Ashutosh Gowariker recently unveiled the first look and launched the music of maverick director Gajendra Ahire's latest Marathi offering - his musical masterpiece Sumbaran... Soneri Divsanchya Soneri Aathavani. The star studded ceremony that featured many celebrities and glitterati from the Marathi industry featured performances by none other than Shaan himself along with music director Ajit Parab and Janhavi.The event was also a celebration of Sumbaran's selection in the Indian Panorama category of the prestigious International Film Festival of India 2010 (IFFI 2010). With the selection of Sumbaran at IIFI, Gajendra Ahire now holds the distinction of probably being the only director whose films have got selected at IIFI more than thrice. Also present at the ceremony were the cast and crew of Sumbaran including Makarand Anaspure, Siddharth Jadhav, Jitendra Joshi, Ravi Kale, Ravindra Mankani, Sai Tamhankar, Vrunda Ahire, Mukta Barve, Ashwini Kalsekar, Aditi Bhagwat, Seema Deshmukh, Sushrut Mankani, Swarali Patil, Music director Rahul Ranade, editor Rahul Bhatankar, and cinematographer. According to the producer Mr. Sunil Phadtare "It's indeed a joyous occasion for all of us. Making this film was a cathartic experience and it was all Gajendra sirs' efforts that have made this film a masterpiece. I would also specially like to thank Rahul Ranade for composing such a melodious album. He has skilfully managed to capture all the emotions in the film transcending in to the music." Sumbaran is a romantic love story of a village left behind and for each one it is a different alibi. It marks the journey of a budding music director Viru (Jitendra Joshi) who decides to visit his native home along with his brother Vasanta (Makarand Anaspure), sister in law Vahini (Vrunda Ahire), his two friends Mukta (Sai Tamhankar) and Sushu (Sushrut Mankani). Visiting this abandoned house creates the ripple of pleasant memories not only for Veeru but also his aloof brother Vasanta. The film unravels the mystery of unforgotten cultural roots, unspoken bonds, mischief, melodious music and unprecedented romance in addition to bringing to fore rapidly changing social dynamics. Beaming with pride director Gajendra Ahire said, "it's an honour to be selected at the Indian Panorama and its all the more sweet as this my fourth movie to be selected. Sumbaran is not just a film it's an unforgettable experience. It's a story of picturesque memories reminiscing lost personas. Sumbaran is a collaborative effort in the every sense of the word and I am extremely happy with the way this movie has shaped up. It undoubtedly is amongst my best works thus far." The Sumbaran music album contains five tracks in all, vastly ranging from authentic folk (originated from a nomadic shepherd community -Dhangar) to contemporary jazz numbers. The album offers a soulful melody called 'Rutu yetil Jatil' sung by Shaan and Janhavi Arora. Shaan has also sung a youthful peppy number. True to his style and music repertoire, Rahul Ranade has cleverly woven two different musical forms making this a complete musical treat. Rahul Ranade, Music Director of the film said "The film's protagonist is a music director who explores music through his childhood inspiration Bhiroba. The nomadic shepherd community folk essence was very crucial to establish Bhiroba and Veeru's character. I was extremely excited to amalgamate folk with contemporary jazz and rock- the two distinctively polar genre of music in Sumbaran. I couldn't think of a better choice than Shaan for the youthful compositions, and being close friends with him also helped. Janhavi Arora has a versatile appeal and she has sung exceptionally well. Ajit Parab himself is a great composer and he has added a fresh flavor to the rhythmic folk song 'Punvechaya Chandnyat' which has also been brilliantly sung by renowned folk singer Nandesh Umap. And finally, the excellent choice of musicians on each composition has made Sumbaran an exclusive album." Sumbaran...Soneri Divsanchya Soneri Aathavani is slated to release on November 19, 2010.
Post the success of Dabangg, Salman Khan has become a hot property in Bollywood. No wonder then that all the directors and producers are lining up to sign the star for their films. The latest news is that Salman Khan has been signed up by Ramesh Taurani for his next venture. However, Taurani states, "Actually, we had signed Salman much before Dabangg, for the remake of Amar Akbar Anthony." However, the plans to remake Amar Akbar Anthony have been dropped and now Taurani wants to start a new project with the star. Says Ramesh Taurani, "Since we already have Salman on board, we have decided to make a totally different film. The film will be directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and we have already locked the script." As for the details regarding the cast and of the yet untitled venture, Taurani says, "Though we have already locked the script, we are yet to finalise on the rest of the cast. The film will go floor only next year. Apart from this, I cannot say much now as it's still too early." Well, let's hope that Sallu who is currently enjoying a high phase in his career continues with it through next year as well.
Things are heating up for Diwali releases. The lead pair of Action Replayy, Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai, are in Dubai today. There would be a glittering premiere of the film tonight which would be followed by a round of celebrations. Akshay and Ash would be back tomorrow to further pump up the promotion leading to Friday's release of the film. Confirms Vipul, "Both Akshay and Ash have a huge fan base in the overseas and it was imperative for them to travel for the premiere." Vipul stayed back in Mumbai to oversee the promotional activities within the country. He was in Ahmedabad on Monday to show the film to Indian cricket team which was stationed there in advance as they play a test match against New Zealand starting tomorrow. "Yes, there was a special show organised for them on Monday. Of course the team has liked the film a lot. However, I am now waiting for all-India audience to pass their verdict once the film opens on Friday", says Vipul. His anxiety is understandable. After all, Diwali releases come with huge expectations and with another major film Golmaal 3 releasing on the same day, it has to be seen if it turns out to be double dhamaka for the makers of both the films.
The news can now be told. After having cast the teenage heartthrob Shahid Kapoor as the 'Ranjha' in his next film titled Heer And Ranjha, director Sabbir Khan has pulled off a casting coup by roping in Deepika Padukone as 'Heer'. Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Sabbir explained, "Once I finished scripting, I felt that the Heer's part needed somebody who is young and dynamic, as it's totally an author backed role. At the same time, that person should have vulnerability as well as emotional depth. With so much in mind, I just couldn't see anybody beyond Deepika for the role, as I feel that she is one of the finest female actors amongst the Gen-Next's brigade." Sabbir also added, "Casting this pair together was due to the fact that, this was one pair which was everybody's unanimous decision. To have as Deepika as Heer and Shahid as Ranjha, the film is nothing short of being fantastic. Everybody is excited to see the pair together!" Since it's a romantic story being retold, music will play prominence in the film. Talking about the music of Heer And Ranjha, Sabbir reveals, "Music is indeed a very integral part of this film. And I am so very happy to have Pritam on board for it. There are 6 songs in the film. The core of the music will be romance... music that will depict that it's a love story, at the same time it'll be contemporary. The music of this film will surely have lots of soul with a lot of modernity." The shooting of Heer And Ranjha will begin in April 2011.
A hunt is on for a leading lady for Aamir Khan's next to be directed by in Reema Kagti. If the buzz is to be believed, Kareena Kapoor has been finalized. A source close to the project says, "Kareena is extremely keen to work with Aamir again. While shooting with Aamir for Rajkumar Hirani's 3 Idiots, she got along very well with him. And the part in Reema Kagti's film suits Kareena." At the moment, Reema Kagti is not willing to reveal details about the cast. "The film has strong parts for two leading ladies. And we're in talks with quite a few girls." However, a source reveals that Kareena has been confirmed.
Looking back, every time a film is up for release there is usually some claim being staked in the court of law hindering the release of the film. Well, it's the same with the upcoming Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer Action Replayy. The film which is produced by Vipul Shah has a case that has been filed against it in the Bombay High Court for non payment of dues. The litigation has been filed by Dubai based entertainment company Eros Worldwide. In the complaint, Eros claims approximately Rs. 6.56 crore that is still to be repaid by the producers. Eros Worldwide had filed a suit yesterday, through their legal firm Manilal Kher Ambalal and Co. The petition that was filed stated that the defendant (Vipul Shah) be restrained from exhibiting, causing to exhibit, releasing, communicating to the public in any manner, exploiting, delivering the prints to any third party or in any other manner exploiting or suffering the exploitation of the film Action Replayy which is scheduled to be released in first week of November. The High Court vacation judge, Justice JH Bhatia, has kept the matter for hearing on November 4, and has further stated that the involved parties should try and reach a settlement out of court before the appointed date mutually.
Karan Johar's illness has put a cloud over Shah Rukh's birthday celebrations. The star who turns a year older today (November 2) has never celebrated a single birthday in the last 15 years without his friend.