RE: January 2008 - News - 4

Wanted: good looking heroes
8 Jan 2008, 0000 hrs IST,TNN

Auszug:

Ask Kannada film buffs to name their favourite actors in the recent past and the vote is unanimous Ganesh.
...
The superstars of the Kannada film industry have proved that being drop-dead gorgeous is not a criterion for success. "Shah Rukh Khan is not a great looker but he’s the best there is," says filmmaker Nagathihalli Chandrashekar. Indrajit Lankesh agrees. "Even Ajay Devgan is not that good-looking. Both these actors have the right attitude and pick movies that are more character-oriented than actor-oriented," he says.
"Beauty lies in the character and the story," says Nagathihalli.
...

Quelle: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India...how/2680273.cms

HALLA BOL V/s MNIAG: Interesting clash in the offing
January 7, 2008 12:35:12 PM IST
Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

Though the general impression is that the Santoshi-Devgan project, HALLA BOL will decimate E Niwas's MY NAME IS ANTHONY GONSALVES, but the battle is unlikely to be as one sided as is being perceived.

As per trade and distribution sources, the lavishly mounted HALLA BOL will definitely be a stunning movie, but the people associated with the film have not upped the publicity ante, though just a few days are left for its release. Even the good situational music by Sukhwinder Singh has not made much of an impact. There were talks of publicity through street theatre, but not much has been heard about it.

On the other hand, Sahara One Motion Pictures have gone on a publicity blitzkrieg for their project, MY NAME IS ANTHONY GONSALVES. The leading lady of the film, Amrita Rao has been on a hurricane tour of the country to publicize the movie. Even the music has started catching on. The ploy of highlighting publicity gimmicks like saying that MNIAG is based on Shah Rukh Khan's life has got the fans of the top Bollywood star curious.

Another factor that cannot be ignored is the small comedy film, RAMA RAMA KYA HAI DRAMA, which has caught the fancy of a lot of cinegoers with its clever little promos and hilarious one liners by the versatile Rajpal Yadav. And that may just sneak through amidst the battle between HALLA BOL and MY NAME IS ANTHONY GONSALVES!

Well, we sincerely hope that Santoshi-Devgan and in particular the producer, Abdol Samee Siddiqui is listening and will do the needful.

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

Sridevi has special appearance in Halla Bol - January 7

Hot Bollywood actress of the 80s and 90s, the versatile Sridevi, will once again be seen on the big screen… courtesy of Halla Bol.

Eager fans of the starlet will be happy to know that she has a bit part in this forthcoming release that stars Ajay Devgan and Vidya Balan. The film is about a Bollywood actor called Sameer Khan (Ajay Devgan) who stands up against injustice in the community.

Apart from Sridevi, the film will also see special appearances from Kareena Kapoor, Tusshar Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Ranjit Kapoor, Mukesh Tiwari, and Ruby Bhatia. Most of the actors will be playing themselves in the movie.

Quelle: http://www.radiosargam.com/films/archive...-halla-bol.html

Sunday goes missing, catch it on a Friday
Tue, Jan 08, 2008 at 00:25

Actor Ayesha Takia’s busy playing her part to promote her forthcoming comic thriller called Sunday.

It’s this mystery of a missing day that drives the characters of Ajay Devgan, Arshad Warsi and Irrfan Khan crazy.

Funnier than the plot though, is Irrfan khan's part in the film-that of a bad actor!

“I am playing myself, I feel I am a very bad actor who thinks he will change the film industry,” said Irrfan khan.

We are not too sure any film buff would believe that now! Ajay's silence on this forthcoming funny flick is not short of deafening, the others in the film are more than happy to speak up on their roles, or their long shoot in the Delhi summer.

“I just couldn’t handle the heat. It got so tough,” said Arshad Warsi.

"In 50 degrees heat, everyone's mood was sullen. But Rohit Shetty kept the mood up,” said Ayesha Takia.

Sunday revolves around a single Sunday that goes missing from Ayesha Takia's life, and the mystery of what happened that day.

How about we turn tables, what do these actors think about losing a day from their lives?

“I would be devastated. I mean I like to live everyday and every moment of my life,” said Warsi.

"I would be so scared, what happened to me? Who did what to me? I wouldn't know what to do,” said Ayesha.

We would agree to that! Well, this Sunday releases on a Friday, that’s January 25!

Hier das Video dazu: http://www.ibnlive.com/videos/55846/sund...n-a-friday.html

Der Film ist übrigens ein Remake von dem Telugu Super Hit "Anukokunda Oka Roju"

Quelle: http://www.ibnlive.com/news/sunday-goes-...55846-8-17.html

Kareena to play Ekta Kapoor in Golmaal 2 - January 7

Hot Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor will be playing Ekta Kapoor in the forthcoming flick Golmaal Returns.

The all for laughs flick will see Kareena as a suspicous wife who watches Balaji serials all day long and her name will be Ekta, exactly like the name of Balaji head Ekta Kapoor.

Not only that but Kareena will be starring opposite Ekta Kapoor’s brother Tusshar Kapoor in the comedy film.

Quelle: http://www.radiosargam.com/films/archive...-golmaal-2.html

Hot Stars at film Sunday Press Meet - January 7

Hier Bilder von der Pressekonferenz von Sunday und wer glänzte mal wieder mit Abwesenheit: Ajay!

http://www.radiosargam.com/gallery2/v/Ev...day+Press+Meet/

Kareena, Sridevi in Halla Bol
Author: Shaheen Parkar, Date: 07 Jan 2008

They feature along with several other stars in walk-on parts

Though Ajay Devgan, Pankaj Kapur and Vidya Balan are the main stars of Rajkumar Santoshi’s Halla Bol with Sayali Bhagat doing an item number (Is Pal Ki Soch), the film features a host of B-Town stars too.

Kareena Kapoor, Tusshar Kapoor, Sridevi, Jackie Shroff, Ranjit Kapoor, Mukesh Tiwari and Ruby Bhatia also feature in the film playing themselves. The list also includes producers Pahlaj Nihalani and Boney Kapoor, besides writer-director Neeraj Vora.

Says Santoshi initally, “When you see the film you will know who is in it. I don’t want to divulge everything now.”

Goad him further and he admits that these actors and producers make a special appearance in the film. “They are all playing walk-on parts and appear in one or two scenes.”

The reason why these stars find themselves in Halla Bol is because the protagonist Sameer Khan (played by Ajay Devgan) who is a film actor. “As the story has Bollywood as its backdrop, we have included the various other stars as well. It becomes part of the narrative as Sameer is an actor who interacts with these stars.”

Call of the camera

Santoshi adds that all of them have made appearances in Halla Bol for free. “Some of them happened to be shooting in the vicinity where we were shooting too. So we just requested them to be part of the film playing walk-on parts.”

Veteran writer-director Lekh Tandon has also acted in Halla Bol. Though Tandon is better off behind the camera, he does make an occasional foray into acting when friends request him. He also did small parts in Ashutosh Gowariker’s Swades and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Rang De Basanti. Says Tandon, “I play a director in Halla Bol.

It is a small role but interesting. It was Ashutosh who first approached me to act in Swades.” Tandon has directed yesteryear films like Agar Tum Na Hote, Ek Baar Kaho and Dulhan Wohi Jo Piya Man Bhaye and penned soaps like Aisa Des Hai Mera.

Quelle: http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bol...XT_5_groupId=14

January 8, 2008 12:56:01 PM IST
Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

While we thank you for taking the trouble of reading this news item (maybe due to our headline!), but please do not let your imagination run wild, as we do not mean what has brought you here.

Since we believe in straight and factual stories, and keeping the tradition alive, we are simply talking about the interesting character that Kareena Kapoor plays in the sequel to Rohit Shetty's successful comedy flick, GOLMAAL - FUN UNLIMITED, aptly titled GOLMAAL RETURNS.

As per the top actress, who is on a high, following the commercial and critical success of JAB WE MET, she is essaying the role of Ajay Devgan's wife, in the sequel to GOLMAAL -FUN UNLIMITED and plays a 'saas-bahu' serial addict. She goes by the name of Ektaa in the movie. Quite a coincidence, isn't it? She also has the dubious distinction of being a suspicious ('shaqqi') wife, maybe due to the influence of the soaps in her daily life, like countless others!

Quelle: http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/08...ktaa-010805.asp

January 08, 2008 15:23 IST

Sequels and remakes are not the only concepts up for grabs in Bollywood. Now, filmmakers want to make prequels as well.

After Pritish Nandy Communications announced a prequel to Sholay [Images], now there is going to be one for Omkara, Vishal Bhardwaj's critically acclaimed multi-starrer, featuring Ajay Devgan, Saif Ali Khan, Vivek Oberoi, Kareena Kapoor and Konkona Sensharma.

"We are in process of working on a prequel," Kumar Mangat, who produced Omkara, says. "We just hope things fall in place before it takes off."

Though Kumar did not give out any more details, sources say that Bhardwaj is also keen on the idea. The move came after the director dropped his pet project Julia, apparently based on yesteryear actress Fearless Nadia. It is learnt that there were creative differences between producers UTV and Bhardwaj, which led to the ambitious project being shelved.

Since then, Bhardwaj has packed his bags and moved to Pune to write a new script, presumably the Omkara prequel.

Quelle: http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/jan/08vb.htm

Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Tuesday, January 08, 2008]

Presented and distributed globally by Pyramid Saimira Theatre Ltd., film Halla Bol has used a unique and interactive marketing opportunity.

Since the film is vocal about man's inner conscious, Halla Bol is reaching the common man through street plays. Comments spokesperson from Pyramid Saimira, "Regular modes of marketing have been used over and again. Reaching the real viewer through street theatre will be direct interactive marketing. We are taking the local issues and awaken the people about them. We are taking these plays to eight cities and in each city one artiste will accompany the theatre group." One of the artistes from Ajay Devgan, Vidya Balan or Pankaj Kapur will be representing the film during the street play in each city.

The street plays are organized and conducted by senior theatre personality Om Katare and his artistes. Theme of all the plays will gel with the core story line of the film.

"Basically we are taking issues of common man like the local Municipal Corporation, illegal constructions, hospitals & health, and sexual harassment. These are the most written about but least tackled issues because there is no unity amongst the citizens. I as sutradhaar, will tell them to use their voice together in unison, to go ahead and Halla Bol against injustice. Be together in problems because what is one man's agony will become the second persons issue tomorrow. Do not keep quite," explains Om Katare about their script and plans.

Says producer Abdol Samee Siddiqui, "Our street theatre will take the reel to the level of real. We have gone with Om due to his experience and exposure to street plays".

These plays are being taken to the cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Bhopal, Jaipur, Ahemdabad, Kolkotta and will culminate in Mumbai. Entire schedule will be held from 1st January to 10th January since Halla Bol is releasing on January 11th 2008.

Halla Bol is produced by Abdol Samee Siddiqui and India News 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. Star cast includes Ajay Devgan, Vidya Balan, Pankaj Kapur and Darshan Zariwala.

Pyramid Saimira Group is one of the Asia's largest entertainment groups with business interests in film production, TV content production, theatre (exhibition), food & beverages and more. Its network includes 703 screens across 4 countries. It is currently Asia's largest theatre chain company. Halla Bol is their first presentation of Hindi Film.

Quelle: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/35756.html

Wed, Jan 09, 2008 at 00:16

The Halla Bol team of Rajkumar Santoshi and Pankaj Kapur was in the capital and they did not shy away from showing their support for Bhajji.

“It’s like diabetes – if it is not controlled it will increase. These politicians are kept under control only if there is a hue and cry. Politicians will always be there,” said film-maker Rajkumar Santoshi, explaining exactly what his forthcoming film is about.

“It’s not a Welcome or a Heyy Babyy that we’ve come back with yet another comedy. This is real life,” Santoshi added.

The Halla Bol team, minus the lead pair of Ajay Devgan and Vidya Balan, was in the capital for a special screening of the movie. The film also stars Pankaj Kapoor in a pivotal role. Kapoor is expected to churn out a powerhouse performance once again.

"Each person should reflect on what is happening around him or her in the society and try and react to it. If you react as an individual, a lot of people will get (together) with you and maybe – there’s a possibility –a lot of problems we are facing today would be solved," said Kapoor.

Interestingly, both Santoshi and Pankaj Kapoor linked their film to the recent controversy facing the Indian cricket team in Australia.

“Harbhajan Singh has been taken back into the series because the public protested and challenged the decision,” said Santoshi.

Pankaj Kapur expressed his satisfaction, too.

"I am very happy by what happened in Australia because it is a sign of raising one’s voice, which is an equivalent of ‘halla bol’ in English. Whatever has happened is very good," he said.

Quelle: http://www.ibnlive.com/news/halla-bol-te...55926-8-17.html
Video dazu: http://www.ibnlive.com/videos/55926/hall...for-bhajji.html

Shikhar

Critically acclaimed filmmaker John Mathew Mathan too could not escape the lure of Thailand. In his last outing, Shikhar, protagonists Shahid Kapur and Amrita Rao board a plane Thai-wards to get a crash course in Tissue Culture.

In between, they also accomplish a whole lot of sight-seeing, shopping, clubbing, also offering occasional glimpses of Thai style hospitality.

Quelle: http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2008/jan/08slid8.htm

Partner, Janasheen, Golmaal

Even if some films are not based in Thailand, there's no reason why filmmakers cannot feel tempted to capture some of its beauty in their frame. And that's where songs come in.

Whether it's Salman Khan and Govinda jiving to Do you wanna partner or Celina Jaitley playing a bikini babe to the hilt or Ajay Devgan and Co partying on the beach, Thailand paints a happy picture in its background.

Quelle: http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2008/jan/08slid11.htm

January 8, 2008 3:14:47 PM IST
Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

If dozen odd comic successes in 2007 were not heartening enough, even 2008 would see a splurge of comedies arriving at theaters beginning this Friday.

First to come would be MY NAME IS ANTHONY GONSALVES which is a complete 'masala' fare with a good dose of comedy. E Niwas returns to directing a comedy after LOVE KE LIYE KUCH BHI KAREGA which had done decent business at the box office. A week later comes a twin treat in the form of BOMBAY TO BANGKOK and RAMA RAMA KYA HAI DRAMAAA. While former is Nagesh Kukunoor's first attempt at making an out and out comic/light hearted entertainer, latter would see producer Surendra Bhatia aim at repeating the success of his last comedy hit TOM, DICK and HARRY.

Fun continues till the end of January with SUNDAY being the last (and the biggest) release of January. Director Rohit Shetty, whose last film GOLMAAL was an out and out laugh riot, would be mixing action and suspense elements in SUNDAY which boasts of a huge star cast and an entertaining soundtrack.

Keep laughing!

Quelle: http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/08...-too-010809.asp

Raj Kumar Santoshi`s film Halla Bol is set on the background of Bollywood.
India Infoline News Service / Mumbai Jan 09, 2008 10:24

Its protagonist Samir Khan is a super star. Naturally there are many film stars playing themselves in the film. Halla Bol has Sayali Bhagat crooning a sexy number at a party. Jackie Shroff, Aarti Chabaria, Shridevi, Boney Kappor, Kareena Kapoor, celebrity anchor Prabhu Chawla, Ruby Bhatia, Tusshar Kapur and director Lekh Tandon. According to Ajay Devgan it is natural to have real film stars because as a hero within the story, he is shown shooting for different films as well as attending parties. "instead of doing special shoot, whenever any artiste was shooting nearby, we would go an shoot their scenes," comments the director Rajkumar Santoshi.

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. Star cast includes Ajay Devgan, Vidya Balan, Pankaj Kapur and Darshan Zariwala.

Quelle: http://www.indiainfoline.com/news/innern...yId=55711&lmn=1

1/9/2008 10:19:50 AM

The latest movie "Halla Bol" from the Ajay Devgan stable is based on the Jessica Lall murder case. Devgan hopes the film will make people question the system. TIMES NOW caught up with the actor to talk about the film.

Devgan is someone who believes in reinventing himself with every film he does, be it a 'Zakhm', 'Legend of Bhagat Singh', 'Yuva' or 'Omkara' - this time round too, Ajay Devgan is back trying his hand at experimentation in his latest release 'Halla Bol'.

Based on the Jessica Lall murder case, 'Halla Bol' is a movie the actor believes will make people sit up and question the system.

"In 'Halla Bol' I am playing an actor - a struggler who wants to be an actor, works hard for it and eventually gains success after a lot of hard work. He becomes a star and then gets corrupted with the success and the power and the money, loses his conscience and comes to a crossroads in life where has to choose between the fame he has and his conscience. He realises his moral values and raises his voice against injustice," said Devgan.

But it's not just 'Halla Bol' that Ajay is occupied with - the actor has his hands full with his directorial venture starring his wife Kajol. But with Aamir Khan's 'Taare Zameern Par' making a mark with the audience, do comparisons with Aamir make Devgan nervous?

"I have not tried to prove a point here - I am not trying to say that I can make or, that I am making a great film - I am just making a completely commercial film," replies Devgan.

But for now all eyes will be on Ajay's next release 'Halla Bol' and with the public outcry over the Mumbai molestation case, the subject of the movie might just strike a chord with the audience.

Quelle: http://www.timesnow.tv/NewsDtls.aspx?NewsID=5357 mit Video