Vikram in 19th Step?

A few days back, it was speculated that Vikram might be roped in for 19th Step, directed by Bharat Bala. Now, unconfirmed reports indicate that a meeting did take place between the star and the director, so this rumour could well come true. Vikram is truly excited that his Kanthaswamy will be released soon. He is also working on Raavan with ace director Mani Ratnam.
There have been no press meets or major announcements regarding this, but it is believed that director Bharat Bala is doing deep research on the topic and does not want any controversies, especially with a period film. He is consulting with writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair and wants to make it as authentic as he can!
Bharat Bala is credited with the success of Vande Mataram music videos which he filmed during India's 50th year of Independence. 19th Step will have A.R. Rahman teaming up with Bharat Bala once again after several years!
19th Step is produced by Walt Disney Productions, and has Asin and Tadanobu Asano in lead roles. Kamal Haasan is also said to be in the cast, but there has been no confirmation yet. Has Kamal opted out of the project? Is he teaming up with Murugadoss for a Bollywood flick? These are some questions that keep lingering!


Courtesy: galatta.com

Kamal and Murugadoss together!

This sounds like one combination that can’t fail. Arguably India’s finest actor is ready to join hands with the most promising of young directors, AR Murugadoss.

This doesn’t seem to be the dream of the film buffs alone. Director Murugadoss, who is yet to begin his next project after ‘Ghajini’, also shares this dream to work with the Universal Hero.

He announced this at an event held recently which was attended by Kamal Haasan himself. The director went on to publicly state that he was a big fan of Kamal, who’s experimentation with roles has fascinated him a lot. He also went on to state that he would like to do a project with Kamal as the hero.

AR Murugadoss has earlier directed ‘Dheena’, ‘Ramana’ and the Suriya-starrer ‘Ghajini’ that went on to be made in Bollywood with Aamir Khan reprising Suriya’s role. Murugadoss has been holding talks with Shah Rukh for his next film, even while he will be teaming up with Suriya for another film soon.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Murugadoss inks a deal with Star Fox

Murugadoss shot to limelight with the Suriya starrer Ghajini in Tamil and went on to prove his mettle in Bollywood where he again wielded the megaphone to direct Aamir Khan for the Hindi version of the same film. Ever since then, there has been no looking back for the director. The latest buzz is that AR Murugadoss Productions have entered into an agreement with the Hollywood production house major, Star Fox to produce films in Tamil. Speaking about this latest development, Murugadoss said that though his production house would be producing the films, he would not don the director’s cap for all of it. Murugadoss plans to offer an opportunity to deserving directors, technicians and actors and actress in the new ventures.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Aamir wants to remake Forrest Gump

If things go Aamir Khan's way, his fans might have an opportunity to see him remake the Hollywood blockbuster Forrest Gump.

The movie has impressed Aamir so much that on being asked which film he would choose to do as a Hindi remake after Ghajini, he says, "It's Tom Hank's Forrest Gump. I have seen this film. It's a wonderful movie. Tom Hanks has done a fantastic job. If I get an opportunity to do a remake, it has to be Forrest Gump."

Forrest Gump is the story of a man with a low IQ. He has accomplished great things in his life and been present during significant historical events. But despite all that he has achieved, his one true love eludes him. The film is a 1994 comedy-drama. It is based on the 1986 novel by Winston Groom. According to an estimate, the film turned out to be a huge commercial success, earning US$677 million worldwide. It became the top grossing film in North America released that year. The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Visual Effects, Best Director, (Robert Zemeckis), and Best Actor (Tom Hanks).

Every bit of the film is shot with so much of precision that that Mr. Perfectionist Aamir Khan can't think of any other film for a perfect remake. Talking about the aspects of remakes, he feels that every film doesn't qualify for a good remake.

His currently running movie Ghajini is also a remake of the Tamil film of the same name and Aamir says that the concept of 15 minutes of memory loss impressed him very much. "This concept has not been used in any Bollywood film so far. So It impressed me very much and that's why I thought of working in it. From my point of view Forrest Gump is also a very good film for a Hindi-remake."

Courtesy: ndtv.com

'Ghajini' is my first action film: Aamir Khan

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan on Tuesday said that his forthcoming film 'Ghajini', which is scheduled to hit the silver screen on December 25, will be his first full-fledged action film.
"After 'Fanaa'(2006), 'Ghajini' will be my first commercial entertainer in a long time. It will also be my first out and out action film," Aamir said at the formal trailer-teaser release of the movie in Mumbai.
The action in the film is quite special, he said.
"We wanted to release the film during Diwali but it got delayed due to the muscle-tear injury I suffered during the film's shooting," Aamir said.
Aamir, who has sported a muscular build in this film, said that he had to work-out for almost an year to get the physique.
"I started my work-outs during the post-production of 'Taare Zameen Par'. I exercised at least 3-4 hours everyday," Aamir said.
"It was only after 2-3 weeks of training that I realised what I had gotten into. I realised it was more of a mental game than a physical one," he added.
'Ghajini' is a remake of the Tamil film of the same name which in turn was inspired by psychological thriller 'Memento' directed by Christopher Nolan.Directed by A R Murugadoss, 'Ghajini' also stars actresses Jiah Khan and Asin Thottumkal.


Courtesy: screenindia.com

Aamir’s not happy with Ghajini

Aamir Khan is a thorough perfectionist. And the actor is currently concentrating on Ghajini which is going to be his next release after Tare Zameen Par. 

According to a unit hand, Ghajini is complete and therefore Murugadoss kept a special screening for Aamir. Apparently, after watching the film Aamirrealized that some scenes require changes and he has asked the director to re-shoot those. 

The director, Murugadoss who trusts Aamir’s instincts has agreed to make changes. A unit hand informs that Aamir is currently busy shooting for 3 Idiots. Also, shooting for Ghajini will mean that Aamir will have to sport the hairstyle required in the film. However, Aamir is sporting short hair these days and will need at least a month-and-a-half to get back in the required hairstyle. Thus the star will be able to re-shoot for Ghajini only in October. 

It can be recalled that Aamir’s last film Tare Zameen Par was supposed to be directed by Amol Gupte. However, after shooting some scenes Aamir realized that he himself should direct the film and took over the director’s baton. There were also rumours about Aamir being a ghost director for Jaane Tu ... Ya Jaane Na which was made under his home production. 

We hope Murugadoss gets his directorial liberties this time!

Courtesy: indiatimes.com

“I did not cast Asin in Ghajini,” says Aamir

Refuting all rumors that he was responsible for casting Asin the Hindi version of Ghajini, Aamir clarified that she was director Murugadoss’s choice. Aamir finally broke his silence over this issue, as it was widely speculated that Asin landed on the role again on Aamir’s insistence. Speaking about her performance in Ghajini, Aamir said that she had all

that it takes to be one among the leading stars in Bollywood.

On Asin’s perfect Hindi accent, Aamir said that she had the accent right and he was amazed when she dubbed for the film. Well, isn’t Asin known for her linguistic abilities?

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Aamir & Surya in Murugadoss’s next!

The Aamir - Asin starrer Ghajini is finally wrapped up. With the remaining couple of songs having been shot recently, Murugadoss is busy with the post-production work. The director is said to be busy in the editing studios of Mumbai burning the midnight oil to get the movie ready for a Deepavali release. Inside sources assert that Ghajini would be ready to release in October.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that Murugadoss has planned his next Tamil venture with Surya. We also got wind of the news that Aamir’s dates are requested for a cameo role in the movie. Although it is not known whether Aamir has nodded consent, given the fact that Aamir and Murugadoss get along famously well, that sounds like a possibility indeed.


Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Aamir’s first reaction to Ghajini!

Hindi Ghajini, with Aamir and Asin in the lead roles, is ready for release except for two song sequences.
To celebrate the completion of the film, the crew had recently organized a party where many of the leading glitterati participated. Hero and heroine Aamir and Asin made heads turn with their excellent style of dressing. Director Murugadoss was beaming and had acted like a perfect host. Salman Khan had also graced the occasion with his brother Sohail Khan.

Ghajini is touted to be released in October and when the song sequences are filmed, post-production works are likely to begin. According to Murugadoss, Aamir is besotted with the outcome of the movie after viewing the rushes. The director also expressed his satisfaction over the result and assured that Ghajini would become as big a hit in Hindi akin to its Tamil version.

Courtesy: tamilstar.com

It's a 'Jaane Tu…' wave right now: Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan is going through the best phase in his career. "No one can predict which way the pendulum will swing, before a film releases. But 'Jaane Tu…' has fared well beyond my expectations. It's a 'Jaane Tu…' wave right now, like it was when 'Bobby' had released. The euphoria was also witnessed during 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, 'Maine Pyar Kiya' and 'Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai'. I only wish Chachajaan [late Nasir Husain] was alive to share the happiness. He was very close to Imran," Aamir tells me as we meet again for a heart-to-heart conversation.

With Imran's debut vehicle proving a major hit, is Aamir guiding his nephew how to go about in his career? "I would never do that. It's important to take your own decisions. You must learn to walk without crutches. Right from the start of my career, I took my own decisions… I made mistakes, but those were my mistakes. I think, I've learnt more from my failures than hits and I would advice Imran the same," Aamir states.

But a number of people feel that if one wants to sign Imran, it has to be via Aamir. True? "Yeah, that's what everyone feels. In fact, a number of people do call up, enquiring about Imran, but I tell them, 'Yeh lo number, Imran ko khud phone karo'," he laughs.

While on 'Jaane Tu…', Aamir has incorporated a song that was deleted from the final version. "It's my favorite number, but Mansoor, Abbas and I took a call jointly. We felt the song was only making the film lengthier. But since the results are out, the song has been added in its third week. Initially, we thought of retaining it for just one week. But looking at the feedback, we may stretch it to three weeks. However, let me add, the song will not be a part of the final cut in the DVD. It will be featured in the unseen portions," Aamir divulges.

With 'Ghajini' complete and slated for release in November, Aamir will begin shooting for Rajkumar Hirani's film from August onwards. "It's called '3 Idiots'. I am looking forward to working with Madhavan and Sharman Joshi [the 'Rang De Basanti' team]. Kareena is now doing the film," the soft-spoken actor states.

The topic moves on to his next project. Has he thought of his next directorial venture? "Not yet! I haven't started looking for stories either. Earlier, I was busy with Ghajini', then the release of 'Jaane Tu…' took most of my time," Aamir confesses. But the buzz is, Aamir intends casting Bachchan Sr. in his film. "I was at a loss of words when Mr. Bachchan said that he would love to work in a film directed by me. He's my favorite actor. It would be a privilege to direct him, but like I said, I haven't zeroed on a subject yet," Aamir says.

What about 'Delhi Belly'? Reportedly, the film will be made in English, not Hindi. "That's true! We are targeting at the global audience. I don't want it to be a bilingual [Hindi, English]. We tried that earlier ['Mangal Pandey'], but it didn't work," he says. With Ranbir Kapoor not part of the project anymore, will Imran step in? "Ranbir couldn't do the film due to date hassles. As for Imran, let's see. We haven't taken a call yet," Aamir states.

Courtesy: indiafm.com

Celebration time on Ghajini sets

Aamir Khan generally does one thing at a time but this time around he’s juggling two things simultaneously. On one hand, he’s been promoting nephew Imran Khan's film Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na. And he’s hard at work completing the shoot for Ghajini. And there was a massive celebration, which happened on the sets the other day.

So obviously, outsiders presumed the shooting was coming to an end. But the reason was different. The cast and crew were busy celebrating the death of the negative character or villain as we call him in Bollywood.

Pradeep Rawat is the person who played the villain in the original film as well as the remake.

According to Mid-Day the director AR Murugadoss said, "Yes, we did have a bit of celebrations at the end of the schedule. We ordered a cake, as that was the last scene of the villain. So in true filmi fashion we cheered the death of the bad guy!" Incidentally, Rawat also played the bad guy in the original.

Apparently, Ghajini has been inspired by Memento a film by Christopher Nolan.

Courtesy: buzz18.com

Aamir Khan's 'Ghajini' on track for year end release

After having made a complete recovery from his hamstring injury, Aamir Khan has been busy filming for A.R. Murugadoss directed 'Ghajini', which is now on track for a year end release.

"The movie will release this year end as planned, and will not release along side Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi as reported in the media. The exact date will be announced soon," Sirish Allu of Geetha Arts told Sawf News.

Aditya Chopra directed Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, featuring Shah Rukh Khan and newcomer Anushka Sharma is slotted for release on December 12.

Asin. Photo Credit: Sawf News

"[Amir's] last day of shooting for the film is on the 27th of July. After that just two solo songs featuring Asin and Jiah Khan are to be shot," Sirish adds.

What that means for a lot of Aamir fans is that he will not be supporting his buzz cut for much longer now!

The eagerly awaited film is a remake of the similarly named Tamil film, also directed by Murugadoss. Aamir plays a distraught boyfriend suffering from short-term amnesia who is called upon to avenge his girlfriend's murder.

Jiah Khan. Photo Credit: IANS

Aamir is romantically paired in the film with south actress Asin and Jiah Khan plays his college going sister.

The film is reported to have already been sold for a whopping Rs 93 crore - Rs 53 crore for the domestic screening and Rs 40 crore for satellite, overseas and home video rights. In comparison Om Shanti Om had fetched a record Rs 73 crore.

Courtesy: sawf.org

Ghajini - First look

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Ghajini fetches Rs. 90 crores!

The amnesiac businessman out to avenge his girlfriend’s killing took the Tamil industry by storm. And now, the Hindi version of Ghajini, directed A.R. Murgadoss, produced by Allu Aravind, with Aamir Khan and our very own Asin, has almost wrapped up. Currently we hear the film is in post-production with dubbing and editing work going on.


With every successive Indian mega-production touching new heights, be it in production quality or artistic achievements, is it any wonder then that Ghajini too has broken records? The distribution rights of the Hindi Ghajini have been sold for a breathtaking Rs. 90 crores!

The industry is quite awed that a still under-production film has fetched such a record price.

Courtesy: galatta.com

‘Ghajini’ team ready to team up again

Director A R Murugadoss and Suriya teamed up to render a hit in ‘Ghajini’. The movie sky-rocketed both Suriya and Murugadoss to stardom.

Murugadoss has almost completed the Hindi version of ‘Ghajini’. It features Aamir Khan and Asin in the lead roles.

Moving ahead, he says, “Plans are on to commence my next venture soon. It would be a big venture - produced by myself. I am planning to team up with Suriya for it is a tri-lingual, to be made simultaneously in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi”.

“Suriya would act in a never before role and it would be a straight contrast to ‘Ghajini’”, he said.

“The Hindi version of ‘Ghajini’ has shaped up well. I should thank Aamir Khan for co-operation”, he added. He denied reports appeared in few sections of the press that he would be doing a movie with Vishal.

“I will commence the trilingual production venture after the Aamir Khan starrer ‘Ghajini’ gets released.”

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Aamir Khan fida on Jiah

Jiah Khan who made her debut with a controversial film Nishabdh is making the right moves. Her bold attitude and friendship with co star Amitabh Bachchan during Nishabdh was enough to get a lot of publicity for this new actress. After working with Amitabh her next film is with Aamir Khan and this time too she has managed to weave her charm on Aamir.


This sensuous actress is working with Aamir in his forthcoming film Ghajini and it seems Aamir is completely bowled over her personality. It is believed that Aamir is not only impressed by her personality and acting, he has helped her find a new house in Mumbai. According to an insider Jiah was going trough the pain of finding a house for herself. Since the time she shifted to Mumbai with her mother she is staying in a rented flat. While Aamir who was concerned about his co star decided to introduce her to an estate agent and finally she has managed to get her new flat.

Apparently Aamir has always been supportive to his female costars. Recently he helped his other star Asin to find a manager. Now which actress will not wish for a costar like Aamir!

Courtesy: indiatimes.com

GHAJINI actress going great guns!

Prominent Tamil actress Asin is going great guns. The day she was signed opposite Aamir Khan in the hindi remake of GHAJINI, Bollywood welcomed her with open arms. And today she is flooded with big offers.

According to the latest buzz the south superstar Asin is in talks with Vipul Shah regarding the upcoming film LONDON DREAMS starring Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan. Infact Asin got so excited about this project that she went ahead to do a photo-shoot for the film. On the other hand she has bagged a plum role in yet another esteemed project to be directed by Priyadarshan opposite Akshay Kumar. This Akshay Kumar starrer film will be produced by Venus.


Rumors have it that Asin is also being considered to be caste opposite Shahid Kapoor and Big B in one film each.

Meanwhile the pretty actress is busy with the shooting of GHAJINI.

Courtesy: glamsham.com

Aamir still out of action

Aamir Khan is yet to start shooting his action sequences for Ghajini as he is still to recover fully from his hamstring injury. The actor has been advised 2 more weeks' rest.

A source close to Aamir reveals, “His physiotherapist has not given him the go ahead for any action sequence and they are advising him against any hard core action scenes too. He is still on painkillers and is exercising every morning. But after two weeks Aamir will go to Chennai to film for them.”

The source adds, “Before visiting the doctor, Aamir was very happy when he realized that his hamstring had recovered and thought he could start shooting the action sequences for Ghajini very soon. In fact in his blog update on June 3 he had written – ‘tomorrow I resume work on the action sequences of Ghajini. I think my hamstring has recovered, but I’ll get to know tomorrow. Wish me luck.’ But the doctor advised him against it.”

On the film schedule, the source says, “There is no hurry. He has started shooting his non-action scenes.”

Meanwhile, Aamir is busy promoting his nephew Imran Khan’s debut film “Jaane Tu Yaa which is releasing on July 4.

Courtesy: starboxoffice.com

Working with Aamir is fantastic: Jiah

In a short span of less than two years, this sultry babe with an enchanting pout and lustrous locks has worked with bigwigs like Ram Gopal Varma and Amitabh Bachchan.

Actress Jiah Khan, who has now bagged Aamir Khan's prestigious project Ghajini, talks to NT about some of the things close to her heart.

We don't get to hear anything about you these days. What are you up to?

My entire energy and waking hours are dedicated to Ghajini these days. It is such an engrossing film that I don't even have the time to think about anything else. But I am not supposed to say anything else about the project.

There are rumours that you have chopped your lustrous locks for one of the forthcoming films on Shahid Kapur's advice...

No way! I will never do that unless a role really demands it. All these rumours are silly.

If you had to choose between Ramu and Aamir as your favourite director, whom would you choose?

(Giggles) This is a tough one! Each one is a genius in his own right and their techniques are quite distinctly different. So, both remain my favourites.

With your western upbringing and exotic looks, you are just right for the crossover projects. Why aren't you doing these?

I am doing a couple of such projects. The discussions are on, but till the time I actually sign these, it won't be appropriate to talk about them.

You were quite bowled over by Big B after Nishabd. Who are the other industry men who are hot according to you?

I haven't worked with many of them to comment on them. But yes, I find those who are not married, quite hot. Shahid for one, is a wonderful guy to work with.

You are doing quite a few stunts these days for your films. Is it because your role model Angelina Jolie also does her own stunts?

Yeah, maybe! Angelina's stunts are quite awe-inspiring. I also like the way she lives her life on her own terms and I admire her concern for children and animals.

Doesn't it scare you sometimes that you might get hurt?

It maybe scary at times but unless you do your own stunts, you can't convince the audience about the depth of your emotions on screen. So, you have to go for it. After all, it is for a cause.

Grapevine has it that you will be appearing in Dhoom:3. Are you ready to change your image for that?

It's not confirmed as yet. But, if it comes through and the role demands it, I don't mind changing my look completely.

One recent movie that you really liked...

Taare Zameen Par. There wasn't a single minute when I didn't cry during that movie. I felt completely drained out emotionally. And when the lights were switched on in the theatre, I saw that all the people had tears in their eyes.

And what do you have to say about Aamir Khan?

Meeting him and working with him is an experience in itself. As a director he's fantastic. I absorb any advice or input that he gives me. He's a wonderful person too.

Who's the lucky man in your life?

I am not very comfortable talking about my private life but I will say just one thing 'I am so happy these days'!

What about your singing aspirations? After all, you are a trained opera singer.

I play piano and sing and dance at home. But that's a very private thing. These things help me to destress.

Courtesy: timesofindia.com

Aamir is all set to clash with Shah Rukh again?

There may be murmurs around the release date of Ghajini being changed from October 2 to a later day but our trade sources insist that there is no other option for the film but be postponed.

Says the source on condition of anonymity, "There is no way how Ghajini could make it to 2nd October.

Ok, so it is a great time for release but then the film hasn't managed to make a kind of progress, which would enable it to be ready for release on 2nd October.

Aamir Khan has gone through quite a few accidents, minor as they may be, but all of that has adversely affected the film's progress."

Courtesy: ittefaq.com