Rating: **

MUNNABHAI M.B.B.S. started a trend of sorts. Gangsters with a heart of gold acting as modern-day Robinhoods. Robbing the notorious rich and helping the oppressed poor.

Writer turned debutante director Sachin Yardi borrows a leaf from MUNNABHAI M.B.B.S. and presents a tale that not only talks of Robinhoods, but also makes a scathing attack at news reporting hitting an all-time low (anything for TRPs), makes digs at Ekta Kapoor and her serials, also looks at the underworld-builder-cops nexus.

The story of three losers attaining power overnight makes for interesting viewing.

But the problem is, C Kkompany lacks consistency. The comedy is truly hilarious at places, but there're times when you sit motionless, not reacting to the on-screen antics. If the first hour is a joyous ride, the second hour is akin to driving on a road full of potholes. T

he climax is also a letdown (in the mela), although the end sequence -- C Kkompany is now a movement -- was the right way to conclude the film.

All said, C Kkompany had the germs of being a cool entertainer, but it ends up being a one-time average watch.

C Kkompany is about three individuals, all living in the 'C' Wing of a middle class housing society: Akshay (Tusshar) is a crime reporter, Mr. Joshi (Anupam Kher) is a retired accountant trying to deal with his ungrateful son and Lambodar (Rajpal Yadav) is at loggerheads with his wife over his job. These three friends share their respective plight with one another and find solace in each other's company.

On one occasion, they play a harmless prank to tackle their problems.

One thing leads to another and before they realize, the incident becomes big news. But things don't stop there. They put their new founded fame to good use and this in turn triggers off a series of incidents, which propel them to such heights that the three become the talk of the nation.

That Sachin Yardi has a flair for comedy was more than evident when he penned the thoroughly entertaining KYAA KOOL HAI HUM. C Kkompany also boasts of humour-laden sequences that keep you in splits at several points.

But keeping the humour alive from start to end is not everyone's cup of tea. Yardi's humour works till the beginning of the second hour, but things stagnate thereafter. Things get repetitive. There's not much movement in the story and the comic scenes also range from enjoyable to avoidable.

Music is quite okay, but the songs -- barring the Sanjay Dutt track at the outset -- show up without valid situations. The Tusshar-Celina track, although well shot, comes up from nowhere. Cinematography is alright.

C Kkompany gets its glory because of its three protagonists. Tusshar is only climbing the ladder with every film. He's excellent. Anupam Kher proves yet again that he's amongst the best in the business. Rajpla Yadav is efficient too.

Mithun Chakraborty is in command after a long time. The veteran is superb. Vinay Apte and Dilip Prabhavalkar do complete justice to their respective roles. Raima Sen is pleasant. Karan Johar, Mahesh Bhatt and Ekta Kapoor's appearances give the film that extra sheen.

On the whole, C Kkompany is funny in parts, not in totality. An ordinary fare!

Kahani kabhi khatam nahin hoti… That's the catchline of Chamku. True, certain stories are timeless and ageless, they keep getting repeated year after year, with new faces obviously.

Vendetta -- one theme that's beaten to death in Bollywood. Chamku tackles the age-old theme of revenge, although director Kabeer Kaushik throws a twist at the outset, when a Naxalite is picked up by RAW and IB to work for them.

Otherwise, Chamku is old wine presented in a new bottle. The only saving grace is Bobby Deol, who delivers his career-best performance in Chamku. But the sad part is that the script succumbs to predictability all through.

Besides, what's with a title like Chamku? Sure, the story is about a guy called Chandrama Singh aka Chamku, but in these fast changing times, when the multiplex audience holds the key, a title like Chamku will only dissuade them from buying the ticket. Also, a title like Chamku sends out signals that it's a comedy. It's not!

Another factor that goes against it is the violence/brutality depicted in this 2-hour film. Blood, gore, crudity and brutality is out, but Kabeer Kaushik still believes in the cinema of 1970s and seems to have given action director Tinu Verma a free hand to recreate the violence-laden atmosphere of 1970s.

Pistols, guns, knives, swords, blood-soaked bodies, spare us the gore please.

To cut a long story short, there's hardly any chamak in Chamku.

Chamku depicts the journey of a male Naxalite from the interiors of Bihar, tutored under a covert government program to eliminate the anti-social elements. Chandrama Singh aka Chamku has no alternative. Kill them or we'll kill you, he's told by Kapoor (Irrfan Khan).

His life undergoes a dramatic change when he falls in love with Priyanka Chopra. He wants to lead a normal life, but is it so easy? Also, he comes face to face with his nightmarish past (Akhilendra Mishra).

A pertinent question that crosses your mind is, what did the Deols see in a script like this? The execution is fluid at places, but the written material is so predictable after a point that you lose interest as incident after incident unravels.

The first half does boast of a few interesting sequences. The transformation from a ruthless killer to a romantic is depicted beautifully. Also, a number of sequences are filmed with flourish. But the film goes downhill in the second hour, courtesy a screenplay of convenience.

Monty Sharma's music is below par. 'Aaja Milke' is the sole decent track. The item song (Rosa) looks like a hurried job. Gopal Shah's cinematography captures the various moods of the film well. Tinu Verma's action is too realistic. The blood and gore could've been tapered.

Bobby gets it right. He conveys a lot even when silent. This performance deserves all the praise. Priyanka is wasted. There's no scope for her actually. Ditto for Riteish Deshmukh and Danny Denzongpa.

In fact, the two actors are hardly there in the movie. Irrfan Khan, as always, is competent. Rajpal Yadav does well as the informer. Akhilendra Mishra is supposed to act loud, which he does well. Arya Babbar gets no scope, not even a line to deliver. Ditto for Deepal Shaw.

On the whole, Chamku rests on an outdated plot and given the blood-gore-brutality in the film, will face an uphill task. Businesswise, it has some chances in the U.P.-Bihar region.

Super success of Singh Is Kinng has certainly raised the bar higher up for Bollywood. Till about a couple of years back, Rs. 50 crores final total for a film meant that champagne bottles were ready to be corked.

However, now with movies like Om Shanti Om and Singh Is Kinng topping Rs. 40 crores in the first week itself, Rs. 50 crores final total is passé.

In the times when Rs. 100 crores for a movie is seen to be pretty achievable within next six months itself, what with biggies like Chandni Chowk To China, Ghajini and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi arriving soon at the box office, the pay package of everyone out there in Bollywood has seen an exponential increase.

This is why it is not just the top actors who see their remuneration in excess of Rs. 10 crores; even top directors too are commanding a huge price.

One such filmmaker is writer-director Anees Bazmee who, post the hat trick of success of No Entry, Welcome and Singh Is Kinng, has been offered, hold your breath, as much as Rs. 51 crores by a top corporate house for a bouquet of 3 films.

Confirms a source close to Anees Bazmee, "Anees bhai is keeping tight lipped about the entire offer since he would rather sign on the dotted line before making any declaration of sorts.

However, the fact is that the day Singh Is Kinng was released and declared a success on the basis of sheer opening; he has been inundated with offers by one and all.

So many producers out there just want him to take up their projects and are not even worried about the figure he may quote. However, one such offer that seems to be in serious contention has come from a top corporate house."

Refusing to divulge on the name, the source only informs that it is a leading corporate house which has delivered a string of successful films in last six months.

"Not just that Anees bhai has been offered 51 crores to direct three films and given full freedom to pick subjects and actors of his choice over a period of time, he has also been extended flat 21 crores as a signing amount.

It is an unheard of money and quite unprecedented. Something of this scale has never happened before for a Bollywood director but Anees bhai's track record has forced producers to talk big money", informs the source.

Is the number indeed true? Is Anees going to bite the bait?

Says Anees Bazmee in a cautious tone, "It won't be fair on my part to comment on the number part since it is best left to be announced by the people who are making an offer.

In any case, temptations like these aren't new to me because ever since No Entry became a superhit, mega bucks have been offered to me. I don't want to rush up on my films and go for quantity while compromising on the quality.

Yes, there have been huge offers after Singh Is Kinng as well and I am certainly considering a few of them. However, the moment I sign on the dotted line, there would be a formal announcement for all to know."

Continuing with his sarcastic remarks on Industry people, Ram Gopal Varma in his latest blog entry has poked fun of John Abraham. In his true cynical style Ramu has hinted that John is a non actor and is only enjoying stardom in the industry all thanks to his good looks!

While trying to prove a point to showcase the difference between a star and an actor and the effect they have on a film's success, Ramu has given John's example and written, "If John Abraham's stardom is due to his deadly looks in Dhoom why spoil it by making a film like "No Smoking" with him.

The Director might have gotten out a performance out of him and he also might have done very well but the question is whether people want to see him act or just look good."

Well it seems like Ramu cares a damn nowadays about whom he is writing about in his blog!

With the success of Phoonk he has tasted blood again and we sincerely hope that he uses all his creative energy in making better films and not downgrading fellow industry men!

Salman Khan starrer Veer might break down all records if the price its being offered is agreed upon. It has been offered a mind boggling Rs. 150 crore for its complete world wide rights. Industry trade sources inform, "If Vipul Shah's London Dreams got a whopping Rs. 120 crore even before shooting a single shot and became the biggest deal in Bollywood, Veer is all set to break its record very soon. Anil Sharma's Veer starring Salman and Sohail Khan along with a debutante model turned actress and Mithun Chakraborty has been offered Rs. 150 crore by one of Bollywood's top most corporate production house. What has made Veer a period drama such a hot proposition? Well it has a script written by Salman Khan himself and the ferocious way by which he is promoting this film everywhere, the hype for the film is multiplying every passing day. Salman is also keen on taking his war with Shah Rukh Khan more further by taking active interest in every single department of his most ambitious venture till date, Veer. He wants to prove that if SRK can take Om Shanti Om to glory single handedly, he can pitch in more efforts and ensure double the result of OSO. The staggering price offered is a sort of moral victory for Salman as he is now considered the hottest stars of Bollywood in terms of market price overtaking SRK by leaps and bounds!"

"I will marry next year," that's what the bad boy of Bollywood has been telling eveyone who keep asking him questions about his impending marriage with Katrina Kaif.

“I am so bored with this question which I have been asked so many times,” he says. “Every year I say ‘Next Year’ and this goes on.’”

However this year he sounds serious with his plans. Talking to a leading tabloid Sallu again replied, "I’m settling down in 2009 and would like to become a father immediately. "

According to sources, Salman has also popped 'the question' from several quarters: from the media to guests on his show 10 Ka Dum. Akshay made it a point to ask Sallu when he was planning to marry Kat, when he appeared on Khan's show with the actress.

But Katrina who has tasted success at the box-office recently is not as ecstatic.

She laughs off any talks of marriage. The actress says, "I think Salman said whatever he wanted to say. Let people make of it whatever they want. I have never commented on the personal side in the media. I don't wish to start right now."

Bipasha is candid enough to admit that during 'Race' Katrina and she were barely cordial with one another. "Some people you jell with. Others you just do your job with. Katrina is one of those cases when we were just professionals on the sets. But there was no rivalry or anything. We were both working for the same film not at cross-puposes. We were both liked in Race. Though people would like to believe otherwise, there was no negativity or animosity between us. There was no dramatic tension on the sets. We're both too sensible for that. There was just no scope for one-to-one interaction." She has one other unfinished project Mr Fraud with Abbas-Mustan. "I'd love to complete the film. Right now I'm going through a phase when I'm searching for roles. I've no idea what I want. But yes, I'd like to an author-backed zany fun-filled film. At the same time I love multi-strarrers. They're more fun on the sets. Lots of unfulfilled wishes before I give up acting.If I don't like what's being offered I won't sign anything. For now my last film is Freeze with Neil Nitin Mukesh." Bipasha had to miss John's brother Allan's wedding on Romania in May because she was shooting in Bangkok. But she was very conspicuously present at the wedding reception in Mumbai where everyone commented on her bonding with her sister-in-law Anka. "She's really sweet. John's brother and Anka were seeing each other for three years. Beyond that I wouldn't like to say anything about them. Let them lead their own lives." John's ambitious film Aashayein is ready. Though Bipasha loves the film she won't be helping to promote it. "Beyond buying a ticket I'm doing nothing to promote the film. That's a very good way to pitch in." Bipasha's new ring tone is a song from Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. Strange for an actor to flaunt another actor's ring tone. "I love that song and I adore Imran. I think he's going to be a huge star. He and Ranbir Kapoor are my current favourites. In fact I told Ranbir how much I like Imran. No, he didn't mind at all. Ranbir and I are friends after Bachna Ae Haseenon."

It's been a time of horrendous homesickness for the rapidly on the rise Deepika Padukone.

"I've either been shooting out of the country or just been busy in Mumbai.It's been a really hectic time for me. I haven't been to my home in Bangalore for three years."

Now for Ganesh Chaturthi Deepika heads home to Bangalore. "I'm going home after three years. It feels really good."

But Ganesh Chaturthi is very big in Mumbai and also extremely important at her boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor's RK Studios.

Even if Ranbir would like to have her stay in Mumbai for the occasion Deepika is adamant.

"Ganesh Chaturthi is also a very big event in my home in Banglore.It's a time when my entire family including my sister, comes together.Or whatever remains of the family in Bangalore. A lot of my relatives are now in the US.

I've missed the occasion for the past three years. So I can't help it. I've to go home now. Am I religious? I don't go to the temple every day. But my God is right here in my heart. I believe in a force. And that keeps me grounded."

Interestingly Deepika's younger sister Alisha is a professional golfer.

Says the proud sister. "My sister is five years younger to me. I sometimes envy my sister. She has gone into sports, like my father. And she gets to play golf professionally. That's a unique position for a 19-year to be in. Acting seems rather ordinary in comparison."

In fact Deeepika's sister has recently got an offer for a film in their native language.

"That's right she has been offered a Kannada film. But she's absolutely not interested in a film career. One actress in the family is enough, " laughs.

The brings to the one roles that's on Deepika's wish list. "I'd love to do a sports film. Not neceassarily my dad's game badminton but any sport except cricket. I feel too much priority is given to cricket in our country. I'm so glad films on other sports like hockey and football are being made. I'd love to do film based on badminton."

Unconventional roles are coming Deepika's way without asking.

"When I was told that in Bachna Ae Haseenon I had to play an Indian cab driver in Australia who doesn't believe in marriage, I said I had to do this even if there were two other girls in the story.

Luckily for me I got along like a house on fire with Bipasha Basu and Minissha Lamba. Even if I hadn't I'd still have enjoyed doing the role thoroughly….And not because Ranbir was in it, " she adds quickly.

According to inside sources, Aditya Chopra and Rani Mukherji had a fight amongst themselves. As a result of which, they both had even stopped communicating with each other.

Sources revealed, "Rani was upset by the treatment her once special banner, Yash Raj films had been meting out to her post the flopping of her Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic. She was getting the feelers about her no longer being the blue eyed girl of the prestigious banner.

There was no big project announced keeping her in mind and she only had just one film with them that too being directed by a debutant director. But she had kept quiet over this matter despite it all being extremely frustrating for her.

Just later then, Aditya Chopra confronted her over a matter that came in the press.

It is a well known fact that Adi likes to maintain huge secrecy concerning his projects. He was therefore very miffed with Rani that she spoke some off the record things about her film with Yash Raj to her media friends.

What she spoke to them came out in the press and Adi didn't like it one bit. But as he confronted her over this all her boiled up anger came out and she questioned him over his changed attitude towards her post the flopping of TPTM.

Well this further led to a huge argument between the two and they both parted ways refusing to talk to one another. But just a week later Adi took the first step in reconciling their spoiled relation and asked for a meeting with her. Rani agreed and after this meeting they were back to being friends again!"

Kareena Kapoor is all set to fly to Paris to shoot an advertisement for an apparel chain and the Bollywood actress will don a new look, thanks to a French make-up artist.

Kareena is the brand ambassador of retail chain Globus and the firm has decided to make the ad on a grand scale in Paris, complete with a makeover by a French artist, a company official said.

"The French artist is going to create a new look for her. We are giving her a complete makeover and she will surely look different and as usual stunning, " the executive said.

Company authorities also believe that she is their lucky charm.

"Kareena is a style icon for today's youth. The decision to select Kareena as our brand ambassador has fetched the brand an international recognition, " the official added.

Kareena replaced Soha Ali Khan as the face of the Globus retail chain late last year.

While her new found friendship with one time foe Kareena Kapoor remains a mystery for many, actress Bipasha Basu admits that she never got a chance to understand Kareena.

"I never had a chance to understand her but now the awkwardness is gone, " the dusky actress said on the sidelines of an event.

Both the actresses were said to have a good time at a recent party organised by Kareena for beau Saif Ali Khan. It is said that both could not see eye to eye during the shooting of 'Ajnabee', Bipasha's first Bollywood movie.

The Bong actress is not new to controversies relating to her alleged rivalries with her female co-stars.

While there were rumours of actress Deepika Padukone getting miffed up with Bipasha during the promotion events of 'Bachna Ae Haseeno', her rivalry with Katrina Kaif has been in limelight recently.

But, Bipasha rubbished all rumours and insisted that she had made only friends during the shooting of 'Bachna Ae Haseeno'.

However, unperturbed by the controversies, the actress believe in following an eye for an eye logic with her co-stars.

"It all depends on the kind of behaviour that the person in front of you shows. If someone acts friendly then I will behave in the same manner, " Bipasha quipped.

Rating: *** The serial bombing of suburban trains in Mumbai in 1996 is a nightmarish incident the nation would never forget. And Mumbaikars still get gooseflesh recalling the ghastly incident. Mumbai Meri Jaan recreates the incident on celluloid, but is not about terrorism per se. It talks about the aftermath of this tragedy and how the lives of five people, not remotely connected or associated with one another, gets affected in the process. Mumbai Meri Jaan is more of an emotional journey. Five varied stories unveil in those 2 hours (a concept that's fast catching up with Bollywood) and each makes a statement. Nishikant Kamat's first Hindi venture is one of those films that don't deviate from the core issue. It may not be foolproof in terms of writing, but the execution is so compelling that one overlooks those minor blemishes in the narrative. Mumbai Meri Jaan is more of a tribute to the never-dying spirit of this dynamic city called Mumbai. A film that every citizen should watch! On July 11, 2006, the local train service, known as Mumbai's lifeline, was struck by a series of bomb blasts. Mumbai Meri Jaan explores the impact of this devastating incident on the lives of people of Mumbai. From a brilliant broadcast journalist to a patriotic corporate man; from a retiring policeman at the twilight of his life to a rookie cop at the dawn of his career; from an angry and xenophobic unemployed young man to a coffee-vendor struggling to survive and belong: Mumbai Meri Jaan follows the lives of people from all strata of Mumbai's bustling society as they tackle the aftermath of a fatal incident that brings out the best and sometimes the worst in them. Mumbai Meri Jaan looks at the common tragedy, but diversifies into five different stories at the very start itself. Each of those stories and the characters depicted in those stories are relatable. If you haven't witnessed these people, there's a possibility that you may've heard or read about them. Amongst the five stories, the ones that leave a stronger impression are Paresh Rawal-Vijay Maurya, Irrfan Khan and Kay Kay Menon. Soha's story may not appeal as much since it tends to go overboard, while Madhavan's story has its moments, but is not as impactful. Nishikant Kamat has executed the sensitive subject with gloves, handling each of those five stories with care. A number of emotional moments in the narrative move you and at times, depress no end. Credit must also be reserved for its writer as also the art director, who has recreated the ghastly incident so realistically. Every performance in the film is applaud-worthy. Paresh steals the show. This performance should easily make it into the Top 5 performances of the year. Irrfan is marvellous. Watch him hate the fragrance of the perfume soon after he has been insulted at the mall. It's superb! Kay Kay is fantastic. The actor makes his part appear so real. Soha is a surprise. Watch her emotional breakdown at the morgue and you know that she has gradually evolved into a terrific actor. Madhavan is equally competent, conveying so much even when silent. Vijay Maurya is superb. His scenes with Paresh are incredible. On the whole, Mumbai Meri Jaan is a well-intentioned film that should win praise for its execution and performances. It's more for the discerning viewer, those who swear by serious cinema.

Rating: ****

The great debate between science and superstition continues, but RGV's new film Phoonk tilts in favour of superstition. Surprising, isn't it?

The makers of the film had organized a contest. You'd be given a handsome reward if you've the courage to watch Phoonk all alone in a theatre, we're told. Honestly speaking, Phoonk isn't scary by any standards, but as a subject, it works big time because somewhere deep within us, we've heard of the power of the unknown.

Whether you're superstitious or not, you may've heard tales/experiences concerning jaadu tona. And you're all eyes and ears the moment someone comes up with an alibi.

Phoonk is easily amongst RGV's finest works (although BHOOTH was scarier) and it holds your attention all through.

As a viewer, you're keen to know how RGV would culminate this story. The culmination, of course, would meet with extreme reactions.

Some would rubbish it, but the believers might endorse the finale. In my individualistic opinion, it's outstanding!

All said, Phoonk is a fantastic experience. The subject -- black magic -- is its biggest star and that alone would ensure House Full boards outside plexes/cinemas.

Rajeev (Sudeep), a successful construction engineer, with a loving wife and two children, is an atheist to the core. He scowls at people who believe in the dark forces, till one day when an evil is let loose in his happy home, which threatens to destroy his family and shake up the very foundations of his convictions and beliefs.

Thanks to the hype and curiosity generated around the movie, you expect to be scared from Scene 1 itself. And RGV emphasises on lighting and artefacts, besides an eccentric woman (Ashwini Kalsekar), to create the right atmosphere.

Of course, you do get the jhatkas in a scene or two, but you don't clasp your hands tightly even once, nor does your heart goes dhak-dhak at a lightening speed.

Gradually, RGV plays with the camera (excellent camerawork by Savita Singh) and sound (Kunal Mehta, Parikshit Lalwani) to heighten the impact.

Like all RGV films, the camera angles bear the unmistakable RGV stamp, while the background score (Bapi-Tutul) takes an ordinary scene to the next level.

RGV is back with a bang. There's a certain consistency from start to end and this time, he gets the right subject to prove his detractors wrong. Every sequence bears the stamp of a genius that RGV is, hits and flops notwithstanding.

The performances are uniformly good. Sudeep impresses you with an excellent performance. Amruta Khanvilkar is efficient. Baby Ahsaas Channa makes a strong impression. Ashwini Kalsekar is top notch.

Zakir Hussain's tantric act is superb. Ganesh Yadav lends good support. K.K. Raina and Lilette Dubey, both doctors, are competent. Kenny Desai, Anu Ansari and the actress enacting the role of Sudeep's mother are perfect.

On the whole, Phoonk is a fascinating cinematic experience on a subject that's rarely tackled by the dream merchants in Bollywood: Black magic. The subject itself is the biggest star of the film, which would ensure a flying start at the box-office and in turn, prove a jackpot for its producers who've distributed the film themselves.

Sohail Khan had to speak a lot of Punjabi for his new film Kissan. "It's my first raw-and-real film. And my Punjabi is very dubious. I had to polish it up before I could face the camera.But it's okay. I like wearing different hats specially for my brothers."

Recently Sohail stepped in at the eleventh hour in the Salman starrer God Tussi Great Ho….after the original actor opted out suddenly, only because Salman requested Sohail.

It can't be co-incidence. All of Sohail Khan's acting assignments in the past 3 years from Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya to Salaam-e-Ishq to God, Tussi Great Ho, Heroes and Main Aur Mrs Khanna are in big bro's company.

And if it isn't Salman then it's Arbaaz with Sohail in the recently-released Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na and the forthcoming Kissan where Arbaaz and Sohail again play brothers.

Says Sohail, "In Kissan Arbaaz and I play hardcore farmers in dhotis. I had never worn a dhoti before. It's the most authentic production we've ever done. It's about the new generation of farmers not valuing their land.

Jackie Shroff plays Arbaaz and my father. We shot in Chandigarh for forty days at a stretch. Then I left for Melbourne for Main Aur Mrs Khanna. Quite a culture shock. Now we go into Partner 2 where I don't have an acting part."

Partner 2 will of course have Govinda and Salman. But the leading ladies Katrina and Lara will change.

Says Sohail. "It's basically a brand name now. And Salmanbhai and Govinda are part of that brand. Govinda keeps embarrassing us by saying by praising me and Bhai all the time. Come on, man. He is…Govinda!"

Doesn't Sohail crave to be recognized as an actor outside home turf? "With our production house doing well, as an actor I don't have to be desperate.I'm not so ambitious as to put my whole and soul into an acting career.

I can do solo-hero films. But I'd rather be part of bigger projects with Salmanbhai which will have a smooth-sailing to release. As a producer I know which projects will make it smoothly."

So is Sohail okay with peripheral parts? " I'm happy being part of films with so-called big stars. I also like doing other things. I'm a producer.

In fact we're in the process of lining up two more films for production next year both directed by David Dhawan. One is the sequel to Partner and the other is a remake of Amar Akbar Anthony (AAA)where I'll play Rishi Kapoor's role."

The new AAA will be contemporized. "David will start that after Partner 2. AAA will be upgraded, like Farhan Akhtar did Don."

Sohail enjoys working with Salman. "There's no hassle no sense of one-upmanship, no double-hero ego problems and we share a great chemistry.

So producers like signing us together. I was never supposed to be in Salaam-e-Ishq. My track was added much later. It had nothing to do with Salmanbhai. On the other hand in my new film God Tussi Great Ho Yash Tonk was originally doing my role.

He even shot for four days. Then he got busy with his television. Yash is a friend. We did Fight Club together. It was an awkward situation for him. He called me up. And requested me to get into his shoes.Since it was Salmanbhai's film I didn't think twice."

Sohail plays Priyanka Chopras's pal in God Tussi Great Ho. And in Main Aur Mrs Khanna Sohail plays the man who has an unrequited love for Kareena. "I'm interested in her. But she's already Mrs Khanna."

Says Sohail, "I'm very happy with the acting work that I do. Acting is only a part of my life. I want to produce, give time to my wife and son, spend time with my friends. I want to do quality work."

However there're no plans for the Khan brothers turning into a selfcontained film empire.

"No, we'll continue to freelance as actors, " promises Sohail. "And we'll continue to introduce new talent like Prem Soni who's directing Main Aur Mrs Khanna for us. My hands are full till 2010. And I'm a producer first, an actor later."

Rang De Basanti star Siddharth is mighty miffed with his director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra for ditching him at the last moment.

Siddharth was very well appreciated for his role in his debut film, Rang De Basanti and when Mehra was planning his next, Dilli 6, he had promised Siddharth the lead role. Siddharth was extremely excited to be a part of such a big project and started declining other projects so that they don't clash with Dilli 6.

Mehra kept delaying the project sometimes because of script finalisation reasons or pre-production planning reasons. But sources claim, "Mehra was actually trying to rope in a big star as the lead.

He was trying his best to rope in Hrithik Roshan first and Hrithik too was showing interest in the project after the basic script hearing but he had kept his decision on hold because he was unsure about how and when his home productions Krrish 2 or Kites would start.

Not willing to wait any further, Mehra approached Ranbir Kapoor. It was almost finalised that Ranbir would be starring in the project but suddenly, Ranbir was out and Abhishek Bachchan was in as the main lead. It is learnt that Amitabh Bachchan played a pivotal role in getting Abhishek in the film.

Mehra and Big B go a long way back together from the time Bachchan Sr. agreed to play the lead in Mehra's debut film Aks. During all these Siddharth was never once told that he is no longer a choice for the role in Dilli 6.

He remained in the foolish hope of already bagging the film because of his faith in Mehra. He was mighty dissappointed when he learnt about his ouster! What frustrated him as well was Mehra's comments in a film glossy stating he never once considered Siddharth for Dilli 6."

"So dejected he had been that he has almost stopped signing new Hindi projects and concentrating more on Telugu films where he is considered a huge star and is a big teenage heart throb." adds the source. Siddharth's next release is Striker, where he plays a carom champion and is in the solo lead.

This has never happened before. A film that does extraordinary business all over the country and overseas has bombed in one specific area.

Aneez Bazmi's Singh Is Kinng is a flop in Bihar, an area where Akshay Kumar's films from Jaanwar to Hey Babby have acquired a blockbuster status without batting an eyelid.

The reason for this incongruous occurrence?

According to on one of Bihar's primary exhibitors Suman Sinha, "The Punjabi dialogues songs and dances went againt the film. The Bihar distributor paid a whopping amount of money to buy Singh Is Kinng and is now going to lose a hefty amount."

Producer Vipul Shah is aware of his blockbuster's tainted spot in Bihar.

"I've heard that the Punjabiyat and Sikh theme have gone against the film's success in Bihar. But I don't understand why. We were aware that some areas would reject the film's USP, namely the Sikh ambience.

Surprisingly the film has done extremely well even in Bengal where we thought the audience would've trouble connecting with the theme. There's really no explanation for what has happened to Singh Is Kinng in Bihar."

Interestingly there have been instances of films that have bombed in the rest of the country doing well in Bihar like Hamesh Malhotra's Dulhe Raja and Riteish Deshmukh's debut film Tujkho Meri Kasam. But never has a world-wide hit been rejected in Bihar.

Vipul Shah's and Anees Bazmi's films have always done well Bihar. And Jab We Met which also had large dollops of Punjabiyat was a hit in the State.

Says Suman Sinha, "But Jab We Met didn't thrust the Bhangra culture up audiences' throats. Like it or not the rest of the country is not as fond of Punjabi culture as Bollywood."

Though Bollywood's new chocolate hero Ranbir Kapoor admires his father immensely, he is uncomfortable with people judging his mother.

Ranbir is the son of yesteryears' stars Neetu and Rishi Kapoor.

"My mother is very biased towards me. My parents always wanted me to learn moralistic values. As a child and even now, I have been a big fan of my father's films.

"I have watched my mom's films, but I was not comfortable. People would judge her and I don't like anyone else judging my mother. I am possessive about her."

Ranbir is being appreciated for his film "Bachna Ae Haseeno" in which he serenades his real life girlfriend Deepika Padukone. The other two actresses he romances in the film are Minissha Lamba and Bipasha Basu.

After 16 years in the film industry, actor-producer Suniel Shetty says he is jealous of Akshay Kumar as the latter has shaped up his career wisely over the years. "Akshay Kumar is an inspiration for me. He has handled his career beautifully. I'm envious of him, " Suneil told. He spoke on the sidelines of the opening of his apparel house Crossover Bollywood Se. He added: "Akshay ventured into a completely different arena, that is comedy and he was widely appreciated for it. My bond has especially grown with him post-'Hera Pheri'." Suniel Shetty is also paying a homage to Danny Denzonpga If Suniel Shetty is in a happy and healthy place today he doesn't have only his own sense of discipline to thank for it. One man initially taught him everything there's to learn about good positive hralthy living. "And that man is Danny Sir. Danny Denzongpa. I simply love and respect that man to death. Danny Sir was my co-star in my very first film Balwaan. I owe my iamge of the action star to him. It was Danny Sir that urged me to take him on in a climactic combat in the film. I was very shy. How could I fight a man I had hero-worshipped for so long? But Danny Sir made me do it. He even made me pick him up and throw him to the ground. The impact was deadly. Audiences immediately accepted me as a deadly action hero. They reasoned that if I could beat Danny Denzongpa I must be the real balwaan." Since then Suniel has ceaselessly looked up to Danny for advice. "He has always been a source of inspiration, whether it's in the way he keeps his house or in the way he has brought up his children….Danny Sir is an amazing man." And now Suniel is all set to repay the man who has inspired him. "My company Popcorn Entertainment is planning a film that would do justice to his awesome personality. I mean, just look at that man! At his age he puts younger supposedly-fit men to shame. I had actually offered him another film. But I decided to hold back. The role didn't do justice to him. I'm not going to cast him in a film and role that will be the return of Danny Denzongpa. It's the least I can do."

Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Priyanka chopra
Rating: *

Who but a David Dhawan follower can turn Tom Shadyac's Bruce Almighty into 'Bruise The Almighty'.

This unintentional subverted farce insults God and humanbeings alike. It pretends to say something deep and indelible. It ends up being as profound as a bowl of soggy noodles staring at you for eadible nirvana.

Arguably one of the most botched-up comedies in recent times God, Tussi Great Ho takes us into territory that the Khan brothers Salman and Soahil have been together in David Dhawan's Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya.

The cartoon-like cat-and-mouse game between Salman and Sohail to get the perky pretty Priyanka's attentions is completely devoid of zing despite the familiar ring, though admittedly Sohail who's rapidly emerged as one of our most delightful comic actors(see him in Salaam-e-Ishq, Main PyarKyun Kiya and now this and watch him give Bade Bhai a run for his money) takes the lead.

The inhouse channel- war between the two Khans is reminiscent of Shah Rukh-Juhi's comic competitiveness in Aziz Mirza's hugely underrated Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani. In fact Sohail is wickedly inventive in a plot that pulls the characters down with each creaking push of the writer's pathetic pen.

Who wrote this garbage? You wonder. And why must Mr Bachchan be subjected to this sort of tripe trip at this juncture of his career?

After Rishi Kapoor in Kunal Kohli's vastly-superior other-wordly satire Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic it's Mr Bachchan's turn to play God on a set that has a cascading waterfall, cotton-candy clouds and Salman suitably dressed in a formal suit.

What's missing is the fizz in this askew cocktail. As a writer Rumi Jafrey is on shockingly shaky grounds. Just like Salman's Volkswagon which changes colours from drab pink to bright red in the second-half when Salman gets godly powers from the 'real' God.

Never mind. Because Priyanka's nose- ring changes from left nostril to right. That's about all that the narrative gets right in the trite second-half.

The post-interval half is so crummy and scattered you wonder what happened to the director.Was he was on leave while God ghost-directed the second-half?

Appalling in structure and abysmal in content God, Tussi Great Ho is somewhat bearable for Sohail's comic aptitudes.

And yes, Priyanka is easy on the eyes.

Watch her in the soap ad on television rather than being part of a film where the characters are nothing more than a prop for the pale parody where all the colours come from the hyper-excited art director who was probably told to pull out all stops.

Wish our directors would know where to stop before comedy becomes a travesty.

Sensuous-sexy-sultry Kareena Kapoor and her stardom are beyond limits. After the super success of Jab We Met and her super-glam look in Tashan, Kareena has become hot property for both Bollywood and Hollywood. There was a buzz couple of days back about Kareena signing a Hollywood project but Kareena’s spokesperson denied stories about her doing a Hollywood film. Apparently, during the shoot of Kambakht Ishq, Kareena was in talks with Hollywood production houses. “It is true that Kareena was offered a role in Chamera which is to be directed by Daniel Silverman but she has not signed on the dotted lines, ” said her spokesperson. So is Kareena doing any Hollywood film at all? “Kareena is busy for the next one and a half year with her commitments in Bollywood. Until then she isn’t doing any international film. Besides Chamera, Kareena was also offered two other Hollywood films which I cannot divulge much into.” Kareena is definitely the most wanted actress currently. Surely, her lucky streak is on. Way to go Kareena!

On Tuesday Priyanka set aside her differences with Salman Khan. But for a good cause.And that too because she had old pal Bobby Deol for company.

Suddenly within a span of two weeks in August Priyanka Chopra has two releases that need to be plugged pushed and promoted.

The focussed workaholic decided to do what some time ago she wouldn't for even Harman Baweja.

Priyanka declined to be on Salman Khan's game show Dus Ka Dum last month when her film Love Story 2050 with Harman was on release. But now setting aside her rather frozen rapport with Salman she shot for Dus Ka Dum late on Tuesday night. This time she had both Bobby and Salman for company on the show.

"Actually it wasn't Tuesday night. It was Wednesday morning. We shot the episode from 1 am to 4 am. I had a tough time keeping my eyes open. But Salman entertained us all through. He played a double role. He was both the host and the hero of one of the films I was promoting."

Apparently Salman laid the charm so thick that Priyanka melted and decided to call off their cold war.

"First of all, when did I ever say I had any problems with Salman? We make a fantastic on-screen pair. We proved it in Mujhse Shaadi Karoge. And now again in God, Tussi Great Ho we rock together.

Amitji plays God, by the way. As for Salman he's always fun on the sets. He had me in splits during the shooting. He had Bobby and me entertained throughout Dus Ka Dum. And yes we both won a lot of money."

Bollywood's dusky beauty Bipasha Basu has carved a niche for herself in Hindi cinema and says she has no intentions of going to Hollywood because filmmakers there are familiar with only one Indian actor - Aishwarya Rai. "No filmmakers of Hollywood are willing to sign any Bollywood actor without a screen test apart from Aishwarya. They seem to know no Hindi film actors, not even Amitabh Bachchan, " Bipasha told. "I got a chance to go there, but I found out that I will have start again from scratch like screen tests and other tantrums. They treat you like a newcomer. So I decided to stay in Mumbai and be the 'queen' here, " said the actress who was in town to promote "Bachna Ae Haseeno". Talking about the film with newcomer Ranbir Kapoor, Bipasha said she signed on because she hadn't done a romantic movie for quite some time. "I haven't done an out-an-out romantic film for a long time so when I heard the script of this film, I found it a little fresh. "I play Radhika, who comes all the way from Ranchi to Mumbai to become an actor. But she ends up being a member of (choreographer) Shiamak Davar's dance troupe." Bipasha doesn't seem to mind sharing screen space with two other actresses - Minissha Lamba and Deepika Padukone in the film. "I am okay with even a 10-minute role provided I get an apt character and my share of attention on screen. Anyway, if you are a Bollywood heroine, you have very limited choice. I was intelligent enough to realise it long back and hence am picking up roles that look good on-screen, " she said.

Ask anyone about the hottest Bollywod property nowadays and they will answer you without taking time that it’s Katrina Kaif. For last few months or so, she has been replacing actresses in films and now she has started replacing them even in the field of advertisements and brand representatives, too. It’s very known but a great achievement for Katrina that she replaced Ash with the brand of Nakshatra, the diamond king, for the position of their Brand Ambassador. Katrina seems very happy on the occasion as she says, “I am very happy that I am chosen as Nakshatra’s Brand Ambassador. I think it showcases my personality very well as I really like to adorn myself up.” “Now I won’t have to look for jewelries before going to any function. Before that I used to ask for jewelries from my friends and now I don’t have to do any such thing, ” smiling asserts the beauty icon. But how does she feel about replacing Aishwarya? Katrina says, “See, making me the Brand Ambassador is completely Nakshtra’s decision and I cannot help it in anyways.” Katrina’s reply is enough to show that she has no wish to get entangled with any kind of controversy with Aishwarya. But she has replaced many actresses from their films, also. “It’s nothing like that. Like others I am also different in my own ways. We all are bestowed with one or the other individuality. Actually, we all are almost the same, if not similar, ” explains Kat. She further adds, “I am really happy with the films I am having these days. So, I don’t have to look at other’s projects.” But is it true that like films, actresses have started fighting for advertisements, too! Katrina again plays it safe as she says, “Not at all. There is nothing like that. The deserving candidate will always be called in for the right kind of project. As far as the fighting among us is concerned, it’s only you media persons who are only most interested in.” Despite the film Singh Is Kinng not receiving better response from the audience, Katrina is still excited about the film. She believes that like her other flicks, this film will also get better response with time. Talking about her co-star, Kat says, “Akshay is proved to be a great co-star with me. I am really affected with his understanding the audience and the entertainment. There were several times during the shoot when I was left spellbound with his spontaneity and briskness.” When Kat is there, sooner or later, questions about Salman are very obvious. Why are you avoiding to pose with Salman in films? “I have never decided to stop working with Salman and nor have I counted the number of films I have worked in with any star. If the story fits well then I won’t mind acting with him also. But talking about the exact time is impossible, ” safe plays Katrina. Listening to Katrina one must have understood how intelligently she faces the media. And it’s not only that as she has learnt well to face media’s questions regarding Salman even without the presence of Salman. And when, at the end, Katrina is asked about her reactions towards her being alleged by Malaika, she stood up and joining her hands says, “Dhanyavaad”! - Rajnee Gupta

Starring: Om Puri, Jackie Shroff, Alok Nath, Suneil Shetty, Sushant Singh, Sammir Dattani, Rahul Dev, Kelly Dorje, Raj Zutshi and Raima Sen (guest appearance)
Music: Illaya Raja, Karthik Raja
Director: Mani Shankar
Ratings: **

Mukhbiir is the story of those people who work as honest and dedicated informers for the intelligence department but their story always remain behind the curtain.

Om Puri arrests Kailash (Sameer Duttani), a nineteen year old antisocial but looking at his innocent face Om Puri advices him to become an informer for them so that his offences can be forgiven.

Kailash accepts the approach in order to save his life. Om Puri slowly becomes a father figure for Kailash and he starts calling him Babuji and wife as Maaji.

On the other hand Kailash continues with his job of informer so that he can earn twelve lakhs rupees to wave adieu to the world of crime forever. Due to an operation in Hyderabad, Kailash has to get into the character called Vinayak Marathe to enter the gang of Mamu Don (Alok Nath).

But Mamu proves to be the don just for the namesake and in reality it’s his widow daughter and sharp shooter Pasha Bhai (Sushant Singh) who run the gang. Kailash’s mission in Hyderabad is to finish the notorious gangster Mustafa.

He accomplishes his job but the situation forces him to kill Om Puri and thus, in the police force, Om Puri’s friend Rahaman (Suneil Shetty) comes into the position of Om Puri.

The story forwards and the next step in the mission comes where they have to reach Saaya (Rahul Dev), the boss of Mustafa. To complete this part of the mission, Kailash now has to get into the skin of Shahzad Khan.

In this way Kailash enters the gang of Saaya and comes to know that Saaya is going to blast more than twenty bombs in several places of Mumbai in the duration of less than seven minutes.

The whole terrorist operation is supported by some foreign power. Kailash informs that to his Maaji and through her the news reaches the Chief Minister (Jackie Sroff) and somehow the blasts cannot take place.

From writing the film to the direction of the wonderful scenes, Mani Shankar has taken care of both the things very well but why did he take Raima in this film is still beyond our comprehension.

Not only that. The song canned on Raima is also the wastage of time. As far as acting is concerned, all the actors are just to the level which is not acceptable from such great actors.

It specially can be told in case with Om Puri. Sameer has tried well getting into the skin of the informer. Music of the film is not up to the mark though lines by Samir depicting the life of the informer etch well with the film.

Albeit the film is still under the scanner of doubt about how it will attract the audience, people should try it once to know secrets about the lives of informers. Sameer Duttani’s dialogue ‘dedh saal mein jaan par khel kar sirf saade char lakh rupay kamae’ (Putting my life in danger I have earned a mere amount of four and half a lakh in the span of one and half a year), depicts the pain of a Mukhbiir (informer).

Keeping all in mind the film is worth watching for at least once, if not for a second time.

Although Akshaye Khanna bonds big-time with his dad he has sworn never to share screen space with him.

"I worked with my dad in my first film Himalayputra. It was an absolutely terrifying experience. There're certain people whom you shouldn't work with. My dad is one of them.

Mr Bachchan is another. To stand in the same frame as them confidently is impossible. They've such an overpowering screen presence. It's very difficult to match my father on screen. It's that quality.

Either you have it or you don't have it. I very frankly don't have it. I just don't have that kind of presence. There're some actors who just wash you away on screen. My dad is one of them."

Akshaye doesn't feel the same way about any of his contemporaries. "But yes, Govinda is another actor I feel the same way about. He's a very EFFECTIVE actor.

Govinda is a very scary actor. Even Sanjay Dutt has such an overpowering screen presence."

Interestingly and ironically Akshaye Khanna has done two very different and dimaterically opposite father-son films in two successive years

While Feroz Gandhi's Gandhi My Father featured Akshaye Khanna as Mahatma Gandhi's estranged son, in the new Priyadarshan comedy Mere Baap Pehle Aap he plays Paresh Rawal's son adamant to get dad married.

"Can you imagine two more contrasting father-son films?" Akshaye Laughs. "Mere Baap…is a genuine feel-good film. I like doing such films.

Every father and son would want to share the easygoing rapport between me and Paresh. My character puts his father's happiness ahead of his own. The son is more like a father, and vice versa.

Paresh's character is so childlike. My character is constantly shouting at and disciplining his dad. It's a very heartwarming kind of relationship. Paresh and I have always gotten along. We spend a lot of time together when we're working."

Is Akshaye happy with the quality of cinema he's doing? "I do the films I get. And I'd rather be in a successful film than a good film. Having said that I must say Gandhi My Father is the single-most important film of my career. Probably my best work. I'm immensely attached to it.

Interestingly 2008 is Akshaye's year of comedy. "Agreed my next release Short Cut after Mere Baap Pehle Aap is also an out-and-out comedy. But Race was not a comedy."

If you say so, Akshaye.

On Wednesday, morning –time travelers at Mumbai's international airport were shocked to see Abhishek and Aishwarya emerging out of a flight from New York.

Weren't they supposed to be touring the US with their parents for the live concerts?!

Leaving behind the rest of the family in New York, Abhishek and Aishwarya had to fly back to Mumbai for a dinner hosted by Omega (Abhishek is their brand ambassador) for the Olympics team.

After attending the dinner Abhishek and Aishwarya jetted out of Mumbai to join the family for the next family concert in Houston.

Though the Big B and Jaya were seriously concerned about the jet-lag factor precipitated by such breathless traveling, the couple had no choice but to fly in for the event and fly back to the next venue in the US.

Says the indulgent father from New York, "Yes this is crazy ! Abhishek and Aishwarya have travelled the other way over the Pacific to Shanghai and then to Mumbai and Delhi for an event for Omega, which could not be postponed.Then they'll travel back the next day to be in time for the show in Houston."

The Big B thanks his stars he has no such engagements to rush back to in Mumbai. "I don't have any such pressing engagements.

But I did do similar travel during the 1990's when I was on a concert tour and my father took ill. I would perform over the weekends and travel to be with him in the week and then back to USA to perform on stage. This went on for over six weeks."

Birthdays are special and even more if your wishes are granted. On the latest episode of Baa Bahoo Aur Baby on Star Plus, one such extra-special and extra-hot wish comes true. Bollywood siren Katrina Kaif stumps Baby (Benaf Dadachanji) of Baa Bahoo Aur Baby with a surprise visit to the Thakkar household.



Katrina joins the celebrations on Baby's birthday. The family members get together and host a surprise Masquerade party for Baby with each of them dressing up uniquely, drawing inspiration from various characters. In the midst of all this 'masti', Katrina Kaif makes a grand entrance and joins the party. Katrina also uses this chance to get the Thakkar family grooving to her upcoming blockbuster Singh is Kinng!!!

Catch the hot and sizzling Bollywood sexy-siren Katrina Kaif shake a leg with the Thakkars on Sunday, August 3, 2008 at 9.30 pm on Star Plus.

Ambition is the path to success and persistence is the vehicle you arrive in And if the vehicle is an autorickshaw, then, the driver has to be Vishal Netke. For starters, Vishal is a spunky autorickshaw driver from Mumbai, who won a cool Rs.10 lakhs in 10 ka Dum, a game show hosted by Salman Khan.

Whatever be the case, Vishal is one happy man today as he can now fulfill his long cherished dream of taking his mother in an airplane. Not just that, he has also 'made' enough money on the show so as to take his younger sister and her husband along on a trip abroad and to help her buy a small flat of her own!

What was so striking about Vishal is the fact that he was an English speaking autorickshaw driver, who, in his trademark humor, also revealed how he had saved money in a piggy bank to see his first ever movie. Ironically, the film was none other than the Salman-starrer Hum Aapke Hain Kaun at Liberty theatre, where he had gone with his mother and younger sister. "Until then nobody ever thought of taking us out to a film", said an emotional Vishal, who also added (read 'promised') that he will not to give up driving his autorickshaw in the city that made his dreams come true.

Way to go, Vishal!

Amitabh Bachchan's Shoebite was always a working title to begin with. Now as the film is more than 50% complete, it has got a final title for itself. The film would now be called Johnny Mastana.

Confirms a source closely attached to the film, "Yes, the film finally has a title now. It would now be known as Johnny Mastana. The film's first set of teaser posters are already out and they have Johnny Mastana imprinted on them. In any case Shoebite was never a confirmed title so it can't be said that the film has gone though a title change."

But why a title like Johnny Mastana? She reasons, "Doesn't Johnny Mastana sound more universal in nature? The film is meant for all segments of audience and Johnny Mastana gives just the right indications. We all love this title here and the moment it was first suggested, we just grabbed it with open arms."

Apart from Amitabh Bachchan, the film also stars Sarika, Jimmy Sheirgill and Dia Mirza in key roles. Shooting of Johnny Mastana has been on since early this year and moving on at a decent pace. Since the film is touted to be revolving around the journey of a man across the entire nation, it involves numerous location changes.

Nods Jimmy Sheirgill in agreement, "It is true. In fact for shooting certain sequences in the film, the time required to reach the location is more than the time we spend at the location. It has been a grueling, yet satisfying experience, for everyone involved."

The film is directed by Shoojit Sircar of Yahaan fame. Incidentally Yahaan starred Jimmy Sheirgill in the lead and got him nationwide recognition.

"The man is just made of something different", says Jimmy fondly, "He has an acumen for that perfect shot taking. Technically brilliant and quite well versed with the medium of cinema, it is a delight to be working with him on a subject as diverse as Johnny Mastana."

While others in the film's cast have been busy wrapping up their portions, Amitabh Bachchan would resume shooting for the film once he is back from 'The Unforgettable Tour' in the month of September. Produced by UTV Motion Pictures, Johnny Mastana which has music by Shantanu Moitra, is now confirmed for a 6th March, 2009 release.

Bollywood lost one of its veteran producers, F.C. Mehra, who passed away on Tuesday. Mehra, who has given us some popular films (under his company Eagle Films) like Professor, Mujrim, Sohni Mahiwal, Qila, Chamatkar, Ram Jaane and Aashiq Aawara died of a cardiac failure at a Mumbai hospital. He was 80 years old.

F.C. Mehra was also the proud owner of one of Mumbai's oldest cinema halls- Minerva and also the Plaza cinema hall in Delhi. In his illustrious career, he has also produced television serials like Zabaan Sambhal Ke, Mamaji, Office Office and Khatta Meetha. He is survived by his 4 sons (which include filmmakers Umesh Mehra, Parvesh Mehra and Rajiv Mehra) and a daughter.

To play the animal-like psychopath in Luck, Ravi Kishan had to forego the pleasure of co-hosting the second season of Bigg Boss with Shilpa Shetty. Says Kishan from Cape Town, "Shilpa and I were to co-host Bigg Boss. And after being inmates at Bigg Boss and Big Brother we'd have made a nice pair. But unfortunately this film where I play a psycho, required immense preparation. My character is like many animals rolled into one. Sometimes he's a hyena, sometimes he becomes a rabbit. I avidly watched the National Geographic Channel for weeks to understand and imbibe animal traits. This is the most complex role of my career, and thank God for my co-stars. All of us, Danny Saab, Mithunda, and of course Imran are one big boys' club. We work and party together. And women are not allowed. In fact, I've adopted Danny Saab as my Guru. There's no rivalry no one-upmanship. All of us have well-defined very rugged and sporty parts."

Cape Town has suddenly come alive to major male bonding, thanks to Soham Shah's rugged outdoor sporty thriller, Luck, being shot out there. The film is being described as a 'Fear Factor' in feature-film format where all the main characters are on a high-risk mission in the rugged outdoors.

Says Ravi, "We've to do any and everything from climbing mountains to plunging deep underwater to jumping off helicopters. Everyone had to get into special shape, me included. I've been working out doubly hard before coming to Cape Town." The Bhojpuri superstar sees Luck as his biggest break to date. "All of us have been given clearly defined parts. And there's no sense of one-upmanship among us. I've never worked in a more friendly atmosphere in my life. Even Imran who flew into South Africa after becoming an overnight superstar is a pleasure to work with . He's so down-to-earth and masoom. He told me he had seen me in 1971 and liked me. As for Shruti Haasan, she's the daughter of the living legend Kamal Haasan and already a rock star. But she has no attitude. She's one of us boys."