The release of Ashutosh Gowarikar's 'Jodha Akbar', which stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan in title roles, may be delayed. The film that was slated for release around Diwali this year, is likely to get delayed and in all likelihood release in the first week of January 2008. This is not unexpected as industry circles did feel so following the unforeseen marriage of Aishwarya with Abhishek coupled with the news of Hrithik's accident. Moreover, a period drama like 'Jodha Akbar' will take more than three months for the post production and the shooting isn't over yet. Most important reason is that none of the big films has actually made it good at the box-office.
'KAAFILA' IN INDIA, PAK ON AUG 10
click for larger view
'Kaafila', a film based on human trafficking, will have a simultaneous Indo-Pak release on August 10.Written and directed by Amitoj Maan, 'Kaafila' becomes the first film in the history of Indian cinema to get a simultaneous Indo-Pak release. The film will also be released all over the world on the same date. With a High Court ruling in Pakistan enabling full clearance for the film, more than 20 trailers are on air in theatres in Pakistan.
Maan who is writing and directing the film, also stars in the film along with Sunny Deol as the main protagonist, Sana Nawaz, Mona Lisa and Polina Stoynova, to name a few.
IRRFAN IN DIFFERENT GENRES
Actor Irrfan Khan has been playing different genres ranging from a coffee seller in Nishikant Kamath's 'Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan' to his highly acclaimed role in 'The Namesake' in the recent past plus that of a mentally unbalanced person, in Rakesh Roshan's 'Krazy 4', his first production for an outside director . Besides, he recently shot for an action-comedy where for the first time he got to do stunts.
BOBBY IN A NEW AVATAR
click for larger view
The casting in Kabir Kaushik's directorial debut 'Saher' is an interesting as the film. Kaushik had sought to cast Bobby in 'Saher', but the later wasn't prepared to go into the dark territory of crime and law enforcement in Bihar. So, Bobby declined the offer. And the role of a cop, battling boorishness in the backyards of Bihar, went to Arshad Warsi. Bobby has no regrets as he feels that Arshad Warsi has done a brilliant job. Now, the director is planning a strangely titled film called 'Chamkoo' about the journey of a Bihari youth into Mumbai's underworld. And this time Bobby is ready to take the plunge into the role. Industry circles wonder if Bobby's makeover as a Bihari vagabond be as nice as Saif Ali Khan's transformation into the Meerut-based villain in 'Omkara'. Bobby has no idea if Kabir Kaushik's film has to do that much with Bihar. However, he has gained confidence now, and says, "Today I have the confidence to move away from my rich boy image and attempt something dark, grim at the grassroots level." This shows that Bobby's successful stints in 'ShakaLaka Boom Boom' and 'Naqaab' have encouraged him to venture into such roles. "Now I'm rather tired of playing the suave rich character." Hopefully, Bobby knows that Kaushik would give him a very different look by changing his long hair.
SUSH IN RAMU'S 'AAG'
click for larger view
Sushmita rewinds to Jaya Bachchan who played Radha in Ramesh Sippy`s 'Sholay'. Sush says, "It was one of the most difficult roles in `Sholay`. Jayaji was fabulous; very few people understand the sounds of silence. Sush says, "Let me tell you, she played Radha. I play Durga. She was very passive. I`m very aggressive," the actress continues, "I virtually had to tie myself down. It`s not that I don't speak in `Sholay`. But I say whatever I've to through my eyes. I've more still moments in this film than in any other cinema that I've done so far. It`s the quietest character I've ever played," Sushmita adds. Sushmita is all praise for her co-star Prashant Raj. "He's very good. In his very first film he has to stand next to stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan, Mohanlal and Ajay Devgan. That isn't easy!" How come she has no scenes with Amitabh Bachchan who plays dacoit Babban Singh in the film. "Not this time. But we had lots of scenes together in two films we did earlier - `Hindustan Ki Kasam` and `Aankhen`. In `Sholay` we don't come face to face at all."
