Feel unfortunate to be out of ‘Bajirao Mastani’: Salman Khan

Superstar Salman Khan says it is unfortunate that he could not be a part of filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming magnum opus “Bajirao Mastani”. Over the years, the film has gone through several cast changes. Bhansali had initially announced to make this period drama with Salman and Aishwarya Rai but the break-up of the rumoured couple hurt the project.

Later, stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Hrithik Roshan were rumoured to have been cast in the project before Ranveer Singh was finalised as protagonist Bajirao.

As for the female lead, talks were on with Kareena Kapoor but nothing materialised. Finally the casting woes ended with Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone stepping into the roles of Kashibai and Mastani (Bajirao’s first and second wife respectively) in epic Indian romance.

“I feel unfortunate to not be part of ‘Bajirao Mastani’. I had to be part of “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo”. I have heard the script..it is a very nice script,” Salman Khan said in an interview.

Salman Khan reveals that he and Kareena had even done a photoshoot for ‘Bajirao Mastani’ but later he could not proceed with the film. “Me and Kareena also did a photo session together. (Now) I have seen the promo of it (Bajirao Mastani) …it has been done on a large scale. I think all three -Ranveer, Priyanka and Deepika are amazing,” he added. ‘Bajirao Mastani’ is going to release on December 18.

Suriya will finish before Diwali

Actor Suriya is close on the heels of completing his upcoming film ‘24’, a sci-fi thriller directed by Vikram Kumar, which is produced by former’s home banner of 2D Entertainment. The film stars Samantha in lead role with some prominent actors performing significant characters. It is now heard from the film’s spokesperson that just 9 more days are pending for the complete shoot to wrap, but on pars the post-production works are simultaneously happening. The film’s musical score by AR Rahman is expected to be one of the major attractions and audio would be launched by end of November or in December with plans going on to release the movie on Pongal 2016.

Attack on Anurag Kashyap for ‘Bombay Velvet’ was personal: Dibakar Banerjee

Dibakar Banerjee feels the backlash that Anurag Kashyap faced for the failure of “Bombay Velvet” was unwarranted and stemmed from “jealousy”. When asked about the criticism soon after the release of “Bombay Velvet”, Dibakar said he was disgusted with the trolling that was directed at Kashyap. “There have been films that did not do well and were far wrose than ‘Bombay Velvet’ but they did not get this kind of cruelty… ‘Bombay Velvet’ did not work, ‘Byomkesh Bakshy’ did not work that well either. I read a bit of it and I was disgusted… It was extremely personal in nature and I think it comes from jealousy,” Dibakar told PTI. “Anurag is much more present in the media, it kind of created anti-incumbent effect. He is an emotional person, he does not hold back and what he has on his mind. That can get you enemies and they took it out in a personal manner. But nothing of that sort has happened to me.” The director-producer brought Kashyap onboard for a special web-series to promote his upcoming production “Titli” where they discussed about their first projects and the “naivety and foolishness” with which they made them. 

“There are certain risks that you take in making your kind of films, you never make too much money, you are never at the top of collection heap and never dream to reach there also.Your power does not come from money but the respect your films get. It can be tricky to live on respect but that’s the price you pay,” said Dibakar. The director said his strength comes from making movies that are not budget-driven. “‘Byomkesh Bakshy was the most ambitious film that I probably made but that was exactly one third of the budget of a typical Bollywood film. The audience is slowly building up but it is proportionate to the money these movies earn.” Dibakar assured “Byomkesh Bakshy” fans that he will be back with the second part of the detective thriller. “There will be a second film. We were building up the character of Byomkesh and now I will definitely try and make the part two because the story is not over yet. Me and Adi (Aditya Chopra) are definitely gung-ho about it. But it will not be the next project,” he said. The director is happy to see the growing presence of first time filmmakers in the country and is confident that they will continues to push boundaries. “Every year, there is a growing number of films and it is good. It will always be like this. The alternative never becomes mainstream and it should not, it disturbs the order. The alternative should provoke the mainstream to keep raising its bar. That’s what has happened in film industries all over the world.” 

‘Angry Indian Goddesses’ gets standing ovation at Rome film fest

Pan Nalin’s film “Angry Indian Goddesses” (AIG) received an eight-minute long standing ovation by the critics and reviewers at the Rome Film Festival. The director was overwhelmed by the response he got for the film. “Italian audience have been very generous to me and my movies, I have a special connection with this country as I often choose to come and write here. So tonight’s reaction reconfirms how universal ‘AIG’ is! It seems all women are connecting to ‘AIG’ almost all over the world,” Nalin said in a statement. The cast of “Angry Indian Goddesses” includes Sandhya Mridul, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Anushka Manchanda, Amrit Maghera, Rajshri Deshpande and Pavleen Gujral.
“Angry Indian Goddesses” follows the stories of seven girls. It narrates the tale of how Frieda, essayed by actress Sarah-Jane Dias, invites her closest girlfriends to Goa to announce her wedding, and it all turns into a wild bachelorette party.

No one turned Ram after watching ‘Ramayan’: Randeep Hooda

Randeep Hooda, who essayed Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma with arresting arrogance in “Rang Rasiya”, will soon be seen as the real-life notorious serial killer Charles Sobhraj in “Main Aur Charles”. While he says the ‘ Charles’ film does not glorify crime, the actor also stressed that watching films does not lead the youth to anything wrong. Known for his straightforward nature, Randeep remained to the point when he was asked if “Main Aur Charles” glorifies crime in any way. He said: “We have not glorified crime in the film. I don’t think the youth of the country take up the wrong path after watching movies. No one turned Ram after watching ‘Ramayan’, and nobody turned Gandhi after watching ‘Munnabhai M.B.B.S.’. So how come any one will turn into Charles after watching the film? The film is for entertainment…come and just get entertained.”

Randeep has worked hard for the film, and says Charles Sobhraj’s character is one that he has known since he was much younger. “We came to know about this man from the newspapers. When I was 10 or 12 years old, I heard about the name Sobhraj… since childhood, we knew this man is very glamorous. Amitabh Bachchan also benefited from him. The famous ‘Don’ movie dialogue “11 mulko ki police mujhe dhoondh rahi hai…’ was inspired from Charles Sobhraj’s life,” he added. Charles Sobhraj is currently in a jail in Nepal, having been convicted for his numerous brutal murders in the 1970s. He was even convicted and jailed in India from 1976 to 1997. His story is being brought alive on the big screen by director Prawaal Raman. The film will release on October 30.

Shah Rukh Khan thanks wife Gauri for love, patience on wedding anniversary

Shah Rukh Khan expressed his gratitude to wife Gauri for showing “love, patience and perseverance” to mark the couple’s 24 years of marriage. Shah Rukh, 49, tied the knot with Gauri, 45, in 1991 after eight years of courtship. The couple are parents to Ayan, 18, Suhana, 15, and two-year-old AbRam. The “Chennai Express” star took to Twitter to shower praise on Gauri. “Thanks for all your wishes. Bt Thanks is due to Gauri, for 32 yrs or Patience Perseverance Forgiveness love and three beautiful kids,” he wrote. 

Creating ‘Bajirao Mastani’ costumes challenge for Anju Modi

Anju Modi has added drama to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Bajirao Mastani” with her costumes. The designer says creating period attires for the historical love saga was not an easy task. “I wanted to be true to the script and demand of the characters. So, just reading the script was not enough. I had to understand the storyline and get to the bottom of it. There are three different characters for which I had to design,” Modi said here at an event. See pics: Deepika Padukone’s Royal Walk For Anju Modi’s Collection At BPFW The film’s track titled “Deewani Mastani” was launched at Day One of Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2015 here on Saturday in the presence of the forthcoming movie’s lead actress Deepika Padukone. Also read: Deepika Padukone walks the ramp for Anju Modi at Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2015 The movie, slated to release on December 18, brings forward a love story of Mastani, who was the second wife of Maratha Peshwa Bajirao I (played by Ranveer Singh). It also features Priyanka Chopra as Bajirao’s first wife, Kashibai.

Modi, who had designed for Bhansali’s “Goliyon Ki Rasleela – Ram Leela”, added: “They (protagonists) have different personalities, are very passionate, beautiful. So, it was a challenging role for me to understand each character and imbibe their personalities, qualities into the attires.”

Pokkiri director fails, but Charmi goes strong

Actress Charmi made her debut in Tamil cinema with STR in ‘Kadhal Azhivadhillai’ and later was a part of some Tamil movies, which didn’t get her good credits. Apparently, she travelled to Tollywood and with her glamorous appeal managed to steal everyone’s hearts. Recently she had forayed into the production venture titled ‘Jyothi Lakshmi’ that was directed by Puri Jagannath of Pokkiri fame, where she played the lead character. Disappointingly, the film didn’t perform well and yet not shattered by the results, Charmi has again decided to produce and act in a film. This time, it’s veteran actress Revathi wielding the megaphone and official announcements will be made shortly.

GV's 'Bruce Lee' begins!

Music Director turned-Hero GV Prakash who is riding high with back to back hits such as 'Darling' and 'Trisha Illana Nayanthara' is getting ready to shoot his upcoming film 'Bruce Lee'. Produced by Kenanya films, GV Prakash's 'Bruce Lee' will be directed by debutant Prashanth Pandiyaraj. The pooja of the film was held in Chennai this morning (12th October). The movie is billed as an comic thriller, and the director is looking out for a female lead in the film.

Uppu Karuvaadu is fourth in two years

It’s always a difficult task to make films based on moviemaking drama. There were times, when this genre was reluctant among the makers and even when made it was something like a serious theme, but now it has gradually turned into humorous zone. In the past two years nearly, three films have been already done on this concept that includes Jigarthanda and Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam followed by recent release Masala Padam. Director Radha Mohan, maker of many entertainers like Mozhi, Azhagiya Theeye, Abhiyum Naanum and Payanam has now come up with Uppu Karuvaadu, which again is based on the same theme. Coincidentally, Radha Mohan’s previous films like Mozhi, Azhagiye Theeye, Payanam and Vellithirai directly or indirectly had a character from showbiz as actors or technicians.

Puli cameraman signs a Travelogue

Cinematographer-actor Natty shot to fame for his wonderful performance in Sathuranga Vettai, which gained him immense. In spite of getting many big offers, he kept resisting them and instantly chose to handle cinematography for Vijay’s recent release ‘Puli. He had recently happened to hear an one line from newcomer Taj and was instantly impressed. The actor will be soon working on this project, which is based on a travel story and the makers are keen signing Raai Laxmi for the female lead. Right now, the actress is busy shooting for the Hindi remake of ‘Mouna Guru’ that stars Sonakshi Sinha in lead role. It looks like the shooting will commence by end of December.

Threatening calls, Vishal lodges complaint

Actor Vishal has been vigorously involved in the campaigning of Nadigar Sangam elections and is contending with Sarath Kumar team. With all such happenings moving on full swing, Vishal has now lodged a complaint towards police for some anonymous life threatening phone calls. The actor residing at T Block in Anna Nagar has now lodged the complaint asking for special protection at his residence and office. Moreover, he has submitted the phone numbers that had threatened him with calls and the police are already processing the procedures to trap the culprit. The police department has indeed offered special police security for his office and residence as well.

Race heads-up between both V's

The latest buzz about the Ktown is that,'Naanum Rowdy Thaan' a romantic tale starring Vijay Sethupathi and Nayantara in lead roles, which is produced by Dhanush's Wunderbar Films will hit screen on October 21. The first look teaser of the film along with the single track composed by Anirudh has made a great impact on YouTube and all online portals. Meanwhile, Vikram- Samantha's action thriller '10 Endradhukulla' directed by Vijay Milton is also set to release on the same day. Interestingly Sivakathikeyan's pending 'Rajini Murugan' is also expected to be released on 21st of October.

A peek at Shah Rukh Khan’s son AbRam’s shoe collection

No matter how busy he is or which part of the world he’s shooting in, doting dad Shah Rukh Khan does not shy away from updating his fans about little tidbits from the lives of his children – Aryan, Suhana and li’l AbRam. SRK, who is currently neck-deep with filming for Rohit Shetty’s ‘Dilwale’, shared an adorable picture of his youngest son, AbRams’s shoe collection. 

And what a collection it is! AbRam is one lucky lad with different pairs of crocs, sandals, sports shoes, converse sneakers and even metallic tipped shoes to choose from. AbRam, who turned two in May, is constantly making headlines and already seems to have quite a fan following.

AbRam was recently seen going for a spin with ‘Dilwale’ director, Rohit Shetty in a swanky car. Shah Rukh Khan will be seen reuniting with one of his most successful pairings, Kajol in ‘Dilwale. The film also stars Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon.

We’re not villains; there’s heart in industry as well: Amitabh Bachchan

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan says the entertainment industry has come out in support of the society every time they were asked to as they are just like common people and are not “villains”. Asked whether he would like to do something for the distressed farmers of the country just like Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar and Nana Patekar did, the “Piku” star, who turned 73 on Sunday, said at the launch of his new show “Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi”: “I know that the film industry is often brought into prominence and is criticised for keeping away from such things, but that is not true”.

“We are perhaps the first industry that always comes forward whenever there is any kind of a national distress situation or a calamity,” he added. Big B also said reminisced the time when the industry would unite to support the needy. “From the early years in the 1960s perhaps you have not witnessed the kind of participation the industry used to have. The entire industry, like about 400-500 of us, used to go out on the streets and used to perform and collect money and send it to distressed areas,” he recalled. “We used to play celebrity matches and it still happens. There are many people who are doing it. We are all not villains; there is a heart in the industry as well,” he added. However, Amitabh shared that he has not much talked about his social efforts in public as he does not feel “comfortable” doing so. “I deliberately never talked about this, because I don’t feel comfortable talking about whatever work I do. But it’s become very difficult to keep away from such matters because now the information media is so strong that questions keep arising unlike past years,” he explained. “Actually, I’ve been working on this since last eight-nine years. I was visiting some region in certain part of the country and I read in the papers that farmers were committing suicide because they couldn’t pay Rs.5000,” he added. Big B said he collected about “50 farmers who were on the verge of committing suicide and I paid back their money and saved them”. “It is something I don’t feel comfortable talking about, but yes if there is a question asked to what have you done, then I’m going to defend myself. But if whenever there is any need, I’ll always come forward,” he added. “Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi”, which will be aired on Star Plus starting October 18, will be Amitabh’s fourth TV show after “Kaun Banega Crorepati”, “Bigg Boss 3” and “Yudh”.

‘Mirziya’ actress Saiyami Kher lands important role in Mani Ratnam’s next

‘Mirziya’ actress Saiyami Kher, who was last seen in Telugu film “Reya, has reportedly bagged a role in ace filmmaker Mani Ratnam’s next yet-untitled Tamil-Telugu bilingual, which features Karthi and Nani in the lead. “Saiyami is not playing the second lead, but she has been roped in for a brief role. Nothing more is known about her role as of now,” a source from the film’s unit told IANS. Ratnam’s project, which features Nithya Menon as the female lead, has gone through lot of changes in the last couple of months. The project was initially planned as a Tamil revenge drama and was slated to go on the floors this December. Last month Ratnam decided to make it as a bilingual and pushed the film to next year, forcing actor Dulquer Salmaan, who was earlier roped in to play the lead, to walk out of the project. Telugu actor Nani replaced Dulquer. The latest update is that actress Keerthy Suresh has quit the project too. “Keerthy was to play one of the female leads. She met Ratnam last week and conveyed her decision to exit the project and he respected it,” the source said. The film will have music by A.R Rahman and Ravi Varman will crank the camera.

Everyday I see shortcomings in me: Amitabh Bachchan

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan celebrated his 73rd birthday with aplomb. Since early morning, a sea of humanity lined outside his three palatial bungalows in Juhu to wish Big B. Fans belonging to all age groups thronged the residence just to get a glimpse of Big B. And the superstar sure didn’t disappoint and took time out to meet and greet his fans. 

As always, Big B also kept his appointment with the media. Walking like a trail blazer while the tunes of Main Hoon Don played in the background, Big B made quite a superstar entry that he is known for. And the actor was modesty personified when asked about the gifts received on his birthday. Amitabh downplayed material comforts and said that it is the love of the family that matters the most.

Our intention was to humanise the tragedy: Vishal Bhardwaj on ‘Talvar’

The human tragedy at the centre of Aarushi-Hemraj murder case attracted Vishal Bhardwaj to write “Talvar” as the director wanted to bring out the “absurdity of the system” through the real-life inspired film. 50-year-old Bhardwaj, who penned the script and served as the co-producer on the Meghna Gulzar-directed movie, says they were careful to avoid sensationalism while telling the tragic story. “The intention of the people behind this was not to sensationalise it but to humanise the story because it is a human tragedy. It is a very disastrous case where one agency has two versions and both the officers were honest, honourable and known for their investigation,” Bhardwaj told PTI in an interview over phone from Mumbai. “It was very important for us to present this to the audience because it is a deep-rooted human conflict.” The movie has garnered critical praise for its taut narrative where the different versions of the 2008 case have been treated sensitively, while deftly avoiding the sensational elements that hit headlines. 

While fairly presenting different versions of the investigation, the film does tilt in the favour of Aarushi’s parents — Rajesh and Nupur Talwar, who were convicted in the double murder case. “Why the parents should be punished for police botch up? The CBI teams had two versions. There was not enough evidence against either party (the parents or the servants who were questioned initially). I am not saying that the parents are innocent or guilty but as an artiste it is our duty to bring out the injustice.” The film is replete with a lot of black humour, something that Bhardwaj says was inherent in the story despite its very tragic tone. “That was intentional. You feel bad after laughing because that was not the point to laugh. It was important to bring out the absurdity of the system and the procedure.” The director has a propensity for dark themes that are visible in his brilliant adaptations of the three Shakespearean tragedies in “Maqbool”, “Omkara” and “Haider”. Bhardwaj says he likes to explore such stories in his movies. “You make a film about the things you are interested in. Filmmaking is a very tedious job, you don’t want to give one and half years of your life to things which you don’t like.” Bhardwaj’s next film as a director is “Rangoon”, starring Saif Ali Khan, Kangana Ranaut and Shahid Kapoor. The movie is a love-triangle set in the backdrop of second World War.

Kangana Ranaut is one of the finest actresses: Vishal Bhardwaj

Director Vishal Bhardwaj is collaborating with Kangana Ranaut in his period drama “Rangoon”, and he says she is one of the finest actresses in Bollywood today. Kangana stars alongside Saif Ali Khan and Shahid Kapoor in the period love-triangle. While Bhardwaj has worked with Saif in “Omkara” and Shahid in “Kaminey” and “Haider”, he is working with the “Queen” star for the first time. “Kangana is one of the finest actresses that we have in the industry today. I always want to work with fine actors. I want to work with people like Irrfan and Kangana because they are such great actors,” Bhardwaj told PTI. Both Saif and Shahid have given their career’s best performance in Bhardwaj’s films and the director is confident that they will be great in “Rangoon” as well. “They suit their roles and I like them a lot,” he added. Bhardwaj will start working on “Rangoon” sometime around mid-November but the director denies that it is inspired by “Casablanca”. “It is a period film, during the World War II in the 1940s. Like ‘Casablanca’ it is a love-triangle but it is in no way inspired or adapted from any film. It is an original work.” 

Victoria Beckham dismisses marriage trouble rumours

Singer-fashion designer Victoria Beckham has hit back at the recent claims of trouble in her relationship with husband David Beckham, insisting they have “nothing to prove”. Victoria, 41, said the couple’s 16-year-marriage is stronger than ever despite sometimes being apart due to their busy schedules, reported Daily Mirror. “I am blessed to have a wonderful husband and beautiful, healthy, happy children. Yes, we travel a lot with our respective business and charitable commitments, but we always make time for each other as a couple and as a family.

“David and I have nothing to prove. We love each other, we look out for each other and are strong as both partners and parents,” she said. The loved-up couple have sons Brooklyn, 16, Romeo, 13, Cruz, 10 and four-year-old daughter Harper.

I’m not ‘defined’ by social media: Anne Hathaway

Academy Award-winning actress Anne Hathaway does not want her life to be “defined” by social media. Hathaway, 32, said she is not addicted to the likes of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram like most of her generation, reported Female First.

“I’m not as much into it as a lot of other people – particularly other millennials. I’m not as into it, my life isn’t as defined by it. But it’s the world now so I want to be familiar.” 

Tom Hanks would officiate more weddings if the fee is right

Academy-award winning actor Tom Hanks has joked he is ready to officiate more weddings if people can “afford the fee”. The “Captain Phillips” star oversaw the secret wedding of “Girls” actress Allison Williams and her entrepreneur beau Ricky Van Veen last month, reported New York Daily News. Asked if he would be up for marrying another couple, Hanks joked, “If people can afford the fee!” The 59-year-old actor took a course to be ordained for the ceremony at the luxury Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga, Wyoming, which means he is now “available for weddings.” Hanks had earlier said, “I studied the divinity. I studied as a minister for nearly USD 35. Out of that I have a certificate that makes me available for weddings.”

Steven Spielberg wants to venture into romantic comedy

Steven Spielberg has expressed an unlikely interest in shooting a romantic comedy with Tom Hanks. The frequent collaborators first teamed up for 1998’s “Saving Private Ryan” and they are currently promoting their fourth project together, “Cold War thriller Bridge of Spies”, reported Time. However, Spielberg, 68, said he would like to take a break from dramas and tackle a whole new film genre after branding Hanks’ 1993 classic “Sleepless in Seattle”. “One of the films that I just think is one of the best things Tom has ever done, is Sleepless in Seattle,” he told US breakfast show “Good Morning America”. “I’ve never made a movie like that before; I would love to do a movie like that with this guy.” 

The pair’s other movies include 2002’s “Catch Me If You Can” and 2004 comedy-drama “The Terminal”. The moviemaker said working with Hanks is always a delight because the actor is such a chameleon. “For me, everything that Tom does is a surprise to me because I don’t recognize him.”

‘The Martian’ skyrockets on Twitter after Mars discovery

Ridley Scott-directed “The Martian” recorded a spike in Twitter mentions after media reports came out about the discovery of water on Mars. The space saga, starring Matt Damon, received a boost from the Mars reports with users on the mircro-blogging site talking about the movie, reported The Wrap. Prior to the news, “The Martians” was mentioned in 10,733 tweets but after the reports broke, the number of mentions sky-rocketed to 29,894. The number then peaked at 38,979 and dropped back to a still-high 29,689. By comparison, another sci-fi space saga Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar” was mentioned in 5,990 tweets two days before its release. “The Martian” is based on Andy Weir’s science-fiction novel about an American astronaut (played by Damon) who is stranded on Mars and uses his scientific knowledge to survive. 

Jim Carrey visits late girlfriend Cathriona White’s house

Days after Cathriona White’s apparent suicide, Jim Carrey has been spotted visiting the house where she was found dead. The funny man, 53, was photographed leaving her Sherman Oaks property in a car. He was spotted bowing his head in the back seat of a car and avoiding to be caught on camera by covering himself with a stack of boxes, reported Ace Showbiz. It is reported that Lisa, her mother and stepmother, traveled to Los Angeles earlier that day in order to make arrangements to bring White’s body back home to Ireland and be laid to rest by her father. There has yet word regarding funeral arrangements.

Celebrity is the new religion: Andrew Garfield

“Spider-Man” star Andrew Garfield says he struggles to find a balance when it comes to his life and the fame that comes as an actor. In an Interview with New York magazine, the British actor said he wants to make a difference in the world though it may sound cheesy. “My priority is the work, and the work is dependent on people not knowing very much about me. So where’s the balance? Where’s the line that I have to walk, and we all have to walk? Because I do want to make a difference in the world, I really do, and that’s a really cheesy thing to want,” the actor said. Garfield said that he feels that he’s “not accepted” in today’s culture which makes you feel inadequate. “We’re only accepted if we are… well, name it. White, handsome, charming, charismatic, thin-enough eyebrows to be beautiful, but thick enough to still be masculine. We are told constantly we’re not enough, we’re told constantly we don’t have enough, we’re told constantly that we’ll never be enough.” The 32-year-old actor said he has his own set of problems and feels ” insecure, and scared, and don’t really know who I am.” “Celebrity is the new religion, as far as I can see, along with money, power, status. It’s all the same umbrella—the seductive forces of evil, really.”

New Zealand director Taika Waititi to helm ‘Thor 3’

Taika Waititi, who co-wrote and co-directed the vampire spoof “What We Do In the Shadows”, is in negotiations to direct the third instalment of Marvel’s Thor movies, titled “Thor: Ragnarok”. Chris Hemsworth is reprising his role of the Norse God of thunder. The 40-year-old New Zealander’s emergence as the choice for the director is courtesy a round of intense meetings that took place over the last month, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Ruben Fleischer, Rob Letterman and Rawson Marshall Thurber were the other directors that were finalists for the gig. Waititi is best known for his comedic work, co-starring with Jemaine Clement in “What We Do In the Shadows”, the well-regarded vampire parody that debuted at Sundance Film Festival.

He was nominated for an Academy Award for his 2004 short film “Two Cars, One Night”. He wrote and directed episodes of “Flight of the Conchords” and is a writer on Disney’s upcoming animated feature “Moana”, which will star Dwayne Johnson. “Thor: Ragnarok” will become Waititi’s biggest mainstream venture till date, if the deal is signed. While Waititi, famous for romantic-comedy features and series, may not look like the obvious choice for a movie such as a “Thor” instalment, the kind of outside-of-the-box thinking behind hires like Waititi’s has served Marvel well. The studio tapped comedy directors Joe and Anthony Russo for “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”, a move that turned out so well that the brothers not only directed the third Captain America movie, they are now working on the new Avengers outings. “Guardians of the Galaxy” director James Gunn is another example of someone from the fringes that Marvel brought into the majors.

‘The Martian’ estimated to mint $50 million over weekend

Filmmaker Ridley Scott’s film “The Martian” minted $18 million on its opening day, and it’s likely mint an estimated $50 million over the weekend, according to 20th Century Fox Pictures, reports variety.com. The film released on Friday. “The Martian” is based on Andy Weir’s eponymous 2011 novel and adapted for the screen by Drew Goddard. It’s a science fiction entertainer Featuring actor Matt Damon as a stranded astronaut attempting to survive alone on Mars, the film released in 3,826 locations, and was made on a budget of $109 million.

It also features actors Jessica Chastain, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Jeff Daniels. “Hotel Transylvania 2,” which topped the box office last weekend with $48.5 million, is expected to incur $28 million for Sony Pictures.

Aishwarya Rai is nervous

Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai seems to be nervous before the release of Jazbaa. She is returning to the silver screen after a hiatus of five years.

Talking of her experience she said, “I guess I’m feeling nervous now as everyone is looking forward to the film. October is not far away. Not much time is left for release. We had a good time making Jazbaa, and as I have said before, it is wonderful working with Sanjay. I haven’t seen the final movie yet. So let’s see, we are looking forward to it,” she added

In Jazbaa, Aishwarya plays an advocate, while Irrfan Khan plays a tough policeman. The film’s trailer gives a sneak peek into the power-packed performances by the cast members.

What is the problem with Sivakarthikeyan and Shruti Haasan?

Actor Sivakarthikeyan was on his way to Tiruchendur to attend a function along with actors Kamal Haasan and Hansika Motwani. He has being attacked by people, alleged to be fans of Kamal Haasan, at the Madurai airport.

The fans of Kamal allegedly abused him for acting in a film ‘Rajini Murugan’ that apparently glorifies Superstar Rajinikanth, who they consider as a rival of Kamal Haasan. But now the rumour is different.

In an interview with Sivakarthikeyan when asked whether he is acting in a next film with Kamal’s daughter Shruti. Instead of saying yes/no, he made a negitive comment against Shruti which has lead to this attack by the fans of Kamal Haasan.

‘Mastizaade’ director Milap Zaveri excited about its release in December

Earlier it was reported that the sex comedy was awaiting certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) because of its bold content and hence, the movie was not cleared for release in May.

Writer-filmmaker Milap Zaveri is looking forward to the release of his sex comedy “Mastizaade” on December 4. “4th December is a wonderful day! My wife @zgouri (Gouri Zaveri) was born on that day and now #Mastizaade releasing in (on the) same date,” Milap tweeted on Wednesday. 

People love me for making them laugh: Kapil Sharma

Kapil Sharma, who is making his acting debut with the film "Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon", says he is venturing into Bollywood with a comedy film because people love him for spreading laughter. Comedian Kapil Sharma, who is making his acting debut with the film “Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon”, says he is venturing into Bollywood with a comedy film because people love him for spreading laughter. Kapil was in the capital on Tuesday for a promotional event for his film. When asked that at a time when movies with realistic themes are finding fans, where do comedy films stand, Kapil told IANS: “If you talk about realistic films…there are many films with such concepts and there are many films that have been made in the concept of social issues…But, everyone wants to laugh in today’s date. 

Bollywood villain Prem Chopra turns 80: Some iconic dialogues by the veteran actor

Of the many actors who came and showed their villainous streak on screen, Prem Chopra, and by the sheer noise of his name, holds a different and distinct place. Today when the veteran actor turns 80, we bring to you a list of few of the most entertaining dialogues said by him. 1. Prem naam hai mera… Prem Chopra! Everybody in the world came to know of the villain by the name of Prem Chopra after Raj Kapoor’s ‘Bobby’. 

2. Main woh balaa hoon, jo sheeshey se patthar ko todta hoon. The tension in the love triangle of the 1983 movie ‘Souten’ were enhanced by the baddie, played by Prem Chopra., seemingly obsessed with glasses we guess. 3. Jinke ghar sheeshey ke hotey hain, woh batti bujhaakar kapdey badaltey hain Another classic from ‘Souten’, redefining Prem Chopra’s obsession with glasses. 4. Kar bhalaa toh ho bhalaa The negative hues of Chopra’s character were raised a million times with the ironic way he just used to mouth these lines in the 1994 movie ‘Raja Babu’. 5. Baat jab apni maut par aati hai na, toh saari khidkiyaan khul jaati hain A famous dialogue from the movie ‘Doodh Ka Karz’ (1990). Rightly said, Mr Chopra. 6. Main jo aag lagaata hoon, usey bujhaana bhi jaanta hoon Asha Parekh couln’t help but shed her tears, when Prem Chopra said these line in ‘Kati Patang’ (1970). 7. Agar opposition janta ko bhaashan deti hai, toh hum janta ko raashan dengey. What do you know, Prem Chopra was the real ‘Khiladi’ in the 1992 release. 8. Nanga nahaayega kya, aur nichodega kya Once again, rightly said. Mr Pitambar from Govinda starrer ‘Dulhe Raja’ couldn’t be