His forthcoming film, Halla Bol, is not out of post-production yet, but filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi has already begun scripting his next.
And no, it's not Ramayana with Ajay Devgan and Kajol playing Ram and Sita.. that's reportedly on hold for now.
A source says Santoshi has signed a two-movie deal with multiplex chain PVR, which is also venturijng into distribution and into film production.
One of Santoshi's projects is a solo-hero movie featuring Devgan. The other is a two-hero movie and Devgan could be part of that as well, depending on the script and the role he's offered.
On the PVR deal, Santoshi said, "We're talking, yes.." but refused to get into any details.
"It's too early to confirm anything yet," he added. The film is slated to begin early next year after Devgan is through with his maiden directorial venture, U, Me Aur Hum.
And Ramayana is rescheduled to start by the end of 2008.
Raj Kumar Santoshi has been signed by PVR Pictures, the company that owns a multiplex chain and is now venturing into movie making and distribution. The first film will have Ajay Devgan and Kajol in the lead roles. It will not be about the mythological subject as planned by RKS earlier but will be a different film altogether.
The second film will have two heroes, out of which only Ajay Devgan is confirmed. Santoshi's 'Hallo Bol' is almost complete and is planned for release, early next year.
Kajol is busy shooting for hubby Ajay Devgan's 'U Me Aur Hum' - September 19
Besides being a great mother Kajol is also busy with her film shoot. Right now, she is working in hubby Ajay Devgan's 'U Me Aur Hum'. A special song is pasteurizing on Kajol in Filmistan. Ganesh Acharya is choreographing this song. Music is being composed by Vishal Bharadwaj.
Bollywood actress Kajol is shooting as lead opposite her husband Ajay Devgan, who is making directorial debut with U Me Aur Hum. The movie will also star Sumeet Raghavan, Karan Khanna and Isha Sharvani. A special song is currently being picturised on Kajol. The movie is scheduled to be released in early 2008. The real life partners haven't had a good chemistry on screen and most of their movies together have resulted in disasters. But the Devgans do not like to dig in the past and are prepared to change the stats.
The actress who gave some of the biggest hits to the industry in the 90's along with Shahrukh Khan keeps a low profile these days. She tries to balance her family and professional life and is a fabulous mom at home. She had delivered a stunning performance in Fanaa opposite Aamir Khan. Her last appearance on screen was in SRK's Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna where she came as a guest artist in the song “Rock and Roll Soniye”.
The actress has another big project on hand with Rajkumar Santoshi casting her with hubby Ajay Devgan in his epic Ramayana. There have been rumours that she is making a dream comeback opposite to her favorite co star Shahrukh Khan but Kajol refuses to comment on that. For now its the Devgan duo on screen in their family productions.
We have been bringing you the details about one of the most awaited and slightly 'hat ke', (different) project, Rajkumar Santoshi's Ajay, Vidya and Pankaj Kapur starrer, HALLA BOL.
While Ajay plays a top star (who rises from a 'nukkad natak' actor), his mentor during his struggling days, Pankaj Kapur, plays a sikh in the film. So what exactly is Vidya Balan doing in the film? Is she just a decorative female lead? A big no and in fact those who know Santoshi, will vouch for the fact that the female protagonists in his films always form an important part of the proceedings.
Coming to Vidya's character in HALLA BOL, as is obvious, she plays Ajay's wife in the movie and goes through the trauma that most star wives go through. Her character moves from being the girl next door, who loves the struggling actor, to becoming the love of his life and finally to adjusting herself to the life of a star wife and coping with the trauma.
As per inside information, Vidya has truly brought out the essence of the character and has beautifully complimented Ajay's character with her performance.
PVR which started its film production plans with Aamir Khan has now roped in Director Rajkumar Santoshi. The deal will be to jointly produce two movies. One will be Ashoka starring Ajay Devgan in the title role and an untitled movie starring Shahid Kapur and Katrina Kaif.
Confirming the development to businessofcinema.com , PVR Films Cell, CEO, Ashish Saksena says, "We are in final stages of negotiations with Rajkumar Santoshi. It is a little early in the day to give out any details."
If sources are to be believed these two films will together be made on a budget of Rs 60 crore, with Ajay Devgan starrer Ashoka obviously being the bigger budgeted film.
Shedding more light on the films, Santoshi says, "Yes I will be co-producing these movies with PVR. The Shahid-Katrina starrer will go on floors in Mumbai by November this year and Ashoka will be shot mid next year."
In the mean time, Santoshi directed Halla Bol starring Ajay Devgan, Pankaj Kapoor and Vidya Balan will release by November end.
Here some infos about the reason behind the late release of HB:
Ajay Devgan starrer in trouble post Cash and Aag - September 24
Ajay Devgan's next release, Halla Bol directed by Rajkumar Santoshi is finding no takers post the actor’s recent back to back debacles – Cash and Ram Gopal Varmi Ki Aag. The film that was earlier scheduled to release in mid- October has been postponed indefinitely. Halla Bol is inspired by theatre activist Safdar Hashmi's murder.
Whenever Rajkumar Santoshi and Ajay Devgan have worked together, it has either been a Best Actor, National Award winning performance for Ajay (The Legend Of Bhagat Singh) or critically acclaimed (Khakee, Lajja). But now they are finding it difficult to convince their distributors and presenters for backing Halla Bol.
According to a Bollywood source, “This is happening because of the no show of the dusky star’s back to back released films despite being directed by acclaimed directors like Anubhav Sinha and Ram Gopal Varma. Not only have these both films, Cash and Aag been massive flops but Ajay's act in it had also been heavily criticized. Both his flop films were multi-starrers whereas Halla Bol has him in a solo lead opposite Vidya Balan.”
Ajay plays a Bollywood superstar in the film who gets morally corrupt once he starts enjoying power but then awakens at the right time and influences the masses to fight against the wronged system. Adds the source, “Rajkumar Santoshi is considered one of the best directors of Bollywood but has had a bad run at the box office with his last few releases. The producers were confident of this combination and had earlier planned to release the film by August end. But when Ramu's Sholay version was announced for release during that same time they decided to postpone the release to mid-October. They verbally placed a certain price to their film's distributors which they were going to finalise once Aag released, hoping its flying start would fetch them a bigger price. But the day it released and flopped colossally, these very same distributors went back on going ahead with Halla Bol. They showed total lack of interest in the project without even willing to settle down for a lesser price. Even the presenter of the film, a big production house got in two minds whether to back the film or leave it. The hapless producers are in financial mess hoping for a miracle."
Producers Suresh Sharma and Abdol Samee Siddiqui did not admit that the delay is because of Ajay's bad box-office run but instead stated that problems do keep happening during certain stages of a film and that they were hopeful of finally releasing their film by December now.
Eros International signs Kajol for Toonpur Ka Super Hero with Ajay Devgan - September 25
Eros International, the leading integrated company within the Indian media & entertainment sector has signed up leading actress Kajol opposite husband Ajay Devgan for Toonpur Ka Super Hero - a 3D film with animation. The film marks Eros' second production with the husband-wife duo after You, Me and Hum.
Presented by Eros International and Kumar Mangat's Big Screen Entertainment, Kajol will be seen with husband Ajay Devgan in Toonpur Ka Super Hero, an animation film with live characters. Directed by ad filmmaker Kireet Khurana, Toonpur is an exciting story in which a reel life hero accidentally lands in a world of cartoons and transforms into a real life hero. The film will have Ajay Devgan playing himself.
Commenting on the development, Sunil Lulla, President, Eros International India said, "With You, Me and Hum followed by Toonpur ka Super Hero, audiences will be delighted to see the combination of Kajol and Ajay Devgan together once again. Toonpur promises to be a family entertainer with a lot of adventure, romance, fun element and the first 3-D film with animation".
Sanjay Dutt and brother-in-law Kumar Gaurav were set to come together to revive their respective father’s banners Ajanta Arts and Aryan Films. In fact, their first project Bihaad was even announced which was to be directed by Milan Luthria of Taxi No. 9211 . However, soon after the announcement Sanjay Dutt was imprisoned due to his involvement in the 1993 Bombay riots and the film was on hold indefinitely. Now that Sanjay Dutt is out on interim bail, the question arises what is the status of Bihaad?
Indiatimes Movies spoke to director Milan Luthria to find out. “Essentially the film is on at the moment. We just have to figure out when to go on floors. The film is an action adventure. As and when the dates of the stars materialize, I will be able to give you a clearer picture.”
The film was to star Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgan along with Vidya Balan in the lead.
The late Sunil Dutt’s Ajanta Arts has previously produced films such as Reshma Aur Shera (1971) Man Ka Meet (1968 ), Mujhe Jeene Do (1963) and Yeh Rastey Hain Pyar Ke (1963). The late Rajendra Kumar’s Aryan Films had made Naam (1986) and Lovers (1983). This production banner also released Love Story (1981) which was the launch pad for Rajendra’s son Kumar Gaurav.
“A whole lot will depend on Sanjay Dutt’s status and availability”, says Milan.
So will he be waiting for this one to happen or is he planning anything else in the meanwhile? “No, I will be beginning a film with Adlabs soon. It’s still at the writing stage and the cast is being worked out. It is an action comedy”, says he.
As for the male lead, it is rumoured that actor Ajay Devgan was approached to play the painter, but he refused to sign on the dotted line.
After Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan refuse to play Suryamukhi in Bobby Bedi's biopic based on the life of controversial painter Raja Ravi Varma, sources suggest talks are now on with the vivacious Preity Zinta to play the part. Will Preity say yes? We're still to find out...
Now that filmmaker Priyadarshan's Bhool Bulaiyaa , the Hindi remake of actor Rajnikanth's Tamil blockbuster Chandramukhi, is all set to hit theatres next month, filmmaker Shaji Karun's and producer Bobby Bedi's similar sounding arty venture Suryamukhi, is generating buzz regarding the film's casting. The common link to both is the current A-list girl Vidya Balan, who was approached to play the lead in Suryamukhi. The film is a biopic based on the life of controversial painter Raja Ravi Varma. The character Suryamukhi is that of a Marathi woman who hails from a royal family, who poses for the painter. The woman turns into his muse, and the two indulge in an intense love affair.
A source close to the film says, "Vidya was approached to essay the lead role of Suryamukhi, but she has declined the proposal on accounts of some nudity that the script demanded. The role was previously offered to Madhuri Dixit and she too, declined the role citing similar reasons."
As for the male lead, it is rumoured that actor Ajay Devgan was approached to play the painter, but he refused to sign on the dotted line for reasons unknown to us. Now, actor Madhavan has agreed to play the controversial painter. With both Madhuri and Vidya not agreeing to play Suryamukhi , who will be director Shaji Karun next choice? A source close to the director tells us that he has decided to do away with the nudity scenes, and talks are now on with actress Preity Zinta.
A source close to Preity says, "Nothing has been confirmed. Yes there were rumours of Vidya and Madhuri being approached before, but Preity hasn't discussed Suryamukhi so far and nothing is official. Currently she is shooting for Jahnu Barua's Har Pall in which she paired opposite Shiney Ahuja. The film also stars Amitabh Bachchan and Ishaa Khoppikar, who plays Preity's roommate in the film. Apart from Har Pall, Preity will also be seen in Mera Bharat Mahaan opposite Salman Khan."
The couple would be seen together in a 3D animation film titled ‘Toonpur Ka Super Hero’.
Notwithstanding his serious persona, actor Ajay Devgan has always held that Bollywood needs to make more films for kids. His unsuccessful home production Raju Chacha was a frail attempt at this.
Hier klicken
Now, even as Ajay and Kajol are working together on U Me Aur Hum (directed by Devgan himself) the happily married couple has given their nod to be part of ‘Toonpur Ka Super Hero’.
The flick will be a 3D animation film to be directed by first-timer Kireet Khurana. Ajay and Kajol will play themselves in the movie. They will share the screen space with as many as 19 animated characters inspired from various Bollywood personalities.
According to Khurana, the animated characters will not have physical resemblance to Bollywood stars but will have their personality traits.
‘Toonpur Ka Super Hero’ is being produced by Devgan’s good friend Kumar Mangat. The movie will be made with the use of state-of-the-art technology. The film has an approximate budget of Rs 40 crores.
Fans who want to see Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol together will have to wait for a long while, it seems. Mrs Ajay Devgan seems to be in the mood for only doing films with her hubby in them. After their home production, U, Me Aur Hum, Kads will be seen in Eros International and Kumar Mangat’s Toonpur Ka Super Hero — a 3D animation film — with hubby dearest.
To be directed by ad filmmaker Kireet Khurana, Toonpur is about a reel life hero who accidentally lands in a world of cartoons and transforms into a real-life hero. Devgan will play himself.
Eros International has signed up leading actress Kajol opposite her husband Ajay Devgan for 'Toonpur Ka Super Hero' a 3-D film with animation.
The film marks Eros' second production with the husband-wife duo after 'You, Me and Hum.' The under-production film 'You, Me and Hum' marks the directorial debut of Ajay Devgan.
Presented by Eros International and Kumar Mangat's Big Screen Entertainment, Kajol will be seen with husband Ajay Devgan in 'Toonpur Ka Super Hero', an animation film with live characters.
Directed by ad filmmaker Kireet Khurana, Toonpur is an exciting story in which a reel life hero accidentally lands in a world of cartoons and transforms into a real life hero. The film will have Ajay Devgan playing himself.
Commenting on the development, Eros International India President Sunil Lulla said, ''With You, Me and Hum followed by Toonpur ka Super Hero, audiences will be delighted to see the combination of Kajol and Ajay Devgan together once again.
Toonpur promises to be a family entertainer with a lot of adventure, romance, fun element and the first 3-D film with animation.
Ajay Devgan and Kajol, playing themselves for the first time in a film, will share screen space with animated characters inspired by real-life Bollywood celebs in Toonpur Ka Super Hero
Ajay Devgan and Kajol will be seen in a 3D animated film that brings together real and animated characters in the same frame. The movie, called Toonpur Ka Super Hero, will use sophisticated digital effects and will have the two actors interacting with 19 animated characters.
Naturally Ajay Devgan is excited. He says, "I have never done a film with animated characters so when the script was narrated to me I instantly said 'yes'. Kajol liked the story as well and was keen to be part of it. The best part is that we will be playing ourselves in the film."
The project is jointly produced by Kumar Mangat's Big Screen Entertainment Pvt Ltd and Sunil Lulla's Eros International and is also the directoral debut of ad filmmaker Kireet Khurana, five time national award-winner. "The film will involve Ajay and Kajol sharing screen space with 3D virtual characters," informs Khurana.
Khurana has already begun creating the animated characters under 2nz Animation Co. However, the most interesting part is that the animated characters in the film have been inspired from some of our Bollywood personas. He explains, "It was pretty obvious that the mannerisms of the dragon seen in the film Robin Hood: The Prince of Thieves was inspired by some of the ways actor Sean Connery conducted himself in real life. To authenticate it further the makers had even roped in Connery to lend his voice to the dragon's character. I plan to do something similar in Toonpur Ka Super Hero. My animated characters will not bear any resemblance to the Bollywood personalities in appearance but the adaptation will be such that the audience will be able to easily identify as to which actor it represents!"
Khurana adds, "Besides the 19 main animated characters in my film, there will be another 50 other minor ones."
Producer Kumar Mangat says that the film will be made in a budget of Rs 40 crore. "It should hit the theatres by Diwali next year," he says.