RE: July 2007 - News - 4

20 minutes of animation in Cash

Animations industry is booming in Bollywood as many filmmaker want to make it part of their film. Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha has joined the bandwagon by including 20 minutes of animation in his forthcoming film Cash.
Anubhav thought of incorporating animation in Cash while he was in the process of writing it but dropped it because of the cost of the film but later the team decided that they should add animation to the film. The 20 minutes animation is inspired from Japanese manga comics where all the characters will have different hair colors.
Anubhav however liked the animated part so much that he has decided to make a full length animation film. In fact, he has already started working on it. He has finalized the pink colored hairstyle of the protagonist of his forthcoming animated film.
Recently, Yash Raj has also announced their desire of making animation films in association with Walt Disney. Their first venture Roadside Romeo will be directed by Jugal Hansraj. Pritish Nandy Communications has already started working on the animation venture of their film, Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena. Filmmaker Karan Johar is also reportedly, working on his forthcoming animation project.

Quelle: http://www.indiafm.com/news/2007/07/17/9743/index.html

RGV gets court clearance for Sholay

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma’s much hyped remake of Sholay was re-titled as Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag. Delhi High court has approved the release of the remake of Ramesh Sippy’s Sholay by changing the title of the film.

Delhi High Court has approved his films new name and also ordered him to change all character names. The most popular character of the film Gabbar Singh will be called Babban Singh, Basanti has been renamed as Ghungroo, Veeru as Virendra Chavan, Radha as Devi and Jai and Jai Ranade. While the other characters from the original film like Soorma Bhopali and Sambha have been changed to Rambhabhai and Tambhe.

Producer G. P. Sippy's grandson Sascha Sippy and Shan Uttam Singh had filed a lawsuit to permanently restrain Varma from releasing the film. The court has asked them to push their remaining claims in this matter after watching the film.

Quelle: http://www.indiafm.com/news/2007/07/17/9745/index.html

Ramu's AAG may take on Akshay's HEYY BABYY

After the Delhi High Court verdict of yesterday (Monday), it appears that Ram Gopal Varma's version of SHOLAY, may now be titled AAG and not RAMGOPAL VARMA KE SHOLAY/AAG.
As is well known, Ramu's film has a stellar cast comprising of Amitabh Bachchan (in a negative role) with Mohanlal, Ajay Devgan, Sushmita Sen, Nisha Kothari and Gaurav Kapoor.
If all goes well, Ramu (as he is referred to fondly), is likely to revert back to his old release date of August 24, from the present date of August 31. And if that happens, AAG will have to battle it out with Sajid Nadiadwala's Akshay, Fardeen, Riteish and Vidya starrer, HEYY BABYY.
As always, release dates can change, even at the eleventh hour.

Quelle: http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/07..._heyy_babyy.asp

Ramu renames Sholay remake to Ramu ki Aag

Ram Gopal Varma's ongoing efforts to pay tribute to Sholay have been dogged by controversy, especially over the title.

Before the High Court could pass an order on the name, one way or another, Ramu has himself sidestepped on any possible problems involving the name.

The director has voluntarily changed the title from Ramu Ki Sholay to Ramu ki Aag, which perhaps is apt just like Sholay is to Aag.

A lawsuit was filed by the grandson of G P Sippy, who had produced Sholay in 1975, objecting to the use of the name Sholay.

Sippy had argued that they have copyright on the use of character "Gabbar Singh" played by late Amjad Khan in Sholay.

So with the title change Ramu has also renamed the iconic characters. "Gabbar Singh" has become "Ajgar" played by Amitabh Bachchan and "Basanti" is now "Ghungroo".

This is what's called fighting fire with fire. Now let's wait for the time when the film releases and the viewers verdict is out, that's when the debate will really fire up.

Quelle: http://www.ndtvmovies.com/newstory.asp?s...NTEN20070019204

Don't Cash in to this music

Anubhav Sinha's Cash promises to be another stylized film on the lines of the Dhoom movies, if the promos are anything to go by. It even has a daring heist by a bunch of crooks. Expect a lot of stunts and fast cars with this one.
And the cast -- Ajay Devgan, Ritesh Deshmukh, Zayed Khan, Esha Deol, Shamita Shetty and Dia Mirza -- sure make the film look very uber cool.
Judging by the soundtrack by music directors Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani, the film is all about being young and daring or more aptly, bindaas.

Cash has 20 minutes of animation

The album kicks off with the title track, Cash, which sounds very similar to the Black Eyed Peas opening beats in Pump It. The track has fast foot-tapping music to the lyrics of Vishal, and is rendered by Sunidhi Chauhan, Vishal and Shekhar. It will be a sure hit on the dance floor. This also has a remix version.
Next up is Mind Blowing Mahia by Sunidhi. Don't be fooled by the title, the song is anything but mindblowing.
Naa Puchho has the same beats as the popular Daddy Yankee song, Gasolina. Vishal joins Sunidhi for this one.
Want to know what a cross between the old pop band Modern Talking and Sean Paul sounds like? Listen to Rahem Kare, and you would know. This mish mash of rap and techno-trance has lyrics by Panchhi Jalonvi, and is sung by Sunidhi and Vishal.
Following this, we have Anushka Manchanda singing Naughty Naughty. The bhangra sounding dance number is different from the others, and is an average number.
Which brings us to the next number Zara Bach Ke Jee that sounds more like what Ricky Martin would be singing. Prepare for Latino beats with a lot of English lyrics thrown in for good measure. A real fast number.
If you're looking for romantic tracks, this is not the album for you. Cold hard cash leaves no room for sentiment, and music is just that -- fast, furious and forgettable.

Quelle: http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jul/17cash.htm

Rituparna Sengupta was praised a lot by Ram Gopal Verma - July 17, 2007

Post 'Main Meri Patni Aur Woh', Rituparna Sengupta was praised a lot by Ram Gopal Verma. Though she met him once, talks are on to work with the RGV Factory. She says, "I might get a film opposite Madhavan, but right now, we are far from sealing the deal. At this point, I'm feeling out of the world." On the other hand, Factory source reveals, "Ritu is a talented actor and talks are on with her. But we are yet to narrate the script and thing are far from been finalized. We even want to rope in two other Kolkata actors. We would be able to confirm in another 10 days."

Quelle: http://www.bollywoodpremiere.com/movies/...ituparna-16.php

Losing Cash

Cash will have to be renamed. Considering all the TV promos, posters and CD covers have already been made, this means the film will suffer huge losses even before its release

You've been seeing Shamita Shetty swinging to 'Mindblowing mahiya'. You thought the name of the film is Cash. Now, start relating to the song afresh. The film has run into title trouble and will be renamed.

Controversies surrounding director Anubhav Sinha's latest film Cash, starring Ajay Devgan, Riteish Deshmukh, Zayed Khan, Esha Deol, Dia Mirza and Shamita Shetty, just refuse to die down. The tiff between producers of the film Sohail Makhlai and Anish Ranjan is far from getting resolved. Problems started when Sohail Makhalia's name was unceremoniously dropped from the film's credit list. Makhlai has now refused to sign on the consent papers for the censor certification till he is given due credit for his contribution in the film.

Interestingly, the title of the film has been registered under Makhlai's production company, Essem Entertainment and if he is not given credit then producer Anish Ranjan and director, Anubhav Sinha) will have to settle for a another title. Some of the alternative titles include: Gone with Cash, Cash - Earn Money the Hard Way or Steal It, Anubhav Sinha's Cash, Cash with Everyone, Cash to the Right Baby, Cash to the Left Baby.

Meanwhile, the promos are already on air and other publicity materials (life-sized posters, pamphlets and music CD covers) have been printed. In case there's no settlement between the warring parties, then fresh promos and publicity materials will have to be arranged. Naturally, Sinha and Ranjan will incur huge losses even before the film hits the theatres.

When quizzed about it Makhlai says, "Yes the title is registered under my banner Essem Entertainment. Some days back the arbitrator asked me to sign the consent for the censor certification. I've not signed yet, as they can't simply use the title without giving me due credit. If they comply with that they can use the title or else not."

If that isn't enough, the producers are yet to clear the dues of the entire cast. Now these actors have turned hostile and are refusing to cooperate for any publicity events. A source close to the director informs, "We are yet to finish some patch-up work. The film is not going to release very soon."
* Some of the alternative titles include: Gone with Cash, Cash - Earn Money the Hard Way or Steal It, Anubhav Sinha’s Cash...

Quelle: http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper....39073288a174c0c

Court refrains Ramu from using 'Sholay'

Ram Gopal Varma, who was dragged to court by G. P. Sippy's grandson Sasha Sippy for using the title 'Sholay' in his forthcoming film, has been instructed to change not only the title of his film, but the names of the characters as well.
Varma changed the film's name, which is the re-make of Ramesh Sippy's classic – 'Sholay' to 'Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag'. At the case's hearing, Varma's lawyer informed the court that the director had decided to rename his film to 'Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag', which was approved by the court.
'Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag' stars Amitabh Bachchan as Baban Singh (Gabbar Singh was played by Amjad Khan in original), Ajay Devgan as Virendra Chavan (Veeru was played by Dharmendra in original), Prashant Raj Sachdev as Jai Ranade (Jai was played by Amitabh Bachchan in original), Nisha Kothari as Ghungroo (Basanti was played by Hema Malini in original) and Sushmita Sen as Devi (Radha was played by Jaya Bhaduri in original). The film will be releasing in August.

Quelle: http://www.bollyvista.com/article/a/32/7848

Pankaj Kapur plays a dacoit in Halla Bol

He is one of the most accomplished actors - be it cinema, theatre or TV - and when Pankaj Kapur takes up a film it automatically attracts attention. Right now he is under limelight for playing a reformed dacoit in Rajkumar Santoshi's Halla Bol.
The film, which is inspired by murdered theatre activist Safdar Hashmi, also stars Ajay Devgan and Vidya Balan.
Talking about his character, Pankaj said: "Well, this man has not been the best of people and goes to jail. In the prison he sees this rehabilitation operation going on and decides to get involved. In the process he gets reformed. When he is released, he tries to work towards what could stop his fellow people from turning into a bad person. And he takes up street theatre to spread his message."
That sounds like the story of Valmiki, who authored great Indian epic Ramayana.
"No. I did not have anything of that sort in my mind. I played out the role of Sidhu from my imagination. I don't know if there was any such perception in the director's mind. I was not informed of it if there was," the veteran actor told IANS.
"I look at it from a different point of view. I see the character as an artist who wishes to uplift people and want to do something good for them, but he has a past, which is not quite good."
To make his character authentic in Halla Bol, Pankaj grew beard and kept it till the shooting continued.
I have always taken up films that I like. And in the process if I have done films, which bring out something that could do society good I think it's great-Pankaj Kapur"As an actor, I am not comfortable with an artificial beard. The character had to look authentic and real and a little menacing. So I grew the beard."
Panakj says he chose to play a reformed dacoit because it offered him to explore different avenues as an actor.
"I thought it was very different and as an actor I would get to explore something I hadn't done before. Hence, I went in for the film on the narration."
His last film Dharm too saw him playing a person who is reformed and a reformer. Pankaj calls it a coincidence.
"It's not a conscious decision. I have always taken up films that I like. And in the process if I have done films, which bring out something that could do society good I think it's great. It is always a responsibility on us that we should do something for a good cause. As an artist if I am able to do it, I would surely do it."
The actor, who has done some very thought provoking films, says he gives importance to three things while selecting a film.

Quelle: http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/...MHalla+Bol%2fEM

Kareena Kapoor in Golmaal sequel

Actress Kareena Kapoor has been the latest entrant to join the Golmaal wagon. The lady will play the female lead in this supposed-to-be laugh riot, and sequel of Golmaal, titled Golmaal Returns.

Only recently, actor Sharmaan Joshi was replaced by Shreyas Talpade (of Iqbal fame). The cast of the film also includes actors Ajay Devgan, Tusshar Kapoor and Arshad Warsi, who were a part of the 'original' as well.

Dhillin Mehta of Ashtavinayak Films confirms, "Yes, we have roped in Kareena for the sequel of Golmaal , which will be directed by Rohit Shetty."

The movie will be shot in Dubai in November. It'll be a forty day schedule.

Quelle: http://movies.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2211284.cms

Anubhav Sinha’s victims in ‘Cash’

When it comes to the pranks department two actors, Ajay Devgan and Zayed Khan, are considered to be pranksters par excellence. But on the sets of Cash in Cape Town (South Africa) director Anubhav Sinha surpassed them. To his advantage he discovered a pranks shop in Cape Town and managed to lay his hands on something that looked like a brick. Before using it as a prop he decided to make good use of it and having some fun at the cost of the cast and crew. And what better than using props for making people run helter-skelter.

Confirms Sinha, "I discovered a brick in a studio that was made of foam but looked as good as a real brick. I would throw the brick on unsuspecting people, who would scream and run away in fear! It was a lot of fun on the sets."

Anubhav's first victim was Ayesha Takia. He flung the brick at her and she ran away screaming until she realized that it was only a sponge in the shape of brick. Soon the brick-bug bit Ayesha too and she too had fun hurling it at co-actors.

Relates an amused Anubhav, "The only person who was missing was Ajay Devgan as he was not shooting that day. So I took the brick back to the hotel. The next morning my victim had to be Ajay. When I threw the brick at him he simply freaked out."

So with all the play happening, did he actually find the time to complete the shoot? "We completed a big action film like Cash with seven actors in 51 days on an outdoor shoot, and that's quite an achievement, considering how playful the entire cast was, throughout."

Quelle: http://movies.indiatimes.com/News__Gossi...how/2211353.cms

South African action director for CASH

International crew is fast making inroads into Hindi films.

For KRRISH, Rakesh Roshan roped in the services of Siu-Tung Ching for the film's action, Vipul Shah had Jonathan Bloom responsible for the cinematography of NAMASTEY LONDON while Chris Anderson was the boxing choreographer for just released APNE.

Now Anubhav Sinha has carried forward the trend by roping in the services of Antony Stone. South African by origin and just 37 years of age, Stone is the action director for CASH.

The film is being promoted extensively for its action sequences and Stone can be credited for the instant attention that the film has received.

Slick, innovative, dangerous and at places even unbelievable, the stunts belong to never-seen-before variety that have made CASH stand out from other action films in past or present.

Quelle: http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/07...or_for_cash.asp

'In Sholay, my fingers are cut off, not hands' - July 18, 2007

Mohanlal was a school student when Ramesh Sippy's Sholay was released in 1975, and like most of the kids at the time, he too was fascinated by it. Little did he realise then that 32 years later, he would be a part of its remake.
In this exclusive interview, Mohanlal talks about the experience of acting in Ram Gopal Varma's version of the film called Ram Gopal Varma Ke Aag, in the role immortalised by Sanjeev Kumar.
Was there any difference in the image that you had of Sholay, the character Sanjeev Kumar portrayed, and the character you enacted in the remake?
I did not think of the original when I was acting in the film. I didn't have any plans in my mind. I don't prepare for my characters.
This is the first time you are playing a role previously portrayed by another actor.
Thirty two years is a long time. One does not remember the minute details in Sholay. Moreover, the backdrop is different. Here, the Mumbai underworld forms the background. That itself changes your costumes and the way you behave.
As this film has taken only the basic structure from the original, you cannot compare the characters of this film to those of Sholay. The name of the character I portray is Narasimha, and I am not doing it the way Sanjeev Kumar did. I have enacted the role of Narasimha the way I can. Like the name suggests, he is a South Indian with a wife and family.
What does Narasimha do in Mumbai?
He is an encounter specialist. At one point, he catches Gabbar Singh (played by Amitabh Bachchan). And unlike in Sholay, there are many reasons why Gabbar Singh is vengeful. I feel this film answers all the questions that we might have had when we saw Sholay. The loopholes in the story are plugged in this film.
Many films are remade in the world, and this is another filmmaker's attempt to remake a film that is considered as the Bible of Indian films. The main story of Sholay was the rivalry between Gabbar Singh and Thakur. Similarly, this film also essays the rivalry between Gabbar Singh and Narasimha.
Like in Sholay, did Gabbar Singh chop off your hands too?
Not hands, only fingers. You see, Narasimha is an encounter specialist and without his fingers, he is useless as he cannot fire his weapon. This film is more crude and violent. Gabbar Singh is like a psychopath here.
For an actor who uses his hands a lot while acting, how was it portraying such a character? Did you have to control yourself a lot?
Yes. I use my hands a lot while acting. I think most of us use our hands even in our conversation. But in this film, I consciously avoided using my hands. Yes, I had to control myself.
As an actor, did it restrict you?
No, no. I know the character does not have fingers. So my mind prepares itself for that. Once I am aware that Narasimha does not have fingers, my body language changes. The way he reacts and moves becomes very different from what I do normally.
This man drinks coffee using his hands. He manages it by keeping the coffee mug close to his palm. He manages many things on his own. Actually, I do not have to use my hands much in the film. Most of the scenes are quite emotional where expressions are more important.
You are reluctant to accept projects from other languages. What made you accept this?
When someone asks you to do a role immortalised by Sanjeev Kumar, do you think any actor will say no? As an actor, I consider it my good fortune that I got such an offer. I have no idea how the film will come out or how the audience will react. I was only concerned about my role.
To me, only the filmmaker and the role matters. It is like me loving someone and that someone else denying my love. You may not like it but you can't deny my love.
Similarly, you can't deny Ram Gopal Varma's right to make a film when he is ready to face the criticism. And whatever it may be, everybody is eager to watch his Sholay. Nobody can deny that.
Was shooting for the film an interesting experience for you?
My first shot was Amitabh Bachchan chopping my fingers off. I had to scream and I lost my voice the next day because of that.
I want to tell you something. I have done films with the legends like Prem Nazir, Sivaji Ganesan, Nageswara Rao, and now, Amitabh Bachchan. I was very close to Raj Kumar too, and he used to watch my films closely, and had a lot of love and affection for me. Had he been alive today, I might have done a film with him.
You didn't have to struggle for anything in life. From your debut film to superstardom, everything came to you on a platter. Do you consider yourself lucky in life?
I never ever aspired for anything in life. I don't believe in planning or yearning for something very strongly. If something has to happen, it will happen. I never wished that Ram Gopal Varma should make Sholay one day, and that I should get Sanjeev Kumar's role. I don't like to use words to describe the happenings in life. It's not luck, it's not destiny...
After acting in films like Vaanaprastham and Vaasthuhara, why do you act in silly commercial films? After Thanmatra, you haven't done a single memorable role this year.
I have done a film called Paradesi in which I play an 80-year old man who doesn't belong anywhere. I have also done a film called Aakasa Gopuram based on a play by Ibsen (Master Builder). Yes, as an actor, I have to do these kinds of films but not always.
After nearly 30 years in the film industry, do you have to act in films where your characters are not well etched?
So what if I do? I have done good films and memorable roles earlier. Does that mean I can act only in such films? What's wrong in acting in commercial films? You can't say that I should act only in films like Thanmatra. It is not possible.
It's not that. The kind of commercial films you used to act in the late 1980s and 1990s were meaningful.
Only when you see silly commercial films, you will appreciate films like Thanmatra more. (laughs).
Does acting in less sensible films excite you?
As an actor, I should act in all kinds of films and enact all kinds of roles. Every film has something good about it. How can you say a film is not good when many people see it and the film becomes a hit?
See, we are doing films for the masses. Only once in a while can you do films that are appreciated by just a 100 people in a theatre.
To the question as to why I am acting in commercial films, my answer is popularity. I do other kinds of films also which you can watch. Let others watch the rest of my films. Along with films like Paradesi and Akashagopuramn, I have to do films like Hallo, Chotta Mumbai and Ali Bhai also. What is wrong in that? I feel as an actor, I am blessed to be acting in all kinds of films.
Do you enjoy doing films like Hallo and Chotta Mumbai?
Definitely. Otherwise, I wouldn't be acting in them.

Quelle: http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jul/17mohanlal.htm

Ritesh, Zayed, Esha, Dia and Shamita turn naughty for CASH - July 18, 2007

As Anubhav Sinha's CASH gets ready for it's July 27 release, the music of the film has also started catching up fast. At last count, this Vishal Shekhar soundtrack is already being noticed for it's two smash hit numbers - 'Cash' and 'Mindblowing Maahiya'. Well, now add one more song to the list which would soon be the talk of the town in a few days from now.

Titled 'Naughty Naughty', the song always sounded good when heard first. Watch the video of the song and it is hard not to hum it around once you have seen it a couple of times. Instantly catchy, it is the lethal mix of audio and video quality that makes 'Naughty Naughty' irresistible.

Featuring it's young cast of Ritesh, Zayed, Esha, Dia and Shamita, the song's USP lies in the fact that it has been shot in one take with the entire video lasting close to 4 minutes. With innovative camera angles at play, 'Naughty Naughty' is a visual delight too as it goes well with the 'popcorn theme' of the film.

Quelle: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/32398.html

Kareena Kapoor in HALLA BOL?

Ajay Devgan is certainly attached to his critically acclaimed OMKARA and the lead heroine of the film Kareena Kapoor.
Both Ajay and Kareena gained appreciation for their award winning performances in Vishal Bhardwaj directed OMKARA. This could well be the reason why Kareena features in Ajay's soon to be released HALLA BOL.
No, Kareena's role in the film is not even comparable to the miniscule guest appearance by Sridevi in HALLA BOL. In fact she doesn't even face the camera for the film. Instead Rajkumar Santoshi's HALLA BOL is rumored to be featuring a small part of the screen footage from the film OMKARA.
Since HALLA BOL revolves around the film industry with Ajay Devgan playing a superstar, it doesn't come as a surprise to see one of the scenes from OMKARA being revisited. The film is aiming at a September release.
Ajay Devgan is certainly attached to his critically acclaimed OMKARA and the lead heroine of the film Kareena Kapoor.
Both Ajay and Kareena gained appreciation for their award winning performances in Vishal Bhardwaj directed OMKARA. This could well be the reason why Kareena features in Ajay's soon to be released HALLA BOL.
No, Kareena's role in the film is not even comparable to the miniscule guest appearance by Sridevi in HALLA BOL. In fact she doesn't even face the camera for the film. Instead Rajkumar Santoshi's HALLA BOL is rumored to be featuring a small part of the screen footage from the film OMKARA.
Since HALLA BOL revolves around the film industry with Ajay Devgan playing a superstar, it doesn't come as a surprise to see one of the scenes from OMKARA being revisited. The film is aiming at a September release.
Ajay Devgan is certainly attached to his critically acclaimed OMKARA and the lead heroine of the film Kareena Kapoor.
Both Ajay and Kareena gained appreciation for their award winning performances in Vishal Bhardwaj directed OMKARA. This could well be the reason why Kareena features in Ajay's soon to be released HALLA BOL.
No, Kareena's role in the film is not even comparable to the miniscule guest appearance by Sridevi in HALLA BOL. In fact she doesn't even face the camera for the film. Instead Rajkumar Santoshi's HALLA BOL is rumored to be featuring a small part of the screen footage from the film OMKARA.
Since HALLA BOL revolves around the film industry with Ajay Devgan playing a superstar, it doesn't come as a surprise to see one of the scenes from OMKARA being revisited. The film is aiming at a September release.

Quelle: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/32397.html