RE: January 2008 - News - 12

January 22, 2008 1:40:28 PM IST
Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

HALLA BOL is going the CHAK DE way!

Ok, so the film may not have remotely done the kind of business which CHAK DE! INDIA did last year but when it comes to the title song, it has started finding similarities in the way it is being received, especially in the world of sports.

Remember the times when India was playing 20-20 cricket and winning majority of its matches in the middle of last year. This was the time when the song 'Chak De India' had caught popularity in a big way.

The two events came together and it was time for celebration as majority of news channels aired montages of winning moments of Indian cricket while playing this Sukhwinder Singh number in the background.

Cut to 2008 and situation is repeating once more with India finally getting on a winning note in Australia. Flavour of the season this time around? Title song 'Halla Bol' which, as luck would have it, again has Sukhwinder Singh at the helm.

News channels have picked up 'Halla Bol' as the track which now plays in the background as young Indian cricketers are literally announcing 'halla bol' at the cricket grounds. A few more wins and one never knows, 'Halla Bol' could well turn out to be another anthem number in the making.

Quelle: http://glamsham.com/movies/scoops/08/jan...-way-010803.asp

January 22, 2008 1:06:51 PM IST

The first month of the year has mostly seen a poor start, as far as box-office success is concerned. Blame it on the cold wave which engulfs most parts of the country at this time, or the end of the festive period (holiday season), which commences with 'Eid-Dussehra-Diwali' and continues right up, ending with the New Year.

More often than not, it has taken an exceptional movie to break the lull at the ticket window. Looking at the records of the films released in the past two years: In 2006, it was Aamir Khan's cinematically brilliant RANG DE BASANTI that kick started the most successful year for Bollywood. Last year saw Aby's Baby, Abhishek Bachchan opening Bollywood's account with a bang through Mani Ratnam's masterpiece, GURU.

However, like in the past few years, more than half a month has passed and Bollywood is yet to deliver a successful film. All hopes were pinned on the Rajkumar Santoshi-Ajay Devgan project, HALLA BOL, but looking at the tepid response, the film is all set to flop at the box-office. Trade estimates a loss of at least 10 crores for its distributors, Pyramid Saimira.

Even though we are entering the fourth week of the first month, there is no need to despair, as hope is at hand in the form of Rohit Shetty's, stylish SUNDAY. This Friday's solo release is carrying excellent reports and the music too is making its mark on the charts and the hearts! Trade feels that SUNDAY, with its excellent star cast (Ajay, Arshad, Irrfan and Ayesha) might just be the movie that may bail out Bollywood from its present lean phase.

Quelle: http://glamsham.com/movies/scoops/08/jan...cess-010801.asp

January 22, 2008 3:20:34 PM IST
Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

It couldn't have been a better release timing for SUNDAY.

Originally slated to arrive in the month of January, the release date of SUNDAY got pre-poned once the 25th January slot was vacated by JODHAA AKBAR moving to February. Since no other film had planned its release around JODHAA AKBAR, there have been literally no notable films slated to arrive in the vicinity of these days.

All this means that when SUNDAY releases, it would literally have a fortnight all for itself since it's the sole release of 25th Janaury. Moreover a week later, only RAMA RAMA KYA HAI DRAMAAA releases which has finally locked 1st February as the release date. Since the film is much smaller in comparison and has an altogether different target audience, it is not expected to make any dent in the business of SUNDAY during its second week.

A week later comes MITHYA and SUPERSTAR which are also not biggies in their own rights but are two releases of the week nevertheless. It is only a week later when some real challenge arrives in the form of JODHAA AKBAR which is all set to arrive at a record number of prints.

Till then, expect SUNDAY to make hay!

Quelle: http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/08...ight-010807.asp

23 Jan 2008, 0000 hrs IST,TNN

“All others – Ajay, Bebo, Amrita, Tusshar – are on a strict diet and measure their intake of carbs, fats and proteins,” he told us, when we caught up with him on the sets.

“I’m the only one enjoying my food and my life, but I do have a thing or two to learn from my colleagues,” he said shaking his head in admiration.

Well, never mind your contemporaries’ six-pack theory, Arshad. Just concentrate on providing the audiences with some wholesome ‘power-packed’ entertainment instead.

The ‘packed’ theatre halls, we guess, will more than make up for it all.

Quelle: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Enter...how/2720124.cms

Und hier kann jeder mitmachen

The year 2008 is set to see a lot of big films from big banners with topmost stars but no matter how big the banner or the film is, the one who finally decides its fate at the Box Office is YOU.

So, we at BollywoodHungama.com are conducting a poll where you get a chance to vote for what you feel are the ‘Most Awaited Films of 2008’. We know with the choices in hand, it may be a trifle difficult to zero in on one particular film, so we are giving you the chance to vote for not one, or two, but your five top films which you are eagerly looking forward to see ‘First Day First Show’ this year.

The Poll closes on Jan 31, 2008 and the results would be declared on Feb 8, 2008. Needless to say, the results are taken very seriously by the trade community and the consumers as it provides insights into the popularity of film productions.

So, Bollywood buffs, now, you have the power and you can decide. Exercise your vote, right here, right now, and wait to see if your choices make it to the final list of the ‘Most Awaited Films of 2008’.

Zur Abstimmung: Ajay vertreten mit "Golmaal Returns", "Mr. Fraud" und "U Me Aur Hum"!
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/surfers-...ds/1/index.html

January 23, 2008 3:46:03 PM IST
Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

Auszug:

With RAMA RAMA KYA HAI DRAMAAA moving ahead by a week, the solo release of this Friday is going to be Rohit Shetty's Ajay Devgan, Arshad Warsi, Irrfan Khan and Ayesha Takia starrer, SUNDAY. A section of the trade feels that due to the slick promos, popular music and an open week, with an additional Republic day holiday, SUNDAY may see a good to decent weekend run.

Both the new releases of last Friday, Nagesh Kukunoor's Shreyas Talpade starrer BOMBAY TO BANGKOK and Ajay Kumar's Irrfan Khan starrer TULSI, failed to create any impact at the ticket window. And that comes as no surprise. While BOMBAY TO BANGKOK managed a dull opening, TULSI was poor all over. The outcome is obvious and both have already been declared flops/failures.

The poor show of Rajkumar Santoshi's Pankaj Kapur, Ajay Devgan and Vidya Balan starrer, HALLA BOL, has shocked a section of the trade, which was expecting it to pick up by positive word-of-mouth. In its first week HALLA BOL collected 1.25 crores from Bombay, 56 lakhs from Ahmedabad, 1.15 lakhs from Himmatnagar, 7 lakhs from Rajkot, 2.90 lakhs from Jamnagar, 3 lakhs from Bhavnagar, 2 lakhs each from Gandhidham and Solapur, 1.10 lakhs from Adipur, 4.10 lakhs from Nasik, 72 lakhs from Delhi city, 13.75 lakhs from Noida, 18 lakhs from Ghaziabad, 12 lakhs from Lucknow, 2.50 lakhs from Agra, 3.70 lakhs from Meerut, 1.85 lakhs from Moradabad, 1.20 lakhs from Bareilly, 3.20 lakhs from Aligarh, 14 lakhs from Gurgaon, 4.50 lakhs from Faridabad, 1 lakh from Panipat, 8.75 lakhs from Nagpur, 1.25 lakhs from Akola, 1.50 lakhs from Raipur, 1.70 lakhs from Amravati, 8.50 lakhs from Indore, 17.40 lakhs from Jaipur, 1.65 lakhs (gross) from Ajmer, 1.25 lakhs from Guwahati, 25 lakhs from Calcutta and 31 lakhs from Hyderabad. In its first week the Abdol Samee Siddiqui produced HALLA BOL has netted just 10.50 crores from India. It is estimated that Pyramid Saimira, which had procured the worldwide distribution rights of the film will lose at least 10 crores. HALLA BOL has also failed in the UK grossing an ordinary $132,082.

...

Quelle: http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/08...week-010802.asp

January 23, 2008 4:06:24 PM IST
Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

Would Sunny Deol's presence in HALLA BOL would have made a difference to the film's prospects? It certainly would have. However, the bargain here is not for Ajay Devgan's role; it is for the character that was eventually played by Pankaj Kapoor.

Many people who have watched the film vouch for the fact that Sunny Deol in the role of a dacoit turned revolutionary would have turned HALLA BOL into a different ball game altogether. Says Prashant Nagrath, an IT professional and an avid moviegoer, "One can certainly not take away from the fiery act of Pankaj Kapoor; he was brilliant. However, the role was simply tailor made for Sunny Deol."

Adds Meenakshi, a home maker, "Sunny may be having his own reasons for staying away from GHATAK and GADAR kind of roles. Still, it would have been nostalgia revisited if only he would have returned to deliver the dialogues with the kind of punch only he can."

Dharmesh, a Pankaj Kapoor follower has a different point of view, "If Sunny Deol was enacting this role, it would have all become so predictable. What was the point? I believe sheer presence of Pankaj Kapoor made the going on interesting as there was no hero-giri expected."

"I guess it was sheer bad luck and some ordinary promotion which resulted in a poor box office performance of the film. Whether Pankaj Kapoor or Sunny Deol, it all boils down to the fact that the film didn't get it's due. I just hope that when the DVDs of the film hit the stand, they get a much better reception," concludes Prashant.

Released on 11th January all over, HALLA BOL was released at a huge number of prints (around 700) but only managed to net 12 crores from theatrical revenues.

Quelle: http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/08...-bol-010803.asp

By Bollywood Hungama News Network, January 23, 2008 - 12:56 IST

He first appeared on screen in a dare-devil stunt, atop two motor bikes, in his debut film Phool aur Kaante. Just as people began talking that the next action star has arrived, he showed his romantic side in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. He didn't hang on to his lovey-dovey side for long and showed that he has it in him to tickle your funny bone with the comic-caper Golmaal. At the same time, the actor also showed his serious and sensitive side in critically acclaimed films like Zakhm and The Legend of Bhagat Singheven bagging the coveted National Award in the process.

Yes ladies and gentleman we are talking about actor par excellence Ajay Devgan. Consider yourself lucky, as Bollywood Hungama brings you a unique chance to have chat with the superstar himself about his forthcoming comic thriller Sunday which hits cinema halls this Friday.

Ajay Devgan will be live on celebrity chat today at 1600 hrs IST.

PS: Werde den Chat-Verlauf in den nächsten Tagen im entsprechenden Thread (Interviews) posten!

Quelle: http://www.indiafm.com/news/2008/01/23/10780/index.html

By Bollywood Hungama News Network, January 23, 2008 - 18:21 IST

A director who knows what makes or breaks a film, Rohit Shetty is one of the young filmmakers who has carved a niche for himself in Bollywood. After the successful of Golmaal, Rohit is now all geared for his upcoming release this week, Sunday, which is another comedy film with a dash of thriller.

Rohit is also working on Golmaal Returns which is going to be another comic caper. Direction is surely not an easy job and directing a comedy film can be a bit tiring. Hear it from the man himself; live on Bollywood Hungama Celebrity Chat, tomorrow, Jan 24, at 1500 hrs IST.

Quelle: http://www.indiafm.com/news/2008/01/23/10781/index.html

New Delhi, January 23, 2008

Auszug:

Flexing muscles, swinging a sword or jumping from one building to another is no longer the forte of heroes as Bollywood actresses are increasingly embracing action-oriented roles.
...
Said actor Ajay Devgan: "Heroines are as strong as heroes. If we can do it, why can't they? It is great to see them opting for action roles and I think they must continue to do action scenes in films."
...

Quelle: Hindustantimes

24 Jan 2008, 0000 hrs IST,DEEPALI DHINGRA ,TNN

If you’re sitting in front of Kajol (or by her side, for that matter), you have to be ready for any kind of reaction.

She can snap at you if she doesn’t find something right or she can flash her brilliant smile and make your day. This powerhouse of talent, who has proved her mettle again and again, ever since she made her debut in the forgettable Bekhudi, has made the audience wait with bated breath for any project she takes up, especially now that she is married and has a child.

The actress made an outstanding comeback with Fanaa and this time, it is her husband Ajay Devgan’s directorial debut that is on the mind of every Kajol fan.

“I don’t think anyone can predict what people will think once they see the promos. I can just hope that our work is appreciated and hope for the best,” says Kajol, about the promos of U, Me Aur Hum .

The actress has already known Ajay as a co-star and a husband, but now she’s seen him as a director as well. So how’s he in all these capacities? “He’s superb as a co-star because he’s superbly punctual,” she says. Her eyes twinkle as she says, “As a husband, I’m a lucky girl and I know it,” and adds quickly with a laugh, “And he’s very lucky too!” But it is as a director that Kajol feels her husband has found his niche.

“I think he was born to it. He’s always wanted to be a director, even before becoming an actor. He’s one of the best directors I have ever worked with.” But ask her if people might say that she got the role because it is her husband’s film and she pooh-poohs the suggestion. “It would never occur to him to compromise on the film by taking me in something that would not suit me.”

Enough has already been written about how Ajay and Shah Rukh Khan are not on good terms and that Ajay has even stopped her from working with him. Kajol seems fed up of replying to this rumour and retorts, “There’s nothing like that. Ajay and I are an anti-social couple. There’s so much going on at home that we don’t find the time to go out and meet anybody. As for Ajay and Shah Rukh, there is zilch interaction between them, so how can there be any enmity or friendship? Just because they’re not on back slapping terms or call each other every day does not mean they are enemies. And as far as work is concerned, Ajay has never ever influenced me. We don’t operate like that.”

So can the audience hope to see the magic again between SRK and her? “He’s a sweetheart! It’s so comfortable to work with him,” she says. But has no one come to her with a script that brings the two together? “It’s so difficult to get him to choose a script, then it’s super difficult to get me to choose a script. People must be thinking ‘Oh my God! I can just handle one difficult person at a time!’” she laughs, but adds on a serious note, “I really wish something works out.”

Does she ever feel the pressure of living up to the audience’s expectations? “If I start doing that, then it would be like setting myself up for a nervous breakdown,” she exclaims. “I have never considered others’ expectations because my own expectations from myself are so high! I’m my biggest critic. I always find myself lacking, but with experience, you learn that this was the best you could do in that situation. So you accept that and try to do better.”

Today, Kajol feels she is a content person. “I thank God for what I have. I’m really blessed. I go to a temple and I really have nothing to ask for because I have everything I want. I tell Ajay that if I die today, I will die happy because I feel I’ve achieved whatever I wanted to achieve.”

Quelle: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Enter...how/2723440.cms

Ajay Devgan is on a high after giving another fabulous performance in the recent Raj Kumar Santoshi film Halla Bol. Now word has it that Ajay had so much fun working on this project with Santoshi that he’s signed on to play the lead role in the director’s next venture called Ashoka! This time though Ajay will have twice as much to do, since he’ll be playing a double role as both King Ashoka and his son Kunala. The film will be about the reformation of King Ashoke from a brute to a divine body, and will also highlight his relationship with his son. From the looks of it Ajay’s still enjoying taking up challenging roles without making too much off a fuss! Here he is in his forthcoming flick Sunday!

Quelle: http://www.b4utv.com/b4umovies/programmes/page11.shtml

For Ajay Devgan the New Year brought with it a great beginning. With Halla Bol already a declared hit and Sunday all set for release, Ajay couldn’t have asked for a better start of 2008. However, along with the bouquets came the brickbats. Reports are that Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Saif Ali Khan have raised objection over a couple of scenes which seemed like an obvious mockery of the superstars.

The usually silent and brooding Ajay however denies these allegations. He says, “I think it (the alleged rumour) is ridiculous. Some people from the media want to create a rift amongst us by spreading these rumours. I don’t know who it is. You would know better. So you can ask the people who are offended.”

Known for a fairly spotless track record as a Bollywood actor, probably the only other time Ajay got embroiled in a controversy was when he got into a cold war with SRK. However, with time their differences came to an end.

Take a look at this video to hear it from the actor himself, his take on Halla Bol, Sunday, Bollywood camps and more.

Quelle: http://www.gobollywood.com/news/gossips/...-the-khans.html

By Subhash K. Jha, January 24, 2008 - 16:02 IST

Strange things keep happening to the unconventional Ayesha Takia. Last year, she was meant to play only one role in Anurag Kashyap's No Smoking. She ended up playing two roles. Ironically, this year, she plays a dubbing artiste in Rohit Shetty's Sunday and she will also be dubbing for a baby cheetah in Nikhil Advani's animation film.

"It's all so strange," Ayesha laughs, "when I decided to be part of Sunday, I just wanted to have fun after the serious Dor and even more serious No Smoking. And I did have loads of fun. But initially, we hadn't chosen a profession for my character. When Rohit suggested a dubbing artiste, I jumped at it. I don't think any heroine in our films has played a dubbing artiste."

Being a natural mimic, Ayesha worked hard on getting her voices right for the role. "I watched a lot of cartoons. But I found the voices very shrill and unnatural. I wanted to bring in a more natural tone to my voice. A professional dubbing artiste Vikas and the veteran sound recordist Rakesh Ranjan helped me with getting it right for my dubbing artistes' role."

Ayesha had great fun doing a number of voices in Sunday. But even more fun is her role as the baby cheetah in Nikhil Advani's animation film. "I get to speak for a cub named Yuvraj. Nikhil wanted me to dub in my natural voice. That was more fun than assuming an unnatural pitch. What added to the fun of this whole experience is that all of us who speak in Nikhil's animation film-Akshaye Khanna, Boman Irani, Govinda and me-sat together worked on our dialogues at rehearsals and then Nikhil designed the film on our voices."

Quelle: http://www.indiafm.com/news/2008/01/24/10784/index.html

24th Jan 2008 20.50 IST

Ajay Devgan , the infamous prankster of Bollywood, could not suspect that someone would play a joke on him.

But that is what happened when Ajay was making an appearance on a radio channel to promote his latest film Sunday that has Arshad Warsi , Irrfan Khan and Ayesha Takia as his co-stars.

When Ajay was answering calls from his fans, an uncouth man called in and started asking Ajay weird questions in rustic Hindi.

He asked Ajay, kaun si gaadi chalaate hai aap? Ajay said “Maserati”, to which the guy, pretending to mishear, replied: “maa ki raat ki?”

This rustic banter went on for a while, but then the caller suddenly asked Ajay: “kya mujhe aapke paas driver ki naukri milegi?”

Devgan was about to lose his cool but director Rohit Shetty butted in and told him that the man on the other end of the line was Arshad Warsi.

Devgan, Warsi and Shetty had a hearty laugh before Ajay told Arshad: “I will see you tomorrow.”

Perhaps Devgan has already thought of a prank to get even with Arshad who has been sparing no one in the film’s cast from his pranks.

By the way ‘Sunday’ releases on Friday, Jan 25.

Quelle: http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20080124-3.html