Muhurat - Aditya Ram Movies Prod no.3

Cast: Jagapati Babu, Bhumika Chawla, Anushka, Deepak, Sarath Babu, Brahmanandam, Sunil, MS Narayana, Dharmavarapu, Mallikharjuna Rao, Raghubabu, Benarjee, Venu madhav, Melkote, Duvvasi, Chittibabu, Radha Kumari, Jhansi, Baby Yani, Baby Shivani, Master Roshan

Crew:
Screenplay: Gopi Mohan
Music: RP Patnaik
Cinematography: Ramesh Babu
Art: Nagendra
Project Coordinator: Bhageeratha
Story - dialogues - direction: Dasarath
Producer: Aditya Ram

Jagapati Babu’s latest film in the direction of dasarath was launched today. Anushka and Bhumika Chawla play female leads. Muhurat of this film was held at Annapurna studios. Dasari sounded the clapboard. D Rama Naidu switched on the camera. K Ragahvendra Rao directed the first shot.

I am doing the role of stressed out business man - Jagapati Babu
Jagapati Babu said, “This is my 75th film. I would like to thank my fans, directors and parents for helping to reach this position. I liked the story of the film. Its been a while for me since I acted in these kinds of films. I am also getting involved in the production aspect of the film. It will be a glamorous story. The screenplay is going to be special. It is a triangle love story with a difference. I am doing a stressed out business in this film. I am feeling happy to act in Aditya Ram banner.”

RP Patnaik said, “I always wanted to score music for Jagapati Babu’s films. It fulfilled with this film. There is lot of scope for music in this film. All the songs in this film are going to be situational songs.”

30 days shoot in USA - Dasarath
Dasarath said, “The story of this film is as warm as that of Santosham. There will be heart touching point, love and family drama in this film. Second half will be very emotional. Ramesh who cinematographed films like Vasu and Balu is working for this film. Gopi who provided screenplay for Santosham is working for this film. This film will be shot in USA for 30 days.”

Sexy Belly Dance Getting Hot Response

Mallika Sherawat's sexy belly dance in the film 'Aap Ka Suroor' is getting good response in theaters.

Many are going to watch this film, despite bad talk, to see Mallika's dance. The song is a remix version of 'Mehbooba O Mehbooba..' in Sholay. Mallika said that she found it pleasure to dance in this song.

Now we have to see what Ram Gopal Varma shows in his 'RGV Ki Sholay' in this song. He should certainly make it better than this Mallika's number as there will be comparisons.

City Buzz: Big Bad Joke On Balakrishna!

Nasty SMSs started circulating again which should be condemned.

Here is one: "Flash Flash- D Time magazine survey estimates that the software boom will be down after 1 year becoz our BALAYYA is acting as Project Manager in Okka Magadu".

Such messages made big rounds in Internet and mobiles when the film 'Veerabhadra' was releasing. The syndrome reduced with 'Maharadhi'. But now, again bad campaign started this way, which should be condemned.

'Bahumati' Is A Blatant Copy Of Hollywood Film!

Many of the films are getting copied or inspired from other language films these days. Now SV Krishna Reddy also falls in that trap as per the mail from a Reader of indfilmnews.blogspot.com

He wrote, "This movie is a blatant copy of Nicolas Cage's "It Could Happen to you" that came in 1994. Pl see the link below & you will realise it yourself.

http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1800217318/info

Its a pity that SVK had to stoop down to such shameless plagiarizing!

Regards,
Aryani Datti
Aryani@hotmail.com"

So is that rue? Has SV Krishna Reddy intentionally got inspired from that film or it's a mere serendipity? Only Krishna Reddy should answer.

Allu Arjun in Hindi Film As 'Ek Jwalamukhi'

This may be the second time Himesh Reshammiya is being mentioned in these columns today, but hey, the man is the talk of the town right now.

Coming to the point, his film was released this Saturday and his heroine is Hansika Motwani, someone in our Telugu industry would love to take credit for introducing to the big screen. Now the girl herself is not new to the movie camera having been a child actor, but her first movie break as lead came with Allu Arjun’s ‘Desamuduru.’ And it looks like Tollywood is trying to make this point comprehensively. What else would explain dubbing ‘Desamuduru’ into Hindi and releasing it as ‘Ek Jwalamukhi’ in northern India? Talk about beating the dubbing competition!

Dasari To Talk About 'Operation Duryodhana' Today

Today an appreciation meeting is going to be held in Hyderabad for the film 'Operation Duryodhana'. Dasari Narayana Rao is going to attend as Chief Guest for this meeting. The film is a small flick in which mounds of current affairs are packed tight.

The first day talk of the film is very dull and many declared that it will be a flop.

But the film, out of surprise, made profits and there is no dispute in the matter that it got mileage with the chaos created by TRS supporters. The film showcased a few scenes that hurt the sentiments of Telangana people. So, we have to see what Dasari speaks on this dais. It is known that his speeches carry some controversy or point to underline. He has been the sympathizer to small films from many years.

City Buzz: Minting Money In 'Hyderabadi' Style

Ever since ‘The Angrez’ made waves with its Hyderabadi lingo, people are queuing up to make more such movies.

After duds like ‘Charminar Boyz’ and the more recent ‘Hungama in Dubai,’ half a dozen more Hyderabadi movies are in the pipeline. Even as these small-time producers are trying their luck with audience preferences, one producer at least is laughing all the way to the bank.

‘Hyderabad Nawabs’ is easily the most successful of all these alternative movies coming out in the city. Not only did it give ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’ a run for its money in the first three weeks of their simultaneous release, the movie’s DVD and satellite rates are hitting the sky. The DVD rights were sold for a very impressive Rs 52 lakh and the satellite rights are going for a whopping Rs 1 crore. And the sales of DVDs, market watchers say, is very good among their NRI clients who want a taste of their good Hyderabad.

Suhasini Said Shriya Is Not Good In 'Sivaji'

Suhasini expressed her feelings publicly about the film Sivaji and its casting in a fresh interview to a Tamil channel. She said that there is nothing great about the film except the technological elegance. She said the story is not appealing to the normal audiences. Saying about heroine Shriya, she said that she is not at all good at performance. She said that she is glamorous in songs and beyond that she is dull as performer.

That's really a bad remark for Shriya. The Tamil tabloids are also writing that the Tamil audiences are worried for slim and sleek Shriya who has no appeal to tune with the chemistry of Rajni Kanth.

So, will she get bigger offers as she expected while signing on Sivaji? She may get small offers beside small heroes but certainly not bigger banners, say Kollywood sources.

Snippet: Tollywood Heroine Ready For Lip Kisses

Kousha is the Tollywood heroine who is ready for kissing scenes on silver screen. She debuted with the film 'Premaya Namaha' a few years back and then appeared in 'Alex' and then in 'Attili Satti Babu'. Almost all the films didn't give her any break while 'Attili Sattibabu' brought her little recognition. She acted in hot two piece bikini n that film.

Now she says that she is ready for lip kiss scenes as well. If she gets the role to play in which she has to act in lip kiss scenes she says that she will be ready for that.

Are there any producers listening to this? It is only the problem with censor but there is no issue with Kousha as per her statement.

CBN raised about $140000 for NTR TRUST in SFO

Bay Area Telugu Community and NRI TDP hosted a meeting to “meet and greet” Sri. Nara Chandra Babu Naidu on June 29, 2007 at Sunnyvale Hindu Temple, Sunnyvale, California.

Bay Area Telugu community in coordination with NRI TDP in the Bay Area hosted an evening to meet with Andhra Pradesh (AP) Former Chief Minister Sri. Nara Chandra Babu Naidu (CBN) on June 29, 2007 at Sunnyvale Hindu Temple, Sunnyvale, California.

The venue was filled with yellow color banners, balloons, cutouts, posters, and people with yellow color outfits. Scores of Bay Area Telugu People have come to the events couple of hours ahead of the program start time. Due to which, the auditorium was full well prior to starting the event. It was noticed that hundreds of people were juggling to find standing room in the auditorium. The banners and posters in the auditorium depicted the various programs (such as Janma bhoomi, NTR Trust, Medical Camps, Distribution of food, etc). The stage and auditorium was filled with decorated like a wedding stage by artistic way of using yellow color balloons and other items.

When CBN and his colleagues found to be arriving to the venue, a huge bicycle rally took place in front of their vehicles. Up on arrival, CBN and his colleagues personally met all the activities who were on bicycles to greet and welcome the team.

The participants chanted the slogans in support of CBN - samples of slogan were: “Janmabhoomi kavali..meeru malli ravali”, “Visionary leader, CBN jindabad”. Roads in the vicinity of the venue were totally crowded with people who eagerly waited to greet CBN. CBN and the team first welcomed by the Temple priests. After worshipping the dieties in temple, CBN team went to the meeting venue, which was already jam packed waiting for him. The attendees welcomed CBN and the team by chanting slogans in support of his vision and leadership.

The program was kicked off by a dance(kids) composed for a song composed on "CBN, NTR achievements and NTR trust activities and accomplishments" and dance was directed by Srilu and Vijaya and then Mr. Sathish Ambati(MC of event) stated that CBN last visited Bay Areas was about 14 years ago, and it is our fortune to have him back here tonight with us. CBN in his main speech made a special mention of this dance indicting that he was very impressed with the talent, understanding and dedication of the kids to telugu culture and tradition. Mr. Satish Ambati welcomes CBN and the team on to the stage.

Mr. Ambati mentioned that “CBN is a leader with vision and great courage to make difference. CBN always thinks about people. CBN recognized the Information Technology as a future 14 years ago, and started many programs that helped hundreds of people in AP and India as well as in USA”. Mr. Ambati invited Sri. Nagam Janardhan Reddy said Nagam is great leader in opposition and always exposes Govt of AP failures and Sri. Erraballi Dayakar Rao, Sri. Garikapati Rammohan Rao, Sri E.Peddi Reddy, Sri. Dhulipala Narendra kumar, Sri. Lakkireddy Hanim Reddy, Sri. Satish Chilkuri, Sri. Jayaram Komati, Sri. Suresh Reddy Vuyyuru onto the stage.

Prior to starting the main the program, CBN and the team on the stage paid homage to historic telugu leaders Sri. Kandakuru Veereshalingam, Sri. Alluri Sitaramaraju, Sri. Potti Sree Ramulu and Sri. Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) by lighting the pushpanjali (candle lights). Mr. Ambati, CBN and all speakers on this occasion recognized the tremendous contribution made by each of these historic telugu leaders for preserving and promoting telugu language, Telugu culture and telugu people and formation of Andhra Pradesh state.

During CBN speech, he praised success of all telugu people in Bay Area as well as through out the world. CBN stated that his vision and goal is make telugu people be the best and first among many others in all areas throughout the world. CBN mentioned that the support that he has received today makes him and his team worked harder day and night to make his vision a reality. Through out his speech, CBN mentioned that he wanted to Partner with NRI’s through Social Services Wing (NRI TDP), promoted NTR Trust (Non Profit Organization), shared his experience as Opposition Leader, explained initiatives and Plans for Youth Involvement, and solicited NRI’s Advise in Setting Goals & Policies. CBN attributed the success of TDP to the founder Sri. NTR. He said NTR is not a single person; NTR is an institution to promote wellness of all telugu people. CBN requested all NRI’s to make contributions to the mother land (Andhra Pradesh and India) for helping to provide education, health, and jobs for all.

During this event, Dr. Lakkireddy Hanim Reddy, Sri. Nagam Janardhan Reddy, Sri. Satish Chilkuri, Sri. Jayaram Komati, Sri. Suresh Reddy Vuyyuru, and other spoke on the stage praised CBN’s vision and leadership.

During this event, when CBN explained the purpose of NTR trust and requested the support, the audience reciprocated by pledging their support, and over $140,000 (one hundred forty thousand) dollars were received. Sri. Jayaram Komati set the stage by contributing $25,000 followed by $25,100 by Lakkireddy Jayaprakash Reddy. The program went until the midnight and pledges were kept on coming from the audience through out the program. The entire program was filled with high energy. CBN and the team entertained Q&A session, which provided opportunity for many of the attendees to ask questions and hear the answer/feedback straight from CBN. CBN thanked the attendees and program organizers for having him here and supporting his vision and leadership.

Among many others, BATA executive committee felicitated CBN with a shaluva. Also, Shankara Eye Foundation felicitated CBN on the stage. At the end of the program, CBN patiently stood on the stage for personal pictures with many of the attendees and donors.

Though out CBN tour in the Bay Area for last three days, many of the local telugu community leaders organized meetings for CBN. Bay Area Organizing team consists of Suresh Reddy Vuyyuru, Satish Ambati, Yugandhar Reddy, Ramesh Mandalapu, Vijaya Aasuri, Srinivas Vallurupalli, Bhakta Balla, P. Ramakrishna, Ramesh Ragineni, Srikanth, Vikram, B Chandra, Alimineti Janga Reddy, Karun Veligeti and many others have actively participated in making arrangements for CBN meetings in the Bay Area.

Event food is sponsored by Peacock and Swagat Restaurants in Bay Area and Event Hall is sponsored by Sunnyvale Hindu Temple.

Gossip: Jr NTR's Treatment For Hair Fall

Jr NTR is looking groovy now and that is evident for all. He is spending whopping sum on his body with various treatments pertaining to skin and hair. It is said he is on regular treatment for hair as he suffered from severe hair loss duwring the shooting of Rakhi.

Even it is evident that NTR looks with shabbily covered hair on his quarter bald head.

Now he is looking with pony tail which is a part of treatment to avoid air fall to maximum extent. So that's not for style, but for need, NTR appearing son An estimate says that he is spending a sum of Rs 15,000 on hair every month.

Ooh La La La by AR Rehman

Dial 1234 and say 7up Ooh La La La from your Reliance Mobile to participate in the largest ever Band Hunt - Judged by A.R.Rehman.

7up and Reliance Mobile draws fresh musical talent in the cities of A.P. and Tamilnadu during auditions for 7up Oohlalala.

Said a Reliance Customer at Hyderabad -
"I participated in last year's Rockshala and our band got second place but this time, when I participated in Oohlalala - the feeling was different - It might be an entry into Music industry...who knows"

The auditions schedule is as follows :

All the auditions will be telecasted in Gemini TV from July 15th 2007 tentatively.

Gossip: Hero-Heroine Spent A Day In Guest House

This is the new gossip that is circling in Film Nagar. It is said that a hero and a heroine spent a full day at a guest house located in Sri Nagar Colony.

But what they did inside is not known but can be only imagined depending on the culture of everyone's brain. The gossip is so wild that it did spread within a few hours.

The proofs are not there but the talk is hot. The hero and heroine paired up for a recent film that is about to release. The heroine is known for her hot image and Yoga!

Buzz: SRK to act in Shankar’s next film?

Robo – the pet project of film director Shankar has been dormant for several years. The ace director always wanted to make a sci-fi film which he said would be a dream come true. Initially it was proposed to start the film with Kamal Haasan in the lead role but it did not take off due to various difficulties. The project was then shelved for a while, when Shankar started working on the mega blockbuster Sivaji with Rajnikanth.

Now that the film Sivaji was declared to be a super hit and Shankar high on success, the news is making rounds that he has picked up the Robo script again and the talk was that actor Ajith would be taken in the lead role.

However, according to close NRI sources, the director has approached with the story of Robo to none other than Shah Rukh Khan when they met recently and if the sources are to be believed the Badshah of Bollywood was impressed with the storyline of Robo and had given Shankar the nod.

Telugu Film News 01-07-2007

Jagapati Babu’s Swagatam

Jagapati Babu’s next film in the direction of Dasarath is titled as ‘Swagatam’. This film will go to floors on 1st July. Bhumika Chawla and Anushka are playing female leads. RP Patnaik composes music. Dasarath seem to have got stuck with S for titles of his films (Santosham, Sambaram, Sree and now Swagatam).

SV Krishna Reddy to remake Bheja Fry?

As per the sources of idlebrain.com, Raju Harwani of Supreme music is planning to remake Bollywood multiplex blockbuster Bheja Fry in Telugu in the direction of SV Krishna Reddy. Raju Harwani has remade another Hindi film Sarfarosh as Asthram in the past.

Dhee 100 days function in July

The surprise hit of the year Dhee is all set to complete 100 days in the month of July. Producer Mallidi Satyanarayana Reddy is planning to celebrate this occasion in a grand style in the last week of July. Seenu Vytla directed this film that got delayed for more than an year due to finance problems. This film brought hero Vishnu lot of recognition.

Meera Jasmine paired again with Sivaji

Meera Jasmine who acted with Sivaji in Ammayi Bagundi in the past is all set to act with him again. This film will be directed by Raja Vannemreddy. Gopi and Soma Vijaya Prakash will produce this film. This film is a remake of successful Tamil film En Purushan Kuzandai Madiri. The regular shooting will start in August.

Jamuna Shares Her Russia Trip With Gummadi

Heroine Jamuna shared her experiences with Russia trip along with Gummadi long back. She said, "I was very afraid when I was given the offer to fly to Russia . I said that I would go only if Gummadi garu comes. He came like my father to that trip. I was very afraid when I was in a lodge room there. I called on Gummadi garu who was in another room. He really protected me all the ways in that trip. I cannot forget those moments".

Jamuna said that he feels Gummadi as her father. Gummadi also must be considering her as his daughter!!! During that trip Jamuna was in her 30s and Gummadi in his early 40s.

Venu Madhav Coming to Sets in Drunken State!

Though Comedian Venu Madhav is coming with flying colors in his career and aiming to reach Rs. One lakh a day remuneration, he is unable to overcome his weaknesses.

He is a chronic alcoholic. He keeps boozing day in and day out.

He, however, never loses balance in the state intoxication too. The only problem with him is for his fellow artistes.

As he is now playing lead roles in many films, female artistes who play opposite to him, find it difficult to come close to him.

Senior artistes and directors have advised him to be away from alcohol, at least, during shooting hours. He is in no mood to heed their advice.

‘Bahumathi’ Review: ‘OK’ For Families

Film: Bahumathi

Cast: Venu Sangeetha, Shabana Khan, Krishna Bhagwan, Sunil, Ali, Brahmanandam, Dharmavarapu etc
Art: JP
Editing: KV Krishna Reddy
Camera: Jawahar Reddy
Dialogues: Diamond Rathna Babu
Lyrics: Bhuvanachandra,Kaluva Krishna Sai
Producer: Venkat
Music-Screenplay-Story-Direction: SV Krishna Reddy
Release Date: 30th June 2007

Story:
Venkata Ramana (Venu) is a Police Inspector who believes in idealistic society. He stands on his word and never gets back his promise if made any. His aim is to remove woes of all orphans and give them good education. Bhanumathi (Sangeetha) is his wife who is money minded and not at all interested in family life. She turns out to be a wild hard nut to crack for the husband. She makes him buy a Lottery Ticket every time for the desire of money.

Out of surprise one fine day he gets the prize worth Rs 10 Crore. But he promises to give 50% of that amount to Dharani (Shabana Khan) who is a waitress in a Hotel.

Why he promises that? How Dharani is linked to Venkata Ramana. Finally, how he manages to give that over riding his wild wife?

That has to be watched on silver screen.

Performances:

Venu is normal and portrayed an idealistic role something similar to that of ‘Sada Mee Sevalo’. Sangeetha is hot and beautiful in various designer wear saris. But still there is bigger scope to show her more appealing. Shabana Khan is average and it appears to be first and last film of her. She has to work a lot in performance aspects if she wants to continue in Tollywood.

Dialogues are average where the comedy track sounds appealing: Here are the worth mentioning scenes in this film those promise enough of entertainment.

1. Krishna Bhagawan’s style of dialogue delivery in all scenes
2. Sunil’s performance as advocate
3. Sunil’s dance for the song ‘Ziddi’
4. Ali-Brahmanandam’s comedy track
5. Court scene between Kota and Sunil

SV Krishna Reddy’s music is pleasing to senses for a couple of songs. But he made it chaotic for the song during Lottery Announcement.

Analysis:
First half of the film closes abruptly with no big twist at interval. Second half runs with comedy and court scenes. The comedy element in the film is just adequate and Ali-Brahmanandam’s track is completely separate from the main story.

It appears to be ‘Subhalagnam’ while looking at the spirit of the film. It’s a narration with money minded wife and a husband with idealistic views. Sangeetha plays negative role in it. The point to be mentioned is that there is no sentiment and tear jerking aspects in this film till the end. SV Krishna Reddy made the film run on lighter note through out. The film targets B and C centers and it is a perfect ‘No’ for the taste of youth and teenagers. In general, films show repentance of negative characters at the climax. But here there is no such repentance drama. Films show how foolish money minded lady gets into the trap of other cunning men. But here it’s other way round. On a whole, the film is a typical entertainer although made on beaten track to large extent.

The fate of this film depends on the patronage of family audiences of B,C centers.

indfilmnews.blogspot Rating :

Hindi Movie Review : Awarapan - Stay off the cinema hall

Human trafficking is a menace that most nations are today trying to do away with. Emraan Hashmi-starrer Awarapan is an attempt to portray this scourge. The serious bit of the review ends here.

Awarapan starts in an exotic night club of Hong Kong and goes on to a port where a delivery of people is to be offloaded. This is where Reema (Mrinalini Sharma) is introduced. When she realises the light of the day, off she runs to save herself.

A predictable camera chase later, she is recaptured only to blare "Give me my freedom. Leave me alone." That is the premise of the movie (in case you missed it).

Cut two, and we have Shivam (Emraan Hashmi ), Gangster Malik's (Ashutosh Rana) most trust-worthy man. Mesmerized by Reema, Malik asks Shivam to find if she has a man in her life. Loyalist Shivam keeps a watch on Reema.

Then follow song sequences that make you yearn for an urgent nip tuck� be it Mrinalini for her bad dancing skills and woody movements or Pritam whose excessive electronica makes you reach for your ear muffs.

A flashback here reveals Shivam's past. While escaping the clutches of the police, bandit Shivam bumps into Aliya (Shreya Saran). Looking as pretty as ever, she tries to coax him to buy a pigeon she is selling and release it, as a karmic cleanser. Unperturbed he continues his run, not before realising that he has fallen for her.

Their meetings continue, with Aliya making all attempts to induce some faith in Imran. Then bad luck has a lucky day and the couple is caught by Aliya's father, who tries to knock some sense into Aliya. Shivam professes his love for her and hands over the gun to her father. In the bid to shoot Shivam, her father shoots Aliya. Flashback's over.

Back to present, Shivam continues to keep a watch on Reema, and happens to stumble upon Bilal, her love interest. When this news reaches Malik, he orders the assignation of Reema. Another flash back and the loyalist Shivam seems to get jelly feet with the very thought of killing Reema. Yet he barges into their home and fires six bullets, which even at close range missed the couple. Divine interventions, he concludes.

What follows is predictable. An unhappy villain, a lot of dishum dishum and gunfire et al.

And so as to leave no stone unturned, the director eve assures that the villain's entire family is wiped off. In what seems to be a rather cheesy end, the viewer is reminded (finally!) of the premise of the movie -- "Give me my freedom. Leave me alone."

Mrinalini could sure do with some better facial expressions. As for Emraan, he desparately needs a better stylist and Shreya a new makeup man. Talent Ashutosh is wasted and so is Shreya.

On a radio show this week, a very confident Emraan had proclaimed that if anyone does not enjoy the movie, he shall pay them back the ticket money. Well, I have preserved my ticket and await a refund.

Did anyone mention human trafficking?


indfilmnews.blogspot.com Rating :

Hindi Movie Review : Apne - Watch it for knock-out Dharmendra

Magic has no expiry date. Nor does it ever lose its touch.

That is what makes Dharmendra so timeless. The seventy plus actor, known for his devastating good looks, emotional demeanour and remarkable body of work, reminds us why he is so special.

There is a lot of actor in him left untapped. And unlike his previously embarrassing outings (Kis Kis Ki Kismat and Hum Kaun Hain?) which failed to assert so, Anil Sharma's Apne allows him to demonstrate just that.

There's also this curiosity factor of seeing the three Deols -- Dharmendra, Sunny and Bobby share screen space for the first time. One appreciates the delicate bonding between the genuinely warm-hearted Jats.

In essence, Apne is not so much a boxer's fairy tale, as it is a family kerchief caper that salutes the 'can do' spirit. Here's how:

Having been banned from the world of boxing on false doping charges, former Olympics silver medallist Baldev Singh Chaudhry (Dharmendra) retires to a life of haunting humiliation and growing resentment.

His hopes of seeing elder son, Angad (Sunny Deol) restore his lost honour are squashed, after the latter refuses to play the 'worthless' game. Going by the fate he meets in the ring, you can't really blame him for thinking so. Instead, at the risk of evoking his boxing-obsessed father's wrath, he throws himself in revolutionizing agricultural farming.

His kid brother Karan (Bobby Deol ), partially handicapped post a childhood mishap, takes up music as a profession.

With neither son inclined to the sport to which he gave his all, Baldev becomes increasingly bitter. An ungrateful coaching experience (Aryan Vaid ) shatters Baldev completely.

His break-down triggers something in Karan and his until now paralysed arm is miraculously healed. He resolves to fulfil his father's lifetime wish of becoming an international boxing champion.

After rigorous training, our Punjabi stallion is fit enough to break every rib his gloves face (including Vaid's). Now the only thing standing between Karan and a champion's belt is Luca Gracia (played by a super stiff Chris Anderson -- an African American with an Italian handle, how inventive is that?)

The Rocky-inspired match has a rather tragic outcome, leaving Angad with very little choice. The move is as ridiculous as Sunny battling out an armed force of 100 in Gadar. Here he challenges to take on a title holder with just a month's preparation. So much that even Dharmendra can't resist quipping: 'Boxers retire at your age.'

This segment of Apne heavily relies on Sylvester Stallone's Oscar-winning classic for moves, mock threats, punches, jibes and spirit. Which means clumsily picturised fights, tacky make-up, inelegant cussing in English (F-word inclusive), a lackluster audience carrying posters that read incorrectly spelled words (Luca Destroy Him, anyone?)

Ideally for Sunny, Apne should have come out a decade earlier when he was at his prime's peak. Here his worn out appearance and diminished vigour lessen the impact of his earnest performance. Even so, his vulnerability spontaneously surfaces in sequences where his father attacks him with acerbic sarcasm.

Brother Bobby shines in his part. Not only is he looking incredibly fresh, but is suitably understated and genial. With barely any lines to speak, he conveys volumes with reverence, determination and awe in his body language.

Definitely, it's Dharmendra's show all the way. Whether it is flirting with his wife (Kiron Kher playing the Punjaban wifey yet again), indulging his grandson, fooling around with his best buddy (a charismatic Victor Banerjee), bucking up his sons to victory or breaking down with a sense of utter failure, he portrays an underachiever with heart, humour and strength of character.

Another good thing is, unlike all the other unconvincingly goody-goody characters in this enterprise, Dharmendra's Baldev is the most believable. His weaknesses are conspicuous. For one, he can't help endangering his sons' lives, in order to feel vindicated.

The ladies -- Shilpa Shetty and Katrina Kaif , provide ample eye candy and shoulder to cry on to their stumbling beaus. Both actresses have enough screen presence not to face any problems doing that.

As much as you enjoy cinematographer Kabir Lal's palette of colours flushed on screen, capturing the best of Chandigarh and New York City, the editing (by Ashfaque Makrani) is strictly below par. With its lengthy narrative and excessive melodrama, Apne tends to drag miserably in parts.

Himesh Reshammiya's weepy title track, popping every two minutes, does not help either. His score is one of the weakest links in the movie.

Ultimately, it is an Anil Sharma film. Going by his past record (Tehelka, Hukumat, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, The Hero: Love Story of a Spy), the man has an amazing appetite for kitsch and absurdities. The movie bears his stamp alright.

But despite all its glaring oddities and palpable flaws, Apne has its heart in place.


indfilmnews.blogspot.com Rating :

Hindi Movie Review : AKS - A Himesh showcase

There are many reasons to make a film but when the reasons are to explain why Himesh Reshammiya always wears a cap or why he never smiles, then God save us!

Two years ago, Himesh and his childhood friend Prashant Chadha decided to make a video of the smash hit single Aashiq Banaya Aapne, featuring the singer-composer. What followed was an unparalleled success story. Now, we have a film that tries to explain the cult of Himesh Reshammiya aka HR.

Aap Kaa Surroor: The Moviee: The Real Luv Story is about HR, a widely successful rockstar now on the German leg of his world tour. He is a simple God-fearing, non-smiling cap-wearing Indian, who imagines his dream woman in a salwar kameez even though she's walking up to him in a pink party dress! HR not only hears the Gayatri Mantra every time he comes face to face with Riyaa, he also hums a jazzed up version of it when he realises he's in love.

All about Aap Kaa Surroor

In between singing at every occasion and trying to save his izzat from his man-eater manager Ruby (Malika Sherawat), HR manages to get embroiled in the murder of a television reporter. The dead girl's father (Raj Babbar) is convinced that HR is the killer. So is HR's prospective father-in-law (Sachin Khedekar).

Now, it's up to HR to prove his innocence, otherwise Riaa would get married off to someone else.

The film offers nothing except a bad concoction of everything avoidable -- bad acting, clich�d dialogues, terrible one-liners and a cute terminally ill kid who smiles her way into our hearts.

The much-talked about Mehbooba song featuring Himesh with Mallika has no connection with the film's story.

The movie suffers on so many fronts that after some time, you lose the number of problems just like I lost count of the number of caps Himesh sports. He hams his way through the film as if he started acting in the 1980s but finally completed the film 20 years later. Even the songs offer nothing new.

The rest of the cast is passable. Hansika Motwani aka Riaa tries to look cute and manages to successfully employ the same done to death 'am so cute' nuances. But I could not understand why she was trying to copy Sushmita Sen !

Raj Babbar has four scenes, two of them featuring him in the same place, watching the same TV report and holding on to the same emotion.

The film seems disjointed and it's evident that the people behind it just wanted to cash on the Himesh wave. Why else would nicely photographed songs be separated by an inanity trying to masquerade as a script?

The only thing worth remembering in the film was Himesh's sidekick mentioning commenting: 'Agar naak cut gayee, toh gana kaise gayega?' Well, Himesh still has his khatarnak for that.

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