MUSIC REVIEW: Kay Kay's Via Darjeeling

The only memorable number in this Hindi movie album is Bengali

Via Darjeeling is another to the list of now zillions of offbeat commercial flicks aka multiplex cinema. And the music lives up to that specific genre of being nothing specific. It's definitely not filmy. Neither is it Sufi or rock or a particular band playing songs like we had in Life In A Metro.

So what is it? It's a mish mash of some numbers confused in themselves about their specificity of genre. Firstly, the songs that you'll hear, are definitely not in the order of the listing given on the back cover. And the two themes – Rimli's theme and Bonny's theme as well as something called Mallika and Kaushik are definitely missing.

The first song that you'll hear is actually the second one on the list called Sirf Ehsaas sung by Kunal Ganjawala. The song which is quintessentially Ganjawala could have very well been a modernist poem with no rhyming words to lend it some lyrical effect. The poem has been given a tune which is so not hummable and will not leave any impression. The respite however is that the song is too short and gets over as soon as it starts.

The second song is the first one on the list, Kahin Nahin sung by Sunidhi Chauhan. It sounds too forcefully happy almost like a jingle that tries too hard to be lilting and hummable. However, it does nothing to leave any memories once the song is over. And again, it does get over too soon.

For the first time, you'll hear a softer, sadder version of a song being actually better than the original. Kahin Nahin sung by Shaan, is softer, slower and far better than the original Sunidhi's trying to be happy tune. Shaan shines through the song and you'll realise how very far this boy has come since his Love-o-logy days.

Uribar Swapon – the last number on the list is actually the fourth when you play the album. A Bengali 'baulgeet' (folk) meets rock number, this song is actually the best in the album. It's fresh, peppy and well mixed. It does justice to the folk tunes and retains it's flavour despite the rock beats in the background.

The next song, Baarish by Chitra is also nice. It's hummable though not anything new or out-of-the-box. The prelude tune is sweet and cute (if one can say those things in relation to a song that is).

The last song (thank god for only 6 songs), sung by Kunal Ganjawala, is not at all Kunal Ganjawala. It will make you wonder if it's really sung by the artist or was that a misprint on the cover. However, if the song is actually sung by him, we must say, the singer has suddenly developed a Himesh fixation or at the least trying to ape Kumar Sanu. Yes, he sounds awfully nasal.

No great shakes, this album has nothing special to offer - except for the one Bengali baul rock number.

VERDICT: The Bengali number is appealing (that also if you are a Bengali yourself) but the others don't really make enough sense. A very mediocre album otherwise.

Album: Via Darjeeling l Audio On: Sa Re Ga Ma

REVIEW: Kay Kay's Via Darjeeling

A very 'Please LOOK at me. I am INTELLECTUAL' film

Cast: Kay Kay Menon, Sonali Kulkarni, Parvin Dabas, Vinay Pathak, Sandhya Mridul, Rajat Kapoor, Simone Singh and Prashant Narayanan

Director: Arindam Nandy

To make an open-ended film that provokes thought, forced intellectualism is not necessary. That is exactly what we thought during the second half of this Kay Kay Menon starrer film.

In spite of some strong performances, the movie could have been much better than what it is. For one, it could have considered the viewer as an intelligent being. To show the similarity of the plot with Rashomon, Rajat Kapoor did not actually need to pick up a DVD of the film and hold it in his hands for over a minute. The audience could have figured that out themselves. And if not, what's the harm? Couldn't the plot have held itself without the similarity with the masterpiece?

So what is the plot after all?

Kay Kay Menon (Ankur) and Sonali Kulkarni (Rimli) are a newly wedded couple on their honeymoon in Darjeeling when Ankur disappears. The police are summoned and inspector Robin Dutt (Vinay Pathak) comes to investigate the case. A visibly distraught Rimli tells him about the suspects – a driver who'd fought with her husband and a man who'd been following her throughout their trip.

Cut to a room full of friends apparently in Calcutta. We have to accept it is Calcutta only because the characters have Bengali names and some phrases in the language are thrown in their conversation.

The story is narrated by the inspector who's now transferred to Calcutta to the group of friends gathered around a table. There's Rajat Kapoor, a newspaper editor, his wife played by Simone Singh; a successful television actress Mallika played by Sandhya Mridul and Prashant Narayanan (Kaushik), an aspiring filmmaker who's recently come back from NY.

This particular group of friends who have their own issues in life start thinking about a possible ending to the mysterious disappearance of Ankur in Darjeeling months back. And then is when the movie starts getting a little pretentious.

The logic vanishes midway

The first two possible narratives presented by Rajat Kapoor and Simone Singh respectively, are logical and when related to the characters who narrate it, makes a lot of sense. The insecurities and anxieties of the editor and his wife take form in the stories they narrate. While Rajat Kapoor condemns the wife, Simone Singh's version makes the husband the villain.

Somehow in the course of their 'adda'-a Bengali concept of friends gathering and chatting, the relationships between the friends also come to the fore. The hidden desires and hatred become prominent. And then suddenly it is all downhill from here.

The director seems eager to confuse the audience with the convoluted plot, and ends up being pretentious. After all, it's known to happen – when we don't understand something, we more often than not believe it's too above us to understand. You know the term – OVER head transmission, wonder why nobody thought of under the feet?

Couldn't the story be good by itself?

Then there is this huge poster of Satyajit Ray's Kanchenjunga on the wall. Now that's what we call forced symbolism. Kanchenjunga and Darjeeling connect we got. Most Bengalis and people who've watched the film, also probably got the similarity between the two movies as far as unraveling relationships is concerned. But did they HAVE to put that poster up there? Couldn't we have understood the similarity part anyway? Or is it that by putting forth the similarity the movie will all of a sudden become as brilliant as Ray's masterpiece? Well, maybe we are digging too deep. Maybe the filmmaker just had this poster and wanted to show it off.

So what happens next?

Another set of possibilities which become a little too confusing. Though some really good performances make the movie watchable still. Kay Kay Menon is always good, this was no different. Same goes for Vinay Pathak and Rajat Kapoor. What or rather who surprised us was Prashant Narayanan. His was a small role which he played brilliantly and though his narrative made very little sense, his performance was enjoyable.

The film could have been a good topic for a modern play. And probably it would have worked really well too in a theatre. But as for the big screen, we don't think the subject fits. You'll say there are so many films that are open ended – take Aparna Sen's 15 Park Avenue for an example… but that's what, Sen's movie was not trying too hard to be intellectual.

VERDICT: Why watch something like Rashomon when you can watch Rashomon? Why watch something like Kanchenjunga when you can watch Kanchenjunga? But if you like Bengali folk 'baul' song mixed with rock, go for the last five minutes. The song's really good!

Rating: 2/5

I have both my laddoos in hand: Sanjay Chhel

With Kismat Konnection on the verge of release and his own directorial film Maan Gaye Mughal-E-Azam making news, writer-director Sanjay Chhel is a really happy man. Polite, sincere and apparently a very nice man, this man can make anyone feel comfortable. We caught up with the man for an exclusive chit-chat about his films, leading ladies, passions and more. Read on…

You have delivered several hit film scripts and now you have two back to back movies as a director. So, let's start from the very beginning…How did scriptwriting happen?

I was writing plays for theatre and some short stories. My father is from theatre and my mother is a language professor. So, there was always a literary atmosphere at home. I started with short stories and plays and then did some TV scripts like Filmi Chakkar and finally films happened. It was a very logical progression.

You've worked with a lot of big directors. According to you, who has done full justice to your script?

It's a very controversial question. Actually, my answer will be very controversial. Every director I've worked with I've enjoyed. But I've enjoyed working with Aziz Mirza the most. I have done four films with him…Kismat Konnection is the fourth. He's like a mentor, a father figure to me. I've also loved working with David Dhawan.

One script that's really close to your heart…

One script I really enjoyed writing was Daud. It was really ahead of its times. It was brave of Ram Gopal Varma to make the film at that time. I also enjoyed Halo.

Okay. So, tell us something about your next film as a director – Maan Gaye Mughal-E-Azam.

It is a black comedy. A satire. On the lines of Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron. It is not like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron but the satire is like that. It has good one-liners and punch lines. It's a comedy that'll make you think. There's also a great assembly of actors – Rahul Bose, Mallika Sherawat, Paresh Rawal, Kay Kay Menon and Pawan Mallhotra are great! The story deals with a group of theatre actors who come together to do something for the nation.

Rahul Bose and Mallika Sherawat – was it your decision to cast them together?

Well, Rahul and Mallika were really not my decision. I was contacting them separately. I was contacting many actors and actresses for the film. Through some Karmic connection it happened. And now they're together in the film.

How was it working with them?

Superb! Mallika is a very generous person. She's very moody, but she's also very helpful. She does not throw tantrums like other actresses. She is like a buddy. She has a great sense of timing. After Juhi Chawla, I think it's her. She also has a great command over the language - Hindi. So, she improvises a lot. Rahul Bose is a very accomplished actor and he provides suggestions on the sets that are very helpful. Paresh Rawal…well he is just awesome. Kay Kay Menon will however be the surprise package in the film. This is the first time he's doing a full-fledged comedy.

It somehow sounds like a multiplex movie. So, are you looking for critical acclaim or mass appeal?

Ummmm…Mallika Sherawat and Rahul Bose (ponders for a while)…Well, see, Rahul Bose and Kay Kay Menon, you can call multiplex cinema stars. But Paresh Rawal and Mallika have HARDCORE (stresses the word) mass appeal. So, I'll be having both my laddoos in my hand!

Tell us something about the other film you'll be directing – Fantastic.

It's again a comedy – modern and contemporary with Konkona Sen Sharma. This is a multiplex film. It also has a strong message.

Konkona romancing three guys in the movie is already making news. So tell us…

I can't reveal the script. It's a feel good film.

Don't you think it's tough to visualise Konkona romancing three men? I mean, she is not exactly the sexy seductress…

She's not playing a sexy woman. She's playing herself. It's a comedy. I think she has great potential. I've seen Mr and Mrs Iyer more than 20 times. She's a fantastic actor. The movie Fantastic is about her!

Hmmm…Khoobsurat and now Maan Gaye… Why such a long break from direction?

I was not getting the right producer or actor. I was also looking for the right script…

But you're the one writing the script…

Yes…(pauses) but I was doing other things, you know. And many actors were not working with me (looks a little sad but does not elaborate). I was waiting for the correct opportunity. I was writing films like Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya and Partner and all. For me, direction is not bread and butter. It's my passion. Like Khoobsurat changed Sanjay Dutt's image from serious to comedy. With every movie, I want to do something different.

You really like making comedies…

Life is full of misery. A lot of issues, a lot of problems and we do not have any answer to them. It's good to laugh them away at times. It's easy to make films on the Mumbai bomb blasts or bar girls or Dharavi. But it's very difficult to make a commercially successful comedy which also leaves a message. I want to do that!

Thanks, Sanjay. And we wish you all the best for your film!

I have not done anything gossipy: Priyanshu

Priyanshu Chatterjee…remember him? Well, he did create an impression with his debut film Tum Bin in 2001, in spite of the film not doing too well. But what happened to him after that we wonder. We did see him in some movies like Pinjar, Dil Ka Rishtaa and the recent Bhoothnath. But well, none of them really made us remember the actor the way we did post Tum Bin.

But not anymore. Looks like Priyanshu has finally got his most wanted break in a Rituparno Ghosh film based on Tagore's story Nouka Dubi about an accidental wife swap. "I've known Rituda for eight years now. He called me soon after Tum Bin in 2001 and we started talking about two or three different projects. Something or the other kept propping up and none of the projects could actually materialise. This time it looked like it could be worked out," said the excited actor.

Being a Bengali born and brought up in Delhi, Priyanshu thinks his cultural roots are a big help for the film. "Being a Bengali helps. I am used to wearing dhoti (kunchi deoa dhuti in Bengali style, as he puts it) during Pujo and other ceremonies. And, of course, knowing the language helps, too," gushed Priyanshu in crisp Bengali. Though the actor has not read the original story by Tagore, he says he has read the script and has fallen in love with it.

The movie is about wife swapping. "It's ACCIDENTAL wife swapping," clears the actor. Priyanshu excitedly told us all about his character too, "I'm playing a doctor from Kashi. He is also a musician. There's a lot of variety in the character." Well, a musical doctor sure sounds like a very 'special' variety.

As for his co-stars, though they haven't started working on the film yet, Priyanshu assures that they are 'very easy going and professional' people. Rituparno on the other hand, is a 'total class act' according to him. "He is a master of his craft. He knows how to use his actor's best. What he did with Kirron Kher in Bariwali and Jackie Shroff in Antarmahal was brilliant," continues Priyanshu. And guess what, though he forgot the name of Ghosh's first film Unishe April, he swore he liked it along with Antar Mahal and Chokher Bali.

The actor attributed his slow moving career to his not being from any film family and also because he had 'never gone out on a signing spree'. He agreed that Tum Bin was not very big and then nothing came his way for a really long time. But now he has Rituparno Ghosh's film in his kitty and he hopes that it'll give him the much wanted critical acclaim he deserves.

So, we asked him why we don't hear any gossip about him ever. In an industry where every newcomer has some or the other gossip to his or her name to give them the publicity they want, Priyanshu has more or less remained untarnished.

"I have not done anything gossipy in seven to eight years," says the actor. So, does that mean he did something before that? The only 'gossipy' fact about the star could however be this one lovemaking scene that he had done with Mahima Chaudhry in a Tanuja Chandra film. But then again, how many of us really knew about that?

From Tum Bin to Nouka Dubi…so what does the actor really want? With his career track so far, we're unable to quite understand whether he craves for commercial success or he wants critical acclaim as an actor. "First thing would be commercial recognition," says Priyanshu. "And with that a little acceptability as an actor," he sums up.

Well, we seriously hope he gets both. And with Nouka Dubi and Rituparno, we hope he finally gets what he wants.

CAUGHT: Suniel, Shriya in a spa!

So, what's the secret behind Shriya Saran's glowing skin? Or Suniel Shetty's hot bod? Ha Ha! We know it NOW. It's simply, frequent visits to the spa and the gym. The stars were spotted along with many more from the tinsel town yesterday at the opening of C'est La Vie, a lifestyle club situated in Bandra, Mumbai.

We were informed that the Mission Istaanbul cast would be making an appearance at the event. So obviously we expected to see Vivek Oberoi, Zayed Khan and Shriya Saran. We entered the club (which looked rather cramped to be a high end lifestyle club though) to find Suniel Shetty and the two new boys, Shabbir Ahluwalia and Nikitin Dheer deep in conversation with the media. While Suniel 'anna' Shetty was hounded by cameramen and journalists and Nikitin Dheer (probably because of his size) got some attention, poor little (ok maybe not so little) Shabbir Ahluwalia felt completely left out.

There was Rahul Roy (remember the winner of Big Boss?) and some others but the next BIG entry was that of Mohammad Azharuddin. He may not be a tinsel townie and he may have been out of the cricketing scene for years now, but every single person present at the event seemed to remember this man with a lot of love. Meanwhile, Divya Dutta in a weird gown was just hoping that somebody ask her some questions or generally pay her some attention. But with Azhar around, that was not to be.

Following Azhar was Shaan, looking absolutely adorable. He is back with Voice Of India 2 on TV and of course was asked a million questions about the same. Though it was not the time or place to talk about such stuff, the singer soon answered every single one of them. The other singer present at the party was Abhijeet (and he did not walk out or quit the party this time)! Making the party yet more musical was T-Series man Kishan Kumar.

But all eyes panned towards the entrance when Shriya Saran arrived in a pretty blue dress. She gave away some Mission Istaanbul goodies to differently abled people from Bandra. She posed for the camera with the children and even talked to them. She was happy to oblige the cameramen with some nice shots on a sofa and said that she was really excited about her film which is all set for release next week.

Somehow we missed Kangana Ranaut who was supposedly invited to the party but obviously did not show up. But Shriya more or less made up for that. There were also the million starlets Mink (remember Anil Kapoor's girlfriend from the film Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain?) and some TV stars as well. We even spotted Poonam Dhillon.

The party sure was good. And we're sure everybody knows the name of the Lifestyle Club now that they have invited a million celebs. So what was it again? Mission Istaanbul? Oh no no that was the name of the movie the stars were from. Was it….it was….hmmm…..ummmm... well that's life. Or should we say C'est la vie?

REVIEW: Money Hai Toh Honey Hai

The question is, will Govinda eventually become the next Dev Anand?

An extremely old Govinda pretending to be in his late 20s (reminding you of Dev Anand), a Prem Chopra (remember the famous villain?) trying to be funny with his silly antics, and a useless as usual Upen Patel who can even make Ravi Kissen look admirable. That's one thing that you'll realise after watching this flick.

What's it all about

Kumar Mangat must've been utterly crazy to have produced this one after the immensely disappointing Haal-e-dil but then some people never learn. Directed by Ganesh Acharya, Money Hai Toh... has everything that a sensible set of audience would not want – 'done to death' sexual innuendos, lines with double meaning, Govinda trying to speak English and be hip, Govinda doing his matkas and jhatkas (which we LIKE), Govinda trying to be a boy in his late twenties (already mentioned), Hannsika Motwani, scantily clad women, Ganesh Acharya shaking his belly, a lot of Bhojpuri dialogue delivery, Ravi Kissen (WOW), jokes that have ceased to be funny in 1950, you name it and there, you got it!

Money Hai Toh Honey Hai is about this one big businessman Jaiswal who has become mad with age, played by Prem Chopra. His lucky number happens to be SIX. So, he decides to leave his entire property to six people whose phone numbers he dreams up somehow. Needless to say, these six are Govinda – a spoilt rich kid, Upen Patel – an aspiring model, Celina Jaitley – a struggling designer who wants to make designer clothes for the common man, Aftab Shivadasani – an advertising professional whose lines never sell, Manoj Bajpai – a common man who never loses hope and Hannsika Motwani – the reigning queen of TV soaps who's sick of her bahu avatar and wants to become the sexy siren in Bollywood.

The movie begins with a song and dance like most movies these days, where except for Govinda, no one really is watchable. Then we are made to hear a line…An Idea can change your life. Wonder which telecom company is gaining mileage with THAT one! We almost expected a guest appearance by Abhishek Bachchan. Well, his absence was compensated by many cameos done by Sophia, Kim Sharma, Esha Deol (in a song) and Rakhi Tandon (Sweety of Hum Paanch).

The first half of the film deals with the lives of these six people and their trials and tribulations. Amidst a million sexual innuendos and lines like Jab Zindagi Jh*** toh kaise milega kalakand the story progresses telling us viewers about the six, failing to anyways hold your attention. What will however make you sit up and look from your cushy seats is the introduction song for Govinda. A semi-rock, rap version of Main toh raste se jaa raha tha…main toh bhelpuri kha raha tha. Ha Ha! Now that's what we call creativity!

What is also somewhat funny is the spoof on Ekta Kapoor. Rakhi Tandon plays Mukti Kapoor, the absolute queen of tellyworld who also happens to be the producer of the soap in which Ashima Kapoor (Hannsika) stars. Hannsika is the Smriti Irani prototype who has a fight with the producer (like the Ekta-Tulsi fight we heard about) and is sacked. There is also a Jai Walia in the movie who is the business tycoon roaming around with women wearing red dresses. Yes, you guessed it right. He constitutes the spoof on Vijay Mallya!

However, some twists and turns later, the six lucky ones get a call and are taken by surprise. The screen is split into six sections with their amazed faces and voila – Intermission!

You may not feel like coming back with your popcorn at all. But if you finally re-enter the theatre post interval, you will find the six in a plush bungalow just near the sea. Govinda tries to swindle money out of the other five by selling them dreams. And then the villain Ravi Kissen tries to muddle things up…and the six come together and their struggle begins.

The plot though a little rushed in the second half and hazed in parts, holds itself together.

Govinda still rocks!

About the actors, Govinda as usual is great with comedy. And boy, can he dance! Even at his age (real age not reel), this man can give any of the younger ones a run for their money as far as dancing is concerned.

Upen Patel is useless. But somehow in this movie since his character is that of a useless struggling model – he weirdly enough fits the bill. Aftab is decent. Prem Chopra is wasted. Celina holds her part. We realised that when this babe is not shedding clothes and doing meaningless item numbers, she can be bearable. Hannsika is good eye candy. She is decent enough with her expressions too.

But the two people who call for a special mention are Manoj Bajpayee and Ravi Kissen. Though their characters were small (especially the one of Ravi), they manage to shine through.

The sets are good. And dances are well shot (it's Ganesh Acharya, guys). The much publicised Hannsika belly dance was kind of a disappointment. It so happened that Ganesh Acharya shook more belly than the actress in that one.

VERDICT: Should you watch this movie? Well, Money Hai Toh…maybe. It's not a movie you'll want to pay exorbitant amounts of money for. But if you have nothing else to do and can enjoy mindless movies at times, go for a cheap morning show for this one.

RATING: 1.5/5 (One for the colourful settings and 0.5 for making it only two hours long)

The 'Sardarni' in Singh Is Kinng...

So what's the first thing that comes to your mind when we say NEHA DHUPIA. Chances are that more than 80 per cent of you thought of Julie irrespective of the fact whether you've watched the movie. And for the remaining 20 per cent it would have been the second thought. The first being 'unpublishable' on a portal that does not support adult content…like this one.

And guess what, the actress is back to playing Julie again. And this time with Akshay Kumar. Well, don't get your hopes too high…Julie is just the name of her character in her forthcoming film Singh Is Kinng. Suggested by the actress herself (for comic effect according to her) the name of her character was effectively changed from Rosy to Julie for this Anees Bazmee film. Will the change have any effect on the masses or will the film have any effect on Neha's career however remains to be seen.

We had a chat with Neha prior to the release of her big film in an interview that started almost two hours after the scheduled time. And here's what she had to say…

Tell us more about your character Julie in the film

Well, Julie is a dreamer. She aspires to be a Bollywood actress and thinks that being a part of a Punjabi gang will pave her way to filmdom.

So was it tough being Julie again? Since the audience relate Neha Dhupia and Julie with something completely different...

It is a challenge to take on the same name and do it differently…And make it work.

Are you a villain/vamp in the film?

I am a part of a gang. They obviously do bad things in the beginning. But eventually they become good people.

Would you rather be a glam doll or a vamp?

It depends. On the kind of role and everything.

...By this time almost two minutes were up. So obviously, her two make up and hair people rushed forth to fluff up her hair. She thought it was looking rather flat. And also refixed her lashes. Don't get scared people, it was not a biology lab we were having the interview in. The makeup man simply re-glued the synthetic eye lashes. The real ones were somewhere underneath...

Continuing with our tete-a-tete…

Since you had once been a TV actress and now with so many big actors turning to TV…do you have any plans as such of going back?

I have no plans on TV yet. I have many projects. Apart from which I don’t think I can handle a 7 day week…and work 24X7. I would rather be on the big screen.

So since you're the vamp in Singh Is Kinng…do you also cause trouble between Akki-Kat?

Well, (smiles) when there's two women together, a little trouble is expected. (Follows it up quickly with…) Not personally…simple on screen.

Most of your films have a very dark tone to your character. The women are generally troubled or tormented…Why so? Do you identify better with such characters?

Well, I never saw it that way. I think playing a troubled role was more of a challenge and also hope that the audience would accept me as a better actor for those.

Moving back to Singh Is Kinng…what are the best moments?

I did some action sequences…like hopping out of the limousine. It was great. It was fun hanging out with the boys as well.

Why is there no real sardar in the cast of Singh Is Kinng?

I am a sardar. I am a sardarni. Though I don't wear a turban. There's more to being a sardar than just wearing a turban.

So how do you think Akki looks with the headgear?

I have grown up with men in turbans around me. I think Akki is the best looking sardar I have seen till date.

What do you think looks better…Akki with beard or Akki without beard?

It depends…

On WHAT?

Whether he's wearing a turban to go with the beard

Ok. There's this song with Akki-Kat that's on the lines of SRK-Kajol's Sooraj from K3G song they say. Who do you think looks hotter in a sari - Katrina, Kajol or Neha Dhupia?

Well, I think it's Kajol

You have to answer these real fast…

Films or Beauty Pageant?

Films

To you Size Zero is…

A number

Julie was a…

Great film

(We had to stop for a minute after this one. Just to make sure we don't laugh.)

Your favourite sport…

(Neha smiles. With her hair being combed simultaneously to add the bounce.) Can I name two?

Ok. But in the order of your liking it…

(Smiles again. WOW. Even if we did not know she was dating a squash player, we would know that NOW.)

Ok. First tennis. And then Squash. (smiles yet again)

If not films then?

Sports. (Ok. We now stop smiling)

So, Neha, finally, what are your upcoming projects?

There's Maharathi right after Singh Is Kinng. Then there's I Am 24 (where she has the cabaret sequence), Raat Gayi Baat Gayi, Paying Guest and an yet untitled film with Emraan Hashmi for Percept Picture Company.

Thanks a ton, Neha. And all the best for Singh Is Kinng.

Kat has even dubbed for herself: Bazmee

No Entry, Welcome and now Singh Is Kinng… Entertaining and blockbuster comedies are indeed Anees Bazmee's forte. Coming back with the same hit pair Akki-Kat from last years' blockbuster Welcome, this director is all set to break records with Singh Is Kinng this week. We chatted up with the man who unlike most stars came sharp on time for the scheduled interview. For once, we were late!

So Anees, what made you make a movie on sardars?

There are many reasons. For one, the film has given Akshay Kumar a new look. This is one look in which you have not seen Akki before. Though he had played a Punjabi in Namastey London, his look was nothing close to that of a sardar.

Also the sound of the film is very different. The Hindi used is very Punjabi with a lot of Punjabi words and lingos.

And also I though that, when 10-years down the line people will look at Akki's turban image, they would automatically connect to Singh Is Kinng. The entire look and feel of the film is so strong.

So are you also thinking of making a film on other communities? Say like on Bengalis?

(Laughs) Well if there's a script that moves slowly…(Smiles) and is sweet enough…then I will make a film on Bengalis.

This was a very energetic and loud script. The characters were always doing something. There was a lot of action. The characters are daring and still quite innocent. So I made them sardars.

So is this movie anything like Gadar or Jo Bole So Nihaal?

I have watched both the films. I loved Gadar. It was a romance. Singh Is Kinng is a fun film with a lot of romance and emotions. It is very true to the heart.

So why no real sardars in the cast of a sardar movie?

Well there's more than enough Punjabis…Neha Dhupia is a Sardar, Sonu, Yash, Sudhanshu, Kirron Kher, Om Puri all are Punjabis. In fact, Katrina and I used to feel so left out on the sets with the rest chattering away in rapid Punjabi. It was like Punjab ke kisi khet mein aa gaye ho.

Anees then attended to his son's call who'd just come back from school. He even asked if the kid had eaten and explained politely that he couldn't talk to him since he was in an interview. A sweet gesture we thought, in spite being a successful director to think about his son's food and school and such seemingly trivial issues in life.

Anyways, we continued with the questions…

Katrina in her pink skirt is already grabbing eyeballs. Do you think that would be a big factor to draw the masses to the theatre?

People love Katrina. In very little time she has achieved a lot. I know her for a very long time now. And I always knew she was very sure of what she's doing. In fact, in this film she has done the dubbing herself. Abhi Hindi bhi bol leti hai thik thak. She is a pleasure to work with and a very nice girl. As for the pink dress… I am sure that suits her very well. I however, personally prefer her in a sari. She is also wearing some kajal or something and looking quite awesome.

Why is your film titled Singh Is Kinng?

Whenever we make a film, we at least think of 10-15 titles. For this however, we did not think of even one. Akshay Kumar was very happy to hear about this role. Maybe he wanted to play a sardar for a very long time but was not getting the right script or the director or just the right opportunity. He was really excited about his role. He was the one who suggested the title. He had read it somewhere behind a truck – 'Singh Is Kinng'. And the moment I heard that, I knew this was it.

Speaking of Akshay Kumar, the year 2007 belonged to him. However, 2008 was not a very good start for him with Tashan. How do you think this film will work for him?

Akki is at a place in his career when one or two odd films that don't do too well, doesn't affect his stardom. He has worked very hard for this. In this movie, I feel he has given his best performance.

No Entry and Welcome, both were great hits. But somehow the critics did not give them too good a review. What do you feel about that?

Can you please tell critics to write good about a film that the audience will anyways enjoy? They should write something that would inspire me to do better but till date I have never been inspired by a critic's review. I think they just rip any movie apart to prove their superiority. I'm quite sure if their own children would want to go for the same movie, they wouldn't say 'NO'. Children can't be made to understand all the ridiculous logic. If they find something enjoyable, they just simply love it.

If the film clicks with the masses, I think the critics just make it a point to rip the movie apart simply to appear as someone 'above the audience'.

Ok. Moving on… In the trailer of Singh Is Kinng, we heard a line on Don… so is the movie a take on Don and/or SRK?

No, not at all. I just wrote the dialogue, which was entertaining. I did not mean anything bad for anybody in it. I wrote the line with a lot of honesty and meant it for fun.

If you were to remake Singh Is Kinng, what would you call it?

Singh Is Kinng Part 2. Because really I can't think of a better title. I can write about 15 to 20 more films with the same characters. Actually the characters are so lovable, you just have to change the situations and a completely new film is made.

Why choose 8/8/8 as the release date? Anything significant?

Yes. Yes, indeed. Mr Vipul Shah believes in these lucky date things. And he thinks 8/8/8 will prove to be lucky. I personally do not believe in numerology. And if they believe in all this, I don't want to hurt their sentiments.

Give us three reasons why we should watch Singh Is Kinng…

Only three? I can give millions…

Ok, 1) Akshay Kumar; 2) Akshay Kumar's new look; 3) The hit jodi Akki-Kat; 4)…

Four?

I will give two more… 4) Good music and 5) Anees Bazmee who's given hits like No Entry and Welcome.

So is it only comedies and more comedies for you now?

No. I don't want to make comedies anymore. I have had successful romantic films. I don't want to get bored doing the same genre over and over again. Welcome and Singh Is Kinng and No Entry had been a mere coincidence.

Since you really don't believe in critics' reviews… how much would you rate Singh Is Kinng?

If I can't rate any of my film five out of five, then why make them, right?

The ladies and their 'toy boys'

We hear of Paedophilia and say 'EEEWWWWW'. Call it Oedipus or Electra complex and it becomes all of a sudden something very intellectual and academic. Better still, call it something to the effect of how older heroines these days want to be seen on screen with younger actors and the entire 'EEEWWWW' suddenly becomes 'WOW'.

Believe it or not, many older actresses these days are voicing their wishes of appearing on screen and being paired with a younger boy. And accept it or not, many of you out there (boys and women) might be nursing a similar thought or wish in your heart.

And we say 'WHY NOT?' If older men can be paired with younger women, why shouldn't it be the same the other way round? After all in this day and age of 'women's lib' everything has to be equal right? So why did people make a hue and cry with Bipasha being paired opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Bachna Ae Haseeno? I can name at least 10 actresses from the top of my mind who've been paired with the fatherly Amitabh Bachchan in the days when he just wouldn't quit playing the hero.

The wishes we might silently harbour in our hearts in real life, when suddenly brought forth through films become something extremely controversial and at times 'shocking'. Here's a look into a few examples of the older women and their 'boy toys' strictly from tinsel town. Read on…

What's wrong with seducing Ranbir?
So Bipasha is playing the seductress to a much younger Ranbir Kapoor in their forthcoming film Bachna Ae Haseeno, so what? When the 'age' factor was brought up more than a sensible number of times, our Bengali beauty lost it. Recently she made her thoughts quite public about how 'SHE' feels about the entire age issue.

Well, if there's someone as sexy as Bips, we don't really care about her age, now do we? And if she happens to be kilojoules hotter than real life girlfriend Deepika, it's not really Ranbir's fault that the director would want Bips to be the seductress rather than Deepika.

We also heard recently about the silent war between Deepika and Bipasha over (of course) Ranbir. But the girl should probably understand that if she can romance SRK, Bips can seduce Ranbir too…And moreover, Bips is happy having a hotter than the oven boyfriend John Abraham, Ranbir for her is just… let's see a 'boy toy'?

When Ranbir came between Vidya-Shahid

Well, we all know about the so called 'romance' between Vidya Balan and Shahid Kapoor, which after much speculation turned out to be just another 'rumour'. But then again, when there are fumes, there must've been a fire. At least a little flame of some sort.

Much was said when Vidya Balan finally was cast opposite the actor much younger to her in Kismat Konnection. Many of us till date talk about how she was looking like Shahid's 'aunty' or 'bhabhi' in the film. But did Vidya really care? She took up the challenge and made the chemistry in the film really work…age notwithstanding.

And that was not all. The actress in a recent chat on Buzz18.com expressed her wish to act with Ranbir and Imran, both, mind you, years below her age. In spite of users asking her and talking about how she should act with Aamir Khan and Madhavan, the actress was bold enough to express her desires. And considering the way she can make the 'chemistry' look real (even with an ape, as a colleague once had said) with just about anybody or anything, we say, WHY NOT?

Ash is older to Abhishek and she for sure romances him not only on screen
"If Ash can marry Abhishek who's three years younger to her (or is it four?) then why can't I be cast opposite Ranbir?" said Bipasha when the 'age' questions became too much to handle. And it's not just Ash. Amrita had married Saif when Saif was only a kid. She was eight or nine years his senior and bore him not one but two children. What's more, they definitely qualified as one of the longest and steadiest Bollywood couples of recent times.

If a Dilip Kumar could marry a Saira Banu half his age, why not an Aishwarya Rai or Amrita Singh? The western counterparts of our tinsel townies surely don't bother themselves with such trivialities like age-gap. Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher for example appear very happy together in spite of the fact, Ashton was probably licking his thumb lying in his pram when Demi was lying in the hospital giving birth to her first child.

Akshaye's Oedipus complex

We may not want to say it, but men (at least 85 per cent of them) have a 'thing' for older women. Many still drool over Dimple Kapadia coming out of the sea in Sagar. Many still drool over Dimple Kapadia…PERIOD.

The Akshaye Khanna-Dimple Kapadia relationship depicted in Farhan Akhtar's film Dil Chahta Hai was just an example of the same. And Dimple sure fit the bill of the mysterious, graceful and strong older woman.

A poorer depiction of the same was seen in Ek Chhotisi Love Story with Manisha Koirala. Though Koirala had or has no attribute of the desirable older woman, the movie however managed to get in to all kind of controversies for all the wrong reasons.

The older women younger men romance syndrome is thus not only restricted to women. The men too harbour wishes on the same lines, though however, none have really come out with it except for in reel life.

Shabana and Dimple's 'boy love'

In want of a better word for Paedophilia, we called this section 'boy love'. Well, real emotional (not physical) love for a boy your son's age can hardly be called Paedophilia right? And this 'boy love' happens. It's not just some random thought only seen in movies. After all, movies are meant to be the mirror of our society.

When Shabana Azmi fell in love with a younger Zakir Hussain and the love was reciprocated in the film Saaz, we thought the idea was almost blasphemous. To make matters worse, in the film, Shabana's daughter played by Ayesha Dharker falls in love with the same man who's just about the 'right-age' for her by Indian social standards.

So then what happens? Love they say is all-encompassing…does it really encompass the barrier of age then? Obviously 'NO'. In another film, Leela, Dimple Kapadia, a lonely though married woman happens to fall in love with her friend's son. Dimple the quintessential desirable older woman once again makes the plot so believable with her charm that any boy would be more than eager to fall in love with her.

The REAL 'toy boys'

And of course there are these real 'toy boys'. Devoid of any love or emotion, these relationships are based only on sheer pleasure. More often than not, the pleasure is restricted only to the older woman. And there are quite a few examples of these in our Bollywood masala flicks.

The more recent one is the relationship between Archana Puran Singh and Upen Patel in the film Money Hai Toh Honey Hai. A struggling model, Upen falls prey to fashion designer Archana's promises of making him the best model in town…the price obviously is by being her lover. That's of course a more light hearted take on the entire issue. But if you take some time to think maybe you'll realise that the casting couch is not strictly made for a particular gender, it can be and maybe is the other way round as well.

Then of course, if we are talking of 'toy boys' we can't forget about ravishing Rekha. The actress may have once upon a time in her life loved truly madly and deeply one actor whose name started with 'A', but could that possibly explain her series of on-screen and off-screen liaisons with many actors whose names started with 'A' and years (in age) started when she stopped counting hers.

There are many many more such instances in Bollywood as well as outside…but still whenever this 'age' issue comes up, it manages to 'surprise' or 'shock' us. Think it's time we got used to this though…with more actresses expressing their wishes and some of them coming true.

REVIEW: Sayali Bhagat's Good Luck

...and we wish the cast and crew of the film the same

Good Luck is a copy of the 2006 Lindsay Lohan film, Just My Luck. It has everything that the Hollywood film had to offer and more. Right from the 'soap suds' scene to the girl working in a bowling alley-cum-restaurant, the filmmakers have copied it all. Do we need to say more? Let us also add that it's an extremely BAD remake. This more or less sums up this Aditya Datt film.

But then you may ask 'Why is it BAD?' Well, let's see…

1. The so-called lead actors can't act.

2. They can't even dance.

3. The songs are pathetic (one actually goes… Gimme a kiss…ooo Miss…de de chum-ma)

4. A very confused climax which is so-not-funny.

5. Sayali Bhagat is really not that pretty.

6. Just one raunchy number (c'mon after Aashiq Banaya Aapne from the same director we expected more of that if nothing else)

Just why should one go for this movie?

That was the question we asked the hero Aryemaan (who was also there for the screening) right before the movie started. "A great climax, me and good actors!" was the answer we got.

So Aryemaan here's what we thought of the three 'strong points' of the film:

The Great Climax

Remember Andaz Apna Apna? Or Priyadarshan's Hungama for that matter? Remember the way there was this 'too many people running after something' and completely chaotic climax scenes?

Well, here they tried to recreate a chaotic environment of that sort. In parts it was amusing. And some may find it funny too. After all, girls kissing girls and boys kissing boys may look funny at times. But then too much of anything can get boring. The very same thing happens here. The entire episode is stretched beyond belief…watching it you might feel you're going to snap.

Had the entire sequence been chopped, cut and trimmed a little more, it wouldn't have turned out all that inane. But then again chances are as a viewer you might not be around to see the climax at all.

Aryemaan

It was amazing how he maintained the same expression throughout the movie. Maintaining the same droopy eyes and a vague kind of 'I-am-so-lost' expression is definitely not a matter of joke.

But on the flipside, Aryemaan turned out to be better than the female lead Sayali Bhagat (that's not saying much though, considering even Tuffy, the dog was better than her in Hum Aapke Hain Kaun).

He would probably do well as a villain's sidekick in a masala Bollywood film.

Good actors

At least this was a valid point. Barring the main lead actors and a few here and there, the others were actually good. Lucky Ali, playing the role of the successful entrepreneur was tolerable. Ranvir Shorey, as the gigolo was convincing. Though why he had to act in such a movie somewhat eluded us.

Archana Puran Singh with her antics suited the role of the funny fortune-teller. She has by now perfected the art of playing the funny, elderly woman. And the one who was actually funny was Mushtaq Khan playing Lucky Ali's secretary in the film.

As for the movie in general, as we've already said, it's a waste. The lucky kiss was probably the only USP of the film and even they were disastrously boring. The only somewhat interesting kiss was perhaps the one between Ranvir Shorey and Sharat Saxena.

This is not what one would expect from the director of Aashiq Banaya Aapne. And hey, wasn't Sayali supposed to be hot and sexy? Except for one number where she rolls in sand and bathes in water, nothing else was remotely sexy. And even in that, the hero Aryemaan somewhat looked hotter. You can't really tell who's hot in a fight between a stalactite and stalagmite, now can you?

Verdict

If you haven't watched Just My Luck, watch it on DVD this weekend. It's a good film. And if you have, watch it again rather than wasting time and money on this one.

Rating

1/5 (That's for the non-lead actors who tried…really)

REVIEW: God Tussi Great Ho

After a long time, here's a film that promises clean comic moments

There are some films which have stars we'll perhaps never see together again. Started years back (before the Ash-Abhi wedding), God Tussi Great Ho can be treasured forever as one such film. But that is not the only thing that makes this movie special. Here are some things that worked and some didn't.

Here we go…

This movie, after a very long time presents on screen some really funny moments free of puns, sexual innuendoes, spoofs or any such thing. The dialogues and their delivery make you feel like smiling while watching this one.

Also, God Tussi… is perhaps one of the better made plagiarised or rather 'inspired' flicks of recent times. It has drawn a LOT from the 2003 Jim Carrey-Morgan Freeman-starrer Bruce Almighty. Or maybe…just maybe it was director Tom Shadyac who drew inspiration from this Bolly flick considering it probably went on the floors in 2003 as well.

The third thing that we liked was Salman Khan. He not only looked younger (considering he was younger then), he was actually funny too. He is good with his goofy moments and quick movements that make his character extra special. And he's probably the only person who could have pulled a Jim Carrey well enough. And even Amitabh justifies Morgan Freeman's role of the Almighty God pretty well. After all the Big B is sort of demigod in this country, isn't he?

Now let's see why you will not like this film…

Well, in spite of being funny (without being vulgar), sweet and simple, chances are this movie won't work. Primarily because it has been released a little too late. Though many movies based on 'luck' and 'fate' and 'Kismat' has released of late, this film looks and feels old. And we are not only talking about the sets, designs, actors, songs, lyrics, dance steps or camera angles. It's the entire look and feel of the film that's way too old. While watching it, we felt that we've just pulled out an old DVD for a nice nostalgic evening.

Thus the movie cannot be compared to any recent flick. It might not do well, but then it was not made for NOW. Just teleport yourself five years back and you'd probably have liked the film for what it is…viz SIMPLE, PURE FUN.

Age gap aside, this movie is probably a bit too slow as well. The songs were completely unnecessary. What could have been a more than opportune moment for the interval was pulled another five minutes to explain it further and drag it longer for the much required break. Like really, the audience has definitely grown wiser in these five years, certain things they could've understood by themselves.

As for the lead actress Priyanka, she is just a prop in the film with nothing significant to do. Yes, she does add to the glam quotient.

And now for the truth…

Evaluation of a film and technicalities aside, am now going to tell you what I really FELT watching it. After all, we go for a movie to feel good right. How often do we go to the theatre for intellectual stimulation?

Truthfully, when I went for this film, I had NO expectations. And maybe that's why it felt good when it did NOT live up to my expectations. It was definitely not mind blowing, something really pathbreaking or even fresh. I knew it to be a copy of Bruce Almighty and it turned out to be just that. Still it did not disappoint or get me bored. I actually smiled quite often despite trying hard to keep a straight face and looking extremely arty and intellectual. The songs were boring though. What caught me and all present at the theatre unawares was the final few moments. I really want to talk about it…but maybe one of you out there will go for this film and I really don't want to spoil the fun.

Verdict: It's not pathbreaking or fresh. It does not have any hot newcomer to drool over. The songs are bad. But if you want to spend a nice evening with your family, you might just want to opt for this one.

Rating: 2/5

REVIEW: What Happens In Vegas

An Ashton Kutcher-Cameron Diaz romantic comedy minus romance and comedy

So what happens in Las Vegas? A lot of ideas for movies it seems. Irrespective of the fact whether the movie turns out to be palatable or not. As for this film, it was leaning more towards the latter.

With Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz in a movie named What Happens In Vegas and a tagline that says 'battle of the sexes', we expected something like a How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days or a There's Something About Mary. But oh no! This movie was nothing close to anything romantic or comical at all.

For one there was 'NO' chemistry between Kutcher and Diaz. Kutcher who has probably acted only in romantic comedies all his life looked like Diaz's son or at the least her nephew who's just grown prematurely tall. And Diaz could make do with Botox, like NOW!

Though in real life Kutcher might just be sharing earth shattering chemistry with his wife Demi Moore who's two decades his senior, and we may think for once that he's used to kindling some chemistry even with older people, in the film, the age difference between the actors defy his capabilities for sure.

So what happens in the movie?

The story line is very predictable and so Bollywood that we almost had doubts of Karan Johar or Aditya Chopra ghost directing the film. So anyway, it starts of with Kutcher losing his job and Diaz being dumped by her boyfriend. And what do they do to get over their grief? VISIT VEGAS!!!

A stereotypical collage of Vegas follows which is shot fairly well, not as good as the collage in 21 but definitely better than Ghai's Pardes. It is actually the best part of the film. The hero and his friend hook up with the heroine and her friend under extremely filmy circumstances. If you are a Bollywood fan, you probably already know what happens next.

For those who don't follow Bollywood, here's what you can expect...a drunken marriage in Vegas (a la Friends, remember Ross and Rachel?), a three million dollar Jackpot, a divorce that will split the money equally, an effeminate judge who wants the couple to try and make the marriage work, a counsellor who's actually Queen Latifah who has 15 lines or less to say in the entire film and so on and so forth.

Well, the story is predictable, many romantic comedies are. But how does that justify the utterly stereotypical situations that make the story? Every situation is either forced or you just know what will happen next. And not even the cute Kutcher makes it bearable.

To watch or not to watch?

Vegas is good. What Happens In Vegas well, is not the same. The movie lacks the cute, romantic feel that generally such movies have. Even Ashton Kutcher has ceased to look cute.

Only probably towards the end for a split second you'll feel the cute love feel, but apart from that, it's just a film which does nothing to you.

VERDICT: Considering there are no major releases this weekend, you might want to go for it. But seriously if you do not want to waste money, just wait for six months and watch it on one of the english movie channels which will air it for sure.

RATING: 1.5/5

I identify with Rampal's character: Rock On director

For those who did not know, Rock On is directed by Abhishek Kapoor. Yes, and much as we choose to believe that it was Farhan's film, the director who's finally tasted success would like us to believe otherwise. Over a short phone call, the happy director told us how success feels and what he likes about Rock On...Read On...

Hi, Abhishek, so how does it feel to have travelled from Aryan to Rock On?

Well, it definitely feels great. It has been an interesting journey!

So, how did it happen? From boxing to music...

Well, the backdrops have been different. Aryan was a love story, the back drop was boxing. Rock On is a nostalgic trip for a group of friends. The background could have been anything. Well, moving from boxing to music has been a different experience.

Which one do you personally like better - boxing or music?

They are two different things. I can't compare the two. they are totally different.

Well, moving on...after the success of Rock On, people expect more from you. Does it scare you?

I don't look at things that way. I compete only with myself. Every movie is a learning process. It only makes me better.

How much of you is there in Rock On?

Not only Rock On. Both my films - Aryan and Rock On have me in it. Both have this underdog which rises and there's a lot of hope in both. The characters do what they want to do and they struggle to achieve what they want. And that's a great moment. Like with Rock On, now I feel like my struggles have found an answer.

If Rock On is your story, then which character would you identify with?

Joe's character. All the characters have a piece of me. But Joe is the closest. Aditya is what I aspire to be.

(Well, well, well...So even director Abhishek Kapoor is Arjun Rampal now. NICE. Considering half the country wants to be Joe post Rock On and the other half wants to marry him.)

We thought we'd move on to other actors and characters in the film...

Which is your favourite scene from the film?

You mean Rock On?

Yes.

Well, I would say the scene where Farhan and Prachi have a fight right before the interval. The intensity of the scene was awesome and the performances by both Farhan and Prachi were brilliant.

Who out of the two newcomers, Prachi and Farhan is your favourite?

Well, as for Farhan, I knew he'd deliver this well. When I saw him, I saw him in the role...as Aditya. I had very high expectations from him and he's delivered. But Arjun Rampal really impressed me. He was superb as Joe.

And what about Prachi? (We reminded him since he seemed to have forgotten her)

I have never seen Prachi's earlier work. I cast her because I thought she fitted the character. And she's done fine!

(So HE had cast Prachi...now we know!)

Ok. So...Critics have loved the film. But some of them found it a li'l lengthy. Do you think it could have been shorter?

No. It could not have been shorter. And by the way, it's NOT lengthy. The film is two hours twenty minutes, which is a decent length for a Hindi feature film. Maybe the pace was not akin to the pacy Bollywood films. Most of them go too fast. But then in such films, that's required. This film was nostalgic. It was about remembering the past. There is a certain rhythm to the film to make the experience even stronger.

The songs in the film were extremely situational. So whose idea was that? You, Farhan or Javed Akhtar?

Other than Sinbad the Sailor, the other songs were not too situational. The songs came from Aditya. They were an extension of his personality. When he was young, the songs were youthful. As he grew up, they changed. Sinbad epitomises the soul of the film. I totally identify with it. From Aryan to here...the song i can really identify with.

(So it's Aditya who worked the songs out...does that mean Farhan or some third person?)

What kind of music do you like?

I listen to all kinds of music. From Punjabi to classical. I even listen to Bollywood songs at times.

Tell us...how was it working with Jason West?

It was great. His sense of framing made me choose him. I knew he'd be able to build the story better than any Indian cinematographer. Primarily because we wanted to depict Bombay in a new way. And Bombay has been shot so many times in so many films, we wanted to show things differently. We wanted an underground, grunge feel for the film.

How was it shooting the concert sequences?

With so much training and rehearsals, it was easy. We shot most of it in just one go. It was fun.

So, how does it feel...the success?

I feel redeemed. I have been around for quite some time. And it has not been too easy. Now I feel good.

So you feel like Joe?

Yeah, you can say that!

REVIEW: Ru-Ba-Ru is 'not bad'

But great performances and a good concept may not add up to a good film

The Randeep Hooda and Shahana Goswami starrer Ru Ba Ru is yet again an 'inspired' film. Mind you, that does not necessarily mean it's bad. In fact, the concept and the idea behind the film are very good. But somehow, something went amiss.

Exactly what goes wrong with the film, if you ask, is not anything in particular. But there are a handful of things that work against the otherwise 'not bad' film. For one, Randeep Hooda is hot, no doubt, but somehow he lacks a certain screen presence and does not suit the normal loving man image. He is much better as a gangster.

Also, who said he got his first film, which happens to be Monsoon Wedding, for his Australian accent and not his acting capabilities? That person surely needs to know that in this film he did not even have the accent!

Also, there were instances which were extremely 'filmy' in an otherwise practical film. Maybe that is where the movie goes awfully wrong. It's like you are watching this 'piece of life' story…well almost, but suddenly it throws up a situation which is so masala Bollywood that you are left completely confused.

I could've given you examples, but then it would be like giving away the story…and that's the only thing that keeps the movie afloat. Apart from, of course, a brilliant performance by Shahana Goswami.

The girl who with her little role in Rock On!! has already proved to be a brilliant actress, in this film, shows us that she is definitely not a one-film wonder and neither is she a 'parallel' cinema actress. The girl is a natural.

Talking about the movie, it talks about two people living together, obviously in love and their relationship. How over the years, they have started to think more about the 'practical' aspects of life and less about love.

It upholds a very true picture of life that long time lovers or married people would very well identify with. It talks about things that every married couple or long time lovers go through day in and day out. And the film very effectively puts it forth and leaves a message.

The movie teaches you how to live for the moment and enjoy what you have today rather than wasting it for tomorrow.

Coming to the Randeep-Shahana chemistry (because a lot depended on the chemistry) it is good. Partly because Shahana is exceptionally good with acting. They look like a couple who have been together for a REALLY long time. They look good together and though the much hyped kissing scenes are nothing sensuous or earth shatteringly romantic, they looked like the kinds long time lovers would share.

As for the movie in general, though certain characters and scenes could have been done without, the film is not altogether that bad. It has some brilliant performances and the story though lifted from a Hollywood film called If Only, is good.

VERDICT: Go for this film with your spouse or lover and both of you might end up learning something.

RATING: 2.5/5

Aamir, Madhur and now SRK...the cloning celebs

Old movie names are 'borrowed' by newer filmmakers day in and day out. And at times they are remakes of the old original. That is how today, we've ended up having the old Dostana, the new Dostana; the old Don and the new Don (and the soon- to-happen newer Don) so on and so forth.

But the latest trend in Bollywood is to borrow the titles or at least parts of it at that moment itself. Well as they say, strike the iron when it's still hot.

Bollywood biggies are wasting no time in borrowing from big film titles. The latest example being that of the King Khan. When Rajinikanth discarded the title Robot of his next film and called it Enthiram, SRK happily caught hold of it. Shah Rukh did not stop there. He went ahead to register nine movie titles which had the word Robot in it for his company Red Chillies. The titles registered by Shah Rukh Khan are Robot, Mein Hoon Robot, Mera Robot, Pyara Robot, Robot a Hero, Robot Hoon Mein, Robot My Hero, Robotics and Robott.

Recently there have been quite a few films which have either 'borrowed' titles or plots from big banner films, more often than not, to ride on the former's success (if any, of course).

Delhi Belly and Dilli 6 and Underbelly

Delhi seems to be a hot spot for Mumbai filmmakers at the moment. After so many films on Mumbai, Mumbai Meri Jaan, Mumbai Cutting, Mumbai Chakachak, will come two films Delhi Belly and Dilli 6.

The movies, which have similar titles are still under production. Dilli 6 to be made by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra stars Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor while Aamir's Delhi Belly to be directed by Abhinav Deo will star Aamir (in a negative role) and his nephew Imran Khan.

But that's not all. Aamir's Delhi Belly has also stirred up a new battle with his one-time friend Amole Gupte. Gupte has already started work on a project called Underbelly and has already started blaming Aamir of stealing his title.

Now we are waiting for Rakeysh Mehra to start blaming Aamir as well. But if you ask me, the names of either film is really not worth fighting for or over. After all, the columnist Jug Suraiya did write Delhi Belly years ago and besides what's so innovative about putting a numeral in after a city name…

Fashion and World Of Fashion

Now this is something new. Produced by Vijayshree Productions and directed by Sanjay Khadelwal, here's a film that got inspired by Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion even before the latter released.

And it's not just the name, the director Sanjay seems to have borrowed. The movie that calls itself The World Of Fashion, talks about the darker side of the fashion industry just like its inspiration and also stars three women and one man like the former.

The difference however is the complete sleaze that fills the inspired version. Director Sanjay Khandelwal seems to have adapted Madhur's film into a low budget B-grade form. The actors who play the characters of Priyanka, Kangana, Mugdha and Arjan are absolutlely unheard of people called Priti Soni, Reema Ramchandani, Kashish and Ejaz Khan.

Phoonk and Rooh

What is up with Sanjay Khandelwal, one wonders. This filmmaker it seems has taken it on himself to make B-grade versions of all the big Bolly flicks it seems. As if getting inspired by Fashion was not enough for him, he has also turned to RGV for inspiration.

RGV had chosen black magic as a subject for his film Phoonk; Sanjay on the other hand decided to make a film about 'black power'. Though we may never really know the difference. The 'black power' film coincidentally also has a little girl who is taken over by demons. It's what we call 'eerie' similarity.

However, Sanjay Khandelwal seems to have hit it right. RGV's Phoonk did well. And Madhur's Fashion also might be a stunner! Who knows, there may just be an audience who'd want to watch even the B-grade version of the successful films!

TPTM and TLTM

The first set of films to enter such a controversy was of course the Yash Raj produced and Kunal Kohli directed Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic and actor-turned-producer Sahil Chadda's Thodi Life Thoda Magic.

Though the filmmakers claimed that TLTM was registered earlier and it was Yash Raj who stole their title (which could well be true considering Kunal Kohli's project was unnamed till early this year), whatever publicity the Jackie Shroff-starrer got was due to its title controversy.

A series of fights followed with multiplex owners banning TLTM, which the industry declared to be a Yash Raj ploy and so on and so forth.

Nonetheless TPTM bombed so badly at the box office, that Rani and Saif wanted to go into hibernation. It could not support itself so Sahil's dreams of riding on it's success (if any) were soon squished.

Well, they say 'What's in a name?' We say, ask the Bolly filmmakers that. With the fights and controversies taking place over movie titles it seems people have forgotten what a film should actually be about…the story and NOT the name!

MUSIC REVIEW: Roadside Romeo

Not pathbreaking. But apt for an animation flick

Some may say that movie soundtracks need not be outstanding all the time. They believe, the singers come out with their personal music albums for exactly that reason. And that's because, songs from a film need to belong to the film. It needs to be complementary to the story and the feeling that is unique to that film and that film only. The soundtrack of Yash Raj's first animation flick directed by Jugal Hansraj and co-produced by Walt Disney is exactly that.

Roadside Romeo is an animation film about the love story of two cool dogs. And when you listen to the soundtrack, you can almost see the cute creatures dancing to them. Take the doggy characters out, and the songs will fall flat.

By saying that, we don't mean that the songs are bad. They are cute, peppy and a lot of fun. But they are not unique on their own. They are nothing different from the tunes that we keep hearing these days. Every song sounds like something that we might have already heard. But listen to it carefully and think of the dogs who will be mouthing them, and all of a sudden the songs become more interesting.

Keeping in mind the main target audience of the film, the lyrics by Jaideep Sahni have been kept sweet and simple with a lot of English words sprinkled generously throughout. The tunes by Salim-Suleiman are good too. It's youthful with a lot of beats and technical sound effects. At times, the songs will remind you of Vishal-Shekhar's Salaam Namaste songs.

For instance, the title track, Main Hoon Romeo sung by Kunal Ganjawala is peppy, spunky and suits a dog with oodles of attitude.

Though Ganjawala has done justice to his numbers, the surprise singing sensation in the entire album is Jaaved Jaffrey. Yes, he has sung. And so has our cool Romeo Saif Ali Khan. The song Cool Cool is perhaps the coolest number in the album and that's primarily because of the special something added to it by these two actors.

The song starts with this cool beat on which you can almost see the dogs moonwalking full on MJ style. And Saif comes in with his uber cool accent. But Jaaved with his South Indian accent and broken English takes the cake…and eats it too, presumably in his dark alley corner.

The coolest thing about this album is that the songs sound like a part of the story. In Cool Cool you can almost see Anna and Romeo fighting over Laila and in Apni Dum Bhi Oonchi Ho you can see Romeo and his doggy friends trying to be cool and all. You will almost know the characters once you are through with the album. At least the three main characters – Romeo, Anna and Laila.

But one thing that is true for all the songs in the album is that - just take the characters out of them and they lose their charm. Its like, when you are listening to the album with the pictures of these cute doggy characters in front, the songs make a lot of sense and you'll probably listen to them for curiosity sake if not anything else. Take the picture out and it suddenly becomes background score.

And also, apart from probably the Cool Cool song, the title track Main Hoon Romeo and Apni Dum Bhi Oonchi Ho, the others sound like a rehash of the more youthful Yash Raj flicks like Salaam Namaste and Neil N Nikki.

In short, the songs are not like that of Tashan or any other film which work in spite of the film failing miserably. They are definitely pleasant but not path breaking. The songs do not somehow have the capacity of selling the film. But if the film sells, the soundtrack will too.

VERDICT: If you are five to 10 years of age (even those at heart will do) or know somebody who is, take them for the movie and buy them the album afterwards. It's a nice album no doubt but definitely not a keepsake for others.