With the animated dog’s-life feature “Roadside Romeo,” Bollywood continues its technological juggernaut. A co-production of Yash Raj Films and Walt Disney Pictures, “Romeo” is something new under the Indian sun: sophisticated computer-generated animation that uses stars to voice the characters. But craftsmanship and Disney aside, “Romeo” is very much a conventional Hindi movie with a small-guys-versus-gangsters plot, song-and-dance sequences and film references galore.

Romeo, a honey-colored pup living on the Mumbai streets, has the voice of Saif Ali Khan, and he’s a typical Khan character, a Westernized sweet-talker with a propensity to start every sentence with “Dude” and “O.K. guys.” His idea for financial uplift? Open a hair salon, which he does with his crew of Bollywood-savvy mutts. (The uninitiated needn’t worry; the subtitles let no reference go unparsed, as in “Imitating Shah Rukh Khan” after a line of dialogue.) Trouble occurs when the gang runs afoul of Charlie Anna (Jaaved Jaaferi), the big don dog, who loves Laila (Kareena Kapoor), the same fluffy white creature with dreadful pink eye shadow that Romeo adores.

Written and directed by Jugal Hansraj, “Roadside Romeo” may have its stars’ voices, but what it needs is their bodies. Perhaps Bollywood’s most ingratiating quality is how hard the actors work to entertain you: they dance, they cry, they risk appearing silly. The animated dogs in “Romeo” aren’t particularly appealing. They mostly walk on two legs and, unlike Disney characters, don’t wear anything beyond neck gear. They look oddly naked and move awkwardly, which flattens the dance sequences and keeps the film earthbound.

And for all the movie-making know-how on display, “Romeo” isn’t visually attractive, though there are some nice touches: a dingy, spit-splattered “No spitting sign”; a beautifully detailed train; and peeling movie posters with images of larger-than-life stars, reminding us of Bollywood’s true glory.

In a strategic move, hi-profile celebrities and real life lovers Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan will be performing their first solo show in Sharjah. The deal marks Kareena and Saif's venture into doing shows apart from films and endorsements together.

Bringing Kareena and Saif together for live performance was the brainwave of Morani brothers who are going to script and direct Jashan 2008 to be held at the Sharjah Stadium in Dubai.

"Kareena has a huge fan following in Dubai. So has Saif! When the Moranis approached them to come together for a show, the first of its kind, both, Kareena and Saif were thrilled! They agreed instantly," said a source.

The only other star to join the duo for the show will be Minnisha Lamba.

The three stars will make solo entries. Besides the solo acts, Kareena and Saif will be performing together too.

Saif Ali Khan is spotted with a frown these days. Pata hai kyon? No, he didn't have a fight with his lady love, Kareena. Things seem to be going fine for the couple. But, Saif's angry with his sis Soha. Reason?

Director: Vijay Krishna Acharya

Producer: Aditya Chopra

Banner: Yash Raj Films

Cast: Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor

Rating: ****

With Tashan's release, it seems like Yash Raj Films is beginning to find new ground.

After a string of boos and a Chak De! India in between, Yash Raj Films has dared to make something new and different.

It's just not love sagas and a few songs this time, it's all that and a lot more action and one helluva twisted plot. The film, though with many slips, is thoroughly engaging and entertaining. The vibrancy and spunk keeps it alive and loaded.

Bhaiyyaji (Anil Kapoor) wants to learn English to impress and a call centre executive and diction coach Jimmy (Saif Ali Khan) comes to his rescue. But convincing him to teach Bhaiyyaji was Pooja's (Kareena) job. A smart cookie, she manages well. Learning to fall in love with Pooja was not as difficult as teaching Bhaiyyaji to speak in English, for Jimmy. But where a smart cookie crumbles there lies deception.

What follows is the tale of deception, double crossing and more than one can imagine.

Somewhere caught between is an angry don and a deceived English tutor. Found on the way is Bachchan Pande (Akshay Kumar) who initially from the tracker and hitman becomes the tracked. Trailing through this is the complete package of love, memories, brilliant songs and heavy duty action.

To start with, the plot is interesting. Though it's a wee bit twisted, it is cleverly scripted. There isn't an overdose of anything and more or less things are to the point making the entire viewing experience fun, just as it is meant to be.

At this point one must commend the dialogue writer for the spunky and zesty dialogues that bring a smile to your face. The lines are not new, but the language is and so is the essence packed in it making it different and in a sense new.

Character development is another area that... s thoroughly laudable. There is great character build up that is relevant and not something that is done on a superficial level. Many might consider it superficial, however if one tries to look beyond the gloss and the glamour that the film offers in abundance, you see the character actually moving ahead with the story and growing stronger indicating change.

However saying it was perfect is unjustified, a lot of unnecessary delving is seen, which if avoided would have resulted in a much more crunchy and powerful film. Also the oration in the end comes across as a sermon, but this once you won't mind.

Filled with tons of colour and gloss the film is a visual treat. Sadly though the sloppy-in-parts editing does nothing to make it anymore rich or crisp. Aki Narula's clothes look fantastic, the textures and colours on display make your jaw drop with awe.

The music is great as well, though the same cannot be said about the choreography except for Dil Dance Maare, which is a rocker. Songs like Falak Tak and Dil Haara have the actors doing the most lifeless steps.

When it comes to acting, the film belongs solely to Akshay Kumar who has taken home the trophy. He is in full form in this film and delivers his best till date. His body language, diction and style is all true to the character. Anil Kapoor too delivers a noteworthy performance. He brings life to the lines and the character, which is hard to imagine someone else play. Kareena Kapoor looks ravishing but that's about it, pouts galore and some action scenes are all she delivers. Saif Ali Khan does well, but sadly the role does no justice to him. His usual magic fails to be seen in this film.

This film has action, drama, romance and helluva lot of comedy, if this ain't a power packed entertainer, it's hard to say what is.

Get out of home and watch it... it's solid entertainment.

The multiplexes have risen against Yash Raj Films yet again. The banner's new release, Tashan, has still not found a multiplex to be released in today. The film will, however, release in single screen theatres.

"We had a meeting with Yash Raj [representatives] yesterday but we could not resolve the problem," Vishal Anand, vice president, Fun Republic theatre, Mumbai, says. "But we hope that we will be amicably resolve this issue soon."

Though the exact details of revenue sharing are not known, multiplexes do not want to bow in front of Yash Raj -- or for that matter, any big production house -- every time their film releases.

Even Anees Bazme's Welcome was not 'welcomed' in multiplexes when it released. The film was screened only the day after, because of the same revenue sharing problem. Other films to get affected were Aamir Khan's [Images] Taare Zameen Par [Images] and Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodhaa Akbar. Read More ...

Saif Ali Khan is more excited about his forthcoming film Tashan than anything else right now. He is of the view that the film is set to transform him to the exclusive club of khans that include Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and our own Salman Khan.

A true Yash Raj movie it is sure to be shrouded in mystery till the directors and producers decide that it was time to open up to public about the film. Saif seems upbeat about the movie than anyone else. He says, “Tashan is something I'm looking forward to. It's a full on commercial entertainer, and a real roller-coaster ride which will appeal to everyone."

Saif is not the lone star in the movie. Akshay Kumar also appears in the lead role in the film and Saif is all praise for Akshay Kumar. And his lady love Kareena too is a part of the movie. It is notwithstanding the fact that the two do not have many roles together.

Saif is also very upbeat about Kareena Kapoor.

According to friends of both, he has never been more committed in a relationship. Marriage is definitely on the cards.

A close friend said: "There's a kind of fierce and single-minded determination in Saif to make this relationship work for keeps. And it isn't a defiant determination to disprove the cynics who say it won't last. Saif doesn't give a damn about what people say. He has always gone by his gut feelings, regardless of others.

"Earlier, after Rosa left, there were whispers of Saif being involved with various ladies. Saif doesn't like the image of the Casanova at all. He thinks he's too grown up for it. He wants stability in his life and a relationship that's for keeps. He believes he has found it in Kareena. Come what may, Saif will make this relationship work."

Earlier, when the couple were together in Bangkok shooting for Kunal Kohli's film, Saif's co-star Rani Mukerji was privy to many sessions of his outpourings on his love.

Kareena and Saif then brought in the New Year in Hong Kong with Saif's two children.

Anil Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor at Wankhede Stadium, Sunday evening, April 20, in support of the 'Mumbai Indians'. Photo Credit: Sawf News

April 21, 2008 (Sawf News) - Tashan lead actors Anil Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan showed up at Wankhede Stadium, Sunday evening, April 20, in support of the 'Mumbai Indians'.

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan at Wankhede Stadium, Sunday evening, April 20, in support of the 'Mumbai Indians'. Photo Credit: Sawf News

Reliance Industries, which owns the Mumbai IPL team, have tied up with Tashan producers, Yash Raj Films, to promote their team.

The three Tashan stars ran a lap each to warm up the cheering crowds just before the start of the match.

Anil Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor at Wankhede Stadium, Sunday evening, April 20, in support of the 'Mumbai Indians'. Photo Credit: Sawf News

Anil Kapoor ran fast in a spirited performance, shouting through his mic egging the crowds to cheer for the Mumbai Indians.

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan at Wankhede Stadium, Sunday evening, April 20, in support of the 'Mumbai Indians'. Photo Credit: Sawf News

A heavily dolled up Kareena waved at the crowds as she jogged past, letting her ill fitting blue colored Mumbai Indians polo shirt ride up well above her waist, delighting everyone with the show of her flesh. She looked pretty sexy, with her flat stomach and low slung tight blue jeans. Her hair was pulled back and tied in a ponytail, bringing more focus to her signature raccoon eye makeup.

Saif Ali Khan with his son at Wankhede Stadium, Sunday evening, April 20, in support of the 'Mumbai Indians'. Photo Credit: Sawf News

Saif walked along with his son.

Akshay Kumar was a no show, perhaps because he is the brand ambassador of Delhi Dare Devils.

Simi Grewal and Neeta Ambani at Wankhede Stadium, Sunday evening, April 20, in support of the 'Mumbai Indians'. Photo Credit: Sawf News

Seated in the VIP area were Yashraj Chopra, Simi Grewal, Neeta and Mukesh Ambani.

The lovely Hum Tum pair, Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji, will be seen making onscreen magic once again — but later, rather than sooner. The film, directed by Kunal Kohli under the Yash Raj banner, has been completed and the producers are itching to unleash it. There’s just one small problem: The project remains untitled! Apparently, the entire team — including Kunal Kohli, lyricist Prasoon Joshi, even Saif and Rani — has been brainstorming for a suitable name, but haven’t zeroed in on any yet.

In fact, these title troubles have upset Yash Raj’s plan to release the film along with Tashan. Well, no name, no gain.

Incidentally, Tashan is also the first film from Aditya and Yash Chopra’s stables this year. However, unlike the action king, the Chopras have not had a very successful inning at the box office last year, what with a spate of films right from Aaja Nachle to Ta Ra Rum Pum Pum to Laaga Chunari Mein Daag to Jhoom Barabar Jhoom doing average business. Industry-wallahs insist that it was Akshay’s ‘Midas Touch’ at the box office that prompted the Chopras to sign him on for Tashan, but in a negative role. Now, whether Akki will be Adi’s ‘tashan’ or not, only time will tell.