The gentle genius from the world of cinematography, Ravi K. Chandran is no more part of Karan Johar's production of Agneepath. No one knows exactly what prompted this maestro of the moving pictures to move away from this commitment. But this is not the first time that Ravi has had issues over the way a film has to be shot. He says, "I've commitments with Murugadoss (the Tamil director of Ghajini) for a Tamil film which I've been shooting. So Kiran Deohans is doing the rest of the film." However, Ravi adds that he will be shooting another film for Karan Johar's Dharma Productions soon. "I've great respect for Dharma Productions and Karan Johar. I will be shooting a film for them at the end of this year." Kiran Deohans who has shot Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodhaa Akbar, among others, was unnecessarily apprehensive of talking on the matter. Said Deohans, "Yes, talks are on. You will have to speak to Karan on this matter. I don't know any details." Would Kiran Deohans be able to take over Ravi Chandran's vision with seamless effortlessness?May 4, 2011
Cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran confirms he is out of Agneepath
The gentle genius from the world of cinematography, Ravi K. Chandran is no more part of Karan Johar's production of Agneepath. No one knows exactly what prompted this maestro of the moving pictures to move away from this commitment. But this is not the first time that Ravi has had issues over the way a film has to be shot. He says, "I've commitments with Murugadoss (the Tamil director of Ghajini) for a Tamil film which I've been shooting. So Kiran Deohans is doing the rest of the film." However, Ravi adds that he will be shooting another film for Karan Johar's Dharma Productions soon. "I've great respect for Dharma Productions and Karan Johar. I will be shooting a film for them at the end of this year." Kiran Deohans who has shot Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodhaa Akbar, among others, was unnecessarily apprehensive of talking on the matter. Said Deohans, "Yes, talks are on. You will have to speak to Karan on this matter. I don't know any details." Would Kiran Deohans be able to take over Ravi Chandran's vision with seamless effortlessness?
SRK shoots music video for Always Kabhi Kabhi
There is no denying that Shah Rukh Khan is among the busiest actors around, what with his film commitments, his IPL commitments and numerous other endorsement related work. Even as he is neck deep busy travelling with his IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Shah Rukh managed to squeeze out time to shoot a music video for his home production Always Kabhi Kabhi directed by Roshan Abbas. Always Kabhi Kabhi, produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, stars relatively new faces such as Zoa Morani, Giselli Monteiro, Satyajit Dubey and Ali Fazal. To see that the film gets its due share of eyeballs, the makers decided to shoot a special music video featuring SRK along with the cast of the film. The song called 'Antenna' features in the climax and is set against the backdrop of a jail set with some rebellious lyrics describing how parents' frequency many-a-times doesn't match with that of their children. Famous choreographer duo Bosco-Caesar choreographed the song and King Khan air-dashed from Kolkata straight to the sets, quickly practised his steps and was ready for the shoot. Post the shoot, SRK once again had to return to be with his KKR team for their next match. Surely here is one actor who is always high on energy!Y-Films is releasing their debut film Luv Ka The End internationally
Given the brand new star cast of Y-Films' LUV KA THE END, one assumed that the youth wing of Yash Raj would not release the film internationally, but the company, headed by the enterprising Ashish Patil, is gung ho about the product and has taken the decision to release the film in theatres internationally. While the film will have a fairly extensive release in U.A.E., Yash Raj will release the film [limited screens] in U.S.A., South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Fiji, Mauritius and Indonesia. Generally, non-star cast films or those starring new names are released directly on DVD, but this move should encourage film-makers making films with new faces to explore international avenues as well [theatrically].Wake up, smell coffee! - It's high time multiple releases are avoided
Have film-makers and distributors learnt a bitter lesson? Seems like they are waking up to reality. Last Friday witnessed the release of as many as 11 films [6 Hindi + 3 English + 2 dubbed films] and the business, naturally, hit an all-time low. The repercussions were felt through all corridors of the film industry in Mumbai and seems like a number of film-makers have decided to re-schedule the release date of their films, thereby avoiding a similar scenario in the coming weeks. To start with, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and UTV's MY FRIEND PINTO, which was announced for 17 June release, has been postponed to a later date. The new date will be worked out keeping in mind the fact that it doesn't clash with too many films. Similarly, Subhash Ghai has decided to push the release dates of his two films -- LOVE EXPRESS and CYCLE KICK -- to 10 June, "so that the films get saved from a typhoon called READY on 3 June," he says. Meanwhile, there's talk that Eros is also planning to shift BOL to another date, which, initially, was confirmed for 20 May. Watch this space for the latest [re]scheduling of films!Big B sings and performs to medley of his hit songs in Bbuddah
In his illustrious career, Amitabh Bachchan has had several chartbuster songs to which he has danced. And now in his forthcoming film Bbuddah, Big B will be seen performing a song sequence featuring a medley of some of his most popular songs. What's more, the medley has been sung by Bachchan himself making it all the more exciting for his millions of fans.Big B has been shooting for the song for most of last week along with choreographer Remo. Describing this song sequence on his blog, Big B wrote, "Song picturisation is fearful and so exacting, especially so when the song has been sung by the person who is enacting it. At times during the shoot you wonder in disgust why in hells name did I sing it so - having the most terrible time trying to lip sync it ... Hmmmm !! The song sequence surely seems to have been quite a tiring task for Big B who seems relieved that the song is finally over and done with. The actor writes in his blog, "The song for 'Bbuddah' that we have been shooting for is finally over. And so another day of singing and dancing and hoping that it all comes out well ... such apprehension and fear of the results ... ahh...painful!"
Mukul Deora to produce film adaptation of The White Tiger
According to sources, Mukul Deora has bagged one of the most prestigious international film projects, The White Tiger. Mukul is producing the film based on the Booker prize-winning novel and his partner on the project is ace Hollywood producer John Hart who produced the Academy Award nominated The Revolutionary Road that starred Leonardo Di Caprio and Kate Winslet. On collaborating with his Hollywood counterparts, Mukul stated the importance of requiring something that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries with emotional content. Along side Mukul and John, New York based Patrick Millings Smith of Smuggler Films is the co-producer of the film. Mukul emphasizes on the importance of making films for India and the world. He believes that The White Tiger is a universal story with a scathing satire on the journey of a poor man through the corrupt system set in contemporary India. In addition to his stint with Hollywood, Mukul is also producing the sequel to the immensely successful hit Bheja Fry which is slated to release on June 17 this year. Bheja Fry 2 is a comical adventure that takes the core strength of the original version into a bigger and grander sequel.Nakuul Mehta to be the brand ambassador of Karbonn Mobiles
Nakuul Mehta, who was last seen in Haal E Dil, and who created ripples after he signed a Spanish film opposite none other than Monica Cruz, the gorgeous sister of Hollywood actress Penelope Cruz, is in the news yet again! Bollywood Hungama's ever so reliable sources said that this actor has now been signed up as the brand ambassador of Karbonn Mobiles. When we spoke to Nakuul, the soft-spoken actor confirmed the news, and also added that another 'big news' is on its way. We can't wait to hear that, Nakuul.Nishikant Kamat suggests edits in Prawaal Raman's 404
Director Nishikant Kamat who is currently busy completing the film Force with John Abraham in the lead, not only took time off to act in his friend director Prawaal Raman's film entitled 404 on the psychological disorder known as the Bipolar Disorder, but he also took time off to correct the climax of Prawaal's film.
This is the first time that a director has not only agreed to play a role in his colleague's film but has also taken the time off for some serious climax correction. What's more, Kamat actually advised Raman to chop off a scene featuring himself! Confirms Prawaal, "Nishikant has made suggestions to improve the climax of the film. And I gladly incorporated them. Nishi wanted me to remove two scenes, one featuring Satish Kaushik and the other featuring Nishikant himself. Cutting them gave a better flow to my film's narration." Interestingly, the two directors have a mutual understanding about correcting each other's films on the editing table. Says Prawaal, "I've seen and given suggestions for Nishikant Kamat's Dombivili Fast and Mumbai Meri Jaan. We share a mutual respect for one another's work." Now it remains to be seen how producer Vipul Shah will react if Prawaal Raman gives his suggestions during the editing of Nishikant Kamat's Force.
Sandip Sopparkar clears the air about 'fake' royal invite
Hurt, angry and bewildered for being branded a liar choreographer Sandip Sopparkar is seriously considering legal action. Says Sopparkar, "I will take action with the support of some friends. I first need this media-bashing to sink in. I just wonder where it will end! Once my health improves, I'll look into the issue. First I need to start walking again. I don't want the mental stress to further damage my health." Now that the royal wedding is over, we need to ask ourselves if we were taken for a royal ride by choreographer Sandeep Sopparkar who according to a section of the media faked an invitation to the century's most prestigious wedding. But Sopparkar maintains his stand. Sounding extremely hurt, and not only because of the knee injury that apparently put him out of action at Buckingham Palace, the well-known choreographer who is now being labelled a "serial liar" defended himself, "I am repeatedly asking myself why I've been subjected to this treatment. Please check the Daily Mail (London) dated April 24. In the post-wedding celebration-list, me and my wife are clearly mentioned as performers .Don't tell me people feel I arranged that too! I was practising for over two months. Manish Malhotra was making the clothes. Kangna Ranaut was to unveil the invitation. The venue was booked. The security was arranged. Why would I do all of this for a faked invite?" Manish Malhotra confirms that he did Sandip and wife Jesse's outfits and the fitting. So then why has the Buckingham Palace denied inviting Sopparkar? The choreographer says he is clueless. "The function where we were to dance was completely private, not meant for media scrutiny at all. So it makes sense on some level if there was a denial about my invitation. As for the grammatical error in my invitation they need to be checked with the officials who sent it. If I was to make up the invitation why would I write wrong English? I am educated enough to write a decent invite. And why would I use the name of James Kidner who is an ex-assistant at the Palace? I'd have faked the name of a current assistant." In his defence, Sopparkar says that the first story that came out in the Indian media about his performance with his wife at the royal wedding was from the British press. "That's how the Indian media got to know. How can I fool the international press. And why?" 
Sopparkar says he informed Kangna Ranaut about his knee injury and inability to attend the royal wedding on Monday night. And now with all flak from the media, Sopparkar is doubly distressed. "With all the pain, medicines, pain killers now these false accusations of faking an invite...My wife and I are indeed very upset. Even my colleague Shaimak Davar has spoken ill of us. Commenting without knowing the facts is not right." Repudiating the reputation for repeatedly planting lies about his association with international celebrities, Sopparkar says, "I was never dating Britney Spears. I am not the kind of person to date a celebrity for publicity. So why would I say I was? At that time, I was dating Jesse Randhawa and had just adopted my son. The US media had brought this out when I was involved in the making of her video. I had gifted her stuff for Christmas. Our culture teaches us to greet guests with gifts. Even Arjun Rampal gifted a sari to some Hollywood actress when she shot with him. Because my gift was a middleclass one it (friendship with Britney) was made out to be an affair. I was professionally involved with Britney, not personally." Cribs Sopparkar, "The press writes about people who have been bad-mouthing me. With quotes from them. What about the support that I've received on Facebook? This is India. Here contacts work. Unfortunately, I don't know any ministers, cops or civil servants. If I was in Germany where I learnt dance things would be different. God is with me. I've harmed no one. I've been true to my work. And my heart is clean." About the evening celebrations on Friday after the royal wedding, Katie Nicholl wrote on April 23 on the internet version of the Daily Mail, "Just 300 guests have been invited to the exclusive party, which includes a drinks reception from 7 pm followed by a dinner and speeches and then dancing...Charles and Camilla, who have arranged for a performance by Bollywood dance duo Sandip Sopparkar and his wife Jesse Randhawa, have asked around 100 family and friends..." And in the Telegraph, London Caroline Gammell wrote on 29 April, "Sandip Sopparkar and his wife Jesse Randhawa, the Bollywood dancers, were supposed to have been performing but Sopparkar slipped during rehearsals on Monday, injured his knee, and has been advised to take complete bed rest." The case rests.Rajinikanth feels uneasy on Rana's sets; rushed to hospital immediately
Even superheroes can have health issues sometimes. Yesterday afternoon, as the Superstar Rajinikanth was shooting for his most awaited film Rana, he complained of uneasiness and was rushed to Isabella hospital in Chennai. Reports have it that Rajini has been keeping unwell since the past couple of days and since the weather has been very hot in Chennai, Rajini suffered from dehydration, for which he was given an intravenous drip, before he was discharged. The actor has been strictly advised bed rest for the next few days. K S Ravikumar, the director of Rana, said that they will need Rajini mainly in the London schedule which will be in the month of June. For now, the crew will shoot major portions with Deepika Padukone. For the uninitiated, Rana is Rajinikanth's next magnum opus, after Robot. It's being produced Eros International and besides the Rajinikanth, it also stars Sonu Sood, Deepika Padukone and another lady, who is yet to be finalized. The icing on the cake is that Rajinikanth plays triple role in the film. The film will be releasing not just in Hindi, but also in Tamil and Telugu simultaneously around next year. Bollywood Hungama wishes Rajinikanth a super fast recovery.Rehu: Japan's Tackle Bag Syndrome
ESPN STAR Sports commentator Mike Rehu is glad he is not a Japanese Brave Blossom this week. It is going to hurt!
Wright tips United to win nothing
Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes the tide has turned on Manchester United and they could end the season trophy-less.
Snooker: Higgins regrets scandal
John Higgins accepts he will never be allowed to forget the scandal which threatened to end his career.
NFL lockout back on again
An appeals court in St Louis has granted the NFL's request to reinstate a player lockout.
Guardiola joy at Wembley final
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is looking forward to returning to Wembley in the Champions League final this month.
Danny Lennon calm despite defeat
St Mirren manager Danny Lennon has attempted to play down their 1-0 defeat by bottom club Hamilton.
Dundee United to lose midfield trio
Dundee United have confirmed midfield trio Craig Conway, Morgaro Gomis and Prince Buaben are set to leave this summer.
Olsson: Baggies are not dirty team
Defender Jonas Olsson insists West Brom are not dirty despite having more Premier League red cards than any other side this season.
Peter Reid wants Plymouth stay
Peter Reid hopes to remain as Plymouth coach in League Two next season, but fears potential new owners may want a fresh face.
Trust fears Arsenal will price out fans
The Arsenal Supporters Trust feel the club will price loyal fans out of the Emirates Stadium with a 6.5% hike in ticket prices.
Paul Murray questions Whyte bid
Rangers non-executive director Paul Murray has insisted Craig Whyte's imminent takeover is not the right move for the club.
Rangers fans vow to self-police
Rangers supporters have pledged to eradicate sectarianism by self-policing in the wake of UEFA sanctions.
Pearce: Wilshere wants to go
Stuart Pearce has dismissed Arsene Wenger's claims that Jack Wilshere could burnout.
Top duo named in Under-21 squad
Jack Wilshere and Andy Carroll look certain to play for England at the European Under-21 Championship.
F1 takeover may be on the cards
The battle for Formula One control may be on after one of Europe's largest investment firms confirmed takeover interest.
Draw sees Barca book Wembley final
Barcelona book their place in the Champions League final courtesy of an entertaining 1-1 draw which seals a 3-1 aggregate win against Real Madrid in the second leg of their semi-final.
Palios expects QPR points docking
Former Football Association chief Mark Palios believes QPR will be deducted points following the hearing into their 2009 signing of Alejandro Faurlin.
Barcelona-Real hit by racism row
A racism row erupted ahead of the Champions League semi-final second leg between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Injured Rooney to miss Schalke tie
Preview followed by live coverage of Wednesday's Champions League semi-final, second leg tie between Man Utd and Schalke 04.
French FA probes race quota claim
An investigation begins into allegations that France coach Laurent Blanc and his staff agreed informal quotas limiting the number of the black and Arab youth players in the national set-up.
Arsenal to increase ticket prices
Fans groups react angrily to the news that Arsenal will increase ticket prices at the Emirates Stadium by a total of 6.5% from the start of next season.
Carragher wants place in Europe
Liverpool vice-captain Jamie Carragher says he wants the Reds to claim a place in the Europa League and continue their tradition in European competition.
McNally promises Norwich survival
Norwich City chief executive David McNally vowes to make the Canaries a permanent Premier League outfit.
Lennon ire at Izaguirre sale talk
Manager Neil Lennon dismisses speculation linking Emilio Izaguirre with a move away from Celtic.
Sullivan defends Man City absence
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan says he did not attend his side's defeat at Manchester City because of their poor away form.
Enrique relaxed on Magpies future
Newcastle United defender Jose Enrique says he is happy at St James' Park, but equally happy if he ends up playing elsewhere.
Bolton's Alonso quizzed over fatal crash
Footballer Marcos Alonso could face trial after a woman died in a car crash in Madrid.
Pompey keen to end takeover saga
Portsmouth chief executive David Lampitt says it is 'critical' for the club to finalise any takeover before the start of next season.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)