PARINEETI CHOPRA IN YASH CHOPRA'S "ISHQZAADE"

The girl who has a filmi connection being the cousin of Bollywood’s reigning queen Priyanka Chopra and who won all accolades and awards for her debut performance is now all set to play her first lead role. Talking about Parineeti Chopra, the girl has been chosen to play the female lead in Yash Raj Film’s next project "Ishqzaade".

Parineeti’s role as Dimple Chadda in ‘Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl’ won her recognition and the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut in 2012. Besides, she also won the Zee cine, Screen and the Apsara awards for her debut.

On asking if she is comfortable doing bold scenes in her career, Parineeti says, “If you are an actor, you will be asked to do certain things. If I’m told to do an intimate scene or wear certain clothes, I can’t say no if that’s what the script and character demands. I know there are actors who won’t kiss on screen and I respect that, but I don’t have any rules like that. I will stay true to the script.”

KARISHMA NOW TURNS AN "ITEM GIRL"

\Karishma Kapoor, who is known for her exceptional dancing prowess, is geared up to perform an item number in Akshay Kumar's upcoming flick ROWDY RATHORE.

According to reports, the song will be choreographed by Prabhu Deva. Apparently, South actor Nasser and Bollywood superstar Akshay will also be a part of the song. Karisma is expected to enthrall the audience with her sizzling moves in the song.

Directed by Prabhu Deva and produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film features Akshay Kumar in a double role and Sonakshi Sinha as the leading lady.

SHAHID AND PRIYANKA TOGETHER IN KUNAL KOHLI'S UNTITLED MOVIE

Normally we talk about 'saat janmon ka pyaar' but in case of Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra it's a 'teen janmon ka pyaar'!

Well, if you think that we are indulging in third rate yellow journalism, you are wrong as your favourite site does not believe in that. So, please read on.

Actually we are talking about Kunal Kohli's yet untitled film starring Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapoor. As per our sources, in Kunal's film Priyanka meets her lover, essayed by Shahid Kapoor, in three different lives ('janams'). So, as we had said it's a love of three lives between Shahid and Priyanka.

Well, that sure is an interesting concept and also explains the three looks of Shahid Kapoor in the pictures being circulated in the web world, and should also douse the curiosity of all those who were speculating about Kunal Kohli's film being a three generation story!

NEIL AND DEEPIKA WILL BE SEEN TOGETHER AGAIN IN "PAIDAAR"

It is a known fact that Deepika Padukone and Neil Nitin Mukesh are thick friends for quite some time. So much so that Neil has even declared on a public platform that he and Deepika are more than just friends. However this great friendship won't necessarily lead to a professional alliance between the two for at least some time from now.

''When Neil had announced his home production PAIDAAR a few months back, it was Deepika's name that had emerged as the leading lady. The film is going be an all-around Neil show since he has not just written the film's script but would also be composing music along with producing and acting in it. There were all the right reasons to believe that Deepika would indeed do the film due to her friendship with Neil ever since the days of LAFANGEY PARINDEY. However with no further confirmation coming from either of the two, it seems like there would be a change in plans for Neil,'' says a source.

A romantic thriller with revenge at the core of it, PAIDAAR (an Urdu word that stands for eternal) was supposed to be directed by Rohit Jugraj, a key member in the writing team of PLAYERS which features Neil in a prominent role. One expected that as PLAYERS would come closer to release, Neil and Rohit would divulge further plans around PAIDAAR, especially the leading lady. However as things stand today, neither is Deepika a part of it, nor is the film going on floors anytime soon.

Says Neil, ''Neither Deepika nor any other actress has been approached for the film. We are still developing PAIDAAR so there is no question of any casting being finalised. The film still needs more time on scripting. Though it is pakka that I would be acting in it, no one else has been confirmed so far, whether it is the other actors or the director.''

When contacted, even Deepika denied doing the film. She said, ''I haven't been offered PAIDAAR so where is the questioning of me saying 'yes' or 'no' to it.'' 

NOW SALMAN KHAN WILL BE SEEN IN "DABANGG 2" ON CHRISTMAS 2012

Salman Khan is all set to scorch the silver screen as 'Chulbul Pandey' in DABANGG 2 that is scheduled for release on December 21st, 2012!

Produced & Directed by Arbaaz Khan, the Salman Khan-Sonakshi Sinha starrer will be going on floors in March next year.

DABANGG 2 will also star Arbaaz Khan and Sonu Sood, who will be seen in a completely different avatar this time.

Talks are also on with the talented Prakash Raj for an important role in the film. With some more cast names yet to be finalized; DABANGG 2 retains the same technical team as the previous film.

The script is penned by Dilip Shukla and the film's music is by Sajid-Wajid.

NEW MOVIE "AAZAAN" HITTING THE SCREEN COMING FRIDAY

'My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist' - so said Shahrukh Khan in the Karan Johar drama that released last year. Seems Shahrukh's statement influenced his friend and entrepreneur turned producer/actor Joshi so much that he went ahead and made an entire film around the same statement - Sachin AAZAAN

Says a source, "Obvious reference point for AAZAAN is Shahrukh's MY NAME IS KHAN which again made its statement against terrorism and the plight of Muslims across the world. However it managed to do that successfully without beating the jihad drum and hence conveyed the message in its own powerful way. AAZAAN has taken a similar route as well by not hoisting the jihad flag."

With the kind of approach AAZAAN has taking, it is only apparent that the film, which is said to be the biggest ever espionage thriller made in Bollywood, isn't being one of those regular lavishly mounted action affairs but digs its roots deeper down.

"See, I loved MY NAME IS KHAN and Shahrukh showed his unique way of fighting the system. I salute that," acknowledged Sachiin, "However there are different ways of fighting it out and in AAZAAN I have done just that by also bringing the espionage element. The film shows that how an Indian Muslim can go against all odds and emerge a winner if he has the willpower. Unlike many out there who just touch the sensitive issues, we have also taken a step forward to answer them."

Well, we would know if this is indeed true once AAZAAN hits the screens coming Friday. 

NASEER'S "THE BLUEBERRY HUNT" RELEASING ON SEPT,16

PVR Pictures will release Naseeruddin Shah starrer "THE BLUEBERRY HUNT" on 16th September.

The film centers on a recluse known locally as 'Colonel' - played by Naseeruddin Shah, living with his large German shepherd. The story focuses on the final five days when Colonel's plantation of a high potency variant of marijuana - Blueberry Skunk - gets ready for harvest.

Naseeruddin said he loves being a part of small budget movies with new directors.

His association with talented directors goes back to late 70s, when he had conceptualized his theater group 'Motley Productions' with Benjamin Gilani and Tom Alter, so that he could promote new playwrights and directors. And he also priorities change while choosing characters.

It is the second movie of director Anup Kurian. THE BLUEBERRY HUNT is shot in a mix of English and Hindi with some sprinkles of Tamil, Marathi and Malayalam.
THE BLUEBERRY HUNT is also made into a Graphic Novel, which is slated to release with the film.

The film also stars Vipin Sharma, Aahana Kumra, PJ Unnikrishnan, Vinay Kumar and Yadu Sankalia.

JOHN ABRAHAM IN ALLAN AMIN'S "FORCE"

Well-known action director Allan Amin was the one to introduce Bollywood with the concept of stylized action and special effects. He all started with MISSION KASHMIR followed with QAYAMAT: CITY UNDER THREAT, DHOOM series, DUS, CHOCOLATE: DEEP DARK SECRETS and many more. However his upcoming action film "FORCE" starring John Abraham doesn't consist of the stylized action, which is in vogue.

Allan says FORCE is much different from his other films as the action here is much real, 'The action in FORCE is all real. We haven't made use of cables or any equipment or special effects for that matter. Moreover John has good caliber who did all the stunts by himself. What with lifting a bike or jumping off from a great height he did it all without the help of cables or airbags. And must say he performed it quite naturally.'

Certainly whatever Allan does he does it with much elan and elegance but what about the audiences who are used to watching stylized action these days and under such circumstances how FORCE action will appeal to the masses? To which he answers, "No it's completely stylized in its own way but without losing its originality. When you'll watch the film you'll come to know."

Ask him if it became a time consuming process to have real action and he says, "Though time consuming but it was fun shooting it naturally."

He may have designed best of the action sequences for the various films he did in his career but finds FORCE as his most challenging action film till date. "Yes FORCE has been the most challenging film in my career as it was all done without using any cables or any other aid," says Allan.

Allan further talks about the most difficult and the best action sequence in FORCE. "The most difficult was the one where John goes running behind several buses lined up and jumps from one bus to another as it was to be shot without the use of cables. While the best one was the bike sequence where John lifts the heavy bike and throws it. Actually I just asked John to lift it halfway but he decisively lifted the whole bike. Even the introduction scene of FORCE is one to watch out for."

Allan and John's bonding dates back to the time when John was about to make his mark in the industry. Says Allan, "I know John from long time. We have worked together for the films like KAAL, DHOOM, etc. We share a good rapport. There is a sort of good understanding and comfort level between us."

Ask him about the return of action genre or the genre gaining its lost glory and the prudent action master says, "It's just a phase of life where everything comes and goes back."

Allan becomes diplomatic when it comes to selecting his favourite action hero in Bollywood. "Everybody is good. I enjoy working with all of them," says Allan on a parting note.

ANNA PAQUIN & RYAN PHILLIPPE IN UPCOMING MOVIE "STRAIGHT A'S"

Branching out from her human/fairy role on “True Blood,” Anna Paquin is set to star in an upcoming film called “Straight A’s.”

The Sookie Stackhouse actress, along with “MacGruber” actor Ryan Phillippe, have signed on for the Nu Image/Millenium movie.

Directed by James Cox and written by Dave Cole, production for the comedy begins today (August 17) in Shreveport, Louisiana.

According to the script, "Phillippe portrays a man who's been in and out of rehab for 10 years and is haunted by the ghost of his dead mother pressing him to return home to the family he turned his back on years ago. Outfitted with nothing more than a bag of pills and a sack of weed, he trots back to Shreveport, only to be faced with his brother's wife, who's still pining for him, her first love."

RAJNEESH DUGGAL COMEBACK WITH "PHHIR"

PHHIR, a dramatic thriller, is up for release and one can pretty much sense that despite a delay in arrival of his second film (after a successful 1920), leading hero Rajneesh Duggal is sounding very cool instead of being hassled. That's because he has always been of a strong belief that there is time for good things and whatever good or bad that he may have done in life, it would eventually come back to him.

"I have grown up on this belief and at our home we used to have 'Gita Saar' every morning where we were taught this virtue," Rajneesh says, "This is what impressed me about PHHIR as a subject as well since it tells the same tale. The story is based on karma and talks about the same virtues."

So while the film has karma playing a major role in the film, there are also two women-Adah Sharma and Roshni Sharma-who don't just spice the drama but also add on to the intrigue.

"Yes, they surely do," Rajneesh brings on a smile here, "I have two separate romantic tracks with both these women. Since Roshni is playing my wife in the film, there is obviously more romance with her when compared to Adah. On the other hand there is much more drama with Adah around. And then with me having three different looks in the film, it only adds up to it all. In fact one of the characters played by me is so grey that it used to take me 30-60 minutes to come out of it. As an actor it was an amazing experience for me."

PHHIR releases all over on 12th August.

SANJAY DUTT AS "KANCHA" IN "AGNEEPATH"

'Gabbar', 'Mogambo' and now 'Kancha'! With this look and the cunning smile, the age old dialogue of Gabbar Singh is going to be re-written! Door gaon tak har bachha will dread about Kancha.

The look of Sanjay Dutt for AGNEEPATH as 'kancha' was awaited for long, and not to be surprised, it was worth the wait! The bald look, chunky ear piercing, black outfit, and that evil smile with the ready to kill look in his eye, Sanjay Dutt looks like the new age 'Dark Lord'!

Karan Johar has done his homework and is all set for the big release with a Big Bang... Come January 13th, 2012... Let all Hell break loose!

By the way today is Sanjay Dutt's birthday... Happy Birthday to our Dark Lord!! Bollywood's macho man Sanjay Dutt turns 52.

PRAKASH JHA TO REFUSES TO SHOW AARAKSHAN TO NATIONAL COMMISSION

The National Commission for Schedule Castes has asked for a screening of the film AARAKSHAN, to judge whether the film is suitable for release. However, filmmaker Prakash Jha has refused to have any special screening for the National Commission.

PrakashJha, "The laws of the country do not require me to show my film to any board or body, apart from the Censor Board.

"The Censor Board has been constituted to review films - rate them according to viewing suitability, and address any other concerns related to the release of the film. The Censor Board is the only body that needs to see the film. Once the film is submitted for censorship, it's up to the Censor Board, who they want to incorporate into the preview committee. It is the prerogative of the Censor Board, if it wants to involve any other body of people for advice.

"I am not required to respond to any board of people, who want to sit in judgment over my film. As a filmmaker, who has been making films for about 30 years, I am well aware of the procedure I have to follow to get the clearances for the release of the film. I will be following the due procedure.

"AARAKSHAN is a film about the ramifications of the reservation policy and the commercialization of education as seen through the experiences of a particular group of people. It explores various sides of the issue, through various characters. My intention has been to provide a fair and balanced comment on the issue.

"The film is releasing on the independence day weekend, so we have enough time to go to the Censor Board for the censor certificate."

HOT AND SEXY SULAGNA'S DEBUT IN MURDER2

The promos of MURDER 2 have hit high octane and it is being projected as another super hit film from the house of Bhatts and also another solo hit for Emraan Hashmi after a long-long time. Incidentally, the leading lady of the film Jacqueline Fernandez is also being touted as another Mallika Sherawat in the making. But what is being closed a trade secret to be unleashed to the audience along with the film is another lady Sulagna Panigrahi. She is another girl from the army background who is going to make her debut in the world of Hindi cinema.

Her name is not to be found anywhere in the publicity of MURDER-2, but she is being touted as a surprise package. Indeed, Hindi cinema has been fortunate enough to have leading ladies from the army background who have made their mark in their manner, and have been a trail blazer. Sulagna could also follow in the same league.

One of the most successful female leading ladies so far in the Hindi film industry is Preity Zinta who had an element of chutzpah in her performance and it is owing to this chutzpah that she could carve a niche for herself. Sulagna has the same potential as she has done some daring stunts in MURDER-2, which is a surprise package, and she could do it with consummate ease on account of the army background where being accustomed to such stunts is a part of the process of growing up.

When one is talking about ladies with army background how can one forget Priyanka Chopra or for that matter Gul Panag, who has become the icon of bullet safari in India. Sonu Walia was among the first actresses who descended on Hindi films terra firma belonging to army background.

One of the most successful film stars of the present times, and latest muse of M F Hussain, is Anushka Sharma who comes from an army background, and Celina Jaitley is another actress who traces her origin from the same background. Among other noted ladies having army background can be included Bhumika Chawla, Pooja Batra, Sushmita Sen and Poonam Dhillon.

Such being the illustrious list one only hopes that Sulagna would carry the tradition forward and would be able to make a mark for herself in an impacted manner.

GRAND OPENING FOR DELHI BELLY

Aamir Khan Productions and UTV's co production DELHI BELLY, which released last Friday, has become a huge success.

The sixth venture of Aamir Khan Productions is a mass grosser in India. It opened with 7.15 crore on Friday, 1st July. Saturday collections went up to 8.50 crore and increased to 10.75 crore on Sunday, giving a sum total of 26.4 crore business only over the weekend. With films opening to merely 10% to 40% maximum in the recent past, this seems like a new wave that has hit the Indian cinema.

The overall cost of the film is 24 crore which includes production, print and publicity as well. So, recovering is already done and the business in the coming days will also be something to watch out for given the terrific start of the film and also the revenue it is expected to generate from non-theatrical avenues. It opened across 1200 screens with major occupancy in multiplexes across the country.

RAM GOPAL VARMA'S MOST SHOCKING UPCOMING MOVIE - "NOT A LOVE STORY"

Ram Gopal Varma is back with another unusual concept. His upcoming movie "Not A Love Story" is said to be inspired by the true incident of the brutal murder of TV executive Neeraj Grover. The trailer of the movie has been released and it surely looks like this would be a bone chilling movie.

The trailer begins with the text ‘there is truth in every story.’ What follows the text is the usage of outlandish shot angles by Ramu wherein he plays with the camera and sets it in a topsy-turvy position. The lines in the trailer ‘some crimes shock you; this will make you shiver’ give you a clear idea that this not just another usual crime thriller.

In the promo, Ajay Gehi, who will play the character of Ashish Bhatnagar, is seen slicing a steamy smooch scene with Mahi Gill who plays Anusha Chawla in the movie. Deepak Dobriyal, who plays the character of Mahi’s boyfriend Robin Fernandes, kills Ajay and then makes out with Mahi in the room next to where he killed him! This scene gives you goose bumps! Deepak is even seen brutally slashing the body parts of Ajay. The body parts are later stacked in many bags which are burnt by the couple in the outskirts of the city!

Well, this can easily be perceived to be one dark movie. And we would like to say the same thing that the trailer says: “It is from the heart but not for the fainthearted.”

YASH CHOPRA CONFIRMED KATRINA AND ANUSHKA WITH SRK IN NEXT FILM

 

As already announced, Yash Chopra's next directorial venture stars the king of romance, Shahrukh Khan. As Yashji put it earlier, 'Everyone knows that when I make a movie, Shahrukh will be involved with it. He is like family to YRF and I have always regarded him as one of my own.'

However, after days of media conjecturing, YRF confirms the two ladies, who will also be a part of this project - one is Katrina Kaif, who will be playing a role opposite Shahrukh for the very first time, and other Anushka Sharma, who was launched in RAB NE BANA DI JODI, alongside Shahrukh.

Orchestrated by Yash Chopra, this untitled movie will mark the coming together yet again of the award winning duo of the music maestro A. R. Rahman and the poet & lyricist, Gulzar.

Says Yash Chopra, 'It's been 7 years since I directed VEER-ZAARA and as I begin work on my new film I hear my inner voice asking me a lot of questions. Are you sure you want to direct again, you are nearly 80 years old and the audience is getting younger day-by-day. Can I really speak from my heart and still expect today's youth to listen to me? Will I be able to live up to the blind faith that Shahrukh Khan has in me and give him yet another memorable romantic film? Will I be able to present the beautiful Katrina Kaif and the very talented Anushka Sharma in a way they have never been seen before? Will I be able to inspire Rahman and Gulzar Bhai enough to create their best work yet?

'The honest answer is... I DON'T KNOW! All I know is that I'm making a film that I believe in, a film that is about love and nothing else. A film which has an old soul but a young heart. A film which is classic in its look but contemporary in its language. A film which I'm making on one simple faith... the love that my audiences have given to me over the years. They have tolerated my indulgences for the past 50 years, I'm sure they will indulge me one more time.'

The film is scheduled for a Diwali 2012 release, the festive time when Yash Chopra movies over the years have lit up homes worldwide.

DHANRAJ JHETANI'S UPCOMING MOVIE - "BIN BULAYE BARAATI "

Dhanraj Jethani's forthcoming film BIN BULAYE BARAATI directed by Chandrakant Singh is all set to release on 17th June 2011. This madcap comedy has fantastic performers like Om Puri, Rajpal Yadav, Mukesh Tiwari, Johny Lever, Sanjay Mishra, Shweta Tiwari, Vijay Raj, Hemant Pandey, Manoj Joshi, Gulshan Grover, Shakti Kapoor, Dinesh Lamba, Razzaq Khan, Shweta Keswani, Rati Agnihotri, Neeraj Vora along with Aftab Shivdasani, Priyanka Kothari and ultra glam super hot actress Mallika Sherawat has done a sizzling item song. The film has been shot extensively in Goa and Mumbai.

Those who have already seen the film have given their thumbs up to the film and said, "It's a lovely family comic entertainer along with all the essential ingredients and audience will go crazy & have a whale of time."

Director Chandrakant Singh, who is very happy the way the film has shaped out, said, "BIN BULAYE BARAATI is a pure, unadulterated comedy laugh-riot. It is a pure family entertainer with a huge star cast. Singh is also glad that the film is planned, completed and releasing in record four months time, it's really a great job by the BBB team. "

Producer Dhanraj also confidently adds, "BIN BULAYE BARAATI is a treat to the audience; the movie is a laugh riot which will make you fall right off your seat. It is an enjoyable film and you will not get bored. Mallika Sherawat's item song 'Shaalu' is sizzling."

KATIE HOLME'S NEW MOVIE - "DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK"

Hoping to draw viewers with her latest spooky venture, Katie Holmes' upcoming movie "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" has just released its official theatrical trailer.

The horror/thriller flick tells the story of "a young girl sent to live with her father and his new girlfriend who discovers creatures in her new home who want to claim her as one of their own."

Directed by Troy Nixey, "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" also stars "Memento" actor Guy Pearce and 11-year-old "Bridge to Terabithia" actress Bailee Madison.

With the screenplay put together by the well-regarded Guillermo del Toro, the film is all set to hit theaters on August 26, 2011.

LATA TO SING IN ASHA'S DEBUT FILM

Lata Mangeshkar has given her nod to sing a song in sister Asha Bhosale's film "MAAEE". The film is directed by Mahesh Kodiyal and Produced by Subhash Dawar and Nitin Shankar.

Reveals Asha, "Lata didi has agreed to sing the title track of my film Maaee and I am very happy."

The title track is yet to be recorded and will be scheduled as per Lataji's availability. The song has been composed by Nitin Shankar.

READY and DOUBLE DHAMAAL: HOPES FOR 2011

The success rate during the first half of 2011 has been rather low. Yes, there was the World Cup Cricket and there is the ongoing IPL, but still that is no excuse for just four clean successes- YAMLA PAGLA DEEWANA, NO ONE KILLED JESSICA, TANU WEDS MANU and the recent HAUNTED.

Interestingly, the first three above mentioned movies came at the beginning of the year itself and the last, that is HAUNTED (still running), in the fifth month. Agreed that there have been a few small budgeted ventures like CHALO DILLI and RAGINI MMS too and a couple of big ones like THANK YOU and DUM MAARO DUM getting limited success but the year is yet to see a real blockbuster.

However, all that is about to change, and if trade and distribution buzz is anything to go by the first half of the year is going to conclude with a double bonanza.

Obviously we are referring to Anees Bazmee's Salman Khan starrer, READY, and Indra Kumar's multistarrer, DOUBLE DHAMAAL. Both the films are tipped to be hot and likely to embark on a huge initial. Even the feedback of the audience to the teasers of the two films has been quite positive and both are awaited with a high degree of expectation.

Here's hoping for a blockbuster conclusion to the first half of the year as we are 'ready' for a 'double dhamaal' in the vacation month of June!