What are the emotions like on the eve of the release of your 10th film?

I’m actually quite excited driving around Chennai seeing the posters everywhere. I’m excited for everyone else in the film as well because everyone is very new and they’re all trying to make a new life so I hope the film is what they are looking for.

How did the role come your way?

I was so anxious when auditioning for the part knowing very well this was very different to what I had done in the past but at the same time I wasn’t sure if its something I could do. So when they rang me back I was thinking why on earth are they calling me back! Mostly because I had realised in the audition that Mrig (dir: Mrighdeep Singh Lamba) was a very tough taskmaster and  so didn’t think I could do what he required me to do. When I walked into the audition it was a scene out of Luck By Chance where there are so many people waiting to audition! So many girls I recognised from ads and other work so I just said to myself that there’s no way I’d make the cut. It just so happened they liked what they saw in me and their only concern was of course the language. Not only am I South Indian but more importantly I have an American accent and this film was to be shot in sync sound.

You said in an interview that Priya in Fukrey is very different to the real Priya, how so?

I think for starters our backgrounds, I’m a Marathi/Tamil/Telugu girl and that is what I’ve played in my films thus far. But here for the first time I play a Punjabi girl from Subhash Nagar. The way we look is also very different. Priya in Fukrey is very simple with a braid and salwar. Makeup requirement were nil for the film so everything you see is just mascara and eyeliner. So yes from background down to the look, I don’t think we’re alike at all.

Apart from your look, what else was new for you with Fukrey?

With Fukrey I got the chance to portray ‘young love’ for the first time. All my work till date be it 180 of Ko Ante Koti they’re all mature love stories. I think the reason a song like Ambersariya has made it to the top of the charts is not only that its a brilliant piece brought to life by Sona Mohapatra but also that it transports you to that moment in life when you experienced your first crush. So I think this was perhaps what made Fukrey so new for me.

So Fukrey is a lot of firsts did this mean extra preparation was required?

I was just so happy to celebrate my 10th film with something so different. One of the main things I had to be aware of was that I had my dialect and accent well prepped because we were shooting on live locations in sync sound. So there’s a pressure of getting things right and wrapping it all up on time especially when you’re shooting in a place like Chandni Chowk. I think getting into the character got easier once I got into the clothes. More than that half the battle is won when you have someone like Mrig directing you. He was so prepared for me and everyone else that we didn’t have to think too much but just follow instructions which is something I truly needed with this film. Usually I’m left on my own to attempt a scene but since this was so out of the box I really needed the step by step guidance.

The film is very relationship centric so performances are no doubt very interactive. Did you do any preparatory work such as workshops etc with the rest of the team?

We most certainly did and I think that is the perks of working with a production house like Excel because they’re very systematic in the way they function. They are brilliant with their pre-production. I’ve always been lucky that I do get scripts in advance for films even down South so I’m never left to enter the set without knowing what I’ll be doing, but with Fukrey the preparatory work went beyond that. We had a narrative sitting where every actor, no matter how big or small their part in the film is, came and we read out lines. This helped us as we got to know what the film was going to shape up to be. In way we heard the film before we saw the film. I thought it was a brilliant initiative which I’d never experienced before and would love to be able to do something similar for my films down South.

It’s a well known fact now that the reason you went for that intimidating audition that day was because it was backed up by Excel Entertainment, so how has your experience been working with one of the best production houses we have today?

It has been amazing! I’m enamoured by the way they promote and market a film. They also go to such great extent to ensure everyone is on the same page from the word go. I am someone who really is interested in the technical side of film making so it was a huge learning experience that I wish to take back down South with me. I think Fukrey again highlighted the only major difference between the three industries (Tamil, Telugu and Hindi) which is the way the they approach the promotion of a film. Furkey’s promotion has just been so innovative! We had our director and producers entering an event on bicycles and the boys on a horse! It was so out of the box and appropriate for the film.

Do you think having a producer who also is a creative person brings something more to the table beyond the commercial knowledge about cinema?

Absolutely because Farhan can think like a director, actor, musician and the audience! In that way he has an advantage over everyone else working on the film because he’s so knowledgeable in so many aspects. He’s creativity reflects in the fact that he never repeats anything in any of his work be it as a director or producer which is why he has the kind of credit to his name and work today that he does.

We’ve had a host of movies about the youth and primarily films currently seem to target this large sector of the Indian population, so what do you think sets Fukrey apart from the others?

I agree on the face of it Fukey looks like a film about the youth because everyone is young, new and fresh but at the same time I think no matter how old you are at some point in your life you’ve been a fukra. You’ve been a brat, careless and stubborn. If not that then you’ve known one or wanted to be one. In that way I think Fukrey has a universal appeal.

Why do you think our writers love this concept of youth stories and don’t seem to run out of stories about this phase in life?

I think its because everyone’s youth is very different. So many different experience and personalities to talk about. So there’s many stories to tell about this beautiful time of uncertainty, of dreaming big and wanting so much out of life. It’s the time when you’re most positive. You’re yet to take the steps to put your plans into action, you’re just still dreaming. Slowly one comes to the realisation that reality is something else. So this is a phase we all go through but everyone goes through it in their own way so I guess there’s always a story to tell.

Today you’ve worked with actors as senior as Sridevi, as contemporary as Sharwanand and as new as the cast of Fukrey, so what do you think is the unique thing actors of all three levels bring on the sets?

Working with people like Sridevi is a grounding experience because you realize there’s so much to do still!  You realise there’s a lot of learning and defining of your craft that you’re still to achieve. When you work with new people the energy is all together different. My favourite aspect about working with newcomers is that so hungry to perform! They only bring their best to the set and there’s never a bad day on set! Coming to my contemporaries, when you work with people who are the same level as you feel comfortable to go back and worth with them in a healthy competition to see who’ll perform better. The crew of Ko Ante Koti found it really weird that I was always trying to do a scene better than Sharwa, to try and be the scene stealer and would get quite upset when I knew he’d outdone me. So its that comfort that I like when working with your contemporary because you’re on the same page.

Quality of newcomers we are getting today seems to be a lot different than the quality of newcomers in the past, do you think its because everyone is entering the industry having done a lot of preparation?

Definitely! There’s much more exposure and avenues to improve your craft before you enter. When I came in I came in completely unprepared and simply learnt on the job so it took me so much time to find myself and I am still finding myself! I think the newcomers nowadays have much more focus as they’ve been dreaming about becoming an actor all their lives. They are dedicated enough to attend acting classes, dancing classes etc. I think that all that prepares you in various way. But then I have to also say that a lot of newcomer set out replace an existing actor. They want to be the next Shahrukh and Ranbir but what they don’t realize is that Shahrukh and Ranbir were the first of their kind because they brought something new to the table. I approach my career differently in the sense that I don’t want to be replaceable. I don’t want to be the girl they call because they didn’t get the other girl. I want to be the girl they call because they can’t see anyone else playing that role but me. Lucky for me I have gotten to this platform in the Tamil film industry. I think that is the most important aspect and its what gives you longevity and makes you connect with the audience.

Last but not the least, 10 films, 4 years, 3 industries. How does it feel? Do you think you’ve gotten where you had wanted to be at 4 years ago?

I think my career has finally kicked off! 2013 is the year when work has been very exciting for me. Until now films tended to drag and a lot of other stuff was happening. But now I’m at a point where work comes to me, I don’t go looking for it. I find the more open minded I am about the work I want to do, the more insane the opportunities that come my way are and that is what I am so glad to see happening. Initially you’re insecure and you see what you contemporaries are doing and wonder if you’re missing out because you’re not doing ‘that’, but then I realize that I get to do things they don’t. If you’re huge star with a massive market you don’t get the chance to travel across the country work in different industries with the best minds of the industries, which is what I get to do!

Be sure to catch Priya on the big screen this weekend as Fukrey hits a theatre near you on the 14th of June! 

I don’t want to be replaceable – Priya Anand on the eve of her 10th film release, Fukrey. is a post from: BollySpice

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Two singers who need no introduction, Shankar Mahadevan and Sukwindar Singh in the company of newbie Sanchita Bhattacharya open the album with the Title Track. The song, which would otherwise be quite enjoyable, suffers from being over programmed. Never a good sign when you have to strain to hear the vocals. A shame because the track is a whole lot of fun and has a brilliant vocals behind it.

Loud and crazy go to a whole new level with Mika and Shreya Ghosal’s track Changli Hai Changli Hai. Over energetic with the inherent Mika touch, this track goes in the group of loud love tracks from the era of Govinda and Dhawan. Shreya, whom we usually hear in a very tamed tone, sounds as if she had a whole lot of fun with this number as her vocal blends with the genre quite well. Ishq mein tere raho main busy busy, kaam yeh mushkil hai nahi easy easy…not necessarily path breaking lyrics by Kumaar but definitely what the song, movie and genre demanded.

Next up to flaunt their Punjabi side are Sonu Nigam and Sunidhi Chauhan in Suit Tera Laal Rang Da. Believe it or not but this one is perhaps the most tamed of the tracks where the composers and programmers haven’t tried to jam all the beats of the world in one track and have left the simple and traditional Punjabi beats to work their magic. No doubt Sonu and Sunidhi are effortlessly brilliant. Kumaar has written quite endearing Punjabi lyrics. Definitely will see folks grooving to this one in the upcoming wedding season.

Sachin Gupta’s guest track Main Taan Aidaan Hi Nachna comes in next with a host of singers and non-singers being Diljit Dosanjh, Sachin Gupta himself and the deol Khandaan including 3rd generation deol Karan, Sunny, Dharmendra and Bobby. Within seconds of the track you come to a very harsh conclusion, the song is just noise! Perhaps the only commendable part of the track is its concept of blatantly takings digs at the Deol khandaan who as we all know aren’t the best of dancers but insist on doing so anyway.

Mika returns with Suzanne D’Mello in Jatt Yamla Pagla Ho Gayai. This one is a club number mixed with Punjabi flavour. Not the track you’ll be writing home about but perhaps not something you’ll rush to ‘next’ on the iPod.

Toshi Sabri and Sanchita Bhattacharya bring their version of the Title Track, which in many ways fairs much better than the original one. Perhaps because the vocals are far more discernable and Toshi’s voice brings a refreshing change to the tone of the album thus far.

It’s bro Sharib Sabri’s turn next who shines in his version of Jat Yamla Pagla Ho Gaya with Suzanne D’Mello. If you found the Punjabi flavour that comes with Mika’s voice in the original track go for this one as Sharib puts in a more Hindi touch to the track.

The best of the album is saved till the last, the YPD2 Mashup. By the time you reach this track you already had the tracks of the album mashing into one in your memory since they all cater to the crazy/loud/Punjabi flavour of the movie. Luckily the makers of the album fixed the problem by literally making a mash-up for you! The mash up is definitely a lot of fun more than the individual tracks even!

Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 is an album the delivers exactly what you expected from it. The title track, Mashup, Sunidhi/Sonu’s Suit Tera Laal Rang Da and alternative track version by the Sabri brothers make it worth a listen otherwise it remains an album that will work much better onscreen and not necessarily something you’ll be itching to get on your personal playlists instantly.

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Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Flying Unicorn have done just that with ‘Bombay Talkies’ – a 80 minute film that is the amalgamation of four 20-minute short films directed by four directors – the trailer of which is all set to release at 6pm today.

Speaking on the Bombay Talkies collaboration Karan Johar says, “Bombay Talkies is to celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema. It has four directors – Zoya Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap, Dibankar Banerjee and myself. We are all making a 20-minute short film each. It is a different film and definitely what holds all these four films together is the passion for Indian cinema.”

Each short-film has a distinct core and tells a different story.

Karan Johar’s film deals with the lives of three individuals (Rani Mukherjee, Randeep Hooda and Saqib Saleem) and how their emotional baggage affects their relationships. Rani plays the role of a journalist and a sexually repressed wife in Karan’s segment of the film which was shot in real locations in Bandra and Dahisar.  While Karan is happy with the outcome of the film, he is super pleased with Rani’s performance as well as that of Randeep and Saqib.

Zoya’s film revolves around the life of a little boy and stars Katrina Kaif along with two child actors. Speaking on the collaboration, Zoya says, “We (the four directors) had a lot of fun together. They’re all my friends and though it was a nerve-wrecking process, the competition was healthy.”

Dibakar Banerjee’s film takes stalk of the life of a failed actor (played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui) and how he comes to believe that his life is a waste and failure too.  Speaking on this short-film, the versatile and eccentric Dibankar says, “This one has very little social subtext unlike my other films.”

Completing the quartet is Anurag Kashyap’s film that talks about the legendary Amitabh Bachchan and his home, Prateeksha. Anurag has shot portions of this film using hidden cameras at the Kumbh Mela. The director reasons that since his story deals with the life of a common man from Allahabad (where the Mela is held) who comes to Mumbai, these visuals will add a real feel to the movie.

Bombay Talkies, which will release on May 3, 2013 is sure going to be an unusual and definitely pleasing experience for all movie-goers.

Check out the first look poster and trailer below!

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Nothing is more infuriating than sitting through a film for 2 hours in hopes that the potential in its premise will soon be realised yet to never see it happen.  Director duo Sheershak Anand and Shantanu Ray Shhibber’s horror thriller 3G is sadly one of those infuriating experiences.

The Neil Nitin Mukesh and Sonal Chauhan starrer is the second blatant Tourism Fiji brochure from Eros this year (Table No 1 was the earlier film). It attempts to thrill you with a supernatural tale about a phone that can connect with departed souls. Sam and Sheena acquire the phone whilst holidaying in Fiji and are soon sucked into a living nightmare. Gruesome videos and prank calls haunt them by night and by day Sam starts to transform into somebody else. They set out to uncover the truth behind the phone and perhaps discover more than they were prepared for.

3G’s biggest problem is that its 2 hours too long. The film serves very little purpose. It doesn’t entertain, doesn’t thrill nor does it give you the chills it promises. Just when you thought you couldn’t be more annoyed with the film the climax arrives and you see a glimmer of hope. However this is soon taken away with a half-baked & half explained climax that leaves you with questions in abundance. But wait there’s more! As the end credits rolls in so does a very questionable so-called social message. The message attempts to educate viewers about the consequences of pornography. Makers of 3G decide to take the liberty and judge the pornography industry and its consumers. How and why is it any of the their business to dictate which industry a person chooses to work in and what an individual chooses to download on their devices we truly don’t know. The message is offensive and a plain oversight of basic freedom of trade and choice that every individual exercises.

Apart from a dragged out screenplay and an inappropriate social message, the film boasts of highly uncomfortable forced and unneeded sex scenes. Ironic considering the message the film wants to deliver. There are also unneeded songs abruptly inserted into the screenplay. Granted Mithoon’s music deserves to be applauded, the genre and the film had no space for it.

As for performances, Neil Nitin Mukesh comes across as a very unstable performer who may deliver something decent in one sequence however in the very next scene he’ll unintentionally make you laugh in an attempt to scare or wow you. Sonal Chauhan and her screams bother you quite a bit.  It truly is an art to be scared and to scream for the whole duration of a film and not annoy the audiences. An art that Ms Chauhan is nowhere near mastering.

Here’s hoping 3G is the worst of the year because anything anymore disastrous than this is a bit hard to imagine at this point. 3G presses all the wrong buttons and annoys you to the fullest extent. Avoid this one and put the saved funds towards a trip to Fiji, you’ll get to see the beauty of it without having endure to the movie.

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Anushka Sharma & Imran Khan
With the release of their film finally out of their way, Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola stars Imran Khan & Anushka Sharma finally were able to make a non-in-character appearance. Anushka works the Cue by Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna look and how! Loving the hi-low sequined top, the chunky strap heels and the dark lips. As for her partner in crime Imran, well he looked quite dapper as well in his grey suit and purple striped tie. Loving that he’s ditching the clean-shaven look these days. This works for me more. What do you think ladies?

Verdict: Anushka & Imran are HOT!

Sridevi
Going slightly down the corporate chic look on the night was Sridevi in a red kitty bow blouse and black trousers by Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna. I don’t know about you all but the look to me came off looking a bit too overwhelmed. Add to that the ill matched purple fluffy clutch, which was exactly that, ill matched!

Verdict: Sridevi is NOT HOT

Richa Chaddha
Gangs of Wasseypur star Richa Chaddha was spotted in an Etro printed dress. I don’t have any issues with the dress and Richa even wears it well but perhaps a change in how it was styled would make this a winning look for me. The hair worn down, the make up and the boring accessories really minimized the chances of this look being a hot one.

Verdict: Richa Chaddha is NOT HOT

Siddharth Malhotra
Usually one to dig the printed retro shirt-blazer-denims look this time around I really didn’t fall for it on Siddharth Malhotra. Maybe it was the lack of any color or the shoes? Overall what a disappointing look from a gorgeous man!

Verdict: Siddharth Malhotra is disappointingly NOT HOT!

Raveena Tandon
I do wish our ladies would take a break from Manish’s designs until he brings us pieces that are less overwhelming and well frankly, less boring! Really not loving the green floor length anarkali. There are so many more gorgeous looks a woman as stunning as Raveena could be pulling off but instead we’re faced with this one!

Verdict: Raveena Tandon is NOT HOT

Sonali Bendre
Now that is what I call a cleverly selected Manish Malhotra piece! Although still a piece from his obsessed-with-floor-anarkali collection, this one works for its unique color combination. The net gives it a light and fresh appeal. And of course Sonali wears it very well! Nice call on ditching major accessories and sticking to a simple clutch and barely-there earrings.

Verdict: Sonali Bendre is HOT!

Shruti Haasan
So she’s a real life rockstar who loves making bold choices be it with her fashion or films but sadly for Shruti this risky move doesn’t work out. Not quite sure what I dislike more, the lips or the dress? Or maybe I’d warm up to the lips if it wasn’t paired up with THAT attire? I guess it will all remain a mystery!

Verdict: Shruti Haasan is NOT HOT!

Ileana D’Cruz
Ms. D’Cruz opted for an ombre maxi that unfortunately didn’t do justice to her. I do hope she makes smarter choices for the rest of the award season.

Verdict: Ileana is HOT but her gown is NOT!

Gauri Shinde
She directs well, brings us back Sridevi after 15 years and even dresses well! Gauri Shinde is indeed a woman to celebrate. I’m loving the wide legged pants look. Especially love the pop of red for a neckpiece.

Verdict: Gauri Shinde is HOT!

Alia Bhatt
Finally ditching the micro mini was Alia Bhatt on the night. She turned to an equally risky and bold design of Sonakshi Raaj’s. Unfortunately as sexy as the backless gown and the side cut design might be from a glance, the overwhelming front design really is a downer for the whole look. What a shame because otherwise Alia looked rather fabulous and even pulled off the color well!

Verdict: Alia Bhatt is HOT but her gown is NOT

Deepika Padukone
Not every day you get a half-baked or rather tired look from Deepika. Somehow this Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna attire just didn’t have the ‘it’ or ‘wow’ factor we’re so used to seeing on Deepika. The animal print clutch doesn’t work for me neither does the blinged out jacket.

Verdict: Deepika Padukone is NOT HOT

Ali Zafar
It was a traditional black/white combo for Mr Zafar on the night. I cannot decide if I miss a bow tie or a simple tie so I’ll leave that to you guys but for now he belongs on my hot list!

Verdict: Ali Zafar is HOT

Priyanka Chopra
Sporting a simple white gown on the night was Priyanka Chopra. Whilst I loved the attire by Dior, really not a fan of the hair she chose to accompany it. Don’t you wish she’d ditched her rock-star hair-do for the night and gone for something a bit old school, classical and striking?

Verdict: Priyanka Chopra COULD HAVE BEEN HOTTER!

Huma Qureshi
Doing Bollyspice’s WHWN means you know a cry for a new stylist when you see one and sadly for Huma Qureshi this appearance is definitely one of those cries. Nothing is working for her. The dress is wrong in more than one way, the pumps are way off the mark and the clutch is as miss-matched as they come. And I’ve not even gotten to the hair styling or the pink lips? We do hope Ms Qureshi is in better company, fashion wise, for the rest of the award season because otherwise it is going to be a long and painful season!

Verdict: Huma Qureshi is NOT HOT

Varun Dhawan
Doing the timeless all black look on the night was Varun Dhawan. Gotta love a man who sticks to the old school ways and Varun sure as hell pulls it off well!

Verdict: Varun Dhawan is HOT!

Ayushman Khurana
Our Vicky Donor star was one of the few men who did Desi on the night. Whilst I love a man in an elegant kurta-pajama there’s a few issues with Ayushman’s looks. Firstly the look seems more appropriate for the actual award ceremony rather than a mere nominations bash. Secondly the fitting of the attire seems to be a little off if you notice the pants around the feet. Better luck next time Mr Khurana!

Verdict: Ayushman Khurana is NOT HOT

Aditi Rao Hydari
London Paris New York star Aditi Rao Hydari went with a Gaurav Gupta gown on the night. Since the gown is of THAT calibre she styled herself devoid of any accessories and color. Whilst usually I love it when a woman knows when to stop accessorising, for this look I think she over did the underdoing? If that makes sense! Not to mention the gown is really not something to rave about and like Mr Khurana’s attire, slightly more appropriate for the award ceremony itself.

Verdict: Aditi Rao Hydari is NOT HOT

So yes whilst the red carpet was steaming hot with the biggest names in show biz the fashion on the night wasn’t quite as hot. We do hope the stars put up a better show for us fashionmongers at the actual award ceremony in a few weeks time. For now stay tuned to Bollyspice for all your Bolly-fashion updates this exciting awards season!

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5. Varun Dhawan

Never an easy task to hail from a filmi family and make a mark. Do it through your home production’s venture or through another, expectations are sky high and comparisons are bound to be made. Varun Dhawan naturally encountered all this and more being the son of one of the most cherished makers of Indian cinema, David Dhawan (Hero No 1, Aakhen, Partner & many more!). He chose to make his debut independent of his father and director brother (Rohit Dhawan of Desi Boyz fame). Although perhaps he did get the raw end of the deal with Student of the Year with a role that perhaps limited him to an extent, we still think he’s worthy of a spot on this list. In a limited role and a film that has been highly critiqued, he still managed to make his presence felt. He has the moves, the looks and definitely the talent so now it’s time to see who all line up to help the audience see Varun Dhawan’s potential. A bright future indeed!

4. Prithviraj

It was quite a bold move by Prithviraj, a reigning superstar in the Malayalm film industry who’s worked with the likes of Mani Ratnam and other National Award winners, to sign a film that had him speaking for all of 20 minutes perhaps. Aiyyaa was definitely not the film to flaunt his talent with however, by the looks of his upcoming Hindi projects, the film did more than enough for the actor and has secured him a spot in the Hindi film industry. He has a much anticipated YRF project lined up for 2013 as well as a busy line up in Malayalam industry. Here’s hoping we get more than a glimpse of the man’s talent in the new year, but for now he definitely belongs securely at this no. 4 position.

3. Siddharth Malhotra

Our first impression of this newcomer was, yum-my! Much to our delight the good looks came with oodles of talent and quite impressive dancing skills. We fell in ishq wala love with this newcomer in a matter of seconds and decided that Siddharth Malhotra was here to stay! He definitely got the meatiest of roles in Student of the Year and what’s more impressive is that he grasped this opportunity by both hands and delivered one helluva performance. We’re not sure where he’s off to now, but word is that we’ll see him next in Farah Khan’s Happy New Year. We’re hoping he chooses the right projects however doesn’t fall in line with many other actors and become so choosy so as to deprive us of his talent.

2. Ayushman Khurana

He’s been on our television screens and radio stations for many years however it wasn’t until April 2012 that we discovered the true hidden talents of Ayushman Khurana. With Vicky Donor he made a brave entry into Indian cinema, a gamble considering the subject matter the film dealt with. Thanks to Shoojit Sircar’s delicate approach, the film became a instant hit with the audiences and Ayushman Khurana became a household name overnight. If that wasn’t enough his decided to blow us away with his singing, composing and writing talents with the chartbuster Paani Da Rang. Khurana has a busy 2013 planned, he already has a film in post production, Rohan Sippy’s Nautanki Saala, which is slated to release 12 months from his first film, April 2013. He also has in his kitty, Habib Faizal’s (Ishaqzaade & Do Dooni Chaar) next to be produced by Yash Raj Films in which he will be co-starring with Sonam Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor. It’s pretty safe to say Ayushman Khurana has arrived and how!

1. Arjun Kapoor

Arjun Kapoor entered the industry with enormous expectations placed upon him. You need not be reminded of the family tree to which he belongs. Add to that, to be launched by the maker of Do Dooni Chaar by the biggest production house of the country is like being handed a debut on a silver platter. Had he not delivered, critique of the harshest kind would have come his way. To our delight and his relief he made the most rocking debut of 2012. A character that was no doubt immensely difficult to grasp and a situation that is perhaps unimaginable for someone with his background. Yet he followed Faizal’s writing to the T and left us with no doubt that he is indeed Parma Chaudhry! We can’t wait for him to return to the screens in 2013. He’s got two more Yash Raj Films projects lined up and has also been signed by Dharma Production for one of their upcoming projects. Here’s to a promising future in Hindi cinema and definitely an exciting award season which is bound to bring him many more accolades.

Star kids, Southern stars, television stars and just purely fresh faces, 2012 had it all for us when it comes to male debutants. We hope they deliver as per our expectations which now is higher than before since we now know they’ve got what it takes. From here on begins the tough task of living up to that amazing first impression they’ve left on us. We wish them all the best as they embark on their filmi paths!

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The movie starts off with Vivaan (Rajeev Khandelwal) and Siya (Tena Desae) heading off for a holiday in Fiji which they’ve won in a competition. Vivaan is jobless therefore the couple’s financial situation isn’t all that amazing. On their anniversary in Fiji they encounter an interesting personality, Abdul Raza Khan (Paresh Rawal) who offers them the chance to win a large sum of money if they play a Q&A style game with him. The game he says has a large viewership because it is live streamed onto the internet. Eager to change their financial status the couple eagerly opt in. What they don’t realise is that the harmless game they think will shape their future is anything but harmless. There is only one rule for the game: if you lie, you die.  So what exactly happens when the couple start disobeying the rules of the game? Well that is what makers of Table No. 21 want you to see for yourself.

Whilst the makers had an intriguing enough concept to shock and wow the audience, its a concept that isn’t the most original. A psychotic righteous man decides he can play God by forcing people to face and reveal the biggest secrets in their lives or rather repent for their past mistakes. You’ve surely witnessed the concept in various Hollywood thrillers and television shows. More closer to home, Anurag Kashyap developed a Steven King novel into a film which featured a psychotic man with a worthy cause. Remember No Smoking? Whilst that wasn’t a game concept per se but it had similar feel to the entire beyond reasonable method of quitting smoking. We also can’t forget Soham Shah’s Luck which was all about how greed for money leads a bunch of individuals into a deadly game. Therefore despite being made to be a intriguing concept at the outset, Table No. 21 bores because it really is nothing new.

Had the film opted for a unique treatment or impressive packaging it could have saved it from the disappointing verdict it will get at the end of this review. The screenplay is unimpressive and the dialogues are as pretentious as they come. It suffers from the classic song-in-the-first-5mins complex just so that the director can insert a classic bikini shot of the heroine. Add to that it has characters that you really don’t feel any compassion or sympathy for as they’re being put through the various tests. They haven’t engaged you in their intro scenes and particularly after you witness all their college days flashbacks you have no motivation to cheer them on. What you decide then and there is that these two are really not nice people that you want to cheer or fight for. As for the climax, its a real disappointment and one of the most incomplete climaxes in recent times. If the idea was revenge all along then why the game’s live internet streaming? Were there other players in the game? There had to be if he had the said viewership and if so what were their crimes and what motivated Khan to pursue them? These are just few of the numerous questions you walk out of the cinema hall with.

When the story doesn’t interest you, the characters cannot engage you then the only thing that can keep you seated in your seat are the performances. For Table No. 21 it is only one performance that keeps you engaged and that is of Mr Paresh Rawal. Until the moment he enters the screen you’re quite ready to walk out of the cinema hall even though it has only been 10 mins. He commands attention with his sheer screen presence. It’s great to see him in a role that isn’t comic because whilst he does that well we know that the original avatar we saw of Mr Rawal in the 90s was the darker shaded characters. The climax reveals a Paresh Rawal that went much unnoticed in Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, as he depicts a man in pain who’s trying to fight for something that can never reverse the wrong already done. He’s perhaps the only character that was remotely well sketched. The rating to follow this review is attributable to him and him alone. Rajeev Khadelwal does his best to impress in the poorly written role and script but sadly nothing worthy of a mention comes across to the viewers. Tena Desae looks uncomfortable and forced for the most part. She delivers in one particular scene, where she confesses to her extra marital affair. However apart from that one scene she simply annoys you, more so in the first half than in the second.

Going by Datt’s filmography one doesn’t walk into Table No. 21 with any expectations yet comes out immensely disappointed, which is saying a lot about the film. Table No 21 starts the year on a very dull note. Its a half baked thriller that appears to be a forced commercial for Tourism Fiji.

Table No. 21 Movie Review is a post from: BollySpice

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Ek Tha Tiger, Ishaqzaade and Jab Tak Hai Jaan

Habib Faizal (Ishaqzaade & Do Dooni Chaar) returns to the banner with next film which yet to be titled. The film is to start Sonam Kapoor and Ayushman Khurana. Latest confirmation from the production house is that Mr. Rishi Kapoor has been finalized to essay the role of Sonam’s father in the film.

The film is said to be a Delhi based romantic comedy. Rishi Kapoor essays the role of a wilful bureaucrat V.K. Sehgal who relentlessly tests the love of his daughter and her chosen life partner. Habib promises to deliver a light slice of life comedy.

Synopsis:
Is living on love and fresh air really possible?
Passionately in love Mohit Chadhdha (Ayushman) and Mayera Sehgal (Sonam), strongly believe it is. But Mayera’s wilful bureaucrat father, V.K. Sehgal (Rishi Kapoor), vehemently disagrees. Who gets the last laugh in this slice-of life Delhi-comedy when recession strikes and the lack of money tests love… credit-card-junkies private-sector Mohit-Mayera; or safe-playing sarkari, V.K. Sehgal?

This Sonam-Ayushman starrer will go on floors February 2013 and is slated for a release later on in the year.

Stay tuned to Bollyspice for more details on this exciting project.

YRF’s Next Starring Sonam Kapoor & Ayushman Khurana is a post from: BollySpice

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Movies designed to defy rules of cinema and entertain to an utmost ridiculous level. Time to throw out the logic and judge the film based solely on its entertainment value. So, is the return of the Khiladi franchise worth you hard earned money? Does it deliver the escapist kind of ridiculous masala cinema to warrant 2hours and 30 minutes from your busy schedule? Read on to find out!

Himesh Reshammiya writes for debutant Ashish R Mohan, a protégé of Rohit Shetty, and has churned out a masala comedy/action entertainer. Bahattar Singh (Akshay Kumar) is a hired fake cop for Punjab Police who despite being his dashing self is an absolute non-eligible bachelor courtesy of his profession. Indu Tendular (Asin) is a gutsy Marathi girl, sister to one of the most feared dons of Mumbai, Tatya Tukaram Tendulakar (Mithun Chakraborty). Unlike Bahattar it’s her brother’s profession that renders her as not exactly the most desirable wife and daughter-in-law in town. Aspiring matchmaker Manuskh (Himesh Reshammiya) by fate’s twists and turns ends up being assigned the task to find Tatya’s sister a nice suitable boy. He takes up the challenge as a chance to finally prove his matchmaking talents to his father. However, both families are exactly what the other does not want, as they’re hardly the upstanding citizens they want for in-laws. How a grand façade is put up to execute this wedding is what Khiladi 786 is all about.

The biggest surprise in Khiladi 786 is not the performance or a twist in the story but rather the fact that Himesh wrote such a wholesome entertainer. No doubt its one cleverly crafted script that has the potential to reel the masses in quite effortlessly. The movie’s general premise of adopting fake identities to win a bride/groom may remind you of Salman Khan and Asin starrer Ready however Khiladi 786 has enough of its own unique elements to not be lost in the Aziz Bazmee blockbuster’s shadows.

Ashish delivers a film that entertains and keeps you engaged for the most part however one cannot deny that some portions definitely irk. The multicultural element to the Singh family for one is a comedy portion you simply don’t find amusing or humorous in any way. In fact it comes across as rather offensive to those cultures. There also seems to be too many characters thus forcing the writer to give them screen-time. This means that portions definitely end up looking dragged. Surely the end revelation of the family’s identity could have done without having to write Mili-Bhagat’s characters in. Johnny Lever is unfortunately one of those additions.

Very little can be said about Akshay Kumar because a role like this is something he could possibly do in his sleep yet you see him giving it his 200% energy, which is oh so commendable. You particularly notice this in songs, which are something he could have slacked off on yet he’s there completely with oodles of energy. Asin on the other hand is the heroine you want to whistle for when she enters! Her character is a kick-ass gutsy Marathi mulgi and she pulls it off effortlessly. She may not be doing your serious female character orientated films but sure has a knack for selecting masala scripts that definitely have some scope for her. The film has a killer of a supporting cast but since the jokes around the Singh family come across offensive you don’t tend to appreciate Raj Babbar and gang as much. Himesh and Mithun, however, most definitely shine. Hope Himesh keeps it real from hear onwards and opts for supporting roles rather than attempting to carry a whole film on his shoulders because he really was quite entertaining in this film.

Songs of Khiladi 786 are expertly edited into the screenplay and whilst they don’t appear onscreen for the whole duration of the recorded track, you’re glad for it! The running time hardly needed to be any longer and you enjoy the songs plenty for the short span they appear onscreen for.

A special shout out has to go to art direction and cinematography. The film is colors galore! From the Singh’s iconic truck to Akshay Kumar’s kurtas and shoes! Indian cinema is all too often defined as an explosion of colors and for Khiladi 786 that is every bit true.

Ashish R Mohan makes a debut that definitely doesn’t feel like a debut. You most certainly see the Rohit Shetty’s grooming onscreen, especially since the obsession with cars remains with the protégé. What works for the film is that it delivers what the promos promised. It was always marketed to be an out and out over the top typical Bollywood masala entertainer and that is what it is to its very core. If masala is what you’re looking for definitely book a ticket for the return of Khiladi!

Khiladi 786 Movie Review is a post from: BollySpice

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Nandita Mahtani

One to always dress apart Ms Mahtani ditched gowns and sarees for a classy black suit which she paired with silver shimmer heels and a black clutch. You may say that the attire is not movie premiere appropriate but I really don’t mind it!

Verdict: Hot

Preity Zinta

Surily was the designer of choice for Preity. Whilst I have no problems with the net lehenga I do think its been worn in a somewhat a sloppy way. Call me picky.

Verdict: Hot-ish

Rekha

I’m pretty certain we feature Rekha in our fashion column to simply stare at the picture in awe. As if mere mortals like us can criticise HER!

Verdict: Hot

Divya Dutta

Props to Divya for trying something unique but sadly it didn’t pan out as perhaps she’d envisioned it. Not loving the blouse, saree or the way its been draped.

Verdict: Not hot

Zoya Akhtar

Ms Akhtar took the daring root with her saree draping and I would say she pulled it off quite well but sadly apart from the saree she got everything else wrong. Not impressed with the blouse, hair/makeup and general accessorising.

Verdict: Could have been hot!

Neelam

Not loving the kalidaar of choice of Neelam’s. The lip color, footwear and general accessorising aren’t working for me either.

Verdict: Not Hot

Parineeti Chopra

Oh dear! Gauri and Nainika make perhaps the best gowns in the business however Ms Chopra seemed to have taken up the challenge to find their most ghastly creation ever! Yes call me harsh but this look just didn’t need to put out there! And what’s with the hair? There’s also more than a hint of nervousness in Parineeti’s face which just doesn’t make you feel any more confident about the outfit.

Verdict: Definitely Not Hot!

Rani Mukherji

As expected it was a Sabyasachi for Rani. Definitely don’t mind the lehenga saree and even willing to overlook that it looks messy at angles. However what I cannot forgive is the poor styling that was supposedly meant to compliment the attire. The hair, makeup and most definitely the jewellery choice all seem off. And someone please get the woman away from that blouse design!

Verdict: Hot-ish

Sonam Kapoor

Anyone else feel Sonam’s Elie Saab is just way too overwhelming for a simple premiere of a film that isn’t even hers? Feels like the look belongs on a Cannes red carpet and not this one. Add to that I’m not exactly loving the makeup for the night. The trailing gown and the hair up-do all just made the look way too formal and over the top.

Verdict: Not Hot

Nargis Fakhri

Really not minding the black-orange-gold themed attire Nargis opted for on the night. Nice call in adding a vest to the anarkali and ditching the dupatta. Seeing as anarkali/kalidaars have been done to death in recent times, spicing it up so made for a nice change.

Verdict: Hot

Ameesha Patel

So close yet so far for Ms Patel! The gown is perhaps not the most impressive choice but had the curls been evened out on both sides and the maroon lips ditched for a lighter red this look just might not have been the disaster it was.

Verdict: Not hot.

Mini Mathur

My favourite lady on the night has to be Mini in a lovely silk saree. The color blocked accessories worked brilliantly. An absolute stunner of an appearance!

Verdict: VERY HOT!

Twinkle Khanna

Sadly new mom Twinkle didn’t stand a chance in this gaudy Abu Jain Sandeep Khosla attire. That design should just not be in existence and really couldn’t look flattering on anyone!

Verdict: Not Hot

Madhuri Dixit

Usually one to disappoint to a great extent I have to say that Madhuri didn’t fair quite as badly with this appearance. Sure its not a perfect one but it doesn’t make me cringe as much as the other appearances have. Curious though as to whether she’s yet to find a stylist or the current one lives in the era in which Madhuri left films. She does seem to be stuck in a time warp.

Verdict: Hot-ish

Bipasha Basu

Ms Basu has had a good run lately but sadly it ends with this one. Once again Bipasha favoured her tendency to over-expose in a public appearance leaving very little to the imagination, which always kills the mysterious aura that ought to surround a woman. It was interesting to see her match the outfit with kundan jewellery and perhaps with a better a gown it may have worked.

Verdict: Not Hot

Avantika Malik-Khan

I truly hope hubby Imran has gifted wifey a stylist this Diwali or if he hasn’t he is considering it as a Christmas present. It is about time she stops undermining her good looks with such poor choices! In what universe was this outfit paired with that lip colour going to work?! Always a shame to see a pretty girl opt for such disaster fashion options.

Verdict: Not hot

Sridevi

It’s a simple shimmery pastel saree for Sridevi on the night. Needless to say she pulled it off flawlessly. She most definitely is the only lady who manages to wear a blouse in ‘that’ cut and I don’t cringe.

Verdict: Hot

Gauri Khan

Really loving Gauri’s pick of a Tarun Tahiliani blue saree. Who knew that color could be pulled off so well! Nice job on the accessorising as well. Unfortunately the hair and the bindi is a deal breaker. Someone get the woman to a salon for a proper dye job pronto!

Verdict: Gauri is hot but her hair is not!

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Like I said, no one can change my mind about this horrendous aluminium-foil-ish- work that Abu Jain and Sandeep Khosla seem to favour so much! Not even the most beautiful woman in the world! Wish the Bachchans would stop endorsing the duo as their in house designers.

Verdict: Not hot

Anushka Sharma & Katrina Kaif

The ladies of the night let me down and how! Anushka impressed me with her hair and accessorisies but the Roberto Cavalli just doesn’t work for me. However her co-star Katrina didn’t fair well in any category. The Tarun Tahiliani gown Kat opted for was just way too overwhelming, the hair too boring and as was the general accessorising. What a shame for the premiere night of a film that is perhaps the biggest title in both the ladies’ filmographies!

Verdict: Both, Not hot!

Who’s Hot Who’s Not – Jab Tak Hai Jaan Premiere is a post from: BollySpice

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