AMAL

cast: Rupindra Nagra, Nasurdhin Shah, Roshan Seth

directed by Ritchie Mehta

With it being featured at film festivals all around, it was only a matter of time before this gem attracts the attention of moviegoers worldwide.

Director Richie Mehta brings together a talented cast for his new venture AMAL which goes on to win acclaims and win audiences at every festival it takes part in.

On the streets of New Delhi, every day is a struggle to survive. But AMAL, a simple, humble autorickshaw driver is content with the small but vital role he plays — to drive his customers throughout the city as efficiently and safely as possible.

Meanwhile, an eccentric old billionaire, G.K. JAYARAM, is burdened by his failing legacy — his children are ungrateful spoiled brats and his colleagues are corrupt money-sucking leeches. Despite all his wealth, Jayaram wanders the city masked as a vagrant searching to find the two things his money has never brought him – hope for humanity and peace for his soul.

Koel Purie in 'Amal'Following a tragic incident with a young beggar girl (PRIYA), Amal’s purpose is thrown into disarray. Compelled by his kind nature, Amal struggles, alongside the lovely merchant POOJA, to do whatever it takes to raise enough money to save the child’s life. This leads him to a chance encounter with G.K. Jayaram in his rickshaw, a drive which restores the old man’s faith. Days later, Jayaram passes away, and his children are shocked to discover the benefactor to their father’s fortune is the autorickshaw driver, Amal. As Jayaram’s lawyer, MS. AGARWAL, desperately tries to find Amal within the fixed timeframe in the Will, the children do everything in their power to prevent Amal from discovering and claiming the inheritance. VIVEK, Jayaram’s dangerously volatile son, and SURESH, his estranged best friend and long-term assistant, form a bond to intercept, and obliterate Amal’s chances of claiming the riches, leading each other down their own path of corruption.

As Amal continues to struggle, chaos ensues in G.K.’s upper caste family - the implications of which threaten to unravel his life and those around him. But just as destiny led Amal astray, it allows him to re-discover his purpose and find peace - something all the riches in the world could never have brought him.

The film stars the talents of Naserudhin Shah, Roshan Seth, Seema Biswas, Koel Purie while Rupindra Nagra plays the lead role of Amal.

Directed by canadian based film maker Richie Mehta, this one is a feature flick based on a short he had made a couple of years back with his brother.

Tales from the Counter: 18 July - 24 July

HOLLYWOOD BOX OFFICE

We don't know about how much Batman Begins, but Batman has certainly finished off the competition with the latest installment - THE DARK KNIGHT. The movie has given the brightest of smiles to either sides- the makers as well as movie goers. With a weekend haul of USD 155.3 million, we are talking about record collections here ousting Spiderman from the top slot.

Unlike Spiderman 3 which was eventually shown thumbs down by the fan brigade, this movie has not only kept the fans happy but is drawing the non-fanatics as well. So much so , that it has also beaten THE GODFATHER from the top movie slot at IMDB- a feat that has never happened before. I mean a movie that beats Godfather ??

Which also justifies why many would be looking at a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars for this caped crusader. But everyone is ready to place their bets on the performance of Heath Ledger which is turning out to be quite a swan song, and securing a actor nomination will be no big feat. In fact, the late Ledger might just go on to win it.

The dudes at Warner Bros would be happy for they had unleashed quite a buzz around this release, but the kind of response received has been overwhelming. And then again that word seems to be an understatement.

Equaly happy would be Universal folks, who have hit jackpot with their counter programming of MAMMA MIA. This ABBA inspired musical has managed to rake in a solid 28 million, which is good considering it was the caped crusader all around grabbing attention.

Will Smith's HANCOCK still holds on to third slot, while a more critically acclaimed HELLBOY have to surrender to the Willie power at the BO tumbling to 5th, even behind Brendan Fraser's JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH 3D extravaganza.

CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA

cast: Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone

directed by Nikhil Advani

music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy

Initially titled Made in China, this project is now going ahead full steam under its new title - CHANDI CHOWK TO CHINA.

This latest is an action comedy that tells the tale of a cook from Chandni Chown who is mistaken as a martial art expert in China which lands him in soup!

The film is director Nikhil Advani's latest venture after the successful Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna and the not so successful Saleem E Ishq. And this time it shall be an action flick that brings together Khiladi Akshay Kumar and new lady Deepika Padokone.

The film will have music from Shankar Ehsaan Loy, and is scripted by Sridhar Raghavan. However we will still see an updated version of the old classic song 'Bombay Se Aaya Mera Dost' from Bappi Lahiri too on the same track.

The film is produced by Ramesh Sippy Entertainment and Orion Pictures, with Warnes Bros studio doing the distribution.

The latest is that Deepika Padukone fans have twice the reason to rejoice as once again Deepika is in a double role, much like her debut Om Shanti Om in which she played two characters.

update July17: Catch an early peek into the teaser trailer for the movie. And initial reactions- hmm, looks interesting. It seems like a marriage of two movie forms right here...

KISMAT KONNECTION

cast: Shahid Kapur , Vidya Balan, Om Puri, Vishal Malhotra

Directed by Aziz Mirza

music Pritam

Shahid Kapur fresh from the success of JAB WE MET is back with yet another light hearted romantic comedy and this time trying out a fresh pairing with Vidya Balan.

However the real buzz is because it is the return of director Aziz Mirza who has given such wonderful light hearted entertainers in the form of Raju Ban Gaya Gentlemen , Yes Boss etc. Now he returns after his last venture being Chalte Chalte.

The movie seem a totally ordinary product with a script that is so stale that it does not fully put on the gears inspite of having a rather interesting storyline to play with.

So what is about?

Well, Shahid plays a dude for whom everything goes wrong. Blame it on bad luck but nothing works for him. Then he is told that he should be looking out for a good luck charm.

That is where Vidya Balan comes, as his lady luck personified. And whenever she is around, everything works in his favor.

However now what Shahid sets out to achieve is to win a mall construction contract, something that Vidya's character is against because the site currently is a home to a community center.

So basically career over love track...(sigh).

So how was the movie??

Well you can check out my review at HERE exclusive at Planet Bollywood

UGLY AUR PAGLI

Pritish Nandy Communications who managed to strike gold the last time with a unique combination like Mallika Sheraway and Rahul Bose in PYAAR KE SIDE EFFECTS. This time they are redoing it once more, but this time with Ranvir Shoerey as the lead man opposite Mallika.

The trailer has emerged and it looks set to be yet another sleeper hit. But from the early look of it, it seems a remake of the highly popular Korean flick MY SASSY GIRL which by the way is getting a Hollywood version as well.

UPDATE JULY 17: And a week from the release, this movie does get interesting. And maybe the reason is the promos still very much focus on the Ugly instead of the Pagli!

BACHNA AE HASEENO (Hindi, 2008)

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Deepika Padukone, Minissha Limba

Directed by Sidharth Anand

Release date: AUG 15,2008

CHECK OUT THE TEASER TRAILER HERE

LUCKY BOY song promo

MAAN GAYE MUGHAL E AZAM: MoviemagiK previews

cast: Rahul Bose, Mallika Sherawat, Paresh Rawal, Kay Kay

directed by Sanjay Chell

music Anu Malik

MAAN GAYE MUGHAL E AZAM is one such movie is steadily climbing up as one to watch out for.

First of all it brings back the quirky combination of Rahul Bose and Malika Sherawat together. They were pleasantly fun together the last time around with PYAAR KE SIDE EFFECTS. They showed that they can click as a pair and this time they look like taking it a step ahead.

But the real reason is that man behind it- Sanjay Chell. I might be one of those few who digged DAUD and one of the main reason was the dialogues. Chell followed it up with even crazier writing in his directorial debut KHOOBSURAT repeating the Daud pair of Sanjay Dutt and Urmila. There is a lot of life that his writing brings to the screenplay, and it was evident even in the recent comedy hit PARTNER.

But now with MAAN GAYE MUGHAL E AZAM, Sanjay Chel gets back into the directors chair and with that, I expect him to come up with the wacky humour that was so evident from his early FILMI CHAKKAR days. Moreover it is unfortunate that such a talent has not really hit big time in the industry.

And wacky it might be now that we hear Rahul Bose is playing nearly six characters in the movie - a intelligence officer, Mughal emperor, an underworld gangster, the dumb sidekick of a gangster etc. Now for Bose who struggles to get through his single roles, it will be interesting to see how he fares here with multiple ones.

MAAN GAYE MUGHAL-E-AZAM is a madcap comedy involving an undercover agent out to save the country. However his mission takes him to a drama troupe Kalakar Natak Company, a troupe excelling in socially relevant thought provoking plays that no one watches. Eventually it is how these make believe heroes become real heroes and assist the officer.

The fun certainly does not end there with powerhouse talents like Paresh Rawal and Kay Kay threatening to bring their own madness to the proceedings.

On the business front, this Venus home production is being sought by Moser Baer who believes that this is the right movie with which they can venture into theatrical distribution. They are certainly impressed with whatever of the film they have seen.

So for the moment, all I can do is rub my hands with glee while brand Mallika Sherawat brings in the initials...!

SINGH IS KINNG : MoviemagiK previews

cast: Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Javed Jaffrey, Ranvir, Neha Dhupia, Om Puri and Sonu Sood

directed by Anees Bazmee

music by Pritam

release date Aug 08,2008

Akshay Kumar is rearing to have a go, or rather roaring with his forthcoming project Singh is Kinng.

The film is an action flick from director Anees Bazmee who is on a high especially after the super success that his last flick Welcome managed at the box office. So definitely the combo of Anees with Akshay Kumar and producer Vipul Shah is always welcome at the BO.

Producer Vipul Shah repeats his Namastey London combination of Akshay and Katrina Kaif for this flick as well. But a man who shall gain immensely from this film seems to be Sonu Sood who plays the role of a close friend of Akshay's in this film. Talents like Ranvir, Javed Jaffrey, Kiron Kher and Om Puri sums up the acting bench.

With Akshay around, you know that it is time for death defying stunts as Akshay continues his indulgence with his action sequences. This movie, with action from Allan Amin, will even see Akky jumping across elevators. Other stars do have some catching up to do?

Shooting is almost over and the teaser promos is set to accompany the prints of the Akshay starrer TASHAN. However a 60 sec is already out and you can take a look below.

UPDATE July 14: As you know the music have released to pleasant reviews and suddenly everything about this movie is looking well, 'blockbuster material'. And leading from the front is the title hip hop track where Akshay has teamed up with none other than rap icon Snoop Doggy Dogg. Here is a pic as Akki and Snoopy looks to have a blast shooting for the video...

Rediff has done a coverage on this unique combination...certainly unique indeed.

CHENAB GANDHI

cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Harman Baweja, Vidya Balan

directed by Vibha Puri

produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali

That is the title for one of the next projects that Sanjay Leela Bhansali is working on. This time however he shall not be directing the movie and instead letting a long time assistance of his, Vibha Puri to sit on the hot seat.

Essentially a period drama, Bhansali seem to have already zeroed down on Harman Baweja to play one of the main roles of CHENAB GANDHI which has Amitabh Bachchan playing the title role of the unsung patriotic hero.

Also another person who will be extremely happy is Vidya Balan who too has been signed by Bhansali for this project.

UPDATE JULY 11: After the disastrous debut that Harman Baweja has showcased with LOVE STORY 2050, people are now raising questions and pointing fingers at the Baweja kid. Afterall he is already signed up by Ashutosh Gowarikar and Bhansali. Bhansali goes on to clear his point and convince us that he sees potential in the boy. Infact he is already thinking about another movie with Harman. .....Interesting. Maybe a flop debut too has its advantages. Take Ranbir Kapoor for example!(source: Mumbaimirror)

UPDATE FEB 26, 09 :

Now things again seem to take a turn with all the media going high on the story that the producers have ousted Harman in favor of John Abraham.

Though the story doing the rounds is that co-producers Saregama India was keen on having a saleable actor in the lead, Bhansali insists that it is all rubbish. He clarifies that the production shall start in May with Harman in the cast.

LITTLE GODFATHER

cast: Suraj Berry, Malhar Patekar, Imaad Shah, Tushaar Jain, Vivaan Parashar, Sean Cameron, Laura Mishra

Directed by Joy Augustine


Suniel Shetty's Popcorn Entertainment and Balaji teleffilms is co-producing the upcoming feature film from director Joy Augustine.

Joy Augustine who made a pretty impressive debut with Tere Mere Sapne has disappeared from the limelight and is set to return with his next project LITTLE GODFATHER.


LITTLE GODFATHER, definitely has nothing to do with the Godfather series, but instead is a film based on the imfamous blasts of 7/11 that rocked Mumbai. It basically refers to the children who lives their lives on the trains and how they helped people during the bomb blasts.


Augustine has shot most of the film on actual locations with real life characters. The film is very much rooted in reality and an extensive research was undertaken in order to make this project a possibility. With support from the railways and many sections of the public and government, the film is nearing completion. Even the crew managed to shoot at the Mumbai Central Control Room.

LOVE STORY 2050

cast: Harman Baweja, Priyanka Chopra, Boman Irani

directed by Harry Baweja

Music by Anu Malik

It is a story about Karan (Harman Baweja), a young, spirited, sporty boy who lives life off the rules and Sana (Priyanka Chopra), a young petite, shy girl who lives life by the rules. This develops into a magical love story.Karan's uncle, Dr. Yatinder Khanna's (Boman Irani) much developed time machine finally works. Sana expresses her wish to travel ahead in time to Mumbai in the future

We land in Mumbai 2050 in the time machine... along with Uncle Yatinder, Rahul and Thea (Sana's younger brother and sister). Flying cars, 200 storey buildings, robots and sky rails have changed the very face of Mumbai. Through a series of twists and turns, the time traveler Karan finds himself separating from his love. QT, a friendly femme robot and Boo, a small robotic teddy bear play their distinct roles in bringing their love story together but soon find themselves under the threat of the demi-god of the future, Dr. Hoshi. Will Karan be able to overcome the threat of Dr. Hoshi and win his love and travel back in time?

LOVE STORY 2050 has a lot riding on it especially since it marks the debut of the so called next superstar -Harman Baweja. Unfortunately everything seem going the wrong way since everything about him has a certain Hrithik-ness about it.

Though the promos have captured the attention with the sensational dance routines from the new boy, it is the rather disappointing soundtrack from Anu Malik that fails to create any impact. Not the kind of chartbuster you usually associate with a debutant's love story.

The lack of originality does not end there. IT is evident in the look and feel of the film which looks like a big mish mash of the more popular sci fi flicks like Back to the Future, I Robot, Fifth Element. Once you see the lightsabers of Star Wars , you know that it cannot get any worse.

THE PANEL ROOM

With the kind of vengence that they usually reserve for a RGV flick, the critics have went ahead and bashed up this sci fi flick which was hailed as the future of Bollywood. A new star, mindblowing special effects and what not....the final result shows a different picture. Some even claim that this is turning out to be the AAG of this year and is giving serious competition to the contenders for the worst flick of the year!

Disappointing! Taran Adarsh 2/5

A film people will use as a benchmark to compare other bad movies Rajeev Masand 1/5

The sci-fi cock-and-bull love story is merely an excessively long, deliriously boring, astoundingly silly, and thoughtlessly expensive excuse to sell a new Friday ‘star’. Mayank Shankar 1/5

It could be worth a one-time watch, no?No, I say Raja Sen 1/5

JAANE TU YA JAANE NA : the Review

cast: Imraan Khan, Genelia Dsouza, Naserudhin Shah, Paresh Rawal, Arshad Warsi, Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, Ratna Pathak

directed by Abbas Tyrewala

music by A R Rahman

produced by Aamir Khan Productions

release date: july 4, 2008

What’s This?

Through the streets of Mumbai, our young hero Imran gallops away like Sivaji on his steed, however to win back his love. What is a banner that gave you cinematic gems like Lagaan and Taare Zameen Par doing with a more traditional youth flick? Has Aamir Productions lost it?

The answer is simple…APL (Aamir Productions Pvt Ltd) much like the recently concluded IPL is a force to reckon with and their latest venture Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na cements the fact that they stand for uncompromising quality in Indian cinema.

Though this time the certain Khan is missing, there are several other Khans in the movie, of which the real limelight is on the debutant Imran Khan. And if all goes well, I am certain that Imran will be remembered years from now precisely with that shot that I mentioned in the beginning.

But another notable debut from this film of debutants is that of the talented Abbas Tyrewala as a director. After writing for various films and songs, he finally makes his directorial debut with Jaane Tu, and I must say, a mighty good start here!

Not that I have a sensational story to tell but Jaane Tu… is essentially about ‘Meow’ Aditi and ‘Rats’ Jai who happens to be great friends. So thick their friendship, that everyone around them agrees that together the two are meant to be. However Aditi and Jai refuse to acknowledge that there is anything beyond a platonic relationship here. So thus this Tom and Jerry pair of Meow and Rats along with the rest of the buddies decide to go mate-hunting for each other.

It does not take much time for Jai though to find someone interesting, as he swoops in to save his lady love Meghna (Manjari) from the clutches of Bhaloo and Bhageera (eventually leading to a rather silly Jungle Book moment pre-climax). Thus we have Jai happy, the rest of the gang happy, and Aditi ofcourse trying her best to be happy, …when the truth is that she begins to realize that Kuch Kuch Hota Hai!

Now let us call a spade a spade and vouch that this is a plot so stale. Several movies have taken this and beaten this subject to death. People down south would have already had their share of this with recent success stories like Niram (malaylam) , Nuvee Kavali (telegu) which incidentally was Genelia’s debut flick in hindi- Tujhe Meri Kasam.

But what sets this one apart is its treatment that is bubbling with freshness. And that is where Abbas Tyrewala scores with his writing. He has a keen eye to flesh out everyday characters with dialogues that is straight out of real life. And add to that the tongue in cheek humour that is his trademark, and voila…you have the recipe for success.

To begin with the narration plays a difference as the happenings unfolds as told by the friend circle to a newcomer as they wait at the airport for the return of the lead characters. (remember Chalte Chalte anyone?) And then it instantly takes us to our college days and the immediate days after, before the tensions of our career consumes us away. And the viewers can instantly connect to the various emotions that run wild in every youth – yaari, dosti, pyaar. Everything is kept realistic except for giving into a filmi style airport ending. (Chalte Chalte again?). But I did not see anyone complaining about that since here sab chalta hai!

Then again there ain’t much wrong that the makers have got here with Jaane Tu …except for its stale central plot. But be it the cast, the music, the characters, the screenplay, the subtlety ...everything works and blends darn well to make this flick one of the irresistible charmers of this year. This is essentially the alluring bliss on the lines of say, Jab We Met but thankfully one that does not lose its way like the latter did mid way through.

The actors effortlessly get into the skin of their characters. Imran Khan is a natural and makes a confident debut with his boy next door looks. Though he still has a long way before getting to the filmi routines of performances, he does well when the emotions are kept to the minimum. For Genelia ofcourse this is a cakewalk having done several similar roles before. But with this she does get a ticket to the big league. The rest of the cast that forms the Friends-like circle also performs well be it Rotlu, Juggy, Bombs or Shaleen.

Another reason why this feel good flick works so well is that it gives enough meat for all its cast members to leave an impression. Though the characters aren’t really well etched out, it is interesting to note that how each leaves an impact in their short guest like roles. Two of the most impressive of acts is that of Naserudhin Shah and Prateek Babbar. While the former has a ball of a time as the brave macho ‘Rathore’ papa of Jai, the latter makes an formidable debut in the role of Aditi’s brother. Playing a loner character that looks like Taare Zameen Par’s Ishaan in college days, Prateek does shows us glimpse of his mother Smita Patil for sure. Irrespective of being kept out of the limelight, he is bound to gain a lot from this showing.

Also chipping in with good performances are Ratna Pathak Shah, Paresh Rawal, the Khan brothers Sohail and Arbaaz. Manjari also does a decent job that will do wonders for her career.

Keeping in tone with the feel of the movie, the freshness is evident in the music score from Rahman as well. The jazzed up background score is a welcome treat for the ears. As far as songs, songs like ‘Kabhi Kabhi Aditi’ and ‘Pappu Can’t Dance’ are already a rage on the air waves.

All in all, if last week’s Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic was strictly for the kids at heart, this simple flick is strictly for the youth at heart. They are bound to lap it up. The rest will look back at it nostalgically with a heartwarming smile. They know it is more than just a tale of how Aditi and Jai got together. There is a slice of everyone’s college days somewhere in there.

What’s This ?
This is the fresh breezy entertainer which undoubtedly is the best the year has seen yet!

MoviemagiK gives it a 4 outta 5

THE PANEL ROOM

And as expected this has been generally well received by our usual suspects of critcs. So we can safely say that this is one that is welcomed with open arms and once again let the distributors know that Aamir has that midas touch about things.

This is a film about 'feel,' your gut says -- and damn, it feels good. Raja Sen 4/5

JAANE TU… is a breezy entertainer which will be loved by its target audience -- the youth. Taran Adarsh 3.5/5

you’re still in a good mood, and smiling alright. That’s a major achievement for a Hindi film these days. Mayank Shankar 3/5

Plays out as a predictable Bollywood love story, sticking faithfully to old formulas Rajeev Masand 2/5