hollywood & Bollywood Updates 1st November

             HOLLYWOOD UPDATES
Shot Through The Heart! Katniss And Pop Culture's Coolest Archers 

Pick up your bow and arrow, because archery is having a major pop culture moment. Thanks to the popularity of The Hunger Games, archers are cooler than ever before.
But Jennifer Lawrence's Katniss Everdeen isn’t the only pop culture hero (or heroine) reaching into a quiver. Here are the five coolest archers we love who are currently sparking an archery revolution.
Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games)
People of all ages started flocking to archery lessons after Katniss Everdeen burst onto screens in The Hunger Games. Why? Because Jennifer Lawrence made archery look really, really cool. As a competitor in the cut-throat Hunger Games, Katniss could bring one weapon along into the kill-or-be-killed reality show. Her choice was her trusty bow and arrow, perfected from years of hunting in the wilds of District 12.
Hawkeye (The Avengers)
Sure Iron Man might have his special suit and Thor might have his hammer, but Hawkeye still manages to be awesome with just a bow and arrow as weapons. Played by Jeremy Renner in the box office smash, Hawkeye is a force to be reckoned with even when fighting against powerful aliens with just an arrow.
Green Arrow (Arrow)
Speaking of Arrow, it turns out archery is a pretty popular superhero trait. As the lead of The CW’s hit superhero show Arrow, Stephen Amell plays rich boy Oliver Queen, who has a more than passing knowledge of how to notch an arrow. He uses his alter ego Green Arrow to fight crime and get revenge on the corrupt leaders of Starling City.
Princess Merida (Brave)
In Disney’s hit animated film Brave, Princess Merida doesn’t want to sit around and be a proper lady. Instead she would rather run around shooting arrows, and she certainly has better aim than all of the boys around her. Thanks to Merida’s bravery and talent, she manages to avoid getting betrothed to anyone she doesn’t want and saves her family from an inconvenient curse. All while having the best hair of any animated character ever.
Legolas (The Lord of the Rings)
The original archer, Orlando Bloom’s bow-wielding elf will return in the next Hobbit film to hit theaters. We’ve known since The Lord of the Rings trilogy that Legolas and his archery skills were cool, now he’s returning to remind us.
What do you think? What other cool archers did we miss? Sound off in the comments!

The Alternate Universe 'Hunger Games' Cast

It now seems difficult to imagine anyone other than Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson in the lead roles of The Hunger Games. But due to the phenomenal success of the novels, the majority of the cast faced super-tough competition to land a part in the film. Here's a look at five characters who in an alternate universe would have been played by somebody completely different.

Katniss EverdeenAround 50 actors reportedly auditioned for the series' hero, the most high-profile of which were Abigail Breslin, Chloe Grace Moretz, Hailee Steinfeld and Emily Browning. The last of these shares something in common with J-Law: both actresses had previously missed out on the role of Bella in Twilight.

Peeta MellarkAmerican Horror Story's Evan Peters, X-Men: First Class' Lucas Till and Magic Mike's Alex Pettyfer were all in contention for the male lead, as were Liam Hemsworth and Alexander Ludwig, both of whom of course went onto play Gale and Cato respectively.

Gale HawthorneHad Miley Cyrus' ex been cast as Peeta instead, then Arrow star Robbie Amell, Disney Channel graduate David Henrie and former Hannah Montana regular Drew Roy would all have been poised to take his place.

Haymitch AbernathyAccording to various sources, John C. Reilly was in the frame to play the middle-aged victor of the 50th Hunger Games until Woody Harrelson was selected ahead of his fellow Oscar nominee at the last minute.

Finnick OdairDespite publicly professing his love for the series, Glee actor Grant Gustin missed out on the role of District 4 tribute Finnick Odair, who will first be seen onscreen in Catching Fire, to Pirates Of The Caribbean star Sam Claflin.


Why Romance Is Beside The Point In 'The Hunger Games'

When it comes to Young Adult novels, you can pretty much expect a love triangle to be in the mix. Perhaps we should all thank (or curse) Twilight for this trend, but love triangles are usually a large part of the drama in most books aimed at a younger readership. The Hunger Games is no different: you only have to take a quick peek to see the Team Peeta versus Team Gale debate raging.
But reducing The Hunger Games trilogy to its rather small romantic subplot does a huge disservice to the message of Suzanne Collins’ prickly books. The books (and hopefully the films) are actually about an exploration of the effects of war and violence on society. They’re about the way we champion aggression, by showing readers an extreme version of our own bloodlust.
The Hunger Games books are many things: a scatching indictment on war, a critique of reality television culture, and the story of a girl fighting to survive. What the books aren’t, however, is a romantic drama revolving around a love triangle. Katniss Everdeen is a tough-as-nails survivor, not just a heroine with two handsome boys fighting for her attentions.
In the books, Katniss often puts her romantic confusion on the backburner in order to survive. Her romantic confusion serves as a reminder of just how young Katniss truly is; after all she’s just a teenager with all the raging hormones that time of life entails.
Yet whether she ends up with fellow competitor Peeta or lifelong best friend Gale is completely beside the point. The message of these books isn’t about romance, it’s about the devastating impact of war and violence on everyone, from society at large to innocent children.
Focusing only on the romantic subplot does a disservice to the tale Collins has lovingly crafted. It’s too soon to tell how the future films will deal with the story’s love triangle, but hopefully they don’t let the romantic tension take over. After all, at its heart The Hunger Games isn’t a romance, it’s a story about survival and rebellion.
What do you think? Do you love the romance in The Hunger Games? Sound off in the comments!


The Best New Horror Movies To Watch At Home On Halloween

With the Saw franchise coming to an end in 2010 and the Paranormal Activity series now waiting until January to premiere its fifth instalment, there's a distinct lack of horror at the cinemas this Halloween. Indeed, Hollywood bosses appear to have been running scared this October with only the unnecessary and underperforming remake of Carrie flying the flag for the genre. With those wanting new thrills and spills having to get their fix elsewhere, here's a look at five of the best horror films released earlier this year that are now available to view on the small screen.



Evil Dead

Many groaned when it was announced that Sam Raimi's cult classic was to get the reboot treatment. But although Fede Alvarez' gorefest lacked the dark humor of the original, it's arguably one of the most relentless assaults on the senses in years.



Warm Bodies

Perhaps more gently amusing and unexpectedly touching than downright scary, Warm Bodies breathed new life into the stale zombie genre with its post-apocalyptic tale of a human survivor falling for a member of the grunting undead.



The Conjuring

Fast becoming the master of mainstream horror, James Wan's haunted house story might have brought little new to the table. But like last year's The Woman In Black, its old-school shocks still packed a punch.



Mama

Based on a 2008 short film, Spanish-Canadian horror Mama also wore its influences firmly on its sleeve but its spooky visual flair, constant sense of unease and Jessica Chastain's performance lifted it above the usual hokey supernatural chillers.



V/H/S/2
Like last year's original, this second series of found-footage shorts certainly varies in quality. But Gareth Evans' Safe Haven, which sees a group of film-makers interview an Indonesian cult leader before all hell breaks loose, is possibly the best piece of horror you'll see this year.

Anne Hathaway, At Least Put a Little Effort Into Your Demanding Emails

Just in case people didn't already dislike Anne Hathaway enough, she is now adding another reason to our list of Fantine-induced annoyances. While the Hathaway-hate has been a long-running (just over a year) Hollywood legacy (hey, they do have a nickname!) the Oscar winner has now officially pushed her Hathahaters over the edge. 

On Oct. 19, Hathaway was chosen to act as the celebrity host at the Pink Party; an event held to raise funds for breast cancer research. However, the 30-year old starlet was apparently very uncooperative and pulled a major diva move when she asked fans and staff not to bother her. While it was considered to be just a rumor, there is now is an email to prove it. 

The leaked email that was allegedly sent to event staff members reads:

"PLEASE PLEASE

Do not take photos of ask for an autograph from anne hathaway. Her team is starting to getting really concerned today. Please make sure none of you or your guests approach her. I know in the past our hosts have mingled in the party, but each person is different and We are trying to respect her space.

No bloggers!!!!! Please!!!! cannot talk to her, nothing please. (forward team please help me!) Most of our celebs are happy to talk and share why cancer research is important to them so there will be other opportunities at the event.

I will truly need all of your help!!!

If you are sitting next to her in the front row, please make sure no one goes into to lounge :)"

While the essence of the email is pretty low (she is the host after all), the quality of the writing and formatting is what really bugged us. Whoever wrote this clearly put no effort into the document, not even straining to capitalize the subject's name. Come on, Anne. If you actually want people to take your behavior seriously, you at least need to hire people who can write a decent email on your behalf. Now we're going to make fun of your irritating behavior AND your inability to get your demands properly conveyed. 

So, whether this email is the first time you're hearing about Annoying Anne, or if you're just one of those people who can't pinpoint exactly why you don't like Hathaway, here are two pieces of evidence that may answer some of your questions. First, check out our breakdown of why everyone hates her (there are some logical and scientific reasons). Second, take a look at her Best Supporting Actress Oscar speech below – you're guaranteed be completely aggravated by her fake demeanor and obviously practiced speech– everyone knew you were going to win, so please Anne, don't act so surprised.

Bonus! Here's the ihateannehathaway tumblr well, because making a tumblr is weirdly hard to do and I'm impressed by the amount of hate that had to fuel the making of this page. 

Madonna 'not ashamed' of teen nude pics

New York: Madonna`s "not ashamed" of nude images from her teenage years that recently surfaced online, her representative Liz Rosenberg has said.

According to a UK website, Rosenberg said that the 55-year-old singer has acknowledged in past interviews that she did pose nude for art classes when she was a model and that she feels that she`s never done anything she`s ashamed of.
The photos taken by photographer Herman Kulkens in 1977, shows the then 18-year-old University of Michigan student posing fully naked both on her own and with another female model, the New York Daily News reported.
The pop diva was paid just 10-dollars-an hour for the photo shoot, and some of the images were published by adult magazines such as Playboy and Penthouse in the 1980s.
The full set, currently owned by American financier Jeremy Frommer , is set to go under hammer on November 9 at guccionecollection.com.


Miley Cyrus dresses like Lil' Kim

Los Angeles: Pop star Miley Cyrus opted to go for a Halloween costume that was inspired by rapper Lil` Kim.

Lil` Kim wore the similar attire for the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards.
The 20-year-old shared the photographs via microblogging website Twitter and photo sharing website Instagram Wednesday, reports aceshowbiz.com.

"Happy Halloween," read the caption of the photos.

The photos show her wearing a purple wig and a replica of Kim`s revealing dress.












Orlando Bloom opens up about split from Miranda Kerr

Washington: Orlando Bloom has opened up about his amicable split from former wife, Miranda Kerr, saying that that they love each other, and they are a family.

In an interview with Katie Couric, the 36-year-old actor said that they were going to stay in each other`s lives forever, People magazine reported.
The `Troy` star added that for the sake of their son and everything else, they were going to support one another and love each other as parents to their son Flynn .
He also admitted that life sometimes doesn`t work out like it`s planned or hopped to, but they are adults and professionals, who love and care about each other, especially their son.

BOLLYWOOD UPDATES

No Salman Khan guest appearance in 'Yaariyan'

Mumbai: Salman Khan is supporting ‘Yaariyan’ but will not be making a guest appearance in Divya Khosla Kumar`s directorial debut, its producer Bhushan Kumar said Thursday.

"These were just rumours. Salman is a very close friend. He will be supporting the film. We have requested him for the promotion of our film in Bigg Boss, and he has agreed. I am very thankful to him," Bhushan Kumar told reporters during the launch of the `Yaariyan` trailer.
‘Yaariyan’ features a cast of newcomers.



Who will derail Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Chennai Express’- Hrithik Roshan or Aamir Khan? 

Mumbai: 2013 has been a year of surprises. With masala entertainer ‘Chennai Express’ leading the Box Office business chart, the fate of Hrithik Roshan’s superhero flick ‘Krrish 3’ and Aamir Khan’s action-thriller ‘Dhoom 3’ are walking a tightrope.

The big question is- who will derail Shah Rukh’s ‘Chennai Express’?
With a number of other films too making brisk business at the Box Office, ‘Kriish 3’ and ‘Dhoom 3’ do have a tough challenge to face. Yet either of them or even both might succeed in making it to the top of the Box Office business charts of the year, considering the response the films’ trailers have garnered so far.
It has been raining sequels this year. ‘Krrish 3’ and ‘Dhoom 3’ are from the list of sequels that are releasing this year. Nonetheless, both these films are multi-starrers and big-budget and big banner films.
Hrithik returns to the silver screen as Krrish after 7 years and Aamir tries his hands at an action thriller and plays an antagonist for the first time in the Yash Raj film.
‘Krrish 3’ releases today and ‘Dhoom 3’ on December 20.
Who do you think will derail ‘Chennai Express’?


Aaradhya wishes Happy Birthday to mother Aishwarya Rai Bachchan 

Mumbai: Former Miss World and actress Aishwarya Rai, who is an internationally renowned celebrity now, was blessed with motherhood on 16th November, 2011.

Today, as the proud mother turned 40, her darling daughter Aaradhya wished her a very happy birthday.
"Aaradhya sleeps very late, so in the midnight she sang Happy Birthday to me. It`s a very special experience. She did the same last month for paa (Amitabh Bachchan) also," Aishwarya told journos at her residence Janak while celebrating her birthday with them.
"She first wished herself and then she wished me," added the actress who is married to actor Abhishek Bachchan.
Any special gift from Abhishek?
"We will leave it to Abhishek to share it with you. He has given me a gift, but the biggest gift he has given me is Aaradhya. She is my biggest gift."
Aaradhya had sung the ‘Happy Birthday’ song on her grandfather Amitabh Bachchan’s birthday last month as well.
The gorgeous actress has taken a break from work ever since she was expecting Aaradhya. Her comeback to films is hugely being speculated as fans of the actress are eagerly looking forward to seeing her back on the silver screen.
Here’s wishing Aishwarya Rai Bachchan a very Happy Birthday.


Shah Rukh Khan invites media for his birthday 

Mumbai: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan carries on the tradition of inviting media on his birthday this year too. He turns 48 Saturday, and has planned a sit-down athering with journalists at his home.

Shah Rukh stays with his family at his palatial bungalow, Mannat, located at Bandstand in Bandra here.

"I feel very weird when people celebrate my birthday with great enthusiasm every year. So, you all (reporters) are invited. Come to my home. We will sit down, have cold drinks and chat and all," Shah Rukh said here Wednesday at the launch of a jewellery lounge by Lista Jewels.
Meanwhile, the actor, who was last seen in Rohit Shetty`s "Chennai Express", is busy shooting for Farah Khan`s "Happy New Year".
Slated to release next year, the film also features Deepika Padukone, Boman Irani and Sonu Sood.



'Krrish 3' has given Vivek new life: Suresh Oberoi

Mumbai: Veteran actor Suresh Oberoi has applauded filmmaker Rakesh Roshan for making a film like ‘Krrish 3’ and also giving his actor-son Vivek a new life and confidence as the villain Kaal.

"Praising `Kaal` simply means applauding the director, Rakesh Roshan," the 66-year-old said here Thursday at a special screening of the film.
"This family, the hero and Rakesh Roshan have given Vivek a new life, new confidence, new beginning and I don`t think I have seen a better film than this," he added.
Vivek also seconds his father and calls Rakesh Roshan the Steven Spielberg of India.
"Whatever he (Suresh Oberoi) has said is absolutely true. I saw the film today (Thursday) for the first time and I forgot that I am Kaal. I was enjoying the film like a kid. I was laughing and crying," said Vivek.
"He (Rakesh Roshan) is a legend, a master and with this film he has shown that he is the Steven Spielberg of India," the 37-year-old added.
‘Krrish 3’ is the third film in the ‘Krrish’ franchise which began with ‘Koi Mil Gaya’ and stars Hrithik Roshan in the title role.
The film also stars Priyanka Chopra and Kangana Ranaut and it hit theatres Friday.



Proud to be part of '24': Rahul Khanna

New Delhi: Be it the stylized sequences or gripping storyline, ‘24’ is a "game changer" for Indian television, says Rahul Khanna and adds that it`s his privilege to join the impressive cast of the popular show.
"It`s terribly exciting to be part of a project like this, of course! I was a huge fan of the original `24` and the Indian version has emerged as a game changer for TV here. I`m so proud to be part of it," Khanna said.
He will enter as an investment banker, whose name crops up during investigations by protagonist Jai Singh Rathod, played by Anil Kapoor, who is also co-producing it.
Rahul said that he always harboured a desire to play a mysterious character, something close to what he plays in the show.
"I`ve always wanted to play a character with an air of mystery and shades of grey and I must say, although it was a difficult shoot (long shooting days and a tough action sequence filmed in the middle of the Bombay monsoon), but a lot of fun to do," he said.
While many value the length of screen time, Rahul attributes more significance to the kind of role he gets to play.
If he played important roles in movies like ‘Earth’ and ‘Hollywood Bollywood’, the actor did cameos in commercial movies like ‘Love Aaj Kal’ and ‘Wake up Sid’.
"It`s not so much about the length of the role, but rather its importance in the narrative and getting to be a part of an exciting project. If the role has the potential to make an impact, the length makes little difference," he said.
The 41-year-old is in pursuit of new genres.
"There`s nothing I love more than acting in films. I am always on the lookout for new, exciting projects....
"For me, part of the joy of being an actor is the opportunity to work in as many different genres as possible. I look forward to being part of more full-blown commercial films as well as more independent ones," he said.
The actor disagrees with the general opinion that he has not done too many commercial films.
"Most people think I shy away from mainstream Bollywood cinema but that couldn`t be further from the truth. The fact is, I`ve actually worked with some very masala filmmakers, including producers Raj Kanwar in `Raqeeb` and directors Vikram Bhatt`s `Elaan`," he said.
On the movies front, the actor is looking forward to the release of his film ‘Fireflies’, "a cool, indie film".
"It`s a simple, poignant story about love, loss and redemption. It`s set between the present scenario in Mumbai and the tea plantations of Ooty (Tamil Nadu) in the 1980s. It centres around two brothers and a tragic incident from their childhood that has coloured their relationship," he said.
Directed by ad-film director Sabal Shekhawat, the film`s cast also includes Arjun Mathur and Monica Dogra.