Sunday, May 2

Gags that'll make you gag


That's right, the closing credits of Sajid Khan's [ Images ] latest film Housefull feature video from Sajid Nadiadwala's birthday party, complete with shots of cake, cast and crew assembled grinningly around the producer. It's an unbelievable new low, and trust Sajid Khan to hit it before anyone else does.

The film itself is just as distasteful. Just as you've stopped cringing at a typical farcical stereotype, another one comes along: the black baby makes way for the gay jokes, after which come pun-laden Sikhs Santa and Banta, all while people reassuringly tell their elder brothers things like 'oh, of course he's rich.' You get the drift.

The director of Heyy Babyy is an offensive humourist, and while there might not be anything wrong with that approach per se, he tries far too hard to forcibly inject consistently lame humour from every pore of his film. Watching Housefull is exhausting, above all else.

It's also a film starring Akshay Kumar [ Images ] surrounded by a parade of increasingly bad actors. The superstar occasionally (very very occasionally, maybe three times in total) deadpans a bad line and makes it shine, but around him is a festival of bad acting: led by Deepika Padukone [ Images ] of the miraculous legs and plasticky expressions, Jiah Khan [ Images ] who can't stop smiling, presumably at being in a film of this scale, Lara Dutta [ Images ] louder than ever, Chunky Pandey [ Images ] trying to play an Italian, and capped by Arjun Rampal [ Images ], whose scowling world-weariness reaches ridiculous heights as he grimaces to himself in a bubble bath.

To Kumar's credit, keeping a mostly-straight face in this monstrosity is quite a feat. The writing is abominable, the plot not worth a mention, and the generous helpings of syrupy melodrama around the 'comedy' plain unforgivable.

You may wonder if this film's a ripoff of any particular Hollywood DVD, but Sajid would probably say its his homage to Ben Stiller's [ Images ] worst films, picking plotpoints from Along Came Polly, The Heartbreak Kid and Meet The Parents.

Leave all that aside, however. Bad taste, plagiarism, lack of logic: none of these are impediments to an effective comedy.

Khan, however, seems to be daring us to enjoy this uneven film, serving us essentially a Priyadarshan [ Images ] farce, only replacing Paresh Rawal [ Images ], Rajpal Yadav [ Images ] and Asrani [ Images ] with people who look good in bikinis.

The funniest moment in the film -- and there are very, very few contenders -- comes when Riteish Deshmukh [ Images ], driven to hysterical giggles presumably by the sheer absurdity of it all, talks about a phone falling into a bathtub and joyfully puns on it, calling it having 'phone tub-ble.'

Yes, that is the film's finest moment -- not particularly hard to believe when two grown men slap around a father-figure with great gusto, over and over again in the hope that there will be laughter. Well, when they aren't slapping a monkey, anyway.

On the Akshay Kumar filmography, this film deserves pride of place right between Chandni Chowk To China and Kambakkht Ishq. Kumar's paid dozens of crores for this shtick, but what's your excuse for watching?

HC stays use of Lawaris song in Housefull


CommentThe Calcutta High Court restrained the use of the 1981 hit song Apne to jayse tayse from Amitabh Bachchan [ Images ] starrer Lawaris in the Sajid Khan [ Images ] directed Housefull, which premiered on Friday.

In an interim stay till June 2, Justice Nadira Patherya on Friday restrained producer Sajid Nadiadwala from the cinematic use of the Kalyanji-Anandji number in the new film, where it has been remixed with another song Dhanno.

Anandji and the heirs of music directors Kalyanji had filed a suit before the High Court claiming that the producers of Housefull had used the song Apne to jayse tayse, thodi aise ya oyse without the copyright.

Heirs of Prakash Mehra [ Images ], producer of Lawaris, also filed a separate suit before the court claiming that the song was written by the late Mehra and the right to the lyrics remained with them.

After hearing the two songs, which had similarities prima facie, Justice Patherya ordered the injunction restraining the defendants from using the number till June 2.

Justice Patherya directed the parties to file affidavits in two weeks and the matter would be heard again after three weeks.

The counsel for Nadiadwala sought a stay of the order of injunction so that he could appeal before a larger bench, but the judge turned down the plea.

Nadiadwala's counsel had earlier stated that they had bought the rights from music company Saregama India Ltd [ Get Quote ], which claimed to have the rights to the songs of the 1981 film.

Lawaris was a blockbuster and the song, sung by Kishore Kumar [ Images ], continues to be popular 29-years after the film's release.

Variety in attire will be spice of Ash's life this year

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has lined up a range of diverse looks for 2010. Her looks in Raavan, Endhiran, Action Replayy and Guzaarish promise variety.
In Mani Ratnam's thriller Raavan, fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee has given Ash what he defines as a "very organic and rustic look". Vipul Shah's Action Replayy, a story that moves through four decades, will see her sport attires defining the seventies, eighties, nineties and the 2000s.

Mukherjee is also designing Ash's attire in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Guzaarish . He promised never - before ethnic splendour for the actress in that film. Tamil bigwig Shankar's Endhiran ( earlier titled Robot ) will see the former Miss World in bright colours, often bordering on the garish, typical of South Indian cinema.

"Ash's beauty can be limiting... So, she tries to underplay her beauty by taking up diverse and challenging roles," Mukherjee said. "In Raavan , she plays a classical dancer who is an educated and urban girl. Since the character is rooted to her culture, I have designed a contemporary yet rustic look with a puritan feel and realistic sensibilities. I gave her a lot of Khadi dresses and clothes from handloom shops," he added.

Ash, on her part, said her character Ragini is a strong woman in sync with modern India. Endhiran - opposite Rajnikanth - packages Ash as a typical south heroine. Her wardrobe mostly comprises saris and dresses in loud hues and even includes feathered and jewelled headgear.

Fashion designer Manish Malhotra, has styled Ash's look and attire for the Rs 120 - crore film. The look is in sync with the masala fantasy adventure film, he said.

The actress's look in Endhiran is multi - dimensional. "Ash's character in the film is a simple one that gradually gets a contemporary avatar that borders on fantasy," Malhotra said. He shopped in New York for the right colours in Ash's costumes.

The year - end will see Ash's fourth release of 2010 รข€” Guzaarish , opposite Hrithik Roshan. While Bhansali maintains strict secrecy on the film, Mukherjee said Ash's look will "be completely different from what we have seen till date". But Action Replayy promises the biggest variety. Ash sports over 125 dresses in it. The makers of the film said this was justified as her character travels in time. Director Shah said Ash's character "loves to wear all sorts of clothes and keeps shopping all the time". Ash will sport everything from simple salwar - kameez to funky leather attire and multicoloured wigs in the film.

In a song dedicated to seventies screen couples such as Rajesh Khanna - Mumtaz, Amitabh Bachchan - Jaya Bhaduri, Dharmendra - Hema Malini and Rishi Kapoor - Dimple Kapadia, Ash and her co - star Akshay Kumar will be seen in heavy retro gear.

Shah refuted claims that the retro look is a copy of any specific film or star.

He said Akshay, Ash and the costume design team went through videos footage, especially TV footages of live cricket matches of the seventies, to arrive at the right look.

'People are going to laugh when I speak Hindi'


In his upcoming bilingual film, Raavan in Hindi and Raavanan in Tamil, renowned director Mani Ratnam has put the skills of National Film Award-winner actor Vikram to the ultimate test!

In the Hindi version, Vikram stars as Dev, alongside Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (as Ragini) and Abhishek Bachchan (as Beera).

But in the Tamil version, Vikram plays Beera, the part played by Abhishek in the Hindi version! Meanwhile, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan stays on as Ragini while Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Dev.

Confused yet?

Imagine how difficult a task it must have been for Vikram, to play two distinct and different roles. Even more challenging? The films were shot simultaneously, forcing Vikram to constantly change his clothes, make-up, body language and mannerisms.

The iconic Tamil actor described this unique experience to rediff.com's Patcy N. Excerpts:

Was it difficult to dub in two languages Tamil and Hindi, considering you are not fluent in Hindi?

It was difficult, but I think I was lucky that I had to do Beera in Tamil. Beera is more volatile. If I had to do Beera in Hindi, it would have been more difficult. Dev is quite cool and very focused. He does not go ballistic, so it was quite easy. And I always had Mani sir's help.

Monkeying around is a no - no for Akki

What do you expect when Akshay Kumar is in da house? Fun? Witty one - liners? But the star was not his usual chirpy self as he came to the Capital on Tuesday with the star cast - minus Lara Dutta - of the comedy film, Housefull.
To start with, Akshay scolded a young journalist when he asked him about a funny sequence with a monkey in Housefull. Akki took off, saying, "It's just a film, it has got nothing to do reality. Sajid (Khan) has just written a funny scene." That's not all. Akshay was terse in his reply to a question about his fat pay cheque. "Now, I have started producing my own films. So, there's no question of any fee cut now."

One wonders whether this lack of cheer is the effect of the six back-to-back flops that the actor churned out last year. But at least the wry one-liners were in place. "I did 8/10 Tasveer, but I didn't even get 4/2," he said.

Sajid, on his part claimed that the film would be the biggest blockbuster of 2010. "My film has already got 90-95 per cent advance booking in single screen halls. Plus, its songs are highest selling music as ring tones," said Sajid, who also added that the film was going to be "career-defining" for most of the cast members.

The Housefull ladies - Deepika Padukone and Jiah Khan - were largely quiet as the male cast members did most of the talking. Jiah, in her heavy accent, asserted that Deepika was absolutely gorgeous - and that there were no catfights on the sets. Lara meanwhile was absent due to a severe back ache.

Riteish Deshmukh and Arjun Rampal were on a mutual admiration spree. Riteish claimed that Arjun plays the toughest part because the comedy is happening around him; the National Award winner on his part said that life was easier with such talented co-stars around.

Sajid also announced that he has used antipiracy software, Republique, to ensure there are no illegal downloads of the film. "If anyone tries downloading it, not only will the files get corrupted but their IP address will pop up and they will be prosecuted," he said. Whether the film will be downloaded at all, remains to be seen.

'The highlight of Housefull is not the bikini'


Her decision to don a bikini in Housefull has won her legions of fans but Deepika Padukone says she is taken aback by the attention the short sequence is receiving.

The leggy beauty will be seen strutting her stuff on an Italian beach with her co-stars Lara Dutta, Jiah Khan, Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh in Housefull, but she says there is more to the film than just bikinis.

"When you are shooting on a beach in Italy, you have to look sexy. However, the highlight of the film is not the bikini here. I remember people making a big deal about Priyanka (Chopra) wearing a swimsuit in Dostana but we know that the film was a lot more than that," Deepika told PTI.

The actress, who has paired up once again with Akshay a year after the Chandni Chowk To China debacle, has no qualms about wearing a bikini, if the script demands so.

'"All the advertising is fine as long as everyone related to the film is aware about the real intent. On the same lines in Housefull too, we girls appear in bikinis for a while but the film moves on. The focus is not skin show. But then when some people think so, it takes away the credibility of the director," said Padukone.

Akshay's role in 'Tees Maar Khan' inspired by Robin Hood: Farah

New Delhi, May 2 (IANS) Akshay Kumar plays a con man in 'Tees Maar Khan' and director Farah Khan says his role is inspired by English folklore hero Robin Hood.

'In 'Tees Maar Khan', Akshay plays modern-day extra smart conman, who steals the money from the rich and gives it to the poor, someone like Robin Hood,' Farah told IANS in an interview.

'Around 50 to 55 percent of the film is complete and we plan to finish shooting by September. Like always, in this film also you will see a mix of action, comedy and emotions.'

This is Farah's third film after 'Main Hoon Na' and 'Om Shanti Om', but first one without Shah Rukh Khan who played main lead in both her previous movies.

The choreographer-turned-director is expected to release the film on Christmas. Apart from Akshay, 'Tees Maar Khan' also stars Katrina Kaif, Akshaye Khanna, Arya Babbar, Aman Verma and Ali Asgar.

With 'Tees Maar Khan', Akshay is gearing up for an image makeover - he will be seen sporting an Indian Muslim look. Renowned designer Aki Narula has worked on his costumes alongside an international team of make-up artists and hairdressers.

Apart from choreographing and directing, Farah has hosted the chat show 'Tere Mere Beach Mein' on STAR Plus. She was also a judge on dance reality shows - 'Nach Baliye 4' and season one of 'Jhalak Dikhla Jaa'.

Farah has once again taken the judge's seat on Zee TV's dance reality show 'Dance India Dance Li'l Masters', where she will be seen judging kids aged 5-14 years old.

'I am a reality show junky. I enjoy judging because these shows make us believe there is so much talent here. I feel reality shows are a great platform as it gives great exposure as well as recognition to individuals. As a judge I'll try not to be harsh to the kids,' said Farah who was recently here to promote the show.

When asked what does she think of the government guidelines that children under a certain age should not be a part of reality shows, Farah said: 'If these kids are not brought forward how will we get to know they are so talented.

'I feel it depends upon the parents how they mould their children, whether they turn out to be aggressive or take the competition in a healthy way.'

I want to work with Aamir Khan again: Darsheel Safary

New Delhi, May 2 (IANS) Child actor Darsheel Safary, who teamed up with Aamir Khan in 'Taare Zameen Par', says he wants to work with his mentor again.

'I'm really looking forward to work with Aamir Khan again. I have been appreciated for my work so much and that is all because of Aamir sir,' Darsheel, who will be seen in 'Bumm Bumm Bole', told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

Directed by Priyadarshan, 'Bumm Bumm Bole' is a remake of Iranian film 'Children of Heaven'.

'Me and my family have been in constant touch with him (Aamir). Moreover, before starting my shooting for 'Bumm Bumm Bole' I took blessings from him, after all he is my guru,' said Darsheel.

Talking about 'Bumm Bumm Bole', he said: 'The film was very fast and very quick. Priyadarshan sir used to explain everything very fast and the sets were all ready.'

Releasing May 14, 'Bumm Bumm Bole' is a poignant story of two siblings, their dilemmas and how they fight their way to overcome these.

The 14-year-old will also be seen in Walt Disney's 'Zokkomon' as a superhero. Debutant Satyajit Bhatkal has directed the film.
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