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Dont want to get into the pressure of 100 crore hit - Neeraj Pandey

2013-02-09 12:32:00 (читать в оригинале)

Just like his movies, Neeraj Pandey is someone who is not verbose. He lets his work do the talking and holds himself from going ballistic as far as talking about it all by himself is concerned. Despite the fact that he has made a massive transition from a humble A Wednesday to a much more flamboyant Special 26, Neeraj isn't making noise around the box office returns or an entry into the 100 crore club. Well, as yet!

With Special 26, looks like you always had in mind to make a thriller which was narrated in a very realistic manner.
Exactly. Also, though the film is set in the 1980s, we didn't want to go over the top in bringing period era on screen. We wanted to be very, very real.

From you it is anyways expected that the storyline would be out and out original. However from the story telling perspective, were there any reference points, either from Bollywood or Hollywood?
There is learning that you take home from movies that you watch from across the globe. But no, there was no straight reference point.

By the look of things, it is apparent that between A Wednesday and Special 26, you haven't corrupted yourself despite going bigger in cast and scale. The movie is looking like more of a director's medium than being a cast driven affair. Was it again a conscious call?
Here I would like to mention about Akshay. He had reading sessions with the team and that's the kind of commitment level that he brought to the film. He brought with him some amazing discipline. That helped me in achieving what I intended to do with the script. Add to that the fact that I was working with a terrific ensemble cast including Anupam Kher, Manoj Bajpayee and Jimmy Sheirgill. All of them are fantastic actors.

Did you ever carry a thought process though that your next film after A Wednesday had to be star driven?
Not at all. Stars come with a subject. This one is an expensive production and it necessitated the requirement of someone like Akshay. At the same time it was never like mujhe apni agli film mein star hi lena hai.

However when you actually do have a superstar like Akshay, the temptation would be to exploit his presence to the fullest and bring on some elements of his set image as well, isn't it?
Arrey, this is my second film but then we are talking about people who have done so many films over the decades. Kher saab has done over 350 films, Akshay has 100 films to his credit; these are people who have seen a lot of movie making. They are a great judge of movie making. They understood the point of view of a director that this movie would have to be made in a certain way. They had a complete faith in the material.

How about Manoj and Jimmy?
Manoj is someone that I was looking forward to working with for a very long time. He is a terrific actor and I am glad that he was excited about the role. Jimmy is someone with whom I had worked with in A Wednesday and he has complete faith and trust in me. It is always a pleasure to work with these guys again.

What made you rope in Kajal Aggarwal though? Really, in a film with a genre like this, was it really required to have a leading lady as well? Does the presence of this character indeed add some weight to the film?
The love story does carry significance to the film's narrative. The reason why that has not been highlighted so far is because we wanted an effective communication to be made at one level. We wanted an orthodox, traditional looking person to play that character and Kajal fitted the bill. She has done a fabulous job.

When A Wednesday released, it was a surprise success. Now in case of Special 26, it is coming with a bundle of expectations. Is this disparity turning out to be scary for you?
I would rather be in this position than not (laughs). I am glad that this expectation is there and keeps me on my toes. It doesn't scare me at all.

Not even the pressure to deliver '100 crore' hit?
Arrey yaar, number-wumber ka mujhe pata nahi. I don't even want to get into that kind pf pressure.

Well, the only non-masala film that has done 100 crores so far is Barfi!. Guess Special 26 could well join this elite group?
We will come to that when that happens (smiles). I am glad that there is an anticipation of a good film being brought to screen and that's nice. Whether I would be able to meet these expectations or not would be known in 24 hours from now.

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Check out Deepika on sets of Ram Leela

2013-02-09 12:32:00 (читать в оригинале)


The pretty Deepika Padukone was spotted shooting in Udaipur for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Ram Leela. The film has Deepika paired opposite Ranveer Singh.


Deepika tried her best to evade the cameras but couldn't avoid being clicked. What is interesting is the ek chutki sindoor on her forehead. So does this imply that she plays a married lady in Ram Leela? One will have to wait and watch!

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Youngest hero Shahid all set for South masala

2013-02-09 12:32:00 (читать в оригинале)

Days of playing a love boy would (finally) soon be over for Shahid Kapoor. After suffering from two back to back debacles (Mausam, Teri Meri Kahaani), none of which truly projected what he is actually capable of, Shahid is now all set to wear his action shoes and saviour a 'masala thali'. His Rambo Rajkumar, which has been in news for some time now, is all set to go on floors in a couple of weeks from now and Shahid is making massive preparations to get into some good form before he starts following his director Prabhu Dheva's instructions.

"e;No one is making any pretence of the fact that Rambo Rajkumar belongs to the same genre that has resulted in quite a few South remakes turning out to be successful, right from Wanted to Rowdy Rathore. Incidentally both were directed by Prabhu Dheva and life is coming back full circle for the director. Shahid is clear that he wants to go totally in the direction that Prabhu has set for him"e;, informs a source.

What makes the film further special for Shahid is the fact that in the recent past, the only South remakes to have made a killing at the box office have all featured a senior actor in the lead. This makes him the youngest ever to feature in a film belonging to this genre.

"e;Today if you go and see mainstream action masala movies, you see senior actors like Salman (Wanted, Bodyguard), Akshay (Rowdy Rathore) or Ajay (Singham) in there. You don't see someone who is a little fresh and younger featuring in such genre"e;, says Viki Rajani, who is producing the film along with Sunil Lulla, "e;This was one factor that really excited me as it would be something new for me as well as audience."e;

He isn't willing to term the movie as the one that belongs to 'South style'. "e;I would rather say that the film is more of 'Prabhu Dheva style'"e;, says Viki.

Well, we say, it is one and the same thing. However, to see Shahid in a kicking, punching and jumping avtar, should make for a new sight indeed.

A co-production of Eros and Next Gen Films Productions, Rambo Rajkumar is slated for November 15, release.

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ABCD - Any Body Can Dance

2013-02-09 12:32:00 (читать в оригинале)

The first time I heard the title of his new movie, I asked Remo D'Souza, can anybody [and everybody] dance? But you get the response while surfing television channels: Dance-based shows have become a prerequisite for the programming department of most channels. From kids to young couples to even senior citizens, these dance-based shows feature just about anyone and everyone with the passion for dance. There's no 'age limit', frankly. Come to think of it, music and dance are an integral part of our culture and day-to-day life. We love dancing, don't we? Dancing on the streets, during weddings, birthday celebrations, festivals... we also break into a dance when India wins a crucial cricket match against a strong opponent.

Bollywood doesn't have the tradition of making out-and-out dance-based movies, like Hollywood does with amazing regularity. At a point of time, B. Subhash did attempt a film or two starring Mithun Chakraborty [DISCO DANCER, DANCE DANCE]. Also NACHE MAYURI, featuring Sudha Chandran. But ABCD - ANY BODY CAN DANCE is the first of its kind that's set against the backdrop of a dance competition. Does it ring a bell? Does it borrow from the STEP UP series? Perhaps, Remo may be motivated by the Hollywood film franchise, but he Indianizes it well enough, garnishing it with emotions that we can identify with and of course, choosing some of the best dancers for pivotal parts, besides casting Prabhu Dheva and Ganesh Acharya. Plus, this one's in 3D.

Of course, there are hiccups [more on that later], but the triumph of the underdog, if attempted with conviction, seldom fails. And ABCD - ANY BODY CAN DANCE does have its share of moments that work!

For Vishnu [Prabhu Dheva], dance is more than a passion -- it's the reason he lives! So when he finds himself thrown out from the dance academy he himself set up by his manipulative business partner [Kay Kay Menon], it feels like the oxygen has been sucked out from the air he breathes. Heart-broken, Vishnu decides to give up dance and leave Mumbai forever.

However, the night before his departure, he witnesses a most amazing sight -- a group of raw talent preparing for the upcoming dance competition during the Ganeshotsav. An annual festival that pits Mumbai's best dance groups against each other. Watching the amazing dancers helps Vishnu arrive at a decision. He decides to take this disparate group under his wing, help them overcome their personal rivalries and past demons and turn them into India's best dance squad!

Ideally, a well-known choreographer would make his directorial debut with a dance-based film, but after making a statement on the education system in F.A.L.T.U. [his first Hindi film, after attempting a Bengali film], Remo's second Hindi outing ABCD – ANY BODY CAN DANCE revolves around dance and dancers. Naturally then, ABCD - ANY BODY CAN DANCE boasts of some spectacular dance pieces, with Remo bringing alive estimable vigor, energy and imagination on the big screen. He blends the emotional quotient with dance and music and presto! You can't take your eyes off the screen every time a dance breaks out.

ABCD - ANY BODY CAN DANCE's biggest strength lies in the variety of dances that Remo presents to the spectators. Where the film falters is in its skeletal plotline, although writer Tushar Hiranandani comes up with several knockout sequences. But there's no denying that the screenwriting deviates into the conventional and foreseeable zone in the second hour. The curse of the second half [most films run out of steam in the post-interval portions] looms large here too, as Remo resorts to clichés to carry the story forward. Besides, the film is stretched by at least 15/20 minutes. Thankfully, the narrative gathers steam once again towards the closing portions and the dance competition in the finale is simply breathtaking.

The comparisons with F.A.L.T.U. would be foolhardy, since the two films belong to diverse genres, but Remo shows ample growth and confidence as a storyteller in ABCD – ANY BODY CAN DANCE. A few emotional and dramatic moments are the mainstay of the enterprise, while the sequences featuring the dancing talent are attention-grabbing as well. The real test lies in making the dancers [new talent] act. The gamble of casting dancers in pivotal parts seems to have worked, since most of them take to their parts with confidence.

Sachin-Jigar create a winsome soundtrack for the film, complimenting the theme of the movie. 'Bezuban' is, without a shred of doubt, the pick of the lot and its choreography is breathtaking. Also, the track during the end credits, featuring greats such as Saroj Khan, Prabhu Dheva, Ganesh Acharya and of course, Remo, is another crackling number. The Ganeshotsav song in also stays with you. The choreography of each song and dance piece deserves distinction marks. It's truly inventive and pop out from all kinds of places. The camerawork is perfect, while the 3D may seem gimmicky at times, but accentuates the impact of several scenes, especially the dance pieces.

Prabhu Dheva returns to the acting arena after a hiatus. Regarded as the dance legend by many, Prabhu is, expectedly, incomparable in dances, but the good news is that he handles the dramatic scenes well too. It's all the more significant since he's pitted against no less than Kay Kay Menon, a tremendous talent. Kay Kay is, as always, natural to the core, essaying his part with flourish. Ganesh Acharya is a revelation. He's efficient in a significant role.

The film introduces several new talents on the big screen, but Dharmesh, Salman and Punit Pathak catch your eye the most. Lauren Gottlieb is alright.

On the whole, ABCD - ANY BODY CAN DANCE has some incredible, eye-popping dances as its soul. While the template may be conventional -- the triumph of the underdog -- the film has its share of moments that stay with you, especially the concluding portions of the film. Decent watch!

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Special 26

2013-02-09 12:32:00 (читать в оригинале)

Neeraj Pandey's directorial debut A WEDNESDAY, which made a strong social statement, remains fresh to this date. It's one of those rare movies that won critical acclaim, swept major awards and reaped box-office rewards as well. The supremely talented storyteller now carries a major responsibility on his shoulders: SPECIAL 26 has to be a worthy follow up to A WEDNESDAY. While A WEDNESDAY was about the common man, his second attempt, SPECIAL 26 is about a con man. Sorry, con men. The core issue remains the same: Law breakers and law enforcers. SPECIAL 26, however, is more of a caper, inspired by true incidents.

A quick clarification before I proceed further. SPECIAL 26 is not one of those mindless masala entertainers with leave-your-brains-at-home attitude. You may assume it's one because Akshay Kumar is synonymous with films like HOUSEFULL series, ROWDY RATHORE and KHILADI 786. SPECIAL 26, which borrows from real-life incidents, is a heist drama, has no forced humor, no South-styled stunts, no song-and-dance routine with foreign dancers in the background. SPECIAL 26 is more of a 'treatment' movie, a plot-driven fare. So, there!

SPECIAL 26 may be a fictionalized account of events that occurred in the 1980s, but Neeraj ensures it does not transform into a dry film/documentary that focuses completely and absolutely on the incidents. The film has the soul of a thriller and the director makes sure that it not only enlightens [to the present-day viewer], but entertains as well. While the volatile plot and enthralling drama catches your attention, the execution of the written material, besides proficient performances from each and every member of the cast, makes SPECIAL 26 a game changer, a worthy follow up to the director's A WEDNESDAY.

SPECIAL 26 brings to the big screen the scandalous and outrageous incidents that occurred in the 1980s. The film narrates the story of a group of con men who orchestrated and executed a series of robberies, targeting the rich and famous, business magnets and politicians by posing as CBI or IT officers, under the pretext of confiscating unaccounted wealth [black money] from their premises.

SPECIAL 26 encompasses three startling cases that sent a shiver down the spine of many a businessman in the 1980s. What makes the film tick is the manner in which Neeraj Pandey integrates these episodes in a sequence and develops a clever cat and mouse saga between law breakers and law enforcers. Like A WEDNESDAY, SPECIAL 26 also sets you thinking, but the motive this time is not to convey any message or make any social statement. The intention is crystal clear: Make an entertainer with a refreshingly different premise, which is a 360-degree transition from the customary masala fare. Yet, it's sharp, intelligent and thoroughly enjoyable.

Although SPECIAL 26 is about criminals, Neeraj shuns the unwanted bloodshed/violence and coarse language that would make the spectator uncomfortable. On the contrary, a film like SPECIAL 26 teaches you that you can attempt a thriller without resorting to the above-mentioned components, yet make a slick period thriller that's thoroughly engaging and charming. Also, since it's a period film [depicting the 1980s], Neeraj seems meticulous about everything that appears on screen, from vehicles to clothing to ambience to the overall look and feel.

Blemishes? Yes, the romantic track is an eye-sore. Was it necessary to include romance and songs in this movie? Why, Neeraj? The first half gets diluted for this reason, although the post-interval portions are simply outstanding. As for the soundtrack, there's nothing to hum about. Bobby Singh's cinematography is top notch and captures the bygone era with flourish.

Now to the performances! Akshay Kumar does a complete U-turn with SPECIAL 26. Deviating from the comic/action roles he is recognized for, Akshay truly reinvents himself with SPECIAL 26. No two opinions on that. This is, without doubt, one of the most challenging roles in his career and the seasoned actor enacts it with complete authority. Not only will Akshay's fans adore him in this new avatar, even the skeptical types will applaud this superb act.

Manoj Bajpayee has been associated with several path-breaking/cult films and one must add SPECIAL 26 to his fascinating repertoire. The skilled actor delivers yet another noteworthy performance that'll be hard to erase from your memory. Anupam Kher is another splendid actor who has an illustrious body of work and his part and performance in SPECIAL 26 is truly special. In fact, together with Akshay, Anupam and Manoj add so much power to the written scenes and lines.

Jimmy Sheirgill is first-rate, although the focus is primarily on the above-named three actors. Kajal Agarwal, who plays Akshay's love interest in the film, doesn't have anything substantial to do. Rajesh Sharma and Kishore Kadam lend superior support. Divya Dutta has a brief role, which she enacts well. Deepraj Rana is alright.

On the whole, SPECIAL 26 is an intelligently woven, slick and smart period thriller with its subject matter as its USP. It's sure to get listed as one of the most gripping heist dramas based on real life occurrences. A film that's sure to win accolades, acclaim and awards. Also, box-office rewards!