"Film posted online is not full version of Tera Kya Hoga Johnny" – Sudhir Mishra
January 22, 2010
In a film industry that is plagued with piracy and other forms of creative and financial vandalism, the downloading of Sudhir Mishra’s unreleased film Tera Kya Hoga Johnny nonetheless comes as a rude shock.
The director, shooting his latest film in the freezing winter of Delhi, took time off to speak exclusively to Bollywood Babes.
“Suddenly the news of my film being downloaded has become bigger than the film itself. This, I must admit, comes as a rude reminder of what lies ahead for our film industry. It’s not just piracy. The internet is where we need to look for trouble sources now.”
Sudhir was busy shooting on Tuesday. “When I finally heard about my film being on the net, I checked it out. This is not the full and final version of Tera Kya Hoga Johnny. It’s a very rough cut. I’d advice all netizens to avoid watching the illegally download version because that’s not my film.”
Trying hard to keep the annoyance and anger out of his voice, Sudhir refuses to play the blame game with the film’s co-producer Tutu Sharma.
“All I’ll say,” says the tightlipped critically acclaimed director “is that the film did not get leaked out of my office. What has already happened must be avoided in the future. But we aren’t letting this go. Complaints have been filed in two police stations of Mumbai and with the Google authorities. This must not happen again.”
Sudhir, however is confident that the unfinished version on the internet won’t jeopardize the film’s prospects. “After Slumdog Millionaire, the West is looking with much curiosity at the slum culture of Mumbai. I had no plans of doing an English version of Tera Kya Hoga Johnny. But everyone who saw it in New York suggested I do it. Every frame in my film has been shot in the slums, lanes and gullies of Colaba in South Mumbai.”
Tera Kya Hoga Johnny is an episodic story of a street -child name Johnny. Mishra got an actual boy from the streets of Kolkata to play the lead and even unofficially adopted the boy who now lives with the director.
Neil Nitin Mukesh who features in one of the episodes was blamed for the film’s two-year delay in release. It was said that Neil didn’t want the film to release because of his minuscule role.
“Now at least everyone should stop blaming me,” smirks Neil. “It was said that I delayed the film by refusing to dub for it. Arrey! The film was in sync sound, so there’s no question of not dubbing. I’m very proud of Tera Kya Hoga Johnny.”
The Most Awaited movies of 2010
January 22, 2010
With all eyes on Bollywood, and a whole slew of movies due for release this year, Bollywood Babes conducted a poll to chart out what are likely to be the biggest blockbusters of 2010. The analysis took the form of an extensive survey (from 16th to 28th Dec.) conducted online amongst those who really matter – the Consumers. Spanning regions as diverse as India and South-East Asia to the European Union and USA-Canada, the user had to select his/her 5 most anticipated movies. To ensure complete transparency and accuracy, a three level authentication check with email validation, cookie check and IP mapping was put into place.
The hot list of the Most Awaited Movies of 2010* truly proved to be the voice of the masses, garnering an overwhelming response. The 12-day poll saw 1,79,681 valid responses. Results were compiled based on votes from 72 countries – countries which constitute about 98% of revenue towards Bollywood releases.
The poll threw up several interesting results, analysis of which is as follows:
Top 20 movies
My Name Is Khan
Kites
Guzaarish
Veer
Ra.1
Raavan
Raajneeti
House Full
Action Replayy
Dhobi Ghaat
Dabanng
Tees Maar Khan
Chance Pe Dance
Rann
Agent Vinod
Delhi Belly
Koochie Koochie Hota Hai
Ishqiya
Stepmom’s Remake
Teen Patti
Top 10 movies for UK
My Name Is Khan
Veer
Kites
Guzaarish
Ra.1
House Full
Chance Pe Dance
Dabanng
Koochie Koochie Hota Hai
Raavan
Top 10 movies for USA
My Name Is Khan
Kites
Guzaarish
Veer
Raavan
Ra.1
Raajneeti
House Full
Dhobi Ghaat
Rann
Top 10 movies for India
My Name Is Khan
Kites
Guzaarish
Raavan
Veer
Raajneeti
Ra.1
House Full
Action Replayy
Dhobi Ghaat
Movies securing least votes
Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai
Delhi Safari
Chatur Singh Two Star
Run Bhola Run
Crooked (working title)
Â
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Demographics
Some Facts
India:Â 38.40%
USA:Â 13.36%
UK:Â 6.32%
Rest of the world:Â 41.92%
Star quotient
1. 2010 will see SRK and Hrithik battling it out for the top spot. Shah Rukh’s My Name Is Khan ranks first on our list while his pet project Ra.1 also makes it to the top five. Hrithik has the much awaited Kites and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Guzaarish, ranked 2nd and 3rd respectively, in his arsenal.
2. Despite a dull 2009, Akshay Kumar retains his hold on the audience’s minds, with three of the actor’s forthcoming releases: House Full, Action Replayy and Tees Maar Khan finding place in the overall top 20. Interestingly, the Sajid Nadiadwala-Sajid Khan-Akshay Kumar combo in House Full is ranked higher in the poll compared to Vipul Shah’s Action Replayy. Moreover, Nikhil Advani’s Patiala House has been ranked 18th by Indian surfers.
3. With the ladies, it’s a three cornered fight between Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor and Kajol. Aishwarya makes a huge comeback with Guzaarish (third), Raavan (sixth) and Action Replayy (ninth). Kareena Kapoor’s makes her mark with Ra.1, Agent Vinod and Stepmom Remake in the top 20.
4. Kajol, who is also making a comeback of sorts in 2010, retains a steady fan following. Two of her films, My Name Is Khan and Stepmom Remake find place in the overall top 20.
Trends
1. The poll indicates that Indian viewers have not warmed up to animation films. While Tarun Mansukhani’s animation film Koochie Koochie Hota Hain ranks 9th and 20th in the UK and US votes polled, it finds no spot on the Indian top 20.
2. In fact, Nikhil Advani’s forthcoming animation feature Delhi Safari is placed right at the bottom of our poll results.
Production Houses
1. The poll has reinforced that when it comes to films, ‘Content is the King’. Eros and BIG Pictures lead the pack, while it’s a mixed bag for most others.
2. Yashraj Films will have to work harder to capture the audience’s imagination. For a second year in a row, none of its films find a spot in the top 20.
* Bollywood Babes (earlier www.indiafm.com) has been conducting polls annually to determine the movies which are awaited the most or have a high level of public awareness and interest. The survey does not reflect or tend to predict the performance of the movie at the box office.
T-Series all set to get into film production in big way with Patiala House
January 22, 2010
There is no denying the fact that T-Series is among the most well known players in the Indian music industry. Now the music label company is also actively getting into film production in a big way.
T-Series head honcho, Bhushan Kumar, has been taking active interest in overlooking the production related aspects of Akshay Kumar- Anushka Sharma starrer Patiala House which is currently being shot in Mumbai. The film, directed by Nikhil Advani, is being jointly produced by T-Series in association with Mukesh Talreja.
After having established its supremacy on the music front, T-Series now wants to establish a strong presence in the film production business as well. While T-Series has produced few films in the past, the buzz is that from now on, every year, T-Series will produce one or two big films. In fact, rumour has it that T-Series is in talks with Anees Bazmee and Salman Khan to start a film.
Considering Bhushan’s close association with industry bigwigs, the day is not far when T-Series becomes a force to reckon with in the film production business as well.
Colors’ CEO Rajesh Kamat talks about IPL-Colors tie up
January 22, 2010
The Indian Premier League’s tie-up with the television channel Colors promises to have much greater repercussions than outwardly visible.
Speaking exclusively to us during the press conference to announce the IPL-Colors tie-up, Colors’ CEO Rajesh Kamat revealed plans of an IPL-Colors awards night on April 23 bringing together the biggest names in the cricketing and film world.
Says Kamat, “So far we’ve seen glamor at awards functions. This is the first time that the glamour from two different entertainment industries cinema and cricket, will be merged.”
The idea is to jointly upstage the film awards by hosting an ‘IPL Awards Nite’ where super-celebrities from the movies and cricketing fields would join together.
When asked to reveal more details, Kamat said, “It’s early to discuss details of the awards night. It would be one among several major tie-ups with the IPL that our channel has planned. The first of these collaborations is to bring 14 cricketers from the IPL on our reality show ‘Fear Factor’.”
The 14 cricketers’ names are yet to be short-listed. Adds Kamat, “After doing Bigg Boss, with Mr. Bachchan our channel was wondering how to take the unexpected ahead. The IPL-Colors tie-up is an attempt to break the notion that cricket and television are only compatible for the telecast of matches. We want to use the star status of cricketers on our channel in permutations that are unpredictable.”
Anil Kapoor outstages his ‘24′co-stars, gets rave reviews
January 22, 2010
The American press has gone ga-ga over Anil Kapoor. The Los Angeles Times writes, “The most promising (actor) this season is Omar Hassan (Anil Kapoor), president of the Islamic Republic of Kamistan, who is negotiating a peace treaty with U.S. President Allison Taylor (Cherry Jones). He’s regal and decent.”
Says the Entertainment Weekly, “The dapper Hassan, played by the wonderful Anil Kapoor, who really should go by the name of Fantastic Sam because of his incredible head of hair…”
And the Hollywood Reporter just can’t get enough of our Kapoor. “The best addition (to this season’s episodes) is Anil Kapoor, best known stateside for his role as the “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” host in Slumdog Millionaire.” He plays an idealized version a Middle East leader with an Elvis-style pompadour on the verge of signing a historic peace agreement. It’s a painfully standard 24 part, yet he owns each scene he’s in.”
Anil Kapoor is known to be such a thorough professional. So why are his co-stars in his just-premiered American series 24 upset with him? Anil, you see, got invited on the prestigious Today Show where none of the 24 actors, not even Keifer Sutherland, has ever been invited.
Explains Anil, “You see, 24 is series by Fox. And the Today Show is on a rival channel NBC. No actor from a Fox show is every invited on the Today Show. I guess I was an exception because after Slumdog Millionaire I’m seen to represent the Indian diasporas in the West. It’s a humbling place to be in.”
And Anil is trying hard to be humble. When Anil Kapoor left for LA last week, he had promised his family in Mumbai that he would bring back four episodes of 24 which premiered in New York. But he came back empty-handed.
Anil laughs in embarrassment, “I had promised them. And I’m sure Fox would’ve given the episodes to me. In fact they gave the first four episodes to every journalist beforehand with a secrecy clause. So I could’ve easily asked for the same because my daughters Sonam and Rhea and my brother Sanjay were all keen to see my television debut. But I just couldn’t ask. I was too shy. Can you believe it?!”
And now the only way Sonam and the rest of the family gets to see Anil Kapoor’s debut on 24 is if they download the episodes. Says Anil, “I believe the episodes can be downloaded. Also 24 will be telecast on our channel AXN, but few months later. I think episodes featuring me would be telecast much sooner.”
Anil, in fact, is making efforts to bring the series to Indian viewers simultaneously with the rest of the world. Anil is very happy with the way his television debut was received. “It was overwhelming. I made sure that the Indian media was also invited on the red carpet. The impact of my appearance on 24 is yet to be gauged. But I guess the show will add Asian eyeballs to the already-popular series. See, you’ve to understand television in the US is not the same as television in India. There’re big stars on American television who have actually refused to do movies.”
Anil is now committed to do a film or two in India. “I’ve a commitment with Ashtavinayak for two films. Indra Kumar and Apoorva Lakhia are working on two ideas which I really like. I may do one, or both depending on how the projects scripts shape up. But before that I’ve two films
No Problem and Aisha as a producer. I need to concentrate on that.”
As a parting shot I ask Anil how he manages to remain so fit at his age. “Aha! I was always lean and thin, much before it became fashionable. The secret formula is healthy living, positive thinking, no late nights and plenty of work.”
"I’m starting my clothing line by middle of next year" – Ayesha Takia
January 22, 2010
Was Ayesha Takia spotted in a burqa after marriage? Have her in-laws clamped down on her freedom to act in films? These are the rumours that one hears in the film industry.
Ayesha Takia is more amused than exasperated by the attempts being made to put her into the retired-actress’ bracket after marriage.
The word being spread is that Ayesha has married into an overly conservative family where acting is perhaps not permitted. “I’m amazed at the games people play. The other day someone asked me if I’ve started wearing a burqa after marriage,” laughs Ayesha. “Far from feeling clamped I now have the freedom to do a lot more things than before. My parents-in-law are cool about my business ventures with my husband and my film career.”
“And that’s so ridiculous,” says Ayesha with a laugh. “Farhan and I went around together for five years before marriage. So there goes the conservative card. Suddenly after we make it official, I hear all kind of rumours including the fact that I’m out of Revathy Varma’s film and that I’ve been replaced by some other actress.”
Says Ayesha, “I’ve never felt the need to grab roles. I’ve got what I wanted. And it will continue that way. I always felt Wanted would be the first big hit of my career. Ironical that it should come now after my marriage. And I’ve got more to do in it than the leading lady in a Salman vehicle would be expected to. In fact I was blown away by the way I was presented. And why should I give up a dream role like the one in Revathy’s film? She’s new to the Mumbai industry and quite nervous about these controversies.”
Revathy Varma and Ayesha’s mother are very close friends. “Revathy comes home regularly. We all laugh at the way the casting is being questioned by people who probably have nothing better to do.”
Ayesha now intends to focus on new business venture. “I started working in films when I was only 15. And I just realized I’ve been at it since then. I need to venture out. It’s time to try out new things in life. Today a young woman has so many opportunities to do so many things. I’m fortunate to have a name and a face that’s recognizable. I want to use that to my advantage and start a clothing line by the middle of next year.”
Ayesha, her mom and sister Natasha are going to be partners in the garment business. Laughs Ayesha, “All three of us are very excited about doing the clothes line. We love fashion it’s basically for the girls in the family.”
Ayesha’s husband Farhan will be there to help his wife and her family with the clothes line. “Yes, Farhan’s there to help us women in every way possible.”
Marriage hasn’t changed Ayesha. “I’m the same. I always will be. Post-marriage I’m exactly the same. That could be because I was seeing Farhan from long before.
Psychologically, we were married long before. It feels like we were serious about each other forever.”
Ranbir and Genelia to endorse Virgin Mobile
January 22, 2010
This pair was just waiting in the wings to happen, as he is the Gen-Next Superstar whereas she is the Gen-Next Cinderella. We are indeed talking about the fresh pairing of Ranbir Kapoor and Genelia D’Souza. While everyone has been waiting with bated breath for some filmmaker to cast the two, they have been signed up by a huge brand for endorsement!
As per our sources, Telecom major Virgin Mobile has lapped up this pair as their brand ambassadors to promote their GSM services. Apparently, the pair has been signed up for an astronomical sum of money. Our source also added that the responsibility of making the TVCs for the same have been assigned to one of the topnotch names in the industry.
We are sure that everyone out there is waiting with bated breath to see the chemistry between this ‘Saawariyaa’ and Jaane Tu’s Aditi, even if it is for an ad!
Sonu Nigam records two ‘Joker’ songs for free
January 22, 2010
Sonu Nigam recently recorded two songs free for Krishan Chaudhery & Sunil Thadani’s upcoming film Joker. The film, to be directed by debutant Vikram Tuli, deals with a father-son relationship. When Sonu heard the script of the film he got very emotional and returned the cheque due for his song recordings.
The recording took place at Spectral Harmony Studio in Andheri on January 17, 2010 and the two songs he recorded were ‘Shukriya’ and ‘Loorie’.
Joker will see Rajeev Khandelwal and Prachi Desai in lead roles. The film goes on floor in February and it will be Bollywood’s first film to be shot start to finish in New Zealand.
Aamir Khan signs mega endorsement with Etisalat
January 22, 2010
Aamir Khan is on a roll. After the runaway success of 3 Idiots, news is out that Bollywood superstar has signed up as the brand ambassador of UAE’s Etisalat, India’s latest telecom entrant.
The deal was reportedly inked before the release of 3i at Rs 30-35 crore for a period of 3 years. Etisalat will follow Aamir’s other endorsements – Coca Cola, Tata Sky and Samsung.
Etisalat has been the telecommunications service provider in the UAE since 1976, while Etisalat DB Telecom India, previously called Swan Telecom, is a new telco set up jointly by Etisalat and DB Realty, headquartered at Mumbai.
Katrina Kaif signed opposite Akshay for Tees Maar Khan
January 22, 2010
The news that has been doing the rounds for sometime now is about the search for the heroine of Farah Khan and Shirish Kunder’s flick Tees Maar Khan. The film has been in news since its announcement. First it was Akshay replacing SRK as the lead, followed by the ‘namesake’ casting coup, wherein Akshaye Khanna was roped in for the film.
As far as the heroine for the film was concerned, the rumor mills went overboard with names that ranged from Sonam Kapoor to Deepika Padukone and likes. But, according to Bollywood Babes’s confirmed sources it is neither Sonam, nor Deepika, because it is Katrina Kaif! When we spoke to Shirish to confirm the news, all that he said was, “I cannot say anything right now. I can only speak about it in a couple of days.” Our source also went onto add that the trio of Akshay, Katrina and Farah have shot a cover page shoot for a daily (which is supposed to be out in a couple of days) to announce the coming on board of Katrina as Tees Maar Khan’s leading lady.
With Katrina coming on board, expectations are bound to be sky-high about Tees Maar Khan, considering the hit track record that Akki-Katz have delivered in the past, like Namastey London, Welcome and Singh Is Kinng to name a few. What remains to be seen is that will Tees Maar Khan follow suit or will it create a new track record?
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