Movie Update + Movie Review
MOVIE UPDATE
Five biggies are lined up for a January 2005 release: Bewafaa, Kisna, Black, Insan and Tango Charlie.
Kamal Haasan has finally found himself a leading lady for his Tamil-Hindi bi-lingual, Mumbai Express ? Manisha Koirala. The Nepalese beauty was zeroed in on after various Bollywood actresses, including Tabu and Bipasha Basu, were sounded out. Even Kajol was approached. This is the first film Manisha has signed after her return from New York.
Bipasha Basu is all set to sizzle on the Pakistani silver screen. According to the Daily Times, Bipasha will star in a movie titled Khulay Asman Kay Nichay opposite Pakistani stars Sana, Saleem Sheikh and Humayun Saeed. The film is based on a real story, revolving around childhood engagements, and will be directed by actor-turned-director Javed Sheikh. Sheikh is also reportedly on the lookout for a Bollywood hero to play the lead role.
Beautician Shahnaz Hussain, we hear, has received a Hollywood film offer and it has nothing to do with beautifying actresses out West with face packs et al. Instead she could star in a flick opposite Pierce Brosnan. While producers have offered to pay her a magnificent sum of several million dollars for the film titled Taj Mahal ? A Lover's Story, the lady is apprehensive about taking up the job. She doesn't want to leave behind her herbal empire or even be away from it for too long. But she is considering the option.
Sriram Raghavan is on to his next film tentatively titled Trishul. The erstwhile assistant to Ram Gopal Varma made his directorial debut in the latter's production Ek Hasina Thi featuring Saif Ali Khan and Urmila Matondkar. Sriram and his younger brother Sridhar have written the script of Trishul. "It won't be a multi-starrer as such," said Sriram, "but there will be two prominent stars." They are rumoured to be Amitabh Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan but the director says nothing has been finalised as yet.
If his forthcoming English film Sins draws the expected response in the Indian and international market, Vinod Pande, the maker of the film is planning two more sequels to the film, Sins-I and Sins-II. According to Pande, Sins is a bold English film portraying the story of "a crime of passion" based on a real life incident that happened in the south.
MOVIE REVIEW
Hulchul
Starring: Akshaye Khanna, Kareena Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Arshad Warsi
Director: Priyadarshan
Music Director: Vidyasagar
Is it a comic version of the Shakespearean tragedy Romeo and Juliet or a family drama? A multi-star social, or a romance? Actually, Hulchul is a mishmash of everything, but nevertheless, fun, in parts. The story of a feuding family brought together by their offspring is nothing new and not all the humour is tasteful or even funny. In fact, this movie is devoid of that one quality that made Priyadarshan's Viraasat so memorable: dignity.
If at all you get the illusion of watching a well made film, it is because of the remarkable performances by the underrated Akshaye Khanna and the vivacious Kareena Kapoor. As spunky college kids who belong to two warring clans, the duo bring to the screen a refreshing new chemistry. They make a delightful pair. But it is Arshad Warsi who comes up with the most scintillating act, sometimes even overshadowing the brilliant Paresh Rawal. If you enjoyed Warsi's performances in Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part 2 and Munnabhai MBBS, you'd realise how skilfully he makes space for himself in the thankless role of the hero's sidekick.
The only other important female character besides Kareena, is her authoritarian grandma played by the versatile Laxmi. It's nice to see Farah after a long time. Her performance as Paresh Rawal's wife is pleasantly underplayed.
Music by Vidyasagar is terribly mediocre. The second half drags a bit. But do go see the movie. Don't miss out on the fun even if the quality of humour is not your cup of tea.
Enjoyed reading Khabar magazine? Subscribe to Khabar and get a full digital copy of this Indian-American community magazine.
