How Old Are You Movie Review

How Old Are You? The title of this Malayalam Manju Warrier come back film itself creates a curiosity that has had the cine goers and the Manju Warrier fans who have missed her for the last 14 years waiting for the release of the film.

 The recent summer vacation to Kochi got me the opportunity to watch this film that I too have been so desparately waiting to watch. PVR at the LULU Mall was surely a great place to watch it with a packed theatre and people all excited to watch this much talked about powerful performance by this superbly talented actress who has gone on to prove that staying away from the industry for a few years does not mean that the actress in her too has been lost. 

She makes a come back looking even more gorgeous and has delivered to the expectations of the audience. 


The movie by Rosshan Andrews revolves around the central character Nirupama Krishnan portrayed by Manju Warrier. She plays the role of a middle aged married woman of 36 years who is an UD clerk in a Government office. The years of being housewife, mom, daughter-in-law and being taken for granted has actually got her to loose her own identity (like most homemakers here).  

The boredom , the monotony of everyday life and the frustrations that hide behind the personality all brought out so beautifully in her body language and dialogue delivery. 
The years that have made her forget the individual that she once was. The actions and everyday talk that leave wounds that are difficult to heal, and those that have supposedly healed have left scars that tell it all. An attempt to rediscover herself that is spurred by the turn of events all go to show the innate strength that lies hidden in a woman, it is all about discovering it and using it to your advantage.

An invitation for breakfast with the President  is one that brings a turn of events. Actor Kunchacko Boban who plays Manju's husband in the film has delivered a powerful punch with his performance, in fact I think this is one of his best performances to date. 

 The supporting cast of the film too is very good and helps weave a very realistic story with real life characters and settings that we cine goers can relate too. A simple story that has been given a very good treatment. There are a few numbers that touch a chord somewhere in the heart. 

The movie a wonderful display of talent, emotions and an eye for detail surely has set the ball rolling for actress Manju Warrier who has taken the first step to making a comeback and we fans are sure waiting for more of her beautiful performances that we did see 14 years back in movies like kalliveedu, oru puzhayum kadanu and many more. 



Several brand endorsements, dance recitals and movies in her kitty, we will definitely be seeing a lot of Manju Warrier this year. 

 

Road Named after Priyanka Chopras Father

On his first death anniversary, the lane in Yari Road, Andheri that leads to the actress Priyanka Chopra's house has been named after her father Lieutenant Colonel Dr Ashok Chopra. 

The actress told sources " I don’t have words to describe anything. It’s a moment of pride for my family". Cousin actress Parineeti Chopra and close family members were present at the occassion. 

The actress is known to have been very close to her dad who lost his battle with cancer a year back.  Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray inaugurated it.

Bhootnath Returns Review

Bhoothnath Returns, for all those who thought it would be an entertainer for kids as the trailer suggested, this movie turned out quite an entertainer but serious business. It was definitely for the slightly older age group. A sequel to Bhootnath, the film Bhoothnath Returns starring Amitabh Bachchan, Boman Irani and Parth Bhalerao (who actually stole the show, a kid with tremendous acting potential). The movie has special appearances by Shahrukh Khan and Anurag Kashyap.

The film revolves around the central character Bhoothnath played by none other than the Big B, who is sent back to Earth from Bhooth World and instead of being reborn as a human being or any other living creature, he comes back as a bhooth. His mission to reclaim his dignity by scaring a few kids and soon he encounters this kid Akhrot (soft on the inside and hard on the outside as he puts it). In trying to help Akhrot get out of his troubles, the two discover and unveil the rot in the society and how it is almost beyond redemption unless there is a person who cares about the society and its people at the helm. In the process they work towards the Bhooth filing his nomination papers against the powerful and notorious candidate Bhau (played by Boman Irani). Bringing out the problems in the system and how it is important for each one of us to cast our vote to ensure that we elect a leader who cares about us(if there is one). The film in its own entertaining way projects the malice in the system and how the influential and powerful always find their way to the top.

This Nitesh Tiwari film released at the right time definitely brings in a lot of awareness (probably should have been released a few weeks earlier as polling is already over at many places, also does take time to spread the word. Corruption sure is not the only evil pulling us down, the movie opens our eyes to the ills in the society and truly makes us wonder if
- do we have any candidates who are truly qualified(in terms of being pada likha as the movie puts it)
- there is really a candidate out there who understands the larger picture.
- is there anyone who cares about India and its people or are all the sacrifices by our brave soldiers and freedom fighters going to be a sheer waste.
- does this election provide a means to turnaround the system and bring in someone who can truly make Indian "Shine"?
-will the next 5 years be able to bring in a change that we Indians are looking for and desperately desire?

Coming back to movie in particular, it could definitely have had a tighter screenplay and the running time of 2 hrs and 35 minutes could have been cut short.

Good points: It really addresses a social issue well but for the little drama at many places(but thoda drama has always been a part and parcel of Bollywood and if for a good cause, why not?). Overall a good effort and Akhrot (Parth Bhalerao) gets a thumbs up for his performance.

Ram Leela - Movie Review

Ram Leela, the very varied reviews about the movie actually kept me off the theatres. There were friends who just about managed to sit through till the interval and left and then there was the media with TOI giving Ram Leela a thumbs up and a five star rating. Mixed reactions, couldn't be more? So decided to give it a miss. However, with one free day in hand and no deadlines to be met and a cool chill out day, decided to just go and see the movie. Yes, all alone. A chicken sandwich, a packet of the good old Camy Wafers (reminds me of the wafers we used to get as kids before Lays and other brands made an appearance on the scene) and a Pepsi, I decided to not be judgemental and see a movie for the effort put in by the cast and crew and not go in with any kind of bias.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali(SLB) known for his larger than life sets and elaborate costumes sure did justice to each scene where every costume was perfectly choreographed and every little detail in place. The movie sure is an aspiring designer's dream come true with elaborate thread and mirror work and shawls and ghagras all put together with so much attention to detail and aesthetic sense. However, the story seemed to be a little hard to digest(even with Hajmola) and the screenplay without doubt could have been better.

Deepika Padukone and Ranvir Singh the lead pair looked stunning with loads of their perfectly chiselled body being on display. Ram and Leela belonging to two warring clans, the Saneda and the Rajadi, see(yes see) and fall in love. Have heard of love at first sight but this definitely took the cake. Love and so comfortable with each others body in no time, the movie definitely didn't have time to weave in the emotions and the romance (but for the songs which cropped up one after the other trying to add in some chemistry). What one saw in the trailer was simply lacking in the movie. The trailers sure built up a lot of expectations which the movie failed to deliver.

War between the clans where a steady supply of flying bullets, knifes and beer bottles kept happening from one side to the other. In between all this, you could see a Ram dancing away in his Hanuman Gali with Gujju girls clad in ghagra cholis seemed to be completely overwhelmed by his physique and kept clicking away on their mobile phones(now this definitely is not what we see in rural India). With the tensions mounting, Ram and Leela still seem to be the peacemakers totally oblivious of what their families thought of each other, a la Romeo and Juliet.

With a quick running away from home only to be brought back by conspiring friends and family members, Ranvir was soon made the "Don" of Rajadi as he likes to put it and Deepika being forced into marrying the NRI archaeologist. With love hate emotions displayed(with a supposedly deep love for each other within which they cannot display due to the chains of family, hatred and society holding them back) and the couple being pitted against each other there is a some drama added here which makes us actually think if this is really what happens in rural India where no law and order system seemed to make any difference and power and money were the sole rulers. Supriya Pathak as Ba played a really impressive role and so did Richa Chadda proving her acting skills yet again.

The "Dhol" song sure reminded of Devdas and the high profile Dola Re. There were definitely a few twists and the end kept the audience on tender hooks to see what the final verdict would be. The transition from the care free boy and girl have been played well by the actors, especially Ranvir Singh. With Deepika we did see the bubbly girl from her previous roles peeping in from in between. All in all the movie is really nothing much to write home about and after Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani and the other hits, this definitely could have been a big mistake for Deepika but for the SLB name that the movie is riding high on.

Bollywood Actress Deepika Padukone looks gorgeous in Chennai Express

Deepika Padukone and SRK are the two reasons I went to see the bollywood movie Chennai Express. Although the movie left a lot to be desired. For a SRK starrer directed by Rohit Shetty of Golmaal fame, the expectations sure were a lot higher. However, guess there are not many disappointed fans like me, the 100 crore and entering 200 crore club figures definitely go to prove this. There were many light moments in the movie with Tanga Bali, the antakshari moments and some of the fights, however, with such star cast there is a lot more that could have been done.

A mixed bag of responses is what the movie Chennai Express has come up with. Anyway as for the figures it is definitely a great Eid for SRK and his team. The best, meaning the most beautiful part of the film, was undoubtedly Deepika Padukone, who looked gorgeous in her half saris and Kancheevarams. Here are a few pictures from the movie Chennai Express and the lovely looks of Deepika Padukone.

Bollywood Actress Pooja Batra may turn writer

Pooja Batra, the beautiful actress who did lovely films like Virasat and disappeared from the silver screen after marriage to a doctor Sonu Ahluwalia is making a comeback. Pooja who is a model turned actress now wishes to turn writer and pen her own book. A foodie herself, she says she may write a cookery book. For now, she has not decided on the niche and her subject but she definitely is sure that she would like to pen a book. Pooja we look forward to your book of delicious recipes or whatever you wish to write on. If the book is as beautiful as the actress it surely is going to be worth a read.

SRK’s RA One runs into legal trouble over copyright

SRK’s ambitious project RA One which is slated to be his Diwali release has run into legal trouble. The movie stars Sharukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal. With just a few days left for the release and Eros International having acquired the world distribution rights for a whooping 150 crores, SRK seems to have a lot of sorting out to do if he wants the movie to be released this Diwali.

Yash Patnaik, a television writer and producer claims that the concept is originally his and claims copyright for it. The Bombay high court has directed that Rupees one crore be deposited as a pay-order to the court if the film has to be released. Yash Patnaik states that he has not been given credit for the concept and want 10% in the profits if it is not done. Yash Patnaik had developed the concept in the year 2006 and his character was called “ONE”.

With so much going on behind the scenes it is wait and watch to see how the super hero handles this grave situation and whether SRK would have yet another hit this Diwali.

Star studded baby shower for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had a star studded godh bharai (baby shower). Mother-in-law Jaya Bachchan and sister-in-law Shweta left no stones unturned to ensure that it was a grand function. They personally ensured that all guests were well looked after. A star studded event , the entire Bollywood galaxy had descended at the Bachchan residence Jalsa. Bipasha Basu, Twinkle Khanna, Saira Banu, Nitu Kapoor, Urmila Matondkar, Karan Johar, Manyata Dutt and Asha Parekh were among those who attended the function.
Watch the Video here
Aishwarya wore an Indian outfit and looked gorgeous as ever. The reputed make up artist Mickey Contractor was there too get the would be mother get ready for the event. Aishwarys is due next month and the Bachchan and Rai family are eagerly awaiting the good news. Hubby Abhishek flew in from his shooting schedule to be there with wife and family. However, Amitabh Bachchan was unable to attend the function as he is shooting for his Hollywood venture “The Great Gastby”. After the function, Aishwarya will leave for her parents home.

For more articles on the same
Abhishek thanks fans for Godbharai wishes

Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap realeasing 1st July, 2011

The Big B starrer Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap is all set for release today the 1st of July. The Big B has left no stones unturned in the promotion of his home production venture. Amitabh Bachchan recollects one of the special moments of shooting for the film and says "I had to ride this Harley Davidson for one of my scenes. The bike is very stylish but when I tried to ride it, it felt as if I am pulling an entire building along with me." It did take him some time and effort to get the bike going. He thoroughly enjoyed the experience and has plans of buying a Harley Davidson of his own very soon. He says "It's a fantastic bike and I want to buy one soon. I want to ride it on Mumbai streets. I wish I had bought one before but it's never too late,". We may soon have the privilege of seeing the Big B on the streets of Mumbai on his mean machine, surely Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap".

Written and directed by Poori Jagannath. The director makes his debut into Bollywood with this mega project. The movie is a thriller with the right mix of humour, action and drama. The movie Bbudah Hoga Tera Baap has the Big B playing a retired gangster who is settled in Paris and makes a trip to India for one last assignment. The angry young man is back again is what the film screams out loud and clear. The star cast includes Raveena Tandon, Hema Malini, Sonal Chauhan and Charmy Kaur.

This surely promises to be a treat for all those hardcore Amitabh fans out there.

Madhur Bhandarkar's Heroine put off

Aishwarya had just signed an ambitious film project with Madhur Bhandarkar titled “Heroine” where she was to play the female lead. A few days of shooting too have been completed. There has been a lot of speculation on whether she would complete the film before going on maternity leave or not. The initial news said that she would complete the film and Madhur Bhandarkar would plan the promotion in such a way that Aishwarya could be a part of it without any problems. However, there are constraints when it comes with working with a pregnant actress. The movie requires her to dance, run around, smoke and drink which is not possible for Aishwarya at the moment. The media soon came out with a buzz that Priyanka Chopra may replace Aishwarya in the movie "Heroine". However, there is no such thing going to happen.

All the speculation was put to rest when UTV Motion Pictures was out with their press release that stated “At this point nothing is more important than Aishwarya's well being and good health. In that context, we have all mutually agreed that the best step would be to avoid shooting further rather than proceeding with an incredibly demanding schedule over the coming months. Even as we will truly miss this opportunity to work with Aishwarya, the entire unit wishes her the very best for the exciting time ahead”.

Madhur Bhandarkar sure would not like to take chances with a five month pregnant Aishwarya. She can now take a good break and enjoy all the pampering. Sources say that it is going to be a November baby. Astrologers have gone on to say that the couple would have a baby girl or else there is also a possibility of twins. We wish the couple all the best and Aishwarya a happy journey to motherhood.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan pregnant

Aishwarya plus weight gain is equal to pregnancy. The media has been buzzing with rumours of the Bachchan Bahu’s pregnancy everytime she puts on a little weight. After many years of speculation, the good news is finally here. Aishwarya Rai is pregnant!!

The Big B in his blog went on to make the public announcement. He says “NEWS NEWS NEWS !! I AM GOING TO BECOME A GRANDFATHER .. AISHWARYA EXPECTING .. SO HAPPY AND THRILLED!!!" The thrill of a would be grandfather is evident in the excited statement of the Big B. Aishwarya is currently busy wrapping up her projects including Madhur Bhandarkar’s “Heroine” wherein she plays the female lead. There is a lot of speculation regarding Aishwarya's return to Bollywood and whether motherhood would affect Aishwarya’s fan following. Will she be able to get back to playing heroine roles again? Guess all this is trivial at the moment when one compares it with the pleasures that motherhood offers.

A few more days of work and Miss World is ready to spend time with family and enjoy all the pampering she deserves in her journey to motherhood. God bless the lovely couple!!

Aamir Khan celebrates 46th birthday

The immensely talented Aamir Khan turns 46 today. Aamir who came in with the chocolate boy image in QSQT(Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak) opposite Juhi Chawla is celebrating his 46th birthday today. He is one actor who has truly evolved with time and has emerged a real hero. Getting better with time is what the actor has gone on to prove. From the chocolate hero to serious roles, comedy, directing and a keen business sense he has it all and is truly rocking.
A lavish birthday bash as is the industry practice is not what Aamir plans for his special day. He has instead taken the day off and has decided to spend a quite day with his mother, wife and family. Wishing Aamir a very happy birthday and looking forward to more of his spectacular performances in the year ahead.

Salman Khan on the cover of the AGL magazine

Salman looks great on the cover page of the AGL magazine. Intense, younger and a more serious persona surely reflects in this very well-taken picture of the Dabangg star. The issue of AGL covers a story on him, it says “As Good as it gets – Salman- Dabangg Khan – Superbrat in his elements”. There is a lot in store for the Salman fans.

Sonakshi Sinha – brand ambassador for Fem (Dabur India)

After the mega success of Dabangg, it sure looks like Sonakshi Sinha(daughter of actor Shatrughan Sinha) has it going really good. The actress has been chosen as the brand ambassador for Fem, a new acquisition of Dabur India. Fem has been a popular brand for several years now and was recently taken over by the big name Dabur. Sonakshi says that she has patronized Dabur products for many years now and so it gives her immense pleasure to be associated with a beauty brand like Fem.

Sonakshi has been riding high on the success of the Salman Khan starrer "Dabangg" and is also currently working on the Bollywood movie titled “Joker”. The Shirish Kunder movie stars Sonakshi Sinha opposite none other than Akshay Kumar himself. After Salman now it is Sonakshi’s turn to work with yet another big name in the Bollywood industry.

Darsheel Safary celebrates his 15th birthday

The little boy from Aamir Khan’s Taare Zameen Par who won our hearts just celebrated his 15th birthday. The little star decided to celebrate his birthday in the beautiful neighboring country, Sri Lanka.

After the mega success of Taare Zameen Par Darsheel Safary sure has not looked back. He displayed exceptional acting talent in the movie and later went on to do hit director Priyadarshan’s “Bum Bum Bole”. With several ads and other offers lined up for him, he sure has it going good. The little actor has yet another release which is expected to hit the theatres on the 22nd of April this year.

A summer holiday release the movie Walt Disney’s Zokkomon promises to enthrall the kids. The movie is directed by Satayjit Bhatkal and there is a lot of fun and adventure that one can look forward to. This is going to be one wonderful after exam treat for the kids this holiday season.

Maanyata Dutt, expecting twins, has a grand baby shower

Manyata Dutt is expecting twins in the month of January and good friend Amisha Patel played the perfect host at the grand baby shower hosted at South Mumbai lounge, Veda. The event was organized in style with each invite being sent out with a poem and cupcakes. The design for the megaa event was by the leading designer Rohit Bal and the dress code was pink and blue. All guests stuck to the dress code and it was a really glamorous event with the likes of Malaiks Arora Khan, Sophie Choudhary, Sheeba, Neha Oberoi, Maana Shetty and Jaya Prada being there. Special mention needs to be made of sisters-in-law Namrata and Priya Dutt, who made it a point to attend the event.

All the best to the Dutts!!

Paa (Big B) bags the prestigious National Award

The announcements for the prestigious National Awards are here. We have our very own superstar, the Big B winning the National award for the best actor for his stupendous performance in the Bollywood movie Paa. The actor played son to his real life son Abhishek Bachchan in the film. This is the fourth national award for the Big B. The film "Paa" won the best film award with "3 Idiots" rightly winning the award for the most popular film. The best supporting actress award was won by Arundhati nag for her role in the Bollywood film "Paa". Paa definitely was shining all the way.

The actress Ananya Chatterjee won the national award in the best actress category for her film in Bengali "Abohoman".

Countdown begins for Manisha Koirala's wedding day

The beautiful actress Manisha Koirala who made her entry into Bollywood with the mega budget film Saudagar opposite Vivek Mushran, is all set to tie the knot with her Nepali fiance Samrat Dahal. With 19 June being announced as the D-day, the countdown for Manisha's big day has already begun. The actress has been hush hush about the entire affair and there is nothing much known about what she plans for her special day. It is rumoured that she would be wearing a Sabyasachi creation on her big day.

With the conditions in Nepal not being very conducive she does not expect any Bollywood presence but for good friend Deepti Naval. Talking of the reception she had initially planned for in Mumbai, Manisha Koirala says "I had planned a big do for all my friends in Mumbai right after the wedding. But that seems unlikely now. Family and friends in Delhi also want to host a reception.So we can’t have one and ignore the other. We’ll leave for our honeymoon immediately after the wedding. After we come back, I plan to have a reception-cum-birthday party”.

Manisha has really seen tough times in the past few years, we wish her all the best for her big day and life ahead.

Mani Ratnam's Raavana - what will the end be?

Mani Ratnam's Raavana starring Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai is known to be in the news for one reason or the other since it went on the floor. With several mishaps and Mani Ratnam going through a bad patch with his health going bad, the film is atlast almost done. However, once again Mani Ratnam's Raavana has been in the limelight and this time for the four endings that have been shot. Mani Ratnam is still not sure how to end this much hyped mega film. The film is a modern version of the Ramayana wherein Aishwarya Bachchan is known to play Sita and Abhishek plays the character of Raavana.

The film has four endings, the first being Sita choosing Raavana over Rama and the second Sita going back to her beloved Rama. The third ending and the fourth have either Raavana's life coming to an end or that of Rama dying and obviously Sita choosing the surviving male. So much for confusion. Wonder what end Mani Ratnam would choose. Knowing the trouble makers and the controversies that the recent Bollywood releases have been through just hope that Raavana does not run into any more trouble.

Ajay truns 41 thrilled with the baby gift

Ajay Devgan and Kajol are expecting their second baby. Ajay turned 41 and is thrilled at the lovely gift of being Father once again. Both Ajay and Kajol are blessed already with a baby girl Nyasa and are eagerly awaiting their new arrival. Ajay says the gender of the baby is not important, the couple would be happy to have a boy or a girl. The two are know to be a couple for whom family and relations come first. Ajay with his busy schedule makes sure that he spends Sunday at home with his dear wife and daughter. Kajol on the other hand, who had resumed work after a long sabbatical is very choosy about her work and taking on very little work at the time. This allows her to ensure the quality of work and also spend good time both daughter and hubby. We wish the wonderful actor a very happy birthday. Best wishes to Ajay and Kajol for their new arrival.