The Good

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Freida Pinto And Mallika Sherawat

Although I’m not perfectly happy with the way Bollywood portrayed itself at Cannes this year round, there definitely were some enrapturing sites that literally worked at compensating for the lack of perfection elsewhere.

a)      Aishwarya Rai in her Regal Avatar

Beauty only gets better with time, and Bollywood’s yummiest mummy, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has testified the same. Her outfits were adorable, but what struck me the most was her form – the lit-up face, enhanced confidence, and of course the beautiful womanly figure that she has attained after having lost the excess kilos.

After I take my eyes off her natural beauty I arrive at my verdict of the clothes. The spectacular black gown by Elie Saab is by far my favorite pick among all the clothes that she donned on the red carpet.

I quite like the black Sabyasachi hybrid saree with heavy golden work; now if only the gaudy tiara was given a miss and the hair were let loose!

Another great dress that is only tad bit away from perfection is the Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla anarkali gown. The intricate overall embroidery is impressive, so is the hair, clutch, and makeup, but I felt a slight lack of balance in the silhouette; a subtle empire line and a monochrome scarf draped around the arms could have done the trick.

The teal one-shoulder gown complemented by pink accents differs from ARB’s regular color choices and is surely a fresh change. Although she carries the bright shades well, I would still prefer watching her in the classic neutrals that she has been hitherto sticking to, eight days out of ten.

The look that made a truly lasting impression: White blouse and black fish-cut skirt with a train that the star wore to a media call. Ash looks so mesmerizing here that I can’t scroll away from the pictures for a considerable while!

b)      Freida Pinto Adorned to Perfection

A puff of fresh air, Freida Pinto has been the belle among Bollywood celebrities at the Cannes red carpets. She has put together excellent outfits; and the ease with which she carried them off gets her brownie points. The metallic gown by Sanchita is an awesome combination of bling added to a minimalistic silhouette. Shoes, accessories and makeup, not to mention, are perfectly in sync; the soft romantic hairdo sets the overall look to heavenly perfection.

The flowy pink halter neck gown is a good pick too, and is made even better by the ornate belt. A side fishtail braid might have complemented both, the contours of her face and the flow of her dress, better than a braided bun though.

c)       Mallika Sherawat’s Surprising Makeover

I look at a lady on the red carpet wearing an elegant gown and I stare in amazement: Is it really the same Indian actress who was, till then, infamous for displaying too much skin and too little elegance? Oh yes, it is! I love the Dolce and Gabanna gown for its Victorian air; loose hair, a dainty locket and subtle makeup truly bring out the best in her. Where were you hiding your charm all these years, Mallika?

The Bad

Amitabh Bachchan And Vidya Balan

a)      Amitabh Bachchan Getting High on Bling

We saw a medley of sorts in the fashion scene at Cannes, and the most saddening aspect of it all was Mr. Bachchan’s dressing errors. It is really tragic that the gentleman who is known for his suavity made such a great international mess as wearing a blingy tuxedo with a loud sequined bowtie.

The blue striped coat with a casually knotted belt, teamed with white trousers was no less of a disappointment. I mean, where is the KBC stunner of a host gone? How I wish he had dressed in his original avatar instead of going wild with experimentation!

b)       Vidya Balan’s Tryst with Tradition

Excess of anything is bad, be it bling or be it tradition. And Vidya Balan seems to have insinuated an excess of both these elements in her Cannes wardrobe.

The oversized nose ring and two heavy necklaces worn at once, to the premiere of “Jeune & Jolie”, make her look like a Maharashtrian fisherwoman.

What’s with the veil on her head? Despite being a supporter of unique, unprecedented fashion statements, I can just not come to terms with this one; for, appearing different is great, but doing silly stuff just to appear different is a grave folly.

The greatest culprit in Vidya Balan’s looks-diary de Cannes is the center-parted, slicked back hair that she is wearing in nearlyall appearances; it’s unfortunately working more on marring her natural beauty than enhancing it, and is also making her appear older than her years.

What on earth stopped Vidya from wearing one of her rich silk sarees with a peekaboo blouse and soft waves that frame her face so sensuously?

c)     Sonam Kapoor: The Impeccable Diva’s Disappointing Show

Sonam Kapoor was India’s answer to Hollywood’s best dressed celebrities, or so I used to think. The bubbly, young girl who was always impeccably dressed however minor the occasion may be, has committed a fashion tragedy second in line to Amitabh Bachchan: of going over-the-top.

The Cinderella dress, although it had a lovely silhouette, had a motif which is way too overpowering for a slightly built woman as Ms. Kapoor.

The Anamika Khanna white saree at the opening ceremony which was brilliantly styled with a regal cape is truly drool worthy; only as long as we don’t shift our eyes to Sonam’s face! Cat eyes, pronounced lips, excess blush, center-parted hair and the conspicuous nose ring are crashing violently with one another. The nose ring is marvelous per se, and the fashionista could have done the outfit and the trinket much greater justice if only she had done her face in subtle nude-golden shades.

The only flawless look is the street-length pink Elie Saab lace dress donned by Sonam Kapoor at the opening night dinner gala. This one is appropriate to both her age and personality.

Sonam Kapoor, Sherlyn Chopra And Vidya Balan

The Ugly

Sherlyn Chopra and her Quintessential Exposure

Well, we won’t even talk of the skimpy black dress here. The white lehenga, although better by far than the previous day’s mishap, didn’t do much to win our praises. Oily skin and dark makeup work in an evil collaboration to make her appear dull. Sorry, Sherlyn, for the harsh review, but you left me with no other choice.

Writing an Ode to the Brave Testaments, which although deserved a place in the 100 crore brigade failed to manage to do so:

The Dirty Picture:

The Dirty Picture Movie Poster

A film that recreated the aura of the ‘80s with conviction, a film that made superstar out of a woman, a film that is in itself an ode to the indomitable feminine spirit, The Dirty Picture was total ‘entertainment, entertainment, entertainment’ in its truest form! With Vidya Balan rising upto the frames tackling the Khan-daan and Kappor parivaar single handedly, Bollywood had its newest Big B: The Big Balan! Crisp storyline, crackling dialogues and some stellar performances, The Dirty Picture was bold and gusty and was one of the major forerunners to the deserving crown. Though the film bagged away most Awards that season, it still could not grasp onto the 100 crore mark, much because of the monopolistic rule of the man that exists here since times immemorial. But making a superlative 85 crores in a film ruled by one strong woman, The Dirty Picture will be remembered hamesha and forever!

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara:

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Movie Poster

While Dil Chahta Hai set new standards for friendship in the 2000s, sister Zoya Akhtar’s take on bromance was a notch higher, both in terms of content and acceptance. Clearly the forerunner of sorts, one would have expected this film, that boasted of some powerful names along with some impeccable performances to easily nudge through the 100 crore mark. But a convincing script made way for multiplex audience and even repeat audience could not help ZNMD live its total expected lifetime, falling short of the target by a meager 10 crores. Definitely a movie which stands out better than a 100 crore masala entertainer yet ZNMD lacked the universal appeal and catered to the select target audience, one that understands films more than getting entertained. The subtlety was appreciated but the treatment could have been a little more massy!

Delhi Belly:

Delhi Belly Movie Poster

From an age where the critics frowned and beeped every little gaali to this film which remarkably brought in a welcome change to the scenario calculatively putting in curses within humorous frills. Netting in 54 crores after a 36 crore weekend, the film lacked the ability to attract repeat audience and catered to the multiplex audience at large. With content so convoluted and plot so rich in intellectuality enveloped with crude humour, Delhi Belly earned name for its unique paradigm shift but failed to attract audiences at large. But the super hit film definitely could have made 100 crores, had it been accepted based on its content!

Kahaani:

Kahaani Movie Poster

The most riveting story revolving around a suspense thriller, creatively and brilliantly put on to the silver screen, Kahaani helped revolutionize Indian suspense genre with immense aplomb. Having the newly born wonder woman, and the Hero among the Heroines, Vidya Balan taking centre stage, Sujoy Ghosh’s Kahaani was a thrilling edge of the seat film that connected well with the masses. Made at a meager budget of around 8 crores, the film made an earth shattering 60 crores, a number which if compared with other female centric movies is mammoth! Nevertheless, despite having repeat audiences, Kahaani fell well short of the 100 crore league more due to the film’s limited release and the absence of a big budget superstar hero! But Kahaani, the film made a striking impact on the audiences, giving them a reason to wait for its sequel as well.

Oh My God:

Oh My God Movie Poster

Based on a theatre play, Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar’s take on God worship triggered an all new sensation of sorts. With a strong social message attached along with oodles of entertainment, Oh My God! was a stand out among most other films last year. Plagued with the ills of spiritual corruption and fake Godliness, India needed a film to reaffirm the stigmatic evils that clusters the Indian society t large. Huge mass appeal and Akshay Kumar’s presence added on to the business taking it to a whooping 82 crores but limited release along with producer’s lack of confidence on the film in itself marred its ability to cross the landmark number. Not to forget, with majority of Indians craving for gibberish entertainment. Oh My God! was one film to have repeat audiences in spite of being an out and out multiplex flick!

Talaash:

Talaash Movie Poster

A movie that took almost two years to be made and finally release on screen, a movie that was tagged as the ‘upcoming Aamir Khan film’ right after the hugely successful 3 Idiots, Talaash released amidst a lot of euphoria and hysteria. But a boring and ineffective climax spoiled it all for the film that was otherwise a mark of triumphant writing, direction and acting! Although all the actors performed exceptionally well, the sloppy ending and the mystery revelations on everyone’s Facebook account resulted in many people giving the film a miss. While some called it a masterpiece, some stumped it over, but Talaash as an Aamir Khan film was definitely expected to climb up the league! Aamir’s Talaash ended at 93 crores, while most people lashed out at the superstar for such a mindless acting to the magnum opus!

Vicky Donor:

Vicky Donor Movie Poster

Another film on a social stigma, Vicky Donor stressed on the sensitive issue of Sperm Donor, one that could only be discussed in the closet. Bringing that discussion to the living room, Vicky Donor definitely flew high on the script front and some memorable [performances by its lead stars. Although the content was refreshing and new, the lack of a heavyweight name deprived the film of the dream run at the box office. 40 crores might mean a lot to a small budget film like this but Vicky Donor definitely deserved way more than what he got. Only if it was released better! The opening day as well as the opening weekend figures weren’t phenomenal but the film picked up due to the word of mouth publicity!

Special Chabbis:

Special Chabbis Movie Poster

Indian heist it was this time that was about to be explored on screen with a beautifully woven plot around a gang of goons who fake being CBI officers raiding in at places. But the Akshay Kumar starrer faced stiff competition from ABCD, India’s answer to the Step Up series and opened up to 5.75 crores on the first day. The film collected around 24 crores in the opening weekend, a number which was lukewarm considering the previous successes that Khiladi Kumar’s films have witnessed. While his no brainer Rowdy Rathore easily crossed the 100 crore mark, Special Chabbis which scored more on content failed to spin the magic stopping at a lifetime of around 70 crores. With too much of understanding to be done, the film run well at the multiplexes with single screens not holding up to the level of an Akki starrer at all!

So, that’s all from our side. Now, you tell us which film according to you should have reached the 100 Crores Club!

Check out the video right here:

Emraan Hashmi in Ghanchakkar Movie Stills

“(Director) Rajkumar Gupta has done a great job in the film. He has written such an interesting script. Both Emraan (Hashmi) and Vidya have performed extraordinarily. From the trailer you can tell that it’s a full-on entertainer,” Siddharth, managing director of Studios, Disney UTV, said here.

“I am sure it will be a great film,” he added here Friday night on the sidelines of a special screening of Bombay Talkies

A comedy-thriller, Ghanchakkar  is slated to release June 28. It is produced by UTV.

Siddharth Roy Kapoor

Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif

According to a leading daily, Sanjay is all set to revive the project and is looking out for both Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif for the roles of Mastani and Kashibai respectively. Padukone, is the leading lady in Bhansali’s upcoming film Ram Leela opposite supposedly beau Ranveer Singh. Ram Leela is scheduled for October 2013 release, following which Sanjay plans to begin the pre-production work of Bajirao Mastani. The film is expected to go on floors by April 2014.

Ranbir Kapoor and Salman Khan

Though there are antithetical reports over the film’s leading man, according to our sources, Sanjay is considering both Salman Khan and Ranbir Kapoor for the role of Bajirao. Salman has been on a low in the last few weeks, given his court dates for the 2002 hit and run case and his check up in U.S. However, the prime most reason why there are second thoughts over him is because of the overpowering haunting ghost of the Sanjay Dutt verdict, with something similar looming large on Salman as well.

In case Ranbir achieves an edge over Salman, the situation of the film will be replicable of the 1981 stint Silsila. With his ex-girlfriend Deepika and alleged current girlfriend Katrina working along with him in the same celluloid frame, this will undoubtedly rake excessive interest from the audiences.

Silsila (1981) Movie Poster

While it will be a smart move on the part of Bhansali and the actors to team up together for the film and cash in on their existing not so harmonious relationship, most trade analysts agree that this will result in a greater doom for Bhansali’s dream venture! The actresses were last seen together at the 2013 IPL opening ceremony and were visibly ignorant and cold towards each other.

While troubled interpersonal relationships are almost a norm in Bollywood, there are still a few actors who win the race at being the most controversial warring actors and still exhibit an amicable vibe.

Akshay Kumar – Shilpa Shetty

Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty on the sets of Big Boss

They did not work together again after their elaborate romance turned conspicuously sour! Still, after a long span of many years, Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty came back together on the episode of Big Boss, where Akshay appeared to promote his show Khatron Ke Khiladi. Later, they reappeared together on Nach Baliye Season 5 where Shilpa was a judge and Akshay came to promote his film Special Chabbis 26. Well certainly all’s not hunky dory between the ex flames, they have moved on a long time and learnt the art of being publicly civil with each other.

Deepika Padukone – Ranbir Kapoor

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone in a still from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani Movie

Former couple, Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone have maintained their friendship despite ending their romance. Though Deepika made bitter remarks about Kapoor on Koffee With Karan, the actors are coming back to sizzle the silver screen with their upcoming film Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani. Not only that, they are also scheduled to promote their film and tour UAE and UK together. The promotional tour clearly indicates all’s well and friendly between ex lovers!

Katrina Kaif – Salman Khan

Katrina Kaif, Salman Khan In Ek Tha Tiger Movie Stills

During their relationship days, Katrina once exclaimed how Salman hates candle light dinner and is unromantic. The media highlighted their break up on a large scale. However the two remained friends even beyond the end of their relationship. Salman and Katrina seemed to share a warm emotional connect on the sets of Ek Tha Tiger. More recently, Katrina Kaif walked the ramp for Salman’s NGO Being Human. Katrina has still remained Salman’s family; despite their relationship fazing out!

Sanjay Dutt – Madhuri Dixit

Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit

No one can forget this beautiful Bollywood affair. Almost set to be together for a long time, the duo separated because Dutt found himself entangled in legal issues related to the 1993 Bombay Blast case, for which he was recently convicted. The two were shooting for Subash Ghai’s film Saajan, which they managed to conclude amicably. In his last release Zila Ghaziabad, Sanjay was seen referring to ex-girlfriend very fondly. Years later, after both have moved into happier space, old stings matter much less.

Govinda – Neelam

Govinda and Neelam Kothari

After starring together in a host of popular films, Govinda was smitten by Neelam. He was so much in love that he wanted to marry her. But she kept denying Govinda, who later married the girl his mother chose for him. She went to date Bobby Deol, another relationship which ended bitterly. Recently the actress tied knot with actor Sameer Soni. Reportedly, actor Govinda sent his best wishes to the couple.

Preity Zinta – Ness Wadia

Preity Zinta And Ness Wadia

The duo was the most charming couple for a long time. Their relationship rocked for a good half a decade following which the couple broke up. Mommy Naureen Wadia heaved a sigh of relief as she never liked Miss Zinta too much. However, the two still continue to co-own their joint IPL team Kings XI Punjab.

Dino Morea – Bipasha Basu

Bipasha Basu And Dino Morea

The two dated for a long span during the 1990s. Despite their breakup, the two have maintained very cordial relations with each other. Recently actress Bipasha Basu unveiled Dino’s fitness brand DM fitness. After 5 years of their relationship, the two drifted apart following which Bipasha dated beau John Abraham for many years.

With the list being endless, actors today are more passionate than egoistic, more professional. They meticulously weigh their brand value and sensibly co-relate it to the success and revenue it can probably rake. Controversies can easily be deemed as the passport to greater anticipation and excitement from audiences, it would be sensible move to iron out differences and swallow the pride. All for the greater cause of fame and success!

The title track of the film is sung by reputed singers Sunidhi Chauhan, Shaan, Kavita Krishnamurthy, S.P. Balasubramaniam, Abhijeet, Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik, Mohit Chauhan, Sonu Nigam, Sudesh Bhonsle, Shreya Ghosal, Shilpa Rao, Udit Narayan, KK and Sukhwinder Singh.

Starring Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan,Madhuri Dixit, Vidya Balan, Rani Mukerji, Priyanka Chopra, Farhan Akhtar, Shahid Kapoor, Ranveer Singh,Ranbir Kapoor, Imran Khan, Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, Akshay Kumar,Karisma Kapoor and Juhi Chawla together, this song is an epic moment for Indian cinema.

Enjoy the song right here:

Bombay Talkies Movie Stills

Bombay Talkies is the amalgamation film comprising of 4 short films by directors Zoya Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap, Dibaker Banerjee and Karan Johar. The film is going to be screened at the Cannes International Film Festival this year.

Still From Bombay Talkies Title Track

This is quite a rarity in Bollywood and never before have so many singers been clubbed together for one song! The song also does another unbelievable task.It has successfully managed to get together 20 popular Bollywood actors for the music video of this song. Starring Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Vidya Balan, Rani Mukerji, Priyanka Chopra, Farhan Akhtar, Shahid Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Imran Khan, Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor and Juhi Chawla together, this song is an epic moment for Indian cinema.

It took choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant a month to wrap up the shooting of this song. The actors and actresses were dressed in Black Tuxedos and Gold dresses respectively. Every actor in the song has shot for their part independently and had their personal stylists.

Doing the undo-able, Bombay Talkies is the amalgamation film comprising of 4 short films by directors Zoya Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap, Dibaker Banerjee and Karan Johar. The film is going to be screened at the Cannes International Film Festival this year.

But according to latest reports, four months after her wedding to UTV Motion Pictures CEO, Siddharth Roy Kapur, former Miss Balan is contemplating on changing her name to Vidya Balan Roy Kapur.

Vidya Balan Roy Kapur

Retaining her maiden surname, the actress has decided to take up a rather longer on screen name, post marriage, reported a leading daily.

The actress is currently busy shooting for her upcoming film Shaadi Ke Side Effects where she stars alongside Farhan Akhtar. She has recently wrapped her next film Ghanchakkar with Emraan Hashmi, which is scheduled for a late June release.

As a tribute to 100 years of Indian cinema, Vidya has donned Nargis’ look from the 1957 cult film Mother India and Meena Kumari’s from the 1962-classic Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam for Cineblitz’s special edition.

But the actress, who entered filmdom with the Parineeta remake, has no intention of working in a Mother India remake.

“I don’t think anybody would even dare to remake Mother India and if someone does then I will salute him, but I will not do it. It is unachievable, really,” Vidya 35, told reporters at the unveiling of the cover page of the magazine.

Check out the video right here:

Vidya Balan

“The shooting is on and I am enjoying it. This is the first time I am working with an actor-writer-director-musician. It is a different experience, it is very interesting,” Vidya said.

“Farhan has a holistic perspective of things and as an actor, that’s extremely fascinating for me. Saket Chaudhary is making Shaadi Ke Side Effects after Pyaar Ke Side Effects,” she added.

Directed by Saket Chaudhary, Shaadi Ke Side Effects also features Vir Das, Ram Kapoor and Gautami Kapoor. It is slated to release in December.

Check out the video right here:

Vidya Balan

Enjoy the video right here:

Emraan Hashmi and Vidya Balan on the sets of Ghanchakkar Movie

Ghanchakkar has been directed by Raj Kumar Gupta and produced by Ronnie Screwvala and Siddharth Roy Kapur and also stars Rajesh Sharma and Namit Das. The movie hits the screens on 28th June, 2013.

Featuring Vidya Balan and Emraan Hashmi, Ghanchakkar also stars Rajesh Sharma and Namit Das. ‘Remember Not To Forget’ to watch it in cinemas from 28th June 2013 onwards!

Till then check out the trailer right here:

Emraan Hashmi and Vidya Balan from Ghanchakkar Movie

Ghanchakkar, has been directed by Raj Kumar Gupta and produced by Ronnie Screwvala and Siddharth Roy Kapur.

The official Twitter handle of Ghanchakkar posted the pic, saying, “Here’s the poster of Ghanchakkar. Remember Not To Forget to share it and come back here at 5pm for the trailer.”

Yes! the trailer of the film will soon be out, rather within a few hours. So, keep watching this space for more.

Meanwhile, check out the poster right here:

Ghanchakkar Movie First Look Poster

Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta and Produced by Ronnie Screwvala and Siddharth Roy Kapur, the film is slated to release on 28th June, 2013.

Shikha Kapur, executive director, marketing, studios, Disney UTV said, ”Yes, it is true that we have deviated from the traditional trailer launch route of having an event and decided on launching ‘Ghanchakkar’ trailer digitally.”

Emraan Hashmi and Vidya Balan in a first look from Ghanchakkar Movie

The trailer will be attached with Himmatwala which has a really wide release, Kapur added.

“Digital is the future and we are going to heavily explore this domain with ‘Ghanchakkar’. We believe it will create the noise level and curiosity for the film like any event would do,” Kapur said.

Ghanchakkar stars Emraan Hashmi and Vidya Balan and is slated for a June 21 release.