RE: November 2008 - News - 2

November 5

The buzz is that the Diwali week has ended the dry spell at the box office.

'Golmaal Returns' opened to an excellent response all over the country. It has had a terrific start.

'Golmaal Returns', a rib tickling comedy seemed the perfect film during the festive season. The promotion by Shree Ashtavinayak also helped. It's another matter that many critics have thrashed the film for being unsubstantial.

As far as the business point of view is concerned, the film has cost Indian Films/Studio 18 approx Rs 45 crores. The film's performance in India and overseas in the coming days will be taken into consideration.

'Fashion' on its part has a slow start at various places, but picked up dramatically later. The film was best at multiplexes of big centers.

The running time of almost 2.45 hours has proved as a deterrent though and initial reports suggest that the viewers are bored towards the second half, thanks to it being excessively long. The 'A' certificate too seems have worked against it, since it's not for family viewing.

Importantly intelligent viewers have kept in mind the fact that the movie doesn't have an in depth analysis of the fashion industry. Only the same old cliché things are being explored like the fashion industry being a terrible place with drugs and loose morals and gay designers. In fact some have even felt that the movie exposes Bhandarkar's weaknesses as a film maker. Though he has extracted a good performances from Priyanka Chopra, newcomer Mugdha Godse and some others, Kangana Ranaut has done the same old junkie, broken, troubled, crazy act in yet another film.

--- SAMPURN

Quelle: http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-40943.html

November 5, by Sabah Shaikh

Now, the arguments aren’t going to die down for a while. But, it’s safe to assume that Golmaal Returns has created a stir at the box office. No wonder its stars looked so upbeat at their recent double celebration. The party was held to celebrate Diwali, as well as the success of their film. Ajay Devgan came without Kajol and enjoyed himself like a child running around all the fireworks. Tusshar Kapoor looked dapper in a starched kurta and complained that no one else had stuck to the dress code. Shreyas Talpade and Arshad Warsi just chilled out and shared a joke every now and then. Celina Jaitley looked oh-so girly in flowing traditional garments but was one of the boys throughout the evening. Suddenly, the peppy title song of the film blared and everyone hit the dance floor. The cast of Golmaal Returns sure know how to party. Watch to get handy tips!

Quelle: http://www.zoomtv.in/viewpost.php?id=5201 mit Video

November 5, by Bosky Dhirai

Despite of succeeding at the box office, Golmaal Returns is raising many questions among the people. After analysing the film, it’s clear that the movie is entirely based on making fun of others. This is evident by Ekta Kapoor’s mockery in the film. In the movie, Kareena’s character name is Ekta and she’s extremely addicted to the daily soaps by Ekta Kapoor. Infact, few scenes also talk about Balaji’s daily soap-Kasamh Se. Also, it looks like Rohit Shetty has targeted Sharman Joshi, who played a pivotal role in the prequel but is absent in the sequel- due to his demand of money.

Talking of the story, it is entirely based on a married couple (Ajay-Kareena) and the characters revolving around them (Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor, Amrita Arora, Anjana Sukhani, Celina Jaitley and Arshad Warsi). Reportedly, the film is a complete rip off from a popular film of 1970s- Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar. Due to which the producers are in serious trouble.

Apart from that, the climax of the film gets very lengthy and boring. Precisely, unlike Golmaal, its sequel is moreover dramatic than comedy. Thus, we can say that, Golmaal certainly shouldn’t have returned!

For interesting comparisons between Golmaal and Golmaal Returns, take a look at the video.

Quelle: http://www.zoomtv.in/viewpost.php?id=5198 mit Video

We bring you pictures from the sets of Vipul Shah’s London Dreams. The cast was filming at night in London.

London Dreams stars Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan as singers while Asin, a famous South Indian actress, is paired opposite Salman Khan. The film tells the story of two musicians played by Ajay and Salman who go to London to become singers but some misunderstandings cause a break in their friendship and it is Asin who then brings them back together. The film is set to release in mid 2009.



Quelle: http://www.starboxoffice.com/newsDetails...ews_20081107_50

Friday, November 07, 2008 16:05 [IST]

New Delhi: Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan is revelling the success of his comic caper “Golmaal Returns” and has announced part three in the series.

“'Golmaal Returns' has turned out to be one of the biggest films this year. I am thrilled to know that the film has collected more than Rs.34 crore (Rs.340 million) in just first five days of its release,” Ajay wrote on his blog.

“We are also proud to announce 'Golmaal 3'. For the time being we all are enjoying the super success of 'Golmaal Returns' before we start working towards the next one,” he added.

On the success of the film, Ajay said: "Kudos to Rohit Shetty and his team.”

Ajay was in London for a while to shoot for Vipul Shah's “London Dreams” and he “canned two songs and a lot of scenes” for the film.

The actor's schedule is choc-a-bloc in the coming days. Soon he leaves for a 20-day-schedule for “Toonpur Ka Superhero". And Sunday he visits the national capital along with his wife to flag off the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon.

“We are going to flag off a special four-km marathon organized by 'Harmony' meant for elder citizens. I think it is going to be fun,” he concluded.

Quelle: http://movies.indiainfo.com/2008/11/07/0...al_returns.html

New Delhi, November 07, 2008

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan is revelling the success of his comic caper Golmaal Returns and has announced part three in the series.

“Golmaal Returns has turned out to be one of the biggest films this year. I am thrilled to know that the film has collected more than Rs.34 crore (Rs.340 million) in just first five days of its release,” Ajay wrote on his blog.

“We are also proud to announce Golmaal 3. For the time being we all are enjoying the super success of Golmaal Returns before we start working towards the next one,” he added.

On the success of the film, Ajay said: "Kudos to Rohit Shetty and his team.”

Ajay was in London for a while to shoot for Vipul Shah's London Dreams and he “canned two songs and a lot of scenes” for the film.

The actor's schedule is choc-a-bloc in the coming days. Soon he leaves for a 20-day-schedule for Toonpur Ka Superhero. And Sunday he visits the national capital along with his wife to flag off the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon.

“We are going to flag off a special four-km marathon organized by 'Harmony' meant for elder citizens. I think it is going to be fun,” he concluded.



Quelle: Hindustantimes

MUMBAI: Golmaal Returns is fast emerging as 2008's biggest blockbuster as of now. But the man behind the sequel Ajay Devgan, does not wish to take any credit for that!
"It was a joint decision. When Golmaal (2006) became a success we all decided that a sequel had to be done. We gave a lot of time for the scripting of the film. We had to be careful since the first part was a huge success. The gags this time definitely had to be better." Ajay tells us.
Ajay seems to be at ease with comic flicks lately. "This is not the first time I am doing a comedy. I had done films like Ishq with Aamir which was a huge success. But people immediately connect me to Golmaal. But it's time I did an action film. I am missing hard core action now." says Ajay.
Having been concentrating more on comic films for some time now does he consider comedies a safe bet? "Life is not about being safe. It's about taking risks. There is no thrill if there's no risk. My life would have been monotonous by now." replies Ajay.
The association between Director Rohit Shetty Ajay Devgan goes a long way. In fact Rohit did his directorial debut (Zameen) with Ajay. "Yes, I have known Rohit for the last 18 to 19 years. He first started off as an assistant with Phool Aur Kaante and went on to assistant Devgan films. I have seen a lot of potential in him and he is clear with what he wants to do." says Ajay.
Ajay Devgan has never let himself be typecast in any role. From Phool Aur Kaante to Apaharan the actor has experiemented with different genres. He has moulded himself deftly from an action hero to comedy roles. "I think I have been plain lucky to get the right kind of films and right kind of directors. It keeps me going. The actor turned director says that he got a tremendous response to his debut directorial venture U Me Aur Hum abroad. "I got a lot of experience when I was in London.
People came and spoke to me aout a lot of small sensibilities. It was a very risky subject, epecially the second half. The first half was very commercial. There were times when I felt I should have stuck to it but then my sensibilities as a director over came me.
I had a great actress like Kajol with me. It was such a difficult role to do but she managed it smoothly."
When we asked him whether he is contemplating his next directorial venture, Ajay's reply was, "I am working on a script. I'll let you know as soon as I can."

Quelle: http://regionaltimes.com/08nov2008/sportsnews/what.htm

Ajay and Kajol show support for Senior Citizens initiative by Tina Ambani
November 8th, 2008

Ajay Devgan and Kajol have shown that they are a couple with a golden heart!

They will be in Delhi on 9th Nov to flag off the Senior Citizens Run for a social iniative by Tina Ambani called ‘Harmony’. It focuses on the cause of promoting the community interest of senior citizens.

Well, the couple have always impressed us with their on-screen and off-screen chemistry, but this time round they’ve won our hearts with the touching gesture! -(SAMPURN)



Quelle: http://www.realbollywood.com/news/2008/1...ina-ambani.html

Ajay Devgan is a man of few words. Conversation pits are not easy for him and he avoids the media and its relentless glare until it is absolutely necessary. Talking about his next directorial venture, Devgan said it was taking longer than anticipated because the film was supposed to be “technically perfect and on par with international standards.” He added, “That does take time. Apart from Kajol and me, there are no other real characters in that film.” But Devgan is not worried. He’s hoping for a good response to his new film “Golmaal Returns” and acknowledges that, in “U Me aur Hum”, he “tried to play safe in the first half. Hopefully I won’t make that mistake again I don’t think its a good idea to hold back” he remarked . Meanwhile he’s happy about the way things have shaped up and the fact that he’s able to spend a fair amount of time with his family. “I am after all a family man, however private,” said he.



Quelle: http://www.hindu.com/mag/2008/11/09/stor...10950290800.htm

Back from London after a long shooting schedule for Vipul Shah's London Dreams, Ajay can't stop heaping praises over his co-star in the film, Salman Khan.

Devgan had last worked along side Salman in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam that was released over a decade back. Surprisingly very few times one hears, any of Salman's co-stars going ga-ga over him especially during their abroad shoot experience.

Ajay told us. "I was doing a film with Salman after such a long time. But we got along so well and also understand each other so well. In HDDCS we didn't have many scenes opposite each other so in a way in London Dreams we were working together for the first time together. It's a musical drama of two friends and has lots of humour. The off-screen camaraderie between us will definitely reflect on the screen once the film releases. Salman is a wonderful co-star to work with and is very chilled out."

"I am also working with Vipul Shah for the first time. The film, which was to be directed by Rajkumar Santoshi was shelved earlier and is now being re-shot by Vipul Shah. Vipul has made a few changes as he wanted." concludes Ajay.

--- SAMPURN

Quelle: http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-42856.html

Published on Sun, Nov 09, 2008 at 14:19

New Delhi: Actors Kajol and Ajay Devgan were at the Airtel Delhi Half-marathon.

CNN-IBN’s Shambhavai Rai spoke to them to find out what moved them to join in.

Kajol Devgan: It is about getting people together regardless of what caste you are, what creed you are. You don't really look at the person running next to you and that's the best thing about the marathon. It is about unity and coming together.

Shambhavai Rai: What do you feel about people saying Delhi is unsafe in the wake of recent blasts? The collective spirit seems to defy that notion completely. What do you have to say regarding that?

Ajay Devgan: It is not the people of Delhi or India. It is a small section of people who are trying to create problems. I think we need to do something about it. We need to come together and tackle the situation. While the administrations are doing their bit, its always us who have to come together.

Quelle: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kajol-ajay-de...on/77763-8.html
Video dazu: http://ibnlive.in.com/videos/77763/kajol...lfmarathon.html

Posted on Sunday, November 09, 2008 (EST)

Popular Bollywood couple Ajay Devgan and Kajol flagged off Senior Citizens' Run in New Delhi on Sunday morning, November 9, one of the four sporting events in the capital along with Half Marathon, Wheelchair Event and the Great Delhi Run.

The Senior Citizens' Run was sponsored by 'Harmony, ' a social initiative by Tina Ambani that focuses on the cause of promoting the community interest of senior citizens.

Ajay recently returned from London where he was on location filming for Vipul Amrutlal Shah's London Dreams with co-stars Salman Khan, Urmila Matondkar, Asin and Lara Dutta.

Devgan's Golmaal Returns, which was released in theatres on October 29, is reported to be doing extremely well at the box office, having grossed Rs 72 Crore in the opening week world wide. The film features an ensemble cast that additionally includes Kareena Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Celina Jaitley, Amrita Arora and Anjana Sukhani.

Kajol will start filming for Karan Johar's My Name is Khan starting 15th of December in Los Angeles. The film additionally headlines Shah Rukh Khan, Shabana Azmi and Ranbir Kapoor.

Quelle: http://news.sawf.org/Bollywood/54377.aspx

Geschrieben von Vera Wessel
Saturday, 8. November 2008

Nachdem das Schauspielpaar Ajay und Kajol Devgan in "U, Me Aur Hum" ein altes Ehepaar spielte, setzen sie sich nun im echten Leben für Senioren ein.

Mitlaufen brauchen sie bei dem von Tina Ambani organisierten Seniorenrennen ("Senior Citizens Run") zwar noch nicht, aber sie geben in diesem Jahr am 9. November in Delhi schon einmal den Startschuss für die Initiative.

Ein teilweise animierter Familienfilm mit dem Paar steht noch aus und während Ajay Devgan mit "Golmaal Returns" Erfolg zu haben scheint, hat Kajol natürlich noch immer ihre längst fällige, erneute Zusammenarbeit mit Shah Rukh Khan ("My Name Is Khan") vor sich.

Quelle: http://www.ishq-magazin.de/index.php/200...orenrennen.html

By Vickey Lalwani
Posted On Monday, November 10, 2008

Golmaal Returns is a copy of Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar (1973). The wife of the original film's producer-director has filed a complaint and is demanding Rs 5 crore as compensation

Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Limited is in trouble. Late producer-director Rajendra Bhatia's wife, Shakuntala, has filed a complaint with IMPPA (Indian Motion Picture Producers'Association) alleging that Ashtavinayak's Golmaal Returns is a copy of her husband's 1973 film, Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar.

Shakuntala has demanded a compensation of Rs 5 crore, and if sources are to be believed, Ashtavinayak is unlikely to get away with this.

IMPPA received Shakuntala's letter, complaining of infringement of Copyright Act, on Friday evening.

A source said, “Shakuntala's anguish stems from the fact that she was already in advanced talks with a corporate house to remake Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar. But, her hopes were dashed when she saw Golmaal Returns, which is completely based on her husband's film.”

When contacted, IMPPA President Anil Nagrath confirmed the news and told Mumbai Mirror, “We have received Shakuntala's complaint. She has also stated that she had planned to remake a modern version of her husband's film.”

When asked what he felt about the complaint, Nagrath said, “There is no doubt that Golmaal Returns is copied from Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar. I have seen Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar and going by the reports and the reviews of Golmaal Returns, I feel that the story and the characters are exactly the same. The same has also been endorsed by many reviewers.”

A reliable source from the industry said, “The only difference in Golmaal Returns and Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar is that unlike the latter film where the protagonist (Kiran Kumar) gets stuck with a girl on a ferris wheel, the protagonist (Ajay Devgan) in Golmaal Returns gets stuck with a girl in a yacht. If Shakuntala files a court case, it will be even more difficult for Ashtavinayak to get out of the mess.”

Our source added, “ Ashtavinayak has definitely lifted Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar. Why couldn't they fairly buy the rights from the Bhatias before going on the floors?”

We called Parag Desai, official spokesperson of Ashtavinayak. Parag said, “We have not received any letter from IMPPA regarding this.” However, Nagrath said, “We sent a copy of the letter to Ashtavinayak on Friday. I don't know whether they have received it or not.”



About Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar:
Sunil Mehta (Kiran Kumar) gets stuck on a ferris wheel with an attractive young woman all night due to power failure. When he arrives home the next day his wife, Geeta (Radha Saluja) suspects that he has been up to some mischief. To cool down the situation, her husband cooks up a tale that he spent the night with a (fictitious) friend named Champak Bhoomia. When Geeta does not believe that he has a friend by that name, she decides to write a letter to the 'friend' requesting him to visit her. Left with no choice, Sunil convinces his friend, Amit Desai (Asrani) to pretend that he is Champak so that he can convince Geeta that he was telling the truth. Amit agrees to help Sunil, and everything goes according to plan until the real Champak (Paintal) shows up thereby resulting in complete chaos.



Quelle: http://www.mumbaimirror.com/index.aspx?p...ectxslt=section

November 10

Back from London after a long shooting schedule for Vipul Shah's London Dreams, Ajay Devgan can't stop heaping praises over his co-star in the film, Salman Khan. Devgan had last worked along side Salman in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam that was released over a decade back. Surprisingly very few times one hears, any of Salman's co-stars going ga-ga over him especially during their abroad shoot experience.

Ajay told us. "I was doing a film with Salman after such a long time. But we got along so well and also understand each other so well. In Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam we didn't have many scenes opposite each other so in a way in London Dreams we were working together for the first time. It's a musical drama of
two friends and has lots of humour. The off-screen camaraderie between us will definitely reflect on the screen once the film releases. Salman is a wonderful co-star to work with and is very chilled out."

"I am also working with Vipul Shah for the first time. The film, which was to be directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, was shelved earlier and is now being re-shot by Vipul Shah. Vipul has made a few changes as he wanted." concluded Ajay.



Quelle: http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywo...ams-101108.html