RE: January 2008 - News - 14

Friday, January 25 2008

Ajay Devgan starrer Sunday would be seeing a reasonably well spread-out release as it hits the theatres today. It would be arriving with around 475 prints.

Confirms Rohit Shetty, film's director, "The film would be releasing at close to 475 prints though there could be some plus or minus in the final count. Nevertheless, it is a good number and should ensure that the film gets a widespread release."

A comic thriller, the film is currently hot in the trade since it is the first high profile film of 2008. With industry being in red ever since the New Year began, all eyes are set on Sunday to bring back smiles on the faces of distributors and exhibitors alike.

Says the hopeful film maker, "Yes, I am aware that people are looking for some hardcore entertainment. In fact this is what I have been trying to convey through the promos as well. There are numerous comic elements in the film but if you look closely, the film is also what you call as an out and out commercial 'masala' entertainer. Don't just walk in expecting only comedy; there is a lot more in terms of action, suspense, 'naach-gaana' and the works to keep you engaged."

Quelle: http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywo...ase-250108.html

Actor Irrfan Khan who is all set to entertain the audience with a rollicking ride of laughter in the upcoming movie 'Sunday' plays the role of a struggling actor and it is heard that this time he will be seen trying to imitate Shahrukh Khan for the auditions of the film 'Don 3' as part of one scene. While everyone has seen the intense side of Irrfan so far, it will be interesting to see how he comes up with this total U turn character that he is playing. Good luck for that Irrfan!!!

Quelle: http://www.bharatstudent.com/cafebharat/...?id=17538&cat=1

After the disaster of the recent film 'Halla Bol' at the box office, it is now being heard that the tie up between movie makers PVR and director Rajkumar Santoshi has been called off by the production house which has put the proposed Shahid Kapoor - Pankaj Kapoor starrer in a fix. However, sources from Santoshi camp deny this and say that the deal has been pushed for another year that's all and everything is as per schedule. Will have to see what PVR has to say about this now...

Quelle: http://www.bharatstudent.com/cafebharat/...?id=17502&cat=1

'My friendship with certain stars cannot be confused with how they suit my films,' director Rajkumar Santoshi clarifies.

For Rajkumar Santoshi and his movies (12 in 19 years beginning with the 1990 Ghayal), passion is never passé but always in fashion. He never makes movies for money alone and believes that filmmakers should entertain, but also fulfil duties as human beings.

Excerpts from an interview that has Santoshi in candid mode:

Have the indifferent fates of The Legend Of Bhagat Singh, Khakee and Family made you revert to your earlier successful genre of hard-hitting dramas in Halla Bol?
I am always charged by things happening around me. There are evils that have to be spotlighted and fought.

Why say “All Indians are my brothers and sisters” when you are indifferent to something bad that happens elsewhere? When there was a terrible holocaust in Kolkata, why cannot we express solidarity by at least wearing black bands to work? The various states of our country are like fiefdoms held together by force rather than a part of one nation. Tell me one politician today who can claim to be called a national leader.

I once read this news about Sia Devi, a lower-caste woman being repeatedly raped for days and then burnt alive in a place half-an-hour away from Kanpur. Her crime was that her daughter fell in love with an upper-caste boy.

I went down there the next day. To my shock, the police were not doing anything, no media was there, and no social activists were around. Even the victim’s family was unwilling to talk! That was the starting point of Lajja with Rekha as that character.

Halla Bol also says that true progress happens with an evolution in thoughts and mindsets and not with technology or improved gadgets. But in a democratic setup things can be changed — but with the voice of the awam. And that’s my title — Halla Bol, make a noise, raise a voice against anything unjust or wrong. But we have become vegetables, objects that grow — and then decay.

Why is your protagonist a film star?
It is shameful that instead of a leader, we have film-stars and cricketers as role-models today! We love these role-models so much that we neglect our responsibilities and duties to our families just to get a glimpse of them!

But the image is just a perception, and among them are either normal human beings or those jo hum se bhi gaye-guzare hain (worse human beings than us)!

In Halla Bol, the time comes when the hero is forced to ask himself, ‘Who am I? As an actor, I am doing my duty by entertaining my fans. But as a human being, am I doing anything at all for society?’

Halla Bol is your fourth film with Ajay Devgan, whom you have cast also as Lord Ram and King Ashok. That’s an extraordinary rapport.
My friendship with certain stars cannot be confused with how they suit my films. They will come in only when the roles demand them, otherwise Ajay would have been a part of my last film Family too. Ajay Devgan was preparing for a shot for Halla Bol when I noticed his profile — sharp, lean and muscular. I suddenly thought how apt he would be, for mythology also describes Lord Ram as moderately dark-complexioned!But I wondered whether I was getting influenced, so I consulted my cameraman and make-up man Vikram Gaekwad and asked their opinion. It was only after they felt the same way that I approached Ajay. As Ashok too he is perfect.

Why make an oft-told tale like Ramayan and take up Ashok after the Shah Rukh Khan version?
Why not? So many chapters in the Bible have been made into films in Hollywood. Why are we making just small-budget films on this timeless story? Even today, if an amateur Ram Lila is staged, people rush to watch it. I also want my Ramayan to look real and connect with today’s audience.

As for Shah Rukh’s film, it ended with the Kaling war, and my film begins there — for that is the beginning of Ashok’s most challenging phase and true evolution where he achieved the impossible — he ruled Magadha without allowing a sword to be lifted!

But we hear that a quickie will beat these films to the screen.
Yes, I am making a very touching saga of Hindu-Muslim harmony in the days of Partition based on the famous play by Dr Asghar Wajahat, Jis Lahore Nahin Dekhiya Woh Jamiya Hi Nahin. Dr Asghar will co-write the script with me.

Quelle: http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Jan2...08012648765.asp

Sunday, January 27, 2008; By Priyanka Khanna. Delhi, India, 07:00 PM IST

Amitabh Bachchan once called Ajay Devgan the 'Dark Horse' of the film industry. But he is also proving to be a winning tortoise with his slow and steady growth.

He is on the roll. After a forgettable 2007, he has started off this year with a bang.

The intense actor, who is known for breaking the rules now and then, first charmed critics with his power-packed performance in Rajkumar Santoshi's 'Halla Bol' and is now trying to tickle the funny bone in Rohit Shetty's 'Sunday' that released this week.

His roles in both films are in complete contrast to each other. While in 'Halla Bol' he is an actor-turned-activist, in fun-filled action thriller 'Sunday' he is a corrupt cop.

Very soon the actor will turn director with his directorial debut film 'U Me Aur Hum', schedule to release in April.

Once tipped as the successor for angry-young-man roles immortalised by Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay has always made a conscious effort to not get typecast. He started off as an action hero with 'Phool Aur Kaante', but is now regarded as a character actor.

He is one actor who is just as convincing in brooding, macho roles as he is in comic capers. He is among the only few stars who have challenged the hoodoo over the plain looking and not-so-fair actors becoming successful.

He has the unique distinction of having bagged two `best actor' National Awards. And the low-key actor, who shuns publicity, is the first choice of veteran Indian directors like Rajkumar Santoshi as well as Ram Gopal Varma.

Son of famous fight director, Veeru Devgan, he dabbled in direction and editing in a junior capacity before being lured before the camera for Kuku Kohli's action flick 'Phool Aur Kaante,' which was a box office hit. 'Jigar', 'Vijaypath' and 'Divya Shakti' were all action films, which had their own audiences.

Then came a lean period when Ajay was displaced by the fair-skinned aristocracy.

Observes director Mahesh Bhatt: 'His very place among the top stars was questioned because he was the son of a stunt director and was supposed to be good only in stunt roles. Ajay was patient and proved them wrong.'

'Ishq' came as a turning point and he was for the very first time accepted in non-action hero role. Then came 'Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha', and the big hit, 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' where his portrayal of the low-key, understanding husband was acclaimed.

His work in films like 'Zakhm', 'Company', 'GangaaJal', 'The Legend of Bhagat Singh' and 'Omkara' have left no doubt that Ajay is indeed the 'dark horse' of the industry. With a little bit of luck he could go Akshaye Kumar's way.

Santoshi, who has done some of his best films with Ajya, is keen on making a film based on emperor Ashoka and then cast him in a mythological film based on epic 'Ramayan'.

'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,' says Santoshi.

'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,' he adds.

The actor was also among the first few actors to take to production of films. He turned producer in 1990s with :Hindustan Ki Kasam' and 'Raju Chacha'. Though the films bombed at the box-office, Ajay is now keen to go behind the cameras again in 'U, Me Aur Hum'.

'One has to be more careful with the script, I guess,' he said. 'We have to target our films to specific audiences'.

-*-

'Sunday' starring Ajay Devgan, Ayesha Takia, Irrfan Khan and Arshad Warsi and directed by Rohit Shetty didn't rack in favourable reviews, but has got good initials.

The film with catchy music and great promos does not have much competition as the next big release, Ashutosh Gowariker's 'Jodhaa Akbar', is slated for mid February. The publicists should be able to make the best of the given situation and help the film make a killing at the box-office.

Quelle: http://www.indiaenews.com/bollywood/20080127/94169.htm

New Delhi News.Net
Sunday 27th January, 2008 (IANS)

Although the film hasn't got a good review, a balanced mix of mystery, comedy and action makes Rohit Shetty's 'Sunday' 'paisa vasool' (money's worth). Starring Ajay Devgan, Arshad Warsi, Irrfan Khan and Ayesha Takia it is a thoroughly enjoyable film.

'On the first day, two industry guys have tried to ruin my film by spreading negative rumours, but the best thing is that general audience is appreciating it and word of mouth will help my movie,' Shetty told IANS.

'It happened with my 'Golmaal - Fun Unlimited' also. So, I'm not bothered. I am confident that the film will work. Naysayers are saying that the first day collection was only 25 percent, but the fact is that it was 70 percent. And the Republic Day holiday has helped it too,' added Shetty.

'Sunday' is a fast-paced murder mystery movie with a heavy dose of comedy thrown in. Irrfan and Arsahd's chemistry is mind blowing. Irrfan as a theatre actor and Arshad as the taxi driver gave the most hilarious performances. Shetty maintains the pace throughout the movie without letting it drag.

Ajay looks good in action scenes and not to forget his sidekick played by Mukesh Tiwari, whose comic timing is perfect. However, Ayesha Takia is not so impressive.

Shetty has incorporated 70s style car chase and action scenes.

'I wanted to bring that 'Teesri Manzil' effect where murder, romance, mystery, and comedy is happening,' said Shetty.

Many critics have accused him of lifting the story from Telugu movie 'Anukokunda Oka Roj'. 'I never denied it. It is inspired by a Telugu film and I said it even before the release,' said Shetty.

In a time when films like 'Namastey London', 'Welcome' and 'Om Shanti Om' are raking moolah at the box office, Shetty's film too has all the elements to entertain and be a money-spinner.

Kumar Mangat, who has co-produced it with Eros International, says he is expecting hundred percent profit from the movie, which released with 370 prints in India and 110 abroad.

'The total cost of the film is about Rs.250 million and in next 10 days we are expecting 100 percent profit. We have released the film all over the world including Fiji, Mauritius. We are getting positive response from all the territories,' said Mangat who is also not so upset with the negative reviews.

'When 'Raaz' was released newspaper a journalist gave it just one star, but the film turned out to be a huge hit. Later, that journalist was sacked. Same thing happened with 'Welcome'. So I am not bothered at all. The public wants entertainment and this film is entertaining them. It is a good time pass for them,' added Mangat.

'There is so much comedy in the film. I really liked it because it doesn't give you any time to think,' said Arpit Aggarwal, a class eight student, who watched the film with his parents on the very first day.

Sanjay Ghai, a Delhi-based distributor and exhibitor, says that the film is doing a satisfactory business in UP and Punjab.

Ghai said: 'Suddenly it has become very cold in North India and people are not coming out for the late night shows, despite that the film is doing a satisfactory business in Delhi, UP and Punjab and it will have a steady run.

'Media reviews do affect a film, and the critics have not been generous in their reviews, but word of mouth is going to help it.'

Although 'Sunday' is panned by critics, watch it at least once because it is a 'paisa vasool'.

Quelle: http://www.newdelhinews.net/story/322124

By Ali Ladhani - BollySpice.com; 27 Jan 2008

Auszug:

Happy New Year and welcome to 2008! While 2007 was a particularly successful year in both box office and quality wise, 2008 promises to be a year filled with a lot of experimentation as well as some much-awaited films to be released.

Thanks to Aly Kassam who wrote an article with a sneak peak into 2008's films – here is our official predictions thread about the films to be releasing in 2008. I will be writing predictions for Quality as well as for Box Office – as both are truly important for a truly enjoyable movie going experience!

Before getting into the films, I would like to note that in my charts below, I have written a table with "QUALITY" above "BOX OFFICE". This is because I am of the firm belief that for Indian Cinema to move forward, filmmakers must concentrate on QUALITY rather than BOX OFFICE – to truly make something memorable, other than money spinners.

However, I digress. Here is Part 1 of the prediction list!

...
Ajay Devgan's U ME AUR HUM
Ajay Devgan's U ME AUR HUM

After Aamir Khan, Ajay Devgan takes his turn at the directorial helms. His latest production, co-starring with his wife Kajol, is a romantic film that goes from flirting to dating to marriage and afterwards. This one should be very popular with the desi crowds, and based on promotion in the coming months, should be one of the highlights of the coming year.

Quality: B
Ajay Devgan is a meticulous actor. While he does serious brooding roles with more ease, it must have been an excellent script for him to get into the direction arena. Plus, with Kajol's second film after her return – quality is definitely something that should be expected from this film.

Box Office: Average to Hit
With all the ingredients to do smashing business at the box office (star cast, an innovative romantic script, guest appearances) this film is all set to be a highlight in both quality and box office this year!

Quelle: http://www.bollyspice.com/view.php/904-2...art-1-of-3.html

January 28, 2008 1:32:14 PM IST
Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

Arshad Warsi has done it again.

In spite of SUNDAY being a multi starrer with Ajay Devgan towering the cast, Arshad Warsi has come up trumps for his yet another funny act in a film. Clearly a supporting actor, he has stolen the show yet again in conjunction with Irrfan Khan who is quite good in the film as well.

As a Haryanvi cab driver, Arshad is in a dominating form for most of the first half of the film and gets some of the best scenes and dialogues for himself in spite of Ajay Devgan being the lead man. Spontaneity is what makes Arshad's act seem effortless as he keeps the gags going throughout the narrative.

Especially watch out for the scenes where he cons a Delhi traffic police cop or the scene outside a theater where he gets into a jocular argument with Ayesha's friend or when he fears Ajay Devgan of being a gay - each of them are done with utmost ease that prove the point yet again that he is one of the best in business and most natural when it comes to tickling the funny bone of the audience.

Some of the upcoming films of Arshad Warsi are KRAZZY 4, GOLMAAL RETURNS and SHORTKUT - THE CON IS ON.

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

It is common to see that a lot of actors turn directors and producers when their innings in Bollywood begin to disintegrate. But it is another story altogether when an actor still in his prime directs a film. Call it risky or call it smart, these actors swam against the tide. Some succeeded while some failed, never to return again. Indiatimes Movies lists a few of these actors who wielded the megaphone in their prime.

Ajay Devgan

Our story begins with actor Ajay Devgan. He first turned producer with Raju Chacha in 2000 only to have met with failure. But that did not deter him and he has already finished directing his first film titled U, Me Aur Hum. Clearly, still in the league of dependable leading actors, Ajay nonetheless decided to take the plunge into direction.

Says Ajay, “People keep on asking me on how I decided that this was the right time to direct my own film. To be honest, I don’t really know whether this is the right time or not, but I know this is a story that I wanted to tell. A story I believed in and felt strongly about. As they say, one from the heart.”

Quelle: http://movies.indiatimes.com/quickies/2730480.cms

Author: Upala KBR; Date: 28 Jan 2008

Despite doing an item number in the film, she was not invited for the trial

Esha Deol, who has performed an item number Kya Kashmakash in Rohit Shetty’s Sunday, was taken aback when she was excluded from the guest list of the film’s trial.

To her astonishment, she found everyone had been invited for the screening organised by Ajay Devgan except her!

Sunday producer Kumar Mangat says, “Ajay and I had organised a trial for the cast, crew, friends and family last Thursday at Cinemax, Andheri.

I was busy with the screening arrangements and forgot to invite her. The next I heard was that Esha was upset because I didn’t invite her.

She didn’t tell me but others did. I immediately called her and apologised. I asked her to attend the trial but she was angry. First, she said she wouldn’t come.

After much cajoling and persuasion, she came. Even Ajay spoke to her before she finally agreed,” says the apologetic producer.

Esha adds, “I felt very hurt because Kumarji and his production team are almost like family. Apart from doing the song in Sunday I have acted in his next production, 1-2-3.

Waiting for a call

The actress continues, “On Wednesday, Tusshar (Kapoor) called me and asked me if I was coming for the trial. I waited the whole day but nobody invited me.

That’s when I told Tusshar I wouldn’t come till I was personally invited.

Finally, when Kumarji called, I told him, ‘Ab yaad aayi main? Aapka gaana kiya picture mein aur mujhe bhool gaye’?”

Esha adds, “But he’s such a nice person that when he requested me sincerely I couldn’t remain upset.”

Nowadays, the dancer actress has been chilling out and not signing many films. “I have 1-2-3, a comedy and Hijack, an action thriller with Shiney Ahuja. I am not in a hurry to sign many films as I want to do a light-hearted romantic film now.

Darling drained me. It takes out a lot from me physically and emotionally to do an emotional role. Every year, I take a break to chill out and re-evaluate what I have done.”

“I am patiently waiting for the right script. I don’t want to make a mistake like Cash again where you are toldsomething else and it shapes out to be something different.

I am happy that Cash didn’t do well. It’s scary to do a film that you know is not happening but can’t walk out of as you have committed to it,” signs off the actress.

Quelle: http://www.mid-day.com/web/guest/enterta...XT_5_groupId=14

3. Sunday
4. Halla Bol
12. U, Me Aur Hum

Geht mal auf den Link, da ist die Ansicht sehr übersichtlich und interessant!

http://www.indiafm.com/movies/topmovies.html

Article Updated 28 January, 2008 10:41:23 PM IST
By Our Correspondent ©2008 Bollyvista.com

After falling out with his mentor Karan Johar, Soham Shah is ready to roll his next after few hurdles. Soham has been signed by Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision to direct a film for them which will have Sanjay Dutt in lead. The film is expected to roll very soon and will be a high paced action thriller.

Earlier Ajay Devgan was considered for the role and Kumar Mangat was to produce it, but with the project heading nowhere Soham approached Ashtavinayak and they readily stepped in as producers.

Quelle: http://www.bollyvista.com/article/a/32/8493

Weiß jemand von welchem Film hier die Rede ist, vielleicht Bihaad?

Antwort von Diwali im Ajay-Thread in Marcos Forum:

Zitat von Diwali

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Wenn das das Projekt ist, das ich vermute, dann war es von Anfang an für Sanju geplant und sollte von White Feather Films produziert werden. Vielleicht hat Shah es Ajay angeboten, als sich durch Sanjus Verfahren und seinen Ausstieg aus WFF abzeichnete, dass aus dem Projekt, so wie er es geplant hatte, nichts werden würde. Aber nun hat er offensichtlich einen neuen Produzenten gefunden und möchte seinen Film wohl, wie geplant, mit Sanju verwirklichen. Doch wie gesagt, das kann ich jetzt nur vermuten, da dieser Link nicht sehr ergiebig ist und ich nur dieses eine Projekt (Luck) mit Shah in Verbindung bringe.

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Actor Ajay Devgan, who is known for his intense roles is trying to break the shell and come out with some hilarious roles and after the success of his earlier film 'Golmaal', he is now seen in the film 'Sunday' where he plays the corrupt cop. However, he became a real subject of prank recently when he was a guest at a radio talk show and was answering questions regarding the film from the listeners. One such listener was posing the most irritating questions but Ajay kept his cool and answered all of them only to realize in the end that it was actually his co-star Arshad Warsi, who is playing the fool with him.

Quelle: http://www.bharatstudent.com/cafebharat/...?id=17598&cat=1

IndiaGlitz [Friday, January 25, 2008]

Ajay Devgan is well known for his pranks amongst his co-stars.

But this time he was at the receiving end. Arshad Warsi made a fake call at the radio station where Ajay was giving interviews to the callers and kept asking him strange questions which irritated him.

Still Ajay patiently kept answering all his questions and later realized that it was Arshad who was pulling his legs.

Sunday is Ajay’s second film with Arshad after Golmaal. While Ajay is playing the role of a corrupt cop, Arshad plays a Haryanvi cab driver in Sunday.

Let’s hope their chemistry creates the same buzz it did in Golmaal.

Quelle: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/36136.html

If there is one word that describes actor AJAY DEVGAN, it is droll. Even as other actors make an attempt to ingratiate themselves with the media at some point in their careers, Devgan seems immune to it. So much so that he declares, “I do realise now that I have to brush up my PR skills. Not being media savvy may have actually harmed my career.”

But if one thinks these are quotable quotes that Devgan has taken to dishing out, there has to be a rethink. He is still not comfortable talking about his wife Kajol. And specially her relationship with Shah Rukh Khan (her best friend), or about himself for that matter.

Quizzed about his movies and choice of roles, he laconically adds, “I like to do different roles, some comedy some serious, to satisfy the actor in me.”

Is he faking it? No. That’s pure Devgan; you get what you see. Right now he’s into directing and makes no bones that his venture is purely commercial. “There is no other angle to it. I’ve done it on my own terms and that’s what is important to me,” said Devgan “Whatever success I have managed till date has been on my own terms and I’m happy for that,”

That’s what really matters to him — to live life on his own terms. That’s the Devgan for the uninitiated. Who says art doesn’t imitate reel life?

Quelle: http://www.hindu.com/mag/2008/01/27/stor...12750140500.htm