Kareena Kapoor fumes on 'nude' query

By BollywoodHungamaNewsNetwork

New Delhi media was in for a shock as Kareena Kapoor staged a walk out of a press conference in the city where she was present to promote her upcoming film ‘Kambakht Ishq’. Visibly upset and fuming with anger, she marched towards her suite when a female reporter questioned her if she would be willing to go totally nude for camera if the script demanded so.

Informs an onlooker who was present at the venue, "The question shocked her. Just a few minutes back, she had patiently handled queries regarding her professional life. She had also commented around wearing a bikini in ‘Tashan’ and now ‘Kambakht Ishq’ mainly because the 'script demanded it'. Though averse to doing so in future projects, she admitted that she would keep the subject and story in mind and would do 'anything' that is required by the script."

Though it was a diplomatic stand on affairs, things went a little too far when an over zealous reporter popped the question - 'Would you mind going nude for a role?' "This was it", adds the source, "Kareena lost her cool at that very moment and rather than choosing to blast the reporter and create a scene, she simply aborted her stay at the press conference. The flabbergasted reporter didn't know what hit her. The event coordinator too felt disgusted about the entire incident and found himself in trouble as this situation was totally unforeseen."

The source continues, "There were problems for Kareena from the very beginning of the event. First and foremost the chosen venue itself wasn't conducive enough to handle a large media that had assembled. Around 100 odd reporters and journalists had gathered in a room that wasn't large enough to host a mega celebrity press conference like this. With the claustrophobic venue not helping the cause enough, queries like these were enough for Kareena to blow her fuse."

For media and the film, director Sabbir Khan came to rescue though. He handled the situation well by staying on at the venue and continued to interact with the reporters. "Yes, Kareena was justified in walking out but Sabbir too did all to ensure that promotion of ‘Kambakkht Ishq’ didn't get impacted", says a fellow reporter, "He realises that the film is just a few days away and didn't want any bad blood to spoil the show. He had a thin rope to walk on and did pretty well in rescuing the event from turning into a complete disaster."

Source: Screen India.

RGV vows to make movie of aspiring filmmaker who shocks him

By Agencies

In a bid to promote his yet-to-be-released thriller "Agyaat", filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has come up with a contest whose winner stands a chance to make a movie with him.

The maverick director has promised to produce a movie of an aspiring filmmaker "who can shock him."

Both he and producers, UTV, have invited entries for "Agyaat Short Film Contest."

Anyone who has a chilling and scary story to tell in visual can participate in the contest by sending an entry.

Participant can shoot a short film and upload the link on Agyaat's website. The winner will get a chance to direct a film that will be produced by UTV and Varma.

Varma, who is back with another chilling experience after "Phoonk", takes the audience into an unknown zone with "Agyaat".

He says that "Agyaat" is about the unknown or forces that cannot be defined. "Neither it is about supernatural powers or creatures or evil forces, it is about something beyond human understanding. And most of all it is very scary," he said.

"There are so many people who have potential to become a good director but they never get access to the industry. This is our endeavor to find potential filmmaker. It’s easy to shoot a film now with just a mobile phone, handy cam and a laptop so we are inviting people to showcase their talent," Varma said.

"The clip should shock, thrill or scare us. Once we are convinced with the capability of the person, we would give him or her a chance to direct the film and take their subject forward," Varma said.

Shikha Kapoor of UTV Marketing further adds, our film is meant for connoisseurs of horror genres who enjoy all kinds of horror and super natural films. This would be an additional bonus for them to be able to direct a film.

"Agyaat" has an ensemble cast of Priyanka Kothari, Nitin, Gautam Rode, Ravi Kale, Howard Rosemeyer, Kali Prasad, Rasika Duggal, and Joy Fernandis. The movie will be released on July 24.

Source: Screenindia.

Indian Hollywood filmmaker set to cast Johnny Depp in next

By Agencies

After making waves at Cannes with his maiden film, India-born Hollywood director Nagendra Karri is all set to strike it big as the filmmaker is in talks with heavyweights Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio and Russel Crowe for his second film 'Mobster' with Depp being his favourite.

Born in Vizag, Andhra Pradesh, 26-year-old filmmaker whose first film 'Where are you Sophia' got the opportunity to be screened at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival, hopes to rope in the 'Pirates of the Carribean' actor for the thriller.

"Yes, we are in talks with the three actors but I am particular pushing for Johnny Depp. He has shown keen interest in the script. We are also in touch with agents of Eva Green for one of the main characters in the film," Karri who was the city to promote 'Where are you Sophia' said.

'Mobster' is about organisational crime and its domino effect on the people. The story revolves around an ex-CIA whose life gets affected by it and how he changes the order of the mob. The story begins in New York and then travels India to end in Moscow, he said.

Karri is also planning to make the Hindi version of the film simultaneously and wants to cast Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan for the lead role.

"I have some actors in mind. Aamir and Kamal Hasan are the two I would love to cast. Abhishek Bachchan and Rahul Bose are also in my wish list. I intend to talk with them in the coming weeks," Karri said.

The movie is slated to roll in September this year.

But before embarking on this huge project Karri has brought his first directorial venture 'Where are you Sophia' to his home country and is set to release the film in September.

"It is an unconventional film which will generate curiosity in the Indian audience. I am hoping that people would love to see the film made by an Indian Hollywood filmmaker. I am looking forward to support here," said the director whose film generated a buzz at Cannes.

"The fact that it was an independent film which gained entry in the Cannes Film festival 2009 was huge for me. It went to have a successful screening, with more than 2000 people watching the film and applauding it," he added.

A 92-minute-suspense-thriller, the film is about a chance encounter between a journalist played by Amanda Boyd and a stranger (Peter Elias). She takes him on a journey where he is introduced to the realms of the unknown, which only he can unravel as he faces the mysterious forces in the evil town of Highlands.

When asked that how does he expect the reception of the film here considering the fact that it doesn't have a famous star cast, the filmmaker said, "I think the Indian audience has started appreciating good scripts. So I am hoping that my film will score."

Source: Screen India.

Thrillers keep director Anjan Dutt busy

Agencies

Making a ghost story has kept him preoccupied for long. And, after three attempts, filmmaker Anjan Dutt has finally zeroed in on a story for his upcoming thriller.

Dutt, is adapting the short story "Loving Doll," from Ipsita Roy Chakraverti's book "Sacred Evil."

"I am currently in the post-production stage of a very very dark Byomkesh Bakshi 1960's period thriller based on incest and riots. After this I'll start work on Ipsita's film," Dutt said.

The Kolkata-based director also an actor and singer and whose repertory include films like "Bong Connection," and "Chalo Let's Go" says he is excited about the new film which will be set in Kolkata and Darjeeling.

"Ipsita saw my film 'Madly Bangalee' and approached me with the story and I said yes, of course after reading the book," says Dutt who had been looking for a ghost story script for long.

Dutt says he wanted to film an adapted Rabindranath Tagore work but was unsure about getting the literary genius' story right and also because he says making a good thriller is always a challenge.

The Bengal-based director says, "You cannot fool around with a Tagore story. He is a genius. I began writing scripts for three stories but gave up. When Ipsita started talking to me I found the story interesting and thought I could take up the challenge."

"Loving Doll," explores the life of a middle-aged couple where the wife is obsessed about losing her beauty and is attached to a doll who she thinks will help her remain beautiful forever.

Funding of the film, says Dutt, is currently under negotiations with "various interested parties keen to fund the film."

"The story has a personal relation. I want to show the evil in a consumeristic society, a false world of ad and glamour where the cosmetic look is in vogue," says Dutt.

Bollywood actress Sarika, who had essayed character of Ipsita in the 2006 flick Sacred Evil is expected to play the lead in the film whose casting is likely to be done soon.

Hollywood biggies essential in 'Kambakht Ishq': Akshay

By Agencies

Actor Akshay Kumar, who plays a stuntmant in his upcoming movie 'Kambakkht Ishq' feels that the presence of Hollywood biggies in the film was not meant to create hype but "need" of the script. 

"I play a stuntman from Hollywood in the film and presence of these actors was essential. They were the need of the story to take my character forward in the film," Akshay said. 

"Sharing space with Hollywood action star Sylvester Stallone in the film was the most memorable experience. He told me about his knee problems and how he overcame his fear with heights to act in the movie 'Cliffhanger'," Akshay said. 

Hollywood stars Slyvester Stallone, Denise Richards, Brandon Routh and Holly Valance feature in important cameos in the film. 

Insisting that 'Kambakkht Ishq' was not an action film, Akshay said, "since I play a stuntman, there are two to three stunt scenes. I do stunts myself as I enjoy doing it." 

Recounting his near fatal encounter while shooting for his film titled 'Blue', the actor said, "I have performed a stunt sequences 150-feet under sea to fight with 40 sharks. I hit an iron rod and started bleeding in the head. But, I was taken up on the ship within 20 seconds and given treatment," adding it is sometimes very "scary". 

On whether he had any plans to head to Hollywood Akshay replied in negative and said, "I have brought Hollywood to Mumbai through 'Kambakkht Ishq'. I told actress Denise Richards that more people are going to watch her in a Bollywood film than her previous movies, because Indians are everywhere across the world." 

Referring to his previous two films- 'Chandni Chowk to China' and 'Tasveer 8x10', Akshay said he was proud of them. 

"But, I will be wrong if I say I don't feel the pressure to succeed on the eve of my new film's release.. no matter if your previous movie is a hit or a flop," he said. 

On his unbuttoning act at the Lakme Fashion week recently, Akshay said he had not done anything "wrong". 

"The controversy did not affect me. But, sales of the jeans has gone up," he said. 

"I am a firm believer that men are from Mars and women are from Heaven," he said. 

"I have just completed shooting for television show 'Fear Factor' featuring 13 women and 13 men and can vouch for the fact that women are more courageous and braver," he said. 

The actor, who is looking forward to his next release 'Kambakkht Ishq', plays a MCP in the film and the story is about how he is shown his true place by women. 

The actor plans to take a holiday break with his family and flying to New York. "We are going to see Disneyland," he said. 

Talking about his son, the actor said, "Aarav is a regular school boy and I want him to get a normal upbringing." 

"He is busy watching Tom and Jerry and does not follow my movies," Akshay said. 

To a question on whether he plans to set up a independent film production house like his contemporaries, Akshay said setting up a production house would need lot of time and attention and he had not given a thought to it because he has been busy shooting for his various projects.

Julia Roberts to shoot in India: Report

By Agencies

Post the sweeping success of 'Slumdog Millionaire' it seems that India is the most sought after destination for Hollywood with latest reports saying that none other than superstar Julia Roberts will be visiting the country. 

Roberts and Oscar-winning actor Javier Bardem will be coming to India to shoot for their upcoming film 'Eat, Pray, Love', reported Contactmusic. 

'No Country for Old Men' actor Bardem and Roberts are set to star in the on-screen adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert's bestselling novel of the same name. 

Bardem is negotiating with executives at Columbia Pictures to play Felipe, the man Roberts' character falls in love after meeting him at an Indian 'ashram'. 

The film is being produced by actor Brad Pitt and Dede Gardner through their production company Plan B, and actor Richard Jenkins will also be a part of the starcast. 

The shooting of the film is scheduled to begin in July and will take place in New York, Rome, India and Bali.

Concerns over first flick on Mumbai attack suspect Kasab

By ANI

Bollywood is all set to release the first film based on the Mumbai terror attacks, but not everybody thinks it's just to showcase the horrific events while the lone suspect is still going under trial. 

Titled ''Total Ten'', the film tells the true story of Azam Amir Kasab, 21-the Pakistani national alleged to be the sole terrorist caught alive during the attacks in November. 

''Total Ten'' refers to the terrorists who attacked Mumbai. 

But many people have raised concerns that the low-budget film risks prejudicing Kasab's trial, as it ends with him being sentenced to death and hanged. 

Kasab is accused of 166 counts of murder and waging war against India. 

Abbas Kazmi, his lawyer and a terror case veteran, said that the film might shatter one of the highest-profile trials ever held in the country. 

"Any depiction of the attacks would jeopardise the proceedings," A news agency quoted him as saying. 

However, the filmmakers have shrugged off suggestions that they could prejudice the case, which is being heard before a judge without a jury. 

The film's producers want their film to be released as soon as possible, before it is beaten to the screen by one of at least 17 similar films that are in production. 

"We are only showing what was shown to the world by TV channels live. The best part is that we have a Kasab lookalike playing the role," said Sugath Kumar, one of the producers of ''Total Ten''. 

As the stakes in Kasab's trial are very high, legal experts have said that ''Total Ten'' is on very shaky ground. 

Majeed Memon, one of India's leading criminal lawyers, said: "A film likely to reflect on the character of an accused must be considered unjust." 

The police, on their part, seem unlikely to be swayed by the film's celebration of their heroics as the terror strike unfolded over 60 hours. 

Deven Bharti, a senior officer with the Mumbai Crime Branch, which assembled the case against Mr Kasab, said: "The film-makers have not contacted us to check any details. I doubt the portrayal of events is at all accurate. When the film comes before the censors we will look into the matter." 

However, it still remains to be seen whether the Indian public will flock to see recreations of scenes that were repeated endlessly on television and remain burnt into the minds of many.

Strike over, but clash of release dates daunts filmmakers

By Agencies

The Bollywood strike may have ended but trouble continues for filmmakers who fear losses with the back to back release of some mega budget movies, which may divide the audiences. 

More than 50 films with an estimated budget of over 1200 crore are lined up for release, after the two-month long strike between producers-distributors and multiplex owners ended on June 5. 

"After the end of the strike between multiplex owners and Bollywood producers, filmmakers are keen to sort out release dates of their movies as they don't want them hit theatres at the same time," said producer Vasu Bhagnani, whose film 'Kal Kissne Dekha' will release on June 12. It is the debut film of his son, Jackky Bhagnani. 

Yashraj films 'New York' is also ready to hit the theatres on June 26 but director Kabir Khan says, "The biggest problem for the filmmakers is to find proper dates. My film is ready to release for the past two months but the strike is definitely going to affect business," Khan added. 

The films that are lined up for release include Sajid Nadiadwala's 'Kambakkht Ishq', Vasu Bhagnani's 'Kal Kissne Dekha', Imtiaz Ali directed 'Love Aajkal', Yashraj Films' 'New York', Ramgopal Verma's horror flick 'Agyat', Sujoy Ghosh's 'Aladin', 'Blue', 'Mr and Mrs Khanna' and 'Luck'. 

With so many mega budget films ready to release it is a daunting task for filmmakers to find a date which will not clash with other movies. 

UTV is set to release Ramgopal Verma's horror flick on July 24. The filmmaker also has 'Raktcharitra' lined up for release though no date has been fixed. When asked about the clash of dates, Ram Gopal Verma said that the filmmakers will have to bear some losses now that the strike is over. 

The Bollywood producers-distributors went on a strike on April 4. The last film to release was Akshay Kumar's 'Tasveer'. 

UTV is also planning to announce the release dates of 'Kaminaay' and 'Aage Se Right' soon. Filmmaker Subhash Ghai said that his new film 'Paying Guest' will release on June 19. 

'Love Aaj Kal' director Imtiaz Ali said, "I am very happy that the strike has ended because after working hard and investing your money you do not want to sit back with a film. However, with so many big budget films releasing together, the industry is likely to face losses." 

Under the new agreement between producers-distributors and multiplex owners, producers will get 50 per cent of the revenue from ticket sales in week one, 42.5 per cent in week two, 37.5 per cent in week three and 30 per cent from fourth week onwards. In addition to this, there will be a bonus on all those films which do exceptionally well at the box office. 

In case a movie collects more than Rs.17.5 crore at the top six multiplex chains (excluding single screens and independent multiplexes), then the terms will be 52.5 per cent in the first week, 45 in the second, 37.5 in the third and 30 from the fourth week onwards.

Jackman, Pattinson team up for new film

By Agencies

It will be a total delight for the ladies out there as Hollywood heartthrobs Hugh Jackman and Robert Pattinson are set to star in period drama "Unbound Captives." 

The movie, helmed by Madeleine Stowe is about a woman played by 'Mummy' star Rachel Weisz whose husband is killed and her two children kidnapped by a Comanche war party in 1859, ‘Ace Showbiz’ reported. 

She is later rescued by a frontiersman, to be played by Jackman while Pattinson will play her son. 

The film will go on floor this year end.

Source: ScreenIndia.