Winners of 5th Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards

Best Actor in a Leading Role
Shahrukh Khan - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

Best Actress in a Leading Role
Priyanka Chopra - Kaminey

Best Movie
Ghajini - Madhu Mantena

Best Director
A.R. Murugadoss - Ghajini

Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Rishi Kapoor - Love Aaj Kal

Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Kirron Kher - Kurbaan

Best Actor in a Comic Role
Ajay Devgan - All The Best

Best Actor in a Negative Role
Amol Gupte - Kaminey

Best Debut Director
Ayan Mukerji - Wake Up Sid

Lifetime Achievement Award (Male)
Amitabh Bachchan

Entertainer of the year
Ranbir Kapoor

Best Debut (Male)
Jackky Bhagnani - Kal Kissne Dekha

Best Debut (Female)
Anushka Sharma - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

Chevrolet Heartbeat of the Nation (Male)
Shahid Kapoor (Kaminey)

Chevrolet Heartbeat of the Nation (Female)
Deepika Padukone (Love Aaj Kal)

Best Choreography
Shiamak Davar - Dance Pe Chance - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

Best Lyrics
Jaideep Sahni - Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

Best Female Playback Singer
Shreya Ghosal - Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

Best Male Playback Singer
Mohit Chauhan - Ye Dooriyan - Love Aaj Kal

Best Music
Pritam Chakraborty - Love Aaj Kal

Best Screenplay
A.R. Murugadoss - Ghajini

Best Dialogue
Anurag Kashyap - Dev D

Best Story
Imtiaz Ali - Love Aaj Kal

Most public appearances
Abhishek Bachchan

'3 Idiots' breaks ‘Ghajini’ records

Film makes Rs.93 crore in opening weekend

Aamir Khan starrer comedy-drama "3 Idiots" created a record by earning around Rs.93 crore (Rs.930 million/$20 million) in its opening weekend. Reliance BIG Entertainment, which is the distributor of "3 Idiots", released the movie with about 2,000 prints across 40 countries.

Loosely based on Chetan Bhagat's bestseller "Five Point Someone", the film has been produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and directed by Rajkumar Hirani.

"Response has been overwhelming from all over the world. Aamir, Raju and I knew from the responses earlier on that people liked the film but this is something else? We have got reports from places like Australia that they have reduced 'Avatar' shows and increased ours," said Chopra in a statement.

Released on Dec 25, its box office collection has beaten the initial earnings of another Aamir starrer "Ghajini", considered Hindi cinema's highest grosser till date, with 30 percent more earnings till Sunday night.

"'3 Idiots' is the highest grossing Hindi film ever in Australia on its opening weekend. Similarly in the US, I have been given to understand that '3 Idiots' would be highest ever for a Hindi film," he added.

The paid previews of the movie also garnered over Rs.9 crore worldwide, above those of the paid preview collections of "Ghajini" that was Rs.7 crore globally.

It also stars R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Boman Irani and Kareena Kapoor in pivotal roles.

Aamir in another South remake

After the super success of Ghajini, Aamir Khan will yet again be seen in another south film blockbuster and that too with Hrithik Roshan.

The producers of the blockbuster Allu Arvind and Madhu Mantena have planned the remake of the recent Telugu blockbuster Magadheera starring Ram Charan Teja. Magadheera grossed over Rs.65 crore and is termed as the biggest hit ever in the Telugu industry after Ghajini. After the response the Hindi version of Ghajini received in Bollywood, the producers felt it was only right to do the same with Magadheera and that too with their lucky charm Aamir Khan.

Madhu Mantena confirmed to the press saying, ‘Yes Allu Arvind and I are remaking Magadheera in Hindi. As for the cast, it's too early to talk about it. But Magadheera is definitely being planned to be bigger than Ghajini. The remake of the film is only going to be much costlier, budgeted at Rs.70 crore. Magadheera set in the17th century had Ram Charan playing a double role, but the Hindi remake will have Hrithik Roshan and Aamir Khan playing the warrior in two different parts, one in the Middle ages and the other in a present day avatar respectively.

Source close to Aamir revealed, “Being a period film, the remake of Magadheera needs a lot of research and hard work, and being the perfectionist that Aamir is, he’ll be getting into the nitty- gritties of his character and the movie in itself. While Aamir has loved the idea of the entire film, he’s busy with the post-production work of wife Kiran Rao’s Dhobi Ghaat as of now. Still if Aamir does go ahead with the film you can only imagine what the outcome will be, it will be his first as a warrior in a period film and knowing him he always loves to do something different all the time.”

Let’s hope Aamir and Hrithik come together for this highly anticipated remake, for we can only imagine how explosive their performances combined can be to take Magadheera to an all new level!

Wanted more violent than Ghajini: Salman

Said Salman Khan on whether or not Wanted would be the next Ghajini.

The actor has high hopes for his next film directed by ace choreographer and south actor Prabhu Deva. “Ghajini became a phenomenon because of Aamir Khan, his newly acquired 6 pack and the main focus at the end of the day was the love story. Wanted on the other hand is hardcore action, violence and mind-blowing dance numbers” said Salman when quizzed whether Wanted would have the same box office success as Ghajini.

Salman Khan at his jovial best poked fun at his dancing and the type of rigorous action scenes he went through for the film, saying, “I remember when Prabhu would teach me a step and I’d wonder, that can’t be so bad, but after watching myself on the video assist, I wish I’d retire then and there. I was going through a lethargic phase before Wanted and I couldn’t have been any more energised now.”

Out of the 200 days of shooting, Salman shot 8-10 action sequences for 150 days. Producer Boney Kapoor said, “The action in the film is unbelievable and you will be blown away by the type of sequences we have shot. There are no special effects and Salman has done all his action scenes himself.” The coy Prabhu Deva was all praises for his leading star, saying, “I don’t know anybody else who could have done the film other than Salman Bhai himself.”

Priyanka: Ghajini was more violent than Kaminey

Non-starry star Priyanka has a small yet important role in Kaminey and she throws herself into each scene, making you believe she is every inch the fiery Maharashtrian girl she portrays. The actress is lapping up accolades for her powerful ac. She talks about the film, the delay and ‘What’s Your Raashee?’

“I just hope Kaminey does well because we all have worked exceptionally hard on it. We have been fighting on various fronts for the film. First, the strike was there and later we got an adult certificate due to which we have lost the college-going and school audience. We made the film keeping in mind a ‘U/A’ certificate. Everyone saw Ghajini and wasn’t it more violent than Kaminey?” she muses, adding, “Now, we have to deal with Swine Flu in Pune and Mumbai. Issko abhi hi kyun aana tha! However, public health is of utmost importance and we have three weeks to recover our money as the next big release is Wanted on September 18.”

Speaking about her Marathi mulgi avatar in the film, she said, “I am glad it turned out right and people have accepted me in that role. Shahid told me I was behaving like a bai only. I even loved wearing that Kashti saree. I wouldn’t mind working with Shahid if we are offered more films.”

Priyanka is one of the busiest actresses in town. She is shooting and promoting different films together. “I was shooting for Pyaar Impossible and now I am promoting Kaminey. We will continue to do over the weekend to keep the buzz alive till the multiplexes open and request people not to resort to piracy,” says the dusky beauty.

Her next release is the highly-anticipated ‘What’s Your Raashee?’ on September 25. “No one in the history of world cinema has played 12 characters in one film. It was emotionally and physically taxing which is why I fell sick. I hope people appreciate that film too,” she signs off on a high note.

Ghajini Second Sucess Party

Ghajini celebrates 200 cores collections worldwide at a second success party. Venue : JW Marriott, Juhu, Mumbai, tue night Present : Aamir Khan, Asin, Jiah Khan, Murugadoss, Madhu Mantena and others Aamir Khan's Ghajini is breaking box-office records as the film had one of the biggest box-office openings of Rs 7 crores. Add to it the film has collected a worldwide gross of Rs 200 crores in just 2 weeks which clearly slots Ghajini in the list of all time blockbusters. No wonder Ghajini happens to be the first film to celebrate its second success party. In times of global recession when films are not even in a position to celebrate a single success party, this Aamir Khan film just goes one step ahead. According to trade portals, the formula-ridden, albeit smartly executed, revenge drama has become the third highest grosser in Bollywood. It ranks third after Sunny Deol's 'Gadar' and Sooraj Barjatya's , 'Hum Aapke Hain Kaun'.

Here are photos from the second success party.

Ghajini Movie Review & Ghajini Music Review

So I finally got to see the movie Ghajini. Rating 7/10.

It was actually quite drab to start with, almost unbelievably exaggerated ( which continued throughout the movie) and even a bit tedious until the flashback scenes start. Then the movie picks up.

The movie starts with a medical student ( Jiah Khan) showing curiosity about a mental disorder patient Aamir Khan, and shows him killing someone and then forgetting why and who he killed, a policeman recognizing and chasing him as a wanted murderer, whose mission is to find and kill the villain,Ghajini. We dont know why as yet. This is the first half hour ( which I think could have been avoided and cut down to ten minutes to establish Aamir Khans disorder).

Then a diary read inspired flashback shows us the foibles of Asin ( who is hilarious in her comic role) and Aamir Khan as the telecom tycoon . Here both characters are extremely well portrayed and endearing. Their falling in love story is poignant and gripping not to miss amusing and the the diary finishes and we return to present day and back to Jiah Khan and the craazy Aamir.

Download the Ghajini movie from this link Ghajini Movie

An item song by Jiah Khan ( who looks very hot) is just thrown in as added mirchi masala with no connection to the story, and we are back with the angry old man,Aamir. Although Aamir Khan is supposed to be a person with a serious mental disorder ( he forgets everything in 15 minutes except stuff like wearing his clothes, his potty training skills PS he never eats or drinks ????) . He is portrayed as a dangerous rabid animal ( there is even drool coming out of his mouth at one stage) without even one iota of low self esteem, disbelief,panic,lack of confidence,confusion, hesitation that is the hallmark of patients suffering from mental disorders. Anger and frustration are the only two characteristics highlighted. This trend is followed throughout the movie except for one scene in the hospital much later in the film. The confidence with which he stalks and kills his opponents despite having forgotten everything 15 minutes ago and being reminded only by photos makes the movie and his character very unbelievable ( just like the films in which Amitabh Bachchan or Jeetendra take 10 bullets and still survive to kill the bad guys till the police comes).

Then he is betrayed by the ignorant medical student and caught by the police only to escape from being slaughtered by the Villain ( Mr. Marwari - I wonder whose senses of humour this was?) Ghajini. Now starts the second flash back with anther diary read surfacing. Asin shows a naive idealism which causes her death while boyfriend Aamir is unable to save her. While watching I wish there were more people like her and she inspires us to do more for the helpless and needy. She also delicately brings up to mind the insecurity and fear that even the affluent, educated and rich in their ivory towers can get caught by the murky gunda side of Mumbai.

Let me not spoil the plot now but simply say after her death its back to crazy Aamir again who finally gains revenge.

The movie comes down to a Bollywood masala potboiler with a gripping plot that ( after the first half an hour) keeps you enthralled, but call me strange but I though Aamir achieved much more with Taare Zameen Par. The finer points of his character ( as crazy Aamir) are not shown at all in this film.

But given the dearth of watchable cinema lately I would give this movie a 7/10. A good Bollywood masala flick with greater sophistication than the Partners and the Welcomes.

The music itself is not very good although the camera work and scenery is very picturesque. The only song I liked was Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye. See the music video of the songs from these links below -

Latoo Music Video - This is Jiah Khans item number
Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gayi
Ae Bachchu
Behka

Enjoy the movie.

Ghajini Success Party

Ghajini Success Party some photos.

As on 30th December, across 22 countries, ‘Ghajini’ had grossed USD 4 million (nearly Rs.200 million) outside of India itself. Distributed by BIG Pictures, the motion pictures brand of Reliance BIG Entertainment Ltd, the film opened with USD 0.92 million in the Middle East, highest opening weekend for a Hindi film. Followed by North America with USD 1.4 million the second highest opening weekend for a Hindi film in 2008 and Australia raking in Australian Dollar $254,000 AD.

“Ghajini’s performance demonstrates that the overseas audiences are equally accepting, of quality action films, which are still a rarity, coming out of India. We are extremely pleased with the films opening, which has created bench marks in various international markets like North America, Australia, The Middle East” says Jawahar Sharma, COO - International Film Business, BIG Pictures.

Ghajini has a record breaking opening

Aamir Khan's latest film "Ghajini" has officially had a rocking opening at the BO with a 100 percent collections across India on its opening day December 25th says an executive of the movie's India distributor. Aamir Khan, also said (at a preview theatre in Mumbai ) that "Ghajini" has tickets sold in advance for all five days of the opening week across the country. The movie has been released within the country with 1400 prints. Reliance BIG Pictures has released 213 prints overseas. Meanwhile, "Ghajini" raked in Rs.70 million during 650 paid previews at multiplexes in India on Wednesday.

Salman Khan paints Aamir Khan's Ghajini look Some Photos

Salman Khan is once again in news for his paintings. This time he has done paintings of his good friend Aamir Khan. Salman is fond of Aamir and has painted some portraits of the actor on black canvasses, showing his interpretations of the character Aamir plays in the film “Ghajni”. Though he has painted actors in the past, this is the first time Salman has painted a character from a movie. The paintings were unveiled to the media at INOX in the presence of lead actress from the film Asin who is also starring in Salman's film “London Dreams”. In fact, Salman, Katrina and his family also attended a private preview of “Ghajini” at Mukesh and Nita Ambani’s house on December 21 and both of them like the film.

Aamir Khan the Barber for Ghajini

I read recently that Aamir Khan joked about the haircutting session at Delhi ( promo event for Ghajini) as being a promotion for Shahrukh Khans Billoo Barber since it was Aamir Khan who was being barber to his fans by cutting their hair in his famous Ghajini haircut look.

Apparently a four year old fan, Kaavya was so keen to have a haircut despite being a girl as Aamir asked her, “Beta, do you want a Ghajini hair cut?” and she nodded her head, “Yes,” “Soch lo fir,” said Aamir, but Kaavya had done that already and kept on nodding. Aamir then asked the crowd, “She is looking so pretty, guys do you want me to give her the Ghajini look?” and the crowd was not for it, Aamir finally gave Shivek, a student of Modern School a haircut after speaking with his father and brother. The crowd wanted more of Aamir, and were screaming for him to take off his shirt. But Aamir just teased them a bit by pulling off his tee a bit and then asked, “Yaar jara Behka gaana chalao.”

The whole story is at http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/Aamirs_nai_passion/articleshow/3869931.cms Here are some photos.

Why is Aamir Khan promoting Asin so much ?

Its a valid question. I mean there are too many cases of him recommending her much more than his other heroines in the past. Asin in the Tanishq ad. Some Photos. But have you guys noticed the Ghajini and Aamir connection for this ad ? Tanishq is owned by the Tatas and so is Titan for which Aamir is brand ambassador. Also I read that Aamir has recommended Asin for the new Tata Sky Plus ads ( whether in place of or along with Gul Panag is not clear yet and this s confirmed news which I had also mentioned earlier) The question is why is Aamir promoting Asin so much. This is much more than he has ever promoted any of his previous heroines like Rani Mukherjee ( Ghulam & Mangal Pandey) and Gracy Singh ( Lagaan) . Its food for thought ?

Aamir Khan's Aggressive Ghajini Promo

The way Aamir Khan is promoting Ghajini is definitely causing a lot of hype for the movie.

First it was Cinemax employees getting the Ghajini haircut ( that Aamir has in Ghajini), then Inox Banglore employees and also Van Huesen fashion show models. Ironically though Aamir himself no sports the Ghajini haircut look which he has made (paid- pun fully intended) many many other people get in the last week or so. Then its Asin in the Tanishq jewellery ad. ( see the Aamir Khan connection here ? No ? Well Tanishq is a Tata company and so is Titan for which Aamir Khan is the brand ambassador) and lastly but not the least its gorgeous Jiah Khan at another promo event in Bangalore ( actually she is a Ghajini asset thats been very underplayed so far). The latest is that sources say, “Asin will soon be seen in new commercials to be shot for Tata Sky Plus, replacing Gul Panag who can be seen in the commercials that are being aired presently. But looking at the hype about this most talked about Ghajini pair, the company has decided to cash in on the popularity and Aamir has reportedly recommended her name for the same.”

Asin apparently confirmed the news and stated, “I have been signed to endorse Tata Sky but I am not sure if I have replaced Gul nor do I know if I will be working with Aamir in the promos.”

Anyway for those of you who like the Bollywood glossies like me here are photos from some of the more interesting Ghajini promo events.

The first group of photooos is Aamir Khan and some male models (note all their Ghajini haircuts
I wonder how well they were paid to get this look by the advertising campaign managers ).

The second group of glossies is Inox Bangalore employees sporting the Ghajini look). Cinemax employees were at the previous post in my blog.

The third group of photooos is Jiah Khan promoting Ghajini in Bangalore. I just hope the movie does not land up being a BO bomb overhyped and not worth it. Mostly overhyped movies lead to high audience expectations and when they are not met the movie collapses at the BO. Remember people Aamir is only acting in it, the movie is not directed by him otherwise I would not even think twice about its watchablity.

Aamir Khan and the employees that got the Ghajini haircut

Aamir Khan got 100 employees of Cinemax to take his Ghajini haircut for the first day ( opening day) of selling tickets for Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. Guerilla Marketing /advertising as it is I believe called. So each person purchasing tickets for Shahrukh Khan's Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi will see and recognize Aamir Khan's much glamorized and talked about haircut for Ghajini. It seems the Khan rivalry is at its most. Here are some photos.