Trailer Zone: IRON MAN

Boy oh boy, this looks iron looks HOT or what? Robert Downey Jr is a fave of mine, and surely he brings some personality to the table. Check out the trailer of IRON MAN!

Hot Pix: BATMAN : GOTHAM KNIGHTS

IRON MAN TO FEATURE IN HULK

This is going to be bigger and crazier as Marvel dudes are looking to crossover and feature in each other's movies.

We will see that with Robert Downey's IRON MAN featuring in Edward Norton's HULK while Samuel Jackson's NICK FURY doing the same for Iron Man.

Hopefully what they are creating over here, is a beginning to pave way for AVENGERS. Surely Marvel will have to put up a fight since DC Comic's Justice League is already on its way!

Hot Pix: HULK

First Look at the upcoming HULK pic which shows us Edwart Norton getting angry...very very angry. We all know what happens next...going green greeen.....and...gone!

We still eagerly await the images of the new green machine, but for now it is Ed.

This pic comes courtesy Empire Online who runs a story on HULK in their latest issue.

Mahadaven to direct one more: RED ALERT

After putting his hands into various unsuccessful ventures, Anant Mahadavan is getting ready for yet another project.

This time the film titled Red Alert will be based on the Naxalite moviement and will see Sunil Shetty playing the main lead. The other members roped in to the cast includes names like Naserudhin Shah, Sameera Reddy, Ayesha Dharkar, Bhagyashree and Aashish Vidhyarthi.

According to director Mahadevan, Red Alert is a 110 minutes long, song less film. It's inspired from the true story of a man who inadvertently gets trapped in the movement at Gadchiroli, a place in Gujarat. Although my film will mainly revolve around the Naxals, it will also highlight the sufferers of other movements and social groups like the Russian Revolution and Jihad in Pakistan.

The film is produced by Rahul Agarwal and the project looks to kick off production by June this month.

Bollywood Buzz: Feb 26 - Mar 02

MITHUN PLAYS CAMEO IN YUVRAAJ

Subash Ghai's mangum opus Yuvraaj is already right up there on this year's most awaited flicks. And the hype just gets bigger and bigger as the day approaches. The latest is that Mithun Chakraborthy has been cast in a very special apprearance for the film.

This is in addition to the inclusion of Aushima Sawhney, who after playing the lead in Superstar will also be seen in a lead role in the Subash Ghai film.

PANKAJ KAPUR TO DIRECT A DESI-HAMLET

Mid-Day breaks news that Pankaj Kapur is all set to direct a film. This one shall be based on Hamlet, and Shahid Kapur shall be cast in the main lead.

YRF SPLITS WITH K-JO ...SRK MEANWHILE TEAMS UP WITH YRF?

Strange is the industry. But that is how the industry functions. First of all, Karan Johar's latest production Dostana is splitting up friends. It is evident with Yash Raj Films not distributing this venture from Dharma Productions. Instead Karan is happy to receive offers from other distribution houses like Eros and Studio18.

Meanwhile a day earlier it was reported that Karan's good buddy Shahrukh is all set to co-produce Yash Raj Film's prestigious Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. Obviously Yash Raj is too big a production house that they need any outside help. But such is the star power that SRK oozes, that even Yash Raj will have to share the pie with SRK.

So much for Yash Raj who were riding piggy bank and making their own camp. Now suddenly they seem to be paying the price for all this.

THREE DAYS FOR TEEN PATTI: THE BIG B SAGA

In what can be a ridiculous piece of news, Mid-Day reports that Amitabh Bachchan, despite receiving a renumeration of Rs 5 crores for the TEEN PATTI project have no dates to spare for the film. Directed by Leena Yadav (Shabd), it seems that all Bachchan now has given is a mere three days for her to can as much as possible. The film also stars Arshad Warsi and a bunch of newcomers.

IRFAN KHAN AGAIN WITH MIRA NAIR?

Irfan Khan is all set to feature in Mira Nair's Kosher Vegetarian - an upcoming love story between a Gujarati Man and a Jewish girl. Irfan Khan will be cast alongside Natalie Portman. Strange that talks of this project is on, which throws in more mystery to the fate of the ambitious Mira Nair project- Shantaram.

WHITE FEATHER HOUSE

Sanjay Gupta has bought a whole seven story building in suburban Mumbai and has named the complex White Feather House with an aim to bring all the divisions of film making under one roof. source: Buzz18

A SEQUEL WITH NO DHAMAAL?

That is what producer Indra Kumar seems to be cooking up these days. With the success of the Dhamaal, Indra Kumar wants to repeat the success but seems to be unsuccessful in repeating the cast members. All he has managed to do is sign Sanjay Dutt for a hefty amount, but it looks like neither Arshad Warsi nor Riteish Reshmukh is really keen in returning for the sequel, supposedly titled Double Dhamaal.

However the latest twist is that Indra Kumar is roping in Aftab Shivdasani to replace Arshad who has no dates to spare.

ARSHAD TO TURN PRODUCER

And sticking onto more of Arshad Warsi, the man is seriously planning to jump into the production ring. He might very soon produce a film and most likely it will be directed by his SEHER director KAbir Kaushik. Rediff reports

Curtains for NEW LINE CINEMA

As this week sees the release of a sure fire box office winner Semi-Pro, we also see the death of yet another big name of the movie making industry. For New Lince Cinema, the home of some big films most notably the Lord of the Rings franchise, will be from now on a small division of Warner Bros.

The move will result in several job cuts, and all future New Line films will come out as a Warner Bros product.

For more on this New Line Cinema take over, you may check out some top line articles on this

VARIETY: New Line in Warner's corner

HOLLYWOOD REPORTER: Bewkes nukes New Line Time Warner consolidates Warner Bros entertainment, New Line Cinema to boost profits

Kamal's daughter makes debut opposite Madhavan!

Marathi director Nishikant Kamat is gearing up for a romantic thriller with Madhavan doing the lead role once again. The duo had earlier teamed up for the tamil version of Dombivli Fast which was well appreciated by critics and the masses alike.

Now Madhavan who put on weight for that feature will go back to shedding the weight, in order to pair up for the star debut of the feature film. And this star debut is going to be the limelight hogger , as it marks the debut of Kamal Hassan's daughter Shruthi.

Tamil superstar R. Madhavan needs to shed six kilograms to look compatible on screen with Shruti, Tamil entertainment heavyweight Kamal Haasan's daughter, who is set to make her debut with the star.

TERMINATOR FRANCHISE TO REBOOT : 2009

Studio Warner Bros seems to have given 2009 the much awaited kickstart by locking their ambitious sequel TERMINATOR SALVATION: The Future Begins for Memorial Day Weekend. The film is set for a release on May 22 which will see it squaring off with yet another sequel - Fox's Night at The Museum II: Escape From the Smithsonian. Yeah, whatever!

This flick, the 4th in the series, will kick off another trilogy of sorts, and will see Christian Bale taking on the role of John Connor.

But how in the world did McG land with the directorial duties of this one. Certainly the MTV style McG of Charlie's Angels fame does not look like the right guy for the job! I mean if that is the route McG wants, then I think an actor like Bale is not the man to be hanging around the sets either. Hey, McG -why not pick up Dwayne Johnson instead?

Seriously...McG??? Are the guys at the studios really given it a thought?

Ok, has McG given this installment a thought? Yes he has, it seems. This is what he had to say about the film.

"It's very much in keeping what the studio has done with Batman. We're respectful of the first pictures in creating a new language, while honoring the mythology, and I felt it would be a great time to play upon some of the [Isaac] Asimov ideas, some of the Phillip K. Dick ideas. It felt like a good time to tell a story about humanity and what it means to make us all human."

And as far the plot is concerned, this is what the makers had to reveal during the early stages -

It's post-apocalyptic. It's set after the events of [Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines], where we see the nuclear exchange at the end of the movie, and we show what the world is like after this event, and we show how people try to deal in a post-apocalyptic world. And we introduce a new character, who becomes very important to the resistance and to John Connor, a new hero. It's really about the birth of a new hero

So getting back to Bale - Batman vs Terminator, hmmm?

80TH OSCARS

No major surprises with the Coen Brothers stealing the show with their feature film No Country For Old Men, winning Best Film as well as Best Director awards.

Daniel Day Lewis wins Best Actor for There Will Be Blood, while Marion Cottilard bags the Best Actress trophy.

THE COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS

FILMFARE AWARDS 2008

Bollywood hands out its most important awards in the calendar and no real surprises either. Shahrukh walks away with the Best Actor award which certainly belonged to AB Jr or even kid wonder Dharsheel. Kareena wins from a category that never really had any serious contenders.

Chak De India goes on to share honours with the other major movie of the year Taare Zameen Par.

Best Film Chak De India

Best Director Aamir Khan for Taare Zameen Par

Best Actor: Shahrukh Khan for Chak De India.
Best Actress Kareena Kapoor for Jab We Met.

Best Actor in a Supporting Role Irrfan Khan for Life In A Metro.
Best Actress in a Supporting Role Konkana Sen Sharma for Life in a Metro

Critics Best Film Shimit Amin for Chak De India
Critics Best Actor Darsheel Safari for Taare Zammen Par
Critics Best Actress Tabu for Cheeni Kum.

Lifetime Achievement Award Rishi Kapoor


Best Music A. R. Rahman for Guru.
Best Background Score A. R. Rahman for Guru

R. D. Burman Award Monty Sharma for Saawariya
Best Male Singer Shaan for 'Jabse Tere Naina' from Saawariya
Best Lyrics Prasoon Joshi for 'Ma' from Taare Zameen Par
Best Female Singer Shreya Ghoshal for Barso Re' from Guru

Best Story Amol Gupte for Taare Zameen Par.
Best Screenplay Anurag Basu for Life In A Metro.
Best Dialogue Imitiaz Ali for Jab We Met.

Best Male Debutant Ranbir Kapoor for Saawariya.
Best Female Debutant Deepika for Om Shanti Om.

Fresh Face of the Year Award Deepika Padukone for Om Shanti Om

Power Award Yash and Aditya Chopra

Best Editing Amitabh Shukla for Chak De India.
Best Action Rob Miller for Chak De India
Best Art Direction Samir Chanda for Guru
Best Sound Leslie Fernandes - Johnny Gaddaar
Best Special Effects Red Chillies Entertainment - Om Shanti Om
Best Costume Award Sujata Sharma for Gandhi My Father.
Best Cinemtography Award Sudip Chatterjee for Chak De India.

NA-REAL aka Nariyal AWARDS

Hosts SRK-Saif decide to give their own version of the Raspberry Awards. However the desi version is a 'nariyal' and takes the oppurtunity to poke some humour at their fellow artists. Something that definitely shall not be taken very well in the film circles.

Crappy Clothes - Vidya Balan for Heyy Babyy

Crappy Hairstyle - Rani Mukherjee for Tara Rum Pum

Comeback of the Year - Vidhu Vinod Chopra

Most-Maal Function - Akshay Kumar

Bravery - Ram Gopal Verma for making AAG, Ramesh Sippy for sitting though it!

RAZZIES 2008

It was no contest as Eddie Murphy took home all the major awards out there for the worst of the year. While Eddie Murphy in his Norbit turnout was successful in making it to the worst of all the acting departments, he could not prove to be worse than Lindsay Lohan in the equally disastrous I Know Who Killed Me.

Below is the complete list of the winners. Let us hope they do not repeat it next year

Worst Picture: "I Know Who Killed Me"
Worst Actor: Murphy in "Norbit"
Worst Actress (tie): Lohan as twin sisters Aubrey and Dakota in "I Know Who Killed Me"
Worst Supporting Actress: Murphy in "Norbit"
Worst Supporting Actor: Murphy in "Norbit"
Worst Screen Couple: Lohan & Lohan in "I Know Who Killed Me"
Worst Remake or Rip-off: "I Know Who Killed Me," based on several films
Worst Prequel or Sequel: "Daddy Day Camp"
Worst Director: Chris Siverston for "I Know Who Killed Me"
Worst Screenplay: Jeffrey Hammond for "I Know Who Killed Me"
Worst Excuse for a Horror Movie (New Category): "I Know Who Killed Me."

JHANSI KI RANI

production status: SHELVED

cast: Sushmita Sen

Sushmita Sen might not have made it as a frontrunner actress like her rival Aishwarya, but Sen is nowing moving into a totally new aspect of film making.

Sen has decided to give direction a try and have taken the job of bringing the life of Rani Laxmi Bai, the indian queen who battled against the British colonists. In fact she is doing it all....Sushmita Sen will be producing, directing as well as acting in the upcoming Jhansi Ki Rani.

It must be noted that just last week Aishwarya Rai have rejected the offer of taking on the gruelling role in Ketan Mehta's version of the same tale. So thus we avoid another Rai vs Sen scenario. \

The film will be made in English and Sen is eyeing a global market to tell the tale.

UPDATE FEB 01:

This project has been shelved as per sources. It seems that while Sush was still trying to get hold of a saleable actor for the lead, a TV Channel had already taken up the idea and is rolling out a TV series by March. So at this point Sush believes that there is no point of spending such a money if the TV is going to kill the interest.

Interview: SUBASH GHAI

Subash Ghai talks on how he is a changed man. He reveals that he is least affected by the debacles of his recent releases, how silly he finds Karz to be when watching it now, and how he approached the making of his off-beat film , Black & White!

Catch his interview at MID-DAY

Hot Pix: IRON MAN poster

Check out this awesome IRON MAN poster that ScreenRant put up from the Wondercon. Click on the poster to watch in full -blown!

Warner Bros ready to unleash AKIRA

The mother of all anime flicks - AKIRA is all set to make a splash into the big screen of Hollywood.

The original anime version that surfaced in late 80s told the tale of the Tokyo city in 2019 where a teen biker is subjected to an experiment which brings out some strange powers that resided in his body. While the govt officials decide to kill him, the teen boy escapes to the main city eventually creating havoc.

Now this new live version will be brought to you by Warner Bros who shall go ahead and change the setting of the story to 2019 Manhattan. The film is slated to be directed by Ruairi Robinson with Leonardo Di Caprio to head the cast.

UNIVERSAL REPACKAGED !

Variety has come up with an interesting feature on how Universal studios is going wide kick starting a lot of projects while struggling to get a solid franchise going.

So check out how Universal is planning to stand tall amidst fierce competition.

Hot Pix: KARZZZ

Excuse me for my ignorance, but I still am not sure how many Zs are there in this title. All I really hope is that this effort from singer Reshamiya do not put me to one of those ZZZs.

This remake of Subash Ghai's Karz, very creatively titled Karzzz, which also happened to be the inspiration for SRK's Om Shanti Om will have Satish Kaushik directing while singer Himesh Reshamiya dumps his hat and put on his acting shoes once again.

Incidentally a whole load of images have come out on the Net, and you may check out them at IndiaFM.

Now more new pics are out. This time it is Rediff's turn to join in on the fun. Click below for more of KARZZZ

Rajinikanth prefers a cameo in KUSELAN

P Vasu who was to remake the successful malayalam movie, Katha Parayumbol into Tamil as Kuselan with Rajinikanth would really be an upset man.

To cash in on the Rajini factor, Vasu was ready to lengthen the role of the superstar which in the original, essayed by Mammooty is not beyond a few scenes and a song. But super star Rajinikanth does not want to spoil the spirit of the original and wants to stick to a cameo.

This is good news for cinema as it shows the film in its true nature, but is sure to disappoint many who would expect a lot of Rajinikanth from this film.

The question is will Rajini fans be ready for their beloved in a very special role that would not be aything beyond 20 minutes. Rajini in a Pasupathy film...are they ready for it? P Vasu will have sleepless nights now!

SONY bags 2012!

After all that talk about studios trying to get to the pie, it is confirmed that SONY are the studios that have managed to win the rights to 2012. So now with the project being locked, the studio is hoping to get it ready for a 2009summer tentpole release. (UPDATED FEB 22)

In what could be seen as a very smart movie, director Roland Emmerich is already out there trying to get the studios interested in his latest visual spectacle 2012 .

Smart because it seems that the studios all are trying to get their hands on it, and Emmerich better impress them all. This I say, because his latest flick 10,000 BC is slated to hit the screens on March 7 and from the early reviews, it does not look like they will take Emmerich seriously after that. The film is already getting a solid negative buzz, so Emmerich, sell that script about the world coming to an end to some studio or else, your career might just come to an end.

Who am I kidding....if Michael Bay can still make all the noise, so can you Emmerich. Afterall you gave us Independence Day, didn't you?

MULLA (malayalam, 2008) : A Preview

Hit maker Lal Jose and actor Dileep is ready to join forces once again with the upcoming Vishu release Mulla. As we all know this duo is a hit making machine and have churned out several hits, except for a dud like Rasikan!

Lal Jose also takes the oppurtunity to introduce a new face Meera Nandan in the lead female role of Latchi. Shruthi Menon is cast in the role of Vasanthi, a gypsy singer.

The film is set in a slum colony near a railway station and the people in them. The colony notorious for illegal activities is a harbour for petty thieves, drug peddlars and pimps. Mulla (Dileep) also being a product of the colony is into a lot of criminal activity, operating in running trains.

ROBO (Malayalam, 2008) : A preview

While the tamil industry is churning out one of the costliest films ever in Robot, the malayalam film industry is ready to come up with a small budget entertainer with a tin man in the lead role.

Robo, a Malayalam film in the making, has a robot playing a full-length role, for the first time. Produced and directed by Dr. R. Prasanna Kumar, the film is intended to be a light entertainer targeted at the family audience and children too.

Popular artists like veteran actor Madhu, Shankar, Indrans, Kochupreman, Monilal, Sanal Kumar, Archana, Kulapulli Leela also find a place in the cast, which also includes a host of child artists. Robo features songs penned by Dr. R Prasanna Kumar himself, which are set to tune by Nedumkunnam Sreedev. K.P. Jyothikumar, who had earlier cranked the camera for Neelaakaasham Niraye and had also won the Critics Award for his work on television in 2005 and 2006, cranks the camera for the venture.

The film, which the debutante director had been cherishing in his heart for about ten years as sort of a dream project, is likely to get released in February or March. Dr. Prasanna Kumar himself does the script, while art-direction is by Gireesh Vaikkom. Robo is produced under the banner of Sri Vijay Ganesh Productions.

KAY KAY -ARBAAZ after the STONEMAN

Producer Bobby Bedi brings to us a thriller based on the real serial killing incidents that shook India during the 1980s.

The film tells the tale of the serial killer who went about killing several people by smashing the victims with a heavy stone, thus earning the nickname 'Stoneman' from the media. Now years later this comes to the big screen with an attempt to show why the man was never brought to justice.

The film titled Stoneman will see Kay Kay and Arbaaz Khan cast in the role of cops in pursuit of this mysterious killer. The film is directed by Manish Gupta

Bollywood Hungama has unleashed fresh stills from this project. Click below for more.

Mohanlal-Kamal Hassan to team up for KANDAHAR?

This did make news when Kamal recently told at a press event on how much he would love to share screen with the Kerala screen icon Mohanlal. Then there were rumours that the two might come together in the next film from Major Ravi. However now the rumours are getting a stronger base with Major Ravi himself confirming that he is looking at casting the two together...hopefully!

The film titled Kandahar will be an indepth look at what really went behind all those news images that we saw about the IC 814 flight hijack. So will the ambitious director manage to pull off this casting coup that will bring two of the finest actors of Indian cinema together on the big screen!

If the film does get made it shall be for the southern belt, with Major Ravi promising a different one with Bollywood stars for the Hindi version. (sigh!)

Major Ravi, an ex-military commando has turned to the medium of cinema to give us some indepth look into some major headline issues with the knowledge and information he has gathered from various sources.

His debut was with a military flick Keerthichakra, which has been received well. However his second outing Mission 90 Days , starring Mammooty and based on the Rajiv Gandhi assasination, failed to attract the audiences despite being rooting in reality.

KRAZZY 4: SRK's item number!

Now that the hype of Jodhaa Akbar and the IPL has died down, the TV has another item to flaunt. This time it will be the item number from Shahrukh for the latest Rakesh Roshan production, KRAZZY 4 directed by Jaideep Sen.

This song will be featured in the film while Hrithik is doing the same song as a promotional video for the film.

Meanwhile here is the video of the hot song 'Break Free' that has already surfaced up on the web.

Final Destination 4

New Line cinema is going ahead and gearing up for yet another installment of the Final Destination series.

The next installment, FINAL DESTINATION 4, shall star Shantel Van Santen, Hayley Webb, Krista Allen, Andy Fiscella and Bobby Camp and will be directed by David Richard Ellis.

However the gimmick here is that the film is in 3D.

So ready to get scared 3D style when this one comes out!

X-MEN ORIGINS: Wolverine

So there are too many casting news going around, that is indeed making it tough to keep a track on all that is going on. So I guess my blog page is due.

X-Men Origins:Wolverine, the spin off from the X Men series, will make its way to theatres by 2009. The fim is directed by Gavin Hood to the screenplay penned by Daivd Benioff.

Hugh Jackman, who shot to celluloid fame thanks to his Wolverine character is back to take charge in this feature film as well. However with the latest names pouring in that has been confirmed for the project, this one looks no lesser a film than the X MEN series itself.

Danny Huston, Taylor Kitsch, Will.I.Am, Ryan Reynolds, Liev Schreiber, Dominic Monaghan, Daniel Henney are all onboard.

Monaghan of the LOST fame, plays a character with the ability to manipulate energy and electricity.

Henny is cast as Agent Zero, a member of the Weapon X program.

Watch this space for more interesting updates on this 2009 release.

Even Mathan signs Himesh Reshamiyaa!!

It is understood to an extent when Himesh Reshammiya gets signed left and right inspite of woeful acting talents. He can draw in the crowds..atleast a section of them!

But what leaves me scratching my heads with makers like John Mathan, the man who gave us a film like Sarfarosh, decides to sign Himeshji in their films. U too, Mathan?? I thought Mathan will bounce back and wipe the dirt like Shikar off his list with another gem. That though does not seem in his agenda from the looks of it.

Not only has he signed Himesh, he will also rope another newcomer Niharika Singh (2005 Miss India Earth) opposite him. So now the film has two wooden actors. Grrreat.

Himesh will play a tapori who decides to take on the rich gori in what looks like a plot straight from the 80s.

But what really takes the cake is the name of the movie- It is not just any love story , but shall be titled A LOVE IIISHTORY with all those Is and Ss intact as per Himesh's InSIStence! And when director Mathan seems to go for it, we know that we should not be going for it!

His Himeshness will next be seen in John Mathan’s A Love Iiisshtory with yet another debutante, Niharika Singh

SRK to turn into superhero!

More news on the SRK-Anubhav Sinha multicrore project that will bring in the next level of special effects into mainstream Bollywood.

We all know how much the Indian film industry is lacking when it comes to special effects and plotting story lines that rely heavily on FX. The truth is that we lag a lot in this particular department when compared to film makers in various shores.

But Shahrukh is ready to change it all, once and for all! He has signed up Anubhav Sinha and is in constant talks to get this project rolling that will be very much on the lines of Spiderman.

It will not be an animation film, as reported earlier, but a feature film starring King Khan and a 12-year-old protagonist and will be produced by Red Chillies Entertainment. A hunt is on for the boy who will get the dream opportunity of being part of Shah Rukh’s fantasy of donning a cape and flying across the sky at super-speed.

Read more of the article on MID-DAY.

EIGHT BY TEN is a lot UNBREAKABLE?

Mid-Day comes with an article whereby they make a claim that Nagesh Kukunoor's latest Eight By Ten is a rip off from Shyamalan's Unbreakable.

Yes, Akshay Kumar plays a character that possess a special power to look into a person's life by just looking at his image. Bruce Willis too played a similar character, possessing such a power whereby he got to look into the other person's life when he touches them.

The makers Percept Picture was quick enough to deny any such linking. Instead Shailendra took the moment to hype the film to something bigger -

"It’s untrue. I have gone through the script and there are no similarities between the two films. Eight By Ten is going to be the first of its kind in India. The film is going to challenge the audiences. Akshay Kumar is a psychological superhero. We are planning for a Diwali release as this is a big movie for our company. I have a big marketing plan set for the same.”

Mohanlal to join with Lohitadas!

Last year too the news was doing rounds and this time it looks like the project will indeed take off.

Writer and director Lohitdas shall rope in Mohanlal and start the project Bheesmar, which shall be produced by Johnny Sagarika.

Mohanlal is in a desperate need of a hit and with all the successive flops, the ground is a bit shaky for this megastar.

AN AMERICAN CAROL: Frasier is now Scrooge!

Frasier star Kelsey Grammar is all set and ready to splash the big screen for a satire comedy.

Titled An American Carol, it will have a modern day Scroogy lampooning contemporary American culture, especially Hollywood.

The real factor why the movie shall be worth a look is the man directing it. David Zucker, known for his wonderful creations like Airplane! and Naked Gun series, shall direct this one with a script written by Zucker himself.

Beyonce now a producer!

Beyonce Knowles takes on a new role. After being a chartbuster artist, and also fairly decent acting forays, she now is all set to be the executive producer for an upcoming film.

And no prizes for guessing, but Knowles also plays the lead role in the film titled Cadillac Records. The film is a 1950s period film about the Chicago Record Company Chess Records, its founder Leonard Chess, and the turbulent lives of some of the label's legends who included Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf and many more such crazy named but brilliant figures in the music industry.

The film also stars Adrian Brody, Cedric the Entertainer, Jeffrey Wright.

And with a film the focus is very much on the music with the soundtracking boasting of a lot of Knowle-ty! Steve Jordan produces the music.

John and Boman goes for a Little Zizou

John Abraham also have joined the cast of Little Zizou, a little English film set amidst the Parsi community of modern day Mumbai.. The directorial debut of photographer and screenwriter Sooni Taraporevala will have Boman Irani playing on of the leading roles. The other actos in the cast include names like Cyrus Broacha and Immadhudhin Shah.

The film essentially is a comedy that looks at the lives of two Parsi families, seen from the eyes of a child. An ensemble comedy that looks at the various characters and their dreams in the mad mad Mumbai.

Sooni Taraporevala has been the successful screenwriter for many of Mira Nair's films that includes Salaam Bombay to the recent Namesake. The film is a collaboration between Studio 18 and Jigri Dost Productions, a company floated by Sooni and parter Dinaz Stafford.

Munnabhai 3 Will Happen!

There have been rumours that Munnabhai 3 might just not happen with everyone seeming to have their own tales and camps.

But it is heartening to note that Raju Hirani confirms that after Idiots, it shall be Munnabhai 3 for him in the latest chat with IndiaFM

Meanwhile he also confirms that only Aamir has been confirmed for Idiots as of now. No one else has been finalised (which means Kajol looks like a possible NO).

Tales From The Counter: Feb 15-17

US BOX OFFICE

Irrespective of the trashing that it is receiving from the critics, this week's release Jumper has managed to leap straight upto the top spot at the US box office. What is helping its cause is the additonal Presidents Day that gave it one more day to reap in the BO benefits. This one bags an opening of 31.7 million which is sweet enough considering that it beat the Valentine mood to be here. Twentieth Century Fox is also smiling since their plan of giving it a worldwide opening has worked to its benefit.

Dancing into second place is the sequel to Step Up. The film titled Step Up 2 The Streets have a different cast from the original but it still had the crowd checking it out inspite of having fewer theatre count.

The family feature Spiderwick Chronicles have opened steady with an estimated 26 millilon and with the overall opinion of the movie being very good, it looks like it shall hold steady in the coming weeks. The makers are waiting to see how the movie fares, afterall the fate of a franchise depends on it!

The other new release of the week and one of the stronger ones - Definitely, Maybe starring Ryan Reynolds seems to have the charm effect. But have opened pretty disappointingly finishing fifth this week. Probably the good reports coming in shall see the movie stay put on.

BOLLYWOOD THIS WEEK

As far as Bollywood goes...it has been Jodhaa Akbar all week. However that too comes with its own drama. Thanks to the battle between the producers and the multiplex owners, the movie could not make it till Saturday morning. Moreover with a lengthy running time, there were fewer shows. Also poor publicity campaign, the failure of the music to really catch on, and that historical subjects never really take off at the box office - all these reasons have been floated against a good start.

But the truth is Jodhaa Akbar has started off well and two major factor is working for the film. First of all, there is no other major releases till Race shows up on March 21. So it shall have a free run till then. And the media word has been pretty good which means it shall draw in more crowd eventually.

DOWN SOUTH

So how things moving down south. Jodhaa Akbar has also topped Chennai, but Tamil industry seems to have got a contemporary classic in the form of Anjathey. They film has been definitely praised by the critics and audiences alike, but for the average moviegoer - two major problems arise. Too lengthy at 3 hrs 10 mins , and hardly any of the crass commerical elements. So how far will Anjathey sustain at the box office is yet to be seen. OR will it be a class act that finds no takers. The latest buzz is that the producer wants to trim it down by 20 mins or so, while the director Mysskin will not have anything chopped out from it.

Malayalam film industry also saw a movie that seems to be running on its strength. Cycle boasting of newcomers seems like a dark horse that shall emerge victorious while the 'superstar'vehicles fail to generate the buzz. Mammooty's Roudram manages to stay afloat but Mohanlal's College Kumaran has certainly bit the dust. Blessy's venture with Dileep Calcutta News seem also going through tough tides at the box office.

KUTTI CHETAN AND FRIENDS (2008)

It is indeed a matter of shame that we run after the works in foreign shores, but forget to appreciate the good work that goes on in our very own backyard! That is exactly what is happening in the animation field as more and more players are getting into the market, and hopefully help India to find a place in this market that can only grow on from where it is right now.

After trying the hands on mytholigical characters like Hanuman, Ganesha, Krishna etc, now the makers are doing it right by digging into folklore. And probably that is why the upcoming animation flick - Kutti Chetan and Friends look all the more appealing.

Kutti Chetan And Friends is the first feature film from the Hyderabad based DREAMS- Deepak Raj Entertainment And Multimedia Solutions Pvt LTd.

Raj, a gadget-happy, city kid from Bombay comes to the boondocks to spend the summer with his country grandparents thinking–”Boy, is this going to be boring.” — little realizing the amazing adventures he’ll get into with Yamini, the cool magic-trick-wielding next-door-neighbor girl, and a talking dove named Snuggles (who used to be a human astrologer). After finding an astrological chart of mystical intent, our three heroes must solve its riddles in order to find a playful blue spirit named Chetan. Seems Chetan has been trapped as the guardian of a giant supernatural ruby for a hundred hundred years, and Raj and Yamini must free him after evading a cavern full of flying swords, a giant fire-breathing Hell Hound and a dragon maze complete with an ocean of drowning water, little realizing that the ruby is being hunted for by a mysterious hooded figure and his reckless minions Tej and Rajkumar. The kids think Chetan is the “funniest” new friend they’ve ever met.

When the ruby is stolen by the hooded one, it’s discovered that he is really Zatain, the ancient nine-headed serpent sorcerer bent on universal domination. Only by entering the ruby itself, which is a labyrinth of reflections fraught with certain death, and fighting a magical battle which transforms Chetan from a little fun-loving spirit into his true form: an all-powerful force for good, can the kids and their spirit friend defeat Zatain and save the world from darkness. The best part is that they have fun the whole time, too.

With songs, action, comedy and strong character friendships, this is a movie for the entire family

Kutti Chetan is based on a folklore from Kerala and had already made it into the big screen as Kutti Chathen 3D -aka Chota Chetan 3D. The animation film also flows on similar lines and is directed by Deepak Jadhav with music from Pritam.

From what I am seeing of this animation flick, it looks pretty impressive. Even the background detailing looks top notch and certainly a step forward as far as animation in Indian films is concerned.

The pic below will give you some idea of what I just said, and if you click on the pic, you will be catching a lot more of those...

ACID FACTORY: The ex-RGV camp!

Atleast that is what the cast line up of Sanjay Gupta's new venture looks like. Titled Acid Factory, this macho flick has a cast that boasts of the dudes that were once in the good books of RGV.

Now that the Varma factory seems to be going nowhere, it looks all the more appropriate for the rest to come together and put their time in trying to build up another factory.

So Aftab Shivdasani, Manoj Bajpai, Fardeen Khan are all thrown in together in this Sanjay Gupta production that is slated to have an ex-Rediff staff Suparn Verma as the director. So will this Varma turn lucky for the trio?

Meanwhile Aftab is looking to float his own production company - Rising Son Productions. The first film shall be a romantic flick written by Aftab himself. Now he is on the lookout for a fresh face to be cast opposite him.

Aamir confirms IDIOTS!

I guess that is the breaking story for the day- the fact that Aamir Khan and Raju Hirani shall be working together. And this time I break the news here because Aamir himself has confirmed the same on his blog. Atleast here is someone who knows how to use the Internet medium to full benefit.

The film, produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and tentatively titled IDIOTS is the next project from Hirani who shot to fame overnight with the Munnabhai series. Though there were rumours about Aamir Khan being in the project, it has been confirmed only now. However the second bit of the very same rumour, that Kajol is the leading lady is yet to be confirmed.

In the blog, where Aamir broke the good news to his fans, he takes time to discuss on the upcoming Taare Zameen Par DVD as well. Aamir is going all out to ensure that the DVD ends up as a must have!

Also a lot of talk on how Aamir is shaping up to take on the action role in his next- the Gajini remake.

Interview: Vineeth Sreenivasan

With the good word of mouth that Cycle is receiving from the trade circles, it looks like the Malayalam industry is ready to welcome yet another talent.

Vineeth Sreenivasan, son of veteran Sreenivasan seems to have what it takes to step into shoes but how far will he be able to match his father's immense talents is yet to be seen.

REDIFF has scored an exclusive interview with the young man who already has hit headlines as the leading singer. What is interesting is very much like his father, Vineeth too hopes to write and direct films in the future. And even better are the line up of some his fave films - Pulp fiction, Kill Bill, Cinema Paradiso etc. Hey Vineeth, how about scripting one for the thriller genre- the Malayalam cinema badly needs one!

And also there is a few words or two for the Rajini fans as he goes on to give more testimony to the humility of the megastar from the South!

Preview: JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH 3D

They cannot get the scripts right nor the special effects either these days. But Hollywood thinks that gimmick still sells a lot more tickets. So here is another family adventure from Walden Media, the same production house that brought to you the hugely successful Chronicles of Narnia saga. However unlike last time, this time it is done with collaboration with New Line Cinema.

And this combination is ready to take you on a Journey To The Center of the Earth and that too in 3D!

So chances are this will end the franchise like Spy Kids 3D. Only difference this will end even before the franchise actually takes off. Brendan Fraser continues to get more assignments to play goofy man when he has always proven to be a better actor than that!

Watch the trailer and decide if you really 'falling' for it- some people are still falling as we speak

TRAILER ZONE

Trope De Elite bags GOLDEN BEAR at Berlin Film Awards

Tropa De Elite aka Elite Squad, a tale of the corruption of the police system set against the backdrop of Brazilian gang war goes on to win the Golden Bear for the best Film at the 58th Berlin International Film Festival. This portuguese film has already become a rage in the South American parts and will soon make a debut in US. Trope De Elite is the debut feature film from documentary maker Jose Padilha.

Though an Oscar frontrunner There Will Be Blood failed to win the best film award, it did walk away with a Silver bear for Best Director (Paul Anderson) as well as for best music (composer Jonny Greenwood).

Meanwhile the viewers choice award was bagged by Lemon Tree directed by Eran Riklis. It tells the story of a lemon grove that a Palestinian woman inherits, bordering the land of the Israeli defence minister.

You may get a detailed look at the winners HERE at the site's official page!

MITHYA (Hindi, 2008): Review

Cast: Ranvir Shorey, Neha Dhupia, Naserudin Shah, Saurabh Shukla, Vinay Pathak

Music: Sagar Desai

Directed by Rajat Kapoor

The team that gave us the charming Bheja Fry is back and this time gives us yet another film that will have moviebuffs discussing over and over again.

While it was Vinay who stole the show last year with his comic charm (unfortunate that he did not get a deserving nomination at this years awards), this time it is Ranvir Shorey who promises to leave a mark as the lead man in Mithya, the latest from director Rajat Kapoor.

VK (Ranvir Shorey) has dreams to make it as an actor. However his life seem to be heading nowhere. However as he struggles to make a place for himself in the film industry, someone else have found a place for him.

Soon VK finds himself kidnapped by a rival gang (Saurabh Sukhla, Naserrudhin Shah) who hands him the role of a lifetime- that of a real life don. This because VK is an exact lookalike of the Don Raje. So VK is trained to take his place as they bump off Raje.

Soon VK finds himself in the underbelly of the underworld and begins to find a lot more than he wished for.

MOVIEMAGIK REVIEW

rates it 3.5 /5

Dark comedies have never really found an instant audience in Bollywood. Certainly they might be considered cult classics and given appreciation years later. But when mindless comedies are more than ‘welcome’ at the box office, these dark comedies, however classy may be, are buried first and then resurrected later. Hansal Mehta’s Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar and Kunan Shah’s Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro serves as fine examples.

Mithyaa is yet one more to that list. It is a film that brims of qualities that very few mainstream Indian movies boast of – originality in approach, edgy writing, stellar performances and an actor doing what many stars are incapable of achieving. Yet, the film’s fault would be that it is no mindless comedy, but a rather intelligent and though provoking film that exactly that isn’t exactly genre specific. What starts off on such humourous notes, eventually ends on a totally different mood altogether as we head towards the climax. What matters eventually is that the audiences are left with an entertaining film nevertheless.

On the surface it might look at one of the most stalest of film plots. But trust me , this is not Don Revisited. This eventually comes so multi-layered and original in its thought and execution, that the several Don remakes fizzes out in front of this.

Director Rajat Kapoor boldly mixes genres and that too with a considerable degree of success. Be it humour (the scene where Ranvir tries to impress a Tv producer by getting out of his Don character and into Hamlet), or tragic heart stirring moments (watch Ranvir as he tries to convince the Don’s wife at the window). The second half also runs the risk of slowing down the pace, as we see Ranvir plays the family man giving time to the wife and kids. One track that failed to take off though was the romantic one between Neha and Ranvir. Therefore it was a wrong choice to give prominence to this very unsuccessful track as the film wraps up. It was like ending the song on a off-beat note!

Keeping that flipside aside, the writers still prove to be the backbone of the film. Rajat Kapoor and Saurabh Shukla (who also wrote Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar) weaves a screenplay that is ace, edgy and wicked enough to have you gripped. And on the strength of the writing, Ranvir manages to carry the film on his shoulders. Ranvir gives such a powerhouse performance, breathing life into the characters and making it as believable a human soul as possible. The audiences are able to connect to the ‘common man in a hot soup’ situation that his character goes through. His show overshadows everything, including any flaws that the film may have.

The casting has to be given praises. The talents of Brijendra Kala, Vinay Pathak, Saurabh Shukla, Harsch Chaya, all come together to give their best to their respective characters without threatening to take anything away. Even Neha Dhupia easily convinces us in her role of a struggling actress.

Even in a film that does not demand much musically, music director Sagar Desai has come up with some haunting background themes that gel with the protoganist's dillema.

Very rarely have several such aspects all come together to end up as a good entertaining piece of cinema. Just for that, Mithya deserves to be checked out by lovers of Indian cinema.

Mithya definitely rewrites any myths that we need stars, six packs and item numbers for good cinema!

THE PANEL ROOM

gives it 3.5 outta 5

Seems like Mithya is the movie to hit the bullseye. This has already become the favourite among the critics and they all seem to have loved this mixed genre boiler from director Rajat. And Ranvir Shorey has been showered with praises for his work in this film. This one moves into the Must-Watch list already.

For every single one of us who complains that Hindi films are mindless and predictable, here comes a film to shut us up. IBN Live 4/5

It is a sharp film, mixing genres with unspectacular aplomb, and achieves possibly more than it set out to. Rediff 3.5/5

it's premature to talk at this juncture, but MITHYA should feature prominently in the 'Bests of 2008' when the year draws to a close. The writing too is topnotch IndiaFM 3.5/5

The larger picture is imaginative and intelligent.Ranvir Shorey is outstanding, perfectly creating the two imperfect personalities. Cheers! Go ahead, grab Mithiya to make your matinee HindustanTimes 3.5/5

Mithya indeed takes off as one the finest films that one would have seen this year but eventually post interval the film dips tremendously. IndiaGlitz 2/5

Arjun to feature in ROBOT!

The film Robot just got a lot bigger according to me. Sure big names like Rajini, Ash, Rahman all are on board this Shankar extravaganza. But the latest news has me jumping up in joy...that is if it is true.

News seems to be around that Shankar has decided to cast his other fave Arjun in an important role. I am really hoping it is a villain role as it would be fun to see Rajinikanth having a go at Arjun.

Arjun has featured in two of Shankar's biggest hits ever - Gentleman and Mudhalvan and is someone who I consider one of those few who can carry an action role with elan!

Bazmee also on to Studio 18!

First a deal with Katrina Kaif. Then Studio 18 goes a step further and signs Anees Bazmee for a whooping 8 crores for an upcoming project. Bazmee has confirmed that he shall be working on the script of his new movie once Singh is King is wrapped up.

Looks like Welcome has caused more damages than any other movie in recent history. Doomsday is near!

Studio 18 signs 2 film deal with Katrina!

Studio 18 decides that it is high time they give their lucky mascot Katrina Kaif a better deal. So they go ahead and sign Kaif for a two film deal for a 'ridiculous' amount of Rs 6 crore.

Well Katrina Kaif has had an eventful 2007 with great success like Namaste London, Patrner and Welcome. This year she already has biggies like Race and Yuvraaj in the pipelines. Even a Yash raj production has been signed with director Kabir Lal. Things have never looked better...but 6 crores.....is studio 18 out of their minds??!

CYCLE (Malayalam, 2008)

Cast: Vineeth Sreenivasan, Vinu Mohan, Bhama, Sandhya, Jagathy, Sai Kumar

Directed by Johnny Anthony

Music by Mejo Joseph

Cycle seems to have opened to favourable reviews and if the coming weeks if it sustains this good word of the mouth, it will go on to prove that Malayalam industry is ready to move on without the big stars.

Cycle is seen as an acid test for newcomers in the industry. First of all, it is script writer James Albert’s follow up to the runaway hit Classmates. And probably the only reason why one should take the film in a more positive note, for director Johny Antony does not bring any to the table if you go by his previous ventures like CID Moosa, Inspector Garuda etc.

But the real hype for the movie is that it is bound to answer the question that everyone really wants to know. Does the man with the golden voice, Vineeth Sreenivasan also have the acting talent of his father Sreenivasan. From the looks of it, Vineeth lives up to the


The film centers around a shopping mall in Kochi where all the main protoganists work. Roy (Vineeth) works for a financers run by Kausthuban (Jagathy). His best friend Sanju (vinu Mohan) and the girl of his dreams Annie (Bhama) all work in the same mall too.

The twist in the tale takes place when they are in urgent need of money to save Annie’s brother. So Roy and co unwittingly decides to loot the money from Kausthuban himself. Since the money being black, Kaushtubhan and his brothers (Sai kumar, Cochin Haneefa) cannot go to the police for help and therefore is forced to hunt down the looters themselves.

PANEL ROOM

On the whole everything has blended well to make a neat 2 hours 15 minutes racy entertainer, that will keep you engrossed. SIFY

this is one ride that is tremendous fun with an air of freshness all about it Nowrunning 3/5

Unlike most youngster films churned out in Mollywood, 'Cycle' proves to be a well thought-out product, which does its job of providing entertainment to perfection. Indiaglitz

Cycle may be a youth oriented film but it is not all saccharine coated adventure of director Kamal's variety, but a somewhat dark film with a dash of humour. Rediff 3/5

Frankly now I am pretty impressed by the good reviews this movie has been garnering. Maybe the critics loved it simply because they never expected anything major from the bunch of newcomers. I would love to know what you thought of this movie. Does it have the steam to repeat the success of Classmates? Why don't you leave your opinion on the comments!

ANJATHEY (Tamil, 2008)

cast: Narein, Ajmal Ameer, Prasanna

Directed by Mysskin

Music C Sunder

Tamil industry might have got its first genuine entertainer of the year. Atleast that is what it looks like with the viewers giving thumbs up to director Mysskin’s second film Anjathey. Looks like Mysskin has struck gold once again like his debut film Chitiram Pesuthadi as Anjathey, despite its lengthy running time is being touted as a gripping action thriller.

The story is about two friends, both sons of police constables, both with totally contrasting outlook towards life.

While Satyavan (Naren) is a street smart yet irrresponsible chap, Krupa Shankar (Ajmal Ameer) is the one with a more serious approach with an eye on joining the polce force. However when the society in general and his father in particular finds Satya to be a loser, Satya decides to prove everyone wrong by trying to be a cop as well.

Thus both the friends appear for the Sub Inspector exam. However Satya manages to qualify using the power of his influential uncle, while Krupa finds his dream shattered. Thus the two good friends soon finds themselves to be become bitter rivals.

Satya however goes on to become a more rightful and disciplined officer once he ends up in the force. And his tasks lead him to the case of capturing the leader of a local kidnapping racket run, Daya (Prasanna).

Daya meanwhile takes the help of Krupa knowing well that no one like to see Satya’s downfall as much as Krupa himself.

Boasting of well executed action scenes, top notch cinematography and a perfectly cast characters, the film looks like a sure shot winner without any crass commercial elements.

PANEL ROOM

It is a sparkling, fresh and innovative film from Mysskin, makes for recommended viewing. – SIFY 3/5

With Chitiram Pesuthadi, Mysskin announced his arrival as a name to reckon with. Anjathe is a tastier second course from the director. - REDIFF 4/5

Anjathey is a smartly executed crime thriller with the able support of credible performances, effective back ground music, excellent cinematography and sleek editing. Indiaglitz 4/5

The tempo rarely slackens, remaining consistently interesting and seldom boring. This, and the good performances in Anjathe, makes it more than just watchable fair. BehindWoods 3/5

SRK opts out of DULHA MIL GAYA

Mid Day, reports that Shahrukh Khan seems to have opted out of good friend Viveck Vaswani's film Dulha Mil Gaya.

For months now, stories have been floating about the guest appearance from Shahrukh and Sushmita Sen for this project but it seemed like never happening. Something or the other just kept going wrong and it seems like finally, SRK himself seem to have opted out.

Surely weeks back SRK never had any project on hand. But things have drastically changed. Today the man might be doing not one but two upcoming TV game shows, and have already committed to quite a number of projects.

Which means Vaswani's project might actually end up in the cans afterall!

The Rock, Sean William Scott for PLANET 51

New Line has announced the voices of the lead characters in the CG animated sci fi film Planet 51. To be directed by Joe Stillman of Shrek fame, the film will have voices of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Jessica Biel and Sean William Scott.

Planet 51 is the first of New Line's animation ventures acquiring the 60 million project from Ilion Animation studios.

It tells the tales of the inhabitants of Planet 51 who live in the fear of an alien invasion. And their darkest fears come true when an astronaut Charles Baker aka Chuck lands up from Earth.

The rest of the plot has the earthling trying to get out of the planet in one piece and return back to Earth.

The film is scheduled for a March 2009 release date.

PEACOCK

Juno star Ellen Page seems to be having it all good. After bagging Sam Raimi’s upcoming project, she now has signed on yet another project. This time it shall be a thriller Peacock.

Cast in the male lead is Cillian Murphy who shall play a split personality. successfully fooling the town that his alter egos are actually a couple. Page is slated to play the role of a struggling mother who holds the key to his past.

The film shall be directed by Michael Lander.

John Cena shall do 12 Rounds

Word Wrestling Entertainment is back with yet another film featuring one of their leading wrestlers.
After films like See No Evil, The Condemned, The Marine, the latest film titled 12 Rounds shall be directed by Harlin.

The film stars John Cena as a police detective who have to pursue the kidnappers of his girlfriend.

John Cena also was the star of The Marine, which at 22 million is the most successful of the WWE produced motion pictures. Like that film, 20th Century Fox shall also distribute this one too.

Justice League without Superman and Batman?

Unsure if this is meant to be a joke or not...but it seems that Blockbuster got their hands on a synopsis for the Justice League of America movie....and it goes thus..

The film is about Green Lantern, Green Arrow and others of the Justice League of America, an organisation made up of the world's greatest superheroes. They must deal with the expulsion of Batman and death of Superman at the hands of the monstrous Doomsday!

This sucks big time. IF they intend to introduce Justice League on the big screen killing off Superman and throwing out Batman, I suggest they don't even bother with this movie in the first place.

Hoping this news to remain nothing more than a prank....!