Hiten Gauri Out of Nach Baliye 2- A Gloomy Farewell

“Dil Ding Dong Ding Bole”…of course Gauri and Hiten danced for the song but when the results came the audience were dancing and singing the song. Gauri- Hiten managed to come till the quarters because of their huge popularity but I swear it was unbearable to see then dance! Kya pakate the boss!But Hiten made it sure that he gets some clap for his words at the end. I sure like the jodi for the dramas they are popular for.

As the competition gets groovy, one couple stands above all the other performers Hussain and Tina…I seriously believe Nach Baliye 2 is now a cakewalk for them. Harshal Vitthal rocked the stage with their shadow dance on Humdum Soniyoo re and were awarded the trophy for best choreographers…Masterji also presented them a silver chain with a whistle:-)

Siddharth - The Prisoner

Just released from prison, Siddharth Roy (Rajat Kapoor), a once famous writer, completes a new manuscript.

He re-engages with the outside world, hoping that the new book will restore his reputation and also reconcile him with his estranged wife, Maya.

Fate has other plans for Roy, when his briefcase gets exchanged at a cyber café with a similar briefcase containing a large sum of money. Roy looses the only copy of his new manuscript, while Mohan, the cyber café manager, comes under pressure from mob bosses to recover the lost money.

In the midst of growing despair about the lost manuscript, Roy is reconciled with his three year old son through a scheming housemaid.

Unable to find happiness in the money he has found Roy begins to desire the custody of his son. Meanwhile the pressure mounts on Mohan as he looses his job and is forced to go into hiding from the mob. He must find Roy and money at any cost.

Based on the ancient text of the Rig Veda, the film explores the theme of renunciation (of desire) as the true path to enlightenment and freedom.

Teree Sang

Maahi, (Sheena) the only child of the 'Puri' family is a sweet & bubbly 15 year old Delhi girl. She belongs to a prosperous family and has the best of material comforts and education.

While Kabir is a 17 year old typical teenager, - aspiring, arrogantly negligent, clueless and rebellious, unreasonably demanding, loving yet not romantic, suppressed yet self-assured. He comes from a family that's at the lower end of society yet beautifully bonded.

Like most youngsters Maahi and Kabir become friends. While Maahi loves the small town - suburban life style of Kabir's family, Kabir finds the urban, up market life style that Maahi is living exciting.

As the relationship grows, so does the intimacy. On a camping trip on New Year's Eve, after just getting a little tipsy - the young couple in all their innocence give in to their hormonal drives & Maahi gets pregnant.

What follows is a journey of accepting one's mistakes & owning up to it, a tale of courage & determination. It's a cry for help by those numerous Kidult couples that have & are facing such a dilemma in their lives at this very moment.

It's an attempt to bring to light an issue... teenage pregnancy... which is rampant & is growing exponentially in the current Indian society - modern & rural.

Billu Barber

By Taran Adarsh

Rating: ***1/2

Priyadarshan is synonymous with ha-ha-thons, but the talented storyteller has been equally proficient while handling intense dramas like SAZA-E-KALA PANI, GARDISH and VIRASAT. Like VIRASAT and MALAMAAL WEEKLY, Billu, the accomplished director's new outing, is also set in a hamlet.

Although the story has been attempted in Malayalam (KADHA PARAYUMBOL) and Tamil (KUSELAN) earlier, the story actually takes its inspiration from the legendary friendship between Lord Krishna and Sudama. In this case, the story talks of the friendship between a superstar and an ordinary mortal who runs a salon.

Billu is a simple story about simple people, told in the most simplistic manner. There's a generous dose of glamour as well, given the fact that the protagonist's friend happens to be a superstar, but what actually works for the film is the simpleton's story. He wages a daily battle to make ends meet.

Although the film is engaging, Priyadarshan reserves the best for the finale this time, when the superstar reminisces about his childhood friend and the deep bond that they shared. The end is remarkable and is sure to strike a chord with all sections of moviegoers.

Final word? Billu is amongst Priyadarshan's finest works. And also Irrfan and SRK's. This tale of friendship is sure to steal your heart!

Billu tells the story of a simple ordinary man, Bilas Rao Pardesi (Irrfan Khan), living in a small town with his wife Bindiya (Lara Dutta) and two kids. His life undergoes a drastic change as superstar Sahir Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) visits the village for a film shoot. Everything changes. Things go from good to bad to worse to good again.

Ten minutes into the film and you get absorbed into Billu's small world. The salon is in bad shape, the family is facing tough times, the neighbours and acquaintances are fair-weather friends... Billu's life gets grim with each passing day.

The story takes an interesting turn when Billu's life collides with the superstar's. And the assorted characters -- right from an aspiring poet/lyricist (Rajpal Yadav), to a stingy money lender (Om Puri), to the principal of the school (Rasika Joshi) -- everyone wants favours from Billu. These characters only make Billu more interesting.

SRK's track is equally fascinating and only spices up the proceedings. In fact, Priyadarshan has amalgamated the three songs (featuring SRK with Deepika, Priyanka and Kareena) in the narrative smartly. Not once do you feel that you're watching two stories concurrently.

The best part of the enterprise is its climax. The superstar recalls his humble beginning and how his friend stood by him in times of crisis. The writing is brilliant and SRK only takes the scene to greater heights with his terrific portrayal.

Priyadarshan is adept at handling relationships and with Billu, he proves he can handle emotions with as much flourish as comedy.

To tell a simple, uncomplicated story, without the usual frills, is an arduous task indeed and Priyadarshan tackles the material with remarkable ease. The humour here is subtle, not loud, and a constant smile remains on your face all through.

Mushtaq Shiekh and Priyadarshan's screenplay is foolproof. In fact, the writing never loses focus and the highs and the lows in Billu's life are sensitively penned by the duo. Manisha Korde's dialogues are simple, gelling with the mood of the film.

Pritam's music is energetic. The songs, promoted aggressively prior to the release, only get an impetus thanks to the presence of the three actresses.

'Mar Jaani' and 'Love Mera Hit Hit' are, of course, the pick of the lot. V. Manikandan's cinematography is top notch. The locales (Pollachi) are breath-taking.

In the recent years, Irrfan has emerged as a force to reckon with, his performances have appealed to all strata of moviegoers and his work in Billu will only cement his status as a remarkable actor. Shah Rukh Khan needs to be admired for two reasons.

The show belongs to Irrfan, although SRK could've forced himself in every scene.

Also, he has chosen to opt for a film that's not one of those run-of-the-mill types. In terms of performance, SRK shows his true potential towards the finale.

Lara Dutta springs a pleasant surprise. She goes through her part with complete understanding. Om Puri is excellent.

Rasika Joshi is too good. Rajpal Yadav is really funny in the penultimate scene, when he recites a film song of an SRK film. Asrani and Manoj Joshi are passable.

On the whole, Billu is a sweet-n-simple film that lingers in your memory even after the show has concluded.

The final 20 minutes are the highpoint of the enterprise and that elevates the status of the film to great heights. The film has the potential to grow with a strong word of mouth. Recommended... Take your family for this one!

Luck by Chance

Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Rishi Kapoor, Konkona Sen Sharma, Isha Sharwani, Dimple Kapadia, Juhi Chawla, Sanjay Kapoor, Aly Khan
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Music: Shankar, Eshaan & Loy
Producers: Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar
Director: Zoya Akhtar

Sona (Konkona) arrives in Bombay with dreams of becoming a film star. Wide eyed and ambitious, she does whatever it takes to make it. She lives on her own in a rented flat, spending her time with loyal friends whose lives are also entwined with Bollywood - each one of them in search of a bigger dream.

Vikram (Farhan) has just moved to the city, leaving the comforts of his parents' Delhi home. He is helped by Abhimanyu (Arjun Mathur), a friend working for a television station, who puts Vikram up during his initial struggle. Vikram is also used to getting what he wants and is smart enough to know when to demand it. Luck By Chance

Sona begins to enjoy Vikram's attention and affections. They soon develop a romantic relationship.

Rolly (Rishi kapoor) is a successful, though superstitious, producer who only works with the biggest stars. He's making a potential blockbuster, launching Nikki Khurana, the 18-year-old daughter of 70s superstar, Neena.

The hero of the film, Zaffar Khan (Hrithik) is Rolly's favourite superstar. He was launched by Rolly and went on to become a huge draw at the box office.

The wheels of fate continue to spin favourably for Vikram when havoc spreads on the sets of producer Rommy Rolly's new film. Vikram is called in for an audition and makes the most of his opportunity.

Whether he becomes a successful movie star or defeated in his desperate attempt, forms the crux of this colourful Hindi musical.

Veteran Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor will be seen as a film producer, while Juhi Chawla plays his wife. Dimple Kapadia will also be seen in a pivotal role.

A galaxy of Bollywood stars are said to make a special appearance in a song sequence very similar to the one in Om Shanti Om. These include Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Rani Mukerji, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan and Shilpa Shetty.

Zoya Aktar makes her directorial debut with Luck By Chance, while her brother, Farhan Aktar plays the lead.

The movie is predicted to take the box office by storm. This is mainly due to its unusual storyline, the use of Farhan Akhtar in the lead and the presence of a galaxy of stars in a special song sequence.

Deepika More Beautiful Than Angelina Jolie?

Deepika is more beautiful than Angelina Jolie… thats what Rob Cohen believes. Rob Cohen is the Hollywood director who directed films like The Witches of Eastwick and The Fast and the Furious.

After Danny Boyle’s success in India with Slumdog Millionaire, Cohen wants to make a film in India called the Jewel of India. A source reports, “The film will be made worldwide in Hollywood, Dubai and Bollywood and the plot revolves around the Kohinoor diamond, the magnificent jewel that may have been discovered in India as long as five thousand years ago and which now forms the centerpiece of the British Crown Jewels – or does it? The movie’s script begins with the tantalising suggestion the jewel that sits in the Tower of London is in fact a fake.”

The source adds, “In India last week, Rob spoke to potential cast members Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham on the male side – and on the female side, he also spoke to Katrina Kaif. But it appears to have been Deepika Padukone who has caught his attention even though he has yet to meet her.”

“I love Deepika Padukone!,” he exclaims, “I think one of the characters may be a dancer and we may find her in a club or something, which would incorporate some Bollywood dance sequences. I saw her in Chandni Chowk to China and I thought she was, in both characters, perfect. She’s gorgeous! I think she is more beautiful than Angelina Jolie,” Cohen is quoted saying.

The source also reports that the lead role has been discussed in principle with John Abraham.

“Though John has agreed in principle, to be part of the cast, the other details are still being worked out,” says a source, “The film is being made on a whopping 300 crores budget and will also have stars from Hollywood,” the source adds.

Bollywood Celebden Redcarpet Award Goes To…

We’ve zeroed in on ladies who looked their best at the event for the Bollywood Celebden Redcarpet Award. Who would you vote for? Any favorites?

Sallu’s Veer in trouble

Salman Khan starrer multi big budget flick Veer is in trouble as their location for flick Amber fort is causing problems for the whole flick.

A few days before the wall of the historical fort collapsed resulting in few people being injured, which made the Rajasthan High Court to intervene into the matters and stop the shooting. Now rumors are abuzz that the film unit and Fort workers brought animals into the fort and even drove some wooden blocks into the walls of the fort which is strictly against the regulations of the fort.

However a unit member says, , “I’m surprised to see the reports. While erecting the sets, we have left an inch’s distance from the historical structure, and wherever touching the heritage building is unavoidable, we have used carpets to make sure that the fort doesn’t get damaged. The work is going on under the supervision of the engineers and the experts of the Amber Development Authority. While shooting at heritage spots, we also offer the services of our carpenters and other workers to lend a hand in repairs.”

Well we hope no more problems and troubles come in our Sallu’s and Veer’s way!!