Nasheman

India's largest selling Urdu weekly, now also in English

You are here: Home / Archives for Movie

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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.

Southern Movies Round Up

by

Naanum_Rowdydhaan

As compared to films produced in Bollywoodian & Hollywoodian Cinema arena, South Indian Cinema is rapidly & regularly progressing by churning out its own brand of gems of milestone movies in all the 4 languages namely Kannada, Malyalam, Telugu & Tamil. In an exclusive Nasheman.In, Shaheen Raaj will present a sneak preview of the productional happenings of Southern Cinema every fortnight. Time to stay tuned in.

‘Muni’ Franchise Gearing Up For Summer Release

‘Muni’ Franchise gearing up for summer release. Raghava Lawrence’s runaway success ‘Muni’ franchise is all geared up for a bvumper summer release. After the successes of the 1st 2 films in the franchise ‘Muni’ &  ‘Kanchana’, ‘Muni 3: Kanchana 2’ is highly anticipated among fans to bring out the cheer and scare them this summer. ‘Muni 3: Kanchana 2’ will, in all probability, be releasing worldwide on 16th Apr, 2015, on a Thursday. Added to this news, the team has just let out news that the 1st look of the film will be out soon.

Dhanush’s Next Project ‘Naanum Rowdhythaan’ Final Schedule Begins

Dhanush’s next project ‘Naanum Rowdhythaan’s final schedule has begun. Dhanush’s Wunderbar Films which has produced super hits like ‘3’, ‘Ethirneechal’, ‘VIP’ et al and the most recent ‘Kaaki Sattai’ which is still going strong, have announced the beginning of the final schedule of their next production ‘Naanum Rowdhythaan’ which has already begun in Chennai.

‘Naanum Rowdythaan’ brings together 2 of the biggest names in Tamil Cinema namely Nayanthara & Vijay Sethupathi and is directed by Vignesh Sivan of ‘Poda Podi’ fame. And the way the film is shaping out it is sure to catapult the extremely talented Vijay Sethupathi to the next level much like what ‘Ethirneechal’ did to Sivakarthikeyan.

Vijay Sethupathi To Enact A Softie Role In His Next Titled ‘Mellisai’

Vijay Sethupathi to enact a softie role in his next titled ‘Mellisai’. Incidentally speaking Vijay Sethupathi is the most versatile actor currently working in Tamil Cinema so much so that he has even caught the eye of the great Kamalhassan gaining his appreciation.  The actor seems to revel playing roguish characters in films like ‘Soodhu Kavvum’, ‘Itharkuthaney Aasaipattai Balakumar’,’Vanmam’ and even his soon to be released ‘Purampokku’ & ‘Naanum Rowdythaan‘. As a departure from these kinds of roles the actor is  playing a soft role in his next film ‘Mellisai’ which re-unites him with his ‘Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kanom’ hit pair Gayathree, who plays a violinist.
It is being directed by débutante Ranjith Jeyakodi.

Big B Sings Paens About Nagarjuna

Big B sings paens about Nagarjuna. Incidentally speaking in recent times, our Yuva Samrat has been going places. His endorsements apart, he has always been noticed for his glamorous & performance-oriented roles. With ‘Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu’, he has carved gargantuan popularity for himself in the small screen arena.
Yet another feather in his cap is a commercial with Big B and other Southern Stars. It was Big B’s 1st Southern commercial involving Nag, Prabhu, Vikram, Shiva & Manju Warrior.

The megastar of Bollywood, who recollected his association with Nag since the days of ‘Khuda Gawah’, said that he had fond association with the Akkinenis. Describing Nag as the son of the great Telugu thespian “the iconic Akkineni,” Big B said that ANR was a great admirer of his.

Allu Arjun Aka Bunny To Work With Trivikram Srinivas

Allu Arjun aka Bunny, a Telugu actor to work with Tamil Cinema director Trivikram Srinivas. Allu Arjun and style go together. His choices are always big time news. He has been doing big ticket film after big ticket film, ruling Tollywood like chosen few actors.

His film ‘S/o Sathyamurthy’, directed by a Tamil Cinema director Trivikram Srinivas, is much awaited. His last outing with the celebrated filmmaker, Julayi, was a Box Office hit.  After ‘Race Gurram’, the buzz is that the Stylish Star is going to race ahead & zoom ahead. It has to be seen whether this project, a bi-lingual, will be releasing this year itself.  As for his next, get ready for 2nd Apr, 2015 release.

Ravi Teja All Set To Do A Bollywood Remake

Ravi Teja all set to do a Bollywood remake. Ravi Teja is reportedly going to be back with a bang. Many years after a film like ‘Kick’, where he played that lovable & affable Robin Hood, he is set to act in a crime thriller. And this one is not a straight one but a remake. And the remake film is Neeraj Pandey’s ‘Special 26’. Remember the film which was admittedly based on a true story.  The entertainer stood out for the performances of Akshay Kumar & Manoj Bajpay.  By the way, our own Kajal Aggarwal was seen as Akshay’s pair in this 2013 hit film. Based on the 1987 Opera House heist, this film was a heist film which also received a lot of critical acclaim.

Hansika Refutes A Rumour About Her Alleged Comment On Pawan Kalyan

Hansika recently refuted a rumour about her alleged comment on Pawan Kalyan. Incidentally speaking since a last few days, a rumour has been doing the rounds that actress Hansika has commented on Pawan Kalyan in a recent interview. But the actress was quoted as saying, “There is no need to enter into politics like Pawan Kalyan to do social service”, as per an interview. But Hansika cleared the rumoured air by stating that she hasn’t mentioned Pawan in any interview and she respects him a lot. She took to her twitter handle and wrote, “(1/2) Well few articles says I have commented on Pawan Kalyan sir. Let me make it clear I haven’t given any interview mentioning sir”. “(2/2) rest is all cooked up!!! I respect him immensely and I’m a fan of his work. I request all the others to stop with this vague rumour”.

The Confusion Over Mammootty-Kamal Film Is Over

The confusion over Mammootty-Kamal film Is over. After a few months in discussions, the confusions related to the new Mammootty-Kamal film is over. And now it is clear that producer Anto Joseph has decided to take over the production of the film. As of now, the shoot for the movie which was delayed for a year will kick start by the month of May, 2015 after the completion of Marthanda’s ‘Acha Din’. This yet to be titled project will hit the screens as an Onam release. This film also marks the coming together of Mammootty & Kamal after a long time since their last outing together in ‘Raappakal’.

Shakeela Has Not Been Roped In For A Sreebala film

Shakeela has not been roped in for a  Sreebala film. Earlier on it was reported that Shakeela is part of a Sreebala film which has Dileep as the hero. However, the reports has been dismissed as fake and that she has not been roped in for any role. According to sources, in the discussion for a sequence involving an interview scene, the names of Shakeela & Santhosh Pandit had cropped up as interviewees. However, neither of the 2 has been approached for the roles. The movie is a love story and has been scripted by Sreebala herself.

Ambassador Ragini Dwivedi Made Her Presence Felt At “Shaadi Bazaar”

Ragini Dwivedi, a top Kannada actress & an ambassador really made Her Presence felt at an event of “Shaadi Bazaar”. At the inauguration of “Shaadi Baazar at the Lalit Hotel Ashok the presence of ambassador Ragini Dwivedi made a solid difference. Ragini Dwivide top actress of Kannada cinema also into other language films had participated in several ads as model for a few years. She was into Femina Miss India, Miss Beautiful Hair competitions. Besides she was a runner up in 2008 Femina Miss India. Of late Ragini is a much sought after actress. “Shaadi Baazar” with South Asian wedding collections provided an invidualised list of vendors based on unique needs & vision for clients.

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

by

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.”

An interview with Pahlaj Nihlani the new chairman of Central Board Of Film Certification

by

“The Film Industry Should See The Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) As A Friend, Not As A Hostile Force.” – Pahlaj Nihalani

Pahlaj Nihalani. Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

Pahlaj Nihalani. Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

Pahlaj Nihalani, the reputed filmmaker, needs no special introduction as far as his filmmaking repertoire is concerned. But of late he has come in for a lot of flak since the time he has been appointed as the chairperson of the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC). On this account Pahlaj Nihalani averred in clarification, “Maybe some people don’t like that I have restored transparency in the censor board. I can’t comment on what someone in the censor board thinks to be right or wrong. All I can tell very categorically is that I have been working within the Information & Broadcasting Ministry & Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) guidelines.” Even otherwise 2 members of the Censor Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) Ashoke Pandit & Dr. Chandraprakash Diwedi have leveled serious charges of autocratic functioning against Pahlaj Nihalani. Both of them have expressed their dissatisfaction by categorically stating that the Government is not pleased with the cuss – word ban by Censor Board, can take action. Here in this free wheeling interactive session Pahlaj Nihalani clarifies his stance.

One of the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) board member Ashoke Pandit has leveled some very serious charges against you. Do you think it was right on the part of Ashoke Pandit to go public with his grievances?

Frankly speaking I can’t comment on what someone in the censor board thinks what is right or what is wrong. All I can tell you very categorically is that I have been working within the Information & Broadcasting Ministry & Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) guidelines. Maybe so far the censor board has been functioning in a different way. And now some people don’t like the fact that I have restored discipline & transparency in the workings of the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) and its  circular banning cuss words put on hold.

The protesters in the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) say that your style of working is tyrannical?

But It is my duty to do my job to the best of my abilities. As long as I am the chairperson of the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) I won’t compromise on my work and I won’t buckle under pressure just because some people are uncomfortable with my style & way of working.

Do you think it was right of Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) board members to go public with their grievances?

I don’t want to comment on any individual. But if anyone chooses to go public with the grievances against a Governmental organization, then he or she is working against the interests of the Government. It’s therefore ethically & legally wrong of them.

Has the Information & Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore been informed about the revolt within the censor board?

If I answer that I would be doing exactly what these other board members are doing. Let me just say that the Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore is a very smart & an intelligent person. He knows exactly what people are doing and those who are going against the guidelines are definitely brought to his notice. For instance Central Board Of Film Certification’s – CBFC rifts (spilt) in the open.

Ashoke Pandit also claims that you see every film on your own and decide what is to be done?

Firstly, as the chairperson I have a right to either watch films personally as and how I want, or depute someone from the censor board to watch it. If so far, my predecessors have not been watching films personally, they were in the wrong. If I am doing the right thing now, if I am clearing as many as 5 films in 1 day, why are some members of the censor board getting jittery?

Your working method has diminished the chances of corrupt practices?

For the 1st time in the existence of the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC), I scheduled 5 films to be watched by the Revising Committee on the same day. Never before has the censor board watched more than 1 film on any given day. Is that not a good thing? We went out of the way of our schedule by censoring ‘NH10’ as we didn’t want to delay their 13th Mar, 2015 release.

Both disgruntled board members Ashoke Pandit & Dr. Chandraprakash Diwedi have accused you of being unfair to NH10?

Unfair? After seeing the film audiences are laughing at such accusations. We have gone out of our way to retain the violent flavor of the film. We have censored the film according to the script’s demand. That’s how every film will be censored. We only changed the dialogues a bit. I am a producer & a director myself. I know what cuts can be made without affecting the narrative. I wonder how Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) board members commented on the picture without seeing it.

Even the film’s producers including Anushka Sharma have been voicing protests against the CBFC?

After the film was censored the producers & the directors said they were satisfied with the cuts. They had appealed to us not to cut certain scenes. All of us 9 members conceded to their appeal for the sake of their creativity. We will deal with every film on an individual basis. ‘NH10’ needed the violence. The social message is quite clear and very strong here. The producers were happy. I don’t know if some of the Central Board Of Film Certification  (CBFC) board members are unhappy.

Are you saying that Ashoke Pandit & Dr. Chandraprakash Diwedi have commented on your censoring of ‘NH10’ without seeing the film?

If they had seen the film they wouldn’t have said what they had to. I don’t know what they are talking about. From the day I have taken over as chairperson of the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) they have ganged up against me. Without the permission from the Information & Broadcasting ministry they have been publicly commenting on the internal workings of the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC).

What would you say in your defense?

I don’t have to defend myself against such absurd charges. From the day I took over as the chairperson of the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) I have respected the opinion of each & every member of my censor board. I value their opinion. They have toiled hard to clear the backlog of films to be censored. We have cleared all applications for censorship till 4th Mar, 2014. Even the promotional clippings will now be cleared within 24 hours. The film industry should see the CBFC as a friend, not as a hostile force.

How do you plan to deal with the revolt?

By doing my duty and working honestly. I am not bothered with the naysayers. My work will speak for itself. As for the protesters, they are violating the rules of the Information & Broadcasting ministry by working against the interest of the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC). The Ministry will decide what to do with them.

Shashi Kapoor to receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award

by

shashi-kapoor

New Delhi: Veteran actor-producer Shashi Kapoor has been named for the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award.

The actor who turned 77 on the 18th of this month is known for his performances in films like ‘Jab Jab Phool Khile’, ‘Deewar’ and ‘Kabhi Kabhie’. He stepped into the world of acting at the age of four, when he used to perform in plays directed by his father Prithviraj Kapoor.

Shashi Kapoor has got the National Award for best actor for the film New Delhi Times in 1986, National Film Award – Special Jury Award / Special Mention (Feature Film) for Muhafiz (1993) and the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi (as Producer) for Junoon in 1979.

Along with acting in movies, he has worked as a film director and assistant director. He worked as an assistant director for the debut movie of Sunil Dutt titled ‘Post Box 999′.

He has appeared in 160 movies all together, 12 being in English and the rest in Hindi. He was also honored with the Padma Bhushan Award by the Government of India in the year 2011.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award will be given out with the National Film Awards this year. The previous recipient was lyricist-director Gulzar.

KNOW US

GET INVOLVED

PROMOTE

Archives