First Look: 'Billu Barber'

Billu Barber' explores the friendship between a village barber (Irrfan Khan) and a superstar (Shah Rukh Khan)
The movie is being made under SRK's Red Chillies Entertainment banner.
The movie stars Shah Rukh Khan, Irrfan Khan, Lara Dutta, Asrani, Om Puri and Rajpal Yadav.
The movie will release on February 13, 2009.
The movie has cameos by Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone

Ghajini Review-(3.5\5)

Review: Ghajini; Star Cast: Aamir Khan, introducing Asin, Jiah Ali Khan and Pradeep Rawat; Director: A.R. Murugadoss; 

Sanjay Singhania (Aamir) after being hit on head suffers from a short term memory loss. He cannot recollect anything beyond 15 minutes. He has various phone numbers and names tattooed on his body all hinting at one thing, seek revenge for the murder of his girlfriend, Kalpana (Asin). The only clue he has is the name that he remembers his dying girlfriend uttered in his ears - Ghajini. What obstacles Sanjay encounters in his hunt for Ghajini forms the rest of the film.

The film is a perfect masala film, a revenge thriller, a genre which was very popular in the 80s. But what sets the film apart from a typical pot boiler is the way the screenplay has been structured, oscillating between flashbacks and present time. There is also a good balance of romance, suspense, action and comedy. Plus the biggest asset – Aamir Khan! The story has two major flashbacks, but unlike many films where flashbacks do nothing for the film itself, this one actually aids in building the character and adding intensity to them. Having seen Sanjay’s past life, you see reason for his current actions. The film at no point justifies the actions but it does give you reason to go with the flow.

Murugados’s direction is terrific and the master story teller that he is, he just doesn’t give the audience a moment to think even in 180 minutes running time film. Technically it definitely stands amongst the best films of 2008. Superb editing (Anthony), excellent camerawork (Ravi K Chandran) and amazing sound design (Resul) take the film to an altogether different level. The action by Peter Hains and Stunt Shiva keeps you on the edge of your seat. But some action sequences have turned out a bit too gory and not meant for the faint hearted. But with Aamir giving his everything all out in them they end up being a treat to watch. A.R. Rahman’s melodies are a treat to watch onscreen having been excellently picturised. Also, none of the songs hamper the proceedings.

Amongst the sequences that stand out are Aamir’s first encounter with Asin, Aamir visiting Asin’s boss’s party, Aamir’s outburst in the hospital, Asin’s murder sequence and of course the action packed climax where Aamir for a moment forgets what he is fighting for when he comes face to face with the villain!

In an author backed role, Aamir has outperformed himself, making us fall short of words in his praise. He is not only utterly convincing as a killing machine but he is extremely loveable in the romantic comedy sequences with Asin. South starlet Asin in her Bollywood debut leaves a lasting impression. Jiah though fits the part somehow pales in comparison to Asin. Her accented Hindi irritates. Pradeep Rawat brings back to Bollywood, the true villain that was missing since long time. He is menacingly good.

Ghajini does live up to the hype it has generated and is a must watch for Aamir Khan fans and also for debutante Asin and the latest addition to talented filmmakers of Bollywood, director A.R. Murugadoss.

Gajini Stays out

MUMBAI: In more uncertainty for Aamir Khan-starrer Ghajini, the Madras high court on Tuesday stalled the much-anticipated release across India, 
passing an order restraining the producer of the film from allowing it to hit the screens on Christmas. 

The order was passed by Justice P R Shivkumar on an application by A Chandrasekaran of Sri Saravana Creations, the producers of the Tamil version of the movie. 

"The order restrains the producers from releasing the movie in any other language, including Hindi,'' said advocate G Ananthrangam, counsel for the Tamil producer. The application names Geetha Arts of Allu Arvind, producers of the Hindi version as one of the parties. 

Arvind confirmed with TOI that there was a stay on the release of the film. "We are exploring all legal options against the order to facilitate the release of the film on time,'' said Arvind, adding that an appeal had already been filed challenging the Madras HC order. 

Arvind said the appeal was scheduled to be heard by a vacation bench of the high court on Wednesday. 

Sources said the producers might find it difficult to stop the release of the movie. "Overseas prints of the movie were despatched on Monday and even the domestic prints have reached the exhibitors. It will be difficult for the producers to stop the screening of the film in keeping with the orders,'' said a source. 

Chandrasekaran has a long-standing dispute with A R Murugadoss, the writer and director of Ghajini. Following a criminal complaint (pertaining to forgery) in Salem, Murugadoss was even arrested by the Tamil Nadu police. 

"Our client has the copyright in Tamil and has not given the rights to anyone else, except for a Telugu remake,'' said the lawyer. The producers had alleged that Murugadoss forged the documents to give away the remake rights in other languages. 

While the appeal was scheduled to be heard on Wednesday, the makers of the Hindi version would also have to wage a legal battle in the Bombay high court. 

As TOI had reported in its December 23, 2008, edition, a suit had been filed by KBC Pictures alleging copyright 

infringement. KBC claimed to have the remake rights in Hindi and had sought a stay on the release of the movie. The case was scheduled to come up before the vacation bench of Justice D G Karnik. 

Trade analysts said advance booking began on Sunday and the response was "extra-ordinary''. An exhibitor said it was equivalent to that of Dhoom 2. 

Ranjan Singh, vice-president (marketing) of PVR Pictures, which was distributing the film in two territories, said, "All paid previews have been sold out and there is a demand for more shows. The advance booking for Thursday is extra-ordinary."

Dhoni and his debut in Bollywood

Being a stylish icon on cricket field, Indian Captain M.S. Dhoni is cheerfully gearing up to sway in Bollywood. Yup! Some of his closest sources have revealed he would be a part in David Dhawan's 'Hook Ya Crook'. The film produced by UTV Motion Pictures is slated to start rolling from second week of Jan, 2009. With John Abraham in lead role, Siddarth who shot to fame with Rang De Basanti in 2006 has been roped in for other lead. 



Perhaps, none of the sources from UTV has let its tongue regarding Dhoni's role in this film. As of now, discussions are going between Dhoni and Producers and things would be finalized soon. Sumptuously making high waves in small screens, Mahi is all set making directorial debut with 'Hook Ya Crook'. Rensil D'Silva who won laurels for his stunning script of Rang De Basanthi is back crafting a colossal tale. Buzzes are that it would Genelia D'Souza donning female lead while rest of the casts is yet to be finalized.

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India won the match

The environment at Chepauk on the 5th day was wonderful.Our stand was Jam packed.Compared to yesterday, there was a good turn-out today for the match.The chennai crowd was fully satisfied by the performance of our Indian team for the last 2 days.Eventhough England was the Dominant side before yesterday, Shewag turned the match,His quick Knock of 83 was Fantastic.The Runs came very quickly on the last session of 4th day.This created full Confidence in our team.By the start of 5th day, we can see the stress on England. Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh stitched together an unbroken 188-run stand for four wicket to put India on the threshold of a memorable win against England on the fifth and final day of the first cricket Test at Chennai on Monday.

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Tendulkar hit a boundary to not only notch up his 41st Test century but also bring about the winning runs, triggering off wild scenes of celebrations in the galleries.   The seizable crowd at the Chepauk had plenty to cheer about as the Indians went about chasing down the fourth highest target in the fourth innings in Test history.   While West Indies have the record of the highest run chase of 418/7 against Australia at St. Johns in 2003, India is second in the list for successfully chasing 406 against the West Indies at Port of Spain in 1976.   The only other team to have scored more than 400 runs in the fourth innings is Australia who scored 404/3 against England at Leeds in 1948.   It was the highest ever fourth innings target achieved at any venue in the country, 276 by the West Indies at Delhi in 1987-88 was the previous best.   India's best effort in winning a test match at home when batting last was 256-8 against Australia at Mumbai in the 1964-65 series, but it did make 347 to tie the 1986 Test against Australia in Chennai.   The two teams will now travel to Mohali for the second Test beginning on December 19. Resuming at the overnight score of 131 for one, India suffered an early setback when Rahul Dravid (4) got out cheaply yet again. Dravid was out edging Andrew Flintoff to wicketkeeper Matt Prior in third over of the day.   But Gambhir and Tendulkar took upon the challenge and at one stage maintained a run rate of around five runs per over, attacking the England bowlers. The duo added 42 runs for the third wicket.   Gambhir and Tendulkar never looked under any pressure and took singles and twos without much problem, besides sending the odd bad balls to the ropes.   Tendulkar, in particular, was enjoying his batting as he punished the bowlers whenever they gave width to him for playing shots.   Tendulkar survived a half chance soon after India crossed the 150 mark. With Graeme Swann hitting the right areas, the little master stretched to defend but the ball took a sharp turn and hit the outer edge of the bat to fall inches in front of Ian Bell at silly point. Tendulkar was on ten then.   Gambhir was shaping well as he added 24 runs with Dravid and 42 with Tendulkar but one lapse of concentration saw him back in the pavillion.   After bowling two short-pitched deliveries in previous over, James Anderson kept up the pressure on Gambhir attacking on the off side corridor, and the Indian opener paid the price for a lapse in concentration.   Gambhir moved across and his half hearted steer end up to Paul Collingwood who moved to his left at slips and took a good catch at gully.   Though there was a slight drop in run flow at the fall of Gambhir, Laxman adapted to the conditions quickly and was in no mood to take any risk against Monty Panesar, who maintained a tight length.    England captain Kevin Pietersen withdrew his bowlers whenever they gave away runs denying the Indians to settle down. But Laxman, in particular, was focused and used his feet for well-timed drives.   With both Tendulkar and Yuvraj holding the aces against the English bowlers, India were in sight of a historic win. Tendulkar who struck his 52nd fifty and crossed 1000-run mark this year, played the anchor role using his experience to gather runs mostly through singles and twos.   England heaved a sigh of relief when Graeme Swann scalped Laxman (42 balls, 4X4) who was out to a bat pad catch by Ian Bell.   Yuvraj, after reading the pitch for a while, continued with India's plan of counter-attack and Tendulkar played a good foil keeping one end intact.   For a while, Monty Panesar and Swann kept up the pressure and momentarily arrested the flow of runs. But once Tendulkar and Yuvraj brought about their 50 stand with Yuvraj sweeping Panesar to the fence, the duo started to cut loose

4th DAY Test Match at M.A.C

Virender Sehwag smashed a quickfire 83 off 68 balls as India made a spirited start in their chase of a history-defying target in the first Test against England at Chennai on Sunday. 
The hosts ended the fourth day's play at 131 for one in their second innings after being set 387 to win by England captain Kevin Pietersen, a target never achieved before on Indian soil. England declared their second innings at 311-9 soon after tea, the total revolving around Andrew Strauss' second century in the match and 108 from Paul Collingwood. 
The aggressive Sehwag plundered 11 boundaries and four sixes in a whirlwind opening stand of 117 with Gautam Gambhir, whose own contribution in the partnership was 29. 
England broke through six overs before close when Sehwag was given leg-before by umpire Daryl Harper while trying to sweep off-spinner Graeme Swann. Gambhir was unbeaten at stumps on 41 and Rahul Dravid was on two, with India needing a further 256 runs from 90 overs on the final day to take the lead in the two-Test series. 
The highest fourth innings total to win a match on Indian soil is 276-5 by the West Indies at New Delhi's Ferozeshah Kotla ground during the 1987-88 season.

This is the first in my lifetime, i have seen such a less crowd for a match at chennai stadium.Everytime atleast 80-90% of the stands would be full.But this time, i don't know for what reason we have experienced less spectators. May be due to security reasons.let's hope India will win this match or not atleast draw it.

Harry Potter 6th Film Postponed for Next Year

                                         Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince was originally planned to be released on 21st November 2008, but they have postponed it to next year mid of July.If it would have been release, this would be surely the Box office hit of the year.

                                 They might have thought quantum of solace would conflict with their sucess, but i think this bond movie was not up to the mark..Am eagarly waiting for next HP movie..Until then lets sit tight....If you want to watch the Trailor just click here