Abhay Deol, Arjun Rampal's Item Song In Prakash Jha's Chakravyuh

While choreographically challenged Abhay took ten days to rehearse for the song, Arjun managed to get hold of it in two days.

Prakash Jha wanted both Arjun Rampal and Abhay Deol to shake a leg in the item song, choreographed by Ganesh Acharya, but the actors were getting stuck with their two left feet. The song happens after they meet up for a college reunion in a small town and has a very tapori feel to it. When Ganesh showed the dance moves to Abhay, the actor was shocked and said he would not be able to do it. However, director Jha and Ganesh both convinced him and he finally agreed to do it but told them that he would need a lot of rehearsals.

Director Jha says, “Abhay loved the song. Initially he expressed reservations about it as he is not comfortable with dancing. It’s a song is from their college days when they meet after seven years and is very rowdy, bindass kind of song where they think of some imaginary Paro and sing to her. Abhay wanted to practice for 10 days so he could be confident about it. With Arjun, it was easy as he just rehearsed for two days and did it!”

We can’t wait to see these guys shake it!

Ra.One

Arjun Rampal in Ra.One

Shah Rukh Khan’s magnum opus, Ra.One, derived its name from the villain of the movie. Not only that, the entire movie was based around the fact that the villain was more powerful than the hero! While Shah Rukh Khan’s look in Ra.One was all over the place (on posters, games, graphic novels, toys), Arjun Rampal, who played the title role was the surprise package. His look in the film wasn’t revealed till the end.

Ghajini

Pradeep Rawat in Ghajini

Shah Rukh Khan wasn’t the pioneer in naming the movie on the villain. Before him it was Aamir Khan’s film Ghajini which was named after the antihero (played by Pradeep Rawat).

Don 2

Shah Rukh Khan in Don 2

Not only was the film named after the “bad guy”, you even rooted for Shah Rukh Khan. SRK’s character wasn’t exactly the typical hero, but then even Amitabh Bachchan managed to make you root for the Don in his original!

Dhoom Series

John Abraham in Dhoom & Hrithik Roshan in Dhoom 2

Fast bikes, hot babes, a super-hot villain, a straight faced cop and a goofy sidekick. This has been the basic formula for all the films of the Dhoom franchisee so far. And while Abhichek Bachchan and Uday Chopra are static through the movies, we’ve got some yummy blackguards like John Abraham (Dhoom), Hrithik Roshan (Dhoom 2) and Aamir Khan (Dhoom: 3).

Khal Nayak

Sanjay Dutt in Khal Nayak

Sanjay Dutt Khal Nayak cannot go unmentioned here. Not only did Sanju baba do an excellent job of playing the whimsical baddie, the movie had some memorable songs too!

Have any more to add to the list? Tell us!

Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya

Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya Poster

Release date: 24 February 2012

Star cast: Ritesh Deshmukh, Genelia D’ souza, Om Puri, Tinu Anand.

Director: Mandeep Kumar

What’s special: Pairing of the recently married Ritesh Deshmukh and Genelia D’souza and the increasingly popular music of the film.

Paan Singh Tomar

Paan Singh Tomar Poster

Release date: 2 March 2012

Star cast: Irrfan khan, Mahie Gill, Vipin Sharma.

Director: Tigmanshu Dhulia

What’s special: The film is based on true story.

Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana

Kunal Kapoor and Huma Qureshi

Release date: 18 May 2012

Star cast: Kunal Kapoor, Huma Qureshi.

Director: Sameer Sharma

What’s special: By now, only the title of the film is out but it has caught our attention.

Arjun: The Warrior Prince

Arjun: The Warrior Prince Poster

Release date: 25 May 2012

Star cast: Animation film

Director: Arnab Chaudhuri

What’s special: The animation film is about the Indian mythological hero – Arjun. It will interest the selected target audience.

Rowdy Rathore

Rowdy Rathore Poster

Release date: 15 June 2012

Star cast: Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha, Karisma Kapoor (in an item song).

Director: Prabhu Deva

What’s special: Akshay Kumar’s comeback in the action genre, this film will also be Sonakshi Sinha next release after Dabangg. The hand-painted posters of the film have already generated much interest.

Barfi!

Ranbir Kapoor In Barfi!

Release date: 13 July 2012

Star cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Ileana D’Cruz.

Director: Anurag Basu

What’s special: The challenging roles of Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra as a deaf man and a mentally challenged woman, respectively.

Joker

A still from Joker

Release date: 31 August 2012

Star cast: Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha, Shreyas Talpade, Javed Jafferi.

Director: Shirish Kunder

What’s special: Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha’s pairing.

Heroine

Kareena Kapoor with Madhur Bhandarkar

Release date: 14 September 2012

Star cast: Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Randeep Hooda.

Director: Madhur Bhandarkar

What’s special: Madhur Bhandarkar has always portrayed female protagonists in a very strong manner in his films like Fashion (2008) and Chandni Bar (2001). Since Heroine is about once successful actress and the role is played by Kareena Kapoor, expectations from this film are very high.

Race 2

Saif Ali Khan, Anil Kapoor, John Abraham And Jacqueline Fernandez

Release date: 30 November 2012

Star cast: Saif Ali Khan, Anil Kapoor, John Abraham, Sanjay Dutt, Ameesha Patel Jacqueline Fernandez.

Director: Abbas-Mustan

What’s special: Race 2 is a sequel to 2008 hit thriller, Race. Abbas-Mustan’s thriller Players (January 2012) failed at the box-office and thus Race 2 has become a challenge for the duo. The star cast of the film has added to the expectations.

3D Dance Film

One more film from UTV Motion Pictures is a 3D dance to be directed by choreographer-turned-director Remo D’souza. The film may release in November 2012.

More on Koimoi.com

Katrina Kaif, Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor In Bollywood’s Best Intoxicating Songs

First Look: Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai

Tribute To Kolkata In Kahaani: Sujoy Ghosh

Amitabh-Jaya To Ritesh-Genelia: Reel To Real Life Bollywood Love Stories

Vijay Mallya Apologises To Ayesha Takia’s Sister

Amitabh Bachchan:
Happy Republic Day! May God Bless our land with greater resilience, peace and prosperity! And may we all respect it!!

Madhuri Dixit:
Happy Republic Day!

Farhan Akhtar:
Wish all Indian tweeples a Happy Republic Day! Jai Hind.

Vivek Oberoi:
Happy Republic Day guys! Not just today but every day let’s remember our rights, respect our country & its people and be proud 2b INDIAN!

Arjun Rampal:
GM, Happy Republic day. I off to work while everyone else enjoy your day off. Looks like a perfect day for filming. Will post some pics

Bipasha Basu:
Ths Republic day,I want my country 2 b “saare jahaan se achchaa”in true sense!Wish 4 a peaceful,healthy,literate Nation.Happy Republic Day!

Aftab Shivdasani:
Happy republic to our beautiful country and its ppl.. jai hind..

Lara Dutta:
Wishing all Indian twitter friends a very Happy Republic Day! Don’t forget to watch the march past!:-)

Anupam Kher:
Happy Republic Day to All. Hope we keep the fire in us alive and burning for a better India.:)

R. Madhavan:
Happy republic day all. PROUD to Be an INDIAN..Sare Jaahan se Accha Hindusitan Hamara.

Gul Panag:
Probably the only day when the supremacy of our constitution is remembered. Have a good one:)

More on Koimoi.com

Agneepath Review

Bittoo Boss Trailer Analysis

All About Hrithik Roshan: From Kaho Naa… To Agneepath

Anna Hazare Supports Anti-Corruption Bollywood Film

10 Reasons Why Shah Rukh Khan Is The King Of Bollywood

Shah Rukh Khan: Top Actor of 2011

Shah Rukh Khan in Don 2

Total Number of Votes: 4419

To vote for your favourite actor of 2011, click here.

1. Shah Rukh Khan: 60.1% votes

2. Salman Khan: 21.43% votes

3. Ajay Devgan: 6.26% votes

4. Ranbir Kapoor: 4.18% votes

5. John Abraham: 3.05% votes

Other Bollywood actors with fewer votes are Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol, Farhan Akhtar, Emraan Hashmi and Sunny Deol.

Kareena Kapoor: Best Actress of 2011

Kareena Kapoor in Bodyguard

Total Number of Votes: 2161

To boost up the ranking of your favourite actress, click here.

1. Kareena Kapoor: 34.65% votes

2. Vidya Balan: 25.2% votes

3. Katrina Kaif: 20.47% votes

4. Priyanka Chopra: 10.7% votes

5. Rani Mukerji: 2.69% votes

Other Bollywood actresses with fewer votes are Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma, Asin, Mahie Gill and Kangana Ranaut.

Don 2: Best Film of 2011

Don 2 movie Ppster

Total Number of Votes: 6759

To vote for your favourite film of 2011, click here.

1. Don 2: 57.96% votes

2. Bodyguard: 12.72% votes

3. Ra.One: 12.45% votes

4. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara: 4.91% votes

5. Singham: 4.44% votes

Other Bollywood films with fewer votes are Delhi Belly, The Dirty Picture, Yamla Pagla Deewana, Murder 2, Tanu Weds Manu and Ready.

Chammak Challo: Best Dance Song of 2011

Total Number of Votes: 2808

To vote for your favourite songs of 2011, click here.

1. Chammak Challo (Ra. One): 46.9% votes.

2. Dhinka Chika (Ready): 29.27%.

3. Desi Beat (Bodyguard): 10.22%.

4. Senorita (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara): 3.81% votes.

Other songs with fewer votes are Madhubala (Mere Brother Ki Dulhan), Sadi gali (Tanu Weds Manu), Char baj gaye (F.A.L.T.U.), I hate you(Delhi Belly).

Shah Rukh Khan: Best Action Hero of 2011

Shah Rukh Khan as G.One in Ra.One

Total Number of Votes: 2321

To vote for your favourite action hero of 2011, click here.

1. Shah Rukh Khan: 62.56% votes

2. Salman Khan: 20.72% votes

3. Ajay Devgan: 10.77% votes

Other actors with fewer votes are John Abraham, Amitabh Bachchan and Eesha Koppikar.

Arjun Rampal: Best Villain of 2011

Arjun Rampal in Ra.One

Total Number of Votes: 1306

Think Prakash Raj is better than Arjun Rampal as the best villain of 2011? Change the results here.

1. Arjun Rampal (Ra.One): 36.86% votes

2. Prakash Raj (Singham): 35.71% votes

3. Prashant Narayanan (Murder 2): 15.56% votes

4. Vidyut Jamwal (Force): 9.04% votes

Other villains with fewer votes are Mahesh Manjrekar in Bodyguard and Prakash Raj in Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap.

Rascals: Worst Film of 2011

Sanjay Dutt in Rascals

Total Number of Votes 1873

Disliked any other film worse than Rascals? Vote here.

1. Rascals: 20.07% votes

2. Chatur Singh Two Star: 19.86% votes

3. Mausam: 10.78% votes

4. Game: 8.38% votes

5. Thank You: 7.69% votes

Other films with fewer votes are Patiala House, 7 Khoon Maaf, Dum Maaro Dum, Always Kabhi Kabhi and Aarakshan.

Vidya Balan: Best Woman-Centric Role

Vidya Balan in The Dirty Picture

Total Number of Votes: 780

If you think Katrina Kaif did it better in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, vote here.

1. Vidya Balan (The Dirty Picture): 37.31% votes

2. Katrina Kaif (Mere Brother Ki Dulhan) 31.79% votes

3. Priyanka Chopra (7 Khoon Maaf): 14.62% votes

4. Rani Mukerji & Vidya Balan (No One Killed Jessica): 9.1% votes

Other woman-oriented characters with fewer votes are Kangana Ranaut in Tanu Weds Manu, Gul Panag in Turning 30!!! and Kalki Koechlin in That Girl In Yellow Boots.

Don 2: Best Dialogues In A Film

Total Number of Votes: 1948

If you liked the dialogues of Singham or Bodyguard better, vote here.

1. Don 2: 59.39% votes

2. Bodyguard: 19.56% votes

3. Singham: 10.11% votes

4. The Dirty Picture: 4.11% votes

Other films with fewer votes in this category are Ra.One, Yamla Pagla Deewana and Pyaar Ka Punchnama.

Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan in Don 2

When Shah Rukh Khan reprised his role as the charismatic Don, he added one more thing to his character in Don 2: a ‘D’ tattoo. SRK even went a step further and registered the tattoo in his name!

Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone in Dum Maaro Dum

Deepika Padukone only had an item number in Dum Maaro Dum, but that was probably the most talked about facet of the movie. Dressed in a skimpy skirt, DP showed off her sexy legs and a cryptic tattoo on her hips.

Arjun Rampal

Arjun Rampal in Ra.One

He emerged from a game, and seemed to have a thing for body art! Arjun Rampal showed off his muscular body and the intricate tattoo work all over him in Ra.One.

John Abraham

John Abraham in Force

While he bulked up once again for Force, John Abraham didn’t miss a chance to show off his new frame – complete with elaborate tattoos – in the movie.

Ajay Devgan

Ajay Devgan in Singham

Singham gave Ajay Devgan a chance to flaunt his abs and the Shiva tattoo on his chest. Unlike the others, Ajay’s tattoo is for real. Though Ajay has had this tattoo for quite some time now, his entry in the movie really emphasised it.

View This Poll

More on Koimoi.com

Vote: Worst Bollywood Film Of 2011

Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor, Vidya Balan: Top 10 Actresses Of 2011

Bodyguard, Ra.One Or Delhi Belly: Vote For Best Film Of 2011

Ra.One, Thank You: Rock Star & Flop Star Promotions Of 2011

Bodyguard, Mausam: Rock Star & Flop Star Films Of 2011

Arjun Rampal In Ra.One

Arjun Rampal In Ra.One

The costliest film of 2011 was named after its villain, Ra.One. To his credit, Arjun Rampal did stand out as the most handsome of villains this year. Ra.One, who came out of a video game, had us eating out of his hands when he proclaimed, “Tum log har saal Ravaan ko isi liye jalate ho kyunki tum jante ho Ravaan kabhi nahi marta”.

Prakash Raj In Singham

Prakash Raj In Singham

Even if Ajay Devgan claimed “Jis mein hai dum to faqt Bajirao Singham”, Prakash Raj gave us an equally dum-daar performance. His menacing dialogues – “Abhi ki abhi and Shock laga laga shock laga!” – were a treat to watch in Singham.

Vidyut Jamwal In Force

Vidyut Jamwal In Force

This one was a ‘force’ful villain debut of the year. With his amazing physique, Vidyut Jamwal gave tough competition to our hero John Abraham.

Mahesh Manjrekar In Bodyguard

Mahesh Manjrekar In Bodyguard

If there’s someone glued to Salman Khan like success since Wanted, it is Mahesh Manjrekar. The seasoned actor played Ranjan Mhatre in Bodyguard, and Salman’s job was to save Kareena Kapoor from him.

Prashant Narayanan In Murder 2

Prashant Narayanan

Remember Prakash Narayanan as Dheeraj Pandey in Murder 2? How can you forget this cross-dressing villain and the terror he created when he tortured girls in the film!

Prakash Raj In Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap

Prakash Raj In Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap

There are two things we remember from Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap: the hero’s colourful costumes and the villain – Prakash Raj’s – ferocious eyes.

View This Poll

More on Koimoi.com

Shah Rukh Khan’s Don 2 Nets Rs. 49 Cr Over Weekend

Ekta Kapoor: The Dirty Picture & Saas-Bahu Sagas

Bipasha Basu & R. Madhavan In The First Look Of Jodi Breakers

Aamir Khan’s Mysterious Talaash Poster & Bipasha’s Leggy Promotions: Tweet Diary

Shah Rukh Khan in Don 2

Komal Nahta On Don 2

Don 2 is a winner all the way. Shah Rukh Khan charms with his stylish acting, Farhan Akhtar impresses with his stylised narration. The second half absolutely enchants you.

Here are some other responses to Don 2:

Shankar Mahadevan on Don 2

Saw the #DON 2 preview … Proud to be associated with a super super talent called @FarOutAkhtar, @iamsr rocks:)

Mahesh Bhupathi on Don 2

Back from the Don 2 screening.. Talk about a slick flick!! @FarOutAkhtar has raised the bar yet again… Bravo.rampalarjun

Arjun Rampal on Don 2

@FarOutAkhtar @iamsrk Ritesh sidwani all the very best for tonight. Will miss u guys. Can’t wait to see Don 2 its looking wicked.

More Don 2 on Koimoi.com

Why Is Don 2 Not So ‘Hot’ In Trade?

Shah Rukh Khan’s Don 2 Will Take A Bumper Opening

Don 2 Promo 1

Dushman Mera – Don 2

Hai Ye Maya: Don 2 (Promo)

The film, which was first announced with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the lead role, was stalled for some time after Aishwarya had to part ways due to her pregnancy. After a lot of controversy and media attention, it was announced that Kareena Kapoor would be taking up the challenging lead role of a Bollywood superstar in the film.

Madhur Bhandarkar, Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal Have started shooting for Heroine.

Director Madhur Bhandarkar said, “Heroine is a dream project for me about an industry in which I have lived my dreams and it will be my biggest film to date.”

Siddharth Roy Kapur, CEO of UTV Motion Pictures, said, “Heroine is one of the most anticipated movies of 2012 and for all of us associated with it, that means a lot of hard work over the next few months to meet the massive audience expectations. With an excellent script, a talented director at the top of his game and a superb cast and crew, we’re confident we’ll be up to the challenge!”

Heroine: The Dream Team?

Besides Kareena Kapoor, Heroine stars Arjun Rampal, Randeep Hooda and Shahana Goswami. Fashion designer Manish Malhotra has come onboard for Kareena’s costumes and styling. Music director duo Salim-Sulaiman will be composing the music for the film.

Heroine is slated for a 2012 release.

More About Heroine

Aishwarya Rai Is Madhur Bhandarkar’s Heroine

Aishwarya Rai In Heroine: First Look

Aishwarya Rai’s Heroine & Ram Gopal Varma’s Not A Love Story

Aishwarya Rai’s HEROINE: Shooting Stalled

Aishwarya Rai – Madhur Bhandarkar’s Bitter-Sweet Parting Over Heroine

Aishwarya Rai’s HEROINE: File Closed?

Priyanka Chopra Denies Similarity Between ‘Heroine’ & Kunal’s Film

Kareena Kapoor Is Not Our HEROINE: UTV

An excited Abhishek tweeted, “Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes. Both Aishwarya and the baby are doing great and taking some much needed rest….And I’m trying my level best to get rid of this caffeine high and get some sleep too. Don’t think it’ll work. TOO EXCITED!!!!” Here are some of warm, and crazy, wishes to the new parents and baby:

Shah Rukh Khan

@juniorbachchan how beautiful is this feeling. Allah bless u and Aish. Dying to come & see the three of u…YAY!!!! Now u really r PA lov u

Ram Gopal Varma

I just hope that she has more Aishwarya than Abhishek

Punit Malhotra

@juniorbachchan CONGRATULATIONS to u and the family Abhishek!!! Can only imagine how excited u are (and its not the caffeine high:))

Javed Akhtar

@juniorbachchan congratulations Abhishek !! Now onwards looking at you every one will say… ” baap re baap”

Ranvir Shorey

@juniorbachchan Congratulations! And goodbye sleep!

Ritesh Deshmukh

@juniorbachchan yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh PUPPPPAAAAAAAA congratssssssss – extremely happy – bro—love n happinessss forever

Arjun Rampal

Congratulation daddy cool @juniorbachchan and the coolest DaDaji @SrBachchan and the most beautiful Mommy Ash and the lovely Dadi Jayaji.

Vishal Dadlani

@juniorbachchan Woohoooo!!!! Thrilled!!! Congratulations again, to you and the Memsaab! Love, blessings, best wishes, always!!!

Whose tweet is your favourite? Tell us in the comments section below:

Gauri Khan, Shah Rukh Khan At London Premiere Of Ra.One

The man of the moment is here! Shah Rukh Khan arrived at the premiere of Ra.One with his lovely wife Gauri Khan. While Shah Rukh has always claimed that Ra.One was for his kids, we wonder which movie he’ll make for his biwi….

Kareena Kapoor At London Premiere Of Ra.One

Kareena Kapoor looked stunning in a sequin Dolce & Gabbana at the premiere. She’s a Chammak challo off-screen as well!

Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor At London Premiere Of Ra.One

SRK and Bebo pose for the flashbulbs. Looks like the tiny pony is back for the King Khan!

Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal At London Premiere Of Ra.One

The Ra.One team – Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal – are all set for the release of their magnum opus.

Armaan Verma, Shahana Goswami, Resul Pookutty At London Premiere Of Ra.One

Armaan Verma, Shahana Goswami and Resul Pookutty were also in London for the grand screening.

Shah Rukh Khan At London Premiere Of Ra.One

The King Khan, of course, was not bereft of his admirers here either!

More on Ra.One

Shah Rukh Khan’s Ra.One Breaks Salman Khan’s 2-Day Record

Ra.One: The Tweet Story

Meet The Characters of Ra.One

Why We Said Ra.One Will Not Be A Flop

Shahrukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor Dazzle At Ra.One Music Launch

Ra.One Review

Business Rating: 3.5 / 5 stars

Star cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, master Armaan Varma.

What’s Good: Individual sequences; stars’ performances; excellent visual effects; the superlative action, the ‘Chammak Challo’ song; eye-filling photography; extraordinary background score.

What’s Bad: The first 20 minutes and some portions in the second half which are boring; the story, which is about a video game, will not be fully understood by the computer-illiterate older generation.

Verdict: Ra.One has novelty and great visual effects to see it through at the box-office and ensure profits in spite of its very high cost.

Loo break: A few in the first half.

Watch or Not?: Definitely watch Ra.One for the superlative performances and the grand visual effects and the 3D effects.

Eros International and Red Chillies Entertainment’s Ra.One is the story of Shekhar Subramanium (Shah Rukh Khan), who lives in London and who is so clumsy and uncool that his young, school-going son, Pratik (master Armaan Varma), does not consider him as his hero or idol. In fact, he doesn’t even respect his father like a son should.

Shekhar works in a gaming company and he alongwith his colleagues makes a video game, Ra.One, in which the villain, Ra.One, is almost invincible. He makes the villain so powerful because his son tells him that heroes are boring and villains are cool. As luck would have it, Pratik, who plays games under the name of Lucifer, defeats Ra.One upto a level. Ra.One then loses his head and escapes from the computer in search of Lucifer. Soon, he kills Shekhar when he lies to him that his name is Lucifer. Shekhar takes on the blame in a bid to save his son’s life. But Ra.One, who has now taken the identity of Shekhar’s own colleague Akashi (Tom Wu), does not give up his search for Lucifer alias Pratik.

Meanwhile, Pratik goes to his dad’s office and between Jenny (Shahana Goswami) and Pratik, the two decide that G.One or, in other words, the Good One from the game would have to be released from the game to combat Ra.One.

Pratik and his widowed mother, Sonia (Kareena Kapoor), leave London to return to India and are given a hot chase by Ra.One. After a lot of misses, Ra.One finally confronts the mother-son duo but G.One emerges in the form of Shekhar to save them.

Now, G.One, Sonia and Pratik come to India after G.One has almost eliminated Ra.One. However, Ra.One is re-constructed one day and lands in India. What happens next? Does he find Lucifer? Does G.One protect Sonia and Pratik alias Lucifer? If so, how?

Ra.One Review: Script Analysis

The story, penned by Anubhav Sinha, has been liberally borrowed from several Hollywood films but it has been suitably Indianised. The Indianised screenplay, written by Kanika Dhillon, David Benullo, Mushtaq Shiekh and Anubhav Sinha, is fast-paced for a good part, but the first 20 minutes, and some portions in the second half are a bit boring. Perhaps, the most heart-touching Indian sentiment in the drama is when G.One comes to the rescue of Sonia and Pratik for the first time, appearing like Shekhar. There are other emotional moments like when Sonia takes a promise from G.One that he would save Pratik’s life, come what may, and when G.One and Pratik join forces to try and combat Ra.One in the end. Also, how Pratik is made to realise that ultimately, it is the hero who is good, and it is the villain who is evil and that good is what one should pursue, is subtle yet effective. But the emotions are understated and although they touch the heart-strings, they do not draw tears from the audience’s eyes. Had the sentiments been more pronounced, it would’ve been better as the viewers would be moved to tears.

However, where there are less-than-required emotions, there are some sequences which are absolutely brilliant and constitute major highlights of the film. Among such highlight sequences worthy of applause in the cinemas are the one in which Ra.One chases Sonia and Pratik; the one in which G.One appears all of a sudden between Ra.One and the car in which Sonia and Pratik are seated (in this particular scene, there will be deafening applause in the cinemas); the action sequences between G.One and Ra.One; the taxi-stand sequence at Bombay airport; the Rajnikanth sequence; the sequence showing the re-construction of Ra.One first and G.One later; the train sequence, etc. Here, it must be added that although the writers and the director have taken care to explain the technicalities of the video game in a simplified manner, yet, the drama will be more understood by the city and multiplex audience than the audience in the smaller centres and those frequenting single-screen cinemas. Again, since the base of the story is the Ra.One video game, it will not be fully understood by the computer-illiterate older generation. On the other hand, kids and the youth will love the drama for the very reasons the older generation wouldn’t – it has a lot of technical jargon, the drama is more subtle and less over-dramatic; and the experience is absolutely novel for the Indian audiences.

Comedy is enjoyable and entertaining but the film could’ve done with more of it, especially in the pre-interval portion. The visual effects are excellent and so are the 3D effects (for those watching in 3D). Another plus point of the drama is that it is not stretched too much. The climax, in which the young son of Shekhar collaborates with G.One, to fight the evil Ra.One is exciting in a different way – more than a nail-biting and edge-of-the-seat climax (which the chase by Ra.One in the first half is), it has heart-warming sentiments of father and son.

Ra.One Movie Review: Star Performances

Shah Rukh Khan does a splendid job and is the life of the film. He is good as Shekhar and fantastic as G.One. The look of G.One is wonderful. Kareena Kapoor is also lovely. She looks gorgeous and acts with effortless ease. She is brilliant in emotional scenes. Both, Shah Rukh and Kareena’s dances are remarkable. Arjun Rampal makes an effective villain and looks very handsome and formidable. Master Armaan Varma makes a sensational debut. He looks charming and acts with such aplomb that it is difficult to believe, this is his first film. Tom Wu is menacing enough. Dalip Tahhil is stylish as ever. Shahana Goswami is as natural and realistic as can be. Satish Shah and Suresh Menon evoke laughter. Rajnikanth appears in a single scene in special appearance and makes his presence felt with mersmerising effect. Sanjay Dutt and Priyanka Chopra don’t add much in special appearances. Amitabh Bachchan’s voice over in a portion of the film heightens the impact.

Ra.One Review: Direction & Music

Anubhav Sinha’s direction is good. Credit goes to him for giving the Indian audience a supremely novel experience. He has excelled in the visual effects department as well as in extracting good work from the actors. Music (Vishal-Shekhar) could’ve been better. While the Chhammak Chhallo song is extraordinary, the others could’ve and should’ve been better. The Dildaara song is appealing. The other songs range from fair to good. Song picturisations (Ganesh Hegde and Feroz Khan) are very eye-filling. The picturisations of Chhammak Chhallo and Criminal songs (both by Ganesh Hegde) are extraordinary. Background score by Vishal-Shekhar is wonderful. Nicola Pecorini and V. Manikandan’s camerawork is marvellous. The film looks just too beautiful. Visual effects are outstanding. Action scenes, choreographed by Parvez Khan, Spiro Razatos and Firoz Boss, are mind-boggling. Sets (Sabu Cyril and Marcus Wookey) are lovely. The conversion from 2D to 3D (by Prime Focus) is remarkable. Production values are just too grand.

Ra.One Review: Komal Nahta’s Verdict

On the whole, Ra.One has the novelty factor and visual effects as its greatest plus points. It may be lagging in the other departments but these two – novelty and visual effects – will definitely see the high-budgeted film make profits for all concerned. Looking to the almost unprecedented hype and huge craze for the film and its grand opening, it will sail past its safety mark in the first week itself (after considering all the other sources of revenue too) and then go on to yield profits.

Ra.One Trailer

Komal Nahta, the Editor of Koimoi.com, is Bollywood’s most trusted trade analyst & film reviewer. You can follow him on Twitter and check out his Video Blog.

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Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor Dazzle At RA.One Music Launch