CDs are 'Faltu' in Hi-Fi now?

Like any other Hi-Fi (Hindi Film Industry) producer, Vashu Bhagnani held a music launch event this week for his upcoming film. But there was one thing missing -- the music CD. Instead, Bhagnani "released" the music of his film "Faltu" digitally, allowing users to download individual tracks from the film's website. "I didn't see the point of releasing CDs because no one buys them these days," says Bhagnani. "It's cheaper to pay 10 rupees per song rather than buying an entire CD for 150 rupees," he said.

While this may be the first time in Hi-Fi that a film's music is available only digitally, Bhagnani has only done what most producers had been mulling for a long time. India's mobile market is huge with around 730 million subscribers, roughly equivalent to Europe's population. With the number of subscribers growing at some 17-18 million a month, more and more users can easily access their favourite music through mobile downloads.

A KPMG report last year estimated that physical formats accounted for 57 percent of industry revenues in 2009, down ten percent from the previous year. The report also estimated that revenues from physical formats would decline at 6.8 percent from 2009 to 2014.

"These days producers release a token 5,000 CDs at the release of a film, because CD sales are at an all-time low," says Aparna Joshi, editor of music magazine Sound Box. Even the makers of films like "Rock On", which featured several chartbusters, focused more on digital downloads than CDs. "Producers are now concentrating more and more on digitising their music, to attract more revenues," says Joshi, adding that CD sales are just a formality. The Indian digital music market is estimated to have been worth 2.6 billion rupees in 2009 and expected to grow exponentially with the advent of 3G technology.

Hi-Fi is the largest contributor to industry revenues, accounting for around 65 percent. Still, it may still take time for movie producers to follow in Bhagnani's footsteps, with most still wary of a digitally-only release. "They have to wake up to reality and understand that the consumer wants something different," says Bhagnani.

Source:IBNlive

Patiala House Review

Director: Nikhil Advani
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Anushka Sharma, Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, Prem Chopra, Hard Kaur, Rabbit Sack C

A while ago, I posed a question on Twitter and Facebook, asking people what their expectations were from Patiala House. The reaction ranged from encouraging and affirmative to unenthusiastic and unexciting. A wide number of caustic and scathing comments were a consequence of Akshay Kumar's last year's releases, namely Khatta Meetha, Action Replayy and Tees Maar Khan. Also, a few called it similar to De Dhana Dhan Goal, while some even compared it with Namastey London.


In fact, a lot many factors go against Patiala House. Director Nikihil Advani and Akshay's last outing together, the infamous Chandni Chowk To China, remains a favourite punching bag to this day. Besides, Patiala House comes at a time when people have had an overdose of Akshay starrers. I reiterate, there ought to be at least six months' gap between two films of a major star, while this is Akshay's fourth release in six months (Khatta Meetha - 23 July, Action Replayy - 5 November and Tees Maar Khan - 24 December). Moreover, the film opens exactly one week before the keenly anticipated World Cup cricket matches and coupled with that, it will have no breathing space as the very next week witnesses the release of another much-awaited film 7 Khoon Maaf. Expecting Patiala House to overcome these hurdles is tough, mainly when the chips are down!


The chips are down also because people assume Patiala House to be something which it is not. Let me clarify that Patiala House is not an 'extension' of Akshay's previous films. Sure, Patiala House has its share of humorous moments, but the humour is of the subtle kind here. Nor can one compare it to Namastey London, since that film was more of a love story between a British-born Indian and a desi Indian, while Patiala House is more of an inspirational film. It's about chasing your dreams as and when you get another opportunity, if you don't succeed the first time.

Essentially, Patiala House is a somber film, with the focal point being drama and histrionics rather than the slapstick wit or in-your-face comedy that one anticipates from an Akshay starrer. It's more about familial bonding, with a sport [cricket] interwoven in the screenplay. This one doesn't tickle your funny bone; instead it moistens your eyes thanks to the poignant moments in the narrative, especially the penultimate moments of the film. Those exhausted of watching Akshay getting typecast in similar genre films will drop the charges while watching this one. This is, without a shred of doubt, amongst Akshay's finest performances.

On the flip side, the screenplay of Patiala House is erratic - vacillating between engaging to run of the mill to flaccid moments. In fact, a chunk involving the game plan - the family trying various gimmicks and ploys to conceal the truth from Rishi Kapoor - is lame and bizarre. Ditto for the romance between Akshay and Anushka; it comes across as half-baked and looks tame. Even the members of the family, most of them, have ill-defined characters. Fortunately, these deficiencies get camouflaged as the father and son get set for an emotional showdown in the pre-climax. From this point onwards, right till the euphoric victory, the film reaches its pinnacle.

Final word? Patiala House is an underdog. The expectations are zilch, the odds are not in its favour, but the film throws a pleasant surprise. Go for it!

Katrina back with Salman Khan, also bags Shah Rukh film!!

Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan may be continuing the fight that started at Katrina Kaif’s birthday bash around two years ago, but the firang babe would have none of it and enjoying the best of both worlds by signing two Yashraj Films with both the superstars.

While the first film will feature Katrina Kaif with her ex- boyfriend and macho man Salman Khan under Kabir Khan’s direction, the second will have her opposite Sallubhai’s bête noir Shah Rukh Khan, essaying his love interest.
Salman Khan’s flick is said to be an action romance special with Sallubhai expected to continue his success story of ‘Dabangg’. Initially, Salman Khan was hesitant in signing a Yashraj flick due to his past controversial relations with the banner but when they agreed to his demand of market remuneration, he signed on the dotted lines. 

As far as Shah Rukh Khan’s film is concerned,

"I locked myself up and cried for two months", confesses film-maker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra

Film-maker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's last offering, Delhi 6, was rejected by the audience and critics alike but that hasn't deterred him from picking himself up and starting all over again. In fact, he is so optimistic now that he plans to release the original version of the film. Talking about it, he says, "I always wanted to release this version and I may just release it sometime soon. It is the one where (actor) Abhishek Bachchan dies at the start of the film and the narrative continues." Evidently so, the director has put behind the past but talking about the lean phase at that time he divulges that he almost went into depression. 


"I just couldn't digest the fact that the audience had rejected my film. I had failed and more than anything I thought I had failed because as a film-maker I couldn't tell my story. I locked myself up in my room and completely isolated myself from my wife and children. I did nothing besides think about why the film went wrong. I cried for two months but later I realised that it wasn't all that bad a film either. I had a great story and a beautiful message and that dawned on me when a few people who had loved the film, came up to me and said that they hadn't seen a film more simple and beautiful than this."

Rakeysh is now looking forward to his next release, Teen Thay Bhai, a comic caper for which he has donned the hat of a producer. "I have produced and directed all my films but this film will see me only in the capacity of a producer. We have a new director on board and when he narrated the story to me I was impressed. It is a lovely film about three brothers who hate each other and get together when their grandfather passes away to divide the property. It is a fun film with Om Puri, Deepak Dobriyal and Shreyas Talpade in it." It is but natural to ask him about the absence of a star from the film, especially since he has had top rank stars in his previous films and he says, "This is not a film that will sell if it has stars. The story itself is the star in the film and the actors have done a fine job so I am confident about it," he concludes.
Source:DNA

H'wood calling: Model-turned-actor Tena Desae talks about bagging a Hollywood film, opposite actor Dev Patel

Her name may not a ring a bell, instantly, but she is a household face for sure. After all, actor Tena Desae — who is one of the newest entrants in Hi-Fi (Hindi Film Industry) — has more than 40 commercials to her credit. And though the model-turned-actor has not had a single release here yet, Tena may well be on her way to becoming an international star. Having bagged a vital role in the John Madden directed Hollywood film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, the actor is already testing Hollywood waters with a film that co-stars Oscar-winner Judi Dench, Bill Nighy and has her romancing the Slumdog Millionaire actor, Dev Patel. Having already shot for several portions of the film with Dev, Tena reveals that it's hard to compare working in Hi-Fi and Hollywood.
"For me, the entire experience of shooting in itself was so new that it's hard to say if I had more fun shooting for my Hindi films or the English one," says Tena.


Talking about working with Dev, she adds, "He is very unassuming and has no airs about being the Slumdog hero at all. We bonded well, because we are closer in age." But ask her about the chemistry she shared with the actor and she says, "For that you'll just have to watch the film. I can't divulge much about the characters."

Back in Hi-Fi, the actor will be seen in Yeh Faasley and Sharafat Gayi Tel Lene. Both films, Tena points out, are very different from each other. "And that's the kind of repertoire I would want to have, exploring different genres and I am not afraid to experiment," she says revealing that she has no planned career moves at all.

However, she does have a wish-list of actors and film-makers she'd like to work with. "And it's a long one too," she laughs. "Of course Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan top the list," she says. Incidentally, she has acted with them in commercials. "Yes, but no actor's graph is ever complete without working with them. That would be more exciting than any Hollywood film," says the actor, who has no qualms in admitting that modelling was a stepping stone to films.
"I believe in dreaming big. I also believe in the mantra that 'When you want something badly enough, the universe conspires for you to get it'. And I think it's just worked for me," she concludes.
Source:DNA

Actress Soha Ali Khan is finally talking marriage — to actor Kunal Khemu!

Actress Soha Ali Khan, who's been dating co-actor Kunal Khemu after doing a movie together, admits that she's ready to settle down in a "couple of years". "I am in a comfortable space. We (she and Kunal) are both independent with our careers going well. We have met each other's parents and have their approval. I think I'll be ready to settle down in a couple of years," says Soha candidly. 


Isn't she afraid of losing out on plum projects after marriage? "Why should I? Look at my mom (Sharmila Tagore), she had her biggest hits after marriage. If she is said to be an exception, then I would also like to be an exception like her," says the actor.

The Pataudi girl is now keen to master cooking, especially to graduate from cooking stir fried chicken to mutton rogan josh. "Kunal loves good food, and I know to cook just a couple of dishes. I can make stir fried chicken, which I think he likes, but I have made a resolution to learn to cook more dishes, especially rogan josh and Kashmiri dum aloo," she says.

Though Soha admits to her shortcomings when it comes to cooking, she reluctantly admits to having the upper-hand in the relationship, especially in an argument. "If I am angry then I can really say hurtful things. It's something I don't like about myself. I never raise my voice when I am angry, but simply cut off or answer in monosyllables. This is one aspect that Saif (Ali Khan) and I have got from dad… we would laugh when mother would fret and shout in anger, but with dad (Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi) it was different — we would simply freeze in fear," she reveals adding, "But Kunal is generally chilled out about everything."

But didn't Saif say that he'll get married before Soha as he's the elder brother? "That was just a tongue-in-cheek answer. Besides, if he takes 10 more years to get married, do you think I am going to wait for that long?" she counters.
Source:DNA

Udita headed for Hollywood

Udita Goswami is in LA meeting various Hollywood biggies. After Mallika Sherawat and Koena Mitra, it is this starlet who keeps giving us stories on her Hollywood plans. God! At this rate Hi-Fi (Hindi Film Industry) will soon lose all its talent to the West. Udita has extended her stay in US till the first week of March and says she may be actually going to the Oscars! She has already visited Chicago, Vegas, LA, San Fransisco and Salt lake city for the prestigious Sundance film festival. Meanwhile, Udita has started taking driving lessons there and is planning to hire a dialect coach for teaching her the American accent.
Source:TOI

I don't see much resemblance between mom and me: Prateik

He feels his mother Smita Patil was an "awesome" actress and Prateik Babbar is comfortable though not overjoyed with the constant comparisons with his mom. Comparisons to the never-forgotten Smita Patil have intensified after his performance in Dhobi Ghat.

"I think it's amazing to be compared with her. It just shows that even after all these years people don't want to forget her. They want to remember her through me. Fair enough. But somewhere down the line I need to come into my own. To be recognized for my own abilities and personality," said the actor.

"Of course, I've seen my mom's films. She's awesome. But I really don't see that much of resemblance between us," he added.

After playing a socio-economically challenged member of a backward community in Dhobi Ghat, Prateik will now be seen as a denizen of the privileged class in Prakash Jha's Aarakshan. Talking about his role, he said: "It's something close to my heart and something I haven't done before. Both are pre-requisites for me to accept a role. It has to appeal to me and challenge me. That's why I did Dhobi Ghat. I never thought I could carry off the lingo and body language of a dhobi."

Prateik loves to surprise himself both on and off the screen.

"In my next release

Deepak Dobriyal to make it big in Hi-Fi

Deepak Dobriyal is the man, who played the dumped fiancé of Katrina Kaif in the movie Omkara. When Omkara was released, no body knew that Deepak would make so big in Hi-Fi (Hindi Film Industry). When Kiran Rao was asked about his dream actor, she took the name of Deepak Dobriyal and said that she is looking forward to work with him.


Dobriyal will next be seen in 'Tannu weds Mannu' and Rakesys Mehra’s 'Teen Thay Bhai'. Deepak has worked in movies including Maqbool, Shaurya,Gulaal and Kaminey 
Source:Samaylive

Sonam Kapoor: 'My life's much too happening'

After a rather controversial last year (reported spats with actor Abhay Deol and taking potshots at Ranbir Kapoor), one would expect that the only thing actor Sonam Kapoor would be hoping for is a smooth sail in 2011. However, the actor reveals that it's not so. "I have better things to ask for, than worry about such frivolous stuff," she says, adding, "My life's much too happening at the moment for me to worry about what others have to say about me." As for her alleged rift with co-actor Abhay, she says, "There's nothing to sort out between Abhay and me. In fact, I've not even spoken to him personally once, so I don't know what to make of his comments." Sonam also reveals that she's not averse to working with him in the future either. "My choice of films depends on my role and the filmmaker, not on co-actors," she clarifies.

The actor is at present shooting for Abbas Mustan's Players in New Zealand with actor Abhishek Bachchan and says that it feels like a sense of deja vu. Incidentally, Abhishek is the only co-star that she is working with for the second time. "Abhi did point that out to me too," she shares. "But anyway, there's a long way for me to go and hopefully, I'll work with all of them at least 10 times more," she smiles. Apart from the Abbas Mustan thriller she also has Mausam and Thank You to look forward to this year.


The pretty star is also hoping to squeeze some time off for herself soon after she wraps up the three films. "Yes, it's been super hectic for me since last year and I've hardly had a break. Though I'm not complaining about it, my parents do say that they haven't seen me in a long while," smiles the actor.


Sonam is also looking forward to her sister Rhea's next film as a producer, but reveals that as of now nothing's been finalised. As for her doing the film, she says, "Dad's taught us one thing in life and that's to first deserve than desire. So, I'll have to earn a role even if it's a home production. But I do hope she casts me in her next too." 
Source:DNA

SRK turns item boy!

It’s time for Shah Rukh Khan to put on his dancing shoes and turn into an item-boy for his home production Always Kabhi Kabhi. Sources working on the project reveal to us that SRK’s dance number will be the key highlight of the film that is being directed by Roshan Abbas and stars his friend Karim Morani’s daughter, Zoa. 

The insider reveals, “Shah Rukh has worked on his body and he will sport a new look too, in the song. It is merely going to be used as a promotional tool to hype the film much like what he had done earlier for Kaal in which he shook a leg with Malaika Arora Khan and in Rakesh Roshan’s Krazzy 4 for which he did it as a friendly gesture to the Roshans. With SRK’s injury now being a thing of the past, he has his physique back and he intends to flaunt it in the song.”

Source:TOI

Imran-Avantika Reception Pics

Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shroff and Vidya Balan

Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan

Manish Malhotra, Preity Zinta, Karan Johar and Kareena Kapoor 

Tusshar, Jeetendra and Shobha Kapoor with Shammi Kapoor, Aditya Raj Kapoor and Neela Devi

Hrithik and Sussanne Roshan

Nita and Mukesh Ambani 

SRK, Salman at Imran-Avantika's wedding bash

From Shah Rukh to Salman and from the Birlas to the Ambanis, Aamir Khan managed to bring together the who's who of Hi-Fi (Hindi Film Industry), business and politics at the wedding bash of his nephew Imran Khan in Mumbai.

If Mr and Mrs Imran Khan were feeling short of any wedding wishes coming their way, they have little to complain about after Saturday night. Uncle Aamir Khan made sure the whole of Hi-Fi (Hindi Film Industry) turned up for what can only be called as the biggest Hi-Fi (Hindi Film Industry) wedding bash in Mumbai.

And, of course, it was a night where Hi-Fi's three biggest khans - Salman, Shah Rukh and Aamir - came under one roof.

Be it Hi-Fi (Hindi Film Industry) actors to politicians, anyone who was everyone was present to bless the blushing couple. Yesteryears' superstars Dilip Kumar and Shammi Kapoor came despite their ill health and, of course, joining them were Aamir's contemporaries Akshay Kumar, Govinda and Hrithik Roshan.

And how can the both mama and bhanja's leading ladies - Rani Mukerji, Juhi Chawla, Deepika Padukone to name a few, be left out. If Aamir calls, there're few who can resist.

Aamir Khan did indeed make this a night to remember and one that his nephew and most of these stars would remember for good. 
Source: NDTV

Book on 7 Khoon Maaf out soon

Penguin is set to launch a book on Ruskin Bond’s short story Susanna’s Seven Husbands, which Hi-Fi (Hindi Film Industry) filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj has adapted into a movie and titled 7 Khoon Maaf.

“Penguin will release the book on February 19. This will help readers know our journey the film,” says Bhardwaj. 7 Khoon Maaf stars Priyanka Chopra as the protagonist who kills her seven husbands.

Source:HT

Yeh Saali Zindagi: The Review

Yeh Saali Zindagi

Starring: Irrfan Khan,Chitrangda Singh,Arunodoy Singh,Aditi Rao Hydari plus a cast of villains,idiots,morons and illusionists to fill a small village

Written & Directed by Sudhir Mishra

Rating: *** ½ (Subhash K. Jha)

Yeh saali picture…badi kutti cheez hai.Dekho tab pataa chale.To describe the rollercoaster ride that is Yeh Saali Zindagi(YSZ) is to attempt to draw the picture of the Red Fort at the seaside .Every attempt to define the plot will be washed away by forces beyond our control.So let’s just say,YSZ is an edgy and raw take on what it takes to make love loyalty and other related illusions jell in a rapidly-mutating consumerist society like ours.

The film is set in and around Delhi’s underbelly.Mishra explores the armpit of the Capital’s get-rich sub-culture,revealing a flair for satire even at the most deplorable moments of reckoning.Yup,Guy Ritchie and Quentin Tarantino would approve of Mishra’s humour in the most sanguinary circumstances.As for Vishal Bhardwaj, Mishra’s spaced-out vision is not even looking in that direction for approval.

Almost every character in Sudhir Mishra’s

Yeh Saali Zindagi: First Day Business

Yeh Saali Zindagi grossed around 1.10-1.20 crore nett on its first day. The collections are mainly from multiplexes of urban centres. Mumbai circuit grossed around 50 lakhs and Delhi/UP was around 25 lakhs.

Tum Hi Toh Ho, United Six and Utt Pataang have not collected at the box office. The collections of Utt Pataang are in the 10 lakhs region while the other two are below 5 lakhs on day one.

Yeh Saali Zindagi will only the only film to put any worthwhile collections over the weekend as it may do around 4 crore nett.

Source:BOI

Dia in demand

Everyone in Hi-Fi (Hindi Film Industry) is in a mood to sign up for a film with Dia Mirza. No, the actress isn’t paying handsome remunerations. However, she has a bag of goodies that looks like Karan Johar’s Koffee with Karan gift hamper accompanying the cheques being sent out to the actors who will be there in her home production. Dia feels sending the gift hamper with the cheque just adds a thoughtful touch to the whole signing business. “Sending just a cheque is not a warm gesture,” she smiles. “Since it is Zayed’s (Khan), Sahil’s (Sangha) and my first production, we want to add a personal touch to the whole business.’’

Source:TOI

Missing lunch with Bryan

AR Rahman was specially invited for an exclusive lunch meeting with Bryan Adams after he lands in India for his highly anticipated tour but it looks like he has to skip it because he is flying out of the country for some urgent Hollywood work. The composer was eagerly waiting to meet Bryan and discuss music as well as some future collaboration with him but as of now those plans will be kept on hold. Rahman, on the other hand, is quite eager to meet Bryan in the US, post his India tour.

Source:TOI

Kunal’s hungry for adrenaline!

Not many might know that Kunal Kemmu is an adrenaline junkie. The actor, who won hearts with his comic performance in Golmaal 3 just got back from a trip to LA and can’t stop raving about the thrilling experience.

Confessing his fetish for ‘the fast and the dangerous’, Kunal says that while planning his holidays, a theme park is a must-do on his list. This time he chose LA for a highly popular park that he was eager to visit since a long time.

And the actor made the most of his trip by trying some of the deadliest rides out there. In fact, he was having such a good time that he didn’t mind waiting in long queues for a second go.

Source:TOI

Ajay Devgn says he’s got the box office numbers because he’s different

Madhur Bhandarkar and Kumar Mangat Pathak’s Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji is Ajay Devgn’s third comedy within a span of a year. The earlier two were Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge and Golmaal-3.

DTBHJ took a promising start; naturally Ajay keeps signing on more comedies each season. Says he, “I’m the kind of actor who will sign up for any script that I’m convinced about. But, it is sheer coincidence that my last few films have either been madcap comedies or actionthrillers. Most actors are stuck in a groove. Some are kings of romance and others are action junkies. I’m one of the fortunate few artistes in Hi-Fi (Hindi Film Industry) who has been able to juggle my films successfully.’’

The actor believes that the audience wants an actor to constantly evolve. “Predictable is boring, I’m not. I strive to do different films, because each year I have three to four releases. The audience has tall expectations from me.’’

The last five months of the year will see some jampacked action for this extremely talented actor, who has Rohit Shetty’s remake of Singham and Bol Bachchan, Priyadarshan’s Tezz and David Dhawan’s Rascals lined up for release.

Obviously with the tide flowing in his direction, the once laidback actor isn’t even thinking in terms of slowing down. “I’d be lying if I say I don’t get tired working throughout the year. Of course I do. For a superstar, success is a double-edged sword. When you bring in the box office numbers, the industry expects you to push yourself. If I take it easy at this stage, then I will not be able to enjoy my reign. There is no substitute for hard work. The reason why Hi-Fi (Hindi Film Industry) is being ruled by the 40-plus men is because all of us believe in giving the youngsters a run for their money.’’

Source:TOI