Thing is, we like Ajay. He's a fine actor and capable of great National Award winning performances. The problem is that we suspect Devgan has some masala blood bubbling inside him, blood that urges him to try and be a full-fledged commercial filmi hero instead of just being hailed as a good actor.
Ajay, dude, it took us a while to get used to you -- and that happened after you dropped the hero routine with that great besura act in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Now, when you make a complete idiot out of yourself in movies like Cash and Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, how many times can we rewatch Omkara to make up for it?
Chill, and leave the herogiri to the shirtless non-actors.
‘Sunday’ and ‘Halla Bol’ to be released this month - January 2
JANUARY in hindi film industry will see more of Actor Ajay Devgan. His release of the month would be Rajkumar Santoshi’s ‘Halla Bol’, a social film.
Another of Devgan release would be ‘Sunday’, a comedy starring a host of talented actors like Ajay Devgan, Irfan Khan and Ayesha Takia.
By the way Devgan will also make his directorial debut in ‘U Me Aur Hum’ this year and would be seen Kajol in the same. ‘Sunday’ and ‘Halla Bol’ will be the major who will trying their luck this January, then always lies the surprise from the other ones coming in.
A new comer Nikhil Dwivedi will be testing waters in ‘My Name is Antony Gonsalves’ this January. Promos of the same are already on air. Another comedy ‘Rama Rama Kya Hai Drama’ with Rajpal Yadav and Amrita Arora will also be there in January along with romantic thriller ‘Bombay to Bangkok’.
Creative drive - Interview mit Pankaj Kapur (Halla Bol)
Pankaj Kapur opted for Rajkumar Santoshi’s film Halla Bol because it gave him the chance to play a powerful and pivotal character
What is your role in Halla Bol? I play the character of Siddhu, a social activist who uses theatre to advocate social causes. That reminds me of my early life as an actor when I did a lot of theatre, but like my character in this film, I was not a daku in my former life. (Laughs) In Halla Bol my character sees the Harishchandra play, which affects him immensely. He becomes a small-time activist and social reformist. This transition is on a human level and very realistic.
The Halla Bol cast is set to use street theatre to advocate the film’s cast. That must have had you excited? It did, particularly since this is so close to my real-life activities. I had done a lot of cause-based plays during my earlier days as an actor. Those were some of my most fulfilling days in a creative profession and I am glad we have a chance to work on this again. We are planning to do these street plays in eight different cities with Om Katare’s theatre group. This activity will allow us to use interactive awareness and spread the film’s message. I must applaud the Pyramid Saimira Group, who is the producer of the film, for an ingenious marketing plan.
How was your experience of working with Rajkumar Santoshi and Ajay Devgan? This is the first time I have worked with Raj Kumar Santoshi and Ajay Devgan and it was great experience because both share passion for their work which inspires me as well. Santoshi loses himself while directing and Ajay makes getting under the skin of your character look so easy. I crave to work with such people because it helps to bring out the best in me.
Do your directorial ambitions pop up when you are working with another good filmmaker like Rajkumar Santoshi? I have a policy, once I am acting in a film, I only follow what the director asks me to do. It is his vision and he is looking at the script in totality while my observation would be limited only to my character or the scene that I am doing. So I do not have time to think about direction when I am working as an actor.
Do you consciously make an effort to do films based on a message? Doing such films helps me explore the depths of my character. Halla Bol is inspired by the system and its loopholes. The industry has made plenty of films like these, even Shah Rukh Khan has done films like Swades and Chak De! India. An actor relishes the opportunity to delve in his creative depths and work on strong characters. Films with a social message generally have very strong characters, which is why I work in films like The Blue Umbrella and Dharm.
Do you feel weighed down by the image of your television characters Karamchand and Musaddi from Office Office? It does get annoying when people do not see past these images and fail to observe an actor’s other work. But the fact is that common people are being harassed in government offices across the country and my aim is to give people the chance to laugh at the absurdity of their situation. So, I have no choice but to overlook the repercussion of that goodwill.
What are the chances of seeing Shahid and you in a film together? We are both excited about the prospect and are looking out for scripts that would satisfy both of us. Till then, it’s just a matter of waiting.
With five films in her 2007 kitty Vidya Balan looks to kick start 2008 with Halla Bol a film with a positive social message
What is your role in Halla Bol? Halla Bol is the journey of an actor from a reel hero to a real- life hero. Ajay Devgan plays Ashfaque an actor who goes through hostile situations raised due to his popular public image. I play his love interest and wife. Sneha, my character, is a small-town girl who supports her husband through the thick and thin of his problems. But even when she becomes the wife of a big superstar she maintains a level of simplicity.
Was your earthy character the main motivation for you to take up the film? Yes, but the character was only a part of it. I chose the role because the film talks of a prevalent issue. It’s not often that we see an actor stand up for something that is right, a valid point that highlights the erring society. Aamir Khan did it with Rang De Basanti and in a way Ajay does the same with Halla Bol. At no point does the film preach, which is a positive. I believe Halla Bol gave me a chance to uphold my values as a person and as an actor.
Do challenging roles appeal you more? The roles I choose have to be enjoyable otherwise I would not do it. Like any other actor I like challenging roles but I make it a point that my character is an integral part of the script. I see no point working on a character that just hangs around in the film doing nothing.
There are plans for the film’s cast to act in Street theatre. Yes, and I am very excited about it. Street theatre is the perfect medium to connect with people and speak on relevant issues. Our film tries to speak about standing up against what is wrong and I believe using street theatre will help us elaborate on the same. I am not sure on how things will work but I do know that Om Katare, a very reputed theatre director, is working on it.
This is your first film with Rajkumar Santoshi, how was the experience of working with him? Rajji is very organised and works on foresight. Before every scene, he would come up to our individual vans and explain to us the entire scene. With all his scenes written in his own handwriting he would take us through them in a breeze. It really made our jobs as actors very easy.
Was working with Rajkumar Santoshi, Pankaj Kapur and Ajay Devgan intimidating? Sharing screen space with these stalwarts was truly an electrifying experience. I wouldn’t say I was intimidated, but I was definitely in awe. And the best thing was, all three of my colleagues had completely distinct personalities. While Ajay is this impulsive and carefree actor who just walks up in front of the camera and delivers the shot as easily as he puffs a cigarette, Pankaj Kapur is methodic, well thought-out and quite reserved. Rajji on the other hand is calculative but always in high spirits.
Has the recent success of Heyy Babyy and Bhool Bhulaiyaa got you bigger and better work? Well, it’s certainly got me noticed and I hope that added attention will allow me to raise my paycheque a notch. I hope the success of these films gets me better and more challenging roles.
With five releases in 2007 you must be gearing up for 2008? 2007 has been like a mad dash. Although the year that went by was pretty hectic, the new year as of now is pretty eased up. I haven’t signed many films but I am sure when good roles come by I’ll be all tied up.
What would you say to those who linked you with Saif Ali Khan, Shahid Kapoor and even Sanjay Dutt? Wah! Kya range hai! From Shahid to Sanjay there must really be something special in me. (Laughs) Jokes apart, I know all that gossip is a part of the film industry. I used to feel shattered while I was still new, but gradually I realised it’s all a part and parcel of my profession. Now I just laugh it off.
You must be looking forward to Kismat Konnection, which is already making a lot of news. Kismat Konnection is a feel-good film and I am very upbeat about it. Working with Aziz Mirza has been a delight. I am glad I got the chance to work with someone as positive as him. His optimism and charm transcends to people who work with him and really bring out the best in a person.
Movies to watch out for in 2008 - Part 2 By Faridoon Shahryar and Suleman Mobhani, January 3, 2008 - 14:29 IST
U Me Aur Hum
Ajay Devgan, a National Award winning actor is an extremely good student of cinema. It’s obvious when he decided to take a plunge in direction with a romantic film U Me Aur Hum, there’s bound to be loads of curiosity. Moreover with a super performer like Kajol by his side, there’s an added value to the product much before it has been released. Another definite attraction will be Vishal Bharadwaj’s surprise-worthy music score. U Me Aur Hum….Hmmmm….Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha!
It’s a buffet spread waiting for us in the New Year. Our correspondent checks out exotic appetizers of daring subjects, rich classic delicacies served with traditional spice and contemporary garnishing, sagas that satiate those with a sweet tooth in cinema and finally, rare intoxicating cocktails indispensable to cinema buffs. Presenting the most exciting celluloid happenings of 2008. Enjoy!
Auszug:
JANUARY Halla Bol Rajkumar Santoshi gets into hard-hitting social mode again with this story of an ordinary small-town guy who zooms to the top as a superstar and then starts falling as a human being. Ajay Devgan, Vidya Balan and Pankaj Kapur star in this film. ... FEBRUARY-MARCH Sunday Rohit Golmaal Shetty teams up yet again with Ajay Devgan in his first team-up with Ayesha Takia. A caper film from Kumar Mangat and Eros International, its USP is the image-breaking casting: Ajay is a corrupt cop, Irrfan Khan is a comic who even dances and enacts the ten-headed Ravan in a sequence, Ayesha Takia plays a dubbing artiste and Arshad Warsi is not doing comedy! Right, every day is not Sunday. ... Mehbooba Afzal Khan’s long-delayed love triangle with Eros stars Sanjay Dutt as a rich New York playboy, Manisha Koirala as the self-respecting girl whom he betrays and Ajay Devgan as his younger brother who respects both women and values. The last completed film of the legendary Anand Bakshi, it is the late lyricist’s only film with Ismail Darbar. ... APRIL U Me Aur Hum Ajay Devgan joins the list of stars-turned-director with this Kumar Mangat-Eros co-production, also directing his wife Kajol in their first team-up since his 2000 production Raju Chacha. The story is under wraps, though it is said to be - what else? - Hollywood-inspired.
SUMMER & LATER Golmaal Returns The Shree Asthavinayak Cine Vision sequel to Golmaal - Fun Unlimited reprises three of the four lead actors (Ajay, Arshad and Tusshar), replaces Sharman with Shreyas Talpade and adds Kareena Kapoor for laughs. Rohit Shetty directs.
The spirit of Halla Bol lives on in Delhi Published on Wed, Jan 02, 2008 at 19:06
Even before the crack of dawn on new year, a small group of people are already up and about.
While the rest of Delhi sleeps, members of the Jan Natya Manch theatre group don't mind getting up early on January 1— just like they have done for the last 19 years.
A member of the group, Sudhanva Deshpande says, "It's exciting to get up early. January 1 is the most important day for us."
Their destination for the day was Jhandapur, a small factory worker's settlement in East Delhi and they were going there to perform a play in memory of their founder — Safdar Hashmi.
Safdar Hashmi was killed on the Ambedkar ground inJhandapur on January 1, 1989. Since then, this street theatre group has not missed the date even once.
"We were here performing this play called Halla Bol when some goons attacked us. Most of us escaped but Safdar and a factory worker didn't escape the brutal attack. He was declared dead on January 2 in a hospital. On January 3, we cremated him and the next day, we returned to complete the play from the same point where it was interrupted. Since then we come here every year to perform," says Deshpande.
By afternoon the audience, mostly from the working class, had swelled and a large number were women in attendance.
The goons killed Safdar Hashmi but could not kill was the spirit of Halla Bol. It's been 19 years since then and that spirit is still alive in Jhandapur.
Jan Natya Manch is affiliated with the Communist Trade Unions since the days of its inception. Safdar's wife Mala was present on the fateful day in 1989 and is still one of its most active members.
She says that this Nukkad Natak is committed to a cause that her husband lived and died for.
The final performance has an anti-capitalist pitch that may sound too shrill, but the audience here is not complaining. The smile on their faces hold the promise that the new year would be better than the last.
Ajay Devgan enters New Year with a double - January 3
Actor Ajay Devgan will be the first top hero to jump in the fire on the opening month of 2008, when he has not one but two films lined up for release. 'Halla Bol' the serious political drama made by Raj Kumar Santoshi arrives on January 11th, while the laugh riot 'Sunday' made by Rohit Shetty is coming on January 25th. While there is no business plan involved in the releases, it will be exciting to see the same star coming across in two contrasting characters and delivering two different performances. Good luck for that Ajay!!!
'Ajay Devgan will become a valued character actor' January 04, 2008
Rajkumar Santoshi's Halla Bol, which releases on January 11, looks quite interesting. The film has Ajay Devgan [Images] play a struggling actor, who soon becomes a star. His humbleness is swiftly replaced by arrogance, as he basks in his success. Halla Bol also has shades of the Jessica Lal murder, as Devgan's character witnesses a murder.
The film also stars Pankaj Kapur and Vidya Balan.
Santoshi talks to Arthur J Pais about his upcoming film, and also his new projects -- Ashoka and Ramayan, both of which will star Devgan.
How did Halla Bol come about? For more than a decade, I have been thinking of making a film about how many of us shirk our responsibilities and claim we are neutral. But just because we are silent, we are not really neutral. I thought of taking up the film now and then, in the past decade. But other projects came up. However, the idea would not go away.
Why did the idea persist? Because we are confronted by situations where we are expected to take a stand, all the time. But many of us turn away. I have been guilty of it too. It has been becoming increasingly clear to me that if I do not stand up to the person next to me, I am guilty of joining hands with those who are oppressing that person. And a time may come that I would be the only person standing, and there would br no one to defend me.
What would you say -- in a sentence or two -- is the theme of the film? Raise your voice. That is the proof that you are truly alive.
What happens to Ajay Devgan's character in the film? His soul slowly becomes corrupt as he becomes more and more successful in life. He loses his humanity. But the day of reckoning surely must be coming.
You love working with him, don't you? He is a trusted friend. And I feel that I will continue working with him for many years. I never get tired of working with Ajay. He will be playing the lead in Ashoka and then in the Ramayan. Both will be made within two years. I am sure people will be astounded how he will interpret the two compellingly fascinating characters. Ajay is one of the few leading men in the industry today who will some day become a very valued character actor.
What do you feel most appealing in him? He has never been a chocolate face actor. Though he has received a lot of praise for his performances and awards, I feel every time I work with him, there is so much more talent in him that is waiting to be exploited. Ajay surprises me every time we are doing a new film.
What kind of Ashoka would he make? I am sure he will bring out well all the contradictions, weaknesses and strengths in Ashoka. I love history and I read extensively about historical people. I have been thinking of this film for many years, and Ajay was always there in my mind as Ashoka.
Some filmmakers would have been tempted to cast 'handsome' actor as Ashoka. (Chuckles) That is the point. From my reading, I know that Ashoka was not a handsome person in the traditional sense. He was also a dark skinned person. One of Ajay's strengths is that he can get under the skin of any well-written role and make it his own. He has sharp, expressive eyes. And he appears to be very natural in all the challenging characters he has played so far.
People surely have asked this question before. There is already a film on Ashoka, starring Shah Rukh Khan and directed by Santosh Sivan. The film got mixed reviews and did not perform well. What made you decide on another film on the emperor? The answer lies in your question. It is not that I did not like the previous film. But I found it ended at a very important juncture, the Battle of Kalinga, that led to Ashoka getting horrified with the carnage on the battlefield and renouncing warfare. My film starts where Santosh Sivan's film ended. I am fascinated by the life and times of Ashoka. I remember reading H G Wells, who considered Ashoka to be the most powerful emperor because of the moral strength he had in renouncing violence and seeking an ethical life for himself and his people. Wells considered Ashoka to be even greater than Alexander and Julius Caesar. It would not have surprised me to read an Indian historian calling Ashoka great. But a British historian recognising Ashoka's greatness? How can I resist the idea of making a film on Ashoka?
There surely some people in the film business who think it is a risky subject? I am sure. But the fact that I am all ready to make the film --- we plan to start shooting it in February --- shows my confidence in the subject.
What did you find most interesting about Ashoka's life? I am tempted to look at what might have happened after he renounced war and he actually begin to believe in the renunciation. I don't think the transition was easy. I don't think he stopped fighting the demons within himself once he took that decision. I am often intrigued by, whether I read a novel or study history, the transitional period.
What made you choose Bipasha Basu for Ashoka? I think Ajay and Bipasha have excellent screen chemistry. She plays the role of Kaurwaki. She has to be sensuous and also a person of determination. This could be one of the most challenging roles of her career.
There surely are people who will remind you about The Legend of Bhagat Singh. Did that film eventually make the money? The producers of the film say they haven't recovered the investment. And yet, TIPS is so proud of the film, it is mentioned as their proudest achievement. Though the film was not a runaway hit, thousands liked it. It won many awards. Many people in India consider it to be one of the finest historical films made by an Indian filmmaker.
HALLA BOL is a big-budget venture! January 4, 2008 12:35:18 PM IST Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network
Fans of the winning Ajay Devgan-Rajkumar Santoshi combo are counting the days to the release of their next venture, HALLA BOL, which is just a week away. In fact, contrary to the popular perception, HALLA BOL is a lavishly mounted project and has a budget of 25-crores.
Giving details about the financial aspects, the producer of HALLA BOL, Abdol Samee Siddiqui (a banker by profession), elaborated that half of the budget was raised by way of a loan from IDBI (Industrial Development Bank of India). He added that the other half was sourced from TV 18, now known as The Indian Film Company.
The much awaited Ajay Devgan, Vidya Balan and Pankaj Kapoor starrer, HALLA BOL, is all set to release with E Niwas's MY NAME IS ANTHONY GONSALVES, on Januaray 11.
Vidya Balan: I am the catalyst in HALLA BOL January 4, 2008 6:32:04 PM IST Bollywood Trade News Network
Vidya Balan is one leading lady who really enjoys her films and roles. It doesn't matter how small her role is but she has the caliber to make it meaty and strong. In HALLA BOL also her screen presence is lesser but her character stands out. As she says, "I am the catalyst who changes the tide of events and mindset of Ajay and people around him in the film. I thoroughly enjoyed the making of HALLA BOL. I got the chance to work with the veterans. Just watching Pankaj ji and Raj ji in action was a treat. And Ajay makes every scene look too simple." Now Vidya is looking forward to the release of this film, which she believes will change the approach of 'aam' or 'khaas admi' towards life in general.
HALLA BOL is produced by Abdol Samee Siddiqui under the banner of Sunrise Pictures Pvt Ltd. and directed / scripted by Raj Kumar Santoshi.
HALLA BOL is presented and distributed globally by Pyramid Saimira Theatre Ltd. The cast includes Ajay Devgan, Vidya Balan, Pankaj Kapur and Darshan Zariwala.
Overconfident Ajay-Santoshi IndiaGlitz [Friday, January 04, 2008]
With the release of Halla Bol just around the corner neither Ajay nor Santoshi seem to be worried about the promotion of the film.
Ajay seems to be highly engrossed in the promotion of Rohit Shetty’s Sunday and his directorial venture U, Me aur Hum. Santoshi on the other hand has been shuttling between Mumbai and LA for his next, Ashoka.
With Halla Bol release date already being pushed ahead, hope all that Halla doesn’t die out. Santoshi too needs to be a little more alert as we recall the fate of Santoshi’s Family due to date changes.
Lead India - Mission Dus Ghantey [Friday, January 04, 2008]
Idea presents LEAD INDIA, which will be telecasted on Saturdays, 8pm, on Star One. This time the theme of this episode of Lead India is Mission Dus Ghantey. In this episode the contestant’s were given 10 hours and a task to be completed, on the basis of which they would be judged.
The two special guest or judges for this episode are Praful Patel, the civil aviation minister and the master of stunts-Ajay Devgan. With films like 'Gangajal', Bhagat Singh and now Halla Bol, Ajay Devgan seems to have a taken on a certain image of 'Janta leader' and hence in this episode he spoke on behalf of the Janta.
To know more about lead India, mission Dus Ghante, you have to check out this exclusive video which is bought for all you viewers by IndiaGlitz. A must watch!
Director of films like ‘The Legend Of Bhagat Singh’, ‘Khakee’ Raj Kumar Santoshi is pepped up about his latest film Halla Bol which stars his favourite actor Ajay Devgan in the lead.
Santoshi has also signed Ajay and Bipasha for his historic venture Ashoka.
Says Santoshi, “He is a dark skin person. He has sharp, expressive eyes and can play any character very comfortably. He appears to be very natural in all characters he has played so far.”
‘I can’t hardsell my projects’ Author: Shaheen Parkar; Date: 04 Jan 2008
Santoshi comes clean on Halla Bol and long overdue projects
Rajkumar Santoshi is under the weather right before the release of his film Halla Bol, starring Ajay Devgan, Pankaj Kapur and Vidya Balan. On Wednesday he was shooting for a promo track of the film with Devgan. At his Juhu Scheme duplex, Santoshi holds forth on Halla Bol and the films he announces but never take off…
Halla Bol is your wake-up call to the people. Yes, it reflects society and asks people not to be self-centered. Hopefully, it will awaken people only then can they expect things to change. A collective voice can do wonders for society. Being laidback and thinking that ‘it affects others, not us’ isn’t the right attitude. I had thought of this story years ago but it is so relevant even today. There is an outcry against the New Year’s Eve incident at Juhu. You have to come forward and raise a voice against the horror, because it could have happened to your sister too.
Why don’t you hardsell your films like the rest? I can’t do this kind of stuff; that’s not me. I am a director and after the project is complete, I leave it to the producer and the PR machinery. Anyways, I can’t see myself promoting my films by appearing on every other TV show, event and even landing up at people’s doorsteps telling them to watch my film!
Are you hinting at the recent media overdrive by Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan to promote their films? To each his own. I am happy with the way I function.
Do you regret any of your projects being a victim of bad marketing? Khakee was one film that deserved a better deal. It needed to be promoted better and marketed well. It had a super cast and was liked.
You keep on announcing projects that never take off like Mahabharat, Ramayan and London Dreams. Now you have announced Asoka and Jis Lahore Nahin Dekhya. You are going back in time to the Mahabharat days, that was ages ago, no? (laughs). There are many factors at work before a film goes on the floors. And in the meanwhile other projects happen which take up your time. Asoka rolls next for sure. I have secured the dates of both the stars (Ajay Devgan and Bipasha Basu) for June. Late 2008 or early 2009, I start Ramayan. Ajay and Kajol as Ram and Sita have been signed and sealed. Only after this will I think of the rest.
So it will be ages again before the rest roll? Most of the time the stuff attributed to me is news to me. Like I have never said I wanted to do a sequel to Damini! London Dreams has had an initial schedule at the Golden Temple. Right now it is on hold. I know Vipul Shah had been approached to direct the film; he is a friend. I have not even done the casting for Mahabharat yet.
Santosh Sivan too made Asoka with Shah Rukh Khan. That was years ago. There have been films of Asoka but my film begins where others end with the battle of Kalinga. The film will be shot in specially erected sets with lots of international technical expertise. Loveleen Bains is doing the costumes.
Can you ever think of making a film without Ajay Devgan? There is nothing like that. I have made films without him too.
But that was in the past? It is just that you develop a comfort level with certain people you work with.