen and not Asoka in person. This could be the difference between the success of 'Lagaan' and 'Gadar' and the failure of 'Asoka'. Aamir Khan was not himself but the villageois Bhuvan on screen, while Sunny Deol slipped easily into the skin of Tara Singh.

The film is a blow to Kareena's ambitions too. It marks her third flop in a career spanning four films. She too does not fit in into the character of a princess and looks more like a cabaret dancer who has wandered into a costume drama. To see Subhashini Ali, a former politician from Kanpur, in the role of Shah Rukh's mother was a pleasant surprise for many. However, a bigger surprise was to see empty seats in the cinema hall on the very first day of release despite the day being a public holiday. Why, then, was the signboard outside saying 'house full'?



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 11-9-2005 10:49 PM ]

KAMAL HAASAN ROCKS ON HIS PEDESTAL

Kamal Haasan may have the status of a demigod down South, but his performances in Hindi films of late have left audiences up North cold. The southern superstar, who made his Hindi cinema debut with the hit 'Ek Duje Ke Liye' in the early eighties, is fighting for acceptance up North. His last film, 'Hey! Ram', failed miserably at the box-office and his latest, 'Abhay' will not exactly send his stock soaring.

Who, for example, would have dreamed that the day would come when a Kamal Haasan film would have to wait for distributors to pick it up? But this is exactly what has happened with 'Abhay'. The film has not been able to manage a national release this week. It has opened in Mumbai and some other cities but is still waiting to be screened in the biggest Hindi distribution territory, Delhi and UP.

'Abhay's failure lies in its weak script and weaker direction. The fault for the first lies with Kamal Haasan, because he himself has scripted the film. Director Suresh Krissna too fails to deliver the goods. He seems to be so much in awe of Kamal Haasan that he does not apply his own mind to the projection of the story.

'Abhay' is supposed to be a 'thriller'. Major Vijay Kumar (Kamal Haasan) is all set to marry his girlfriend Tejaswani (Raveena Tandon), who is a news anchor with a leading channel. Vijay has a twin brother, Abhay (Kamal Haasan again), who had been an inmate of various mental asylums for the past 22 years, with the authorities turning down many pleas by the family for his release. Vijay makes the mistake of going to visit his brother yet again and doesn't know the hell this will unleash for him and Tejaswini.

Kamal Hasan, no doubt, gives a very polished performance in this film but his role seems to overshadow everything else. The whole story is hijacked by the character of Abhay. As the drama unfolds, one realizes that Kamal Haasan, the writer, has entered the wrong lane. The film's treatment is such that it keeps you on the edge of your seat initially. However, the moment Abhay attains freedom, the film plumbs depths from which it cannot be salvaged.

Raveena justifies her presence with some substantial scenes but one wonders what Manish Koirala is doing in her miniscule role. She has made the same mistake as Rani Mukherjee in accepting a two-bit role in 'Hey! Ram'.

The music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy lacks any tempo, though Javed Akhtar's poetry,delivered by Abhay at several places, deserves special mention. Director Suresh Krissna, in his debut Hindi film, executes some sequences in typical Hollywood style, but the films fails in the area of content. The special effects and animation are well executed, but look absolutely out of place in a story like this.

It seems as if the film has been made just to satisfy the actor in Kamal Haasan and every thing else has taken a backseat.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 13-1-2006 10:19 PM ]