Kajol in Kamal’s next?

After Dasavatharam, what's next on Kamal Haasan's menu? The actor has started pre-production work on his new film Marmayogi, which he is directing and producing.

It is a big budget extravaganza and he is talking to a few corporates to fund the project. Marmayogi is said to be a historical adventure romantic film with an 'A' list of actors. Kamal is trying to rope in a Bollywood actress and the buzz is that Kajol has been sounded about it.

The film will have music by AR Rahman. The rest of the cast and crew are being worked out. It will be the second time that Kamal is using an old MGR title for a film of his. Earlier, he had used the title Sathi Leelavathi (1936), and now the famous MGR starrer Marmayogi (1951). It has tremendous title value, and the modern Kamal film will have three versions in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

Courtesy: timesofindia.com

Anti-climax

Aamir Khan has got the makers to change the script of his yet untitled remake of Tamil film, Ghajini. Aamir insisted on changing the remake’s climax as he was unhappy with the last 30 minutes of the original version.

Our source says, “After getting a new look for Ghajini’s remake, Aamir has begun the new schedule of the remake with various changes in the film’s pre-climax and climax portions.

The Tamil version’s climax takes place in a medical college where the hero (actor Surya) takes on the villain played by Aamir’s Lagaan co-star Pradeep Singh Rawat, who is also involved in human trafficking.

There is a double role of the villain and the hero fights both of them in a hand-to-hand combat. But before the fight happens, the villain and his goons chase the second heroine (played by Nayanthara) to her college after which they disrobe and kill a medical student. The goons then announce that they shall continue to kill students until the hero comes out of hiding.

“Aamir knows that his biggest fan base is the family audience. Now, after the respect that he has earned post Taare Zameen Par and his rising popularity with children, Aamir wouldn’t like the remake to have any content which he doesn’t believe in. That’s why he has got the entire climax rewritten. Apart from the changes in the last 30 minutes of the film, the Hindi version remains true to the
original,” adds the source.

Courtesy: TimesofIndia.com

Choose: Robot or Sarvam?

The cinematography for Billa by Nirav Shah so impressed Rajini that he wanted him to photograph Robot. Once again, Rajini was unerringly right: Nirav, who had virtually reinvented the way Tamil cinema could look in Billa, was the obvious choice. Nirav, of course, must have been thrilled and flattered. But there was a catch: he had already signed up to shoot Vishuvardhan’s next, Sarvam, starring Arya and Trisha.

The call sheets for Robot and Sarvam had coincided. Shah could have turned down Sarvam for Robot, of course, but he said he would not. Even though Robot is an epic project, involving none other than the Superstar, Shankar and A.R. Rahman, he would stay loyal to Vishnu. He and Vishnu go a long way back, he explained. They had been college friends, plus it was also Vishnu’s cinematic vision for Billa that had made their successful collaboration so talked about.


Robot’s new cinematographer is now ace cameraman Thiru. He once assisted P.C. Sriram, and now shoots for Hindi and Malayalam films. His previous work includes Hey Ram, Aalavandhan and Bhool Bhulaiyaa. His experience and expertise will surely make Robot special.

Courtesy: Behindwoods.com

UTV To Release 'Jodhaa Akbar' In 26 Countries

Ashutosh Gowariker's epic love story 'Jodhaa Akbar' is to get one of the biggest worldwide releases. UTV Motion Pictures will release the Hritik Roshan-Aishwarya Rai starrer in 26 countries on Friday.
Mumbai, Feb 12 Ashutosh Gowariker's epic love story 'Jodhaa Akbar' is to get one of the biggest worldwide releases. UTV Motion Pictures will release the Hritik Roshan-Aishwarya Rai starrer in 26 countries on Friday.

Earlier, Sony Pictures' first Indian venture, 'Saawariya', was one of the biggest releases of 2007. It was released in around 14 countries.

'Jodhaa Akbar' is dubbed in three languages - Hindi, Telugu and Tamil - and subtitled in English, Arabic and Dutch. It will be viewed across 1,500 screens worldwide.

In India alone the film is to be released in more than 1,300 screens, of which 500 will be digital and 825 physical prints. In the US, 122 prints will be released, the highest ever for an Indian film.

'The film is one of the most anticipated movies of the decade and in keeping with the unprecedented anticipation among audiences, our distribution strategy will ensure that it can be viewed by the maximum possible audience in the very week of its release,' said Siddharth Roy Kapoor, executive vice-president of marketing and distribution, Syndication UTV Motion Pictures, in a press statement.

The film may also be screened in Pakistan, but at a later date.

'We are definitely planning to release the film in Pakistan but it won't be on Feb 15. Most probably we will screen it in March,' Roy told IANS.

Set in the 16th century, this epic romance begins as a marriage of alliance between two cultures and religions, for political gain, with King Bharmal of Amer giving his daughter Jodha's hand to Mughal emperor Jalaluddin Akbar.

The music by maestro A.R. Rahman launched UTV's music label.

With this film, UTV is also reinventing its distribution in North America.

In Canada, it is the first time that a Hindi film is being released simultaneously in six provinces - British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Alberta.

Courtesy: newspostindia.com

Aishwarya Rai signs for Robot

A couple of days back, we had mentioned that Shankar was in Mumbai to hold talks with Aishwarya Rai to cast her in his prestigious project Robot. Now it is confirmed that he has been successful with regard to roping in former Miss World in his mega budgeted film Robot. Ms Rai has signed on the dotted line for a jaw dropping sum of Rs 1.5 crore to play the lady lead for Super Star in the

film. Insiders reveal that this could be the highest paid salary for any heroine in the South Indian film industry. This Science fiction film will be produced by Karunamoorthy for Ayngaran International and is expected to be made simultaneously in Tamil, Hindi and Telugu.

Courtesy: Behindwoods.com

Ayngaran to produce 'Robot'

Ayngaran International, which was last year acquired by Eros International company, has announced the production of 'Robot', starring superstar Rajnikanth.

After the grand success of 'Sivaji', Rajnikanth, talented director Shankar, and music maestro A. R. Rahman, are coming together once again in the much anticipated 'Robot', which will be produced in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

Rajnikanth says, "I am immensely happy to be working with Ayngaran – Eros International for 'Robot'. This film by Shankar is one of its kinds to be made on Indian screen. No one has done it before."

Director, Shankar, commented,"It's very exciting to be working again with talents like Rajnikanth and A. R. Rahman. Combined with production & distribution muscle of Ayngaran – Eros International, 'Robot' has the potential of becoming this year's biggest film."

K Karuna Moorthy, CEO, Ayngaran, commented, "After the grand success of 'Sivaji' and 'Billa' we are all geared up for 'Robot' now. Aligning with Eros International's consolidation strategy, we are leveraging our position to integrate the Tamil film industry by producing & releasing films on the global platform. It's a pleasure working again with the magical team of Rajnikanth, Shankar and A. R. Rahman. We are positive that 'Robot' will break all box office records."

Courtesy: Televisionpoint.com

Rajnikanth’s new avatar: Animated Sultan!

Rajnikanth fans are in for a treat. The Tamil superstar, who has redefined the term ‘Stardom’ will soon, be seen as mythological, larger than life character. But what, you may ask, is so great about Rajni playing a larger than life character. Hasn’t he always done that?

Well, that’s where the novelty lies. For the first time in his glorious career, Rajnikanth will be seen in an animation. And donning the director hat would be none another than his daughter, the 23 year old Soundarya.

The animation film titled ‘Sultan’ is being developed at Chennai's Ocher Studios. While the film is targeted at both adults and children, Soundarya admits, making the film though is no child's play.

She is at the helm of the USD 10 million, full-length 3D animation film, Sultan-The Warrior, being co-produced with Adlabs. The movie will be made in 12 languages including Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, English and even Japanese.

"Animating a live-action hero is not easy at all because you have to get the size precise and even facial features like the eyes and the nose precise,” she said.

She is leaving no stones unturned to ensure that the movie becomes a benchmark for animation in the country. She even took the iconic actor to Brussels for a body scan. ‘I want him to be the first South East Asian actor to ever be animated.

If that’s not all, even the film’s promise to be a cracker, since none other than A R Rahman is composing the sound track.

"The background score is very, very important for an animation. It's the backbone of the film. The film's got four full-length songs, so Rahman sir has taken a lot of effort and he's done a lot of homework on his own. We are very excited about the music," says Soundarya.

In another first of sorts, the film will also have a separate English title song. A search is on for an international singer.

The movie is expected to hit theatres by the end of this year.

With the makers clearly looking for a global platform for their film, whether or not Sultan Rajni scores with the international audience, his fans are already queuing up for the tickets.

Courtesy: Zeenews.com

After Robo, Rajini gets animated over Sultan

Tamil Nadu's superstar is going to be seen in a new avtaar. Rajinikanth is starring in an

animation film Sultan, where he features as a mythological, larger-than-life warrior.

The movie is being directed by his daughter, Soundarya Rajinikanth at Chennai's Ocher Studios. While the film is targeted at both adults and children, Soundarya says making the film though is no child's play.

"Animating a live-action hero is not easy at all because you have to get the size precise and even facial features like the eyes and the nose precise. I had to take my father to Brussels for a body scan and it's all come out well. So what you are seeing now is my dad in animation," says Soundarya.

Sultan will be made in 12 languages including Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, English and Japanese, and the budget is expected to touch the $10 million mark.

Another USP of the film is its music, a job that has been entrusted to A R Rahman.

"The background score is very, very important for an animation. It's the backbone of the film. The film's got four full-length songs, so Rahman sir has taken a lot of effort and he's done a lot of homework on his own. We are very excited about the music," says Soundarya.

The film will also have an English title song for which the search is on for an international singer. It is expected to hit theatres by the end of this year.

"I hope the film reaches mainstream Hollywood. When you talk about a film like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, it's very authentic to it's background. Sultan is going to be an Indian film with international projection standards and international technical standards in it," says Soundarya.

And as for the fans, Soundarya thinks they will be as excited to see her father in another avtaar as she is directing him.

Courtesy: Ibnlive.com

Rahman back to Dasavatharam

It is raining Rahman all over with the audio of the much-awaited Jodha Akbar finally hitting the stalls today and rumors abuzz over his acceptance to work with director Shankar for the sci-fi thriller Robot as well as Kamal Haasan's Marmayogi. For all the Tamil fans of this composer this is pleasant surprise as they had been whining that he was into Hindi and not heard in Tamil films as often.

Amidst this buzz, insiders suggest that Oscar Ravichandran, producer of Kamal Haasan-starrer Dasavatharam, directed by K.S. Ravikumar, has approached A.R Rahman to compose the background score for this film. Earlier, Rahman was touted to compose the music for the film but owing to tight schedules he opted out and the chance went over to Himmesh Reshammiya, who composed the songs. However, the team was on the lookout for a composer to score the background music. With the film being delayed well beyond its intended release date, Oscar Films once again approached Rahman, and reports suggest that the maestro is also quite keen to take up the offer. He is said to be held with few other international and bollywood assignments at present and is contemplating on accepting the offer. An official announcement is expected shortly.

Courtesy: Behindwoods.com

Ash, Hrithik launch Jodhaa Akbar music

The wait for Jodhaa Akbar is almost over. Ashutosh Gowariker's magnum opus starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will release on February 15. The music launch for the film took place on January 9, with AR Rahman and Amitabh Bachchan doing the honours. Jodhaa Akbar is Hrithik and Aishwarya's second film together after Dhoom 2. The two have been widely appreciated for their electrifying on-screen chemistry. Jodhaa Akbar is Aishwarya's first film post marriage and Hrithik's next after Dhoom 2. With AR Rahman and Javed Akhtar working on the music of the film, expectations are sky high. Aishwarya and Hrithik were full praise for the music and they both concluded that it was their best film score till date. Produced at a cost of Rs 40 crores, Jodhaa Akbar is one of the most expensive movies of 2008. The film took two years to make. It has been shot extensively in Rajasthan and Karjat.

Courtesy: Sify.com

Music of Jodha Akbar launched

Music for producer director Ashutosh Gowarikar's 'Jodhaa Akbar', was launched at the Grand Hyatt, Kalina, Mumbai late Wednesday evening. Rani Padmini, who is a direct descendant of Jodhabai was present on the occasion.

The film's lead pair Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai were present on the launch function along with lyricist Javed Akhtar, Ashutosh Gowarikar and music director A. R. Rahman.

The musical score for the period film by AR Rahman has been released under the newly launched UTV Music label. It consists of five songs that capture the essence and opulence of the Moghul era.

Ashutosh Gowarikar has denied reports that two songs were cut from the film to keep its length under 3 hours.

"No. We recorded five songs and we've retained them all. I treasure every song that I record and wouldn't dream of cutting them for length."

There are only five songs recorded for Jodhaa Akbar and we've retained all of them. I treasure every song that I record and wouldn't dream of cutting them for length. Even if we had nine songs only two would wind their way into the charts. We have five songs and I've worked on making each hummable.

Aishwarya was beautiful as ever glittering in an ethnic churidar Kurta.

By January 15, the music will be in stores.

The response to the first two songs has been surprisingly positive. People were expecting archaic songs, but they seem to have liked the modern adaptation of the 16th century sounds.

Courtesy: Saharasamay.com

Aishwarya and Hrithik wow at 'Jodhaa Akbar'

Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan at Jodhaa Akbar music launch at the Grand Hyatt, Kalina, Mumbai on 9th Jan 2008. Photo Credit: Sawf News

10 January 2008 (Sawf News) - Music for producer director Ashutosh Gowarikar's Jodhaa Akbar, starring Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan, was launched at Grand Hyatt, Kalina, Mumbai late Wednesday evening, January 9.

Maharani Padmini Devi, who is a direct descendant of Princess Jodhaa of Amer was present on the stage, as were Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai, Javed Akhtar, Ashutosh Gowarikar and AR Rahman.

(L to R) Ashutosh Gowarikar, AR Rahman, Javed Akhtar, Aishwarya Rai, Rani Padmini and Hrithik Roshan at Jodhaa Akbar music launch at the Grand Hyatt, Kalina, Mumbai on 9th Jan 2008. Photo Credit: Sawf News

Other cast members present included Punam S Sinha, wife of actor-MP Shatrughan Sinha who plays Akbar's mother in the film, Kulbhushan Kharbanda who plays Raja Bharmal and Sonu Sood.

Also present were Amitabh Bachchan, who provides the voice over, Shatrughan Sinha, Hrithik's wife Suzzane, her actor brother Zayed Khan, father Sanjay Khan and uncle Akbar Khan.

Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan at Jodhaa Akbar music launch at the Grand Hyatt, Kalina, Mumbai on 9th Jan 2008. Photo Credit: Sawf News

The musical score for the period dram has been composed by AR Rahman and is being released under the newly launched UTV Music label. It consists of five songs that capture the essence and opulence of the Mughall era.

Gowarikar denies two songs were cut from the film to keep its length under 3 hours.

"No. We recorded five songs and we've retained them all. I treasure every song that I record and wouldn't dream of cutting them for length."

Aishwarya Rai at Jodhaa Akbar music launch at the Grand Hyatt, Kalina, Mumbai on 9th Jan 2008. Photo Credit: Sawf News

The joint appearance by Aishwarya and Hrithik at the event put to rest rumors of a rift between the co-stars who wowed viewers as an on screen couple in Dhoom 2.

Dismissing tabloid speculation that the two have not been getting along lately Gowarikar says:

"Absolutely untrue! Aishwarya and Hrithik get along really well. Even at the wrap-up party they were fine with each other. There was no rivalry between them."

Fans can expect to see the two make more joint appearances during the lead up to the release of the film.

“We now have a publicity plan for them,” Gowarikar adds.

Aishwarya Rai at Jodhaa Akbar music launch at the Grand Hyatt, Kalina, Mumbai on 9th Jan 2008. Photo Credit: Sawf News

"The music of Jodhaa-Akbar can't be bhangra and hip-hop. Just because the film has Aishwarya, please don't expect an introductory song-and-dance. It's not a star vehicle. It's about the characters. I'm showcasing Jodhaa and Akbar," says Gowarikar.

Gowarikar also confirmed that the film will be released on February 15, refuting reports that there may be yet another delay.

Courtesy: Sawf.orf

Hrithik-Aishwarya fame will help: Ashutosh Gowariker

He had a directorial life before. But it's with Lagaan followed by Swades that Ashutosh Gowariker has acquired the reputation of being one of the most influential and socially awakened filmmakers of our times.

With his new epic Jodhaa-Akbar he goes into the historic alliance between a Mughal Emperor and his Rajput wife with much diligence and passion. Gowariker talks about the film with Subhash K Jha.

After Lagaan, you return to a period film in Jodhaa-Akbar?
You might say that. But I call Lagaan a period film. Jodhaa-Akbar is to me a historical.Anything after 1857 is a period film for me. Anything before that is a historical. Jodhaa-Akbar is certainly not a costume drama.

It isn't set in a never-never land. I'd call Mughal-e-Azam a historical though its focus was different from mine. I feel if today we make a story about the past it must be co-related to the present.

And Jodha-Akbar is as relevant to present times as arranged marriages. Jodha and Akbar shared a perfect arranged marriage. I was fascinated by how their relationship must have grown after marriage.

There was no reference in any books about what happened between them. I've taken extreme care to make sure viewers believe in the relationship.

How much have you stressed the religious different between Jodha and Akbar?
It's important but not stressed in my film. Let's not forget, Akbar's marriage to Jodhabai was no common occurrence.

It had a nationwide reverberation 450 years ago when society was far more conservative. How did their marriage affect those times? That's a question relevant even today. But I'm not jingoistic in my treatment.

Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan have very contemporary personalities?
That won't be a problem. The audience will come in and forget everything about Hrithik and Aishwarya. I've no fear of that. The two are brilliant Ultimately the audience will be watching not the stars but the two characters that they play.

Hrithik-Aishwarya's pairing is incredible. They're extremely charismatic and good-looking. They were a huge success in the contemporary Dhoom 2. That can only help my film, not harm it.

What audiences will see in my film are Jodha and Akbar. At least that's what I've tried to ensure through their looks, body language and behaviour. I wanted to make my historical as believable as I'd like to see it being.

Every element big or small, from the texture of the clothes to the sets, décor, dialogues and the protocol, even the incidental sounds of birds and animals, they all had to be just right for me.

I'm tired of filmmakers wondering where those good old days have gone. I wanted to reclaim those days. It took me two years of pre-production before I got into my first shot..

Is this the most difficult you've made?
It is. But the process has been so enjoyable I didn't mind the toil. My crew made the process of creation very interesting. Just working hard isn't a virtue. Otherwise I should not make a film. And I definitely shouldn't make a historical.

Film analysts feel history has no relevance for today's average youngster?
I agree. Even as a child myself historical films never interested me. But when I saw Mughal-e-Azam on television I connected to it because it was a story of lovers separated by parental opposition. That the parents were historical figures was incidental.

I feel the story has to be connectable to the audience. Hyder Ali who wrote Jodha-Abkar told me, 'In Mughal-e-Azam the focus was so much on Salim and Anarkali nobody asked a fundamental question.

How did Akbar come to marry Jodhabhai in spite of their religious and cultural divide? I immediately reacted to their alliance. I saw an interesting story there that needed to be told.

As for the youngsters, I had one rule of connectivity in my range of vision. Any word or dialogue that I didn't understand in Urdu, I kept out.

I've no interest in impressing audiences with my knowledge of Urdu, Hindi or even literature. I feel literature is for the books, and that's where it should stay. I needed to reach out to the masses.

So is Jodha-Akbar kitsch?
No. I've referred to literature and academia. But the Akbar-nama was in Pharsi. It doesn't mean I'd use Pharsi in my film. I want Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Bengal to understand the film. I'm dubbing the film into Telugu and Tamil.

Each language has its own regality and I'm going by the individual regality of the province. I had one vision before me when I started making this film. It was the world of the Amar Chitra Katha. I've grown up on that world.

Are you happy with the end-product?
Oh it has been tremendously enriching. So far the Mughal period was part of textbooks. I always wondered about the battles and the durbar intrigue.

The mughal period was known for its lavishness, so much so that studio bosses in Hollywood from the golden period were not called movie czars or movie nawabs. They were called movie moghuls.

Courtesy: Santabanta.com

Looking forward to the best of Bollywood in 2008

JODHAA AKBAR

Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai

Oscar nominated director Ashutosh Gowariker’s latest is the most awaited, much delayed and probably the biggest film of 2008.

Bollywood’s hottest on-screen couple are back in action! Super hero Hrithik Roshan and reigning diva Aishwarya Rai created controversy after their infamous smooch in 2006’s blockbuster, Dhoom 2. Their latest release, Jodhaa Akbar, is unlikely to create such a furore from India’s moral police as it is a historical period romance.

Set in the 16th century, it tells the alleged true love story between the great Mughal Emperor Akbar (Roshan) and his marriage of convenience to Jodhaa (Rai), a Hindu Rajput princess, in order to expand his control over the Rajput Empire. The fiery Jodhaa resents being a mere political pawn in her husband’s life. Akbar faces his biggest battle: winning the love of his wife.

From the rushes seen at last year’s Cannes film festival where the film was ‘introduced’, it appears that Gowariker is attempting to recreate a ‘Mughal-e-Azam’-style epic with sumptuous sets, huge battle scenes using hundreds of real horses and elephants, AR Rahman’s music and two of Bollywood’s biggest stars.

It remains to be seen whether this will translate into box-office gold. Bollywood audiences today appear indifferent to historical films. Both Aamir Khan’s The Rising about India’s so-called first war of independence and Akbar Khan’s Taj Mahal failed recently at the box office.

Additionally, audiences may not warm to the idea of seeing their usually shirtless hero Roshan fully clothed in robes with long hair and sporting a moustache. Rai’s magic may be on the wane. She dons her trademark doe-eyed look yet again so faithful fans will not be disappointed. But this is her first proper release since her marriage: Indian audiences find it problematic to engage on screen with someone else’s wife.

Set for release on February 15 2008.

GHAJINI

Director: A R Murgadoss

Stars: Aamir Khan, Asin Thottumkal, Jiah Khan.

A Hindi remake of the similarly titled Tamil blockbuster, which is actually a remake of the Christopher Noolan memory loss Hollywood film, Memento. After Shah Rukh Khan, it is Aamir Khan’s turn to sport a six-pack as the hunky amnesiac in search of the man who murdered his wife.

Courtesy: Timesonline.co.uk

Why Hrithik Roshan chooses difficult roles

There is a reason as to why Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan chooses difficult roles such as the Mughal emperor in the new historical romance Jodhaa Akbar opposite the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai .

The reason is that difficult roles challenge Hrithik to excel as an actor.

Directed by Ashutosh Gowarikar , ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, scheduled to release on February 15, is based on a 16th century romance between the Mughal emperor Akbar and Hindu princess Jodha Bai, played by Ash.

``I really want to do films that scare me so much that I won't be able to afford it if they don't fare well,'' Hrithik said in an interview.

``It is only when it seems to threaten the value of my job would I be consciously giving it my best,'' Hrithik said.

But Hrithik said what he loathed most playing Akbar was wearing a lot of heavy jewelry and armor. He said it was awkward to wear earrings and chunky necklaces that were needed to reflect the royalty of the 16th century.

``How will you fight when you cannot even stand up? What if you fall with all that weight on you?'' Hrithik asked.

The shooting of Jodhaa Akbar concluded in November last year with a lavish song.

The elaborate song was shot for about 13 days at Nitin Desai’s studios in Karjat.

Titled “Azeem O Shah, Shahenshah”, the song featured about one thousand dancers in traditional costumes, wielding swords and shields.

Courtesy: Apunkachoice.com

Meet the lensman who captured Jodha Akhbar ’s beauty

He is a lensman who captured the refreshing Quayamat Se Quayamat Tak, the opulent Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham in 2001 and now Kiran Deohans or KD as he is fondly called, is adding finishing touches to the royal Jodha Akbar.

Working in between on ad films, Kiran is both excited and nervous about the magnum opus.

"We have to keep references as realistic. Like for light, in the day we had daylight and at night, torches. So we were limited by those factors there. Yet we still kept the dramatisation intact, within the realistic prism,” says Kiran.

So what does he have to tell about co-stars of the film, Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan?

"They both are such good looking people, that we had to maintain their beauty throughout the film and yet, keep them in character,” Kiran says.

After shooting QSQT in 1988, Kiran took a ten year break before shooting another film- Karan Johar's Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham

But he did shoot as many as 300 ad films in between, simply because the ad world paid him more and constantly challenged him.

In a career spanning almost two decades surprisingly Kiran has just a handful of feature films to his credit.

"For me to pick a film, I have to read the script like a layman, I have to detach the technician. When I first like it, then the second layer takes over and I assess as to how do I make the film better,” says Kiran.

After the release of Jodhaa Akbar in February, the only inspiration for this cinematographer will be his own directorial venture and we will be watching out for that.

Courtesy: Ibnlive.com

A look at the big Bollywood releases of 2008

Last year was a mixed bag for Bollywood, but 2008 comes with a lot of promise.

First up in January will be Rajkumar Santoshi's Halla Bol in which actors Ajay Devgan and Vidya Balan will share screen space for the first time. The film, which is about a film star fighting for justice, is believed to be inspired by the Jessica Lal murder case.

February, the month of love, will see Ashutosh Gowarikar's Jodha Akbar hit theatres. This 16th Century epic romance will see Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan together again after Dhoom 2.

The buzz around it:
Ash and Hrithik sizzle in regal splendour.
AR Rahman's lilting music.

April 2008 will see the release of Tashan, and the one reason why you should be watching out for this one is that off-screen couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor will be together in the same frame.

The buzz around it:
Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan's on-screen chemistry.
Stylish action sequences.

After much dilly-dallying with the casting Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra's Dilli 6 is finally scheduled to release in 2008 with Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor in the lead. The film reportedly draws inspiration from Mehra's growing up years in Delhi and the infamous monkey man scare.

The buzz around it:
Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra's next film after Rang De Basanti, so expectations are high.
The Delhi flavour will be well in place.

Ghajini, the remake of a Tamil hit, will be Aamir Khan's film for the year 2008. Murugadas, who directed the original, will direct Aamir Khan, Tamil actress Asin, and Jiah Khan in this racy thriller.

The original Ghajini was itself a remake of the Christopher Nolan thriller Memento. Of course any similarities between the two films will be purely coincidental.

The buzz around it:

Aamir Khan's next after Taare Zameen Par, so once again expectations will be sky high.
The obvious inspiration from Memento.

Courtesy: Ibnlive.com

'Jodha Akbar' in Tamil, Telugu

While on UTV, their next venture JODHA AKBAR, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, will be dubbed in Tamil and Telugu languages. That’s not all, UTV has plans of releasing the two versions extensively in these two markets.

UTV’s current plans are to release the magnum opus in 1,000 + screens in the domestic market in the three languages [Hindi, Tamil, Telugu]. “Don’t be surprised if the number of screens touch 1,200,” Suniel Wadhwa, Associate Vice President - India Distribution, UTV informs me. The breakdown [as on this date] is as follows:- Hindi version 750, Telugu version 150 and Tamil version 100 screens. Incidentally, Hrithik Roshan’s previous movies, DHOOM 2 and KRRISH, were also dubbed in Telugu and Tamil languages.

The Telugu trailers of JODHA AKBAR were unleashed during Dassera week [18th October] with ATHIDHI, with 248 trailers [352 screens] across Andhra Pradesh, while the Tamil trailers were released during the Diwali week [9th November] with AZHAGIYA TAMIL MAGAN and VEL.

Courtesy: Indiafm.com

Rahman to start New Year on a high

The long list of reasons cited for Jodhaa Akbar’s release, starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, seems to be never ending. Latest one added to the list is Ashutosh Gowariker’s health conditions. Sources say that long sessions at the post-production suites have taken its toll on the director’s health with doctors advising him to rest and refrain from traveling for a while.

And heeding to the advice, Ashutosh has postponed his visit to Chennai to be with Rahman during the composition of the background score for the film.

However, the producers, UTV, who had recently decided to start their own record label, have set January 9, 2008 as the audio release date. It has also been reported that the date of worldwide release of the movie will be on February 15, 2008. With expectations for this film growing manifold with its promos being aired across TV channels and cinemas around the world, you just have to wait for the good piece of work to take shape.

Courtesy: Behindwoods.com

Hrithik Roshan back in Mumbai amidst rumors of another 'Jodhaa Akbar' delay

Hrithik Roshan returned to Mumbai from Singapore, cutting short his treatment for a torn knee ligament, amidst rumors of another delay in the release of his film Jodhaa Akbar.

The actor had left for Singapore Thursday, December 6, for aggressive physiotherapy sessions spanning 6 weeks. His wife, Sussane, was to join him later. He was due to return early January to promote Jodhaa Akbar which is slotted for a January 25 release.


Following his return Hrithik was once again facing cameras on Saturday, December 23, to film The making of Jodhaa Akbar. It is not known if that was the imperative for his return or the schedule for the treatment of his knee was revised.

Hrithik's early return means he will get to attend the launch of the film's music.

Usually the music of a film is launched 2-3 months ahead of the film, in order to establish its market presence. However, no date has yet been announced for the release of Jodhaa Akbar's music, which has been scored by AR Rehman. Some reports suggest that the background score has yet to be fully recorded.

The delay has fueled rumors that the film's release date is likely to be pushed back once again.

The film was originally slotted to hit the marquee on October 23 but its release date was pushed back to January 25 to absorb a schedule overrun during filming.

Post production for the film is now also taking longer than envisaged. One of the problems being faced is the length of the film. It is being reported that a lot of footage, shot at considerable costs, will have to be discarded in order to keep the film under 3 hours, something that is proving to be a challenge for director Ashutosh Gowariker who has put his heart into the project.

To make matters worst, Gowariker is down with a bad back.

A source from Ashutosh Gowarikar Productions Pvt Ltd (AGPPL) told Mumbai Mirror, "Ashutosh has been unwell for a while and advised complete bed rest. We are yet to do the color correction of the film."

UTV, which is footing most of the production costs for the film, remains tight lipped about reports of another delay.

"I cannot comment on anything right now. Please wait for the official announcement," Siddharth Roy Kapoor, COO, told Mumbai Mirror.

Some sources suggest that the film's release may be pushed as far back as March.

Courtesy: Sawf.org