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Movie Review: ‘Dharam Sanket Mein' is an expose of the varied myths & facts of the 2 diverse religions namely Hinduism & Islam

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Dharam Sanket Mein

Producer: Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, Sajjad Chunawala & Shariq Patel
Director: Fuwad Khan
Cast: Paresh Rawal, Naseeruddin Shah, Annu Kapoor, Gippy Grewal, Auritra Ghosh, Sharat Sonu, Alka Kaushal, Murli Sharma, Mukesh, Rushita Pandey, Sophie Choudry, Hazel Keech, Suresh Venkataraman, Jagdish Rajpurohit, Jahangir Karkaria, Alka Mehta, Gagan Gupta et al
Music: Meet Bros Anjjan, Sachin Gupta, Jatinder Shah & D J Kiran
Pro: Raindrop Media

Fuwad Khan, an ace cinematographer turned débutante director, has tackled the varied myths & facts concerning the 2 most talked about religions namely Hinduism & Islam. But was it necessary for him to get blatantly inspired by a situational Brit comedy named ‘The Infidel’ based on the same subject of 2 diverse religions criss crossing each other albeit in hilariously comic way.

Dharampal Trivedi’s (Paresh Raval) Dharam (Read religious beliefs) gets really shaken the day he opens his departed mother’s bank locker. His entire world turns upside down and he faces an identity crises dilemma. He finds an affidavit in the locker which states his origin as being born to a Muslim father.  He wants to meet his long lost father who is on his death bed in a Muslim sanitarium, but the Maulana (Murli Sharma) of the Sanitarium bars the twain to meet unless Dharampal becomes a devout Muslim. Whereas his own biological son Amit wants him to be a devout Hindu and a disciple of Swami Neela Anand Baba (Naseeruddin Shah) simply to impress his son’s prospective father – in – law. Dharam is now totally confused in a dilamatic state. So he takes the help of his friend, his immediate neighbor, to learn to be a devout Muslim, who happens to be a Muslim lawyer by the name of Nawab Mehmood Nazeem Ali Shah Khan Bahadur (Annu Kapoor). And his son Amit brings in a pandit to help Dharam to be a devout Hindu. So Dharam seeing no escape starts learning the ‘mannerisms’ of both the religions simultaneously.

Débutante director Fawud Khan has tried his best to balance the sentiments of the 2 concerned religions but his appropriate directorial skills seriously lacks finesse. So the resultant effect is neither here nor there, rather than being tackled on a serious note or treated in an amusingly comic way it becomes way too preachy. In fact the entire episodic issue of Swami Neela Anand Baba was totally uncalled for.

And the sole brownie point goes to the one liner dialogues of Alpesh Dixit, Sanjay Sharma & Vijay Desai.

Performance wise Paresh Rawal is a winner all the way and as the film rests heavily on his shoulders he has really, really delivered an absolutely honest, sincere & dedicated act. The next in line star performer is no doubt Annu Kapoor who has really left an impact with his brilliant performance. Whereas a veteran actor like Naseeruddin Shah disappoints totally. He is a total misfit in the entire mileu and his obnoxious geteup, coupled with his put off mannerisms, is an eyesore. While the rest of the actors like Gippy Grewal, Auritra Ghosh, Sharat Sonu, Alka Kaushal, Murli Sharma, Mukesh, Rushita Pandey, Sophie Choudry, Hazel Keech, Suresh Venkataraman, Jagdish Rajpurohit, Jahangir Karkaria, Alka Mehta, Gagan Gupta et al have proved to be an adequate support system just to carry the film forward.

Tail piece: If you have watched films like ‘OMG: Oh! My God’ & ‘PK’ based on similar themes, then taking a trip to a movie hall for watching ‘Dharam Sanket Mein’ will be a sheer waste of time.

Bollywood, Cricket ramp up 'India Ka Tyohaar' at IPL-8 opening

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IPL-opening_ceremony

Kolkata: Reflecting the grandeur and exuberance of Indian festivities, the glitzy and technologically stunning opening gala of the eighth Indian Premier League (IPL) saw blockbuster Bollywood match steps with international cricket camaraderie amid a replay of magical moments of the previous editions of the tournament.

However, there were also hiccups aplenty.

A lacklustre emcee in Saif Ali Khan, a few non-functional LED lights, Shahid Kapoor almost taking a tumble and Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma stepping on a light were the low points.

But Shahid’s overall performance and Hrithik Roshan’s emotional but fiery closing act spared the blushes during the two-hour ceremony held before a sparse 15,000 crowd at the Salt Lake stadium.

The first dampener came early in the evening in the form of heavy thundershowers that pushed back the ceremony by one and a half hours, but the crowd stuck to their seats waiting for the star acts.

As the audience waited for the star performers — Hrithik, Anushka Sharma and Shahid — to fire up the show, captains of the seven of the eight teams took the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Spirit of Cricket pledge by signing a bat.

In the cool night air, Hrithik’s fiery act against the backdrop of dazzling strobing lights and psychedelic floor projections stole the show.

The actor, who had his maiden live act after his stellar debut in “Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai” at the very same venue, made sure the Kolkata crowd got to see his best moves in his second show here.

His emotional but electrifying performance mirrored the euphoria that the masses have with regards to the IPL.

Earlier, the show got going amid a pitch black set, as dancers attired in traditional Bengali white and red sarees and holding clay lamps tore through the darkness.

An aura of serenity prevailed as composer Pritam led a choral tribute to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in an operatic rendition of his famed song “Anandaloke Mangalaloke”.

The graceful choreography was suitably balanced with an interlude of Swahili which whetted spectators appetite for more action.

They whistled, cheered and clapped thunderously as the suave Saif Ali Khan introduced the captains of the eight teams to the sounds of their team’s anthems.

The loudest cheers went up for Chennai Super Kings skipper M.S. Dhoni.

When defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders’ leading man Gautam Gambhir came in holding aloft the champions’ trophy, they went wild.

Gambhir put the trophy back in play, in a symbolic gesture that set the ball rolling for the one-and-a-half-month competition on the 22-yard strip.

A synergy of peppy modern sounds, rhythms of traditional Bengali instruments including the dhaak (drum) and strong acoustics gave a feel of world music and calm.

Shahid’s grand arrival on the grounds in a bright orange sleeveless shirt and shiny golden dhoti with a trendy pair of shades, atop a bike jolted the audience back into the promised “unforgettable” jamboree.

His shout to the crowd in Bengali “Kemon acho Kolkata” (how are you Kolkata?) was followed by his ride around the turf as the speakers sounded Bappi Lahiri’s cult disco-pop number “I am a Disco Dancer” kickstarting the ‘India ka Tyohaar’ (festival of India.

Shahid’s near-tumble as he blazed off into his dance act was aptly camouflaged with his killer Bollywood jhatkas and matkas peppered with hip-hop’s pops and locks to the heady beats of “Gandi Baat”, “Saree Ka Fall” and “Dhating Naach”.

In between the live acts, compere Saif made the audience participate in polls on their favourite IPL stars while the floor projections changed and the multi-hued light beams roved on the crowd.

The team captains then signed a bat affirming their pledge to the MCC’s spirit of cricket campaign.

As Virat Kohli looked on eagerly, his beau and “NH 10” actress Anushka Sharma put up a captivating display of elegance with typical Bollywood moves on “PK” tracks, “Jiya Re”, “Mundiya Nu” and “Jasba”.

Clad in a black-white jumpsuit, her flawless steps had a classic appeal though she looked a bit nervous.

Bollywood melted into rock as the multi-talented Farhan Akhtar took to the stage with his band and pumped up the arena.

Starting off with a poem from “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” to the accompaniment of cricket visuals, Farhan and his band, dressed in casuals, took the stage for eight minutes in a neat rock ensemble, strumming up some of his hits including “Rock On”, “Sindbad the Sailor” and “Senorita”.

In contrast, Saif’s hosting was rather lacklustre and flat.

After what seemed to be an agonising wait, a visibly happy Hrithik got the show back on track with some of his signature steps from his the superhit “Ek Pal Ka Jeena” from his debut film “Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai”.

Sealing his Kolkata connect, the star, who met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during the day, danced draped in a golden uttarya (stole) gifted by Banerjee. His greetings to the audience in Bengali elicited loud cheers and shouts.

The show concluded with fireworks as the stars united on stage and officially signalled the start of the series.

(IANS)

"My upcoming film 'Main Hoon Ek Raaz' is a women centric author backed film belonging to the horror genre": Ravi Kumar Nivoria

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Ravi Kumar & Sanjrani Nivoria

Débutante writer & director Ravi Kumar Nivoria’s upcoming film ‘Main Hoon Ek Raaz’ falls in the genre of the age old trend of HORROR films. So Ravi Kumar Nivoria can also be added to the list of horror filmmakers a la Ramsay Brothers, Vikram Bhatt and others of their ilk. Incidentally speaking ‘Main Hoon EK Raaz’ happens to be a family affair as it is being produced by Ravi Kumar Nivoria’s spouse Sanjurani Nivoria. The duo hopes to continue making good films, with top cast & crew, but not necessary falling in the horror genre.

To kickstart the session tell us what is your upcoming film ‘Main Hoon Ek Raaz’ all about?

My upcoming film ‘Main Hoon Ek Raaz’ is a women centric author backed film belonging to the horror genre. When I started writing the story I just fell in love with it. I just liked it so much that I decided to direct it myself.

Please continue…….!

So ‘Main Hoon Ek Raaz’ narrates the saga of a restless female ghost who is still seeking salvation, mukti for her soul and in the process she goes on a rampage scaring the wits out of everyone around her.

And what according to you are the highlights of ‘Main Hoon Ek Raaz’?

First & foremost my film ‘Main Hoon Ek Raaz’ is more scarier than other films of the HORROR genre of course not to forget its special effects which I am sure will make the viewers even more scarier.

And what else?

Not only the horror element but I have alo packaged ‘Main Hoon Ek Raaz’ with full dose of entertainment & suspense. Music & lyrics are by Surendra Saathi who has earlier written the lyrics of most of the films of Mahesh Bhatt. Believe me he has composed some of the most beautiful & melodious songs for ‘Main Hoon Ek Raaz’. One special number is an item song ‘Angooribai’ picturised on Laxmi Verma & Mehtab Guzar.

Lastly give us an insight into the cast & credits of ‘Main Hoon Ek Raaz’.

The main cast of ‘Main Hoon Ek Raaz’ comprises of Ragini Verma enacting the central character of the restless ghost along with Nadeem Mansoori, Raza Murad, Ramesh Goyal, Mahendra Sharma et al. The story-screenplay-dialogues-direction is by me and it has been produced by my wife Sanjurani Nivoria under the banner of our home production namely Shiv Devi Kala Kendra Films.

Movie Review: 'Detective Byomkesh Bakshi' is superb, mesmerizing, riveting, intriguing sans entertainment quotient

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Detective-Byomkesh-Bakshy

Banner: Yash Raj Films & Dibakar Banerjee Productions
Producer: Aditya Chopra & Dibakar Banerjee
Director: Dibakar Banerjee
Cast: Sushant Singh Rajput, Anand Tiwari, Swastika Mukherjee, Divya Menon, Neeraj Kabi, Meiyang Chang, Aryann Bhowmik, Moumita Chakraborty, Mark Bennington, Arindol Bagchi, Manoshi Nath, Anindya Banerjee, Tirtha Mallick, Prasun Gayen, Peter Wong, Prashant Kumar, Dr. Kaushik Ghosh, Takanori Kikuchi, Piyali Ray, Pradipto Kumar Chakraborty, Sandip Bhattacharya, Shivam, Nishant Kumar, Shaktipada Dey & Lauren Gottlieb
Music: Various Artists
Cinematographer: Nikos Andritsakis
Editor: Manas Mittal & Namrata Rao
Pro: Spice

Director Dibakar Bannerjee in his latest offering namely ‘Detective Byomkesh Bakshi’ has knowingly treaded on a dark & mysterious genre. But was it necessary to take the plot, shrouded in deepening mystery, to the extreme level of confusion confounded. Seriously speaking it ultimately bores you to death to the point of no return. Incidentally speaking the film is based on the fictional character of a detective named Byomkesh Bakshi which has been created by the famed Bengali writer Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay.

The scenario of ‘Detective Byomkesh Bakshi’ opens in Calcutta, present day Kolkatta, in a British-ruled India, where a student Byomkesh Bakshi (Sushant Singh Rajput) is approached by Ajit Bandyopadhyay (Anand Tiwari) whose father Bhuvan Banerjee has been missing for more than 2 months. Byomkesh firmly & strongly believes that he has been killed and his dead body has been kept hidden somewhere. And he was so right as they discover Bhuvan’s corpse in a broiler of an abandoned chemical factory. During the investigations, he finds that Bhuvan Banerjee’s murder is part of a bigger mystery involving the local Political leaders, the Chinese drug smugglers & the Japanese army, fighting the war against the British in South-East Asia.

Director Dibakar Bannerjee has aptly presented the war torn Calcutta of 1943 with a backdrop of a mystery & a Detective. In fact ‘Detective Byomkesh Bakshy’ is entirely based on the early exploits of India’s 1st ever true-blue detective, created by Bengali bestseller writer Saradindu Bandyopadhyay. Dibakar Banerjee, has set the film in the 2nd World War torn Calcutta during the 1940s and follows the 1st adventure of Byomkesh Bakshy, fresh out of college, as he pits himself against an evil genius who is out to destroy the world. Using his wits against the most villainous arch criminal the world has ever seen, in a world of murder, international political intrigue & seduction. The director deserves full marks topped with brownie points as far as the minutest periodic detailing, of the war torn Calcutta of the 1940’s, is concerned but only to be bogged down by his own script in lieu with Urmi Juvekar. Hats off to Aditya Chopra and his Yash Raj Films banner for backing such an offbeat subject strewn together in a most clichéd manner, not to forget the sleep walking editors Manas Mittal &
Namrata Rao. And lastly a special well deserving mention goes to cinematographer Nikos Andritsakis for his brilliant presentation of such a dark & mysterious war torn Calcutta of the 1940s era.

Performance wise all the actors can be analyzed in just one word for instance Sushant Singh Rajput as & in an author backed title role of Detective Byomkesh Bakshy: a young Bengali private detective is “Perfect”, Anand Tiwari as Ajit Bandyopadhyay: the sidekick of Byomkesh Bakshy, also an author is “Charming”, débutante Swastika Mukherjee as Anguri Devi: a dancer & a spy looks “Confusing”, Divya Menon as Satyawati: the silent love interest of Byomkesh Bakshy is “Disappointing”, Neeraj Kabi as Dr. Anukul Guha is “Excellent”, Meiyang Chang as Kanai Dao alias Chang Lee is “Interesting” and then Aryann Bhowmik as Clinic Boy, Moumita Chakraborty as Leela, Mark Bennington as Deputy Commissioner Wilkie, Arindol Bagchi as Ashwini Babu, Manoshi Nath as Ruby, Anindya Banerjee as Prafulla Ray, Tirtha Mallick as Atanu Chandra Sen, Prasun Gayen as a scribe, Peter Wong as the Underboss, Prashant Kumar as Factory Watchmen, Dr. Kaushik Ghosh as Gajanan Sikdar, Takanori Kikuchi as Dr. Watanabe, Piyali Ray as Watanabe’s Receptionist, Pradipto Kumar Chakraborty as Puntiram, Sandip Bhattacharya as Officer in Charge, Shivam as Sukumar, Nishant Kumar as Factory Watchmen, Shaktipada Dey as Nibaran Da & Lauren Gottlieb in a special appearance in the song titled “Calcutta Kiss” are all “Adequate” and they all try their level best to carry the “Snail’s Space” almost dragging storyline forward.

Tail Piece: ‘Detective Byomkesh Bakshi’ may be a hardcore critics & multiplexes elite cine goer’s delight but on the contrary it will be hardly appealing for a film goer who frequents a single theatre.

Movie Review: 'Paisa Ho Paisa' is a non – stop laugh riot, a roller coaster joyride

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PAISA HO PAISA

Banner: Mayaa Creations
Producer: Muktha Sunder
Executive Producer: V. Vishwanath
Director: Muktha Sunder
Cast: Dhruv Bhandari, Madalasa Sharma, Vivek, Kanishka Soni, Antony et al
Music: K. S. Manoj, G. D. Prasad & Nirojan
Cinematographer: Rajkumar
Editor: Suchit Kumar
Pro: Shaheen Raaj

Director Muktha Sundar happens to be a well – Known Tamil filmmaker. His recent Tamil movie ‘Pathayeram Kodi’ (’10 Crores’) has already been declared as a runaway super hit movie. Incidentally speaking Muktha Sundar’s latest Hindi directorial offering ‘Paisa Ho Paisa’ happens to be a remake of ‘Pathayiram Kodi’. So ‘Paisa Ho Paisa’ happens to be moulded in a whacky albeit a romantic comedy genre with an unlimited destinated stopovers in tandem with roller coaster joyrides across the length & the breadth of the Indian roads. So ‘Paisa Ho Paisa’ also happens to be a road with a difference.

The plotted scenario of Mayaa Creations ”Paisa Ho Paisa’ showcases the antics of bungling cops & buffoonery gangsters chasing invisible people armed with their loot, from a princess, being carried off in an invisible car. The non – stop interesting & the fun oriented chase continues from Pondicherry to Shani Shinganur via 4 state borders touching the exotic locales of Karwar, Goa, Mercara, Pune, Ahmednagar, Mahabaleshwara,  Panchagani et al. The prequel of the wholesome comic dramedy is as follows: Ashwin (Dhuv Bhandari) an engineering college student meets a beautiful girl Bhoomika (Madalasa Shah) in the campus. After a few playful encounters, they fall in love. Ashwin hails from a lower middle class family and all the time he thinks of making big money in a very short time. When Bhoomika stumbles upon something big, she consults Ashwin and his friends and together they strike it rich in a very big way using an invisible chemical (A chemical when it is sprayed on anything or anyone the object or the person becomes invisible). Now making use of this invisible spray Ashwin, Bhoomika and their coterie of friends loot a Princess Maya (Kanishka Soni). However they are forced to be on the run after being chased by a CBI officer (Vivek) and his foolhardy gang of cops. Then starts the the wild goose chase with ruthless & buffoonery gangsters, comic cops, bungling CBI officer and the hero and his friends playing all kinds of pranks.

Welcome Mr. Muktha Sundar in the Bollywoodian directional arena but if only you had treaded more carefully. But indeed you can be compared to director David Dhawan and his kind of films in which the cine goers come with their families including their kids to witness the David Dhawan brand of comedy, leaving their brains behind, with full time pass attitude. And they indeed enjoy a lot until they walk out of the auditorium. And of course a special mention must be made of ‘Paisa Ho Paisa’s close to 30 minutes of computer graphics work which happens to be an extremely watchable and kids lovable highlight of ‘Paisa Ho Paisa’. If only this movie was mounted on a grand scale with top notch actors then it would have chartered an altogether different albeit commercially successful box office history.

Performance wise Dhruv Bhandari as Ashwin is ok but he has miles to go before reaching his histrionics destination, Madalasa Shah as Bhoomika succeeds in lending the right factor of oomph & glamor, Kanishka Soni as the princess living in a palatial mansion has done justice to her role, Vivek as a bungling CBI officer is perfect & Antony as Ashwin & Bhoomika’s friend adds himself to the ever growing list of hamming actors.

Tail Piece: ‘Paisa Ho Paisa’ can be a good Summer Treat for your kids in tow with your family & friends.

"My upcoming film 'Makad Jaala-A Political Trap' is a highly entertaining film": Dinesh Kumar Sahu

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Dinesh Kumar Sahu

Right at the outset director Dinesh Kumar Sahu’s opening lines were his life’s mantra. In this regard he averred, “Everything is possible in this world…….If you have trust in yourself. So always believe in your self.”

He has been around on the directional scenario of Bollywood almost since the last two decades being associated with big screen & small screen ventures like   ‘Kaise Badlte Rishtey’, ‘Vicky Aur Vetal’, ‘Balika Vadhu’, ‘E Ka Raz Baa’, ‘Kanyadaan’, ‘Kisan Mitan’, ‘Mor Dharti Maiyya’, ‘Dharti Hindustani’, ‘Ye Dil Chahe More’, ‘Rooh’, ‘Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin’, ‘Left Right Left’, ‘Dil Mil Gaye’, ‘Subh Kadam’, ‘Gulal’, ‘X-Zone’, ‘Rishtey’ et al. The list is endless. And now he is all geared up for the release of his upcoming film ‘Makad Jaala-A Political Trap’.

Tell us what is your upcoming film ‘Makad Jaala-A Political Trap’ all about?

“My upcoming film ‘Makad Jaala-A Political Trap’ is a highly entertaining film albeit based on the current social issues.

What current social issues are you tackling in your film?

Actually speaking its about the co-relation between the students, the teachers & the politicians. The wayward students who are drug addicts, eve teasers, drunkards et al are always a problem for the teachers. And then the politicians leave no stone unturned to further waylaid these students and use & misuse them in a manipulative way for their own personal gains.

Sorry to say but haven’t we seen scores of movies earlier on based on the same triangular co-relational theme of the students, the teachers & the politicians?

No Mr. Shaheen Raaj I don’t deny what you say but you are overlooking one important aspect. Every director has his own perspective, his own vision, his own way of narrating the age old & oft repeated thematic content too. So watch out for my perspective, my vision, my narrative style, which will be highly entertaining, enjoyable & interesting too, in and of ‘Makad Jaala-A Political Trap’ when it hits the celluloid silver screen marquee on 24th Apr, 2015.

Movies Newswatch

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Chaitanya Tamhane Court

Bollywood has always been mired in controversies galore, but sometimes there is a lull and it comes up with interesting news too. So this week our Entertainment Editor SHAHEEN RAAJ presents the awards, festival jamboree & other special news especially for the Nasheman readers.

European Union Film Festival Kickstarted In Chennai

A European Union Film Festival recently got kickstarted In Chennai to be precise on 31st Mar, 2015. The rich cultural diversity of the European Union and its Member States will be on display in its myriad hues at the 20th European Union Film Festival that began in Chennai on 31 Mar, 2015. The festival brings to India a repertoire of 21 latest and award winning European films from as many 21 countries. Organized by the Delegation of the European Union and embassies of Member States in partnership with local organizations including the Federation of Film Societies of India, the festival will traverse through Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Coimbatore & Jodhpur over the next 4 months.

Celebrating 20 years of bringing European cinema to India, the festival will screen movies from varied genres including comedy, drama, romance & action

A Double Bonanza For ‘Court’

Of late it was a double bonanza for the film ‘Court’. In fact it was a double dhamaka for Chaitanya Tamhane whose directorial debut ‘Court’ won the “Best Feature Film” at the 62nd National Film Awards. The director along with producer-actor Vivek Gomber were scheduled to leave for New York for the US premiere of ‘Court’, which has been selected for the prestigious festival New Directors/New Films.  Just when they were wrapping work at office, they got news of ‘Court’ winning the prestigious national award here. After winning 17 international awards, finally it got recognized by our own country. Chaitanya & Vivek both expressed that they hope to celebrate their latest award with their team post the New York screening of ‘Court’. The film releases in India on 17th Apr,  2015.

Bengali movie ‘Chotushkone’ Wins 3 National Awards

Bengali movie ‘Chotushkone’ Wins 3 National Awards. Reliance Entertainment’s Bengali release ‘Chotushkone’ has received 3 prestigious National Awards. Srijit Mukherjee bagged “Best Direction” & “Best Original Screenplay” & Sudeep Chatterjee received the “Best Cinematography” award for ‘Chotushkone’. ‘Chotushkone’ or ‘The Quadrangle’ is a film about love, ambition, unconventional relationships and above all, vengeance.

‘Bhoothnath Returns’ Gets A Special Mention At National Awards

‘Bhoothnath Returns’ gets a special mention at National Awards. The immensely acclaimed ‘Bhoothnath Returns’ which struck box office gold when it was released last year has added yet another prestigious feather to its cap, with a special mention at the recently announced National Awards.

Produced by T-Series & B R Films ‘Bhoothnath Returns’ which had the unique pair of megastar Amitabh Bachchan and talented child star Parth Bhalerao as leads along with Usha Jadhav, has been conferred with a special mention at National Awards announced recently. It was Produced by Bhushan Kumar & Abhay Chopra & directed by Nitesh Tiwari.

‘Friend-Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan’ Bags  “Best Children’s Film Award” At The 7th Nashik International Film Festival

The film ‘Friend-Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan’ recently bagged the “Best Children’s Film Award” in the recently concluded 7th Nashik International Film Festival.

The film ‘Friend-Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan’, made under the banner of Navdeep Film Creative has bagged the “Best Childrens Film Award” & the film’s Child artist Chinmay Deshakar of ‘Best Dramebaaz’ fame has bagged the “Best Child Actor” Jury Award at the 7th Nashik International Film Festival”. The jury members comprised of JYOTI VENKATESH, NAGESH BHONSALE, GIRISH WANKHEDE & SHAHEEN RAAJ. The producer of the movie is Raju Pachghare & the director is Jagadish Watharkar. The awards ceremony of the 7th Nashik International Film Festival was held on 22nd Mar, 2015 at Sula Wine, Nashik.

Shashi Kapoor To Receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Shashi Kapoor is all set to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Veteran film actor & producer Shashi Kapoor, who charmed his way in Bollywood as an actor with his unique mannerisms, will receive the 46th Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2014.  The award is conferred by the Central Government for outstanding contribution to the growth & development of Indian cinema. The award consists of a Swarn Kamal (Golden Lotus), a cash prize of Rs 10 lakhs and a shawl. The award is given on the basis of recommendations of a Committee of eminent persons set up by the Government for this purpose. This year, a 5 member jury consisting of eminent film personalities, after due deliberations, unanimously recommended Shashi Kapoor for the prestigious award.

Information & Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley conveyed his congratulations on the occasion.  Born on 18 Mar, 1938, Shashi Kapoor is the youngest son of the Late Prithviraj Kapoor and the youngest brother the Late Raj Kapoor, both of whom have also been conferred with this award. While Prithviraj Kapoor received this award in 1972, Raj Kapoor received it in 1988.

Kangana Ranaut Bags National Award As “Best Actress” For ‘Queen’

Kangana Ranaut bags the National Award as Best Actress For ‘Queen’
Kangana Ranaut, whose performance was applauded by one and all in the film Queen has won the National Film Award for “Best Actress” for essaying the role of ‘Rani’ in the movie. This is Ranaut’s 2nd National Award. In 2008, the actress won the “Best Supporting Actress” award for her performance in Madhur Bhandarkar’s ‘Fashion’. Additionally, Vikas Bahl directed ‘Queen’ has won the “Best Film” Award. The National Awards will be handed out by President Pranab Mukherjee on 3rd May, 2015 in New Delhi.

CBFC denies ‘Dharam Sankat Mein’ To HARAM SANKAT MEIN was shown to Pandits & Maulavis

The CEO of the Central Board Of film Certification (CBFC) Dr. Shravan Kumar has categorically denied the media reports that mentioned CBFC was using the services of a Maulavi and a Pandit in the certification process for ‘Dharam Sankat Mein’. The film has been recommended for UA certification after certain modifications.

Movie Review: 'Hunterrr' is certainly a surprise package as far as naughty adult comedies are concerned

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Hunterrr

Producer: Kirti Nakhwa, Rohit Chugani, Ketan Maru, Vikas Bahl, Vikramaditya Motwane & Anurag Kashyap
Director: Hashvardhan Kulkarni
Cast: Gulshan Devaiya, Radhika Apte, Sai Tamhankar, Sagar Deshmukh, Veera Saxena, Rachel D’Souza, Vaibbhav Tatwawdi, Suraj Jagan & Sandeep Dhabale
Music: Khamosh Shah

Débutante director Harshvardhan Kulkarni, a short filmmaker earlier on, in his debut feature film offering ‘Hunterrr’ has made an extremely lovable adult sex comedy without even taking a slightest refuge in the voyeuristic vulgarism. So what if he was heavily & highly inspired by some other films of this genre, the last one being ‘Grand Masti’.

‘Hunterrr’s adult sex comedy plot depicts Vaasu, who is known more for his ‘vaasugiri’. Something which he has been doing since his younger days like bunking classes as a school student and sneaking into a sleaze video parlor to see adults film, only to be caught by the cops and paraded in public with his head half shaved. As he grows ‘up’, he starts understanding the ‘wants of a woman’ and thus, he becomes a ‘hunter’ of sorts. And his hunted ‘objects’ include the married lady Jyotsna (Sai Tamhankar), Parul (Veera Saxena) and a handful of other catches (which also includes the very proverbial ‘Savita Bhabhi’ too). Incidentally speaking Jyotsana Bhabhi (Sai Tamhankar) is a sexually frustrated married woman who seeks pleasure in the arms of the neighbourhood college kid Vaasu (Mandar Ponkshe). Even after her husband finds out about her misadventures, Vaasu suggests that they should continue with their escapades. However, unlike most women in Hindi films, Jyotsana tells him that he may run away from a rented room but she will not leave her kid for his sake. She is very clear that she was only seeking sexual pleasure without any emotional attachment.

On the other hand Trupti (Radhika Apte), is the woman Vaasu meets for an arranged marriage and falls for. Having decided to marry after a string of unsuccessful affairs, she categorically tells Vaasu that they should take time knowing each other before finalizing the marriage. Unlike the other middle-class people from our films, Vaasu does not mind Trupti’s past affairs nor does Trupti want to carry forward grudges over his sexually-colourful past. When Vaasu approaches Shobha (Rachel D’Souza) and is rejected, he leaves without creating any ruckus or passing judgement over how she invited him, a stranger, into her hotel room and then denied him sexual favors. In fact, when he realises that she is the aunt he was supposed to pick up at the airport, he apologizes.

‘Hunterrr’ can be safely termed as débutante director Harshavardhan Kulkarni’s crowning as a director. It goes without saying that his direction skills are par excellence. And last but not the least full credit goes to Harshavardhan Kulkarni & Vijay Maurya for springing up very impromptu lines. The film actually ‘stands’ and thrives on such dialogues and one liners.

Performance wise Gulshan Devaiah, the leader of the ‘Hunterrr’ gang leads the histrionics department. He scores above all. He is a natural nay a born actor. His comic sense of timing coupled with raw ‘sensualness’ is brilliant. The female leads gang is led by none other than that extremely gifted Sai Tamhankar. Veera Saxena, the débutante actress has got a dream role that any actress can die for. But amongst all the female brigade of actresses it’s the fiery Radhika Apte, who scores brownie points. Her future seems to be very bright with 2 success in a row namely ‘Badlapur’ & now ‘Hunterrra’. Sagar Deshmukh is another actor to be watched out for. A special mention must go to Rachel Dsouza, Nitesh Pandey, Vaibbhav Tatwawdi, Suraj Jagan &
Sandeep Dhabale et al for their stunningly brief roles.

Tailpiece: ‘Hunterrr’ is a not to be missed naughty comedy full of witty lines.

Movie Review: 'Barkhaa' is a romantic film steeped in intriguing mystery

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Barkhaa
Producer: Shabana Hashmi
Director: Shadaab Mirza
Cast: Sara Loren, Taaha Shah, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Shweta Pandit, Puneet Issar & Ashiesh Roy
Music: Amjad – Nadeem
Débutante director Shadaab Mirza has tried his directional skill in the romantic genre albeit embroiled in intriguing mystery. Its a decent enough effort  which can be termed as remarkable albeit not outstanding.The plotted scenario of this romantically mysterious film ‘Barkhaa’ opens in an intensive care unit (ICU) in which Akash (Priyanshu Chatterji) is almost on the verge of losing his life and his parents and younger brother Jatin (Taaha Shah) are trying their level best for his survival treatment. While Jatin is tensed up no end, he keeps getting a reminder call about his appointment of being the chief guest at a book launch function of ‘Aks’. Jatin reaches the launch venue in order to fulfill his professional commitment. No doubt he inaugurates the book named ‘Aks’ which means shadow. But the moment he finishes reading out a few pages, he finds out something mysterious about the story and immediately sets off to seek the identity of the publisher leaving the book launch midway. But he gets jolted by shock when the publisher claims to be unaware about the author’s whereabouts and maintains that it was couriered to her office and they decided to publish it due to its intriguing plot. So no wonder that the book launch triggers off a series of flashback events. And to resolve ‘Barkhaa’s further plot, shrouded in mystery one can take a stroll down to their nearest cinema halls. Period!!!

Débutante director Shadaab Mirza’s direction is okay but he really needs to brush up and sharpen his directional as well as penning skills in tandem with Lawrence John. A somewhat passable marks can also be given to Amjad – Nadeem for music & Raju Singh for background music. Yet the devils should be given their due credit, I am referring to Mayuresh Sawant for good editing & Mujahid Raja for his excellent cinematography. He has beautifully captured the scenic locales of Himachal Pradesh.

Performance wise Sara Loren is ok but is certainly a misfit for the title role even though she did try to infuse some life in her author backed role. But of course Shweta Pandit shines in her poorly sketched character. Yet it is Taaha Shah who stands out albeit the full potential of this extremely talented actor has not been tapped by the director. Besides in future he should select roles in a non – female centric films. Asheish Roy is perfect. Sadly enough Both Priyanshu Chatterjii and veteran actor Puneet Issar are highly disappointing.

Tailpiece: ‘Barkhaa’ is clean & wholesome film for family & teenagers alike, if only it had a more careful & attractive musical packaging.

Nasheman.in Exclusive: "I am against banning any kind of material in media or films": Aamir Khan

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Aamir-Khan-Kamal-Hassan

Aamir Khan, an actor par excellence, needs no fresh introduction as far as his repertoire is concerned. He is not known as a perfection personified persona just for nothing. That apart, over the years, he has maintained his own charm and got himself engulfed in a mysterious aura of his own. After all, in all his released films so far he has indeed maintained his box office score card with ‘3 Idiots’ and with the release of ‘PK’ he had his peculiar brand of audiences and his loving fans literally eating out of his hands. So much so that audience & fans are already waiting with batted breath for Aamir’s next movie in line namely ‘Dangal’. Besides he makes a rare public appearance, especially in an award ceremony or a filmy function. And one of those rare exceptional occasion was when he graced the inaugural function of FICCI Frames 2015 in Hotel Renaisance, Powai where he shared the dais in a single frame with Kamal Hassan, another stalwart of the Indian Cinema. Present herewith is the 1st person account of Aamir Khan’s dripping pearls of wisdom which reflected the varied issues that he is concerned with.

First & foremost coming down heavily on the Central Board of Film Certification, which recently stroked controversy by banning some objectionable words, Aamir Khan averred, “I am against banning any kind of material in media or films. I am totally against banning any kind of material. When the Information & Broadcasting Minister spoke to us, he also clarified that actually the ministry has no such list of cuss words. It’s a certification board and not the censor board. It was nice to hear that. Besides there were reports that the recently appointed Central Board Film Certification chairman namely Mr. Pahlaj Nihalani had revived a 2003 order to ban a list of 28 objectionable or cuss words, including Bombay in any movies or documentaries. But following a public outcry, Mr. Nihalani, has however, withdrawn the said list. That’s so nice of Mr. Nihalani. I would also like to state that even if people don’t like a certain content, banning a film cannot be justified, I am referring to the 2013 Kamal Haasan movie, ‘Vishwaroopam’ that had created quite a controversy leading to a ban. I am really, really feeling ashamed that at that time I was lost in my work but as an industry that was the time we had to come together. I apologize to Kamal Hassan publicly that I wasn’t there at that time. I feel bad that we weren’t there with you. Banning a film is not right. Once the film has received the certification, it is the responsibility of the state to make sure that people can watch the film without any fear. I would also like to stress that liking or disliking a film is one’s own prerogative, but stopping somebody from releasing a film is not right, specially after it has been through certification. Even otherwise movie bans are done by taking the law into your own hands, but I think this is really sad & unfortunate.”

As regards the outstanding Box Office collections (Read ‘PK) unlike most of his peers who are driven by the box-office collections, Aamir Khan averred, “Numbers hardly matter to me and it is not a criterion to select a movie based on its potential commercial success.

As I am not someone who talks about my numbers. That is the last thing on my mind when I am selecting a film. The day I start selecting a film on the possible commercial success that will be the end of my creativity. I feel that commercial interest stifles the creative growth.”

And as a parting shot Aamir Khan added just a few nuggets about his forthcoming movie namely ‘Dangal’, “I think rhat it is too early to speak about my forthcoming film ‘Dangal’. But I will just give you a brief insight. ‘Dagal’ will narrate the saga of a middle aged albeit an over weight wrestler. As everyone knows that I just love to experiment with my varied roles I have done so with the enactment of my role in ‘Dangal’ too. First of all I have put on a lot of weight as you can see, I weigh almost 90 kg and I won’t say that the rest you can see on the celluloid silver screen. There is still time for that suffice it to say that I will make more revelation about ‘Dangal’ at the right time and at some other point of time & place.”

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