Ukindia Film Page 24
Ukindia Film Page 24
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Mahima, Tabu , Shilpa, Sridevi, Manisha , Pooja , Ayesha , Naghma , Mayoori, Neelam , Deepti , Zeba , Dimple , Madhoo , Twinkle , Karisma , Sonali , Mamta, Kajol , Urmilla, Raveena ,Madhuri , Juhi , Ashwariya .
Also at Showcase Cinemas
Movies in Derby Sundays at 11 am and 8.40pm Tuesday . Phone 01332 296000 for more details or to www.uci-cinemas.co.uk.
Movie info also on freefone 0800 192 192 and channel 4 teletext page 460
I saw the film Friday evening at a theatre in one of Chicago's suburbs, and I enjoyed it immensely.
Yes, indeed -- in spoof and paying homage to not only to James Bond films but to modern action films and even Jackie Chan films. (I put Chan films as a separate genre because he has created his own.)
Just as Jackie Chan lifted and applied many stunts and action bits from the films of Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, and other silent film stars, so has this film gone global in its respectful spoofing. As a long-time Chan fan, I was quite tickled to see marvelous reenactments of scenes from two of Jackie's more recent films, MR. NICE GUY and RUSH HOUR. As I am not a James Bond fan, I cannot pinpoint the films from which the Bond bits were taken. Also, as I am not an action film fan per se, I cannot give titles of the modern action films from with other items were taken. However, there were things that I semi-recognized, and I thought the entire film was a hoot.
Mind you, I do not speak Hindi (very much), so my dialogue enjoyment was limited to being able to pick up what I could and following along as I watched. At no time did I feel "left out" of the story, although I do realize I will gain so much more when I can see it with subtitles.
I never go to a "favorite star's" new film expecting only the best. It just doesn't happen all of the time, so why set yourself up for huge expectations; take each film as it comes. I can only tell you that I felt the film was inventive (I particularly enjoyed the use of Baadshah's office as a "stage play set" that was able to be changed as necessary to pull something off) and tremendously funny.
I loved Baadshah's four associates -- quirky and lovable. Shahrukh Khan proves again that he has an incredible flair for comedy, and the reviewers who liken him to Jim Carrey must never have seen a Jim Carrey film (ugh - IMHO). I laughed so hard for the first 2-1/2 hours that my throat was sore and my sides ached. Then the serious business began, lightening up for the last minutes of the film.
The audience (and this was the very first showing of the film) received it positively --- thunderous applause, echoing laughter, and squeals of delight. And not just from me ;-)
The second showing was sold out, and I'm returning on Sunday for another laugh-fest..Shahrukh Khan's films are like surprise gifts waiting to be opened and enjoyed. You never know what you're going to get because he doesn't allow himself to become comfortable playing only one type of character in only one type of film. BAADSHAH was a pleasant and hysterical surprise for me. With his precise timing and his comic flair, SRK brings us a fun way to spend 3 hours.
What are the things that I found in the BAADSHAH surprise package? Whoah. Many! Hmmmm ... let me see ...
A cartoon comedy aspect with reality creeping when you think you're comfortable; sight gags (in more way than one); card sharps; diamonds and dollars; running gags; characters to take home and cherish; a sweet Mom; a doctor with a shaky hand; toys; shades; overcoats; remote controls; 2-way radios; secret documents; invisible ink; hitman contracts; an arranged marriage; floors that open, remote control furniture; a convertible office/home/eye clinic; a home-made rainstorm; hi-jinx; madcap comedy; an investigation briefing complete with large slides, bankers' lamps for everyone, and serious talk; fraud; code-names; disguises; mistaken identities; secret meetings; hand-offs; switched bags; listening devices; cell phones.
Mary Quant hats from Carnaby Street in the 60s; a moll ... or two; an 88mb Syquest disk; CBI agents; wrong plane tickets; looney but loveable sidekicks; code markers placed on the unaware; poison pills in drinks and a subsequent shell game to fool the originator; dead bodies; a politician; security breaches; gunshots; a James Bond-style secret factory complete with gadget- laden cars, double-duty weapons, super-duper adhesive boots, X-ray goggles; secret missions; newspaper headlines; a 3-way car chase; big guns; hidden meanings in notes; well-executed fight sequences; eavesdropping; a hotel-room search; kidnappers and kidnappee; magic tricks; press conferences ...
No, I wouldn't say that this is your typical Bollywood fare, especially since the boy-meets-girl-romance aspect is secondary to the cases and capers that are involved ;-) And I would add that they went "around the world" to pay tribute to modern action films, James Bond films, Jackie Chan films, with some Keystone Kops, Marx Brothers, and "The Sting" tossed into the salad. I'm sure there are many things that I missed, but what I caught was done so well that I was impressed at how they were reproduced yet given a life of their own.
There are 3 nifty tunes from this film, which gives Anu Malik a leg up over his compositions from DUPLICATE (I thought there were only 2 good songs in that film). If I've misinterpreted anything involving the songs, chalk it up to my not speaking the language. :-) #1 - MAIN TO HOON PAGAL
This song is a hysterical set number on the streets outside of the card club where Baadshah and his associates have recovered stolen diamonds during a card game. Halted on the streets by a line of police, they feign craziness, much to the delight of the audience. Their laughter and wild dancing are infectious enough to draw the crowd (both in the film and in the theatre) into the frenzy, leaving the police no choice but to be "captured" by the situation. Thus an escape route is provided. Upon purchasing the soundtrack over a month ago, I fell for this song immediately. It is catchy and funny, and I can't help but move when I hear it. In my opinion, the visual of the number served to enhance my enjoyment of the song.
#2 - WOH LADKI JO
Baadshah pretends to be a blind man, performing at the club where Seema (Twinkle) is found. Seema is the "target" of an arranged marriage, and it is the Baadshah Detective Agency that is hired to persuade her. The choreography is amusing, as is the story that flows out of it. The song itself is very singable - in fact, during the intermission, I heard a man humming it in the hallway.
#3 - MOHABBAT HO GAYEE HAIN
And suddenly, we are whisked away to Scandinavia ... Beautifully picturized in Norway, this "travelogue" is light and breezy. Twinkle's costumes were less flamboyant and silly than during the film proper, showing her more as a woman than as a spoiled brat with little fashion sense. However, during this and the following number, she shows that her dancing prowess requires quite a bit of work. It's the kind of song that you can bob your head to, but it's not one that you can't get out of your head.
#4 - HUM TO DEEWANE HUYE
Still in Norway, this picturization features gorgeous costumes and lovely scenery; however, the Norski chicks (OK, I'm one by heritage, but I thought it was strange) in traditional Norwegian country dress distracted from the number. In this number, Twinkle's costumes finally fit her (literally). Shahrukh's costumes were the kind that only he can wear and wear well -- interesting designs to the suits, though perhaps not for everyday wear. However, the costume designer must learn that shoes complete a costume, and that gorgeous suits with clunky, brown shoes show a lack of completion in the design process.. As for the song itself, see my last comment on #3 above.
#5 - BAADSHAH O BAADSHAH
This is, as they say on Broadway, the show-stopper, the biggest, most colorful, most lavish, foot-tapping, and memorable song. Flashy and fun costuming without being over-the-top-outrageous provided an eye- catching, colorful stage presentation. The number came to no actual conclusion, however, as it was faded under a conversation for an anti- climax. The number deserved at least a final pose. I dug the name of the setting ... The Scream Club. And oh, yes, during this number, Amrish Puri proves that he dances better than Twinkle Khanna.
Surprisingly enough, O BABY, a sixth cut on the soundtrack, does not enter into the film at any time, unless the version I saw was edited. Too bad, as it's a great song to listen to in the car.. Jeanne
Now here is an American girl who likes them even though she doesnt understand Hindi/Urdu . Bollywood movies are truly crosscultural ..Mo
Here is a totally unbiased report.
It is my pleasure to let all of you know that the world's much awaited release of TAAL on the gigantic IMAX screen was a huge successs. Friends, this is an honor for me and my partner Jay Patel to be a part of this. Surely, we would like to share this with all of you. Come to think of it, apart from american movies, this possibly could be the first non-american movie to be shown on IMAX. I may be wrong. So, bollywood is after all big. Of course, EROS entertainment has done a lot to get this movie. The credit also goes to them, and of course Subhashji for making this movie with Rahman.
Definitely, I thank all those who came to the auditoirum and had so much faith in us. The Story: It was a total chaos in the lobby. We had 600 people in the lobby waiting for tickets for the 400 seating IMAX theatre. So, we had to send back 200 people (I am good at Maths, :-) ). So, we are re-screening TAAL on IMAX again next tuesday, Aug 31st 7:00 p.m. at IMAX in downtown Indianapolis.
Please watch TV Asia-for the AVS segment. Raju Sethi of AVS was here to shoot and get first hand reactions from the audience. Each and every person, even those who sneaked in without paying, enjoyed the experience (yeh tho sabhi jagaah par hoti hai, kya kare). For everyone, this was more of a community gathering. The problem now we face is that they all want to see each and every movie on IMAX and not on the regular screen. We had people from more than 200 miles away, from towns like Columbus-OH, Louisville-KY, Memphis-TN and Milwaukee. We had to turn away people who even came all the way from louisville (100 odd miles).
The bottom line-This was one heck of a experience. For those of you who were skeptical, watch any movie on IMAX when you get a chance. This is a new way of watching movies, and I am glad that we started this. Believe me, in the next 2-3 months, all major cities will be soon starting to screen Indian movies on IMAX. Get your tickets much in advance.
Now about the experience: Since the movie was in scope, it filled 60% of the screen. It was still huge, and watching Aish and Akshaye was (in bumbaiya lingo) Total Paisa Vasool. As a matter of fact this is the first time in my years of business that most of the customers were saying we should have charged $10 or even as high as $12. They were all ready to pay even $12 for this service. The seats are stadium style, the sound comes from everywhere, and the images are cool. The dances were a delight to watch. The sound was the best. In short, all superlatives ONLY.
This tuesday, we are screening the movie with DTS surround, which means the movie will be even better to watch. From what I understand, even Subhashji was eager to find out how this turned out, and I am sure that he will be very happy when he comes to know of the response. Kudos to him for giving us this chance.
To add some spice, as of now, we have booked Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam also, and have tentativeley set the date for Tuesday Sept 7th for screening on IMAX. I would appreciate if you can give us some choices of movies that might be worthwhile playing on IMAX (The rent is steep, and hence we cannot show all movies. Only those which we feel can attract a full hosue is worth it). I have Kuch Kuch, Dilwaale, Dil to pagal hai, Dil Se, and Of course SHOLAY. Let us see what all movies we come up with.
I am happy to let all of you know that the 2nd show of TAAL on IMAX was also sold-out creating a history in Indianapolis. This is so much in demand that we are adding a 3rd show, next Tue, Sept 7th at 7:00 p.m. Either this is TAAL-Magic or IMAX-Magic or TAAL-ON-IMAX-Magic. Each and every person we talked to enjoyed the experience.
80% of those who have come have watched it for the 2nd time or more. For all of them they felt they were in the movie. some of them even felt like they are watching a live show. Now we are going to show Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam on Friday sept 10th at 9 p.m.
Friends, IMAX is becoming a big hit. Watch out for IMAX screenings of any movie in your city. I can tell one thing, even a flop movie will start looking sweet on IMAX. The whole idea here is to present a movie in a new way, and we hope we or anyone else who presents the movie on IMAX will be successful in this venture.
Yes, I did watch, Only the dances this time. This time we had "THE PRINT". i.e. we had the DTS print with the digital surround system. The earlier showing did not have surround. In surround sound, the experience is unbelievable.
About giving up my profession, I wish it could be easy to wake up in the morning, call the IMAX, and book it for the rest of the life. It is much more difficult to get the IMAX theatre rentals. Let us wait and see what's in store.Once again, thank you for your comments. Dr.Raman.
In short, don't just watch a movie, expereince it, on IMAX.
nraman@iupui.edu
That way you will have to screen only movies which have tickets sold out and not have to make a loss . DDLJ I think would run and run on Imax ! Imax cinemas are in most parts of the world including London , Bradford , Europe etc..Mo
This show was the first in a concert tour of the UK and North America by these well-known actors of Indian popular cinema. The promised appearances by stars of such titles as Raja Hindustani, Ghulam, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, and Taal, is likely to ensure the tour's success.
Attendance at this event, sponsored by the new digital TV channel B4U, was a little disappointing. Wembley Arena was only two thirds full. Perhaps this reflects a combination of high ticket prices and an uncomfortable venue. I would estimate the audience figures to have been around the 2000 mark.
The show followed precedent in a varied cabaret of songs (with dancing), drama and comedy. Of these elements, the songs constitute the most substantial part. They are largely mimed, as in the films, but some singing is performed live. Frequent costume changes, pyrotechnics, and lighting effects are used extensively to complete the theatrical experience.
A professional-sounding, suitably enthusiastic, mistress-of-ceremonies introduced the show. The first act was a song and dance routine featuring Twinkle Khanna. I do not understand why Twinkle was included in the line-up of stars, except to make up the numbers.
Apart from 1998's hit, Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai, I am not aware of her appearance in any significant roles. Being the daughter of Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia is enough to arouse interest, but she does need to give more hit performances in films before she can command a significant following. She is a competent dancer, and her forthcoming title, Mela, opposite Aamir Khan, will surely settle the issue of whether audiences can take her seriously as an actress. Baadshah is already looking like another hit, but that film's success will largely be attributable to the comedy between SRK and Johnny Lever.
Rani Mukherji was excellent, giving an energetic and polished performance. It came as something of a surprise when she subsequently apologised to the audience for weaknesses in her dancing, due to a recent injury. I did not notice any such lapses. Some male fans may have been disappointed that she kept her legs covered throughout the show, however. ;o)
Whatever his cinematic fortunes, Akshay Khanna is an apallingly wooden performer in a live setting. His introverted, disinterested attitude on stage resulted in a general failure to communicate with the audience, and suggests a lack of theatrical experience. Akshay does not seem to enjoy performing, and one questions why he does it, other than for money, and to please his father (without whose assistance he would not have gained his first break in Himalay Putra). An announcement of "The Magic Akshay Khanna" was met with the sarcastic remark from someone in the row behind me, "as opposed to the previous Akshay Khanna". Towards the end of the show, he was required to take Shah Rukh Khan's role in Chaiyya Chaiyya. His half-hearted attempt was simply an embarrassment to watch.
Aishwarya Rai was stunning as a dancer, her graceful movements a complement to her famous beauty. The truly magnificent set pieces from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam were a personal highlight of the show, and well appreciated by the audience in general. Ganesh Hegde's choreography deserves a mention here. He even managed to make effective use of Akshay Khanna in the songs from Taal.
There were two brief appearances by the young playback singer, Sunidhi Chauhan, who can be heard on the Mast audio. I was impressed by her rendition of Jiya jale, in which she included the Malayalam chorus. I find her voice clear and refreshing, her style of performance modest and thoughtful, and attribute any transient flatness of her singing on this occasion to her nervousness and lack of experience of such events. PA balance may have been a problem on the stage. The sound quality was generally indifferent to poor throughout the show. The cavernous acoustic space of the Arena seems to have inspired a policy among sound engineers along the lines of "turn everything up as loud as possible" in an attempt to defeat the echoes. The modest live band (two synths, bass guitar and drums) was frequently heard as a distorted wall of sound, with only the snare drum and cymbals clearly distinguishable.
Comedian Jaspal Bhatti was well-received. The little that I could understand suggested observational humour with a good sense of the absurd. Whatever it was, it kept the people in the row behind me in stitches, and their laughter was infectious.
The second half of the show belonged to Aamir Khan. The man has a reputation as a hard-working perfectionist, and it shows. There was a wonderful sequence of songs with Rani Mukherji, in which the audience was teased with the opening bars of Aati kya khandala between each song. The bass guitar riff would commence, and Aamir and Rani would exchange their "eh?" and "kya?", before launching into an unrelated song. This device was especially effective as an introduction to Tum paas aye (KKHH).
Finally, Aamir and Rani swapped playback for microphones of their own, and we were treated to a live rendition, albeit with a couple of technical problems (sleepy bass player, switched-off mike). Aamir's voice has improved since he made the recording, and Rani is not a bad singer herself, although Alka Yagnik needn't feel threatened. :o)
Aamir also made extensive use of invited female members of the audience in comedic stage routines. I was a little uncomfortable with this, particularly with one that involved five tests of a woman's eligibility for marriage, but that's probably just jealousy. :o)
Finally, there was a quickfire sequence of songs from the '50s to the present. Of these, I recognised two or three songs from Jewel Thief, My Name is Anthony Gonsalves from Amar Akbar Anthony, and Mehbooba mehbooba from Sholay. Akshay Khanna actually seemed to be awake during the latter. Fortunately for me, there was an extensive selection of more recent songs. Aamir rounded off the evening by leading the entire cast in a rendition of Pardesi pardesi to a standing ovation from the audience.
In summary, this was a very good evening's entertainment. I would rate it at 9 out of 10. Improvements in the venue, a more listener-friendly sound system, and replacement of Akshay Khanna with, say, Johnny Lever, Ajay Devgan, or a male playback singer to partner Sunidhi, would have made it excellent..
Richard Turner