FREIDA PINTO'S "RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES" CAPTURED INDIAN AUDIENCES

Fox Star Studios' latest sci-fi extravaganza "RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES" has captured the fancy of audiences across India with its stunning visual effects!

Released in early August in English, Hindi, Tamil & Telugu, the James Franco- Freida Pinto starrer has grossed an outstanding Rs.11.6 crore in just over two weeks of release.

The film is also enjoying a successful run at PVR Cinemas across India, having collected Rs.1.6 crore despite releasing one week later in the multiplex chain.

Touted as one of the most entertaining films of the franchise, the film is also a hit with the Hindi speaking audiences across India with collections from the Hindi screens almost matching those from the English screens. "RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES" has in fact grossed far more than all the other releases that opened along with it.

Talking about the success of the film, Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox Star Studios India says, "We are elated with the continuing enthusiastic response to the film from centers across India. Despite the delayed release the collections from the PVR cinemas are very encouraging - 4 of the PVR properties feature among the top 10 performing properties for the film! Given the positive word of mouth, we are confident of increasing the figures in the weeks to come."

Directed by Rupert Wyatt, "RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES" is the 7th in the Apes saga and has gathered a lot of Oscar buzz in Hollywood, for its spectacular special effects by Oscar winning agency Weta Digital, and Andy Serkis' performance capture as 'Caesar' the ape for the film.

KRISTIN CAVALLARI SPOTTED AT SPANISH KITCHEN IN WEST HOLLYWOOD

Stepping out for a lunch meeting, Kristin Cavallari was seen at the Spanish Kitchen in West Hollywood.

The former “Hills” hottie smiled beautifully as she strolled through the parking lot, sporting a purple top and slim fit jeans.

And it sounds like Kristin could be competing for the mirrorball trophy on the upcoming season of the hit show “Dancing with the Stars.”

An insider told press that ABC has offered her a contract and she plans to sign on for the gig. Other celebrities in talks for the show are Rob Kardashian, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Christina Milian, and Mike Tyson.

TODAY, AKSHAY KUMAR COMPLETES 20 YEARS IN BOLLYWOOD

TODAY, Akshay Kumar completes 20 years in the world of films as a leading man. It was way back on 23rd August 1991 that Akshay's first film as a solo hero, DANCER, had released. With an eventful journey that has lasted through its highs and lows, Akshay is one of the only five surviving superstars other than Aamir Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan who have completed 20 years in Bollywood.

When asked whether he had any plans to throw a bash to celebrate his 20 years stint in the industry, Akshay says, "The fact that I am still here is a celebration every day. I think I will definitely toast to my 20 years but I won't be screaming and shouting about it."

One wonders why he is being different when in B-town, celebrities are often known for finding an excuse to make much hue and cry about their smallest of achievements. Akshay smiles it all away though and says, "My peers have taught me that 20 years survival is something to be happy about but it is 40 years stint when you should be really proud of yourself."

Continuing in the humble tone, he adds, "I am still a beginner in the eyes of my idols like Mr. Bachchan. When other actors would want to work with me with similar passion that I have carried when it comes to working with Mr. Bachchan, only then would I think that perhaps I am worthy enough in this industry."

Well, here is looking forward to many more decades for you Akki!

TODAY, DEMI LOVATO TURNS 19

TODAY, The "Sonny with a Chance" stunner, Demi Lovato turns 19-years-old who played coy to the cameras as she exited the famed entertainment center wearing a low-cute orange top, long black button down, cut-off jean shorts and pair of sky-high black and brown platform sandals.

After hitting the lanes, Demi made her way to the local 7-Eleven store, where she proceeded to stock up on her drink of choice - Red Bull.

Earlier in the week, Miss Lovato kicked off her birthday celebration by teaming up with Sober Is Sexy clothing designer Hanna Beth for a joint glam rock-inspired party at Beacher's Madhouse in Hollywood.

SHAHRUKH KHAN SUPPORTED ANNA HAZARE'S ANTI CORRUPTION MOVEMENT

Bollywood superstar, Shahrukh Khan has expressed his support for the anti-corruption movement by veteran social activist Anna Hazare, saying that it has helped bring the issue into focus.

Replying to a question on the campaign that has gripped India since the beginning of this week Khan, at a news conference said, 'I think the cause is fantastic and it has been brought to the forefront.'

"The implementation, the parliamentarian aspects, the constitutional rules and laws needs to be given a serious thought," he added.

Self-styled Gandhian Hazare has been on a hunger strike since Tuesday, protesting the government's 'weak' draft of the anti-graft Lokpal Bill and spent three nights jail before being bending the government to permit him take his fast public.

The movement, which Hazare calls India's second fight of Independence, has amassed thousands of supporters and put immense pressure on the government which has been severely flogged for its ham-handed handling of the issue.

TOMORROW KIM KARDASHIAN GETTING ENGAGED TO KRIS HUMPHRIES

One day, people. We are just one day away from the event of the century, the wedding of the decade, the money-making scheme to end all money-making schemes.

Kim Kardashian marrying Kris Humphries tomorrow. OM...Ca-ching!

What must you know heading into the big day? Consider this your official Kim Kardashian wedding primer:

- The ceremony will take place at a $29 million estate in Montecito, CA.
- Both the ceremony and the reception will take place under a giant tent, in order to maintain privacy from the paparazzi and ensure E! has the exclusive coverage.
- The bridesmaids will wear green.
- Kim will wear a $25,000 dress by designer Vera Wang.
- Fans will be asked to spend $100 on a nuptials-themed fragrance.
- Kim will wear platform heels and her hair will be up.
- The couple will put their honeymoon on hold so Kim can start shooting Kourtney & Kim Take New York.
- Kris Humphries will wonder: What the Hell have I done?!?

PAKISTANI ACTRESS, MEERA HONOURED WITH SITARA - I IMTIAZ IN PAKISTAN

The Pakistani actress, Meera who is less known for her no-so-great performances in forgettable ‘Nazar’ and ‘Kasak’ and known more for her public tantrums. The actress is best known for her claim a few months ago that Mahesh Bhatt had physically abused her and was even possessive about her.

She went further to hold Bhatt responsible for driving her away from Bollywood. However, it seems that our tinsel town failed to tap her talents well and her performances are earning high appreciation in our neighbour Pakistan.

The actress has been conferred the ‘Sitara-i-Imitaz’, the third highest civilian honor in Pakistan. We wonder what Mahesh Bhatt has to say on this!!

EMMA STONE WAS SEEN IN BLACK SCOOPNECK TOP AND JEANS

Taking some much-deserved time off, Emma Stone was seen out and about in Hollywood yesterday afternoon.

The “Help” hottie was joined by some of her gal pals as she made her way around town, sporting a black scoopneck top and jeans.

In a recent interview, Emma told press that while the Spider- Man/Mary Jane upside down kiss from 2002 was iconic, she and Andrew Garfield aren’t looking to duplicate the past.

“Why would we do an upside-down kiss? I’m not Mary Jane. I’m Gwen Stacy in the Spider-Man film. New girl. New kiss. I wanted to do different kisses to make our mark.”

Miss Stone also noted that “The Amazing Spider-Man” isn’t the only project she’s pumped about. “It’s an incredibly exciting time. I’m part of a few movies I’m so excited about, which is fantastic. These are stories I was dying to tell, which is pretty rare, because there is so much junk out there."

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."