Akshay Kumar will be seen romancing Hollywood actress Denise Richards in his next film Kambakkth Ishq.
This will be the first time that the actress will be a part of a Bollywood film. And she's not the only one. Sylvester Stallone and d Brandon Superman Routh will also be a part of the venture.
Read More ...1. Ghajini
Aamir Khan's action film Ghajini has already raked in a lot of moolah this year, even though it was 2008's last release. Khan went all out to market the film, which was a remake of the 2005 Tamil blockubuster of the same name.
Ghajini broke all records in the very first week.
So would that make Aamir the king of the 2008 box office? The actor himself made an interesting reply on a news channel. "Does Lata Mangeshkar ever say that she is number one? Or for that matter, does Sachin Tendulkar say he is the number one batsman? So why should I say that? The only people who say they are number one are in real, not number one!" Well said, Aamir!
2. Singh is Kinng
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Akshay Kumar's success streak continued this year, as he gave the industry a blockbuster in Singh Is Kinng.
Within two weeks, the film managed to gross more than Rs 100 crore in India and abroad. The title even became the slogan for Congress party, after they survived the no-confidence motion. They plastered 'Singh is Kinng' in their publicity campaigns, referring to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Pritam's music was outstanding, and enhanced the film further.
People also loved Katrina Kaif's fantastic pairing with Akki.
3. Dostana
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Either you loved Dostana or you hated you. Luckily for producer Karan Johar, there were more people in the first category.
Starring Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham and Priyanka Chopra, the film gave all three actors that much-needed hit.
The music by Vishal-Shekhar became a big hit too, and helped to make the film the third biggest hit of the year.
4. Golmaal Returns
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Critics may have panned the film but audiences loved it.
Diwali release Golmaal Returns went on to become a big hit, thanks to good word of mouth. Its first part Golmaal (2006) was also a big hit.
Director Rohit Shetty made the audiences roll with laughter, and Ajay Devgan, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade and Kareena Kapoor gave able support.
5. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
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If it were not for the terror attacks in Mumbai on 26/11, the success of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi may have been greater.
When the film released on December 12, it was still too soon for people to shake off their fears and watch films in theatres.
The first casualties of the terror attacks in the entertainment business were Sorry Bhai and Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! released on November 28. Both bombed at the box office.
But people could not stay away from Rab Ne for too long. Shah Rukh Khan, and the curiosity whether the film's director Aditya Chopra could repeat his Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge magic seemed to act as magnets.
6. Jodhaa-Akbar
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They rocked the big screen in 2006 with Dhoom 2, and came back in a totally different avatar in Jodha-Akbar this year. Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made a regal pair as Mughal Emperor Akbar and his Rajput Princess Jodhaa.
A few days before the film's release, historians objected to the film, as they said it was inaccurate. They even asked for a ban on the film. There were incidents of violence in some parts of the country due to which the business was affected.
Luckily, the overseas business and word of mouth publicity picked up, and it went on to become a big hit.
7. Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na
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Jaane Tu is one of the biggest hits of the year. And to think, it almost never got made!
The film's original producer Jhammu Sugandh did not have money to complete the film, and there were no other takers. Debutant director Abbas Tyrewala felt his dream would not come true and almost gave up hope.
That's when Aamir Khan entered his life like a saviour.
The star supported the film, and staunchly supported his nephew and film's leading man Imran. The rest, as they say, is history.
Jaane Tu struck a cord with the young audiences, and shot Imran and Genelia D'Souza to stardom.
8. Jannat
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Directed by debutant Kunal Shivdasani, the film was loosely based on the mysterious murder cricket coach Bob Woolmer. Emraan played the role of a bookie, who meets with a tragic end. Newcomer Sonal Chauhan played his girlfriend.
The low budget film with some great music won the hearts of audiences.
9. Rock On!!
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Farhan Akhtar made his acting and singing debut in the brilliant Rock On!!. The rest of the cast, especially Arjun Rampal and Shahana Goswami, put in great performances too.
The film did well, thanks to its terrific music and well-told story.
Farhan seems to be very encouraged by the favourable response to his acting debut. We will see him on screen once again in his sister Zoya's directorial debut, Luck By Chance.
10. Rock On!!
No one could have guessed that A Wednesday would become one of the biggest hits of the year. Directed by first-timer Neeraj Pandey, the film took a while before it hit the theatres. Lead actors Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher's brilliant performance struck a chord with the audience in a big way.
10. A Wednesday
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No one could have guessed that A Wednesday would become one of the biggest hits of the year. Directed by first-timer Neeraj Pandey, the film took a while before it hit the theatres. Lead actors Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher's brilliant performance struck a chord with the audience in a big way.
Read More ...Kidnap
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A lot of expected out of Kidnap. It was directed by Sanjay Gadhvi, who made the blockbuster Dhoom series.
It starred Imran Khan, the latest star on the block, fresh from his debut hit film Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na. The other star was Sanjay Dutt, with a fan base already in place.
But the film simply could not take advantage for all that what was going for it. Imran didn't play kidnapper properly, Minisha Lamba looked ridiculous as the fashionable victim, her mother Vidya Malvade looked even more ridiculous with her spilling-over cleavage, and Dutt looked just plain bored.
Karzzzz
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Himesh Reshammiya could not carry forward his Aap Kaa Surroor success in his second acting film, Karzzzz.
The story had already been a success -- Subhash Ghai had directed the blockbuster Karz, starring Rishi Kapoor, Tina Munim and Simi Garewal, way back in 1980.
Himesh doled out great music but not a good performance. His leading ladies Urmila Matondkar and Shweta Kumar fared even worse.
Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic
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Rani Mukerji's flop run with Yash Raj Films continued with this film. She could not recreate her Bunty Aur Babli success with her Ta Ra Rum Pum hero Saif Ali Khan.
Directed by Kunal Kohli, Thoda Pyar was a fairy tale, without any magic. Amisha Patel seemed to be the film's only highlight.
Mission Istanbul
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After the success of Shootout At Lokhandwala, Vivek Oberoi was looking for another hit with his Shootout director Apoorva Lakhia in Mission Istanbul. But the film was a washout from day one.
Mission had all the masala elements of a commercial hit -- action, villains and romance -- but nothing could save it.
Heroes
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Heroes featured some of the biggest stars of Bollywood like Salman Khan, Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta and Mithun. But the patriotic film lacked soul, and could not attrack audiences to the theatres.
Yuvvraaj
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Subhash Ghai tried his luck at cinema again with Yuvvraaj, and came away humbled again. Ghai has had a spate of flops like Yaadein, Kisna and Black And White, with no BO relief.
Even Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, and A R Rahman's music could not save Yuvvraaj.
Tashan
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Yash Raj Films' big release Tashan featured Akshay Kumar, the hit-maker of Bollywood. It was also Saif and Kareena Kapoor's first film together, as an offscreen couple. Yet, this masala potboiler could not rake in the moolah.
U Me Aur Hum
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Ajay Devgan made his directorial debut with a tearful tale of a wife's (played by Kajol) ordeal, as she suffers from Alzheimer's disease. Her husband, played by Devgan himself, goes to hell and back, trying to make their lives better.
Loosely inspired by Hollywood film Notebook, U Me Aur Hum did not find as many takers as the Devgans had hoped for.
Love Story 2050
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Quite a lot depended on the fate of Love Story 2050. It would start newcomer Harman Baweja's career in Bollywood well, his co-star Priyanka Chopra would get the much-awaited hit, and director Harry Baweja would get a hit to his credit. A lot of money was put into the special effects to enhance the final product.
But the film -- that released on the same day as the hit Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na -- bombed.
Drona
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Priyanka Chopra saw another flop in Drona, co-starring Abhishek Bachchan. Director Goldie Behl's mythological film was very tacky, with a story that did not appeal to today's youngsters. People didn't accept Abhishek as a superhero, and the film bombed.
Read More ...
"Whether you celebrate the Indian volupte, or debate over India trying hard to loose her curves, shape remains an important issue and pre-occupation for us. Keeping this in mind, our January issue has been dedicated to shape -- dressing for each size, women who have embraced their unique shapes and living your fittest life ever. Tabu embodies the quintessential Indian silhouette for us. A consummate performer and an earthy beauty, she is undoubtedly the champion for both real curves and real women," explains Priya Tanna, editor of Vogue India.
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Film : Ghajini
Look:
Muscles and more muscles, Aamir’s bulked up torso looks perfectly toned. The razor-cut hairstyle along with the jutting ears give him a sinister feel.
Plus :
Remake of the bumper Tamil hit Ghajini directed by the same guy A.R. Murugadoss.
A.R. Rahman and Aamir Khan have always got it right, from Lagaan to Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na.
It’s one of the last releases this year (December 25), just like Taare Zameen Par was in 2007.
Minus :
New heroine Asin maybe a popular actress down south but no one knows her in the rest of India.
People may find it difficult to understand the concept of anterograde amnesia or short term memory loss which Aamir’s character suffers from.
Aamir hasn’t really clicked as an action star whether it was Baazi or Aatank Hi Aatank
Worst-kept secret : Ghajini is a diluted copy of Christopher Nolan’s groundbreaking thriller Memento.
Watch out for: Nishabd girl Jiah Khan in an important cameo in the film.
Industryspeak: “More than as nephew I am waiting for Ghajini as an Aamir Khan fan. I am sure it’s going to be mindblowing stuff” — Imran Khan
Localspeak: “I want to watch Ghajini simply because it’s an Aamir Khan film. His commitment levels are so high that the probability of producing quality work becomes higher. I am curious to see his growth as an artiste” — Bickram Ghosh
Film: Chandni Chowk to China
Look:
The crew cut hair along with the thin handlebar moustache gives Akshay a very funny look.
Plus:
Deepika Padukone is the new crown princess of Bollywood and her presence gives the film an edge over the Khan flicks.
The film promises the original khiladi Akshay Kumar with a whole lot of daredevil stunts and action setpieces.
Co-producers Warner Brothers will go big to give the film an international presence.
Minus:
Director Nikhil Advani’s last outing was the three-and-a-half hour sleepathon Salaam-e-Ishq.
A large part of the film has been in the cans because chunks needed to be reshot.
Action and comedy usually don’t mix well.
Worst-kept secret: Deepika has a double role in the film.
Watch out for: Mithun Chakraborty in a very special cameo.
Industryspeak: “Akshay Kumar is the biggest superstar in the country and to do a solo heroine film with him is very special. I am sure Chandni Chowk to China will be very big” — Deepika Padukone
Localspeak: “I want to watch the film because it will reveal the ordeal Akshay had to go through to reach where he is today. Aamir’s muscles haven’t brought about any hormonal change in me and I give two hoots about Shah Rukh’s moustache” — Mir
Film: Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
Look:
Moustache, side-parted hair, thick glasses, loose belt, sneakers. This is a Shah Rukh Khan we have never seen before, a look which even draws comparisons with Amol Palekar.
Plus:
Aditya Chopra’s first film in eight years.
Aditya and SRK created Bollywood history with Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge in 2005.
The last Yash Raj-SRK film was the pathbreaking Chak De! India.
Minus:
New heroine, model Anushka Sharma is 24 years younger to Shah Rukh.
Yash Raj Films has had a pretty pedestrian run in the recent past — Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, Aaja Nachle, Tashan, Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic have all bombed.
Music director duo Salim-Sulaiman haven’t yet delivered a chartbusting romantic soundtrack.
Worst-kept secret : Shah Rukh has a double role in the film.
Watch out for: Kajol in a special appearance.
Industryspeak: “I am really looking forward to see Rab Ne... I think it will be a grand cinematic event to have a Shah Rukh-Adi film again” — Farah Khan
Localspeak: “I am a diehard Shah Rukh Khan fan. Aamir is a great actor and I have loved Akshay’s comedy in the last few films but given a choice it has to be SRK. And when it’s an SRK-Aditya Chopra combo, it has to be Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi” — June
Read More ...
South actress Kaveri Jha may not have made her presence felt much with her film ‘Hijack’ opposite Shiney Ahuja, but the girl has definitely impressed at least some of the makers. So, Kaveri has been signed for ‘Bum Bum Bole’ directed by Priyadarshan.
The film is an adaptation of the hit Iranian film ‘Children of Heaven’ and has Darsheel Safary in the lead. The film also stars Atul Kulkarni who will play Darsheel’s father and Rituparna Sengupta, who will play his mother. Kaveri has been signed to play the role of Atul’s sister.News has it that the film runs on two parallels, one that deals with Darsheel and his faith in God, while the second is about the relationship between Kaveri and Atul. Priyadarshan is so excited about this project that he has kept his comedy ‘De Dana Dan’ on hold for the time being till this one gets completed.
Read More ...
Akshay Kumar who charged Rs 1.5 crore per episode for the reality show Fear Factor Khatron Ke Khiladi, is now planning its second season. It is alledged that Akshay will be increasing his price to Rs 2.5 crores per episode. This is more than what Shah Rukh Khan charged for Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez Hain and what Salman Khan got for 10 Ka Dum.
A source says, "The channel which hosted the first series approached Akshay for his approval of the second season of Khatron Ke Khiladi. But after the successful run of the show, the the actor has demanded a hike in his price. He wanted a hike to Rs 2.5 crores per episode. Incidentally, Sallu had been booked for Rs 89 crores for 104 episodes of 10 Ka Dum. Akshay has been running the price race pretty arduously and is now closing in on the two Khans.
Our source adds, "The producers, Endemol and the channel Colors are deciding the location of the second season. The shoot is tentatively scheduled for next month. Akshay's first priority is his films, so only once he is done with his movie schedule, will he start shooting for the show.
Commenting on the contestants and format of the second season, our source says, "This time the viewers will see both male and female contestants on the show. The producers are contemplating having celebrities as well as the general public as contestants. Right now things are at the nascent stage and there is possibility of last minute changes."
When contacted, Akshay�s manager Lokesh Bali said, "Akshay has given his nod to this second season of the show but I can�t reveal the details as yet. Nothing has been decided. Akshay is extremely kicked about the whole thing since Fear Factor is all about daredevilry and Akshay simply loves that. Things will start rolling in a month. Right now he is busy completing his shooting assignments in Cape Town. Once he gets back, you will receive the details."
