HOLLYWOOD NEWS
Cameron Diaz joins 'Bad Teacher' series as producer
Los Angeles: Actress Cameron Diaz has signed on to produce an upcoming TV adaptation of her hit comedy `Bad Teacher`.
The 41-year-old `Charlie`s Angels` star played the lead role in the 2011 film, alongside Jason Segel and Justin Timberlake, about a lazy teacher who is forced to work after being dumped by her wealthy fiance, reported Deadline.
The concept of the movie has since inspired a new TV series, and now Diaz has agreed to serve as a producer.
The new show stars Ari Graynor posing as a teacher to find another rich man after her husband leaves her broke.
The 41-year-old `Charlie`s Angels` star played the lead role in the 2011 film, alongside Jason Segel and Justin Timberlake, about a lazy teacher who is forced to work after being dumped by her wealthy fiance, reported Deadline.
The concept of the movie has since inspired a new TV series, and now Diaz has agreed to serve as a producer.
The new show stars Ari Graynor posing as a teacher to find another rich man after her husband leaves her broke.
Penelope Cruz goes topless on beach
Los Angeles: Just less than two months after giving birth to
daughter Luna, actress Penelope Cruz went topless while vacationing in
Corsica with husband Javier Bardem and their two children.
The 39-year-old actress was pictured showing off her post-baby figure in a tiny floral string bikini with neon yellow ties on a beach earlier this month, reported Us magaine.
Later, the actress took off her top completely for a swim with Bardem and their two-year-old son, Leo.
The couple are enjoying downtime before they embark on a press tour to promote their latest project together, `The Counselor`, a Ridley Scott-helmed thriller that also stars Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender and Cameron Diaz.
The 39-year-old actress was pictured showing off her post-baby figure in a tiny floral string bikini with neon yellow ties on a beach earlier this month, reported Us magaine.
Later, the actress took off her top completely for a swim with Bardem and their two-year-old son, Leo.
The couple are enjoying downtime before they embark on a press tour to promote their latest project together, `The Counselor`, a Ridley Scott-helmed thriller that also stars Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender and Cameron Diaz.
I relate to my character in 'Don Jon': Scarlett Johansson
Los Angeles: Actress Scarlett Johansson says she identifies with her character in `Don Jon` when it comes to relationships.
Johansson, who got engaged to boyfriend Romain Dauriac recently, said the new film is about a womanizing porn addict looking for love, reported E! online.
"We all are guilty of holding our partner or our imaginary partner up to these standards that are sort of impossible to fulfil.
"It would be much easier if the people we fell in love with behaved the we wanted them to. I`ve learned over time that what makes life interesting, relationships interesting, are the complexities of relationships and people and the fact that we can become more evolved ourselves if we are forced to compromise and accept the differences amongst one another," she said.
The film is the directorial debut of Joseph Gordon-Levitt and screened at the Toronto International Film Festival.
In many ways, Tyler Durden is the more violent, better-looking Henry
David Thoreau of our time. He taught us to live simpler lives, to shed
the burden of material possessions, and to purify ourselves by getting
beaten to a pulp by our fellow man. If living by his code means looking
like that, then maybe he's onto something. Brad Pitt's portrayal of Tyler Durden in 1999's Fight Club
inspired guys everywhere to throw out their khakis, take up boxing, and
tap into their inner men. Tyler's wisdom, however, is universal, and we
can all benefit from knowing that we are not special. Here are the best
nuggets of wisdom from Mr. Durden.
You're Not Your F*****g Khakis
One of Tyler's main mottos is "The things you own end up owning you." He refuses to be a slave to material possessions, which is evident in the barely standing house he squats in. When the narrator laments that his apartment has blown up, and along with it his Ikea furniture and a wardrobe that was becoming quite respectable, Tyler tells him to forget about his sofa units. "I say never be complete, I say stop being perfect, I say let's evolve." Throughout the movie, Tyler reminds the narrator, as well as the audience, that we are not how much money we have, the job we do, or any other material manifestation of ourselves.
Lesson: It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything.
Prove You're Alive
Tyler holds a gun to a convenience store clerk's head and asks him what his dream job would be. When the man answers, trembling, "veterinarian," Tyler tells him that if he isn't on his way to becoming a vet in six weeks, he'll hunt him down and kill him, literally forcing the guy to improve his life. When the narrator can't understand what scaring the piss out of someone accomplished, Tyler says, "Tomorrow will be the most beautiful day of Raymond K. Hessel's life. His breakfast will taste better than any meal you and I have ever tasted. " Tyler even goes so far as to crash the car that he's driving, so that he and his passengers have a "near-life experience."
Lesson: Sometimes you need to feel death in order to be alive.
Sacrifice For the Greater Good
When Tyler starts his Project Mayhem initiative, he recruits an army of men to organize and implement acts of anarchy. Throughout their training, he reminds them that they are not individuals, they are all just cogs in a machine. "Listen up, maggots. You are not special. You are not a beautiful or unique snowflake. You're the same decaying organic matter as everything else." When one of the members gets shot and killed during their mission to blow up a piece of public art while simultaneously destroying a mass coffee chain, Tyler shrugs it off like it's an occupational hazard.
Lesson: You wanna make an omelet, you gotta break some eggs.
Fighting Is the Answer
Tyler's creation of Fight Club becomes a kind of therapy for men from all walks of life. In fact, fighting replaces the narrator's addiction to group therapy. The movie shows that fighting, and even just getting beaten up, can be a means to an end, as Tyler gets bloodied up in order to keep the space for the club and the narrator fights himself to frame his boss and quit his job with pay. Each week, more and more men show up to Fight Club to beat the living crap out of each other, and even though they leave with fewer teeth and black eyes, they also leave with a renewed sense of purpose and self. Like Tyler says, you don't want to die without any scars.
Johansson, who got engaged to boyfriend Romain Dauriac recently, said the new film is about a womanizing porn addict looking for love, reported E! online.
"We all are guilty of holding our partner or our imaginary partner up to these standards that are sort of impossible to fulfil.
"It would be much easier if the people we fell in love with behaved the we wanted them to. I`ve learned over time that what makes life interesting, relationships interesting, are the complexities of relationships and people and the fact that we can become more evolved ourselves if we are forced to compromise and accept the differences amongst one another," she said.
The film is the directorial debut of Joseph Gordon-Levitt and screened at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Reminder: You Are Not a Beautiful or Unique Snowflake
You're Not Your F*****g Khakis
One of Tyler's main mottos is "The things you own end up owning you." He refuses to be a slave to material possessions, which is evident in the barely standing house he squats in. When the narrator laments that his apartment has blown up, and along with it his Ikea furniture and a wardrobe that was becoming quite respectable, Tyler tells him to forget about his sofa units. "I say never be complete, I say stop being perfect, I say let's evolve." Throughout the movie, Tyler reminds the narrator, as well as the audience, that we are not how much money we have, the job we do, or any other material manifestation of ourselves.
Lesson: It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything.
Prove You're Alive
Tyler holds a gun to a convenience store clerk's head and asks him what his dream job would be. When the man answers, trembling, "veterinarian," Tyler tells him that if he isn't on his way to becoming a vet in six weeks, he'll hunt him down and kill him, literally forcing the guy to improve his life. When the narrator can't understand what scaring the piss out of someone accomplished, Tyler says, "Tomorrow will be the most beautiful day of Raymond K. Hessel's life. His breakfast will taste better than any meal you and I have ever tasted. " Tyler even goes so far as to crash the car that he's driving, so that he and his passengers have a "near-life experience."
Lesson: Sometimes you need to feel death in order to be alive.
Sacrifice For the Greater Good
When Tyler starts his Project Mayhem initiative, he recruits an army of men to organize and implement acts of anarchy. Throughout their training, he reminds them that they are not individuals, they are all just cogs in a machine. "Listen up, maggots. You are not special. You are not a beautiful or unique snowflake. You're the same decaying organic matter as everything else." When one of the members gets shot and killed during their mission to blow up a piece of public art while simultaneously destroying a mass coffee chain, Tyler shrugs it off like it's an occupational hazard.
Lesson: You wanna make an omelet, you gotta break some eggs.
Fighting Is the Answer
Tyler's creation of Fight Club becomes a kind of therapy for men from all walks of life. In fact, fighting replaces the narrator's addiction to group therapy. The movie shows that fighting, and even just getting beaten up, can be a means to an end, as Tyler gets bloodied up in order to keep the space for the club and the narrator fights himself to frame his boss and quit his job with pay. Each week, more and more men show up to Fight Club to beat the living crap out of each other, and even though they leave with fewer teeth and black eyes, they also leave with a renewed sense of purpose and self. Like Tyler says, you don't want to die without any scars.
Liam Hemsworth proud of Miley Cyrus
Los Angeles: Actor Liam Hemsworth is proud of his pop star fiancée Miley Cyrus` sky-rocketing career.
Hemsworth, 23, who is currently shooting for ‘The Hunger Games’, likes to keep his relationship private and doesn`t want his silence to be taken as something against Cyrus.
"He has no surprise at all for her continued success. That is one of the things Miley had that originally attracted him," showbizspy.com quoted a source as saying.
"He is very proud that she is doing the thing that she loves and he supports her, he just doesn’t broadcast it with a parade for the whole world to see. He likes being private with her and their relationship, where as she doesn’t. But you know what they say, opposite’s attract," the source added.
Los Angeles: `Moulin Rouge` star Nicole Kidman was knocked to the ground after a photographer on a bicycle crashed into her.
Hemsworth, 23, who is currently shooting for ‘The Hunger Games’, likes to keep his relationship private and doesn`t want his silence to be taken as something against Cyrus.
"He has no surprise at all for her continued success. That is one of the things Miley had that originally attracted him," showbizspy.com quoted a source as saying.
"He is very proud that she is doing the thing that she loves and he supports her, he just doesn’t broadcast it with a parade for the whole world to see. He likes being private with her and their relationship, where as she doesn’t. But you know what they say, opposite’s attract," the source added.
Nicole Kidman falls after paparazzi bike crash
The
46-year-old actress was returning to the Carlyle Hotel after watching
the Calvin Klein show at New York Fashion Week when the snapper, named
as Carl Wu, came speeding toward her, reported TMZ online.
Wu allegedly lost control of his bike and could not avoid colliding with the actress, who tumbled to the ground as her high heels flew off her feet.
A furious Kidman initially wanted to press charges, but cops who arrived at the scene would not arrest Wu for a criminal offence, writing the paparazzo a ticket instead for cycling on the sidewalk.
Kidman was said to have no visible injuries.
FilmDistrict
Wan's horror comes from the psychological baggage of his characters. He is more interested in nightmares than in ghosts. "I've seen things with my own eyes that most people have to go to sleep to conjure up," says Rainier's former assistant Carl (Steve Coulter). It's the unconscious that brews up spirits for Wan, hence his interest in childhood traumas and how they serve to encumber our lives and ultimately make them terrifying. Transporting childhood fears to adulthood is key to Wan’s talent, even if he relies on tropes like musical stings, swish pans, and the anticipation of that frightful thing hiding in the dark. Beyond these devices, the Insidious films work best when they play with the edges of threat and mystery. Wan also deserves extra credit for keeping the frights pure and not resorting to gore, a cruel gimmick that hurts the audience more than it thrills them.
The sequel opens with a scene hinted at in the first film: like his son Dalton (Ty Simpkins), our hero dad Josh Lambert (Josh Lambert) was haunted as a child by a malicious spirit. Enter the younger version of Elise, who lost her life in the supernatural struggle to rescue Dalton in the first film. To find the source of the spirit, young Elise hypnotizes young Josh (Garrett Ryan), and he guides her to his bedroom closet. When she opens the door and pushes aside some clothes to reveal nothing but pitch black, she tells the darkness: "Who are you, and what do you want?"
FilmDistrict
Those are the film's best moments: when it confronts the sublime via literal darkness and mystery. Wan pushes these moments of dread from the unknown in some scenes to the point of comedy, mostly via Elise's surviving assistants, Specs (Leigh Whannell) and Tucker (Angus Sampson). "You can't be in here," one spirit, a little girl in pigtails, tells them. "If she sees you, she'll make me kill you." The threat of the unknown from forbidden trespass is encapsulated in those lines. The fact that Specs and Tucker take this warning very seriously verges on humorous because it satisfies that urge to tell the characters on screen to "get out" before anyone can yell their advice at the screen.
If there is fault in Insidious: Chapter 2, it comes in the form of further rationalizing this world Wan has created with writer/actor Whannell. The better horror movies plummet further into the darkness of mystery rather than trying to shed light on the motivations of evil spirits. This second chapter offers further explanation of the spirit world journey that closed the first Insidious. Though some may find relief in this, over-explanation also saps the film of its creepy energy, which Wan works so shrewdly to draw up.
Even though he leans on some cinematic horror tropes, as noted earlier, the film's eerie atmosphere has a signature stylistic flourish. He uses low angles to present his looming haunted houses in shadowy darkness, but Wan serves up a subtle new ambiance for the genre with the help of production designer Jennifer Spence. Bright patches of color here and there liven up the sets, especially a reliance on red accents, be it on doors, stained glass or parts of clothing. But the rest of his world features darker shades of color, often painted thick on nice solid, creaky wood. There is also a whimsy to his sets featuring clouds of fog billowing from out of nowhere and slow fade outs and fades to black, lending a surreal atmosphere to the happenings in Insidious: Chapter 2. There is nothing like the irrational to pull the rug out of reality and unnerve the audience, and the film is at its best lingering and peering at that edge.
Wu allegedly lost control of his bike and could not avoid colliding with the actress, who tumbled to the ground as her high heels flew off her feet.
A furious Kidman initially wanted to press charges, but cops who arrived at the scene would not arrest Wu for a criminal offence, writing the paparazzo a ticket instead for cycling on the sidewalk.
Kidman was said to have no visible injuries.
Review: 'Insidious: Chapter 2' Makes the Unknown Terrifying
FilmDistrictWan's horror comes from the psychological baggage of his characters. He is more interested in nightmares than in ghosts. "I've seen things with my own eyes that most people have to go to sleep to conjure up," says Rainier's former assistant Carl (Steve Coulter). It's the unconscious that brews up spirits for Wan, hence his interest in childhood traumas and how they serve to encumber our lives and ultimately make them terrifying. Transporting childhood fears to adulthood is key to Wan’s talent, even if he relies on tropes like musical stings, swish pans, and the anticipation of that frightful thing hiding in the dark. Beyond these devices, the Insidious films work best when they play with the edges of threat and mystery. Wan also deserves extra credit for keeping the frights pure and not resorting to gore, a cruel gimmick that hurts the audience more than it thrills them.
The sequel opens with a scene hinted at in the first film: like his son Dalton (Ty Simpkins), our hero dad Josh Lambert (Josh Lambert) was haunted as a child by a malicious spirit. Enter the younger version of Elise, who lost her life in the supernatural struggle to rescue Dalton in the first film. To find the source of the spirit, young Elise hypnotizes young Josh (Garrett Ryan), and he guides her to his bedroom closet. When she opens the door and pushes aside some clothes to reveal nothing but pitch black, she tells the darkness: "Who are you, and what do you want?"
FilmDistrictThose are the film's best moments: when it confronts the sublime via literal darkness and mystery. Wan pushes these moments of dread from the unknown in some scenes to the point of comedy, mostly via Elise's surviving assistants, Specs (Leigh Whannell) and Tucker (Angus Sampson). "You can't be in here," one spirit, a little girl in pigtails, tells them. "If she sees you, she'll make me kill you." The threat of the unknown from forbidden trespass is encapsulated in those lines. The fact that Specs and Tucker take this warning very seriously verges on humorous because it satisfies that urge to tell the characters on screen to "get out" before anyone can yell their advice at the screen.
If there is fault in Insidious: Chapter 2, it comes in the form of further rationalizing this world Wan has created with writer/actor Whannell. The better horror movies plummet further into the darkness of mystery rather than trying to shed light on the motivations of evil spirits. This second chapter offers further explanation of the spirit world journey that closed the first Insidious. Though some may find relief in this, over-explanation also saps the film of its creepy energy, which Wan works so shrewdly to draw up.
Even though he leans on some cinematic horror tropes, as noted earlier, the film's eerie atmosphere has a signature stylistic flourish. He uses low angles to present his looming haunted houses in shadowy darkness, but Wan serves up a subtle new ambiance for the genre with the help of production designer Jennifer Spence. Bright patches of color here and there liven up the sets, especially a reliance on red accents, be it on doors, stained glass or parts of clothing. But the rest of his world features darker shades of color, often painted thick on nice solid, creaky wood. There is also a whimsy to his sets featuring clouds of fog billowing from out of nowhere and slow fade outs and fades to black, lending a surreal atmosphere to the happenings in Insidious: Chapter 2. There is nothing like the irrational to pull the rug out of reality and unnerve the audience, and the film is at its best lingering and peering at that edge.
I wish I had been born gay: Simon Cowell
London: Music mogul Simon Cowell wishes he dated men rather than women, which would cut down his expenses.
The 53-year-old, who dated celebrities like presenter Terri Seymour, pop singer Sinitta and make-up artist Mezhgan Hussainy, is known for pampering his women with expensive gifts and lavish holidays.
Femalefirst.co.uk reports that Seymour recently interviewed Cowell and asked him if he ever fear bankruptcy and the latter said: "Yes, particularly when I`ve had girlfriends like you."
"I said to someone the other day that I wish I had been born gay. I would have saved a fortune," he added.
Meanwhile, Cowell`s partner Lauren Silverman is expecting their first child.
The 53-year-old, who dated celebrities like presenter Terri Seymour, pop singer Sinitta and make-up artist Mezhgan Hussainy, is known for pampering his women with expensive gifts and lavish holidays.
Femalefirst.co.uk reports that Seymour recently interviewed Cowell and asked him if he ever fear bankruptcy and the latter said: "Yes, particularly when I`ve had girlfriends like you."
"I said to someone the other day that I wish I had been born gay. I would have saved a fortune," he added.
Meanwhile, Cowell`s partner Lauren Silverman is expecting their first child.
'Gangnam Style' beats Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' in new poll
London:South Korean rapper Psy`s `Gangnam Style` has topped a UK
poll of the best music video dance after beating Michael Jackson`s
`Thriller`.
The survey, conducted by Dance Direct using Google Consumer Surveys, asked 1,000 people about the best dance that they have seen in a music video, reported Digital Spy.
`Gangnam Style` picked up 8.3 per cent of votes, followed by Jackson`s `Thriller` (7.1 per cent). The King of Pop`s `Bad` came third, with `Macarena` and Beyonce`s `Single Ladies` completing the top five.
The top ten was rounded off with `Vogue` by Madonna, the Harlem Shake, MC Hammer, `Time Warp` and another Jackson song, `Billie Jean`.
Participants were also asked about their favourite movie dances, with `Dirty Dancing` beating `Singin` in the Rain`, `Pulp Fiction`, `Grease` and `Flashdance`.
The survey, conducted by Dance Direct using Google Consumer Surveys, asked 1,000 people about the best dance that they have seen in a music video, reported Digital Spy.
`Gangnam Style` picked up 8.3 per cent of votes, followed by Jackson`s `Thriller` (7.1 per cent). The King of Pop`s `Bad` came third, with `Macarena` and Beyonce`s `Single Ladies` completing the top five.
The top ten was rounded off with `Vogue` by Madonna, the Harlem Shake, MC Hammer, `Time Warp` and another Jackson song, `Billie Jean`.
Participants were also asked about their favourite movie dances, with `Dirty Dancing` beating `Singin` in the Rain`, `Pulp Fiction`, `Grease` and `Flashdance`.
Charlie Sheen receives high school diploma
Los Angeles: `Anger Management` star Charlie Sheen has obtained his high school diploma.
The 48-year-old actor was just a few points short of being able to graduate with his classmates at Santa Monica High School in 1983, so his parents urged him to stay behind to earn the extra credits.
Sheen decided to embark on a Hollywood career instead, but says he has always wanted to complete what he started more than 30 years ago, reported TMZ online.
"It was a loose end that always bothered me. I just have this lifelong habit of never finishing things. The idea my parents had was for me go to summer school. My response was: `There`s school during the summer? That`s crazy!`
"I could think of nothing worse in my first summer of freedom after all that time. I told them, `Let me go on some auditions and if it doesn`t work out, I`ll go and get my Ged (a diploma equivalency test) and go to college.` But I got the first job I went on," Sheen said.
Now, the former `Two and A Half Men` star admits his certificate is one of his proudest achievements.
"I am going to get a spotlight, cordon the thing off. I think it should be put up somewhere, maybe in the kitchen. This, I think, is important to put up," he said.
The 48-year-old actor was just a few points short of being able to graduate with his classmates at Santa Monica High School in 1983, so his parents urged him to stay behind to earn the extra credits.
Sheen decided to embark on a Hollywood career instead, but says he has always wanted to complete what he started more than 30 years ago, reported TMZ online.
"It was a loose end that always bothered me. I just have this lifelong habit of never finishing things. The idea my parents had was for me go to summer school. My response was: `There`s school during the summer? That`s crazy!`
"I could think of nothing worse in my first summer of freedom after all that time. I told them, `Let me go on some auditions and if it doesn`t work out, I`ll go and get my Ged (a diploma equivalency test) and go to college.` But I got the first job I went on," Sheen said.
Now, the former `Two and A Half Men` star admits his certificate is one of his proudest achievements.
"I am going to get a spotlight, cordon the thing off. I think it should be put up somewhere, maybe in the kitchen. This, I think, is important to put up," he said.
Justin Bieber flies home for father's emergency operation
London: Teen pop sensation Justin Bieber flew to Canada to be
with his father Jeremy as he underwent an emergency knee operation.
Bieber has been close to his father even though Jeremy split from his mother Patti, reported Daily Mirror.
"My boy Justin Bieber flew all the way home to be with me for my surgery. What an incredible boy. Love," Bieber`s father wrote on Twitter.
Jeremy still lives in Stratford, Ontario, where his 19-year-old superstar son grew up?with his wife and Bieber`s half-brother, Jaxon, and half-sister, Jazmyn.
Bieber has been close to his father even though Jeremy split from his mother Patti, reported Daily Mirror.
"My boy Justin Bieber flew all the way home to be with me for my surgery. What an incredible boy. Love," Bieber`s father wrote on Twitter.
Jeremy still lives in Stratford, Ontario, where his 19-year-old superstar son grew up?with his wife and Bieber`s half-brother, Jaxon, and half-sister, Jazmyn.
Adam Sandler undergoes shoulder surgery
Los Angeles: `The Wedding Singer` star Adam Sandler, who has
been suffering from an injured shoulder for quite sometime, underwent
surgery.
Sandler, 47, injured his shoulder in May, reported Radar online.
"It was scheduled surgery for an injury he had a while ago playing basketball," his representative said.
"He had a chronic shoulder injury that he needed to have surgery for, so he did. He`s now on the mend," an insider said.
Sandler, 47, injured his shoulder in May, reported Radar online.
"It was scheduled surgery for an injury he had a while ago playing basketball," his representative said.
"He had a chronic shoulder injury that he needed to have surgery for, so he did. He`s now on the mend," an insider said.
Russell Crowe injures his feet
Los Angeles: Russell Crowe has injured his feet and had to have
PRP injections to help repair the Achilles tendons because he has been
exercising too hard.
The exercise mad actor`s intense daily workouts have taken a toll on his body and left him with injuries in both Achilles tendons and a bruised big toe.
"Jolly old morning. PRP injections in both Achilles tendons and one big toe... I am replicating tendon as I tweet... Brand new soon, no workout today," he posted on Twitter.
Crowe, 49, regularly shares his daily workouts with his followers on Twitter.
The exercise mad actor`s intense daily workouts have taken a toll on his body and left him with injuries in both Achilles tendons and a bruised big toe.
"Jolly old morning. PRP injections in both Achilles tendons and one big toe... I am replicating tendon as I tweet... Brand new soon, no workout today," he posted on Twitter.
Crowe, 49, regularly shares his daily workouts with his followers on Twitter.
BOLLYWOOD NEWS
Kapoors are finest actors in film industry: Kareena Kapoor Khan
Mumbai:Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan feels that `Kapoors` are the finest actors in the industry.
"I would love to work with Ranbir, he is doing a good job. I would love to work with my father and my sister. But we haven`t come across anything interesting. I feel Kapoors are the finest actors in the industry. Being a Kapoor, I think acting is genetic," Kareena told said.
There were rumours that Ranbir and Kareena might come together for Zoya Akhtar`s film. But it seems nothing fruitful is happening on that front.
Kareena`s great-grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor`s legacy was taken forward by his three sons Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor, whose wife Jennifer was the first female from the Kapoor clan to act in movies.
All three sons of Raj Kapoor - Randhir, Rishi and Rajeev - too entered filmdom. In the fourth generation, it was Randhir and Babita`s daughter Karisma who carried forward the legacy and later, Kareena followed in her sister`s footsteps.
"I enjoy working in films and I feel fortunate enough that I have got to play variety of roles on screen and entertain people. The journey till now has been pleasant," Kareena said.
Before giving her nod for a project, Kareena looks for an exciting role.
"My role should be exciting, even if it is small. I should have fun while doing it. Then, there has to be a comfort level with the directors and co-stars," she said.
She will be seen next opposite Imran Khan in `Gori Tere Pyaar Mein`. For `Shudhi`, Kareena has teamed up with Hrithik Roshan. She has also done a special appearance in her actor husband Saif Ali Khan`s `Happy Ending`.
Acting is all that Kareena wants to do. Even though Saif has a production company, the actress isn`t much inclined towards producing films.
"No, I would you not venture into it (production). I love acting and I will continue with it only. I was interested in acting since childhood. I don`t know anything besides acting," she added.
"I would love to work with Ranbir, he is doing a good job. I would love to work with my father and my sister. But we haven`t come across anything interesting. I feel Kapoors are the finest actors in the industry. Being a Kapoor, I think acting is genetic," Kareena told said.
There were rumours that Ranbir and Kareena might come together for Zoya Akhtar`s film. But it seems nothing fruitful is happening on that front.
Kareena`s great-grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor`s legacy was taken forward by his three sons Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor, whose wife Jennifer was the first female from the Kapoor clan to act in movies.
All three sons of Raj Kapoor - Randhir, Rishi and Rajeev - too entered filmdom. In the fourth generation, it was Randhir and Babita`s daughter Karisma who carried forward the legacy and later, Kareena followed in her sister`s footsteps.
"I enjoy working in films and I feel fortunate enough that I have got to play variety of roles on screen and entertain people. The journey till now has been pleasant," Kareena said.
Before giving her nod for a project, Kareena looks for an exciting role.
"My role should be exciting, even if it is small. I should have fun while doing it. Then, there has to be a comfort level with the directors and co-stars," she said.
She will be seen next opposite Imran Khan in `Gori Tere Pyaar Mein`. For `Shudhi`, Kareena has teamed up with Hrithik Roshan. She has also done a special appearance in her actor husband Saif Ali Khan`s `Happy Ending`.
Acting is all that Kareena wants to do. Even though Saif has a production company, the actress isn`t much inclined towards producing films.
"No, I would you not venture into it (production). I love acting and I will continue with it only. I was interested in acting since childhood. I don`t know anything besides acting," she added.
It's a difficult situation for me: Salman Khan
Mumbai: The seventh season of ‘Bigg Boss’ is ready to hit the
tube Sep 15 and Salman Khan is all set to take up the host`s seat for
the fourth consecutive year. But he confesses that hosting is an uphill
task, as he has to do things that he doesn`t enjoy doing.
‘Bigg Boss – 7’ will see as many as 14 inmates, including celebrities, trying to survive and win the title.
"As a host at times things bother me on the sets. And I am forced to take a stand, and I hate it. I don`t like to take a stand," said Salman.
"If I say something to someone, that guy has the right to give it back. It`s a difficult situation in which I am. It`s a difficult position to be in. So far we have been able to handle it," said the 47-year-old.
Salman, who entered the small screen as the host of ‘Dus Ka Dum’, joined ‘Bigg Boss’ in its fourth season and has been hosting it since. The show fetches good TRPs, thanks to the heightened drama, mud-slinging, fights and emotions that take place in the ‘Bigg Boss’ house.
But the ‘Dabangg’ star is not buoyed by the ratings, as his motto is to do a good work.
Salman said, "I only have to do my work. If the show is good, people will watch, or else even I will not see it. I don`t understand this TRP game at all, so it doesn`t bother me at all."
Box Office number games are not his cup of tea either.
"Even with box office they say Rs.100 crore, Rs.200 crore, but I don`t understand this Rs.100 crore game at all. It doesn`t matter to me. If the film is good, it will do well," said the actor whose films ‘Ek Tha Tiger’, ‘Bodyguard’ and ‘Dabangg 2’ had joined the Rs.100 crore club.
He confessed as the host at times he lost his cool.
"Last time I lost my cool. I lost it the year before as well. I think they were disrespectful to Sanju (Sanjay Dutt who co-hosted season five with him). I remember that stuck in my head for two weeks and I couldn`t handle that."
"As a person when I watch the show, I detach myself. As a host I am only there on Friday and Saturday. You go to the house as a common man. You are actually sharing your life with so many people. You behave like you are with your family, but that is your real personality."
Every year ‘Bigg Boss’ gets into controversies when the inmates indulge in acrimonious fights, use bad language etc.
When asked if it would be a clean show this time, Salman said: "It depends on who is going in. I don`t know who is going in. It`s a wow types or awe types."
"I am sure they are going to have problems. But if they get along fine, tasks will be on a level that they will be forced to be broken."
At the same time, Salman praises inmates.
He said: "They (inmates) are doing a big favour by letting you in their house, lives, and personal space. It is a very big thing."
"So much you can learn from this. It`s easy to say he or she was wrong, but when we are there in that situation, you think I would have reacted like this," he added.
Asked if he would ever like to be in the ‘Bigg Boss’ house, Salman said jokingly: "It`s difficult. I don`t think I want to. Not for any other reason, but I will be too entertaining inside and TRPs would hit the roof and other people won`t be able to hit that."
"As a host at times things bother me on the sets. And I am forced to take a stand, and I hate it. I don`t like to take a stand," said Salman.
"If I say something to someone, that guy has the right to give it back. It`s a difficult situation in which I am. It`s a difficult position to be in. So far we have been able to handle it," said the 47-year-old.
Salman, who entered the small screen as the host of ‘Dus Ka Dum’, joined ‘Bigg Boss’ in its fourth season and has been hosting it since. The show fetches good TRPs, thanks to the heightened drama, mud-slinging, fights and emotions that take place in the ‘Bigg Boss’ house.
But the ‘Dabangg’ star is not buoyed by the ratings, as his motto is to do a good work.
Salman said, "I only have to do my work. If the show is good, people will watch, or else even I will not see it. I don`t understand this TRP game at all, so it doesn`t bother me at all."
Box Office number games are not his cup of tea either.
"Even with box office they say Rs.100 crore, Rs.200 crore, but I don`t understand this Rs.100 crore game at all. It doesn`t matter to me. If the film is good, it will do well," said the actor whose films ‘Ek Tha Tiger’, ‘Bodyguard’ and ‘Dabangg 2’ had joined the Rs.100 crore club.
He confessed as the host at times he lost his cool.
"Last time I lost my cool. I lost it the year before as well. I think they were disrespectful to Sanju (Sanjay Dutt who co-hosted season five with him). I remember that stuck in my head for two weeks and I couldn`t handle that."
"As a person when I watch the show, I detach myself. As a host I am only there on Friday and Saturday. You go to the house as a common man. You are actually sharing your life with so many people. You behave like you are with your family, but that is your real personality."
Every year ‘Bigg Boss’ gets into controversies when the inmates indulge in acrimonious fights, use bad language etc.
When asked if it would be a clean show this time, Salman said: "It depends on who is going in. I don`t know who is going in. It`s a wow types or awe types."
"I am sure they are going to have problems. But if they get along fine, tasks will be on a level that they will be forced to be broken."
At the same time, Salman praises inmates.
He said: "They (inmates) are doing a big favour by letting you in their house, lives, and personal space. It is a very big thing."
"So much you can learn from this. It`s easy to say he or she was wrong, but when we are there in that situation, you think I would have reacted like this," he added.
Asked if he would ever like to be in the ‘Bigg Boss’ house, Salman said jokingly: "It`s difficult. I don`t think I want to. Not for any other reason, but I will be too entertaining inside and TRPs would hit the roof and other people won`t be able to hit that."
‘Ragini MMS 2’ teaser: Grab a bite of Sunny Leone!
Mumbai: The wait ends here for the fans of Sunny Leone. The teaser of ‘Ragini MMS 2’ was launched on Thursday by Balaji Motion Pictures.
The teaser reads- “Grab a bite of Sunny”. And yes, the teaser promises plenty of steamy scenes!
Directed by Bhushan Patel, the film also stars Parvin Dabas, Sandhya Mridul and Anita and Hasanandani.
The teaser opens with a scene that shows Sunny Leone enjoying a shower as the camera pans through see-through bathroom curtains. Fear certainly gets sexy as we see Sunny Leone sizzle again in the teaser after her debut in Pooja Bhatt’s ‘Jism 2’.
Produced by Shobha Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor, ‘Ragini MMS 2’ is a sequel to ‘Ragini MMS’, a super natural thriller that released in 2011.
The film will mark Sunny’s second Bollywood venture. She made her presence felt in the world of Indian entertainment with the reality show ‘Bigg Boss 5’ and has since then bagged a number of endorsement deals and films.
Nonetheless, ‘Ragini MMS 2’, which is slated to release in January next year, is a film that fans of the actress will be eagerly looking forward to. Here’s the steamy trailer:
Rs 5 crore per episode for 'Bigg Boss'? Salman Khan says it is more
Mumbai: Salman Khan says he is charging more than the reported
Rupees five crore sum per episode for hosting celebrity reality show
`Bigg Boss 7`.The actor is said to have doubled the money
he was charging for the previous season for the show but Salman wants
to keep the media guessing about his pay cheque.
When asked
whether he was getting Rs five crore per episode, Salman joked, "`Kam
hai... Figure kam hai, jyaada charge kar raha hoon` (The figure is less,
I am charging more)."
Salman, 47, who returns as the host for
the fourth time on the show, will play a double role of an angel and
devil to the contestants holed up in `Bigg Boss` house for three months.
The actor said it will not be a tough call for him because he has small doses of both inside him.
"There
is nothing unique in the show. It is just that we have this new concept
of hell and heaven. I play a double role in it and will bring out the
difference through my body language only.
`Ab baar baar costume
change karna to mushkil hai na` (It would be difficult to change costume
each time.)," Salman told reporters in an interview.
"We all
have two sides both devilish and angelic but it depends totally on us
how good we can be in bringing the goodness in us and suppressing the
bad side. It`s going to be fun and entertaining for me," Salman said.
Last
season saw Salman trying his best to make contestants like Imam
Siddiqui and Rajeev Paul behave properly. Salman said he would try his
best to keep a rein on contestants` behavious this time too.
"Though
it`s not my job to control them (contestants) on the show, I do it so
that the blame should not come on me. If I don`t stop them from behaving
badly then people will think that I promote such behaviour. In normal
life it is not a big deal but behaving badly on a prime time show is not
permissible at all because families watch it," he said.
Salman believes the show has helped many celebrities to get a new lease of career.
"Many
actors have got an image makeover after their participation on the
show. There are many in our industry, who are stuck without their fault.
The biggest example is Rahul Bhatt. When he entered the show, people
thought he will give solid entertainment to the show. But he clarified
his part on the day two of his arrival," Salman said.
The actor feels the contestants who create nuisance are not accepted well when they come out of the show.
"`Bigg
Boss` is a family entertaining show. The show has nothing to do with
small town or big town. Everything is so magnified on television and
print that many contestants feel they will get a career high.
"They
think by doing that they will get noticed but people will be wary of
them. When they will come out they will not get many offers. Nobody
wants to work with an erratic person.
It`s important for them to control themselves," he said.Bigg Boss will start airing from September 15.
When asked whether he was getting Rs five crore per episode, Salman joked, "`Kam hai... Figure kam hai, jyaada charge kar raha hoon` (The figure is less, I am charging more)."
Salman, 47, who returns as the host for the fourth time on the show, will play a double role of an angel and devil to the contestants holed up in `Bigg Boss` house for three months.
The actor said it will not be a tough call for him because he has small doses of both inside him.
"There is nothing unique in the show. It is just that we have this new concept of hell and heaven. I play a double role in it and will bring out the difference through my body language only.
`Ab baar baar costume change karna to mushkil hai na` (It would be difficult to change costume each time.)," Salman told reporters in an interview.
"We all have two sides both devilish and angelic but it depends totally on us how good we can be in bringing the goodness in us and suppressing the bad side. It`s going to be fun and entertaining for me," Salman said.
Last season saw Salman trying his best to make contestants like Imam Siddiqui and Rajeev Paul behave properly. Salman said he would try his best to keep a rein on contestants` behavious this time too.
"Though it`s not my job to control them (contestants) on the show, I do it so that the blame should not come on me. If I don`t stop them from behaving badly then people will think that I promote such behaviour. In normal life it is not a big deal but behaving badly on a prime time show is not permissible at all because families watch it," he said.
Salman believes the show has helped many celebrities to get a new lease of career.
"Many actors have got an image makeover after their participation on the show. There are many in our industry, who are stuck without their fault. The biggest example is Rahul Bhatt. When he entered the show, people thought he will give solid entertainment to the show. But he clarified his part on the day two of his arrival," Salman said.
The actor feels the contestants who create nuisance are not accepted well when they come out of the show.
"`Bigg Boss` is a family entertaining show. The show has nothing to do with small town or big town. Everything is so magnified on television and print that many contestants feel they will get a career high.
"They think by doing that they will get noticed but people will be wary of them. When they will come out they will not get many offers. Nobody wants to work with an erratic person.
It`s important for them to control themselves," he said.Bigg Boss will start airing from September 15.
‘Grand Masti’ Review: Inane sleaze fest
Aparna Mudi
Not being a big fan of adult comedies has nothing to do with the fact that ‘Grand Masti’ is not funny.
Not that one can expect any less of sleazy shots of body parts of hot women or double entendres. But the movie goes beyond that. It is a poor sequel to a much funnier ‘Masti’ that was quite a laugh riot based on the same premise.
For some reason Indian sex comedies are based on the assumption that men are always horny and women (especially if you are married to them) are always the dampener. However, if women are single, they will pounce on you and ‘tempt’ you in ways that your wives will never do. The mindlessness and the lack of even a decent plot is not the reason why this film is unbearable.
Amar, Meet and Prem are three friends who are married; hence have their own reasons to have non-existent sex lives. When an invitation to their college, Shree Lalchand University of Technology and Science (in short wait-for-it S.L.U.T.S, yes the jokes are that obvious), comes up, they take the opportunity to go to find some ‘Grand Masti’. And henceforth director Indra Kumar decides to let go of whatever comedy might be in the audiences’ books.
The jokes are simply whatever sexual innuendoes you have heard in your life – ever. The sequences are not funny. Even with a predictable plot, there are no build ups to any comic scenes. True, there are some segments that look promising, like the scene in which the three heroes are caught unawares with their respective temptresses, and Robert, played by Pradeep Rawat looks around for them. But that ends like a pin prick to a balloon.
There some places where you simply want to ask the script writers why they didn’t get more jokes to the table. Robert’s wife, daughter and sister are called Rose, Mary and Marlow. Trust me, a little after they have been introduced, the joke is repeated so often that you are left wondering if that was the only bright idea on the table.
Bruna Abdullah, Kainaat Arora and Maryam Zakaria are playing the temptresses while Karishma Tanna, Manajari Phadnis, Sonalee Kulkarni are the wives.
Riteish stands out while Aftab and Vivek have a good comic timing. They have played their parts well and they look as if they are having fun. But are wasted in the movie. So is Suresh Menon. The story might have pulled off if there was something of a sticking point. Bad dialogues, despite the good comic timing of most of the actors make you lose interest pretty soon.
When the women were not objectified enough, there was some cheap man-on-man action that attempted to make people laugh as the camera zooms in to the men parts, of those in a tight situation.
The camera work is also less to do with the film in itself, and the directive seems to have been to zoom in whenever a skimpily clad girl appears onscreen. Added to that is the fact that there are just three songs which dont give any respite either.
The sleaze is just cheap. If you are fifteen and looking to laugh at some asinine gags, it probably will still work but for most of the way, the movie is at most cringe worthy.
It’s a sad attempt at sex comedy, but in an age when `American Pie` series is accessible to every teen, this movie just makes you wonder what humour has come down to.
Not being a big fan of adult comedies has nothing to do with the fact that ‘Grand Masti’ is not funny.
Not that one can expect any less of sleazy shots of body parts of hot women or double entendres. But the movie goes beyond that. It is a poor sequel to a much funnier ‘Masti’ that was quite a laugh riot based on the same premise.
For some reason Indian sex comedies are based on the assumption that men are always horny and women (especially if you are married to them) are always the dampener. However, if women are single, they will pounce on you and ‘tempt’ you in ways that your wives will never do. The mindlessness and the lack of even a decent plot is not the reason why this film is unbearable.
Amar, Meet and Prem are three friends who are married; hence have their own reasons to have non-existent sex lives. When an invitation to their college, Shree Lalchand University of Technology and Science (in short wait-for-it S.L.U.T.S, yes the jokes are that obvious), comes up, they take the opportunity to go to find some ‘Grand Masti’. And henceforth director Indra Kumar decides to let go of whatever comedy might be in the audiences’ books.
The jokes are simply whatever sexual innuendoes you have heard in your life – ever. The sequences are not funny. Even with a predictable plot, there are no build ups to any comic scenes. True, there are some segments that look promising, like the scene in which the three heroes are caught unawares with their respective temptresses, and Robert, played by Pradeep Rawat looks around for them. But that ends like a pin prick to a balloon.
There some places where you simply want to ask the script writers why they didn’t get more jokes to the table. Robert’s wife, daughter and sister are called Rose, Mary and Marlow. Trust me, a little after they have been introduced, the joke is repeated so often that you are left wondering if that was the only bright idea on the table.
Bruna Abdullah, Kainaat Arora and Maryam Zakaria are playing the temptresses while Karishma Tanna, Manajari Phadnis, Sonalee Kulkarni are the wives.
Riteish stands out while Aftab and Vivek have a good comic timing. They have played their parts well and they look as if they are having fun. But are wasted in the movie. So is Suresh Menon. The story might have pulled off if there was something of a sticking point. Bad dialogues, despite the good comic timing of most of the actors make you lose interest pretty soon.
When the women were not objectified enough, there was some cheap man-on-man action that attempted to make people laugh as the camera zooms in to the men parts, of those in a tight situation.
The camera work is also less to do with the film in itself, and the directive seems to have been to zoom in whenever a skimpily clad girl appears onscreen. Added to that is the fact that there are just three songs which dont give any respite either.
The sleaze is just cheap. If you are fifteen and looking to laugh at some asinine gags, it probably will still work but for most of the way, the movie is at most cringe worthy.
It’s a sad attempt at sex comedy, but in an age when `American Pie` series is accessible to every teen, this movie just makes you wonder what humour has come down to.
World sees Oscar-winning potential in 'The Lunchbox': Irrfan
Mumbai: Actor Irrfan`s upcoming film ‘The Lunchbox’ is being
appreciated at film festivals across the world and he states that
everyone whose opinion matters in international cinema, including the
audiences, want ‘The Lunchbox’ to become India`s official entry into the
Oscars.
On the foreign shores, Ritesh Batra`s directorial venture has created a buzz - it went to the Toronto International Film Festival, and will be screened at the Zurich and London film festivals.
At Cannes this year, it won Critics` Week Viewers Choice Award.
"The opinion that critics and audiences have and also of those whose opinion matters, they believe if the film is sent from India (for the Oscars), it has the potential to travel forward," the 46-year-old said here Thursday in an interview.
"`Hollywood Reporter` (tabloid) has also written that `we expect the film to be Oscar entry from India`. So this is a possibility with the film. It has this strength, universal appeal, fresh language and story," he added.
Irrfan feels this is an opportunity that should not be missed out on.
"I personally feel that this is a huge opportunity and should not be missed out on. The right film should be chosen. It affects the environment, the upcoming generation, it becomes a source of inspiration, it builds our morale that our language can connect with the global world," Irrfan said.
"This perception is not right that only a certain types of films are made in India. Cinema is being explored and flourishing. So, this decision is very important," added Irrfan.
‘The Lunchbox’ also stars Nimrat Kaur and Nawazuddin Siddiqui and hits theatres in Sep 20.
On the foreign shores, Ritesh Batra`s directorial venture has created a buzz - it went to the Toronto International Film Festival, and will be screened at the Zurich and London film festivals.
At Cannes this year, it won Critics` Week Viewers Choice Award.
"The opinion that critics and audiences have and also of those whose opinion matters, they believe if the film is sent from India (for the Oscars), it has the potential to travel forward," the 46-year-old said here Thursday in an interview.
"`Hollywood Reporter` (tabloid) has also written that `we expect the film to be Oscar entry from India`. So this is a possibility with the film. It has this strength, universal appeal, fresh language and story," he added.
Irrfan feels this is an opportunity that should not be missed out on.
"I personally feel that this is a huge opportunity and should not be missed out on. The right film should be chosen. It affects the environment, the upcoming generation, it becomes a source of inspiration, it builds our morale that our language can connect with the global world," Irrfan said.
"This perception is not right that only a certain types of films are made in India. Cinema is being explored and flourishing. So, this decision is very important," added Irrfan.
‘The Lunchbox’ also stars Nimrat Kaur and Nawazuddin Siddiqui and hits theatres in Sep 20.
'John Day' Review: Taut, tense, tactile and terrific
Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Randeep Hooda, Shernaz Patel, Elena Kazan;
Directed by: Ahishor Solomon
This is no place for the weak. This world as we know it. And this film, as we discover with the thrill of chancing upon an unexpected little gem.
Inspired from a Spanish film, is it? I really don`t give a fig where writer-director Ahishor Solomon got the raw material for this gripping cat-and-mouse tale. Does the kitchen where the food on the table originates really mean anything? What counts is the quotient of curiosity and suspense simulated by the script. And there, "John Day" ranks very high.
Not for a while have we seen a film so steeped in despair, so swathed in anxiety, so audaciously draped in despair and yet it engages our senses without miring the plot in morbidity.
The story is not for the squeamish. The two main characters are constantly haunted by their irrevocably tragic parts. Naseeruddin Shah and Randeep Hooda, real-life guru and pupil, play people who know no happiness. Incidents from their past continue to shadow and chase their present. There is scarcely a moment in the plot when John (Shah) and Gautam (Hooda) are happy except when they are with their beloved `Other`.
But then Shernaz Patel, who plays Naseer`s wife and the very beautiful foreigner Elena Kazan who plays Randeep girl are troubled by their own ghosts. So where do we go for comfort?
What price, solace?
"John Day" is a restless edgy drama of the doomed and the damned. This not the first time Randeep has played a fugitive shadowed by his own past.But this is certainly his most layered character which he performs with the kind of gravelly gusto that allows us to get only as close to the sullen character as he wants us. Towards the end-game when the momentum gets frenzied beyond recuperation, Randeep`s character`s softer side emerges.
He has a brilliantly written monologue with a comatose character where we get to know how much this brutal man loves his woman.
Yup, this man can die for money and for love. It`s a dichotomous character torn between self-abnegation and vendetta.
In a way Randeep character plays a mirror-image of Naseer`s banker gone amok. This is not the first time that India`s most vaunted actor has played a wizened common man pushed to a corner by the monstrous corruption in out socio-political system.
Remember Neeraj Pathak`s "A Wednesday"? Here In "John Day" the terror that Naseer`s character battles is far more personal, and hence in many ways, much more moving and compelling. His greatness as an actor doesn`t come in the way of letting the character of the common man have his say in the most natural way possible.
It is very difficult to speak out openly about the characters and their motivations without giving away the plot. "John Day" is the kind of clenched yarn that makes you forget that yawning distance between cinema and the audience. You become one with the character`s battles, without getting judgemental over their actions.
Some of the things that the characters do are unmistakably brutal. An innocent woman`s head is shattered by a hammer, a man`s tongue is bitten off and another man`s neck is also bitten off. It`s a cold brutal world with no comic relief, at least none where you laugh out loud at the ironies of life.
`John Day` brings the indomitable Naseeruddin and the intriguing Randeep for a taut cat-and-mouse chase that stays a step ahead of the audience right till the shattering end-game.
While the two principal actors get under their characters` skins, other actors seem equally at home in this inky kingdom of greed and gluttony. Vipin Sharma and Makrand Despande are very engaging in their supporting parts. They make doom seem anything but dull. But the film`s third hero is Sandeep Chowta`s background score. It creates a world of emotions beyond the spoken words for Naseer and Randeep.
This is a world where there is no escape from sorrow and grief. Enemies are clobbered and butchered mercilessly. Not because they deserve to die. But because life is as randomly brutal as we make it for ourselves. And cinema such as this reminds us that moral values of good, evil, justice and comeuppance mean nothing to those who have nothing to lose.
For a film about losers `John Day` proves to be a paradoxically profitable movie-viewing experience for the audience.
'Horror Story' Review: A scare-fest
Directed by: Ahishor Solomon
This is no place for the weak. This world as we know it. And this film, as we discover with the thrill of chancing upon an unexpected little gem.
Inspired from a Spanish film, is it? I really don`t give a fig where writer-director Ahishor Solomon got the raw material for this gripping cat-and-mouse tale. Does the kitchen where the food on the table originates really mean anything? What counts is the quotient of curiosity and suspense simulated by the script. And there, "John Day" ranks very high.
Not for a while have we seen a film so steeped in despair, so swathed in anxiety, so audaciously draped in despair and yet it engages our senses without miring the plot in morbidity.
The story is not for the squeamish. The two main characters are constantly haunted by their irrevocably tragic parts. Naseeruddin Shah and Randeep Hooda, real-life guru and pupil, play people who know no happiness. Incidents from their past continue to shadow and chase their present. There is scarcely a moment in the plot when John (Shah) and Gautam (Hooda) are happy except when they are with their beloved `Other`.
But then Shernaz Patel, who plays Naseer`s wife and the very beautiful foreigner Elena Kazan who plays Randeep girl are troubled by their own ghosts. So where do we go for comfort?
What price, solace?
"John Day" is a restless edgy drama of the doomed and the damned. This not the first time Randeep has played a fugitive shadowed by his own past.But this is certainly his most layered character which he performs with the kind of gravelly gusto that allows us to get only as close to the sullen character as he wants us. Towards the end-game when the momentum gets frenzied beyond recuperation, Randeep`s character`s softer side emerges.
He has a brilliantly written monologue with a comatose character where we get to know how much this brutal man loves his woman.
Yup, this man can die for money and for love. It`s a dichotomous character torn between self-abnegation and vendetta.
In a way Randeep character plays a mirror-image of Naseer`s banker gone amok. This is not the first time that India`s most vaunted actor has played a wizened common man pushed to a corner by the monstrous corruption in out socio-political system.
Remember Neeraj Pathak`s "A Wednesday"? Here In "John Day" the terror that Naseer`s character battles is far more personal, and hence in many ways, much more moving and compelling. His greatness as an actor doesn`t come in the way of letting the character of the common man have his say in the most natural way possible.
It is very difficult to speak out openly about the characters and their motivations without giving away the plot. "John Day" is the kind of clenched yarn that makes you forget that yawning distance between cinema and the audience. You become one with the character`s battles, without getting judgemental over their actions.
Some of the things that the characters do are unmistakably brutal. An innocent woman`s head is shattered by a hammer, a man`s tongue is bitten off and another man`s neck is also bitten off. It`s a cold brutal world with no comic relief, at least none where you laugh out loud at the ironies of life.
`John Day` brings the indomitable Naseeruddin and the intriguing Randeep for a taut cat-and-mouse chase that stays a step ahead of the audience right till the shattering end-game.
While the two principal actors get under their characters` skins, other actors seem equally at home in this inky kingdom of greed and gluttony. Vipin Sharma and Makrand Despande are very engaging in their supporting parts. They make doom seem anything but dull. But the film`s third hero is Sandeep Chowta`s background score. It creates a world of emotions beyond the spoken words for Naseer and Randeep.
This is a world where there is no escape from sorrow and grief. Enemies are clobbered and butchered mercilessly. Not because they deserve to die. But because life is as randomly brutal as we make it for ourselves. And cinema such as this reminds us that moral values of good, evil, justice and comeuppance mean nothing to those who have nothing to lose.
For a film about losers `John Day` proves to be a paradoxically profitable movie-viewing experience for the audience.
'Horror Story' Review: A scare-fest
Cast: Karan Kundra, Ravish Desai, Hasan Zaidi, Nishant Malkani, Nandini Vaid, Aparna Bajpai, and Radhika Menon;
Director: Ayush Raina
And then there were numb Horror of horrors! Imagine a Hindi horror film, which takes no song breaks, no respite for comedy or romance ... no room for anything except the terror.
`Horror Story` is one of the bluntest most direct tales of terror to be unleashed in recent times. The feeling of being trapped with a group of youngsters, who would want to be anywhere except the place that the spooky script selects for them, stays with us till the end.
Uppermost in the script is a sense of impending catastrophe. Producer-writer Vikram Bhatt has always been attracted to terror and the occult. But when an A-lister actress runs around in skimpy clothes trying to look terrified, one does get distracted.
It is a `monster-stroke` to cast completely new faces in `Horror Story`. The young cast is competent and capable of carrying the chills forward to its fatal finale.
Debutant director Ayush Raina shoots the grisly goings-on with the minimum stress on conventional sounds and visuals associated with the horror genre. Belatedly the horror genre has chanced upon the relevance of austerity in putting forward the panic and terror of youngsters trapped in a situation where they cannot escape from a satanic annihilation.
Familiar fear is here transmitted into a slickly spun yarn that keeps you glued to the gore.
The narrative is clustered together into a collage of scenes evoking a sense of growing foreboding.
Gargey Trivedi`s cinematography at once creates a sense of urgency and doom.
The characters are captured in postures of desperate resignation to a situation over which they have no control. Luckily for these unlucky youngsters, the director is in full control of their destiny.
Amar Mohile`s background score comes and goes insistently reminding us of the monster that manoeuvres mortality into the fast lane.
A scare-fest that makes your blood freeze and flesh crawl, `Horror Story` is your worst nightmare come true. Shot in colours that contour the flavour of dread and doom, the feel-fear flick has moment that make your heart skip a beat.
For those who like their terror served piping-hot, this one is on top of the menu.
Director: Ayush Raina
And then there were numb Horror of horrors! Imagine a Hindi horror film, which takes no song breaks, no respite for comedy or romance ... no room for anything except the terror.
`Horror Story` is one of the bluntest most direct tales of terror to be unleashed in recent times. The feeling of being trapped with a group of youngsters, who would want to be anywhere except the place that the spooky script selects for them, stays with us till the end.
Uppermost in the script is a sense of impending catastrophe. Producer-writer Vikram Bhatt has always been attracted to terror and the occult. But when an A-lister actress runs around in skimpy clothes trying to look terrified, one does get distracted.
It is a `monster-stroke` to cast completely new faces in `Horror Story`. The young cast is competent and capable of carrying the chills forward to its fatal finale.
Debutant director Ayush Raina shoots the grisly goings-on with the minimum stress on conventional sounds and visuals associated with the horror genre. Belatedly the horror genre has chanced upon the relevance of austerity in putting forward the panic and terror of youngsters trapped in a situation where they cannot escape from a satanic annihilation.
Familiar fear is here transmitted into a slickly spun yarn that keeps you glued to the gore.
The narrative is clustered together into a collage of scenes evoking a sense of growing foreboding.
Gargey Trivedi`s cinematography at once creates a sense of urgency and doom.
The characters are captured in postures of desperate resignation to a situation over which they have no control. Luckily for these unlucky youngsters, the director is in full control of their destiny.
Amar Mohile`s background score comes and goes insistently reminding us of the monster that manoeuvres mortality into the fast lane.
A scare-fest that makes your blood freeze and flesh crawl, `Horror Story` is your worst nightmare come true. Shot in colours that contour the flavour of dread and doom, the feel-fear flick has moment that make your heart skip a beat.
For those who like their terror served piping-hot, this one is on top of the menu.
Sep 13, a day of justice: B Town on gangrape verdict
Mumbai: A fast-track court in Delhi Friday sentenced four men to
death in the December gangrape case and Bollywood says that it is “a
day of justice” as this will give a strong message to all those who look
at women with “dirty eyes”.
The four men - Mukesh, Pawan
Gupta, Vinay Sharma and Akshay Thakur - were convicted Tuesday for
brutalising the young woman in Delhi with gang rape and grievous assault
last December that resulted in her death.
There were six attackers and one of the six accused was found dead in a cell in Delhi`s Tihar Jail, while a juvenile involved in the crime was sent by the Juvenile Justice Board Aug 31 to a reform home for three years, the maximum under the juvenile law.
Here is what B-town has to say:
Karan Johar: Death sentence for the rapists! Thank god...there is a god and finally there is justice.
Anupam Kher: Death sentence for rapists. This Friday the 13th is a day of justice. Jai Ho (sic).
Akshay Kumar: Justice prevails, death sentence for the four rapists! Hope this conveys a message to the other men. They deserve nothing less for such a heinous act!
Kunal Kohli: Death Sentence for four rapists! Justice for Nirbhaya finally. Please hang the `juvenile` also. He`s as guilty as these four.
Raveena Tandon: Superb! For once it`s been victory of the people! Delhi rape victim. Nirbhaya`s rapists to hang (Sic).
Nikhil Advani: What we need to celebrate - time frame for delivering a verdict. Just shows that if required, the process can be expedited.
Neha Dhupia: Not in India, just heard about the death penalty for all four rapists. Finally, feel that not everything is wrong with the system! RIP Nirbhaya.
Mugdha Godse: It`s a revolutionary judgment atleast out of 100, 10 will think before committing this horrible crime of rape.
Ehsaan Noorani: A prayer for the soul of Nirbhaya and a prayer for victims of rape to find the strength to carry on. Hope this sentencing sends a strong message out to men attempting this ghastly act again. Justice.
There were six attackers and one of the six accused was found dead in a cell in Delhi`s Tihar Jail, while a juvenile involved in the crime was sent by the Juvenile Justice Board Aug 31 to a reform home for three years, the maximum under the juvenile law.
Here is what B-town has to say:
Karan Johar: Death sentence for the rapists! Thank god...there is a god and finally there is justice.
Anupam Kher: Death sentence for rapists. This Friday the 13th is a day of justice. Jai Ho (sic).
Akshay Kumar: Justice prevails, death sentence for the four rapists! Hope this conveys a message to the other men. They deserve nothing less for such a heinous act!
Kunal Kohli: Death Sentence for four rapists! Justice for Nirbhaya finally. Please hang the `juvenile` also. He`s as guilty as these four.
Raveena Tandon: Superb! For once it`s been victory of the people! Delhi rape victim. Nirbhaya`s rapists to hang (Sic).
Nikhil Advani: What we need to celebrate - time frame for delivering a verdict. Just shows that if required, the process can be expedited.
Neha Dhupia: Not in India, just heard about the death penalty for all four rapists. Finally, feel that not everything is wrong with the system! RIP Nirbhaya.
Mugdha Godse: It`s a revolutionary judgment atleast out of 100, 10 will think before committing this horrible crime of rape.
Ehsaan Noorani: A prayer for the soul of Nirbhaya and a prayer for victims of rape to find the strength to carry on. Hope this sentencing sends a strong message out to men attempting this ghastly act again. Justice.
Raveena Tandon launches new ad campaign for PETA
New Delhi: Actress Raveena Tandon has joined hands with People
for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for their new ad campaign in
order to encourage everyone to adopt stray dogs.
The ad campaign was recently launched by the `Mohra` actress in Mumbai.
Tandon spoke about the menace of stray dogs in the cities of the country and said that she has always stood by PETA.
The ad will show the 38-year-old actress with her stray dogs, `Chhotu` and `Cuddles,` next to the words, "Puppy Love. Adopt, Don`t Buy!"
The ad campaign was recently launched by the `Mohra` actress in Mumbai.
Tandon spoke about the menace of stray dogs in the cities of the country and said that she has always stood by PETA.
The ad will show the 38-year-old actress with her stray dogs, `Chhotu` and `Cuddles,` next to the words, "Puppy Love. Adopt, Don`t Buy!"
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