Film – Page 96

Movie Review: ‘Rocky Handsome’ can be recommended only for die hard action movie lovers

April 4, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

Producer: John Abraham (JA Entertainment)
Director: Nishikant Kamath
Star Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Haasan, Baby Diya Chalwad, Nathalia Kaur, Nishikant Kamath

Director Nishikant Kamath has given good films earlier but sadly he disappoints cine goers with his latest mad caper violent offering Rocky Handsome, and pray why was he tempted to don a villainous avtar in his own directorial venture which is also very disappointing and one which is a very huge put off for the audiences.

The plotted scenario of Rocky Handsome kicks off an extremely silent Rocky (John Abraham) buying fishes & flowers. The very moment he smells the flowers, the film goes into a ‘flashback mode’ followed by the introduction of Rocky’s beautiful wife Rukshida Kabir Ahlawat (Shruti Hasan). When the movie is brought to the present day, a cute little girl by the name of Naomi (Baby Diya Chalwad) gets introduced. She is a frequent visitor to Rocky’s pawn shop. On one such visit, when she starts conversing with the ferocious looking Rocky, she confesses that all her friends call him as ‘Handsome’ and that, she has been deliberately told to stay away from him because ‘he had committed a crime’, something that her heart refuses to believe. As days pass by, she opens up about her dreaded life before Rocky. She confesses that her mother (Nathalia Kaur) is a hardcore drug addict who gets beaten up always by some men. The unsaid bond of friendship gradually increases between the 2 and Rocky becomes extremely protective about her. One fine day, when Rocky enters his shop, he becomes shell shocked to see that his shop has been broken into and that some men are driving away with Naomi in their captive. All of this leads to a deal that Rocky strikes with Naomi’s kidnappers Kevin (Nishikanth Kamath) and his psycho brother. As per the deal, Rocky should deliver a certain (drug) consignment to an assigned place, in return of the freedom of Naomi and her mother. And when Rocky lands up at the assigned place for the delivery, he realises that the police has cordoned the area. What follows after that is oodles and oodles of violence including many merciless killings and brutal murders all for a single reason. Amidst all this, the police department discovers Rocky’s past that shocks the daylights out of them.

Director Nishikant Kamath seems to have made Rocky Handsome only to please his money bags producer John Abraham and to further John’s hardcore action image and also tried to further showcase his non – existent talent. Both the actor John & the director Nishikant were highly inspired by a Korean film The Man From Nohere which the duo must have watched at least a 100 times to copy and make its frame by frame indianised version and wrongly titled it as Rocky Handsome but what one fails to understand is what was so handsome about the whole film. The only handsomest thing about Rocky Handsome is its mind blowing action sequence
but with a mind numbing overdose of it.

Performance wise the film clearly belongs too John Abraham, but seriously speaking he has failed to live up to the cine goers expectations. Finally Abraham Baba has proved that he is not at all better or rather worst than other past models turned wooden performers. Yet another disappointment comes from Nishikant Kamath himself, for his extremely forgettable villainous avatar. Shruti Hassan, in a very, very special appearance is just about ok. But it is certainly Baby Diya Chalwad who imparts a very heart touching performance.

Tail Piece: Rocky Handsome can be recommended for die hard action movie lovers but strictly at their own risk.

Movie Review: ‘Kapoor And Sons’ is a very sensitive, heart touching & heart warming film

April 4, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

Banner: Dharma Production
Producer: Karan Johar
Director: Shakun Batra
Star Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, Fawad Khan, Alia Bhatt, Rajat Kapoor, Ratna Pathak Shah, Rishi Kapoor et al

Shakun Batra, in his 1st ever directorial outing had delivered an impresssive film namely the Kareena Kapoor & Imran Khan starrer Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu regardless of its Box Office prospects at the turnstiles, and now in his latest directorial offering Kapoor And Sons he has come up with an extremely sensitive & heart touching film harping on the dysfunctionality of a nuclear family ties.

The well – knitted scripted scenario of Kapoor And Sons kicks off with a 90 year old Daadu (Rishi Kapoor) who is rehearsing his death sequence and suddenly gets a heart attack. His son Harsh (Rajat Kapoor) & daughter -in – law Sunita (Ratna Pathak Shah) are forced to summon their 2 sons Rahul (Fawad Khan) & Arjun (Siddharth Malhotra). Rahul & Arjun are living a completely different life in London & New Jersey respectively. Rahul is the perfect son, mature, successful and an established writer and on the other hand Arjun works as a part time bartender who is struggling hard to make it big as a writer. Arjun is always over shadowed by his elder brother Rahul. Daadu is doing every bit to bring the family close. Harsh & Sunita whose marriage too has turned sour are also trying to rediscover love in their life. Here comes the entry of a cute & lively Tia (Alia Bhatt) who is also dealing with her past tragedy. Arjun & Tia’s friendship blossoms into love but Tia who kisses Arjun’s brother Rahul in a drunken state is scared of revealing this to Arjun. It is also revealed later that Rahul’s bestseller novel’s idea was similar to his younger brother Arjun. But Arjun never confronted Rahul as his mother had asked him not to do so. In the 2nd part there are some heart breaking revelations about the entire family. Rahul who portrays a perfect son is a gay. His life is not at all perfect. Harsh Kapoor is having a long time affair with his colleague. Arjun parted ways with Tia on learning about Tia’s & Rahul’s kissing incident. Sunita has a tussle with Harsh on learning about his affair. Harsh leaves the house in the heat of the moment. He meets with an accident and passes away. At the same time Arjun & Rahul have a tiff and it is revealed that Sunita gave Arjun’s novella’s script to Rahul in order to push his career to new heights. The entire family is now shattered beyond redemption.
Director Shakun Batra’s flawless directorial finesse is evident in the fact that he has made every actor to literally live up to their roles and Rishi Kapoor tops the list amongst all of them. Kudos also goes on a platter to Karan Johar for producing such a lovely film. Don’t miss some of the nicest comic punches. Besides cinematography is the main stay of Kapoor And Sons.

Performances wise after Rishi Kapoor’s par excellence act it is Pakistani heart throb Fawad Khan who walks away with an extraordinarily eye catching performance as a budding gay writer (Time to take a bow Karan Johar). Fawad Khan has really stunned one and all by portraying the hollowness of his gay oriented life very genuinely. That apart other actors like Rajat Kapoor & Ratna Pathak Shah are picture perfect in their respective roles. Siddharth Kapoor & Alia Bhatt are also good enough and have tried their level best to be the best.

Tail Piece: Kapoor And Sons is strongly recommended for one and all at least for a single viewing.

Bhumika: The Smita Patil Film Festival in Bengaluru from April 8-10, 2016

April 4, 2016 by Nasheman

Bengaluru: Trailblazer. Screen-scorcher. Essayer of powerful roles. Padma Shri and national award recipient who mesmerised the world in a short but brilliant career.

Say ‘Smita Patil’ and there is that special glint in the eye of movie enthusiasts who had the privilege of watching this charismatic actor on screen. Whether it was Bhumika, Manthan, Gaman, Arth or Mirch Masala, movie after movie Smita breathed magic into every role, transforming effortlessly into the character she played on screen. Achiever and performer extraordinaire, Smita would have been 60 if she were alive today.

Join us, a group of Bangaloreans, as we celebrate her life and cinema by screening nine of her movies across different languages, including Marathi, Tamil and Malayalam besides, of course, Hindi. All this over three days, beginning on the Kannada Ugadi habba and Maharashtrian Gudi Padwa festival, at the stately National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in Bengaluru.

Renowned director Shyam Benegal, who drew out some of the finest facets of Smita the actor, has agreed to open ‘Bhumika’, the Smita Patil film festival, named after his own film. Mahesh Bhatt, whose Arth brought together two of India’s finest female actors, will be the guest of honour.

While the movies promise to be a treat for cine buffs, a collection of rare photographs featuring Smita as well as those shot by Smita will be on display at NGMA.

In tandem, at Alliance Francaise, the Bengaluru launch of the actor’s biography Smita Patil: A Brief Incandescence will take place in the presence of author Maithili Rao. We also wish to use the community-funded film festival as a forum to talk about two crucial issues that Indian cinema faces today: ‘Whither Parallel Cinema?’ and ‘Locating Women in Mainstream Indian Cinema’.

The festival will give us the perfect opportunity to hear both seasoned and fresh voices from the Hindi and Kannada cinema industry who are acting, directing, scripting, producing and collaborating on some sparkling work. This will be our tribute to what Smita so uniquely epitomised in her time – a new language of cinema which was also redefining and recasting the role of the woman, both on the screen and behind. Her Bhumika.

Movie Review: ‘Ki & Ka’ is an interesting fare catering to classy audience

April 2, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

Producer: R. Balki, R. K. Damani, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala & Sunil Lulla
Director: R. Balki
Star Cast: Kareena Kapoor – Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Swaroop Sampat, Rajit Kapoor & Amitabh Bachchan & Jaya Bachchan (Sp App)
Music: Ilayaraja, Mithoon, Meet Bros & Anjjan.

Kia (Kareena Kapoor Khan) and Kabir Bansal (Arjun Kapoor) meet on a flight and after a few drinking spree Kabeer proposes to Kia and they get married. But there is a catch as Kia is a successful marketing woman who prefers being the man of the house and Kabir does nothing and prefers to be a house husband. And what this role reversal leads them to, forms the crux of the story.

Director R. Balki has taken up a novel idea of a young married couple contradicting the gender roles placed upon women and men in Indian society. Balki’s directorial treatment also deserves a special mention along with his technical crew namely the art director and music directors Ilyaraja, Mithoon, Meet Bros and Anjjan. Performance wise both the Kapoor’s Kareena and Arjun have excelled in their respective roles ably supported by Swaroop Sampat and Rajit Kapoor.

The bedroom and the smooching scenes galore between the lead couples which may not suit the Indian audience’s sensibilities.

Tail Piece: Although the central idea of Ki & Ka is appreciable its prospects at the Box office appears bleak. And one wonders where was the need to justify the role reversal idea by bringing in the Abhimaan movie angle by bringing in the Bachchan couple in cameo roles to stress the fact.

Southern Films Round Up

March 31, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

Raj Tharun Cast Opposite A Beautiful Actress

Raj Tarun is fast becoming one of the most sought after heroes in Tamil Film Industry. Even as he awaits the release of his full – on comedy of confusion Eedo Rakam – Aado Rakam, in which he shares the screen space with Vishnu, Rajendra Prasad, Heebah Patel & Sonarika, pre – production work on his film with debutante director Nani is fast progressing. He will be paired up with Anisha Ambrose in this flick. The gorgeous diva was recently seen in Sundeep Kishan’s Run. Having acted in Alias Janaki, she has been quite choosy about her films. As for Raj Tarun, he is fast graduating to the next level. In Uyyala Jampala, Cinema Choopistha Maava, Kumari 21F & Seethamma Andalu Ramayya Sitralu, he got either a debutante or a fledgling actress to play the heroine. Even though Anisha is no star heroine, she is the 1st of Raj Tarun’s heroine to have a glamorous image, discounting of course Sonarika of Speedunnodu fame, as Eedo Rakam – Aado Rakam is a solo hero’s film.

Vijay 60 costumer In Vijay Sethupathi’s Next

The shooting of Vijay Sethupathi’s Rekka will commence from the 1st week of May, 2016. That apart the preliminary photo shoot of the film has been conducted with its lead pair VIjay Sethupathi & Lakshmi Menon who pairs up with the versatile star for the 1st time ever. Rekka will be directed by Rathnasiva. This is his 2nd film after Vaa Deal starring Arun Vijay & Karthika which is yet to hit the screens. The lead actors took part in the photo shoot conducted by popular still photographer G. Venkatraman. Sathya who will be designing Ilayathalapathy Vijay’s costumes in Vijay 60 has been roped in for the costumes of Vijay Sethupathi in Rekka. Joy Crizildaa will be designing the costumes for Lakshmi Menon.

A Notable Getup Change For Ajith In Thala 57

Director Siva will team up for the 3rd time with Thala Ajith to direct the star’s 57th film which is expected to go on the floors in Jun, 2016. Siva’s 1st ever film with Ajith was Veeram that released in Jan, 2014. In that film the filmmaker gave a complete makeover for Ajith as a village man wearing a white shirt & veshti throughout the film. In a number of films preceding Veeram, Thala was sporting hi – fi urban costumes & coolers. In last year’s blockbuster Vedalam also Ajith was posing as a lower middle class taxi driver and a local don which was completely different from his previous films.

However in Thala 57 it will be Siva’s turn to showcase Ajith’s uber cool style in urban outfits. As the story of the film reportedly takes place in foreign countries Thala Ajith is expected to roll back to his Billa 2 & Arrambam kind of looks in this film.

Mani Ratnam’s Next With Karthi To Have A Striking Roja Connect

Director Mani Ratnam’s next film that will have Karthi & Sai Pallavi in lead roles was earlier touted to go on floors from Jun, 2016. But now the commencement of the film has been postponed. In fact the Mani Ratnam – Karthi project will now go on the floors from Sept, 2016 in Kashmir. In his career spanning decades, the master filmmaker will be shooting in Kashmir again after the 1992 blockbuster Roja which revolved around the Kashmir border terrorism. Karthi reportedly plays an air pilot while Sai Pallavi of Premam fame plays a doctor in this yet to be titled film. Allah Rakha Rahman will be scoring the music while Ravivarman will handle the cinematography for this much expected film.

P.Susheela Gets A Guinness Entry

Veteran Singer P.Susheela has created a new world record and her name has been entered in the prestigious & most popular Guinness Book of World Records. “Susheela has been singing since the 1960’s and she has recorded a whopping 17, 695 solo. duet and chorus backed songs in as many as 6 Indian languages since the 1960’s” noted the Guinness World Record Certificate given to her. Born in 1935, Susheela recorded her 1st ever film song for the 1952 Tamil film Petra Thai. Since then she has sung thousands of songs in Tamil. Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and varied other Indian languages. This is really a proud moment for every Indian and every movie buff.

4 Actresses With Bava & Bavamaridi

In the past, 3 actresses were being paired up with Allu Arjun & Ram Charan, the order sometimes gets reversed, in the same year. It all began with Kajal Aggarwal who acted with Ram Charan & Allu Arjun in Magadheera & Arya 2 respectively, in the same year (2009).

Amala Paul Did Much The Same In 2013

Months after being paired up with Cherry in the film Naayak, Amala Paul was cast opposite Bunny in Iddarammayilatho. In 2014, Shruti Haasan repeated this feat by doing a film each with Cherry & Bunny – Yevadu & Race Gurrram, respectively. It’s Rakul Preet Singh’s turn in 2016 to do the same with the two mega heroes. Months after Sarrainodu, her film with Ram Charan, the as yet untitled remake of Thani Oruvan, will be released in Aug, 2016.

After Kalyani, Nithya, It’s Miya

Is it because Malayalam actresses are especially talented that our sensible directors are increasingly preferring them? Nandini Reddy recently averred that Malayalam actresses, in general, act really well. While it was Nithya Menon in Ala Modalaindi, it was Malavika Nair in Kalyana Vaibhogame. Much like Nandini, Kranti Madhav too seems to be thinking on similar lines. If he cast Kalyani in his debut film Onamalu, it was Nithya Menon in Malli Malli Idhi Rani Roju. For his 3rd film, which has Sunil playing the male lead, he has cast a Malayalam heroine, yet again. It’s Miya George.
Looks like Mollywood actresses are going to be the next big thing in Tollywood, especially in roles that are performance-oriented.

Pawan Gets It Done As planned

For the last few months, the team of Sardaar Gabbar Singh have been doing a back -breaking work to complete the film on schedule. Just in the last 2 months of the talkie part or so, about 70% of the film was shot. Even after Pawan whizzed off to Switzerland with his team to shoot for 2 songs, a team here worked to complete the DTS mixing and other post -production works as per schedule. All the dubbing and most pending works but for the editing of 2 songs was scheduled to be completed soon. And the same has been wrapped up. The producers are planning to send the film for Censor procedures soon. Come 8th Apr, 2016, the film will hit the screens in a grand way

Kochi Schedule Of Oppam Wrapped Up

The Kochi schedule of Oppam has been wrapped up. The shooting was on at Kochi for the past few days. Mohanlal & Vimala Raman play the lead roles in the movie. Priyadarshan is directing this thriller. Mohanlal plays a blind man in the movie. Oppam is an investigative thriller. At Kochi, the team had shot for 3 weeks at Thammanam, Thripunithara & Marine Drive. The schedule of Oppam is being scheduled taking into consideration Mohanlal’s commitment for his Telugu flick.

Kali Is A Aage

Easter release Kali has turned out to be a rage with audiences accepting the movie wholeheartedly. The movie is doing well everywhere. A contemporary relationship drama, this Samir Thahir movie stars Dulquer Salmaan & Sai Pallavi in the lead roles.
Kali’ is all about how Dulquer’s character Siddarth deals with his excessive rage. Helping him tide over his bursts of anger is his wife Anjali played by Sai Pallavi. Viewers find the pair awesome and many are watching the movie just to catch their sizzling on screen chemistry.’

Babruvahana In New Style

One of the unforgettable mythological films in the career of Dr Rajakumar Babruvaahana in which he played Arjuna & Babruvahana is all set to release after 39 years again with 7.1 sound technologies. It is adding DI & DTS technology in addition to new sound system. The new technical additions to Babruvahana is releasing on 24th April Dr Rajakumar’s birth anniversary. One of the epoch making films of Kannada film history Babruvaahana in Hunasooru Krishnamurthy direction and screenplay has lyrics & dialogue from Chi Udayashanker, TG Lingappa has scored most memorable tunes forever. Bhaktavatsalam editing and Shivaiah stunts are technical best in the film. Babruvaahana was released in 1977 from Raj Kamal Arts. KCN Gowda of Doddaballapura produced this mythological film. Mumbai based Reliance Company has brought in the new effects to this film. 22nd April, 2016 the film is releasing. Dr B Saroja Devi, Kanchana, Jayamala, Toogudeepa Srinivas, Vajramuni, Shakthiprasad, Rajanand, Ramakrishna and others are in the cast. Ninna Kanna Notadalle…..
Yaaru Tiliyaru Ninna Parakrama…..a wordy duel between Arjun & Babruvahana, Aradhisuve Madanaari…..are impeccable songs of this film.

Harshika Dilpasand

At the recent Srilankan tussle in Bengaluru one Kannada heroine who was brimming with happiness after seeing top player Dilshan was Harshika Poonachcha. Not just meeting Dilshan but having dinner with the player. As a matter of fact Harshika is a brand ambassador for a company. This particular company hosted dinner for the Srilankan team. Harshika felt happy appearing for photographs with Dilshan. It is not 1st time Harshika Poonacha met the team members of Srilankan team. She took part in the previous T 20 cricket tournament dinner part. Harshika Poonacha ascertained from Dilshan that her wife Manjula Thilini is also popular actress in Sinhalese language. She is more famous than me in my home country explained Dilshan. Harshika Poonachcha bubbli actress is also well qualified with engineering graduation. Speaking to high profile persons is a very easy task for this actress.

Audiences love to listen to foot tapping Punjabi songs and they become an instant hit: Varinder Vaz

March 30, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

Varinder Vizz, the latest musical sensation in B – Town happens to be a well – known singer, composer and performer too. And now he is all set to add one more illustrious musical feather to his musical cap by donning the grease paint and facing the arc lights for Shubir Mukherjee’s movie namely Club Dancer and that too with Hollywood actress Judi Shekoni of Twilight Saga fame.

Give us an insight into your pre-filmic background?

Basically speaking I am a hard core Punjabi lad, hailing from the capital city, Delhi. Besides right since I was that high I was totally inclined towards music, so to pick up the finer musical nuances I took training under my musical Guru named Pandit Manmohan Sharma for almost one and a half decade.

How did you land up in the musical firmament of Bollywood?

After the journey of the musical training ended I too headed straight for Bollywood and then of course after the initial phase I happened to meet Shubir Mukherjee of Film Magic Productions Pvt Ltd who was producing a film named Club Dancer. And after having a musical sitting with him he was so impressed that he instantly made me an offer to compose two songs, sung by me. And thus I landed my 1st ever Bollywood musical break in Club Dancer.

Which are the two songs that you have composed for Club Dancer?

The two songs that I have not only composed but also sang and performed are Tanatan and Ek ek sip karke pee gaya Patiala peg and both the songs have become an instant chart-bursting hit on the social networking sites and even garnered a million hits on Youtube since its release. It has also become a rage amongst the music lovers.

You have earlier performed in music videos and now you are all set to make your Bollywood debut as an actor. How come?

Actually speaking I love performing on my own songs which I have already done in my two music video albums Desi No 1 and Midnight. When Shubir Mukherjee saw my albums he asked me to perform on the Patiala song too along with Hollywood actress Judi Shekoni of Twilight Saga fame.

Who are your favourite inspirational singers?

My personal choice in this regard is first and foremost Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Hansraj Hans, Lata Mangeshkar and above all Mohammed Rafi. And amongst the music composers Allah Rakha Rahman is my all time favourite.

What do you think about today’s musical scenario?

The musical scenario has a constantly changing phase. The audiences loved the earlier melodious style songs because they were all based on pure classical ragas which were enjoyable, but today’s songs are mostly based on western beats and that too sometimes they appear quite noisy.

But then why are the so-called Punjabi songs, which are mostly used in Hindi films, such a big hit nowadays?

It is so because the audiences love to listen to such foot-tapping songs and they become an instant hit.

What do you love most composing music, singing songs composed by you or performing on your own songs?

Frankly speaking composing music is my first love. And now that I am here in Bollywood I would also love to sing songs composed by other music composers. And if the filmmaker wants me to sing songs composed by me and also perform on them, just as I have done in Club Dancer, then I don’t mind it at all.

World T20: Dominant Proteas thrash off-colour Sri Lankans

March 29, 2016 by Nasheman

New Delhi: South Africa dominated with both bat and ball to outclass defending champions Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the final Group 1 match of the World Twenty20 at the Ferozeshah Kotla Stadium here on Monday.

Having bowled out the Sri Lankans for a mere 120 runs, the South Africans overhauled the target in 17.4 overs with the veteran Hashim Amla leading the way with a half century.

Amla remained unbeaten on 56 runs off 52 balls with five boundaries and a six.

The result of the match had no bearing on the overall picture of the tournament as both teams had already crashed out of the race for the semi-finals.

The Proteas, who have two wins and as many defeats in the group stage, thus finished their campaign in this edition of the tournament on the high.

The Sri Lankans, on the other hand, will probably heave a sigh of relief as they concluded a disappointing campaign. The defending champions have suffered three defeats with a lone win against minnows Afghanistan.

South African skipper Faf du Plessis elected to field first on winning the toss. His decision proved to be a correct one as the Proteas exploited helpful bowling conditions to bundle out Sri Lanka for a meagre 120 runs.

Farhaan Behardien (2/15), Kyle Abott (2/14) and Aaron Phangiso (2/26) were the pick among the Proteas bowlers while leg-spinner Imran Tahir (1/18) was unlucky not to get more wickets.

Experienced fast bowler Dale Steyn (1/33) surprisingly, gave away quite a few runs, although he did have some consolation in the form of a wicket.

The Sri Lankans were off to a good start with openers Tilakratne Dilshan and Dinesh Chandimal scoring at a brisk pace. Dilshan was the highest scorer among the Sri Lankan batsmen with 36 runs off 40 balls. Chandimal scored 21.

The duo added 45 runs before Chandimal went for a cover drive off Phangiso, only to miss the line as the ball crashed into the stumps. Phangiso then sent back Lahiru Thirimanne off the very next delivery with one that turned in sharply after pitching outside the off stump.

Dilshan and Milinda Siriwardana (15) tried to bring the Sri Lankan innings back on track with a 30-run partnership. But South Africa wrested back the advantage when a superb piece of fielding by Faf du Plesis caught Siriwardana short of his crease.

By the time Dilshan was trapped leg-before while attempting a sweep off Behardien, Sri Lanka were in trouble at 85/5. Dasun Shanaka remained unbeaten on 20 off 18 balls, but the rest of the Lankan tailenders were unable to hold their own against the Proteas bowlers.

The Proteas chase was off to a rocky start as de Kock was run out in the second over thanks to an accurate throw by Dilshan. Amla and du Plessis however, steered South Africa to saftey with a 50-run partnership.

The South Africa captain departed after scoring 31 runs off 36 deliveries, but the experienced AB de Villiers joined Amla in the middle to carry his team to victory.

De Villiers, who remained unbeaten on 20, smashed two sixes in his 12-ball knock and brought up the win by smashing a full toss from Suranga Lakmal over the midwicket fence.

Brief scores:

Sri Lanka 120 in 19.3 overs (Tilakratne Dilshan 36; Farhaan Behardien 2/15, Kyle Abott 2/14, Aaron Phangiso 2/26) vs South Africa 122/2 in 17.4 overs (Hashim Amla 56 n.o., Faf du Plessis 31; Suranga Lakmal 1/28)

(IANS)

“Shaukeen Kaminay is a contemporary film inspired by “Beti Bachao Beti Padao” campaign”

March 29, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

Q. What was your thoughtful inspiration behind making Shaukeen Kaminay?

A. To be very honest it has been my dream since the last 3 decades when I joined the film industry in 1986 to make a film which would have a message along with a pure entertainment value.

Q. Did you take it as a challenge to produce a full-length feature film like Shaukeen Kaminay for the very 1st time?

A. I have already worked with the stalwarts like Raj Kapoor, Yash Chopra, Shyam Benegal, Govind Nihalani, Manmohan Desai, Prakash Mehra, Ramesh Sippy, Subhash Ghai, B. R. Chopra, Yash Johar, Gulshan Rai, K. K. Pandya, N. Chandra, Kundan Shah, Rajeev Rai, Mansoor Khan, Mani Ratnam, Priyadarshan, Nadiadwala, Vinod Chopra, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Rajkumar Hirani, Sanjay Gupta and many, many more. The past experience helped a lot and the journey eventually was spectacular.

Q. How did the idea germinate in your mind of making a film like Shaukeen Kaminay?

A. You see it so happened that Anil Chorasiya once brought a news headline stating that a man divorced his wife because of her virginity issue which had created a furore & spark in our mind. At that moment I thought what if that man was in the place of the women. This ignited our mind about making a film on virginity which is backed by a social message that why virginity is a privilege for men and justification for women.

Q. What was your motivational inspiration behind making Shaukeen Kaminay?

A. We feel that the film Shaukeen Kaminay is a contemporary film inspired by our honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campagian “Beti Bachao Beti Padao” which works on elevating the status of women in our country and improving the mindset of the society.

Q. Ok so tell us why did you choose Anil Chorasiya only for directing Shaukeen Kaminay?

A. The choice was very clear for Anil Chorasiya who is trained by Hollywood directors and has made varied documentaries, ad films & short films. As Anil Chorasiya has been associated with us for a long time. His creativity, integrity & perseverance have influenced me to assign the direction of the film to him.

Q. Now give us details about the technical crew of Shaukeen Kaminay?

A. The entire cast & technical crew of the team especially the efforts of Atul Yadav & Kunal Singh Rathore are appreciable. I was very happy when our film was instantly liked by our distributor Pradeep Singh of Green Chilli media And films and in its 1st ever preview itself. He has acquired worldwide theatrical rights of the film which is releasing on 29th Apr, 2016.

Q. And any specific reasons for choosing only fresh faces for Shaukeen Kaminay?

A. We required fresh faces only for the film due to its subject of virginity, we hired trained artistes for the film. The performance of the artiste especially Vanshika Gupta & Yasmin Pathan are highly commendable.

Q. So what according to you is the USP of Shaukeen Kaminay?

A. The USP of the film is its social message “aurat ka jab maan badega, bharat ka samman badega”. Besides this the music composed by Rajiv – Mouna & Dharam Dewda. The song “Maahi Re” has became instant hit among the youth.

Q. And what was your experience working as a 1st time ever filmmaker?

A. I got total cooperation from the film industry with whom I have worked for last 30 years. A special mention to Monty Sharma who has scored the background music for the film.

Q. And one last question what is the target audience for the film?

A. This film is specially targeted at the young generation who need guidance & counselling in social & matrimonial relationships because a woman not only gives birth to man but to mankind too.

Shaukeen Kaminay will be a real visual treat for the eyes: Anil Chorasiya

March 28, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

Q. Pencil in your filmic background in a nutshell. Besides how was your experience while filming “Shaukeen Kaminay”?

A. I Have acquired adequate experience as a director as well as a film Maker. I have made a lot of Ad Films, Short Films, Corporate Films, Documentaries & also shot varied music videos for renowned singers like Vinod Rathod & Pamela Jain in association with Brajesh Pandey. My passion for making films of varied genres inspired Brajesh Pandey to assign all the film direction projects of MFA Motion Pictures. I also created a record of sorts in Varanasi by shooting a children film within 48 hours. That apart I created world record by training & shooting The Largest Flash Mob by Kids at a single venue on mother’s day for surf excel. So, the past experience really counted in and now I have made Shaukeen Kaminay which will be a real visual treat for the eyes of the cinegoers.

Q. Name your one ideal inspiration in Showbiz world?

A. Right from the beginning I am inspired by Shri Dadasaheb Phalke for bringing cinema in India.

Q. Is there any specific reason for naming your current project as Shaukeen Kaminay?

A. Actually speaking we are looking at the young generation who are highly influenced by the western culture, and are adopting to those tradition & cultures which demean the status of women. This film is specially made for the Indian youth.

Q. Were you given a free hand while How was your working with the producer of Shaukeen Kaminay?

A. To be very, very frank working with my producer Brijesh Pandey was a, awesome experience, he did not compromise on the quality of the film. We hired the best crew and shot in the best places without any problems or hindrance. Brajesh Pandey always motivated & gave positive vibes to the whole cast & crew.

Q. Ok now tell us what is so special about Shaukeen Kaminay and how is it different from the other films of its ilk?

A. I would only like to add that Shaukeen Kaminay along with being a comedy film has a great message within it. Shaukeen Kaminay can definitely change the mindset of people who think of women as a weakling. The film is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, making a change in the society.

Q. Is there any underlying message that you do are trying to put across through Shaukeen Kaminay?

A. Of course Shaukeen Kaminay is an effort to uplift the status of women and to stop gender bias and hypocrisy in our society.

Q. Entail briefly about the crux of Shaukeen Kaminay?

A. You see Shaukeen Kaminay raises a pertinent question as to why virginity is a privilege for men and justification for women is the crux of the film and the line from our writer “Aurat ka jab maan badega, Bharat ka samman badhega” validates this fact.

Q. What is the USP of Shaukeen Kaminay?

A. According to us the concept is the hero of the film.

Q. So What is the actual story of Shaukeen Kaminay?

A. Really speaking it is the story about guys who just want to enjoy with different girls every time but expects virgin girls as their wives. They find a place called “Naariganj” where there is tradition of “one night marriage” but life leads them to a cycle of emotions which totally changes their mindset and teaches them to respect women.

Q. As per you do you think you have justified the script of Shaukeen Kaminay?

A. Yes I do think so. The script of the film has been written by Brajesh Pandey which was highly ambitious, while reading the script of the the film I could totally picture it in my mind. The screenplay & dialogues are packed with punches and shall be remembered by all.

Q. What has the response been to the Shaukeen Kaminay’s music track so far?

A. Well! I would say it’s been phenomenal. “Maahi Re”, has been trending on social site for a long time. Shaukeen Kaminay’s album has received a great response by the audience and will be a chartbuster soon. The work of Aman Trikha, Mohammad Irfan, Javed Ali & Indu Pandey is absolutely commendable.

Q. So what do you think is the one X factor that should drive audiences to watch Shaukeen Kaminay?

A. To this query my answer would be or rather I think there isn’t one. There is more than one. I think it’s a fabulous youthful story
giving a beautiful message and moreover raising the status of women.

Q. So what is your next lined up project?

A. My next lined up project is also with MFA Motion Pictures titled as Mastermind – A white collar crime based on illegal hacking of credit & debit cards.

Q. As a parting shot tell us Who are your favorite Bollywoodian actors?

A. Sincerely speaking I really appreciate the works of Naseeruddin Shah, Irrfan Khan & Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

Singer cum music director Praveen Bhardwaj croons a sufiana song for Raju Bajrangi

March 24, 2016 by Shaheen Raaj

Praveen Bhardwaj, an extremely versatile Singer cum music director, recently crooned a melodious number “Jindagi Dene Wale Thodi Aur Saanse Dede…Thode Aur Din De De…Thodi Aur Raaten De De” for an upcoming film named Raju Bajrangi.

Speaking about the song Praveen Bhardwaj avers, “The sweet & melancholic song, has been composed by myself and it sensitively, borders on happiness albeit tinged with just that little bit of sadness. Being a sufi song the mood was just right.”

Incidentally speaking Raju Bajrangi is based on a very sensitive & emotional relationship between a father and a son and their tussle over Lord Hanuman. When the song was recorded in LM Studio, Andheri – Mumbai the entire gathering was speechlessly stunned. It was a very heart touching scenario.

Raju Bajrangi, a bilingual film in Hindi & Tamil, is being directed by Manoj Sharma & produced by Shiv Narayan Rawat.

A point to be noted here is that Praveen Bhardwaj had gained instantly recognised international limelight, beating the likes of International singers of his ilk like Justin Bieber & Enrique Iglasius to name just two, with his 1st ever musical album as singer & composer namely “Mohabbat Mein Tujhe Kya Milega”.

And now he is waiting to conquer many more such musical milestones.