Love Aaj Kal Movie Review by Taran Adarsh ( India FM)

Link : http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/14019/index.html

Come to think of it, if the film carries the 'burden' of humungous expectations, it's imperative that it goes beyond those expectations. The reaction after watching the film has to be similar to a child who has laid his hands on his fav toy. The joyous smile would say it all. The question is, does LOVE AAJ KAL live up to the hype and hoopla surrounding it? Or does it go beyond that?

LOVE AAJ KAL is not an easy film to write and execute. Sure, it's a love story, but it's not one of those mundane love stories that talks of love and heartache. Here, the two stories, set in different eras, run parallel, but have a similar end. 

To be brutally honest, it takes time to grasp the plot, since the past and present run concurrently. If you aren't attentive, chances are you'd lose the plot. Also, if you aren't aware by now that Saif enacts dual roles in the film -- playing his part as also the part of young Rishi Kapoor -- the goings-on would confuse you no end, when the transition occurs.

LOVE AAJ KAL is a director's show entirely. The relationships here are complex because the couple in love lives in complete denial. It is to Imtiaz Ali's credit that he has penned an offbeat story, developed a complex but comprehensive screenplay and extracted sensitive performances from the principal cast. At the same time, the writing isn't the type that would appeal to all sections of movie-going audience. Besides, the execution of the subject and also the pacing in the first hour are deterrents.

Final word? LOVE AAJ KAL makes you fall in love with love all over again. Makes you value your loved ones all the more. This film is special!

Love Aaj
London, San Francisco, Delhi - 2009.
Jai [Saif Ali Khan] and Meera [Deepika Padukone] is a modern-day couple in London. They are very happy together, but do not believe in tying each other down. So when life pulls them in different directions, they decide to call off their relationship, since long-distance relationships, in their opinion, don't work.

Love Kal
Delhi, Calcutta - 1965.
Veer Singh [Rishi Kapoor] is struck by a thunderbolt when he sees Harleen for the first time. He travels a thousand kilometers by train to stand under her balcony, only to have a glimpse of her face. And yet not speak a word with her.

Love Aaj Kal
Veer does not understand how Jai can treat matters of the heart without passion. Jai does not understand how Veer Singh could have been so naive and silly about Harleen in his youth. But as both stories unfold, we realize that the process of relationship might be different in different eras, but the experience of being in love remains the same.

LOVE AAJ KAL travels multiple continents and different eras. The subject matter is novel, never attempted before, but the material, the characters [Saif and Deepika especially] as also its execution is targeted at the youth in big cities mainly. As they say in filmi lingo, this one's a hardcore multiplex movie.

Another area where Imtiaz Ali experiments is by depicting Saif as the young Rishi Kapoor. It's a novel concept, no two opinions on that, but the question is, will it cut ice universally? Will people tend to get confused when the sequences turn sepia?

The film captivates in bits and spurts in the initial portions. Partly because the writing is so different. But the writing breaks new grounds in the second hour. It's in this hour that the film grips you completely, when the fragmented pieces are put together and a mesmeric picture emerges.

The second hour is the soul of the film. Right from the time Deepika decides to marry, till the last reunion, the film touches an emotional high. The sequence of events that lead to the culmination is incredible. Saif's interaction with Deepika at the marriage, or the gradual change in Saif's behaviour in the U.S. in the course of a song, or the realisation that marriage was a big mistake... moments like these take LOVE AAJ KAL to dizzy heights.

Imtiaz Ali is a genius. The film bears the stamp of an accomplished storyteller. This is a forward-thinking film that handles the new-age relationships with complete understanding. The songs compliment the goings-on beautifully. This is amongst Pritam's accomplished works. 'Twist' [already a rage], 'Aahun Aahun' [foot-taping], 'Chor Bazaari' [melodious] and 'Dooriyaan' [melancholic], each song is a gem. N. Natarajan Subramaniam's cinematography is fantastic. Editing [Aarti Bajaj] is wonderful.

Both Saif and Deepika come up with their career-best performances in LOVE AAJ KAL. Saif carries the most difficult parts with remarkable ease. Sure, we've seen him as the cool, urban guy in several films, but this one's the most demanding role and only a seasoned actor could've delivered it with such precision.

Deepika looks ethereal. Most importantly, in LOVE AAJ KAL, she acts very, very well. Matching up to Saif is no mean achievement and she does it in several scenes. This should be the turning point in her career. Rishi Kapoor is top notch. The actress enacting the role of Harleen is pretty. Rahul Khanna does well in a small, but significant role. Watching Neetu Kapoor in the end sequence is truly astonishing. She's so graceful.

On the whole, LOVE AAJ KAL is for the young and romantic at heart. Sure, it's not perfect, but the terrific performances, melodious music and stirring emotional moments [last 35 odd minutes] more than compensate for the hiccups. At the box-office, the film should start with a bang for four factors -- its novel cast, super music, great promotion and yes, Imtiaz Ali, a name that commands respect amongst moviegoers. Released extensively [approx. 1800 screens worldwide], LOVE AAJ KAL will have one of the biggest first weeks in India and also in the international markets. In India, the business will be superb across multiplexes, while single screens might not behave as energetically. But the business at multiplexes will ensure a fantastic recovery of the investment. Internationally, it has the potential to emerge one of the biggest grossers in recent times.

 

Rakhi Sawant to wed on August 2!

Rakhi Sawant has made up her mind. The item girl is all set to tie the knot with the NRI Gujarati boy Elesh Parujanwala and end her swayamvar. A sources reveals that Rakhi's decision to commit to the shaadi was last minute, "She asked the channel heads options to have an exit strategy. However, after long meetings with the producers and channel officials, she decided to go ahead to the wedding, and honour her contract obligations." Describing the elaborate wedding plans, an insider says, "Right now, they are preparing for the sangeet and mehendi shoot. The wedding will take place on August 2 at a suburban hotel and will be broadcast live on television. Rakhi will wear a Neeta Lulla ensemble while Elesh still has to decide what he will wear. Rakhi's mom and her family will be present during the shaadi as well. There are also plans to invite a couple of some Bollywood celebrities to the occasion." After the wedding, Rakhi plans to travel to Toronto to meet Elesh's family. "She has already got her Canadian visa and will be flying out with the groom after the shaadi. Elesh has already expressed an interest in purchasing property in Mumbai and settling here post marriage." Happy ending? We'll see. Another source maintains, "There will be no shaadi. In the twist, the dulha raja chosen by Rakhi will be given a choice of getting married to Rakhi, or accepting a cash booty and walking away. It is believed that Elesh will opt for the cash. It has all been decided. And Rakhi will walk away with the sympathy." From : http://www.filmicafe.com/

Bollywood's Most EXPENSIVE Films

The SRK-Kajol starrer My Name is Khan has been picked up by Fox for a whopping Rs. 100 crores,
more than double the budget of the film. Take a look at the top five highest bids to buy Bollywood movies.









Aamir Khan starrer Ghajini may have been a remake of a Tamil film, but that didn't stop distributors from picking it up for Rs. 90 crores.
Before the news of My Name is Khan came about, Ghajini was the highest bid ever in Bollywood.



The Shah Rukh-Deepika starrer Om Shanti Om comes in at number three on the highest bids
by distributers for Bollywood movies, as it was picked up for Rs. 75 crores.



Akshay Kumar's blockbuster hit Singh is Kinng comes in at number four with Rs. 60 crores.



The fifth spot is also occupied by an Akki-Katrina movie as Welcome was picked up for Rs. 40 crores.

ASIN, SALMAN, AJAY On the Sets of London Dreams

The movie is about a rock band in England. Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan, who are shown as childhood friends in the movie play the role of rock musicians. Salman is playing a Punjabi guy in the movie.

London Dreams is about individuals, their dreams and desires, as brought together by their music. A couple of actors from London will share the screen space with Salman and Ajay.




About eighty per cent of the story unfolds in London; the rest takes place in India A. R. Rahman will compose the music for the movie. The movie will have around seven to eight songs. LONDON DREAMS comes with a heavy price tag: Rs. 120 crores.

Hrithik as a Child Artist With RajniKanth

Kareena Kapoor to play Priyanka Gandhi

Kareena Kapoor is all set to play the role of a politician, as she will be stepping into Priyanka Gandhi’s shoes for Sudhir Mishra’s Dhruv.

Apparently Kareena will not be clad in cotton sarees but will be seen as glamourous politican.

Director Sudhir Mishra says, “That stereotypical look goes against the young, dynamic, honest and incorruptible image of the new Indian politician. Kareena in Dhruv will be dressed how you’d expect a beautiful and glamorous people’s representative to be. Look at today’s young smart politicians. They wear what they’re comfortable in.”

If you remember, Kareena’s printed-saree look for Chameli was a craze. I feel Kareena’s politician’s look will also be a craze.”

Lets see if Bebo can deliver what Sudhir Mishra wants.

Aishwarya is an icon, I'm nowhere: Katrina

Katrina Kaif, whose performance in New York is still getting her compliments, is pleased as Punch... but the actress who recently celebrated her birthday with family in London, is also concerned about the huge responsibility this success has now thrust upon her.

“I’m going to be expected to raise the bar with each further release,’’ she said, “and the thought is scary.”

Taking stock of the top brass in Bollywood, Kat said, “I disagree with the constant statement that actresses in Bollywood are interchangeable.’’ According to her, each of the top contenders had an uniqueness, and she was certain that what Kareena Kapoor could do... she herself would never be able to.
“Kareena is a fantastic actress,’’ admitted Kat. “I’m still nowhere near her as a performer.’’

She was also of the opinion that Priyanka Chopra, Asin, Deepika Padukone, Vidya Balan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had their own individual strengths. “I hate this media refrain that heroines in Bollywood are all the same,” complained Kat. “Priyanka, Asin and Vidya are my contemporaries. Can you imagine Parineeta without Vidya? Jab We Met without Kareena? Or, for that matter, Fashion without Priyanka? They are all first grade in these films.’’

Naturally, she is peeved that a magazine called them all assembly-line products who could be replaced by one another without the audience noticing the difference. Katrina flashed, “By pigeon-holing us, the journalist is showing his or her lack of perception.’’

Another irritant is the constant comparison to Ash just because the two of them have endorsed the same products. “Aishwarya is an icon, I’m nowhere close to her,’’ said the actress who is currently one of the top contenders for Kareena’s No. 1 slot in Bollywood.

And, as for that reference also in the media to her being “a modern day Madhubala”, Kat asked incredulously, “Where did that spring up from? Madhubala was an iconic actress. I’m not even one per cent of what she was. And I’m not amused at such comparisons because, honestly, I have no illusions of having reached somewhere with the body of work I have behind me. My journey has only just begun.’’

Forthcoming Kisses in Bollywood

From two flowers bobbing together to lip-locking, Hindi films have surely come of age. Actors are shedding inhibitions to spice up the silver screen and not too many people are raising their eyebrows.



Forthcoming movies inlcuding, Love Aaj Kal and Kites have the lead pairs sharing passionate kisses on screen, but they are just following the examples set by flicks like Hum Tum, Jab We Met, Dev D and Kambakkht Ishq.

While Love Aaj Kal sees Saif Ali Khan kissing Deepika Padukone, Anurag Basu's Kites has already stirred controversy for its steamy smooches between Hrithik Roshan and Latino beauty Barbara Mori.



Love Aaj Kal director Imtiaz Ali, however, insists that despite the kissing scenes, his film is a complete family entertainer.

'Kisses included, nobody will feel inhibited watching Love Aaj Kal. No one will hesitate walking into the film with his family. All that is potentially objectionable in the film in the strictest of sense has been taken care of,' Ali said.

The film, which has Saif playing a double role, releases on July 31.




Similarly, Kites producer Rakesh Roshan insists the sensuality in his film is 'not meant to titillate'. 'The scenes are well integrated into the screenplay with conviction, purity and honesty,' he added.said.

Added Hrithik: 'Why are we even talking about kissing? Is that such a big deal? Hasn't our cinema grown up? Yes, there are kissing scenes in the film, but nothing to make me squirm. In fact, I'd be more than happy and completely comfortable watching those kissing scenes with my wife, son and parents when the film is released.'



Ketan Mehta's much-awaited bilingual Rang Rasiya has also been in the news for its kissing sequences and sensuous scenes between Randeep Hooda and Nandana Sen.

But the young brigade still has to break Devika Rani and HimanshuRai's record -- the two gave the longest kissing scene in the 1933movie Karma. It was four minutes long and even MallikaSherawat, who set a new record by doing 19 kissing scenes with HimanshuMalik in her debut film Khwaish, couldn't break it.



Considering the trend, the latest movies to have unabashed lip-locks are Kambakkht Ishq and New York.

While the former had kisses between Askhay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor, and a much publicised lip-lock between Akshay and Hollywood actress Denise Richards, New York had a quick peck between John Abraham and Katrina Kaif.

The former Bond girl Richards even went on to describe her co-star as a 'good kisser'.

'Akshay was so down to earth and very genuine. He made me feel very comfortable; plus he's a good kisser! I can see why he's India's sexiest actor,' Richards had remarked.



It's not as though kissing never existed in Hindi cinema earlier. Filmmakers of today seem to be bringing back the 1920s and 30s trend when actresses were not averse to kissing on screen. Released in 1921, Bilat Ferat was the first love story that was interspersed with loads of intimate scenes and kisses.

The lingering kissing scenes apparently disappeared from the Indian silver screen ever since a large group of women in Delhi presented a petition in 1954 to then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, asking him to curb the evil influence of films as it made their children acquire precocious sex habits and indulge in vices.

For Nehru, films were linked to modernisation. But this medium had to be checked and stricter censorship laws were enforced. After that nudity and intimate scenes became a no-no in Indian movies till the late 80s.

Salman gifts painting to SRK?

Bollywood's Savita Bhabhis

Hey! heard of the demise of Savita Bhabhi? Well, the central character in an online comic-strip series, which details her fantasies, has been banned. Poor li'l Savita Bhabhi. But, what if a film was to be made on her? Which B'wood actress would be best suited as 'Savita Bhabhi'? Here are a few choices...




The first name that clicks to our mind at the mention of 'Savita Bhabhi' is Sherlyn Chopra. Right from her 'Outrageous' days to her bikini stints, she has never disappointed her fans on the sex metre



She is hot, sexy and adventurous. Kangana Ranaut could make a seductive 'Savita Bhabhi' but with a certain level of sophistication



Celina Jaitley may not have played a potential role in any of her movies. But her sexy image has always managed her to keep her in the news, which is a perfect quality for portrayal of the role of 'Savita Bhabhi'.



Tanushree Dutta has never been short on the oomph factor. The well-endowed lady could bring in her touch of sensuality to 'Savita Bhabhi'.



Koena Mitra's hourglass figure makes every attire look gorgeous on her body. She can make a sizzling 'Savita Bhabhi'. Just that 'Savita' will have to go lean but with her flat abs one won't complain.



This voluptuous babe has all it takes to be 'Savita Bhabhi'. Mallika Sherawat's bold and dare-bare scenes in her movies make her a strong contender for the role.



She might be busy finding her groom on national television but the world knows that Rakhi Sawant is more 'Savita Bhabhi' material. You don't have to work your imagination too hard to visualise Rakhi as Savita Bhabhi. The character comes naturally to her!



If 'Savita Bhabhi' was to be a bimbette, Amrita Arora would be the ideal choice! She's usually caught playing a dumb woman in her films while showing off her sexy contours.



Right from her first film 'Sarkar', Priyanka Kothari has always had a very sensuous image that could help the character of 'Savita Bhabhi'. Her sultry looks could add to the naughtiness of our 'bhabhi'.



Norwegian beauty, Negar Khan couldn't sustain the tag of a wife for much longer, but her wild ways make her as one of the best contender for the role of 'Savita Bhabhi'.



After her sex bomb image in 'Julie' one can imagine her taking on the role of 'Savita Bhabhi' with ease. With her curvaceous figure and sultry looks, Neha Dhupia surely fits the bill.



The mesmerising and sensuous Kashmera Shah has many fans who'd love to see her in the role of 'Savita Bhabhi'. She fills all the qualifications for the role.



Bollywood siren Jiah Khan made men, even older ones take notice of her with her debut 'Nishabd', wearing those wet white kurtis! She surely has the spunk to play the role of 'Savita Bhabhi'.



Bengali women are known for their saris and long hair, especially Bipasha Basu, who could add her bit to 'Savita's' housewife character. On the other hand, her glam quotient can add that extra oomph

Luck : Movie Review by Taran Adarsh (IndiaFM - Bollywood Hungama)

Fasten your seat belts and get ready for hardcore stunts and thrills, Hollywood ishtyle. Come to think of it, Bollywood hasn't churned out stylised action movies as regularly as it churns out comedies and rom-coms. There's a vacuum for sure. But LUCK fills that lacuna. Be rest assured, you haven't watched such thrills since DHOOM 2.

LUCK is more of a hi-concept film. Three decades ago, Krishna Shah's SHALIMAR narrated the adventures of a billionaire who assembles/invites criminals/gangsters from across the globe to perform the heist of a precious diamond that he possesses. The concept isn't similar here, but in this case too, a gambler assembles people from across the globe for a concept called human betting. 

LUCK may not be high on story, but the concept and at least four stylised thrilling sequences make a big difference. Simply put, it makes LUCK lucky.  

LUCK may have loads of thrills, but director Soham Shah ensures that the grand canvas and stylised thrills appeal to every strata of movie-going audience. Only thing, had screenplay writers Soham Shah and Rensil D'Silva worked doubly hard to come up with a watertight script, it would've only worked wonders.

After weighing the pros and cons, it can be said that LUCK rides on star power, its concept and adrenaline-pumping thrills primarily. If you're into thrillers or have been missing one, LUCK holds the key.

LUCK tells the tale of mafia kingpin Musa [Sanjay Dutt], who has one obsession: To revolutionize the betting industry. For him, life is a gamble and what better way to skew the odds than play with those with luck on their side.

Different characters from different parts of the world, each with Lady Luck in their favour, are brought in to play the game of death. With millions at stake, how far will each of them go in courting danger and deceit?

The very start of the film transports you to a different world. The viewer is drawn into a world where bets are placed on humans and death-defying stunts are the order of the day. The train sequence at the very start says it all. It's a sequence that not only introduces you to the plot, but also makes a hammer-strong impact. You haven't watched something like this on the Hindi screen before.

The game of death is far more dangerous than those witnessed in the reality shows. The revolver sequence [the first challenge], the helicopter jump, the underwater sequence with sharks and the train sequence in the climax give you goose bumps and remain etched in your memory. There's a scene involving a lighter too, which is sure to draw whistles and claps.

But the film slips due its ineffectual writing. It gyrates from engrossing to bas-theek-hain towards the second hour. The romantic track, to be specific, is flaccid. Also, the climax should've concluded the moment Imran wins the jackpot money of Rs. 20 crores. Wasn't that his motive when he entered the game with his eyes wide open? So why this sudden urge to confront Sanjay Dutt after the game is over? Had the prize money doubled to Rs. 40 crores, it would've made sense. Or, for that matter, if he had a personal score to settle with Sanju, the game of death would've looked plausible. There's no motive in the first place.

Moreover, the sequence in the hospital, towards the end, may be true, medically speaking, but the question is, was it necessary in a film of this genre? Frankly, it robs the film of its seriousness and even compels you to break in a full-throated roar, a reaction that is completely unwarranted. Even Shruti Haasan's double role doesn't cut ice.

Soham Shah has made a stylish film and the fact remains that he has an eye for visuals. But Soham should've stuck to the spirit of the film, instead of getting into diversions [romance and the penultimate scene]. Salim-Sulaiman's music is vibrant and 'Aasma' is easily the pick of the lot. The background score [Amar Mohile] is electrifying. Santosh Thundiyil's cinematography matches international standards. Ditto for the sound design by Dwarak Warrier. Allan Amin's stunts and thrills are a major USP.

Sanju is perfect for this part and enacts it with natural ease. Actually, here's one role that only he could've portrayed so effectively. Imran is getting better with every film. Watch his helplessness at the start or his confidence when he takes to the stunts. Even towards the latter reels, he's very much in sync with his character.

Shruti Haasan is a star, no two opinions on that. The confidence with which she carries off this role just cannot be overlooked. Ravi Kishan is another scene-stealer. You are under the impression that he may get lost in the crowd, but he stands tall. The masses will love him.

Mithun Chakraborty is controlled and delivers a truly fine performance. Danny Denzongpa is, as always, so perfect. Very few actors have that ability to stand out in a crowd. He's one of them. Chitrashi is excellent. The sequence in the hospital is superb. Rati Agnihotri gets no scope.

On the whole, LUCK rides on star power, adrenaline-pumping thrills and a concept that's novel for the Indian screens. Despite some loose ends, these three factors primarily would ensure a Lucky journey at the box-office.